This section deals with perhaps the oldest type of guitar - the classical guitar, also often referred to as the Spanish guitar. Many characteristics of the classical guitar have remained unchanged since its introduction several hundred years ago, including the basic design. However, as time has passed new production methods and materials have been introduced to enhance the sound, look and feel of the modern classical guitar.
It has long been the preferred choice of school children and students as the ideal guitar on which to learn due to the wide neck and nylon strings, which together make the instrument a little easier to play. The nylon strings are much easier to press down on due to the softer material of the nylon, whilst the wider neck provides more space to manoeuvre around the fret board, particularly when compared to a traditional steel strung acoustic guitar.
High end models are known as "Concert "guitars, they are almost exclusively hand made and can cost up to several thousand pounds. Over the past few years some guitar manufacturers have started to produce classical guitars with built-in pick-ups and transducer microphones in order to provide a means of amplification for this timeless instrument.