Classic Guitar • Takamine Hirade H15 • Nylon strings and spruce top.

Strings. The classic guitar's nylon strings produce a round, mellow sound (the preferred sound for classical, Latin and many pop/folk styles). In contrast, steel-strings produce a bright, metallic sound (the staple of Country and Western and Hawaiian music).

String tension. The classic guitar has a string tension of 75-90 pounds whereas the steel-string has a string tension of 150-200 pounds. Thus, the strings of a classic guitar are much easier to fret than a steel-string acoustic.

Fingerboard. The fingerboard of a classic is 50 mm at the nut whereas the steel-string is 40 mm. The wide fingerboard of the classic is designed for intricate finger picking. In contrast, the narrow fingerboard of a steel-string acoustic, 40 mm at the nut, is optimized for playing with a pick.

String length. The longer string length from saddle to nut of the classic (650 mm vs. 644 mm for steel-string acoustics) enhances the bass response and sustain.

Upper fingerboard access. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret on classics and at the 14th fret on most steel-strings. Short necks yield a sweeter timbre but are more difficult to play above the 12th fret.

Body size. The classic body style is smaller and thus easier to hold than most acoustic designs. Guitarists around 6 feet in height will find the dreadnought and jumbo comfortable to hold. Most people 5'4" and under will find the dreadnought and jumbo uncomfortable to hold. Smaller guitarists should consider the classic, NEX or Artist body styles (see below).