Ff
Purchased July 1. Received unit July 9 here in the Western US in 8 eight days -- intact with no damage. Thank you Thomann for the great and efficient service!
I am a seasoned player (40+ years) and wanted a decent practice instrument. I have owned / played many guitars (classical, electric, steel string acoustic, etc) in the past (ranging from the hand made to the very mediocre). I intended to use this unit solely for classical playing/practicing. My priorities in selecting an instrument are: Sound/Tone, Playability, and a distant third, Appearance.
I was swayed to buy this unit based upon online research, YT videos, and posted reviews (I had never seen this instrument personally ever).
As with most instruments in the lower end of the price range, this unit offers a mix of advantages and deficiencies.
From previous experience, I immediately set out to upgrade/hone aspects which are often lacking: I polished frets (using 0000 steel wool only). The surfaces were quite rough. Also replaced plastic saddle with bone unit. I raised the height of the fitted saddle to improve tone and overall volume slightly. Finally, I changed out strings (I prefer LaBella 2001 HTs). These changes made noticeable sonic improvement.
Despite the all-solid wood construction, I was still a bit disappointed that the high notes (fretted notes on 1st or 2nd string for example) don't ring as loud and clear as I had hoped.
The guitar does have that balanced solid spruce midrange-focused tone however.
Frets: One fret was not properly seated (13th fret, under high E string). I used a padded clamp to press it into place. There are a few frets that are a tad high during the fret-rocker test.
They are not bad enough to be a major sonic concern however.
Polishing seems to have circumvented fret height differences.
Overall construction of the unit is good however. In particular, the neck position and geometry are spot on (very important in absence of truss rod). Interior fitting/gluing is also very good.
The tuners are average. Mine bound and wound unevenly when I re-strung with high tension strings.
Wish list: thinner finish would work equally well. A matte type option would be very desirable (less finish generally = more sound).
Having said all the above, I do give a recommendation to buy.
It is worth the time and expense to get one and tweak/fix it up.
Footnote: finally, for those that also like to upgrade and maximize the sound of guitars like the S 4/4.. One thing you can do to help improve the sound and responsiveness of an acoustic guitar is to CAREFULLY place it on or in front of a speaker cabinet/stereo and play music loudly. The acoustic vibrations will invoke the wood (especially the soundboard) to vibrate and that ultimately will help your instrument sound better sooner. Sounds goofy but it works.
Planning on buying another Thomann or VGS guitar in the upcoming months..
(apologies for the long post)
I am a seasoned player (40+ years) and wanted a decent practice instrument. I have owned / played many guitars (classical, electric, steel string acoustic, etc) in the past (ranging from the hand made to the very mediocre). I intended to use this unit solely for classical playing/practicing. My priorities in selecting an instrument are: Sound/Tone, Playability, and a distant third, Appearance.
I was swayed to buy this unit based upon online research, YT videos, and posted reviews (I had never seen this instrument personally ever).
As with most instruments in the lower end of the price range, this unit offers a mix of advantages and deficiencies.
From previous experience, I immediately set out to upgrade/hone aspects which are often lacking: I polished frets (using 0000 steel wool only). The surfaces were quite rough. Also replaced plastic saddle with bone unit. I raised the height of the fitted saddle to improve tone and overall volume slightly. Finally, I changed out strings (I prefer LaBella 2001 HTs). These changes made noticeable sonic improvement.
Despite the all-solid wood construction, I was still a bit disappointed that the high notes (fretted notes on 1st or 2nd string for example) don't ring as loud and clear as I had hoped.
The guitar does have that balanced solid spruce midrange-focused tone however.
Frets: One fret was not properly seated (13th fret, under high E string). I used a padded clamp to press it into place. There are a few frets that are a tad high during the fret-rocker test.
They are not bad enough to be a major sonic concern however.
Polishing seems to have circumvented fret height differences.
Overall construction of the unit is good however. In particular, the neck position and geometry are spot on (very important in absence of truss rod). Interior fitting/gluing is also very good.
The tuners are average. Mine bound and wound unevenly when I re-strung with high tension strings.
Wish list: thinner finish would work equally well. A matte type option would be very desirable (less finish generally = more sound).
Having said all the above, I do give a recommendation to buy.
It is worth the time and expense to get one and tweak/fix it up.
Footnote: finally, for those that also like to upgrade and maximize the sound of guitars like the S 4/4.. One thing you can do to help improve the sound and responsiveness of an acoustic guitar is to CAREFULLY place it on or in front of a speaker cabinet/stereo and play music loudly. The acoustic vibrations will invoke the wood (especially the soundboard) to vibrate and that ultimately will help your instrument sound better sooner. Sounds goofy but it works.
Planning on buying another Thomann or VGS guitar in the upcoming months..
(apologies for the long post)
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Mt
Massive tone for the price!
I had it for less than 24h, but I think I already can say it was a great deal!
Pros: Tone, good looking wood, will probably age well, no edges from the frets.
Cons: I don't see any trussroad and it makes the neck far rom the strings at 12th fret. The binding is a bit unevenly polished, but its doesn't affect the sound, so I actiolly don't care!
Overall: Get yourself some nylon massive guitar, your finger and soul will do the rest!
Pros: Tone, good looking wood, will probably age well, no edges from the frets.
Cons: I don't see any trussroad and it makes the neck far rom the strings at 12th fret. The binding is a bit unevenly polished, but its doesn't affect the sound, so I actiolly don't care!
Overall: Get yourself some nylon massive guitar, your finger and soul will do the rest!
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RJ
Very good at this price point
I was surprised to see that you could buy a EU made solid wood classical guitar for under €200 and so after reading some reviews I made my order.
The quality of the fit and finish of this guitar is very good. Not absolutely perfect but definitely acceptable for this price. Mine has a small black mark under the varnish and the grain of the wood has some imperfections but I actually like this because it makes my guitar individual to me. These things are very minor and do not affect the playability or sound in any way.
I read a number of reviews mentioning the action was too high but in all honesty it is perfectly normal for a classical guitar. People coming from electrics might find it too high but classical players won't have a problem with it. I will lower it slightly because I play bossa nova and the constant barre chords can become fatiguing after a while.
The guitar has a very sweet balanced sound and I must say the Hanabach strings are great! In fact I am thinking of changing my other guitars to these strings. The trebles and mids are very musical and the bass notes aren't boomy like other classical guitars I've tried. It's a very good sounding guitar for latin styles where you are accompanying a vocalist but classical pieces sound good too. It's not the loudest guitar I've played but it projects well enough.
In summary it is a really great guitar and not just at this price. It is suitable for beginners and moderately experienced players too. In time I will probably change the plastic nut and saddle for better quality versions but it sounds very good straight out of the box.
The quality of the fit and finish of this guitar is very good. Not absolutely perfect but definitely acceptable for this price. Mine has a small black mark under the varnish and the grain of the wood has some imperfections but I actually like this because it makes my guitar individual to me. These things are very minor and do not affect the playability or sound in any way.
I read a number of reviews mentioning the action was too high but in all honesty it is perfectly normal for a classical guitar. People coming from electrics might find it too high but classical players won't have a problem with it. I will lower it slightly because I play bossa nova and the constant barre chords can become fatiguing after a while.
The guitar has a very sweet balanced sound and I must say the Hanabach strings are great! In fact I am thinking of changing my other guitars to these strings. The trebles and mids are very musical and the bass notes aren't boomy like other classical guitars I've tried. It's a very good sounding guitar for latin styles where you are accompanying a vocalist but classical pieces sound good too. It's not the loudest guitar I've played but it projects well enough.
In summary it is a really great guitar and not just at this price. It is suitable for beginners and moderately experienced players too. In time I will probably change the plastic nut and saddle for better quality versions but it sounds very good straight out of the box.
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L
A great student guitar
This is a really nice guitar for students or as a spare. The sound is great - mine came with Hannabach 600 silver plated strings - and is well equipped to do its job. It's a budget guitar of course and so some of the nicer finishing touches are missing, but there is no comparison for the price. Two things to note. First, the body of the guitar is rather small and the whole thing is very light, so light that it felt a bit cheap until I played it. Second, the neck is quite wide and so fingering can be a bit of a stretch. However, overall I'm very happy and it would be my first choice for a budget guitar should I ever need another.
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A
Value for money
The playing feel is average although the sound is very full. For that price, it is very easy to put an embedded mic into the guitar. But because it is a solid top, it is worth it. The tuning drops frequently as it usually happens in a classical guitar. Hence the requirement of an in-situ tuner is even more necessary.
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C
Good made-in-Europe starter guitar, at a very affordable price
Good guitar for the aspiring classical guitarist. Great solid wood components and initial build quality. String buzzing tends to occur after while, likely due to ambient temperature and humidity. Given instrument's initial low price, having it taken to a professional luthier may be deemed uneconomical for most people. An upgrade to an intermediate-level guitar from Thomann (Hofner, Cordoba, etc.) may be a better alternative.
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WK
Good value for money
Nice sound also looks really nice.
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a
A great guitar, not just for starters
I bought this guitar since I never had a classical, only acoustic and electric guitars. It is Made in Europe, the wood has nice patterns (not flame maple top nice, but nice). Build quality seems legit so far, you can tell the neck is made from 3-4 different pieces but is sturdy. The sound is full and rich even with stock strings.
On the down side, the nut and the bridge need lowering as the action is way to high; the neck will definitely need to be adjusted but since I don't know how to do it provided there is no trussrod, I will pay a visit to a technician. Don't be scared; these are standard stuff that you do to a new guitar (unless they are included in the price).
Would recommend to anybody who is either a newbie or wants to try a classic guitar or wants a fine instrument to carry around without being worried if it gets a little beat-up.
On the down side, the nut and the bridge need lowering as the action is way to high; the neck will definitely need to be adjusted but since I don't know how to do it provided there is no trussrod, I will pay a visit to a technician. Don't be scared; these are standard stuff that you do to a new guitar (unless they are included in the price).
Would recommend to anybody who is either a newbie or wants to try a classic guitar or wants a fine instrument to carry around without being worried if it gets a little beat-up.
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P
For street and studying
Used this guitar in travels and other extreme conditions. Nothing happened, still looks like a new
Pros:
Very reliable and strong guitar.
Pleasant and tender sound turns ladies to romantic mood.
Effortless playing (after a few simple adjustments)
Cons:
Could be louder
General comment:
After few adjustments becomes a good classic guitar to play anywhere for fun.
Initial strings height is quite big but it can be easily adjusted by saddle polishing.
Stays in tune after 3 common songs
Perfect solution to learn how to play guitar
Pros:
Very reliable and strong guitar.
Pleasant and tender sound turns ladies to romantic mood.
Effortless playing (after a few simple adjustments)
Cons:
Could be louder
General comment:
After few adjustments becomes a good classic guitar to play anywhere for fun.
Initial strings height is quite big but it can be easily adjusted by saddle polishing.
Stays in tune after 3 common songs
Perfect solution to learn how to play guitar
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Ra
Good quality for the price.
four stars for the value and utility. Great suggestion for a beginner or occasional player.
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