Folks:
GAS never seems to go away... I have the 3 guitars I could easily live with the rest of my life. But...

I played a Taylor classical a week or two ago. It was nice, but way to pricey for me. Today over lunch I went to both music stores in town, looking for a capo.

As an aside, you'd think between two music stores - one having a big guitar sale - there'd be a Shubb capo in stock. You'd be wrong, but you would think...

Anyway, since I was there I looked at the guitars.  :unsure:

Played a nice Martin 000-15S, but it won't improve on #4. Wandered to the Rodriguez classicals hanging on the wall. Played one, it was nice, once tuned. Played another, the low-end, student model. Satin finish. Cedar topped, rosewood (ply) sides and back. Nice guitar. Very nice. Got me thinking that it's enough different from my others to warrant taking it home. Played a couple of used classicals, they were not in the same league as this one was. The new Ibanez and Fender classicals all had electronics, which I'm not interested in at all. But that Rodriguez. Nice...

The other store only had the Taylor classical. Isn't it funny how a store supposedly catering to accoustic guitars, with a special room and all, has about 12 Taylors, a dozen or so Seagulls, and a couple of Taks? And, of those, there are duplicate models?

But that Rodriguez is haunting me. Sure was pretty sounding, full, with a sound so different from the steel sting guitars I have.

Anyone play a classical guitar? What do you like/dislike about 'em?

Thanks!

Taylor classicals aren't classical. Nylon stringed hybrids, maybe. I don't like them. Dead sounding.

I own 2 classicals. Rodriguez get mixed reviews from the real classical guys.

Very heartily recommended is the Ludica flamenco model - Picado, I think. Very affordable and all solid woods (which the Rodriguz may not be.)

The ear for a classical needs to be trained - in other words, what sounds OK now might not in a very short while.

Look up Southwest Guitar on the net, or Zavaletas.

http://www.zavaletas-guitarras.com/ (http://www.zavaletas-guitarras.com/)

http://www.southwestguitar.com/ (http://www.southwestguitar.com/)

(call 'em on the phone if you don't see what you want)

Check the "Classical Corner" on the Acoustic Guitar web site - they'll steer you in the right direction.

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi (http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi)

My "playing out" classical is a Cordoba 75-F flamenco in solid german spruce/solid cypress. Not made anymore, but I got real lucky tone-wise. Some Spanish made guitars, such as Cordoba, aren't really made at "THE" Cordoba factory, but by different factories in the region, so you need to be knowledgeable before you commit.

Thanks for the info!

I'll do some searching over the weekend.

Hi Dave,

What about Larrivee? Have you played one yet?

I have a LSV30 that I really like. I am not a trained classical player, but I really enjoy the different tone and playing feel that I can get from this guitar. Sounds nice with my wife's flute! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, after all Jean Larrivee apprenticed with one of the foremost classical builders.

My advice? If you are really interested, take your time and find a good classical. Even though you think you may only play it occasionaly, you will want a better one eventually (GAS). You might as well budget for your keeper now.

Ron

If you liked the Taylor's, do yourself a favor and try the Breedlove SN series. It's also a cross-over hybrid, but blows away the Taylor's at a similar price point.

Andy

QuoteAnyway, since I was there I looked at the guitars. 

first mistake. ;) and one that ive made tons of times...

QuoteAnyone play a classical guitar? What do you like/dislike about 'em?

yes, ive got an old classical beater that sits out in my house. all of my other guitars stay in their cases. this one ends up getting lots of playing time, since its out all the time. the sound is good, but keeping it in tune is like trying to win an argument with your wife.:angry:

i think i just dont know how to wind the strings properly or something. i cant tie them either, so i get the ball-ends by martin. id really love to try some different strings, but since i cant tie them, i dont mess with it.  

I think classical guitars are much better for solo music.  It's not meant to be strumed, although you can, it's not where it excels at.  But to me, classical guitars are the essence of a small room instrument (and a big room too if you got an amp  B) ).

If you think the taylor nylon is too expensive then you probably wont even bother looking at a breedlove one.

If you are starting of learning, I would say you get something solid cedar top and laminate back/side.  That way you can appreciate the richness of the sound right away.

If you dont mind something that doesn't look the nicest, then the La Patrie guitars are very good deal, and is an extremely balanced nylon guitar to play.  Definitely a good deal.

But if you dont plan to spend more than 500 bucks, I would say, some student model from spain would be good.  I recommend the Almansa ones.  They make probably the best sounding bunch of guitars for students.

Go to the "Classical Corner" in the Guitar Talk section of the Acoustic Guitar Magazine Web site. There are some guys there that can lead you to the best guitars for you and the best deals:

http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi (http://www.acousticguitar.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi)

Jim