songfreak
For an acoustic guitar, would the yamaha f310p be a reasonably good package to start of with or should I get something else? And could someone please explain to me what the difference is between an acoustic and a classical guitar? THANKS!!!! :D
Answer
An acoustic guitar is just that acoustic, it doesn't matter whether it's setup with wound steel strings, or nylon strings, or even has an electric pickup mounted on it. The general classification is, it's still an acoustic model.
The best way to find out what guitar is the best for you, is by going to a shop, and trying out the different models from the different makers. No two guitars will sound exactly the same, even within same model line. This is due to differences in the density of wood, and the grain of the wood itself, even if it comes from the same tree, and same section of the tree. As to a good guitar, you will want to look at for a new one somewhere above the two hundred twenty five dollar range, anything from one hundred to two hundred fifty dollars is in the decent quality range.
When you try different guitars, one of the most important aspects is the feel and more specifically the neck, and how it feels when you hold it. You can and will find different neck widths, which affect the comfort, of how the feel is. The body will also play a role in comfort, when you sit and hold it, as well as when you're standing, all of that should be taken into consideration, while trying out the different makers, and model lines. Even the body styles vary, and this will also affect the way the guitar feels. This is why each person should handle, and try out different models and styles. Then the sound comes in as a very close second.
A huge do not, is buying from retailers such as Walmart, Target, K-Mart, or any other discount retailer, as those are considered as little more than a child's toy, or a decorative wall hanging. In short a piece of junk, and something a guitar shop, or luthier isn't going to want to work on. The big reason is the parts used to make it with are of the lowest possible grade possible, and assembly line manufactured. The cost to make them both reasonably playable, and semi reliable, would cost as much, or more, as it would to buy one new or even used of a good quality.
Also buying from online should be the last possible resort, as the prices stated, may not be indicative of the quality. Sometimes the manufacturer's price is inflated, to make the guitar seem a better quality, and like a great deal on the instrument, and it's not the deal or the quality it appeared to be. When you buy from a shop, they can also help you get it properly setup, to give you optional ease and comfort, when learning and playing.
Here are some brands to check out, Dean, Eastman, Fender, Gibson (and their Epiphone line), Gretsch, Heritage, Ibanez, Jasmine, Martin, Mitchell, Ovation, Rickenbacker, Seagull, Takamie, Taylor, Washburn, and Yamaha. The makers that I listed, are some of the better quality makers of guitars. Each will have different lines and models to select from, and try out. Selecting a guitar is also very much a personal thing, as each person will look for the aspects, and qualities that they want in the guitar. Anyone can recommend a brand, or model type, but the final choice should be that of the person buying it, based on what they found by testing out different ones.
Some other things to buy are string wipes, an extra set, or two of strings, and a set of picks if you're goiung to be using a pick. However if you go with a pick, then try various hardness's of picks, to find the one(s) you like best. Some other options to consider are a good cleaning cloth, a surface cleaner made for cleaning the guitar, and a small bottle of lemon oil, for the fret board, to use once, but not more than twice a year, to keep the fret board, from drying out, and cracking. Optional would be a tuner for your guitar, until you learn to tune by ear.
However if you go with a classical style guitar, do not replace the nylon strings with steel strings. Doing so will warp the neck, and eventually pull the guitar apart. The reason is the truss rod if there is one, isn't made to handle the tension required for tuning and maintaining the tuning of the steel strings. As to easier, both will b e the same if setup properly. A good shop will help with setup for you usually free if you buy from them as a part of the sale.
An acoustic guitar is just that acoustic, it doesn't matter whether it's setup with wound steel strings, or nylon strings, or even has an electric pickup mounted on it. The general classification is, it's still an acoustic model.
The best way to find out what guitar is the best for you, is by going to a shop, and trying out the different models from the different makers. No two guitars will sound exactly the same, even within same model line. This is due to differences in the density of wood, and the grain of the wood itself, even if it comes from the same tree, and same section of the tree. As to a good guitar, you will want to look at for a new one somewhere above the two hundred twenty five dollar range, anything from one hundred to two hundred fifty dollars is in the decent quality range.
When you try different guitars, one of the most important aspects is the feel and more specifically the neck, and how it feels when you hold it. You can and will find different neck widths, which affect the comfort, of how the feel is. The body will also play a role in comfort, when you sit and hold it, as well as when you're standing, all of that should be taken into consideration, while trying out the different makers, and model lines. Even the body styles vary, and this will also affect the way the guitar feels. This is why each person should handle, and try out different models and styles. Then the sound comes in as a very close second.
A huge do not, is buying from retailers such as Walmart, Target, K-Mart, or any other discount retailer, as those are considered as little more than a child's toy, or a decorative wall hanging. In short a piece of junk, and something a guitar shop, or luthier isn't going to want to work on. The big reason is the parts used to make it with are of the lowest possible grade possible, and assembly line manufactured. The cost to make them both reasonably playable, and semi reliable, would cost as much, or more, as it would to buy one new or even used of a good quality.
Also buying from online should be the last possible resort, as the prices stated, may not be indicative of the quality. Sometimes the manufacturer's price is inflated, to make the guitar seem a better quality, and like a great deal on the instrument, and it's not the deal or the quality it appeared to be. When you buy from a shop, they can also help you get it properly setup, to give you optional ease and comfort, when learning and playing.
Here are some brands to check out, Dean, Eastman, Fender, Gibson (and their Epiphone line), Gretsch, Heritage, Ibanez, Jasmine, Martin, Mitchell, Ovation, Rickenbacker, Seagull, Takamie, Taylor, Washburn, and Yamaha. The makers that I listed, are some of the better quality makers of guitars. Each will have different lines and models to select from, and try out. Selecting a guitar is also very much a personal thing, as each person will look for the aspects, and qualities that they want in the guitar. Anyone can recommend a brand, or model type, but the final choice should be that of the person buying it, based on what they found by testing out different ones.
Some other things to buy are string wipes, an extra set, or two of strings, and a set of picks if you're goiung to be using a pick. However if you go with a pick, then try various hardness's of picks, to find the one(s) you like best. Some other options to consider are a good cleaning cloth, a surface cleaner made for cleaning the guitar, and a small bottle of lemon oil, for the fret board, to use once, but not more than twice a year, to keep the fret board, from drying out, and cracking. Optional would be a tuner for your guitar, until you learn to tune by ear.
However if you go with a classical style guitar, do not replace the nylon strings with steel strings. Doing so will warp the neck, and eventually pull the guitar apart. The reason is the truss rod if there is one, isn't made to handle the tension required for tuning and maintaining the tuning of the steel strings. As to easier, both will b e the same if setup properly. A good shop will help with setup for you usually free if you buy from them as a part of the sale.
Two beginner questions about buying a classical 6-string acoustic guitar and strings?
Peter
First question: As far as styles go for classical 6-string acoustic guitars, are there types that are better suited for strumming and some that are better suited for plucking? Or are you equally equipped to do both no matter what guitar you have?
Second question: could someone compare the effects/sounds of steel and nylon strings for me (on a classical 6-string guitar)? I've heard people say you just plain shouldn't get steel for a classical guitar, but being new, I'd already picked some up to restring a borrowed guitar - and I think it sounds fine, picking anyways. It was murder the first few weeks, but I assumed that was just the callousing/building finger strength period. Although it does, currently, take an inhuman amount of force to hold down multiple strings with one finger - but a couple weeks ago I'd have said the same about holding down a single string, so...? And aside from that, I'm not sure I like the sounds of nylon strings as much when plucking.
Thank you very much LucasMan, no one else stressed the severity and I'd never asked. One of the pitfalls of being, "self-taught" I guess, thanks for saving my sister's guitar. --So, make that one question, the first.
Answer
===NEVER PUT STEEL STRINGS ON AN INSTRUMENT DESIGNED FOR NYLON STRINGS===
A classical guitar is a classical guitar is a classical guitar.
It's a specific style of instrument. You can't just refer to all nylon stringed guitars as classical guitars... because they're not.
You can strum a classical guitar if you want to, but classical guitar music rarely has any strumming in it.
You can't put steel strings on a classical guitar (or any guitar designed for nylon strings for that matter). They will ruin the guitar. Steel strings exert WAY more tension on the instrument when tuned to pitch than nylon strings. Nylon string guitars are not designed to handle that amount of tension.
If you've already stuck steel strings on a nylon string instrument, TAKE THEM OFF IMMEDIATELY! Especially if it's not your guitar. They WILL ruin the instrument.
While nylon strings pose no threat to a steel string instrument, they won't work very well. So once again, don't do it.
===NEVER PUT STEEL STRINGS ON AN INSTRUMENT DESIGNED FOR NYLON STRINGS===
A classical guitar is a classical guitar is a classical guitar.
It's a specific style of instrument. You can't just refer to all nylon stringed guitars as classical guitars... because they're not.
You can strum a classical guitar if you want to, but classical guitar music rarely has any strumming in it.
You can't put steel strings on a classical guitar (or any guitar designed for nylon strings for that matter). They will ruin the guitar. Steel strings exert WAY more tension on the instrument when tuned to pitch than nylon strings. Nylon string guitars are not designed to handle that amount of tension.
If you've already stuck steel strings on a nylon string instrument, TAKE THEM OFF IMMEDIATELY! Especially if it's not your guitar. They WILL ruin the instrument.
While nylon strings pose no threat to a steel string instrument, they won't work very well. So once again, don't do it.
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