GUITAR TIP: Choosing a guitar (PART I)

[@lovelybird6771]

I feel like Brandon is trying to pull a Clark Kent on us by growing a beard. “Me? An immortal vampire? Oh no, you must be mistaken. I mean, I suppose I do resemble the ivory-skinned theorbo player in that 400 year old portrait hanging above my mantle, but it couldn’t possibly be me. As you can see, *i* have a beard.” Clever ruse, you deathless virtuoso.

[@amitleshed]

Oh this is hilarious 😂

[@CatsPajamas23]

😯🤫🤭

[@nightspicer]

ooh, he hearted this, so it must be true!

[@neaituppi7306]

Rob Scallion was like Christian Slater in Interview. Brandon spared him for the sake of the video.

[@neaituppi7306]

But the beard thing is no ruse, Vampires can turn into wolves, so a little facial hair is no big deal.

[@ShadowhandofDune]

I've been playing and building guitars for 30 years so I know this stuff, but something about watching Brandon's videos is relaxing, like watching Bob Ross paint, so I watch them all regardless.

[@locle7998]

)

[@12D_isME]

that is exactly what i think.. Yes, the voice,. the vibe,. background.. relaxing.. i commented something like that in other video.. the Bob Ross thing.. 😁

[@hathaway.1166]

Can you give me some tips on buying guitars sir? Thx

[@disgustibuss]

I'll check later on your profile but if you have some build vlog I'm totally in, subscribed anyways

[@lonelystoner8594]

I'm still looking for that lamp, I wonder where he bought it at?

[@Kevin-sl4we]

Ahhh yes, I remember buying a guitar just because it was black lol

[@rizzaramon7213]

Youre not alone bro hahaha

[@edugitonga2024]

😂😂 Yeah 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@danielgutierrezprado1125]

Yeah I recall that, and now I just bought my first handmade classical guitar made by a brazilian luthier 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@afrthegreat]

ifkr samee

[@AvaToccoRodriguez]

*Stares at my LTD Guitars* Okay I feel called out

[@quangly4482]

People make vampire jokes about Brandon too much that he came back a werewolf.

[@89__tirtharajpati69]

Yeah I also thought the same.. he's looking like a werewolf

[@AL-fh6ff]

I agree..100% werewolf

[@Sevren_]

Back when Brandon was born vampires and werewolves were the same thing

[@PluripotentKLF4]

"You walk into a room full of classical guitars" Where is this mythical place?

[@onesandzeros]

Yeah really. It would be extremely detrimental to my wallet. Fortunately no such risk exists.

[@steveb9325]

Spain

[@syntaxlost9239]

@@steveb9325 Japan too.

[@steveb9325]

@@syntaxlost9239 awesome!

[@UFO314159]

Mr. Acker's living room.

[@DocturNull]

Further proof that Brandon is indeed, an immortal vampire: *American using metric system organically.* Other fine points most of us all know: •Specializes mostly in instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, and more, and VERY well •Very knowledgeable and articulate •Was in a metal band at some point(I mean, come on) •Always seems to be making his solo videos in dimly lit rooms, like the one in this video • *Never ages* •Nosferatu fingers that are graceful as hell, and a tall, lean, angular build •Seems to have an "old soul" and be "wise beyond his years" -think about that last one •We start noticing more and calling him out, and now he suddenly has a very nice, full, trimmed beard. Seems like something a vampire would do in a book or movie thinking he'll never get caught that way, but it's the very thing that leads to more proof And again, for emphasis of how great, yet unnatural it is to witness regularly, much like his wonderful playing skills on basically everything with strings from not this time period, *AMERICAN, ORGANICALLY USING THE METRIC SYSTEM.* I know he has clearly been to many places in the world that well, anywhere outside the US is using metric system, let's be honest, and may even know other languages from "working with operas," (we all know it's because you've had hundreds of years to learn), but it's too natural. And yes, I'll bite the bullet and go there, those of you who didn't even ask me, _it's supernatural_

[@vanheirecu]

dont forget his mesmerising voice!!!!

[@theabsolute23]

Most reddit comment ever

[@karolstevenvillacarillo1036]

yas

[@abdulkadirasll2108]

Can people who want to see how Brandon takes care of his nails like? Because I really want to learn how he takes care of his nails, and the shape of his nails.

[@arkane3168]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZS4Z6KwjrlpZ9E This is usually how most guitarists take care of their nails (or an efficient way to do so). Keeping your nails in the correct shape is crucial into maintaining your playability

[@MrJohnBurger-JB]

Brandon cut off his nails not so long ago. I don't know if it's permanent, but Tarrega and Sor both changed to playing without nails late in their careers.

[@CaptTerrific]

7:07 I actually recommend having someone ELSE play each type of top in the store for you. Guitars sound so incredibly different from a listening position vs. a playing position!

[@ManwithAx]

Good advice. Short of doing that find a wall or door you can face standing close too while you play so the sound is reflected back to you.

[@yumieke]

When buying my daughter’s guitar we really appreciated the advice given at the guitar shop. It convinced me this is not a purchase to do over the internet. Being able to try the guitar is also really important. A good salesperson will sell you the best instrument for you (and not the most expensive one) and will offer support and maintenance services. Support your local businesses 😊

[@robertcronin6603]

Definitely

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

Brandon: "Scale length doesn't matter as long as it feels good." Gibson and Fender fanboys: *lose their shit*

[@AvaToccoRodriguez]

Bassists are baritone lovers: Also completely lose their shit

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

@@AvaToccoRodriguez The many times I had to tell a baritone guitarist that he might want to use a compressor and an EQ to make sure the low end doesn't clash with the bass in his brand new oh so amazing Djent track is hard to recall. On the other hand Metal bassplayers aren't too bright anyway so we just point a red dot laser to the wall and argue in his place while he's distracted.

[@wazzap500]

When you go so low with the guitar you might aswell omit the bass like Animals as Leaders for example. Or try to find a bass player who can actually play like the guy from Obscura.

[@toemasmeems]

@@CheesybiscuitStudios scale length matters in terms of low notes not sustaining clearly during ring outs, this is a known and proven fact. Typically extended range players know that they have to dial out some bass in their mixes for clarity to balance the notes natural low end.

[@toemasmeems]

@@CheesybiscuitStudios if you’re playing on standard or drop d tuning scale length doesn’t matter as much

[@lhtd]

I've been playing guitar as an amateur for 20+ years. I migrated to electric guitars to appease my neighbors... And this is the first time someone explains fair and square in easy words how to pick one's first guitar. Fantastic ! Thanks !!

[@John-zm4xl]

When Brandon was 16 or 17, classical guitars were just called guitars. #MedievalVampire

[@stevebismarck5878]

One of the often neglected aspects of guitar selection is neck width. A few years ago I tried a handmade guitar that was wonderfully easy for me to play, especially for barring in the higher positions. I asked the shop owner what was different about the neck. He didn't know. We did some measuring and found out it had a 54mm nut width. It never occurred to me that a neck could be too narrow for comfort. I just assumed that a narrower neck would be easier to play. But I have big hands. For decades I'd been playing a guitar with a 51mm nut, but the wider string spacing of the 54 felt immediately more natural and less cramped. Get a guitar that fits your hands. If you've got really small hands, you might want something in the 48-49mm range of nut width.

[@attilakovacs5803]

54 mm is the old Ramirez standard fretboard width at zero position. 52 mm is the most accepted width nowadays. Electro-classicals tend to be in the 50-51 mm range. Steel acoustics can be as narrow as 42 mm up to 48 mm. My preferred fretboard width at the nut is 53-53.5 mm. Playability depends on other factors, too, such as the shape of the edge of the fretboard, the distance between the edge of the fretboard and the outermost strings, the profile of the neck, string action, string spacing, etc. If you are in doubt, go for a wider fretboard, because taking away a couple of mm's from its width is much easier than adding to it. People could think that 1-2 millimetres don't make a big difference. That's wrong, in string spacing and action even a tenth of a millimetre difference can be felt and counts as an important factor in playability.

[@TylerThomas]

... I just realized this is going to make me want a new guitar :(

[@shaadydog1]

First we get a guitar. Then we say "no more guitars". Then we get another guitar. And another guitar. Until we have all the guitars! Despicable me reference...

[@CatsPajamas23]

@@shaadydog1 😅 (busted.)

[@Johnhasa1]

😫

[@LostSoulAscension]

Same

[@aqueelkadri8371]

My friends and family love it when I watch one of brandon's videos cuz I start talking like him for a while and they find it very pleasant

[@Jimmy_Kiddo]

Brandon is the Bob Ross of Classical guitar. Just another happy note S2

[@vincenthubschmann6512]

I bought a beautiful classical guitar directly imported from Spain for just over €1200 for my birthday last year. I was well advised and did some research beforehand and had already played the guitar for about a year. I discovered my love for classical guitar through your channel! Buying that guitar was one of the best choices of my life!

[@sankalpwaghmare]

Brandon, I am gonna buy a classical guitar on my birthday ( in march ) And there you go, educating me on how I should buy.. Thank You Senior

[@vanheirecu]

your voice is so soothing

[@amyguitar7535]

when i started playing classical i got a cordoba c5. teachers and peers have all told me it’s the best starter model and i have no complaints. it’s reached a point where the intonation is slightly off, but while it was my primary instrument it never failed me!

[@krissyhall2838]

Just getting into classical guitar and was recommended that guitar!Glad to know it suited you well!I guess I’ll make that purchase haha thanks!🙃

[@micktulk]

This guy knows his stuff. He is, by the way, a masterful guitarist himself.

[@VincentVaIentine]

I'm impressed by the amount of likes and how far the dislikes are, no one dares to dislike such a beautiful and chill video.

[@ramonawilliams7269]

Hi Brandon, I must thank you! I have been wearing myself out watching videos before I choose my first classical. You have answered every question, Your voice, tone and knowledge is amazing. This is very much appreciated! You've ended my frantic search 😇

[@lawrencecoleman6998]

I bought a Cordoba C9 Crossover and it has polyurethane lacquer on the soundboard. Yet it sounds awesome. Lots of beautiful lingering resonance and multiple harmonics. The build of the guitar adds so much to the enjoyment and tone.

[@DPW13]

Thank you so much for all that you have posted and given the world for free. Ive tried many times to "stick with it" and walked away. But the way you deliver material has been a blessing. Speed running all your material back to back lol.

[@hectorvoces5991]

This comes just in the perfect moment, I was thinking about buying a new guitar, because I've been playing a 60$ one for four years and it's time to get a new one finally 😅

[@ww3032]

Same here. I've been using my 60 dollar guitar for more than 10 years. Which guitar will you be upgrading too?

[@hectorvoces5991]

@@ww3032 I don't really know already. I'm 15 so I don't have a lot of budget, a friend recommended me Alhambra guitars because they are good for an affordable price, but I don't know if I want cedar or spruce or other characteristics, I'll just try in the store and see what fits me

[@TeriyakiSawce]

if anyone is wondering what beautiful song is played through out the video... "Erik Satie - Gymnopedie No 1"... but it's mainly played on Piano😋

[@PNWGuitar]

I'm planning on attending a classical program for college and have never really played a classical guitar. So this video will be a big help

[@nephiindustries]

Brandon plays guitar with such authenticity!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

Every time I watched one of your videos, I learn something new, or it corrects what I learned in the past. In other words, it is always a positive, progressive learning experience. Thank you for doing these videos.

[@brandonacker]

That makes me very happy!

[@easternyellowjacket276]

@@brandonacker Sent email to you about Patreon Question.

[@jixal]

I found a old Yamaha classical guitar in a shop, cost $220, the shop owner said this particular model was 30 years ago. Either way, it sounds surprisingly amazing, fantastic action, very warm tone with great resonance. Looks and price can be deceiving for sure! :)

[@jub8891]

A Yamaha from that era was probably made in Japan where quality control is exceptional.. that was a good find and hope you still have it!

[@jixal]

​@@jub8891 Sure do! I play it everyday :).

[@grandcross6148]

this was a very well made video. it was easy to listen to you, it was very informational but at the same time you knew when to make a small joke. i loved it :)

[@mattiafioravanti8475]

5:57 When you realize that Brandon speaks metric system, you oughta love him even more

[@eriksvensson2098]

This is the way.

[@Larrymarx]

Thank you for taking the time to make and post this *Most Important Lesson* on knowing what to look for in a *Classical Guitar* purchase♪ onto part two...

[@PeterPlanker]

I have to mention the brand 'Hanika". It is a German manufacturer which builds rather affordable guitars (I mean, they are still 1000€ onwards). Which was so astounding for me is the fact that since I bought a Hanika, I never had the feeling my instrument is fighting against me. Every single fret sounds loud and clear and the intonation is never off. I owned so many different guitars and was so fascinated when I got to try out my first Hanika. I now use one to study the classical guitar in Austria and have no intention of replacing it in the near future. I also had to share this video with my gf, as she is plaing a spruce top Hanika, while I play a cedar one. The difference in sound, though very subtle, was noticable. It has to be said that this difference only really appeared to the person playing the guitar. When playing a note, one does pursue a certain kind of sound. If you are used to a spruce wood guitar and you use the same technique, the same playstyle on a cedar guitar, the tonal outcome may surprise you. You really motivated me with that video and as always, as soon as I finished watching I opened up my sheet music to start practicing.

[@cymba7075]

You make such a good point about

[@philipg.05]

I remember being 8 years old, walking into a music store full of electric guitars and greek bouzouki, asking for a classical guitar. Being a metalhead ever since I was 6 I went straight for the only black one they had available and it only costed around 60€. I've been playing with that 60€ guitar for the past 10 years. I learned to play lagrima, Maria Luisa, cansion triste, sound of bells, canarios, Asturias and many many more with her. Next year I will be having my guitar certificate exams and I wanna buy an expensive instrument for that reason. It may sound weird but I even played live in a guitar orchestra with that guitar when I was 14. Definitely has earned her money...

[@paul_domici]

I bought a Yamaha CG192S Spruce Top this year and I absolutely Love it!!!

[@perpetualgrimace]

The cedar vs spruce comparison was awesome. Cedar all the way for me!

[@RishiOzha]

the cedar and spruce top sound has definitely caught the mic because we can hear properly the difference and its such a big one too thank you for making this video. i am a intermediate classical player and need a classical guitar so i came to your channel . very informative and easy too understand explanation. you arnt just a virtuoso but a great explainer i guess 🙌🙌. thanks for this video really helped me narrow down my options.

[@usernamemykel]

When I was a child, each time I visited my aunt Min's house, I would request that she play Lieberstraum on her piano, which she always did, to my delight. I've a keyboard, and once in awhile I'll play it, melody only, for I've never been taught (nor put much effort at all into it), left hand techniques. This morning I awakened thinking that I'd try to play Lieberstraum on my acoustic (non classical) guitar (I've no classical guitar), and here YOU are, in your "intro" playing Lieberstraum. Quite the coincidence!

[@mind-wont-ize9702]

Brandon has such a good vibe!! That light there makes the mood really warm and welcoming too. He doesn't rush with the fact. He's inviting and knowledgeable. Love your channel!

[@EOS44]

Yes! I was waiting on some sort of "Classical guitar for the classical-curious metalhead" kind of video sometime.

[@arifb222]

In Indonesia, 200$ is usually out of the price range of beginners. Even 100$ guitars are considered pricey here for a beginner guitar.

[@givemeyoureyes7]

Same thing in the Philippines. Decent beginner guitar is about $30 and the cheapest is around $18, Jr. Size

[@attilakovacs5803]

Great video, Brandon! Concise, clear, up-to-the-point and enjoyable.👍❤️

[@hobiecat901]

Thanks Brandon, I enjoyed your Video and very helpful it is.

[@michaeldraper6642]

As someone who did classical guitar for a decade, a good intermediate sub $800 brand is the Godin Collection (La Patrie doesn't exist anymore). The rosewood back and sides, satin finish, and a wonderful warm tone.

[@captainawesome4622]

I just bought a La patrie guitar, Concert model. I love it. For reliable, comfortable guitars in the 500 dollar range, check out La patrie!

[@michaelp8856]

Thank you very much Brandon. Great advice (excellent). The best. I recently purchased my first classical guitar (a Kremona S65C GG) about 1 year ago after doing extensive research to find a decent first guitar that had a satin type finish, wasn't mass produced and cost 200-400$. Kremona seemed to fit these needs. (Kremona makes some pretty affordable hand made guitars - not mass produced guitars, made in Bulgaria, the Kremona S65C costs around 300$ - solid cedar top. and this particular guitar is made using sustainable wood practices)

[@an6350]

hey if any beginners with a small budget see this: I got a Cordoba C3M for my first guitar. It is $250 and sounds so warm and pretty, and I think it sounds a lot better than other guitars in the price range. Just something I would highly suggest looking into :)

[@Dr_Legat]

Perfect time! I was planing to buy a new guitar!

[@purgatorian1616]

I remember going to Yamaha to get my very first guitar as a birthday present and I ended up getting a unlaminated Yamaha C40 that was full-sized. It was almost 3 years ago, and it's still bigger than my entire torso but it was worth it because it's sounds amazing haha

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Blind test: Spruce vs. Cedar --> That Em sounds like night and day. Lovely, both!

[@nfijef]

Wow! In headphones, the different tops are extreme, thanks Brandon :)

[@viratkakani6321]

This is really so helpful Brandon, you’re really a experienced guitarist!! Lots of love from India 🇮🇳!!!

[@crimsoneastwood1787]

I'm not 100% sure if mine is what you'd consider "pretty good" I got it for around 175$ spruce wood, Classical, It sounded super soft and lovely. I decided to truly make it my own, I added the design of an actual rose and on the frets roman numbers going from 1 to 12 even reaching all the way to 15. I called it "Rosa Romana" (Roman Rose) and I love the instrument I've improved so much of my guitar play on it but I'm not sure if the scale is for me though. Cause I feel it's small but my sister says the opposite and that is the normal size of the guitar

[@TheLish112]

These make me so happy, these videos are so relaxing

[@bany1688]

Brandon looks so marvelous, that the dislike button is scared to increase its numbers. (But that aside, I've learned a lot about selecting a classical guitar. I'm planning on getting one soon as well! Thank you for teaching us, Beardon!)

[@rowegardner9673]

My wallet after finding this video: “This is a personal attack.”

[@musicdude1546]

Couldn't be more true.

[@narcissab2526]

Thank you for your clear-cut explanations😍🙏 it really helped

[@ryan_alexander]

I LITERALLY GASPED IN JOY OMG A NEW BRANDON ACKER VIDEO

[@prox21yt]

wish me luck going to buy my 1st classical guitar , he not only explained in gentle way also motivate me excellent

[@syntaxlost9239]

Also worth pointing out the difference between classical and flamenco guitars (though I know Brandon doesn't cover flamenco music). Flamencos are a little smaller, lighter, have lower action and a tap plate attached to the front.

[@AV-cx7ob]

Just came upon your channel - love it! So relaxing and informative.

[@brandonacker]

arpeggiato.com/masterclass/ If you'd like to hear more guitar tips from me, I'd strongly encourage you to come to my virtual masterclass! Tickets now open to the public and it is appropriate for all levels. Cheers! ~Brandon

[@ThaRealChuckD]

I thought that would be academic for you: Baroque! 😉

[@JulioRodriguez-gc7nk]

Very nice Brandon nice instructions and reviews on how not to be taken by your self or by the salesman in the store. 🙂🎶🎸

[@szabib8048]

"We are specialized in all things that go Pluck." Oooh, I always wanted to play chicken feathers ...

[@maks9589]

@Brandon Acker dude you look even fucking cooler with the beard

[@janitoschcabure1595]

Can you make a giveway of a guitar🤣

[@AEvanderBeek]

Hey Brandon, after 10 years of playing a Maple Blossom banjo, I have returned to my first love: the classic guitar; I find your videos very stimulating and inspiring; keep up the good work

[@joeyfigueroa4748]

I had the luck of having a a father and grandmother who both play guitar and my grandmother gave me one of her classical guitars she bought for around five to six hundred dollars back in the 70’s. I’ve been playing since around sixth grade and I’m now going into college and I can’t wait to buy one for the first time!

[@loa_loveoverall]

Your Recuerdos De La Alhambra video inspired me to learn the song. It's no doubt the most difficult song Ive attempted and I come from a flat picking background but I'm amazed at the progress I've made in just a few days. Thank you!

[@fuffy442]

My first classical guitar was an Alvarez AC65. Turns out that it's only suitable for killing bugs and holding beer. I am now playing on an amazing Alhambra Mengual y Margarit Serie C. It's a fabulous instrument.

[@mikelord9860]

Actually my first classical was an Alvarez also! But we're talkin' 1976 or so and I bought it for @$70. I already had a steel 6- and a 12-, So why not a nylon? But playing that guitar for the first time, cheap as it was, was something I was not gonna get tired of!

[@danielleethier9026]

Hi, I stumbled on a few of your videos lately and today after listening to this one I want to ask you a question about my guitare. I bought my guitare about 45 years ago and I started and stopped playing pretty much all of my life, being a self-taught I would often get discouraged and stop. My guitare was quite espensive in those years and lately I have really started playing, at least 4 hours a day and more. I really enjoy the sound of my guitare which is quite beaten up throughout the years... having been damaged during a robbery and a luthier was paid to repair it by my insurance and then moving to Cuba a very humid environment... I came back home to Canada with the bridge having come off... another trip to the luthier and it was repaired. After playing so much for the past month, I realize how beautiful the sound is but even though you mention in this video that nicks and scratches are not to worry about, my soundboard has quite a bit of "character"... it is not cracked but it has a lot of crackling... just very fine dark lines which are not opened up. There are even some tiny spots where the finish has removed itself. I had always wondered if it was necessary or would be recommended to have the soundboard redone (finish wise). When I had it repaired 5 years ago he told me not to worry about it but I don't think that it was a bad. I guess, now that it's been 45 years of it just waiting by my side I am finally paying attention to it! What do you think is the best way of my answering to its needs? How should we care for it? I hope nobody hangs me for saying this, but once in awhile I would clean it and polish it with some natural bees wax...? Thank you for the quality videos that you share with this community.

[@CorporaMedicina]

2:54 Me: I like that guitar.. Wallet: No you don't...

[@raylynch8419]

Great video with lots of very useful information. Very nicely presented and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing Brandon. 🙂

[@victorfeng437]

thank you i was actually deciding which one get for my kids, very usefull

[@eduardobenassi3072]

Definitely consider buying the best you can afford if you're a beginner. The first years are sooo important, you don't want an unstable, faulty instrument when you're getting into music. This is very different if you're learning electric guitar btw, you can get a somewhat decent sound for much less money.

[@richievitanaquino737]

I like the look and the sound of the cedar classic guitar

[@boddumblues]

Love my cedar top Yamaha G-255S2 guitar. I used to have the spruce top version, but always wanted to hear the cedar version. It took me 35 years to find it, and it was worth the wait!

[@bigseandawg1896]

This is calming

[@parik.c]

The price thing you mentioned is100% correct. I did the same mistake of buying from Amazon for 40$!! Can’t even tune or play and thought I just didn’t have the skills to play. Until I decided to buy a 500$+ guitar. After that I was so shocked to realise my playing sky rocketed in just few months. It’s better to start off with a good instrument even if it’s a few bucks more. Cheaper instrument only causes you more frustration and demotivates you to pick it up. Cheers.

[@judeman333]

You rock Brandon. Love your easy going demeanor and vastness of knowledge.

[@ewhyte8059]

Yes I noticed the lockdown facial growth. It’s more likely evidence of hours toiling on a forthcoming rendition Maybe Haydn Sonata Eb major Hob. XVI 49 no.59? As a returning yearling I fell for a shiny lacquered San Martinez 80 left-hand re-strung for right-hand, solid spruce top and mahogany laminate back and side being lust at first sight and sound.It has a moderately bright yet mellow tone I prefer at night into the wee hours as opposed to my SM350 Satin finish solid cedar top and sapele back and sides with its Deep bass, pronounced midtones and sparkling bright trebles is definitely my go to when I’m feeling a little uninspired. As always really value your content and insight.

[@wazzap500]

For me it was very simple. I went into the store, saw that matte finish guitar and just bought it. It's a LaMancha Ruby SMX. Still like it.

[@FranciscoMorales-qk4ux]

7:47 interesting, I felt the opposite, maybe is the microphone, but to me the spruce one was more dark and fat while other one was bright and crisp, I'm sure it would be another story if I was there hearing it directly. Anyways, those are beautiful guitars, you are very lucky to have them, greetings from Chile!

[@Freekoismus]

absolutely true. the cedar sounded brighter!

[@eray3986]

First seeing cosmic sceptic with beard and then you! My brain can't take that.

[@JohnSmith-te5oo]

Im an investor/collector/player of electric guitars but despite playing for 40 yrs and collecting/investing for about 10 I only just got my first classical 'style' guitar a month ago and my first acoustic steel string two months ago. Its so exciting to have this whole new WORLD of guitar opening up and its also daunting to go from a realm where I consider myself expert (knowledge of certain subsets of electric guitar - for example electrics produced in Japan from late 70's through mid 90's) to where its ALL new and I have SO much to learn. In electrics there is a big debate about 'tonewood' etc and to what extent it matters in tone difference and quality (frankly - not that much... ) to acoustics where it REALLY matters

[@damienwilmans7383]

I've bought a classical guitar, a salvador cortez cc-06, about a year ago. Going to the store with no ideas of brands. In my experience salvador cortez are great guitars

[@DanielAsbun]

Thank you! I wish you can explain us, how to use string too, medium tension hard tension etc! Thanks, you are blessed

[@brandonacker]

Low tension for me.

[@GreyGhost9]

What a great educational video. In the not too distant future I plan on buying a classical guitar.

[@SomethingImpromptu]

Brandon Acker looks like Hamilton Morris & he’s as knowledgeable about guitar as Hamilton is about chemistry. 😁 Great video. As someone who’s played guitar for a decade, but only is now getting into classical, your work is a stellar help to me.

[@LaserGryph]

This made me realize that we've never seen Brandon Acker and Hamilton Morris in the same room.

[@TheModernHermeticist]

🙏 Thanks. I'm in the market. Cedar it is.

[@lolin6375]

On saturday im going to buy a new classical guitar because the guitar I now have isnt so good for my olay style thank you for this "Tutorial"

[@LostSoulAscension]

Super educational, it was pleasant just to listen and learn something. Some of these things I did not know or consider before. Thanks Brandon!

[@conradgittins4476]

Hi Brandon, regarding the function of the back of the instrument, I challenge you to redo the demonstration where you held you hand against the sound board and do this without allowing the back to touch your body. I think you will be surprised. I had heard about the paper mache back and sides but not seen it until I watched this video. The back is more involved in sound production than I thought and merely touching the back against the body damps the sound a significant amount.

[@trulsdirio]

I had about 80€ to spend and obviously went with a used one. I ended up with a Thomann Classica S, with solid spruce top, solid maple sides and back, came with Hannabach 815 strings (tho I have downgraded to the Hannabach 500 with the first restring, I am nowhere near benefiting from better strings lol) and is actually pretty well put together, all frets are smooth, no issues with the finish and it stays in tune really well. Moral of the story, go used if on a tight budget and don't go for the first thing you see, I have taken around a month to find this one and it ws by far the best offer I have seen over that period.

[@DaleDixieMafia]

I bought a guitar for 50$ and spent about maybe $20-30 on "repairs" modifying it to make it more playable. I replaced the saddle for a slimmer one that reduced the action to as low as I could get it without to much buzz and that was really all that was necessary as the rest was more of personal preference. Not saying you should or could do the same with every cheap guitar, but it's just what I did

[@Emily_M81]

Thanks for sharing! I bought a Cordoba C3M as my first classical. The first one was cracked on the back and had razor sharp fret ends. I sent it back, and finally after two weeks received another, also with horrible fret ends. Fortunately I know how to dress fret ends and have the proper tools so I spent a little time fixing things and now it's pretty great. Absolutely playable, comfortable, and sounds good. My goal is if I can learn how to play it well, I'll get a much nicer one. I adore fingerstyle playing; it seems so much more intimate a connection to the instrument to me, and much more dynamic. It was definitely a night and day difference in sound between the two guitars.

[@jjbjvj]

Just went looking for my first classical guitar, and I was between a new Yamaha and a 1980 Cedar Asturias. Man that old guitar took the cake, such a beautiful tone. Old guitars can definitely be a gem if you just check them out like he says.

[@vangodogwalking]

The sides of the guitar is definitely important considering if it’s too wide you won’t be able to fit around it. My first acoustic guitar was way to wide on the sides and I could not get my body over it to play it. I now have one with much thinner sides it’s African mahogany and it’s made by Breedlove! That was the biggest challenge for me, honestly!

[@davidweinstock4977]

i have played for decades and like to add a classical guitar, but when i shop on craigslist for a starter, they don't tell you what kind of wood it is or when it was made. so i don't look too hard. this brandon fellow is pretty good and the 4 guitar comparison was a treat.

[@brianbowersox8392]

I would also say that not all guitars with nylon strings are suitable for "classical guitar." Taylor makes some really nice nylon string guitars that are more like a steel string guitar that just happen to have nylon strings on them.

[@NecropsY1]

do a video on how to choose a 8 string Djent Death Metal Guitar - we need this video