Finding the Right Acoustic for You
From Classical to Steel-String
Acoustic guitars have come a long way. The original classical guitars used nylon strings and smaller bodies, great for fingerpicking and intimate performances.
Then came the steel-string revolution, led by Martin Guitar Co., who introduced stronger bracing and larger bodies to support louder, bolder tones. Martin also introduced key body styles like the 0, 00, and 000, still favorites today.
Acoustic Body Styles at a Glance
Each body shape offers its own feel and sound. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Body Type | Tone/Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 0 / 00 / 000 (Concert) | Clear mids, articulate, modest volume | Fingerpicking, recording, comfort |
| Auditorium / Grand Auditorium | Balanced, versatile | Singer-songwriters, mixed play styles |
| Dreadnought | Big bass, loud, punchy | Strumming, bluegrass, stage volume |
| Jumbo | Booming, deep lows | Solo gigs, country, big presence |
| Parlor / Travel | Focused, compact | Portability, couch playing, smaller players |
How to Choose the Right One
- Music Style: Fingerpicking? Try 000 or Auditorium. Big strumming? Dreadnought or Jumbo.
- Comfort: Smaller players often prefer Concert or Parlor guitars.
- Performance Setting: Small rooms = clarity. Big gigs = projection.
- Recording vs. Live: Balanced mids record better; big lows cut through live.
Try Before You Buy
At Nashville Used & New Music, you can compare body styles side-by-side and used guitars often sound better thanks to age and play.
Tips when testing:
- Play what you normally play.
- Compare projection, comfort, and tone.
- Don’t overlook setup - their techs can help with that too.
Final Thought
There’s no one-size-fits-all guitar; just the one that fits you. Let your hands, ears, and style guide you, and explore your options at Nashville Used & New Music, where you can find everything from travel-size guitars to booming jumbos.
