Descriptions of smaller-sized guitars vary from maker to maker. One makers "half size" is not necessarily the same as another's!

For anyone looking for a smaller sized classical guitar, I have summarised here those which are available from two of the makers we represent, Alhambra and Liikanen/Kantare.

It will be seen that the common and conventional "fractional" terms can be very misleading. Not least because the fractions are incorrect - using any common sense understanding, a "3/4" guitar should be 75% of the full sized model but the typical "3/4" is about 89%! The second reason is because this incorrect fraction is then applied in a rather vague and varying sense by different makers. For any given "fractional" size (except full size), Alhambra guitars tend to be larger than Liikanen Kantares.

It should be remembered that there are at least two schools of thought among guitar teachers when it comes to size. At one extreme are are those who say full sized is best and to be aimed for by everyone. At the other there are those who say play the guitar that falls most comfortably under the hand.

When chosing a smaller sized instrument it is important to recognise that, when it comes to overall sound quality, size does seem to matter - body size in particular. When the body size is scaled down, it does seem that the tonal range of the instrument is reduced too.

Both Alhambra and Liikanen make small sized versions of many instruments in their standard classical guitar range. These are top quality guitars, hand-built to the highest standards in both cases. The smaller instruments are simply scaled down versions of those the "typical" adult would play and are not toys in any sense.

The smaller sized guitars by Alhambra and Liikanen/Kantare can not be described as cheap. Kantare prices start at £235 and go up to £460. Alhambra have smaller sized classical guitars ranging from £175 to £925. (Prices correct as at 1st August 2007). While Alhambra sell their smaller sized versions at the same prices as the full-sized equivalents, Liikanen make generous price reductions for the smaller sized versions in their Kantare range. Two of the smaller sized Kantare guitars won prizes and were recommended by the European Guitar Teachers Association 2007/2008 meeting.

Choosing an instrument

Adults with smaller hands: Adults with smaller hands should probably start at the top or middle of the price ranges otherwise they may be disappointed with tonal quality.

Children - There is no doubt in my mind that children learn better and faster on good instruments than they do on bad. However parents have the dilemma that their children may not take to an instrument at all. What I would suggest (as a parent with children who have learned various instruments including the guitar) is to buy a sub-£50 smaller sized guitar for the very young and the absolute beginner and get something much better at the next Christmas or birthday when the child has shown some commitment. At this point the first step is to take a decision about size - and asking your guitar teacher for advice is probably the best way to decide. At that point I would say buy the best souding instrument you can afford.

There is another option available for those who want the best of both worlds - a smaller guitar with only the minimal sacrifice in terms of tonal quality - and that is to ask a luthier to build a one off instrument to your specifications. Obviously the price is higher and you have to wait, but the wait may be worth while. Please call if you want to know more.

The Alhambra Small-sized Classical Guitar Range

Alhambra build small-sized models for over half of their basic range. For the adult with small hands or for the very advanced student there is a "1/2" sized version of their wonderful 9P. At the other end of the scale there are "7/8", "3/4" and "1/2 sized versions of their starter instrument, the 1C. Small-sized Alhambra guitars sell for the same price as their full-sized siblings. Alhambra make traditional Spanish classical guitars and all their instruments come with a 3 year warranty - their customer service record is second to none.

Liikanen Kantare Smaller-sized Classical Guitars

Liikanen build their smaller-sized classical guitars with the same Lens Resonance System (R) braced soundboard as is used on their full-sized Kantare models and even on their concert H and A models. It is this system of bracing which sets the Liikanen guitars apart from all the rest.