accoustic guitars

Martha

Martha

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I used to play the guitar a bit years and years ago, nothing serious.

I recently decided to pick it up again. I borrowed a beautiful old Ovation guitar. Man does it sound nice! At some point if I stick with it I will have to return the Ovation and find a guitar. I would like one with a narrower neck than the Ovation. I have small hands and the narrower the neck the better. I use nylon strings. I finger pick. I play classical, blues, folk.

Any suggestions on guitars to keep an eye out for?
 
If your budget is high, consider a Taylor (or at least try one out). They make excellent steel string guitars. They also manufacture Classic Guitars also. Some of the Gibson acoustics are darn nice also.

Most Classical Guitars (with plastic strings) seem to have fairly wide necks.
 
Martha said:
Any suggestions on guitars to keep an eye out for?
Click to expand...

My favorite picking-at-home type of guitar is the Yamaha G55 nylon string classical. Not high brow, but soft, good sound, forgiving, easy on fingers for those like me who don't play every day. I finger pick it, but can also strum it. They haven't made the 55 for at least 20 years, so they're hard to find.
 
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Sorry, Martha, don't have any personal experience with classical guitars, but this Buy Yamaha CG151C Cedar Top Classical Guitar online at Guitar Center guitar looks like a possible candidate.

The craftsmen at Yamaha specially redesigned the guitars in their CG series with slightly thinner sides and back as well as a thinner finish to deliver better sound response. These instruments also have thinner necks to increase playability, and are slightly lighter in weight, offering greater volume as well as extended comfort. The overall results are instruments that deliver a mature, balanced tone throughout their entire range with exceptional quality, durability and cost performance.
Click to expand...
 
The Yammer CG151C looks like a possibility, I'll see if I can try one. I also see a number of G55s on sale through eBay, but I wouldn't want to buy without playing it first.

I am very fond of the Ovation's unique sound. . .but I need to work on hand strength. I am having a tough time barring chords.Either lots of practice, lower action or a smaller neck. Maybe.
 
Martha said:
The Yammer CG151C looks like a possibility, I'll see if I can try one. I also see a number of G55s on sale through eBay, but I wouldn't want to buy without playing it first.

I am very fond of the Ovation's unique sound. . .but I need to work on hand strength. I am having a tough time barring chords.Either lots of practice, lower action or a smaller neck. Maybe.
Click to expand...

Can't say that I share your fondness for Ovations, but c'est la vie...

Practice will certainly help. Also, you can lower the action on many acoustics by sanding the bottom of the bridge. Do this gradually, of course; too low, and you'll introduce string buzz.

Anyway, here's some acoustic inspiration. Note how Paco is the only finger-picker in the group.


YouTube - PACO DE LUCIA , John McLaughlin , AL DI MEOLA
 
I have an old Martin OO-28C that you might like. It used to be played by a small-framed woman. I never liked it, but I don't play as much as hack. And I prefer hacking on steel strings and a larger guitar.
 
Martha said:
I used to play the guitar a bit years and years ago, nothing serious.

I recently decided to pick it up again. I borrowed a beautiful old Ovation guitar. Man does it sound nice! At some point if I stick with it I will have to return the Ovation and find a guitar. I would like one with a narrower neck than the Ovation. I have small hands and the narrower the neck the better. I use nylon strings. I finger pick. I play classical, blues, folk.

Any suggestions on guitars to keep an eye out for?
Click to expand...

Martha, I played guitar before I took up drums. 2 things you might do- go to big store and look at Ovations- my memory is that some of them have the narrowest necks going. Classical guitars OTOH will tend to have wide necks, because they are designed for playing note by note and need more space on the fingerboard. Second, take whatever you choose to a skillful guitar mechanic who can set it up for you by being sure that all the frets are even, that the bridge is a comfortable height, etc. This usually costs very little- maybe $50-$75.

Ha
 
Yeah, I know the classicals tend to have wider necks, but with my small hands I can finger a tighter space than most. The Ovation I am playing has a relatively standard two inch neck. I am coming to the conclusion I am wimped out and just need to practice. Unfortunately, my left hand cramps up pretty fast.
 
Martha said:
I also see a number of G55s on sale through eBay, but I wouldn't want to buy without playing it first.
Click to expand...

If you find a G-228, play that, it's the replacement for the G-55 and plays pretty much the same, though I don't think it sounds quite as good.
 

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HFWR said:
Anyway, here's some acoustic inspiration.

YouTube - PACO DE LUCIA , John McLaughlin , AL DI MEOLA
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if that is inspiration or if it would drive a mere mortal to give up guitar completely in frustration. ;)

Saw them in Chicago on their first tour together, same basic set as the 'Friday Night in San Francisco" CD. Just jaw-dropping amazing. There must have been 100 separate occasions that I was just in disbelief that humans could do that.

To see three people on stage at the same time with that level of musicianship was just unbelievable. Thanks for the reminder.

I think I'm gonna sit in front of my Magna-pans and give the CD a listen.

-ERD50
 
chinaco said:
If your budget is high, consider a Taylor (or at least try one out). They make excellent steel string guitars. They also manufacture Classic Guitars also. Some of the Gibson acoustics are darn nice also.

Most Classical Guitars (with plastic strings) seem to have fairly wide necks.
Click to expand...


Agree with chinaco. I've been playing since I was about 14 or about 42 years and have had and played all kinds of acoustics and electrics. Currently playing a Taylor 814CE and a Fender strat. Buying a decent acoustic with low action will make your playing much more enjoyable. But the bottom line is, go play a bunch and buy the one you like. Also the market for used instruments is huge.
 
Martha,

I don't have any experience with classical guitars, but I would agree with others who have suggested you take your time, play as many as possible (even ones you might not think you'd be interested in), and find what you like. I would also suggest that you see as many acoustic performers as possble to get a feel for how different guitars sound "out front". You don't have to go with a prestigious brand to get the sound and feel that's right for you, though the big names do make some beautiful instruments. Personally I don't care for the Ovation sound, and the round back side doesn't work very well with my round front side. :p But that's the beauty... everyone has their own taste. I currently play a Takamine EAN10C (dreadnought) and a have a Taylor 314 CE-LTD (grand auditiorium size) for backup. The Taki is not something most players drool over, but it has a fairly thin and narrow neck, great action, and I like the sound a lot.

Happy plucking!

-AJ
 
My own experience is that even though a classical guitar SEEMS easier to play because the pressure on your fingertips is less (nylon strings) the wider neck actually takes more muscle in your hands and forearm. It's a trade off.

Find a guitar that you love, your hands will adjust. I play Larrivee acoustics - they make great instruments. But lots of builders make great instruments.

Consider a smaller body guitar. They fit a womens body a little better, but usually the neck is the same size as a larger guitar. I am not an Ovation fan, although I have played some great sounding Ovations... i find the rounded body rolls off my body when I play and the only comfortable way to play is standing and with a strap.

Follow your ears to the right instrument for you. Play a lot of them before you buy. Only buy the instrument you play, another one of the same model will sound different.

Most importantly, don't pay retail. Guitars under $500.00 can be had for 20% under retail. Guitars between $500 and $1000 can routinely be purchased for 25% under retail. Over $1000 30% or more under retail.

My last teacher told me that tenacity and practice trump talent!
Sadly, it seems to be true...
 
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