The acoustic guitar is a great instrument to begin learning on. It allows the student to focus on the basics of making a proper sound without the distractions of knobs, amplifiers, whammy bars and all the fun noise-making aspects of the electric guitar that can often be an entertaining distraction to the beginner. It’s also more portable and allows students to practice anywhere with no need for an electrical outlet.
Recommended Acoustic Guitar Packs

There are two types of Classical guitars: Student and Concert. Concert instruments are very expensive high-end guitars. For the purpose of our Buyers Guide, we will be referring to Student models.

Entry-level Classical guitars (also known as “Spanish Guitars”) are usually made of woods such as sapelle, mahogany, sycamore, cedar and rosewood. The type of wood an acoustic is made of plays a major roll in the way the instrument will sound.

Here are some features to consider when buying a Classical guitar:

Classical guitars, fall into three categories. Those made of Solid wood, those made of laminate (thin layers of wood glued together) and those that are a combination of the two.

All Solid Wood Classical - Solid pieces of wood vibrate better than glued together layers and produce a richer, fuller more complex sound (This is also a more expensive guitar to make). All solid wood construction instruments make up all of the higher-end Concert model instruments and some Student models. You should be aware that solid wood guitars while producing a fuller, richer sound, are also more fragile. They are susceptible to cracking and warping due to changes in temperature and humidity. These instruments should be kept in a hard shell case with an instrument humidifier to prevent damage.

Laminate Classical – the cost of wood is the most dominate factor in the price of a guitar. Laminate construction is an economical alternative to all solid wood construction. While not producing the rich, complex tones of a solid wood instrument, laminate instruments are very durable and less likely to be affected by temperature or humidity and make fine student guitars.

Solid Top Classical – The top, (also referred to as the “soundboard”) of a classical guitar is the most critical part in the instruments tonal development. Just changing the top of a laminate guitar to a solid piece of wood, drastically improves the instruments sound. Although it costs a bit more, a Solid top classical is a great alternative; it’s more affordable, durable and easier to care for than an all solid wood instrument. Just to be on the safe side, it’s still a good idea to keep a solid top instrument in a hardshell case with a humidifier.

Other Stuff You’re Definitely Going to Need

There are a number of accessories that will help you enjoy and maintain your acoustic guitar. A case, polish, strings and humidifier are just a few of the items that you’ll need to protect your investment and keep it in top performing condition.

Our site has a complete and varied selection of classical guitars for every playing level, all backed by our 45/45/100 Guarantee. Call and speak with one of our Product Specialists to help you find the instrument that’s right for you.