I need LS-30 info

[pickngrin]

I'm thinking about trying a classical guitar and since I'm a big fan of Larrivees I'm going to consider a LS-30. Can anyone tell me how it compares to the Spanish guitars in the same price range? Also, I don't know if I need the long scale/2" nut of the Larri or if I'd be better with a 1 7/8" nut and maybe a shorter scale for comfort.

Any recommendations or comments would be helpful since I'm a greenhorn in this area.

Thanks, pickngrin   

[dgrose]

I'm thinking about trying a classical guitar and since I'm a big fan of Larrivees I'm going to consider a LS-30. Can anyone tell me how it compares to the Spanish guitars in the same price range? Also, I don't know if I need the long scale/2" nut of the Larri or if I'd be better with a 1 7/8" nut and maybe a shorter scale for comfort.
Any recommendations or comments would be helpful since I'm a greenhorn in this area.

I'm not a classical guitarist, but I have a Larrivee. It's exquisite. It replaced a very cheap Yamaha... which replaced an even cheaper Yamaha. In my hands they sound remarkably similar. I know the Larrivee is a more beautiful instrument and it really is rich sounding. The nut width is weird after playing steel string guitar - the long scale isn't really a major problem, but I do find that I have to play entirely differently on a nylon string - different posture, hand positions etc...
I'd suggest that you try out as many classical guitars of all shapes, sizes, brands and prices before investing that much money (but hey, I'm a bargain hunter - and a cheap one at that). Have fun and enjoy yourself!   

dg

[pickngrin]

dg, thanks for the good advice. I'll play as many as I can and maybe I should start with a cheap Yamaha and move up later, like you did.

Regards........pickngrin

[dgrose]

...maybe I should start with a cheap Yamaha and move up later, like you did.

I might also recommend checking out some Chinese imports. Over the last couple years, some of the Chinese guitar manufacturers have developed some terrific instruments - with Engelmann spruce or red cedar tops with rosewood or mahogany back and sides - at unbelievable prices. Unfortunately, I can't recommend any particular brand names in that category because they are meaningless - the manufacturers put whatever brand name is requested on the instruments.
Check out:

http://www.music123.com/Search/Default.aspx?Ne=4294940200&N=64+4294907279 or

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/acoustic-classical-nylon-string-guitars?N=100001%2b308533&Ns=P_Price%7c0&g=guitar&page=1

Hope this helps.   

dg

[pickngrin]

Those Chinese classicals look good enough but I've played a couple of GC cheapos and they won't cut it. I'm wondering if one of these 1970s Japanese classicals on ebay might be my ticket to get started. I understand there's not much danger in needing a neck reset due to the light string tension.

I'm thinking I want a cedar top, RW B&S, ebony finger board and bridge. Laminated B&S would probably work for now.

If I sound fickle, it's because I don't know beans about these guitars.   

[dgrose]

Those Chinese classicals look good enough but I've played a couple of GC cheapos and they won't cut it.

That is really the key - play a bunch until you find one you like - one that's nice to play and has a pleasing sound.

I'm wondering if one of these 1970s Japanese classicals on ebay might be my ticket to get started. I understand there's not much danger in needing a neck reset due to the light string tension.

My only issue with Ebay is that you can't try them or see them up close. I've been lucky - over a hundred deals on Ebay and only a couple of real stinkers. You might get a winner... or you might get a wiener. A lot of damage can happen in thirty some years, even if it just sat in a closet. 

I'm thinking I want a cedar top, RW B&S, ebony finger board and bridge. Laminated B&S would probably work for now.

A very nice set of parameters - Try Alvarez like this one:
http://www.music123.com/Alvarez-MC90-Classical-Guitar-i126123.music

dg

[Mikeymac]

I've heard and played a number of old Aria brand classicals from the 70's and 80's - for low end classicals, they sound good and seem to be well made.

[dgrose]

I've heard and played a number of old Aria brand classicals from the 70's and 80's - for low end classicals, they sound good and seem to be well made.

...and some of the new ones are very nice too!   

dg

[pickngrin]

I'm pondering a couple of classicals from GC that have solid tops and laminated B&S.  I played about a dozen and it came down to a Rodriguez C and a Cordoba 32EF. The manager is a friend and will sell either of these in the $400-$500 range.  I don't play the Flamenco style but the Cordoba actually had a crisp distinct sound across the strings. OTOH, the Rodriguez was mellower and the middle strings were a bit muddy.

My ears are used to steel strings and I was surprised at the muddy sound of ALL the classicals but I played several different brands so I suppose this is normal for an inexpensive production model. They certainly didn't sound anything like Willie's N-20 though.   

[dgrose]

...it came down to a Rodriguez C and a Cordoba 32EF.

Wow... neither of these are exactly "slouch" guitars. Good luck with your choice and have fun!

dg

[Calvin]

I have a CS-30, it's a good guitar, well great guitar (but if you know my buying story, do a search, then I have a bit of sourness with this guitar).

It is very classical classical guitar. Most suited to the western classical pieces, such as Bach.  It's slightly "picky" as a classical though.  I am sure you can get some other sounds out of it, I am going to try some other strings.  The Saverez are nice and lush, but almost too lush/rich for me; and the high e string just goes dull much to fast.  I may go with strings with stronger fundamentals such as the D'addarios next time.  I think they will work much better for a more modern sound (not to mention they last about 4x longer than the saverez, LITERALLY).