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About Classical Guitars

Posted on4 Years ago
Love13

 

The classical guitar (Spanish Guitar) is strung with three treble strings that are a single nylon filament, while the three bass strings are made of a core of fine nylon threadlike filaments wound with silver plated bronze or copper wire as opposed to the metal strings used on an acoustic guitar. The neck is wider than an acoustic guitar as well the body shape is smaller in length and width. St. John’s Music stocks Yamaha, Fender, Alvarez, and Rodriguez classical guitars.

Classical Guitar

Top Woods

Each type of wood has a particular density, stiffness, and flexibility, which, together with the player, translate into a range of tonal frequencies. Top woods are exactly what they sound like, the wood on the top of the guitar.

Cedar

Cedar tops are usually favored by Fingerstylists and players with a light touch because it tends to be extremely responsive and is generally described as having a softer, warmer sound.

Spruce

Spruce is a top wood that has a dynamic range which is very broad, can be best described as having a bright sound and good projection.

Back and Sides Wood

Each type of wood has a particular density, stiffness, and flexibility, which, together with the player, translate into a range of tonal frequencies. Much like top woods, back and side woods are literally the wood on the back and sides of you guitar.

Nato

Found on entry level guitars, Nato is often referred to as “Eastern Mahogany” by manufacturers due to its similar look, availability, and price. The wood is dense and not particularly easy to work with. Nato is available in large dimensions and is well above average in properties such as resistance to wear, strength, and durability.

Rosewood

One the most popular and traditional guitar woods, rosewood takes that basic sonic thumbprint of mahogany and expands it in both directions. Rosewood sounds deeper in the low end and brighter on the top end than Mahogany.

Ovangkol

Ovangkol is an African relative of rosewood, its shares many of rosewood’s tonal properties. You’ll notice a slightly fuller midrange from Ovangkol, and a top end that’s not quite as bright as maple.

Solid Top Vs Laminate Top

What are the benefits of either? Why go one way or the other? We have both so you can try them out and see what you like.

Solid Top

Solid guitars vibrate much more freely and thus have better tonal quality over a wider dynamic range than guitars that are laminated. Solid wood guitars also have the desirable characteristic of sounding better the more they are played since the wood vibrates more freely over time if it is played and maintained regularly.

Laminate

The advantage of a laminated guitar is that it’s relatively durable. Since laminated guitars are sturdier than solid guitars, they may be a better choice for younger players or for outdoor use. Laminate is less sensitive to potential damage in humidity.

Maintenance

Keeping your acoustic guitar in proper playing condition is more important than you think. Over time a guitar can warp and change sound if it is not stored or cared for properly. Keep your acoustic sounding like the day you bought it with our help.

Humidifying

Some sort of humidifier is essential for acoustic guitars (especially those with Solid Tops that are commonly prone to cracking). The ideal humidity level for guitars is 40-50%. When the humidity is very low around say 20-35% it is best to use a room humidifier in conjunction with an instrument humidifier. And for those with a collection of instruments, refilling instrument humidifiers could be quite a chore, easier instead is to control the rooms humidity with a room humidifier. It is usually best to store the instrument in the case. Not only does it protect it from damage, the case can offer more protection from severe and sudden environmental changes.

Restring

The number of times a player restrings their guitar is a personal preference. If you have never restrung your guitar, just bring on by the store and let us show you how to do it.

Set Ups and Repairs

Buzzing, sharp frets, or in need of some TLC? St. John’s Music can get your guitar rocking again.

Brands

There are many different acoustic brands and like anything else it boils down to personal preference. Luckily for you, some are better than others, and some are more affordable than others. We can at least break down some of the differences in quality and sound for you.

La Pratrie

The LaPatrie lineup features a wide array of models to choose from for all levels of nylon string players. It is easy to hear & see the care and craftsmanship that goes into each LaPatrie guitar. Made In Canada.

Fender

Looking for the most popular name in guitars? Since 1946, Fender has been the brand that started it all. The Fender line up has something for everyone.

Yamaha

Beginners and professional players will appreciate the level of quality found in every Yamaha classical guitar.

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