I’m Alexander Pashentsev, a luthier with over 20 years of experience crafting custom guitars. Over the years, I’ve learned all the nuances that make an instrument’s sound truly perfect. The classical guitar mesmerizes with its beauty and sound, but many myths and misconceptions surround it. Let’s examine the most widespread of them!
Myth 1. A handcrafted guitar sounds the same as a factory-made one
This is not quite true. What predominantly defines a guitar’s sound are the materials and the craftsmanship. A handcrafted guitar is made by professional luthiers from carefully selected materials, taking into account subtleties that ensure a unique tone. Factory-made guitars, although affordable, rarely meet the standards of a concert-level instrument.
Myth 2. You can easily judge a guitar’s sound by playing it briefly
To truly assess the sound of a guitar, it’s important to:
Play pieces with different character across various genres, using a range of techniques.
Ask another musician to play while you step back a little. This way, the sound emerging from the soundhole reaches you directly rather than bouncing off walls—as happens when the player is holding the guitar close.
Myth 3. Only a luthier should tune the guitar
This is a myth. You can tune the guitar yourself. Because the tuning can shift due to temperature, humidity, or active playing, regular tuning is essential. With a tuner and some practice, any guitarist can easily tune the instrument. Being able to tune your guitar is a basic musician’s skill.
Myth 4. An uncomfortable neck is normal—you just have to get used to it
You shouldn’t sacrifice comfort! Guitar necks differ in shape and size. Find the instrument that fits you best. If standard options don’t suit, luthiers can make a neck to your individual specifications to ensure perfect playing comfort.
Myth 5. The guitar’s lacquer finish never loses its shine during use
Actually, any finish—even a high-quality one like shellac—loses gloss over time. This is inevitable, especially with active playing.
Myth 6. You don’t need to change strings throughout the guitar’s lifetime
This is a misconception. Strings oxidize due to contact with the hands, which leads to lost brightness of tone and wear. Old strings deteriorate the timbre and lower the overall sound quality.
Myth 7. The guitar should be hung on the wall
Not true! To protect the guitar from damage, temperature and humidity fluctuations, the instrument should be stored in a closed case. This ensures a long lifespan and preserves its quality.
A classical guitar is a work of art that requires attention and care.
If you would like to purchase a handcrafted classical guitar, please fill out the feedback form, and I will be happy to get in touch with you. Based on your preferences and requirements, I will prepare an individual cost estimate for an instrument that will suit you perfectly.