Classical Guitar Gear and Reviews

Classical Guitar Reviews, Gear, & Accessories. This page links to full reviews I’ve made for the site or to Amazon or other places you can purchase gear. None of this is paid placement, I just review stuff as I try it out. I’m always curious: If your products aren’t listed here I’m always interested in trying out new ones. I’m open to sponsorship from companies but only if I actually like your product. If you want something reviewed you can contact me to discuss the details. Contact me: bradford@thisisclassicalguitar.com

See Reviews & New Release Category – all my reviews for album recordings, books, sheet music, and more. Below is just a list of gear.

Bradford’s Current Gear 

• Douglass Scott Guitar – My main instrument, Canadian luthier, short scale (632mm) with a smaller body. I have the raised-fingerboard, armrest, and sound portal.
• Hiscox Liteflite Case – I use this for travelling.
• Gator Lightweight EPS Foam Case – For running around town, super lightweight.
• Saers A50 (Cedar) – For teaching and playing, great guitar for students and hobbyists.
• Cordoba C10 (Spruce) – For teaching and playing, great guitar for students and hobbyists.
• ErgoPlay “Tröster” Guitar Support at home and sometimes GuitarLift for performance.
• Shelf Liner – The black cloth/foam on my leg to keep the guitar from slipping.
• D’Addario Micro Clip Tuner – My favourite tuner, it’s great.
• Planet Waves Classical Guitar Capo – Simple and sleek design.
• Seiko Quartz Metronome – My favourite metronome, so simple, nice sounding ‘tock’.
• Zoom H6 Recorder for on location, at home I use a UA Apollo Twin with the below mics.
• Music Stand Shelf – Holds pencils, my metronome, nail files, and other stuff.
• Roland AC 33 Acoustic Amp – I use this for amplified gigs. See my full review here.
• Neumann Km 184 Microphones – My recording mics, stereo set, small condenser mics.
• Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two for larger recording spaces.
• Audio-Technica AT2020 USB mic – For chatting and online lessons. Just plugs into your computer, no setup or installs.
• Sony a6400 camera for videos with extra Sigma 16mm prime lens

Guitar Reviews & Guitars For Sale

See my full page: Guitars for Sale and Reviews.

Guitar Supports & Footstools

• See my full article of various Reviews and Recommended Guitar Supports. From suction cups, to clamps, to magnets there is a guitar support for everyone. At home I use the ErgoPlay Troster. Below are some quick amazon links.
• ErgoPlay Guitar Support – Recommended for students, I use the Tröster model.
• GuitarLift – Recommended for pros, not for everyone but nice and secure.

Accessories (Tuners & Metronomes, etc)

• D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner – My favourite tuner. See my video review here.
• Planet Waves Classical Guitar Capo – My Favourite guitar capo. Simple and sleek design.
• You need a basic collapsible music stand, or a more sturdy one, go classy with a wooden stand if your want. Don’t bend the neck looking over a desk.
• Humidipak 2-Way Humidity Control – I use these. Also check out other D’Addario Guitar Humidifiers – Simple but could come loose.
• Seiko Quartz Metronome – My favourite metronome, so simple, nice sounding ‘tock’.
• Kling-On Protectors – Protects your guitar or makes suction cups stick better. I’ve been using a non-guitar one called Grafix ClingViynl which is WAY cheaper. I’ve used it on French polish and polyurethane finishes but I’ve been told not to use on lacquer finishes so use at your own risk, ask your luthier or guitar maker.
• Any multi-sided file with a buffer will help shape and finish nails. I start with a glass / crystal file to shape and then smooth and buff with a multi-sided buffer. I also did a review of a specific glass file the SoundFile but I just use a generic crystal file. You can also check out micro mesh papers which seem to last longer and you can be more specific about the grit level. I like the 12,000 for buffing. Plus you can really get under the nail since it is so pliable.
• Healthy Hands Cream – A general moisturizer that helps with nails as well.
• Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment – this is great for two reasons. One, it keeps the nails moisturized which will stop the nail from cracking or breaking. Two, the protein help the nail grow thick and strong.
• Oasis Arm Sleeve – much more classy than my old arm sock.
• Hiscox Liteflite Case – I use this for travelling.
• Gator Lightweight EPS Foam Case – For at home and around town, gloriously light but a bit cheap.
• Music Stand Shelf – This is actually essential, holds pencils, my metronome, nail files, and other stuff.
• Roland AC 33 Acoustic Amp (review) – I use this for amplified gigs.
• Kremona KNA NG-1 Piezo Pickup (review) – Behind the saddle piezo pickup.
• Schaller ‘Oyster’ (Review) – Surface / contact mount piezo transducer pickup. 
• The Cling On (Review) Contact Mic with Volume control and magnetic install.
• Soundbrenner Pulse – Smart Vibrating Metronome. You don’t need one but it’s interesting.

Classical Guitar String Reviews

See my full review of multiple strings and brands here. Beginners: I’d recommend you use a basic and affordable string set such as D’Addario Pro Arte (either normal or hard tension). Don’t get bogged down with string choices, just get a standard string and focus on playing and practicing. That said, below are my personal preferences for my particular guitar, personal sound, and technique.

• Bradford is currently using
• Aqulia Cristallo – A very pleasant full bodied nylon string. I’ve recently been using use these for all my practice and my online video recording.
• Aquila Zaffiro – A balanced string with a bit more clarity. Good projection and intonation, somewhere between nylon and carbon. Neither sweet or dull. Balanced and brings out a bit of woody character of the guitar. I’ve been using these for performances where I need a little more projection and clarity than the Cristallos.
• Savarez New Cristal Creation – I sometimes use these for recording or live settings. Creation combo with Alliance (carbon) G string. Cantiga basses. Nice warm and legato but pretty clear for a nylon set.
• D’Addario Carbons or Savarez Corum Alliance – I sometimes use these for chamber music. They are carbon strings, with increased brightness/projection. Might be too intense, bright, and stiff for some guitars and players. Brings the guitar to life though.

Recording & Gig Gear for Guitar

• Zoom H1 – Audio Recorder – Affordable, basic, small, two mics, good for practice.
• Zoom H2 Recorder – Slight upgrade from the H1.
• Zoom H6 Recorder – Awesome, record out of the box or use up to 4 pro mics with xlr and phantom power.
• UA Apollo Twin – Interface, I use it but there are cheaper options
• Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two and record in as a stereo pair
• Kremona KNA NG-1 Piezo Pickup – Amplify without messing up your guitar. Full review here.
• Roland AC 33 Acoustic Amp – I use this for amplified gigs. See my full review here.

Fun Extras

• Yamaha Guitalele – 6 strings but Uke size. I love this little guy, use it ALL the time for vacations and beach fun

Classical Guitar Books

See my full list of books on the Book Review Page. These are not sheet music or method, see the Sheet Music Page. Below are my top picks.

Ricardo Iznaola on Practicing – How to practice well. Good habits and philosophy.

Playing with Ease: A Healthy Approach to Guitar Technique by David Leisner – I haven’t read this yet but I’ve heard great things and Leisner is good.

On Competitions: Performance Stress by Azabagic – stage-fright advice from a master.

The Great Vogue for the Guitar in Western Europe: 1800-1840 by Christopher Page, Paul Sparks, and James Westbrook

Guitar and Its Music (Oxford) by Tyler/Sparks – Expensive, slightly academic, but excellent.

The Guitar in History and Performance – History and Performance Practice from 1400 to Today

The Contemporary Guitar by John Schneider – in-depth, knowledgeable, plus survey. Read My Full Review Here.

A Tutor for the Renaissance Lute (Poulton) – Fantastic! Learn how to read Renaissance lute tablature and the techniques and performance practices that go along with it. This is actually for lute but intermediate students can tune down the 3rd string of the guitar to F# and go for it.

Continuo Playing on the Lute, Archlute and Theorbo: A Comprehensive Guide for Performers by Nigel North. Contains excellent info on continuo playing and realization but also a wealth of performance practice.

The Techniques of Guitar Playing by Seth F. Josel & Ming Tsao – A fantastic book on modern and historical guitar techniques geared toward composers.