Mistakes when buying a classical guitar

If you want to start playing and need a classical guitar, take care with your choice. Set a realistic budget for a well-made instrument: the quality of the wood and workmanship are important factors.

Suppose you are buying a classical guitar. A beginner does not necessarily need a top-end instrument, but sound and playability matter. The author warns against choosing purely for a bright colour and contrasts classical guitars with amplified instruments. Treat that as a preference: a guitar's colour alone does not determine its quality, and acoustic guitars are not all played through amplifiers.

The classical guitar depends on the acoustic response of its body. The author prefers a natural wood finish and is concerned that a heavy coating may affect resonance; colour alone, however, is not a reliable measure of quality. Another common mistake is shopping without knowledgeable help. Choose a shop recommended by a competent teacher, or take someone experienced with you. Inspect the entire instrument for dents, raised surfaces, warping and other damage. Then tune it and play it, listening for buzzing or other problems. These are the main issues I have observed. A good instrument often shows careful workmanship, an appropriate finish and a clear, pleasing sound, but appearance alone is not enough. Play it and ask about its materials and construction.

When buying a classical guitar, focus on workmanship, sound and comfortable playing, not colour alone. Buy from a reliable source and seek guidance from someone who understands the instrument. A careful choice gives you a sound start in music.

Cahit Baltacı
Rekor Sanat – Guitar Teacher