New to Classical Guitar Question

[LilHobbit]

Hello! After playing violin for 30 years, I'm finally doing something I've wanted to do for a long time and that's pick up classical guitar. I'm quickly discovering it's a completely different world and it's been very difficult to find/decipher information as every time I search something there's tons of terms/information that I need to start a new search for!

So my question is this - is it most advisable to purchase a guitar that's specifically a classical guitar? Or is it equally advisable/easy enough to purchase a standard acoustic guitar and fit it with classical (aka nylon) strings to create the same/similar sound effect? And would I need to do any adjusting of the instrument to switch to nylon strings or is it as easy as just swapping them out?

I have ordered a Washburn Michael Sweet J40 Acoustic Electric as well as a Fender Newporter Acoustic Electric but after doing some more research, I'm second guessing myself and how well either of these would be suited to classical playing. I'm looking now at a Taylor GS Mini as a potential option as well. Is there another option in that general price range that you might recommend for a classical guitar learner?

Any help/advice yo u can provide would be greatly appreciated! Also - if anyone knows of a good online resource to help me learn the necessary equipment differences between regular acoustic, classical, dreadnaught (I haven't been able to start even searching to find out what this is yet!), concert, etc that would be amazing! Kind of like a guitar 101? Thank you so much!

[MThomson]

Steel string and nylon string guitars are separate creatures. If you're looking to play classical guitar, I would buy a nylon stringed instrument. If there's something in the ergonomics of a steel string guitar that's attracting you, there are now a wide variety of crossover instruments to consider too.

[bert_]

Originally Posted by LilHobbit

So my question is this - is it most advisable to purchase a guitar that's specifically a classical guitar? Or is it equally advisable/easy enough to purchase a standard acoustic guitar and fit it with classical (aka nylon) strings to create the same/similar sound effect? And would I need to do any adjusting of the instrument to switch to nylon strings or is it as easy as just swapping them out?

A classical guitar has a wider neck, so it will play differently than a steel string. I haven't tried it, but as far as I know the sound will be very feeble when you put nylon strings on an acoustic.

Important: whatever you choose, NEVER put steel strings on a classical guitar. You'll destroy the guitar.

[Don W]

I have recently started playing classical on a classical guitar after playing steel string for many years. I find classical guitar much more difficult to get good tone from. The steel string requires a lot less effort to get good tone. Back in the day most beginners wanted a nylon string guitar as it was easier on the left hand finger tips. This may be true but managing proper hand position due to the wider neck and getting clean tone from the various fingerings is more difficult. Unless you are planning on playing classical guitar, in my opinion, the steel string will be more rewarding. Yamaha makes great entry level instruments. Once you get calluses on your left hand finger tips and develop hand strength you will be pleased with the result. Takes about a week of playing to get used to the steel strings. The classical guitar and the steel string acoustic are like two different instruments...don't put nylon on a steel string or vice versa.

[rmp]

Different animals entirely. what you want to do might work, but it will never be right.

[charles Tauber]

The short answer is that one can play whatever type of music one wants on any guitar.

"Classical" guitar players typically use very specific technique with both right and left hands. The instruments for using that technique are typically designed with that technique in mind as well as the demand for what the instrument is used for - demands of the music and, in some cases, filling a concert hall without amplification. "Classical" guitars are traditionally strung with nylon strings, though, more recently, other materials are also being used. Traditional, "full-size" classical guitars come in two general sizes. One can play "most" styles of music on a classical guitar, with or without typical classical technique.

"Folk", "acoustic", "flat-top", "steel string" guitars are typically strung with metal strings. The metal strings are of higher tension than nylon strings and the construction of steel-string guitars must accommodate the higher tension. Hence, steel string guitars have a somewhat different interior structure than classical guitars. Steel string guitars CAN be played using the same technique as used on classical guitars, but the steel strings are much harder on the nails of the plucking hand than are nylon strings. The vast majority of steel string players do not use the same technique as "classical" players: players use technique that best suits their purpose, playing style and musical demands.

Unlike classical guitars, steel string guitars are made in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from the largest - a "jumbo" and a "dreadnaught" - to much smaller sizes - smaller than classical guitars - that are sometimes referred to as "parlour" guitars, after their history of being played in people's parlours. One common nomenclature for sizing of steel string guitars comes from Martin Guitars, historically, along with Gibson, the oldest still-in-existence makers of steel string guitars. Their nomenclature - used by many in the industry - includes 0's and various "concert" sizes.

Last, there are guitars designed for nylon strings that are largely aimed at steel string players who want a nylon string sound. These are often referred to as "cross-over" guitars. They can be played by classical or non-classical players. Typically, they include features that steel string players most often want, such as narrower necks, closer string spacing, shorter string lengths, domed fingerboards and amplification.

Due to the differences in interior structure, one should never put steel strings on a classical guitar. Similarly, lower tension nylon strings don't work well on guitars designed for steel strings.

Steel string guitars and classical guitars have different histories both in their design and manufacture and in their music. In many ways, they are different instruments with some similarities in construction. Perhaps, there is some similarity in comparing steel string and classical guitars to fiddles and classical violins.

[btbliatout]

Good information above, especially from Charles. My brief 2 cents is to consider what kind of sound you want to make, and let that tailor your decision on the nylon vs steel string options.

I will say that coming from a violin, you're likely accustomed to a large range of tonal control via minute shifts in pressure/angle/particular-part-of-the-finger-tip-you're-using/etc... Nylon aligns with this more so than steel. Certainly you can bend notes and get tonal variety on steel strings too, but due to the material/tension, it takes substantially more strength to reach the full tonal gamut. Related to this, it's easier to have a more consistent tone with steel strings.

[SBalderrama]

Putting nylon strings on a steel string guitar is a bad idea because the bracing and build are completely different. Nylon strings on a steel string guitar will sound dead.

Buy an actual classical guitar. Classical guitars also have a wider neck which is necessary with the thicker nylon strings. If you are going to learn classical with proper technique, get a classical guitar.

A flamenco style classical guitar will be lighter built than a "true" classical with a lower action which can be more pleasant to play.

You can also opt for a "crossover" which is a nylon guitar with a slightly narrower neck than a true classical. These can be very nice, versatile guitars. Cordoba GK Studio is an example you'll find in your local Guitar Center.