Antique Classical Guitars: Start From String Course of Early Classical Guitars
What is Early Classical Guitar?
Early classical guitar refers to the guitar appeared between 17th and 19th century. During that time, the instrument clearly called guitar appeared for the first time.
But we should keep in mind that there is no concept of folk guitar during that period as well as electric guitars. So, all of them belong to acoustic guitars.
Therefore, all of them can be recognized as classical guitars. Besides, limited by technology development level and may be because of the richness of wood material, all solid classical guitar is the most commonly seen type.
Visibly, what they are in common is that they are all made with narrow guitar body. However, there is also one obvious difference between them, that is, string course. So, we will look into it specifically.
Additionally, we hope this blog can help those who are interested in early guitars know more about it.
Baroque Classical Guitar
Baroque classical guitar was the first string instrument to be clearly called guitar. It was very popular from approximately 1600 to 1750. The following diagram shows clearly what Baroque guitar looks like.
The classical guitar body has an upper and lower bout, separated by a narrower waist as we can recognize. The most obvious feature is that it has 5-pair strings (10 strings in 5 pair). Besides, the strings are tuned with wood friction pegs.
By the way, the bracing system of the soundboard of Baroque wood classical guitar is ladder type. But it was changed in 18th century.
Classical Guitar in 1700s
In 1700s, the classical guitar still had a narrow body although it may be wider than Baroque guitar.
There are two significant changes appeared. One is 5-pair string course had been changed to be 6-pair course. Another is the bracing system of the classical guitar soundboard was alternated from ladder-type to be a fan bracing.
This is recognized as the step toward modern classical guitar.
Romantic Classical Guitar
The romantic classical guitar appeared in around 19th century. It was recognized as the start of modern guitar because of some features of it.
Although the body of classical guitar is still a narrow type, the curve of the waist was close to the modern one.
Clearly, we can find the guitar was introduced 6-string course which is the same with today’s guitar. This might be the biggest change in the history of the guitar. But the strings are still made of gut, and nylon strings are still on its way.
Then, if you can notice, the strings are fixed at the bridge with pins. Besides, the guitar neck is equipped with metal frets.
But the strings are still tuned by wood friction pegs. There is still some distance between this instrument with modern guitar.
Playing with Early Guitar
Although the classical guitars mentioned above has gone already. It doesn’t mean they are vanished.
We can find them in museums. And even there are players who love to play the copies to enjoy the sound. We don’t know if the copies are the same or can be the same inside with the originals, at least, the appearance is the same.
Thus, the early classical guitar still has its own fans.