And each have their own advantages and disadvantages. under $150) are just that- cheap. This is a large guitar, which explains why it derives its name from the British battleship H.M.S. Guitar Fret Wire - Types and Sizes. This 1 question will help you determine the right size of acoustic guitar for your next purchase. And whether you're in possession of a brand new beginner acoustic guitar, a money-is-no-object dream guitar, or you're looking longingly at a treasured older instrument that needs some love, there really is no feeling like the pleasure of restringing your pride and joy with a set of the best acoustic guitar strings. This guitar uses nylon strings as opposed to the steel strings used on electric and other acoustic guitars and is a smaller size. Consider the following questions: Are you buying a traveler guitar for any of the following reasons: What is the number 1 reason you are considering a travel size guitar? Classical size guitars are based on the design of Spanish luthier, Anthonio Torres, dating back to the mid 1800s. Answer that question for yourself first, and it could steer you away from a specific traveler guitar and toward a different size acoustic guitar body. Additionally, there are acoustic electric models if you desire the flexibility of plugging in. Let's review many popular sizes and styles to see which might be the best for you. First of all let’s take a look at what a neck width actually is and then we’ll take a look at the common widths and the pros and cons of each. Updated: November 2020. The guitar’s body dimensions are a big factor and not all guitars are created equally, so there’s no hard and fast rules because manufacturer build and tonewood selections all add flavour to the recipe - big or small, different shapes all bring varying qualities.. The guitar’s body dimensions are a big factor and not all guitars are created equally, so there’s no hard and fast rules because manufacturer build and tonewood selections all add flavour to the recipe - big or small, different shapes all bring varying qualities.. The lower is wider than the upper. Often known for their soft Nylon string tone, they can also be strung with steel strings and have a unique sound when doing so. The neck of a parlor meets the body at the 12th fret. Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy a mini size acoustic guitar, Some top reviewed quality mini acoustic guitars, Taylor Guitars GS Mini Reduced Scale Grand Symphony Acoustic Guitar, Taylor Guitars Baby Taylor, BT2, Mahogany, Natural, Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy a Parlor size acoustic guitar, Some top reviewed quality Parlor Size acoustic guitars, Blueridge BR-341 Historic Series O-Style Parlor Guitar, Washburn Vintage Series R314KK Acoustic Guitar, Art & Lutherie Ami Cedar Antique Burst Guitar, The Tenor Acoustic Guitar ( NOT A 6 STRINGED GUITAR - ONLY HAS 4 STRINGS), Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy a Tenor size acoustic guitar, Gold Tone TG-10 Tenor Guitar (Four String, Natural) (laminated), Gold Tone TG-18 Tenor Guitar (Four String, Natural) (solid wood), The Auditorium (a mid-sized professional sounding guitar), Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy an Auditorium size acoustic guitar, Fender CA-360SCE Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar, Natural, 00028 Auditorium Acoustic Guitar (Martin Guitar), The Grand Auditorium or Grand Performance Models (big sound, easier to handle than a Dreadnought), Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy the Grand Auditorium (Taylor) or Grand Performance (Martin), Taylor Guitars 114ce, Grand Auditorium, Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Sapele Back/Sides, Cutaway, ES-T, Taylor Guitars 114ce, Grand Auditorium, Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Sapele Back/Sides, Cutaway, ES-T, Left (left handed), Taylor Guitars 314ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar, Taylor Guitars 414ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar, Taylor Guitars 414ce-L Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar, Left Handed, The Orchestra Model ( a mid size - step below "the standard Dreadnought"), Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy an Orchestra size acoustic guitar, Martin 1-Series OM-1 Orchestra Model Acoustic Guitar Natural, Voyage-Air Transit Series VAOM-02 Folding Orchestra Model Acoustic Guitar, Guild® GAD-30 Orchestra-size Acoustic Guitar - Natural, w/hardshell case, The Dreadnought Acoustic Body (the Standard of Standards since the 1930's), Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy the Dreadnought (standard), Taylor Guitars 310ce Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Taylor Guitars 110, Dreadnought, Solid Sitka Spruce, Sapele Back/Sides, Takamine G Series EG340SC Cutaway Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural, Taylor Guitars DN3-LFT Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar, Left Handed, SWDGT Special Edition Sustainable Wood Acoustic Guitar. If you are considering it for just playing around, traveling, or you desire a more "quiet guitar" because of the living situation or neighbor issues, this kind of guitar might be the right choice. Click for larger chart Small vs. Large After picking up and playing literally several thousand acoustic guitars of different sizes, shapes and tonewoods, we can start to make some generalizations about small versus large guitars. Electric Guitars are much smaller than Steel-String Acoustic Guitars and Nylon String Classical Guitars , they can basically be used by most people, but you do need to consider the extra weight. Jumbo guitars measure about 16 11/16 across the lower bout. However, many recent classical guitars have grown in size and I’m not sure the comparison applies as frequently as it might have in the past. Dreadnought. Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy the Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, Some good "fits" - Reasons to buy the Grand Jumbo Acoustic Guitar, About StrumViews.com l Affiliate Disclosure l Privacy Policy l Contact l TOS I Warranties. So, you might be thinking:If I’m not of particularly small or big build, does the size of the acoustic guitar really matter?The answer is yes!As you’ve had the chance to see in our quick overview table, differently sized guitars offer certain traits that come in handy when playing certain styles or genres of music.But how exactly do different sizes and shapes behave, and what’s the difference? Acoustic Guitars are bigger but hollow, whereas Electric guitars are smaller but made of solid wood so can be a little heavier. An un-adjusted guitar will not be easy to play, even if it is the right size. Guitars should be comfortable to play, even when you’re a beginner. The guitar pick’s shape will affect how easy it is to hold and how precise you’ll be able to be with your picking. Printable Guitar Major Scale Chart. Whether you're getting ready to hit the stage or the studio, our handcrafted guitars can be outfitted with an LR Baggs pickup to give you the volume and versatility you’re looking for. Choosing the right acoustic guitar to fit your needs can be tricky! Ibanez offers electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, effect and pedals, amps, plus guitar accessories like tuners, straps and picks. In the first part of this 2-part series, we talked about smaller models of acoustic guitars, including traveler, minis, parlors and the 4-string cousin, the tenor guitar. Your options are extra light, custom light, light, medium, and heavy. Acoustic guitar body sizes and styles differ between manufacturers. The 00 size has often been compared to a standard classical guitar sized guitar. Last, but definitely not least, is the Classical guitar. It was first introduced by the Gibson Guitar company and was inspired by Ray Corrigan, the guitar-playing, singing cowboy film star. The guitar on the left is a Loar LO-16 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, L-00 Body. Acoustic guitar string gauge chart. If your child is for exampe 5 years old and measures around 4,3″, then a half size guitar … Meanwhile, some guitar manufacturers offer even 1/8 size guitars or 7/8 size guitars. What will happen if you buy the wrong size or one that is just a bit off-size for your needs? Each body’s unique dimensions help define its fundamental voice to give it a distinctive tonal personality. Guitar Pick Shape. Although O-size guitars were seen as large when they had their first outing in the mid-19th century, by today’s standards, they are more or less middling-sized. Next we will move into the mid-size and larger models of acoustic guitar bodies. The chart gives an overview over some often used chords in the most common played keys. Jumbo guitars are associated with the country and rock-a-billy genres. When it comes to acoustic guitars, one size certainly does not fit all! The guitar chart is printable with adjusted width to fit on an A4 paper for printers with 72 or higher dpi. Many end up staying with these, and for good reason. First, it is best to determine "why" you are seriously considering a travel guitar before getting into the research. The C.F. It is important to note that guitar size is only one part of making it easy for your child to play. The chart below compares guitar neck widths at the nut for various types of acoustic guitars. Keep this question firmly in the forefront of your mind while doing your research, as it will help keep you on the right track, without getting distracted with all of the promotional ideas and reviews that you read. When it comes to acoustic guitars, one size certainly does not fit all! It measures 15 inches across the lower bout, but also has a broader waist than most other acoustic guitar bodies. This 1 question will help you determine the right size, You are not concerned about recording quality, You want to hack around and play while on vacation, You are not concerned with strong sound projection, You want a small guitar to travel with that more resembles an acoustic model, You are not concerned too concerned with recording quality, You do not need a "bassy" sounding guitar, You want to buy a scaled down version for a kid or small framed beginner, You are concerned with recording and performing quality with a small sound, You want a travel guitar but still want quality playability and sound, You do not need a "bassy" sounding guitar - you might play in small groups, You want a more standard fret scale but want a smaller body for a smaller person, You prefer more treble projection for your style, group or recording, You are part of a guitar group or ensemble and they need a tenor, You want a different addition, a 4 stringed guitar and challenge or changeup, You want to learn alternate chordings with only 4 strings, You like to write, record or perform and want quality an balance, You need something with more projection than smaller sizes, You need a size and feel smaller and less deep than a Dreadnought or larger, You want more projection than a tenor, parlor, traveler or mini, You need more mid range and a little more bass than a tenor guitar, You want a more standard fret scale but want a smaller body for a smaller person, yet the tenor seems a bit too small, You want a mid-sized guitar with a more standard look and feel, You prefer the porjection close to a dreadnought but want less bass dominance and more distinction between mid, low, and treble notes, You like to write, record or perform and want quality and balance, You prefer more bell tone qualities and more clarity for finger-picking style than the bassy blend of a Dreadnought or Jumbo, You need a size and feel smaller and less deep than a Dreadnought or Jumbo, You prefer big, clear sound and an "easier to hold" acoustic with a smaller waist, You need something with more projection and wider range than smaller sizes, You want more projection than an auditorium, tenor, parlor, and smaller, You need more mid range and a little more bass than an Auditorium size, You want a mid-sized guitar with a more standard look and feel and less "curvy" than some of the others with deeper waists and rounded bouts, You would prefer the most standard and popular acoustic guitar size, You need something with more projection, bass and wider range than smaller sizes, You need a size and feel smaller and less deep than a Jumbo, You want more projection than an Orchestra, auditorium, tenor, parlor, and smaller, You want the most balanced guitar in all 3 ranges, bass, mid, treble, You want to learn on the most universally available guitar in the world, You want to be able to easily transition to smaller guitars or to the Jumbo if you travel or play in different groups or settings, You want the most choice preferences for price range and manufacturer, You want a booming, bassy acoustic guitar (without playing bass), You prefer a booming sound, large sized guitar with a distinction between the bass and treble notes, You are a big fella lookin for a lotta guitar, You are part of a guitar group and need to balance or backup the group with a strong bassy projection, You want to play some fingerpicking booming songs but don't want the bell-like mid qualities of the Grand Auditorium or Grand Performance Model, You want more bass distinction than a Dreadnought in your playing, You prefer a booming sound, large sized guitar with a distinction between the bass and treble notes and even more bass and projection than the Jumbo, You are "big folk" lookin for a lotta guitar -even more than a Jumbo.