Nylon strings, more...

[tubedude]

Hmmm, all this talk about nylon string classical guitars. I've been wanting one for awhile, and have been thinking about taking classes at U of L since my work pays for whatever I take.
The question here is... who makes a really decent classical guitar that is in a decent "under $600" price range?

 

[Aaron Cheney]

Nobody.
Classical guitars seem to be either cheap crap, or $1000 and up. If you look used, you can find some good deals for closer to your budget, but looking for a good classical used is much harder than looking for, say, a Fender Strat used. There just aren't as many out there.
If you want an actual full size classical, I think Takamine makes a couple under $1000. I prefer smaller bodied guitars with slimmer necks, like the Yamaha APX's. I think some of the cheaper unfinished APX's might be around $600. If you watch, they come up used from time to time. If you want something really pop, try the Godin Multiacs. They are pretty neat.
Good luck,
Aaron
http://www.aaroncheney.com

 

[Wide Awake]

The best thing to do is go play everything in all price ranges and make up your mind. Some of the under $500 ones are really nice and some are lifeless junk. The same with the more expensive models too. Some of the stores don't make much effort to set the guitars up well and that's a drag. Take a portable tuner with you so you can make sure the instrument is in tune. Check the harmonics at the 7th and 12th fret and see how lively they are. Spruce tops and cedar tops sound different......spruce is a little brighter and cedar is darker and maybe just a little bit warmer.

I think the Japanese ones like Takamine and Yamaha sounded the best for under a grand. Some of the Cordoba or Esteve were good but not until you got up into the "well over $1000 range".

Sometimes it's good to spend lots of money on guitars and sometimes it isn't. I never thought I'd buy a cheap guitar until I played a $500 Hamer Echotone. It kind of changed my mind about the bargains to be had at the lower end of the market. On the other hand, I bought a really nice Taylor and I don't think I will ever want to sell it or look for something better.

It's really like buying any kind of guitar. The size of the neck, the action, the sound, the looks, the vibe. You're looking for the axe that you have chemistry with. Happy hunting dude.

 

[toyL]

I have a 64' Gibson Co-Classical, and I'd be willing to take 2 thou for it...