I’m looking for a classical guitar that is loud. Any recommendations? I know I can just use a mic to amplify the sound of any classical guitar but I think it would be nice to have one that already has pretty good volume, ya know?
Tagged with: classical guitar • mic
Filed under: acoustic guitar • classical guitar
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Volume of classical guitars varies immensely. I have two Asturias guitars as well as several others, and the Asturias are noticeably louder than most other guitars I have tried.
Be careful in choosing a guitar for its apparent volume, because I used to own a Yairi guitar that felt like it was really responding, but actually the energy was going into the structure and not projecting the sound into the room.
Be aware too that a spruce fronted guitar will take a long time to develop its tone and volume, more than a cedar front, so that the sound you hear in the shop won’t be a patch on the sound in 6 months time.
For the ultimate in volume, look for a lattice top guitar (the Smallman is the Rolls Royce of this type of construction, but there are many cheaper copies now). The lattice top consists of two really thin veneers, enclosing a honeycomb structure that gives the top amazing power, although some would regard it as being at the expense of tone – they can be rather harsh and unsatisfying to play.
And the last important point is that different right hand plucking strokes can generate different amounts of volume – search Google for the Philip Hii push-stroke, and you’ll see articles explaining that by pressing the string into the soundhole, its initial trajectory is away from the guitar, which is exactly the right direction to best couple the energy to the bridge and the front.
When trying a guitar in a shop, always take your own as well, and try several models. Don’t rush – an extra hour spent choosing will be repaid every day you play it!
A lot goes into the volume and projection of a classical guitar, the most important aspect of which is the wood.
A fine quality hardwood (such as rosewood) for the back and sides is essential. Denser wood reflect more sound waves back towards the audience through the top which colors the sound accordingly. Spruce tops have a very bright trebly sound, cedar tops are more mellow.
The other most important aspect is the bracing, which not only affects how strong the guitar is but how sound bounces around inside it.
So, in general, a well made instrument will project better. You didn’t give any sort of budget to base recommendations on, so I won’t make any right (as they would probably be quite expensive guitars)
If you can get to Philadelphia somehow, I recommend going to Bob Page’s Classical Guitar Store. You will learn a lot and are guaranteed to find the perfect instrument. Otherwise, just try out a bunch in your price range until you find one that suits you.
There are not going to be wide variations in loudness from one brand to another. There will be small differences from model to model so your best bet is to try a bunch of them to find a slightly louder one. Good luck.