Thinking about a Classical

[Newc]

Anyone try one of these?

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-TAK-EC132CWC--m-02_23--brand-262.html

I've got a Takamine G330S (steel string acoustic) and really like it, but not looking to spend a fortune for Segovia's Choice, y'know?

[jinx]

yahmaha offffers good classicals.

[Newc]

yahmaha offffers good classicals.

Can you cite specific models? I don't know too much about nylons, but I do know some are billed as "Flamenco", and some are voiced for more traditional Classical tones, which is what I'd rather have (though Flamenco has its merits, I'm just not going for that tone).

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Look for one with a cedar top and a rosewood or mahogany body...usually flamenco guitars have spruce tops with brighter side and back woods (the species escapes me, its like 2:30 am), better for a notier sound. I always have liked Cordobas and Ramirez, Cordoba makes some affordable models.

[Newc]

Thanks. A quick scan of Ebay shows a Cordoba for $400 with a humidity-controlling case.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cordoba-Spanish-Classical-Guitar-Model-C5-CE-Like-New_W0QQitemZ140023655451QQihZ004QQcategoryZ47064QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Seems to me you're getting a sweet case with a free guitar in it

I'm also eyeing this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&item=150044830961&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

And I'm more familiar with the Takamine quality, plus it's got more of a traditional Classical upper bout. A smaller top bout would have a different tone than a larger one.

Both are E/A, so all I have to do is flip a coin, right?

[Bengal65]

Newc,
If ya come up with something good, please let me know!
I've been looking at a Ovation Viper EA63 (custom order-long wait, YJM plays one), a Gibson Chet Atkins (too expensive for what you get IMO), Carvin CL450 with cedar top and a Line 6 acoustic. I may order a Carvin since everyone seem to like them as far as an acoustic electric.

[Newc]

I also went to Carvin's site and looked around, but didn't see anything other than steel-string E/As.

The Variax would present an interesting problem IMO - you could still hear the real sound over the modeled sound when playing. This is enough trouble on the electric when doing alternate or non-standard tunings, so I'm sure the acoustic version would be murder

[hippietim]

If the Variax nylon string is anything like the other acoustic Variaxes I'd avoid it. They're poo poo.

I would want to know what you are going for out of it. If you want something to record with and/or play through a PA the Godin stuff is awesome. I have a Nylon Multiac SA which also has the Roland GK compatible output so I can do MIDI guitar with it as well.

That Takamine is probably very good. I've always really liked their stuff.

If you want a classical guitar designed for people that aren't classical guitarists check out the Taylor NS stuff. They are very good sounding and have the added benefit of a neck that is more comfortable for an electric/steel string acoustic player.

Most classical guitars are 52mm at the nut. Some come in 50mm at the nut. To save you the computation:
50 millimeters = 1.96850394 inches - about 1 31/32"
52 millimeters = 2.04724409 inches - about 2 3/64"

The Godin and Taylor are 1.875 (1 7/8") at the nut. Most classical players hate the narrower spacing because it really changes the finger picking pattern. I prefer 1.875".

[hippietim]

I also went to Carvin's site and looked around, but didn't see anything other than steel-string E/As.

As the Bengals fan said:

http://www.carvin.com/products/guitar.php?ItemNumber=CL450

I've not tried that one specifically, but the other Carvin acoustic/electrics I've played have all been very good. The nut width is a bit wider than the Godin or Taylor but it's probably still doable.

[Newc]

I don't mind the wider spacing. I've played a couple of junker nylons over the years, and the wider nut/board is actually very comfortable to me. I had thought about getting that type of neck as a Custom Shop mod, but something tells me it won't work like I'm hoping.

Anyhoo, I rarely play my acoustics as it is, so this would definitely be a noodle type thing, thus I'm not looking at anything over $500 at the absolute max.

[Newc]

Speaking of Godin, how high would I expect this to go?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120039076454

[Robotechnology]

Excellent guitar Newc... that Takamine is a great choice. Another one is one of these:

http://www.ariausa.com/titles/ele/ele.html

I have the AC80CE which is all solid wood... runs around $1K. An AC80 or AC50 would fit the bill. Without electronics and a cutaway $800 or less. GC Cordobas are also great. The Yamaha nylons we get here are not what I'd go with.

[Newc]

Which is twice what I'm looking to spend

[Flatpicker]

I was looking around a few months ago for something more in a Flamenco flavor.
I'm still looking but that Tak may fit the bill.