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From: lute@abnjh.UUCP (J. Collymore)
Newsgroups: net.music.classical
Subject: Opinions on buying a classical guitar
Message-ID: <671@abnjh.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 8-Jun-84 10:10:56 EDT
Article-I.D.: abnjh.671
Posted: Fri Jun  8 10:10:56 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 9-Jun-84 08:23:34 EDT
Organization: ATTIS, NJ
Lines: 63

(Note:  This article assumes that you can at least play guitar.)

I am an "unschooled" classical guitarist, but I will give you my opinion
on the choosing of a classical guitar, anyway.

Go to a music store that specializes in guitars, or has a good-sized stock of
acoustic (folk & classical) guitars, and (hopefully) some knowledgeable
guitar salespersons.  If the stock is good, but there are no good salespeople,
just play the guitar.  If it sounds good (e.g.  good tone, no buzzing on the
notes played around the 12th fret, good harmonics can be produced easily) and
you like it, buy it.  I think that if you like the sound you get from the
instrument, and it has no defects, that is the most important way to choose
an instrument.  Also, I think it is wiser to buy the instrument you play,
not one brought up from the stockroom, UNLESS you also play that one, and
are equally happy with its tone.  Musical instruments are highly individual,
and there is no guarantee that they will be identical in tone and quality
from instrument to instrument, even if they are made by the same
manufacturer or craftsman.

Also, take a good look at the color of the wood on the top (front) of the
guitar.  Allowing for the type of wood, and any wood stains/varnishes used,
if the wood is light colored, that means it probably hasn't aged.  If it is
dark, it probably has.  If the wood is aged, it will probably hold its tone
in the years to come, or improve.  If it hasn't aged, the wood will age
while you own it, and its sound may change drastically from the tone you
originally bought it for (this can be a mixed blessing).

Finally, the strings that are on it when you first play it will affect how
it sounds and how it plays.  Make sure the guitar is in tune (at the right
pitch).  Don't be afraid to tune it when teesting it out.  Ask what type of
strings are on it when you test it.  "Silver" strings are very bright and
loud, "gold" strings are somewhat softer, mellower, and "darker" in tone.
Most stores will have silver strings on their floor model guitars
since gold strings are 2-3 times as expensive.  Allow for this though when
judging the guitar's sound.

By the way, when you get the strings of your choice for the guitar, I'd
be wary of "hard" tension strings.  They may cause early neck warpage.
However, this is my fear.  You should feel free to experiment.  Also,
when you choose your strings get two sets (one as a full replacement set,
and the other to "cannabalize" if neccessary.  And if you want to try gold
strings, be warned, they are hard to come buy and usually have to be
special ordered.  D'darrio makes a variety of silver and gold strings, you
might start off with them.

One other thing you should do when trying out various guitars at various shops
is try one or two guitars that are in a price range beyond your present
allowance.  This will give you a level for comparison that may be useful in
making your final choice.  You may also be surprised that some of the less
expensive guitars' sound may be equal to that of some of the more expensive
guitars.

Anyway, in the final analysis, I think it comes down to is what can you
afford to spend, (and once that's decided) taking the time to play a lot
of prospective guitars.  Settle on the one that gives you the best
feeling and inspiration when you play it.  Making beautiful music, no matter
how simple, or of what style, is an act of love and joy.  If you do not
feel happy with your instrument, it will be heard in your music.

I hope you find a guitar that will make you very happy.


                                        Jim Collymore