Acoustic and Classical Guitar Reviews

Steel-string or nylon-string?

Acoustic (steel-string) guitars are bright and loud, ideal for strumming, singer-songwriter music and fingerpicking. Classical (nylon-string) guitars have softer strings that are kinder to beginners' fingers, a warmer tone and a wider neck — the standard choice for classical, flamenco and bossa nova.

What to look for

• Solid vs laminate top. A solid spruce or cedar top vibrates more freely and usually sounds richer, and it improves with age. Laminate tops are tougher and cheaper.
• Body size. Dreadnoughts are loud with strong bass; concert, auditorium and travel sizes are more comfortable for smaller players.
• Action. Low string height makes a cheap guitar feel expensive. A professional set-up is one of the best investments for any beginner instrument.
• Electronics. A built-in pickup is useful if you plan to play live; otherwise, put the money into a better guitar.