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. 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 new main instrument, short scale (632mm) with a smaller body. Professional level instruments of absolute beauty. Starting at $6,600CAD give or take.
- 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).
- D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner – My favorite tuner. See my video review here.
- D’Addario Half Set – Hybrid Carbon G – I use these (high tension trebles, with normal basses).
- Seiko Quartz Metronome – My favorite metronome, so simple, nice sounding ‘tock’.
- Zoom H6 Recorder – In the field, I mainly use a UA Apollo Twin at home.
- Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two and record as a stereo pair
Guitar Reviews & Guitars For Sale
See my full page: Guitars for Sale and Reviews.
Guitar Supports & Footstools
Full review page with comparison vids: Ergonomic Guitar Rests, Supports, Cushions. Below are top 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 favorite tuner. See my video review here.
- Planet Waves Classical Guitar Capo – My Favorite guitar capo. Simple and sleek design.
- Kremona KNA NG-1 Piezo Pickup – Amplify without messing up your guitar. Full review here.
- D’Addario Guitar Humidifier – Simple but could come loose.
- Seiko Quartz Metronome – My favorite metronome, so simple, nice sounding ‘tock’.
- Kling-On Static Guitar Protectors – Protects your guitar or make suction cups stick better.
- Revlon Shape and Buff Nail File – I use this.
- Healthy Hoof Nail Care – Condition and strengthen your nails.
- Oasis Arm Sleeve – much more classy than my old arm sock
Classical Guitar String Reviews
See my full review of multiple strings and brands here. Below are some common picks.
- D’Addario Half Set – Hybrid Carbon G– I use these with normal basses, legato, cleaner than all nylon.
- 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 with Alliance (carbon) G. I prefer the Cantiga basses. High quality.
- D’Addario Pro Arte – A quality nylon string, very affordable, solid choice, a standard for comparison.
- 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 iQ7 – Own an iPhone? Skip the expensive gear and buy these small condenser mics that plug right in.
- 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. So portable, so good.
- UA Apollo Twin – Interface
- 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.
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. 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. Read My Full Review Here.