The world of guitars is rich with history, variety, and artistry. Among the many types of guitars, the concert guitar holds a distinct and prestigious place. Revered by classical performers and enthusiasts alike, the concert guitar represents both tradition and performance excellence. It is designed with precision, crafted for nuanced sound, and built for concert-level performance.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the concert guitar: from its definition and history to its construction, playing characteristics, and how it differs from other types of guitars. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned player looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will offer in-depth insight into the artistry and technical mastery behind the concert guitar.
What is the Concert Guitar?
At its core, a concert guitar is a high-end classical guitar specifically crafted for professional performances. It adheres to the traditional nylon-string classical guitar format but distinguishes itself through superior craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, and acoustic qualities tailored for performance in concert halls.
While the term “concert guitar” can sometimes be used loosely, it generally refers to instruments that meet the following criteria:
- Made with top-quality materials
- Handcrafted by skilled luthiers
- Offers balanced tone, rich projection, and expressive dynamics
- Optimized for professional and semi-professional concert use
This kind of guitar is not mass-produced but typically built in small workshops or by individual luthiers. The intention behind every concert guitar is to provide a refined, expressive tool that responds dynamically to the performer’s technique.
The Origins of the Concert Guitar
To understand the concert guitar, it’s important to look at the roots of the classical guitar itself. The modern classical guitar, on which the concert guitar is based, evolved during the late 18th and 19th centuries in Spain. One of the most influential figures in the development of this instrument was Antonio de Torres Jurado (1817–1892), often considered the father of the modern classical guitar.
Torres standardized the body size and bracing patterns, leading to better resonance and projection. His designs laid the foundation for what we now know as the classical guitar. Over time, luthiers further refined these designs, and professional musicians demanded instruments with even greater tonal richness, dynamic response, and stability—thus, the concert guitar emerged.
By the 20th century, performers like Andrés Segovia and Julian Bream pushed the classical guitar into the limelight, requiring instruments that could project clearly in concert halls. This demand gave rise to a new generation of concert guitars that were more refined, expressive, and acoustically powerful than standard student models.
Key Features of a Concert Guitar
1. Premium Tonewoods
One of the defining elements of a concert guitar is the selection of tonewoods. Builders use the finest, seasoned woods available to ensure optimal tonal performance and long-term stability.
Top (Soundboard): Usually crafted from high-grade spruce (e.g., European spruce, Engelmann spruce) or cedar (e.g., Western red cedar). Spruce offers clarity and brightness, while cedar provides warmth and responsiveness.
Back and Sides: Typically made from rosewood (e.g., Indian or Brazilian), maple, or mahogany. Rosewood is favored for its deep, resonant basses and sparkling trebles.
Neck: Often made of mahogany or Spanish cedar, chosen for its strength and lightness.
Fingerboard: Ebony is the most common choice due to its durability and smooth feel.
Each wood contributes to the overall sound and feel of the guitar. In a concert guitar, the woods are carefully matched and aged to enhance tonal complexity and stability.
2. Superior Craftsmanship
Concert guitars are mostly handcrafted by expert luthiers (guitar makers) with years or decades of experience. Each instrument is made with meticulous attention to detail—from the bracing and internal architecture to the neck angle and fretwork. This results in guitars that have consistent intonation, excellent projection, and superior playability.
The handcrafting process allows for slight modifications to suit the player’s preferences, such as neck profile, action height, or even tonal voicing.
3. Advanced Bracing Patterns
Bracing refers to the system of wooden struts attached to the underside of the top. It affects how the guitar vibrates and produces sound. Common types include:
Fan Bracing: A traditional pattern used in classical guitars, offering warmth and richness.
Lattice Bracing: A modern innovation that enhances projection and sustain, popular in contemporary concert guitars.
Double-Top Construction: Some luthiers now use a sandwich-style top (e.g., Nomex between spruce layers) to further improve tone and response.
These innovative methods are often exclusive to high-end or concert guitars due to their complexity.
4. Balanced Tone and Projection
What sets a concert guitar apart is its balanced tone across all strings and strong projection—qualities necessary for large venues. A good concert guitar allows the performer to express delicate nuances and dynamic contrasts while maintaining clarity and presence.
Concert guitars are often described as having:
- Deep, round basses
- Clear, singing trebles
- A strong midrange
- Long sustain
- Excellent dynamic range
These tonal qualities are not accidental but a result of refined craftsmanship and acoustic design.
5. High Playability
Playability is crucial for professional performance. Concert guitars typically feature:
- Comfortable neck profile
- Well-polished frets
- Proper action (string height)
- Responsive feel under the fingers
This allows for fluid technique, precision, and endurance during long performances.
Concert Guitar vs Standard Classical Guitar
A common question among players is: What’s the difference between a concert guitar and a regular classical guitar? While both use nylon strings and follow similar design principles, their differences are significant:
| Feature | Concert Guitar | Classical Guitar (Standard/Student Model) |
| Build Quality | Handcrafted by expert luthiers | Often mass-produced |
| Materials | Premium aged tonewoods | Standard tonewoods |
| Sound | Rich, powerful, balanced | Basic tone, less projection |
| Playability | Highly refined | Standard, may vary |
| Price Range | $3,000 – $20,000+ | $100 – $1,000 |
| Purpose | Professional performance | Practice, learning |
In short, concert guitars are made to meet the demands of concertizing artists, while standard models are more accessible for beginners or hobbyists.
Choosing a Concert Guitar
Selecting the right concert guitar is both a technical and personal journey. Several factors should guide your decision:
1. Tonal Preference
Different tonewoods and construction styles yield different tones. Spruce tops offer brightness and clarity; cedar offers warmth and immediacy. If possible, try several guitars to find the one whose voice resonates with you.
2. Body Size and Comfort
While most concert guitars adhere to the standard classical guitar body shape, some luthiers offer slight modifications to neck thickness, scale length, or body depth. Finding a guitar that feels comfortable in your hands is vital.
3. Projection and Dynamics
A true concert guitar should be able to project in a concert hall without amplification. Test its ability to handle soft passages and powerful attacks while retaining clarity.
4. Craftsmanship and Brand Reputation
Reputable luthiers or workshops with a history of quality craftsmanship are a safe bet. Renowned names include:
- José Ramirez
- Manuel Contreras
- Hermann Hauser (historic)
- Daniel Friederich
- Kenny Hill
- Antonio Marin Montero
Each maker has a signature sound and style. Trying instruments from different builders can help you find the right match.
5. Budget
Concert guitars are expensive for a reason—they are finely crafted tools for serious musicians. Expect to invest several thousand dollars, but also consider used instruments or lesser-known builders who offer great value.
Notable Concert Guitarists and Their Instruments
Understanding the tools used by the masters can offer insight into the value of a concert guitar. Some notable artists and their favored guitars include:
Andrés Segovia – Used guitars by Hermann Hauser I and Ramirez
Julian Bream – Favored instruments by José Romanillos and Hauser
John Williams – Known for using Smallman guitars (lattice-braced)
Ana Vidović – Plays guitars by Jim Redgate
David Russell – Uses a Greg Smallman guitar
These guitars are not only beautifully built but have shaped the evolution of classical guitar music itself.
Is a Concert Guitar Right for You?
You might be wondering if investing in a concert guitar is necessary for your journey. Consider the following:
- Are you a serious student or professional performer?
- Do you perform in large venues or record professionally?
- Do you seek a deeper connection with your instrument?
If the answer is yes, then a concert guitar could significantly elevate your playing experience. It may be more expensive, but the sonic rewards and tactile pleasure are unmatched.
Conclusion
The concert guitar stands as a pinnacle of craftsmanship, acoustic excellence, and expressive potential. More than just a musical instrument, it is a conduit for artistry and emotion. Whether in the hands of a world-class performer or an aspiring student, the concert guitar serves as both a challenge and an inspiration.
Crafted with care, voiced with intention, and played with passion—the concert guitar continues to enchant audiences and performers alike. If you ever have the chance to play one, take it. You’ll not only hear the difference but feel it in every note.
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