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Classical Guitars vs Flamenco Guitars |
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Written by nukelele
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 There are a number of differences between a flamenco guitar and a classical guitar. Should you buy a flamenco guitar or a classical guitar?
Before you let go of your precious cash for a lifelong companion in the form of an expensive guitar, let's look at the differences.
Wood:
Good classical guitars are usually constructed with rosewood back and sides, with either spruce or cedar tops. Flamenco guitars have back and sides of cypress and the top is usually made from spruce only. Because cypress is much lighter than rosewood, and because their tops are thinner, flamenco guitars are lighter than classicals.
Over the years, the back and sides of some flamenco guitars have been constructed using rosewood back and sides, perhaps as a result of requests from flamenco concert guitarists who wanted better projection. A flamenco guitar that uses cypress for the back and sides is called a "blanca" while one built using rosewood is a "negra".
Size:
Usually classical guitars have bigger bodies than the flamenco guitars. Flamenco guitars have a shallower body. The smaller size of the body does make it easier for flamenco guitarists who prefer to hold the guitar under the arm, while standing up.
Action:
Action means the elevation of the strings from the guitar. Flamenco guitars generally have a much lower action to facilitate faster left hand changes. Because of the amount of strumming, tap plates are affixed to the guitar tops for protection.
On a classical guitar, string action is higher to minimise string buzz. Bear in mind that in classical guitar playing, the clarity of notes is very important. The higher the action, the less string buzz generally.
Sound:
There is big difference in the sound between a classical and a flamenco due to the construction. The lighter and softer back and sides of a flamenco guitar together with the thin top makes the flamenco guitar sound raspier with a percussive punch. Bear in mind that flamenco guitarists do a lot of strumming (rasgueados, etc.) and the guitar is traditionally used to accompany flamenco dancers.
As mentioned before, clarity of individual notes is very important in playing the classical guitar. Because the back and sides of a classical guitar is so much stronger than the top, the top acts much more directionally forward and generates better projection and clarity. Sustain of notes is also better on a classical guitar due to the more sturdier construction, including the thicker soundboard.
Selection:
If you want to play classical music like those of Bach, Villa-Lobos, Giuliani, etc, choose a classical guitar. For flamenco playing where there's a lot of percussive strumming, get a flamenco guitar. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 14 July 2006 )
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