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 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 

• Douglass Scott Guitar – My main instrument, Canadian luthier, short scale (632mm) with a smaller body. Scott guitars are professional level instruments and absolutely beautiful. 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.
• Cordoba C10 (Spruce) – for teaching and messing around, great for students/hobbyists.
• I’ve been using my ancient ErgoPlay Tappert support more, but mainly a GuitarLift for performance and a Gitano for on the run.
• 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.
• Savarez New Cristal Strings – Creation combo with Alliance (carbon) G.
• 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.
• Audio-Technica AT4040 mics – I own two and record as a stereo pair.
• 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.
• 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 Guitar Supports, Rests, etc. Picking a support is difficult but I’ll try to guide people through it.
• ErgoPlay Guitar Support – I’ve been using my old Tappert model at home more often. If you’ve never used a guitar support this is a good one to start.
• GuitarLift – I perform with this and trust it completely. Love it but not for everyone.
• Gitano Guitar Support – I love how small it is for on the run rehearsals.
• Footstools – Lots to choose from, essential to have.

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. 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. 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.
• Hiscox Liteflite Case – I use this for travelling.
• Gator Lightweight EPS Foam Case – For at home and around town, gloriously light.
• 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.

• Savarez New Cristal Creation – I use these. Creation combo with Alliance (carbon) G string. Cantiga basses. High quality.
• D’Addario Half Set – Hybrid Carbon G – Cleaner than all nylon set.
• 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 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.