Classical Guitar Gear and Reviews

Classical Guitar and Accessories

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 Main Guitar 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.
  • Le Support (My Review) – Le Support is the most secure and comfortable feeling classical guitar support I’ve tried. I also sometimes use my ErgoPlayTröster” for teaching or at home.
  • Augustine, Savarez or Aquila Strings – See more specific information below.

Bradford’s Recording Setup

  • In my videos I use an UA Apollo Twin interface (which I’m replacing) with the below mics.
  • Neumann Km 184 Microphones – My recording mics, stereo set, small condenser mics.
  • Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two for larger recording spaces and sometimes at home.
  • Audio-Technica AT2020 USB mic – For chatting and online lessons. Just plugs into your computer, no setup or installs. It’s actually an amazing mic, even for recording yourself. I highly recommend it, great to have around.
  • Sony a6400 camera for videos with extra Sigma 16mm prime lens. The Sony autofocus is essential to me as I just want to push the button and play or teach without thinking about the camera.

Bradford’s Additional Gear 

Guitar Reviews

Guitar Reviews – Mainly reviews of student guitars at the entry to mid-range level. For a list of luthiers making high end guitars please see my luthier list.

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 most people, I use the Tröster model.
  • Le Support (My Review) – My new personal favourite support. Le Support is the most secure and comfortable feeling classical guitar support I’ve tried.

Other Accessories (Tuners & Metronomes, etc)

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.

  • If I had to recommend a set for most students
  • D’Addario Pro Arte (either normal or hard tension). These are perfectly fine strings, very affordable, and forgiving in warm tone. I’d recommend hard tension for most students but not the extra hard.
  • Augustine Strings – Imperial – Really nice all-around string for traditional repertoire. Warm and forgiving in tone but nicely balanced. A great string for the average student and a bit more clarity than the D’Addario above.
  • Bradford is currently using
  • Augustine Strings – Regal (Great traditional sound) – Really nice all-around string for traditional repertoire. I sometimes replace the 3rd string with a normal tension Savarez Alliance (carbon) if I want more clarity. I also sometimes play the Regal Reds which have hard tension trebles and normal tension basses.
  • Savarez New Cristal Creation – Creation combo with Alliance (carbon) G string. Cantiga basses. Nice, warm and legato but pretty clear for a nylon set due to the carbon third string. I use hard tension but sometimes replace the 3rd string with a normal tension carbon. Overall a great set.
  • Savarez Corum Alliance – I sometimes use these for chamber music or if I need more clarity in a work. They are carbon strings, with increased brightness/projection. Might be too intense, bright, and stiff for some guitars and players. The high E string can be particularly bright. Brings the guitar to life though.

Recording & Gig Gear for Guitar

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.