guitar price

[mirv]

At what point does the added value of guitars (the offered price) go beyond the tonal esthetics of the instruments and become dependent simply on physical esthetics such as the beauty of the wood, the rossette, tuning machines, etc. The Yamaha line of guitars for example where there seems to be a model for each $500 increment in price. Is there really a difference in tone (for you experienced ears, out there) between a $15,000 model, a $5000 model, and a $1000 model and what are the qualities of these differences? Just curious. I've a beginner shopping for a an affordable instrument and it really boggles my mind some of these guitars sell for, even "student" level guitars.

[Jonny Hotnuts]

I can tell the diffrence between a 500$ and a 15000$.
I have found ranges that classical guitars fit in.
Meaning that from:
250-500
500-1000
1000-2500
2500-5000
5000-10000+

Guitars that fit in these "ranges" are very hard to tell from one from another.
Times you get lucky and find a guitar in a lower range that has all the atrubutes of a guitar in a higer range.
I found this sweet little Cervantes Hauser Concert (paid lower 1000-2500)
and its finish (weakest point but still good) tone, playability, volume, blance and sustain as good or better that many guitars in the 2500-5000 and some in the 5000-10000+

While the diffrences between a 500 and 5000$ guitar may be slight a little better volume, a little better tone, a little better blance...ect. make for a hugely better guitar. And I feel these diffrences are important, some more important than others but as a rule feel that if you are going to buy a classical there are some comprimises you should not make. I recomend something in the 1000-2500 range and find one gently used. Above everything else find one that feels and sounds right to you.

[NGiorgio]

Mirv,

Sometimes the physical aesthetics are just a by-product of the higher grade materials used in high end guitars. Also, some high end instruments may be rather plain in appearance, but may have tone and volume which will knock your socks off.

The materials which are used, along with the quality of workmanship, are what set apart low, mid and high end guitars. These are the things that usually make a higher priced instrument sound, feel and play better. Not always the case though. As Jonny mentioned, some so called "student guitars" can play and sound better than some higher priced instruments.

Bottom line is that an instrument should be comfortable to play, and sound good to your ears. Pretty guitars are nice, but do not let the physical beauty of an instrument influence your decision.

Sometimes a lower priced luthier made guitar can be better than a higher priced factory made instrument.

Are you considering a classical or a flamenco guitar?

[steve v]

Mirv,

As a general rule, the more you pay (up to a point), the better tone you will be able to produce from a classical guitar, as a higher-cost guitar, being more handmade than a lower-cost guitar, with better workmanship and higher quality materials, will tend to have greater projection, better sustain, increased dynamic range, broader tonal variation (in terms of degree of sweetness to the left of the soundhole versus brightness to the right of the soundhole; a cheaper guitar may basically have only one tonality to it, while one a few levels up may have three distinct tonal characteristics, while the concert-grade instruments, which vary widely in price depending on who the luthier is and the materials being used, will have a broad range of available tonal characteristics, with large portions of that range available even with little movement of the right hand towards or away from the bridge), balance and clarity. Having said that, though, the fact that one guitar costs more than another does not guarantee that the more expensive one will sound better. Also, a guitar with an "objectively" worse tone that you are nonetheless comfortable playing, whether because of scale length, neck size, action, what have you, is going to be better suited to you in the long run, is going to be one that you're better able to produce better tone from, than a guitar that has objectively better tone but which you struggle to play, because you're not comfortable playing it.

Even as a beginner, you will benefit from having the best guitar that you can afford, rather than buying a cheaper guitar that you intend to "put up with" for a year or two. You'll learn better from the one that has better tonal characteristics. So, pick a price range that you're comfortable with, and then listen closely to different guitars in that price range.

[Dimitri]

If you plan to spend more than $1500, you should bring an experienced guitarist with you. They'll be in a much better position to discern the best guitar for you.

DON'T TRUST YOURSELF. I know that sounds weird, but that whole "buy whatever sounds best and feels most comfortable to you" thing is not very effective... at least, not for a beginner. As a beginner, your ears and hands are simply not the best indicators of the best instrument for you. After all, how can they be? You're just a beginner.

I'd hate for you to become one of the countless many who bought a guitar, only to find that they outgrew it within a short time. Bring someone whom you trust and has REAL experience (if you have any professional guitarist friends, take advantage of those friendships. Chances are that they'll be quite happy to help you.)

As a beginner, you need to purchase a guitar you can grow into. Not one that will leave you uninspired after just a few months.
Dimitri

[Jonny Hotnuts]

I really like what Dimitri said.
I am not used to suggesting anything to beginner and assume everyone knows what a good cat gut sounds like!

[Jonny Hotnuts]

On second thought screw my last post.
Buy a vintage Torres or a Hauser I.
Something in the 50,000$ is what you need!!!!!!