Gibson Acoustic

Gibson Acoustic
Difference between Gibson acoustic/electric and classical guitars?

How different is the Gibson L-130 acoustic/electric from classical guitars in general? I’m really trying to figure out what makes classical guitars different from regular acoustic guitars. All I know is that for classical guitars, players normally use nylon strings…

The Gibson L-130 is a small body steel string acoustic guitar. As such, it has a solid head, pin bridge, radiused fretboard, and a nut that’s either 1 11/16″ or 1 3/4″. It has a pickguard since it’s frequently played with a pick. It produces a sound that’s characteristic of a steel string acoustic. It’s used for pop, rock, folk, and similar styles.

Classical guitars use nylon strings and have slot heads, tie bridges, flat fretboards, and a wide nut (over 2″). There’s no pickguard since it’s alwaysplayed fingerstyle. It produces a softer sound that results from the nylon strings. It’s used almost exclusively for classical music.

Here’s the bottom line: don’t buy a classical guitar unless you’re interested in classical music. Don’t buy a classical guitar because someone told you that it’s easier on your fingers; after a month or so with light gauge steel strings your fingers will stop hurting anyway. Plus, the additional width of the fretboard makes it more difficult to play, especially for a beginner.

I own and play a classical guitar and several steel string guitars so I have no bias against classical guitars.

[affmage source=”cj” results=”10″]Gibson+Acoustic[/affmage]