Classical Guitars

Experts in Classical Guitars here at Fret Music

Whatever musical instrument you're looking for, you'll be sure to find it right here at Fret Music.

Established thirty years ago, Fret Music's premises cover more than 4000 square feet and is recognised as one of the best stores in the south of England for all of your musical needs.

As members of the Music Industries Association, we can even offer interest free credit with the 'Take It Away' scheme that is conveniently supported by the Arts Council.

We have departments that specialise in electric and acoustic guitars, classical guitars, bass guitars, amps, effects and percussion instruments. We also have an extensive service department, and our staff will be happy to help you if your guitar or amps need repairing.

If you are an enthusiast for classical guitars then you can revel in the wide choice available at Fret Music. This instrument lives up to its name when you consider just how long ago it was developed.

Classical guitars - a brief history

During the middle ages, guitars with three to five strings were already in use. The Guitarra Latina had curved sides and is thought to have come to Spain from elsewhere in Europe. The Guitarra Morisca, which was brought to Spain by the Moors, had an oval sound box and many sound holes on its soundboard.

By the 15th century, a four course double-string guitar called the vihuela de mano was developed and became popular in Spain and spread to Italy; by the sixteenth century, a fifth double-string had been added.

In the 17th century, influences from the vihuela and the five string guitar were combined in the baroque. The baroque guitar quickly superseded the vihuela in popularity and Italy became the centre of the guitar world. Leadership in guitar developments switched to Spain from the late 18th century, when the six string guitar quickly became popular at the expense of the five string guitars.

During the 19th century, improved communication and transportation enabled performers to travel widely and the guitar gained greater popularity outside its old strongholds in Iberia, Italy and Latin America.

The Spaniard Antonio de Torres gave the modern classical guitar its definitive form, with a broadened body, increased waist curve, thinned belly, improved internal bracing, single string courses replacing double courses, and a machined head replacing wooden tuning pegs.

Modern classical guitars replaced the older form for the accompaniment of song and dance called flamenco, and a modified version, known as the flamenco guitar, was created.

A history rich in culture comes with each and every classical guitar. Their current design has been subject to a lot of change by many countries over a vast plane of centuries, making them much more than just an instrument; they are an investment that needs to be carefully considered.

If you are an enthusiast for classical guitars, why not drop in and let our experts help you make the right choice in purchasing one? You can tell the professional staff at Fret Music what it is that you require and they will offer you advice based upon years of experience to provide with exactly what you need.