New classical shopping

[Itzkinguitars]

Originally Posted by TBman

Where do you start?

Budget around $2,000 to $3,000

You'll likely be looking at factory made instruments, Alhambra, Esteve, Hanika, and Kenny Hill are good places to start. The first two are made in Spain, Hanika is made in Germany, and Kenny Hill guitars are made in China and California depending on model.

Does it have to be all solid wood to achieve really good tone?

Yes and no. Solid top is the most important aspect but not always... I say not always as some of the most expensive and in demand guitars out there are "double tops" More accurately described as composite tops, they require one to accurately thickness the soundboard, route a channel that covers most of the top's vibrating surface, inlay Nomex (or balsa, or some other material depending on the maker) and then laminate another piece on top (almost always cedar for the inner skin). You're unlikely to come across one of these in your price range or for less than five figures. Lots of expensive guitars have laminated sides (Ramirez 1A models, Daniel Friederich, etc.) but this is the same as Somogyi using double sides and not a cheap laminated side. Some makers also use double backs (usually rosewood with an inner skin of spruce), again not the same as the laminated backs you'll find on mass produced instruments. In your price range it's best to look for solid wood and at the least a solid top

What does ladder bracing have to do with anything? What bracing is preferred?

Ladder bracing is a valid construction system and favored by the romantic luthier Lacote but it hasn't been used for classical guitars since the 19th century (when Lacote was the talk of Parisian salon society). Fan bracing is by far the most prevalent but lattice, either balsa reinforced with carbon fiber ala Smallman, or all wood like Stephen Hill's Gary Ryan model is quite popular for very modern guitars. Again you're unlikely to find lattice braced guitars in your price range.


Why an elevated fret board? Should it be a "must have" feature?

The idea behind an elevated fretboard is the same as a cutaway, to allow greater access to the upper frets. Most of the professional players I know are on the fence if it's actually helpful though. Again, unlikely in your price range.

A steel string can be simply strummed and you'll hear much of what you need to hear. A classical seems to need to be fretted and played with good right hand technique to bring out the best in the guitar. Is this accurate?

Yes, for the most part.

I hope this helps!

[TBman]

I'm not having much luck online, lol. The owner of one guitar I was interested in isn't really proactive about selling it, even though it is listed as for sale and a recommended vendor in Long Island isn't answering my emails and I tried two of their email addresses,

Oh well. Not that there is any hurry, but gee whiz

I have 2 Cordobas (a C5 and a Fusion 12) so it isn't as though I'm playing with rubber bands and cardboard.

[CoastStrings]

Originally Posted by TBman

Oh well. Not that there is any hurry, but gee whiz

To paraphrase the Tao Te Ching, "When the player is ready, the guitar will appear."

[nightflight]

Since you're in New Jersey, it might be worth a trip to Philly to the Classical Guitar Store. You'll be able to sit and try different guitars. Check out their web site for the guitars they carry. Note that you need to call ahead and make an appointment.

http://www.classicalguitarstore.com/

[TBman]

I might try a Cordoba C12 spruce. I've heard good things about them.

[kirkham13]

Acoustic GuitarsMatsuoka
Vintage Japanese Guitars

PORTLAND OREGON, OR, United States
Matsuoka Flamenco No.30F in 1975 (rare)
Used – Very Good
Price$900
+ $85 Shipping

Above is a cut and paste from my reverb watch list to make things easy on you. This seller is fantastic- all guitars have straight necks and plenty of room left to adjust strings, prices are honest. Look at his listings.
you are welcome.