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 also open to sponsorship from companies, as long as I like your product I’d be happy to add your logo and credit you in my videos and posts. 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 (Highly Recommended)
- Douglass Scott Guitar – My new main instrument, short scale (632mm) with a smaller body. Professional level instruments of absolute beauty. Starting around $6,900CAD plus extra for options (I have the raised-fingerboard, armrest, sound portal).
- Cordoba C10 (Spruce) – for teaching, some videos, and messing around, great for students/hobbyists
- Common Footstool but also Gitano Guitar Support – Actual Gitano brand (careful of knock-offs).
- Shelf Liner – The black cloth/foam seen in my videos on my leg to keep the guitar from slipping.
- D’Addario Micro Clip Tuner – My favourite tuner, it’s great. See my review here.
- D’Addario Half Set – Hybrid Carbon G – I use these (high tension trebles, with normal basses).
- Seiko Quartz Metronome – My favourite metronome, so simple, nice sounding ‘tock’. A must-have.
- Zoom H6 Recorder – For on location, at home I use a UA Apollo Twin with the below mics.
- Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two and record as a stereo pair.
- Music Stand Shelf – This is actually essential, 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.
- Audio-Technica AT2020 USB mic – For chatting and skype lessons. Just plugs into your computer, no setup or installs. Simple.
- 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 review with comparisons: Ergonomic Guitar Rests, Supports, Cushions. Below are some popular picks.
- ErgoPlay Guitar Support – Used by millions. The Troster model is popular but I prefer the Tappert.
- Gitano Guitar Support – I use the actual Gitano brand(careful of knock-offs).
- Sagework Guitar Support – Uses magnets, pretty awesome design.
- Footstools – Lots to choose from, essential if you don’t use another support.
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.
- D’Addario Guitar Humidifier – 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. Seems fine on my French polish so far. You get sooo much for soo cheap.
- 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. They sometimes ware down quick so it’s a bit wasteful. Even better, micro mesh papers for your nails seems 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 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
- 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. Below are some common picks. 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.
- D’Addario Half Set – Hybrid Carbon G– I use these with normal basses, legato, cleaner than all nylon.
- D’Addario Normal Basses – To pair with the above.
- D’Addario Pro Arte – A quality nylon string, very affordable, solid choice, a standard for comparison.
- Aquila Zaffiro – I use these, better projection/intonation, sounds/feels between nylon and carbon.
- D’Addario Carbons – I use these for ensemble playing, bright, stiff, better intonation/projection.
- Savarez New Cristal – All nylon or Creation combo with Alliance (carbon) G. I prefer the Cantiga basses. High quality.
- Savarez Corum Alliance – Carbon, increased brightness/projection. Might be too intense and bright for some. Brings the guitar to life. Vibrant.
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
- Journey Instruments – Collapsable Travel Classical Guitar – full size scale length guitar but the neck comes off.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Techniques of Guitar Playing by Seth F. Josel & Ming Tsao – A fantastic book on modern and historical guitar techniques geared toward composers.