Is it worth it to get a classical guitar, or can I manage with my steel string?

Self explanatory. I'm starting to get more into classical music (I have the 29 Progressive Solos for Classical Guitar book) and was wondering if there were any negative aspects to playing on a steel string. Thanks.

The biggie is that a classical neck is wider, so there's way more room to manoeuvre, which you'll need for some of the complex movements. Tone is completely different too, as is the feel. I'd grab a proper classical if you're serious about playing classical guitar music.

I would say get one. The sound is unique, and the feel is different. You can also find them with slightly narrower necks if your more used to playing steel.

My wife suprised me a few years ago with an Epi Chet Atkins Classical. I love that guitar. I use it on occaisions when I have to play with my church choir.

come on -the sound is what its all about
softer attack and decay

nothing sound like a clasical guitar-

you can execute guitar peices on any guitar-but each has its own
you dont play hard rock on a classical guitar and you dont play renaissance music on a les paul

You can probably get by on the steel for awhile, but I really love the sound of nylon.

Get one. It is a different enough feel/sound to be worth the investment - and the inexpensive ones are perfectly fine to get you going (and maybe it'll do for the duration).

There's a Belwin 21st Century classical guitar book + CD that's good if you can already play a bit:

http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/055857/details.html

Well known tunes/themes, TAB + standard notation, CD, very playable.

Good luck.

The wider string spacing is not only for the right hand finger-picking, but also for the movement of the floppier, lower tension strings.

The classical guitar is a great companion to any other kind of guitar playing you do; it will help you out there.

Another vote for you finding a decent classical guitar,

Greg

I'm not a big fan of classical guitars; too many beat up cheap ones being half-compently strummed around here. For the first five years of my guitar playing, doing classical lessons, that was the only guitar I had.
On the other hand, a well made nylon string guitar is a joy to play, and if you wnt to play classical, I'd get one. They really are completely different in feel and sound, and in the way they make you play.

If you are to the point where you are playing thru a few pieces , and wish to do more, get one. The sound will be more inviting & the string spacing will help you inprovew technique. I would look for something like a Yamaha C-40 ( I have a old 55a) they can often be found used or even new on sale for @$100 and if you decide not to pursue the nylon game or later decide you want something better can easly be resold. A set of brand name strings will usually improve these guitars a good bit.

I would agree that a well made classical is a joy to behold, If you are playing everything in your book,(and your purse will allow it) you might want to consider one of the less expensive guitars from one of the Spanish "factories", There are a number of small firms who produce 5-10,000 guitars a year and a all solid wood model from one of these makers at $1-1500 is a big improvement over the mass produced off shore guitars. A freind lent me hers for a few days (alas I forget the maker) and it was addicting to play..:grin:

In my opinion a nylon string guitar is a joy to play and they sound beautiful.

I think it's good to have a C-style guitar in the stable, no matter what kind of music you play--Jerry Reed always wrung his out well--and like any other acoustic, you'll want to look for good construction and solid woods, especially on the top.

If you're going to play classical, do it right. Get a proper instrument, and find a teacher. The RH has a lot to do - free strokes, rest strokes, rasquedos and lots more.

You'll also learn some good reading skills.

So you're asking a bunch of guitar junkies whether you should get a new guitar or not?:razz:

In general, it is always worth it to get any guitar... :D

Hmmm, looks like I should start saving... :D

Warm Gums, do you know any of the Spanish "factories" I could check out? Anyone else, feel free to drop some names.

Also, I've been reading up on low-end classicals for me to pick up and I see that the main problem is the bridge popping off. What's the deal with that?

Classical bridges aren't screwed on, if at some time the guitar has been fitted with steel stings (common on low end used classicals when the non classical playing owner want's "more sound" to play pop music) the bridge comes off in a jiff.

Many of the factories produce guitars under various names

IF you must mail order or buy from a general guitar store the following may help

My friend has a Prudencio Saez, (I belive this MAY be a dedicated operation) IIRC it is a G6. Several Classical shop sell these on line.

Pavan has a reputation for a decent guitar for the money, this is a propritary line of a classical dealer.

Some of the MIJ Yamahas in are nice guitars, and the many of the Yari's are well thought of.

As you are near major citys, I would suggest working with a dedicated classical dealer if at all possible esp. if you are planning on spending more than $500. Most of these shops work with a Spanish maker and offer a line in the $500 to $1500 range that they QC and know well.
There are such shops in both Philly and NYC.

All in favor say... Ole!

http://kevinmorseguitar.com/uploads/100_0597-1.jpg

"classical gas station"

yes

So you're asking a bunch of guitar junkies whether you should get a new guitar or not?:razz:

LOL

If you are actually playing Classical music, then I yes. Its the appropriate tool for the job. Those big barre chords and stuff would be a real finger killer on a steel string I bet.

Check out the site below. A lot of great info, tabs, sheet music, recordings, etc. They also have online lessons and everythings free of course. Definitely worth joining.

http://www.delcamp.us/