Please help out a newbie

[zimfan]

I'm in the market for my first classical guitar and need some recommendations. I figure buying used will give me more bang for the buck as I can't spend more than $500.00. I realize this puts me in the low-end category, but I am hoping to get something with a solid cedar or spruce top. I've only owned steel strings and electric guitars in the past but want a nice nylon classical for instrumentals and finger picking in general.

So far, I'm looking at a used Guild Mark II and a Cordoba 50R. Any advice on models, wood choices, etc. would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

E.

[Brent Hutto]

Are you going to be playing classical music with a traditional classical playing position and technique?

[GuitarVlog]

Originally Posted by Brent Hutto

Are you going to be playing classical music with a traditional classical playing position and technique?

This is an important question.

Are you doing the Segovia thing? The Willie Nelson thing? The Rodrigro y Gabriela thing?

[Tommy]

1. Despite stories of "I bought a Guild, an Ovation, a Taylor, etc, etc, and I love it.", stay away from American-branded or "big company" guitars!
2. If you plan to play classical music, do NOT buy a "crossover" type or narrow neck. Be sure that it is at least 2 inches wide at the nut. I promise that you won't think it's too wide after your first attempts, in fact, you'll think it's too narrow!
Good luck.

T_

[zimfan]

Yes, my playing style is certainly closer to Willie Nelson than Segovia or Rodrigro y Gabriela. I do intend to play up and down the neck, (not just cowboy chords) but my technique is a far cry from classical or flamenco. I have been playing for 25 years, have 2 Martins that I play mostly blues, country rock, folk, and standards on. But I want a nylon guitar for those moments when a steel string won't do. I also hope to learn some classical and contemporary instrumentals on this new guitar. I'm hoping to find a used classical that is well balanced, some or all solid wood, and projects well. I don't care about looks, dings and scratches are fine as long as the guitar is structurally sound.

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
E.

[Brent Hutto]

If you get an older Cordoba with the solid-wood body they're a pretty good deal. A handful though with over two inches of flat fretboard and a full-length scale. Pretty decent starter classical for sure.

I personally would stay away from the Guild. It's going to be built fairly heavily and you'll have to really dig in to get much unamplified sound out of it, most likely.

There's a guy over on Delcamp that is (was) selling a Yamaha GC171C well within your budget. The '171 models from Yamaha have always struck me as very well made and better sound than some others you might see in their price bracket. And the neck is "classical" but not quite as much a handful as a Cordoba or some of the Spanish brands. A couple millimeters here and there make a big difference if you've not angling the neck up and arching your wrist like a classical guitarist.

[fitness1]

keep a lookout for a Lucida 777 or 755 as well....all solid, and pretty nice guitars for the price. You can find used ones under your budget.

[Play2PraiseHim]

LaPatrie makes good nylon string guitars under your budget.

[fitness1]

this might be one to keep your eyes on.....

they are 999 street price....and reviewed quite favorably.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Cordoba-C10-...item4aa7bef525

Here's a review of the "twin" C9 in cedar/mahogany....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88-dUu7xTKw

[zimfan]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Still on the hunt.

E.

[Danno]

I have a nice Yamaha in that price range. Like new with an extra set of Savarez strings if you have an interest. Plays and sounds very nice. Here's a link.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-C...74-i1599035.gc

PM me if you have an interest.

Danno

Originally Posted by zimfan

Thanks for all the suggestions. Still on the hunt.

E.