Quote:
Originally Posted by VastHorizon
I would suggest going the used route. There are deals to be had on used guitars.
For a beginner in classical, I would suggest looking into the Yamaha brand - best bang for the buck.
|
As someone who does play classical, I have to agree with this. Yamaha is quite a good beginner brand (some of their really expensive, concert standards aren't too shabby either but that's a different matter altogether).
As I mentioned earlier, my friend actually helped me buy a solid-top classical from a place in Toronto. Now, I've never heard of Beaver Creek before - but I must say for $100, the tone is lovely. I should emphasise, however, that it isn't embellished, no lamination (a good thing in my book), and remarkably bare (though personally I think that lends the guitar a certain austere beauty).
There are a number of places to check out. Try searching for guitar/music shops near your vicinity on Google Maps, that's a start. I believe Long and McQuade is relatively nearby to the university (though I have no opinion to give you of the place since I have never been there).
Back in Toronto, I suppose you can check out a shop that is directly opposite the
side of the Royal Ontario Museum (if that is what ROM indeed stands for, although I simply hazarded a guess). The name eludes me. And though this isn't exactly a lackadaisical effort, I can't be bothered to check.
There is also 12fret which is guitar
heaven, though I do not know if they stock low-end guitars (but there is a possibility since they stock
nothing but guitars). I think it's located somewhere near Yonge and Finch but I could be wrong. But definitely, do not rule out the used route - check for deals on Kijiji (I remember coming across some really good offers, but some of the stuff seemed suspicious, so yes).
I could have forgotten something, and in places I might be wrong. But here's hoping this
helps.
[If you're wondering what the difference between a solid-top and laminated guitar is - then know this,
1] there is a very real affect on the tone - solid tops sound a lot fuller and more resonant,
2] in general, if I'm not mistaken, I do not think laminated wood matures, and so the tone remains the same as opposed to wood that does mature and ends up sounding even more amazing after a few years.]
