Equipment
It can be confusing buying musical equipment so please read through my guide to find the right instrument, footstool/guitar support, guitar tuners and music stands. I cannot take responsibility for purchases made via the links provided, please do use your own judgement when making an online purchase.
Buying a New Guitar
Most pupils are ready for a full sized guitar when they join RGS in year 7. Getting used to the larger size at this stage is likely to cause the least friction and most grow into the larger body and fingerboard size very quickly. There is a significant benefit to volume and this really helps with better marks at examinations.
There are plenty of different brands, models and price ranges to choose from and I can only recommend what I have had experience of. First here is some general advice about choosing your first classical guitar:
​
-
Make sure it is a nylon strung classical guitar. Ideally a standard shape with no fancy colours or frills, no c cuts. It should be made out of wood.
-
Play a single note on all frets and listen for buzzing or non guitar sounds.
-
Check the width of finger board feels good for your hand.
-
Inspect the instrument for physical damage, dents, scratches etc. Make sure the neck is straight and the tuning pegs work easily and have no screws loose.
-
It should come with a case and no extras. It shouldn't be able to have a strap at all.
-
Players aged 11 and above will require a full sized guitar.
What Guitar and Where to Buy
Jose Ferrer, 4/4 size (£70): Amazon
The cheapest and most basic option is the Jose Ferrer. It's a trusty box that gets the job done (just about). Sound quality is generally poor, volume projection is limited and will limit the development of tone production.
​​
Yamaha C40 full size (£115): Amazon
The next step up is the Yamaha C40, slighlty improved volume and sound quality. The finish on the fingerbaord rubs off with use leaving a poor quality visual.
Admira Guitars:
Admira is a brand that contains a range of models in all prices. They are factory made guitars and are of generally good quality at the low to medium price ranges. Their more expensive guitars are generally not worth the higher price tag however.
Altamira Guitars:
I found out about these from Paul Gregory who runs the guitar shop Maestoso Music in Brighton. As a player himself he has a unique insight into what makes a guitar great and he stocks a very good selection of student guitars made by the famous Altamira.
Allhambra Guitars:
The best you can buy with a price range from £250 - £1000. The student model guitars are all excellent and built to the highest quality. The 5p Cedar is especially good for around £500-£600. The London Guitar Studio stock the entire range which you can try before you buy!
Footstools & Other Supports
A footstool or alternative guitar support must be used in all settings, whether that is in a lesson with me, in a school concert, during an examination, at home when practicing or even when having a zoom lesson.
​
Students who do not use a footstool or altertnative support cannot take music exams or study with me at school.
​
There are several options for guitar supports but the footstool is the best place to start your classical guitar journey. It's easy to use, simple to transport and certainly the cheapest option.
Alternatively you can use a support that fixes to the guitar with suction cups like the folding support made by Gitano.
Or perhaps use a professional level support like the GuitarLift.
Music Stands
A music stand is an essential piece of equipment for practicing comfortably at home. You are not supposed to take this into school but instead leave set-up in your home to be conveniently used when playing and practicing. The cheapest options are folding music stands but you can find more premium products should you wish.
Guitar Tuner
There are plenty of tuners available, I prefer the one below that is very discreet, recharges and clips onto the guitar for ease of use! Free phone apps are also available and work brillianty like the 'GuitaTuna' app.
