Here's a few tips on what to look out for if you're considering purchasing a Classical guitar...

Materials/Construction - The type of wood used in the construction has a significant influence over the sound of the instrument. Cheaper guitars tend to be made from laminate and while this makes for a very sturdy build, an instrument that has a solid top will resonate more giving you better tone. It's an obvious difference to hear even for a beginner! Similarly, the amount of handwork that goes into an instrument affects the quality of sound. A mass produced guitar is typically over built to allow some tolerance for materials that may differ from one part to the next, whereas with a more hand made guitar, the luthier has worked with the materials in order to get the best out of them.

Wood Type - Cedar and Spruce are the most common choices for solid top guitars. Cedar has a reddish brown appearance and provides a warm, balanced tone. Spruce is a lighter yellow colour and has brighter, more percussive response.

Playability - The action on a classical guitar is a touch higher than you'd typically find on an electric or steel strung acoustic. This is offset by the nylon strings which are of a much lower tension - they feel a lot softer under the fingers. A good way to test is by trying to press down on the high 'E' string with your little finger at the first fret. If you can manage that comfortably, the guitar should have a good action that won't hinder your progress!

Hardware - The un-glamorous parts of the guitar such as the machineheads, nut and saddle are all vital to keeping your instrument in tune. Machineheads should turn smoothly both ways, and not slip or bind. The nut and saddle should be cut correctly in order to provide accurate intonation. If a chord sounds in tune near the nut but sounds increasingly wobbly as you travel further up the neck, the likely culprit is the hardware!

At Forsyths we stock a complete range of Classical guitars from beginner to professional. Brands include, Aria, Admira, Raimundo, Sanchez, JC, Burguet and Ramirez. Solid top instruments starting from £139.00.