Classical Guitars PLUS

flamenco, contemporary nylon string, jazz & acoustic guitars

Prices include mainland UK delivery and VAT

Phone 01363 881174
Open Monday-Friday 9-5:30

Aquila Gut and Silk Strings - tips to avoid breakage

Aquila Gut and Silk strings are made in the historical way and are suitable for period instruments and playing.

They are not as robust as modern strings and here are some tips which may prevent premature breakage -

Make sure the nut and saddle are absolutely smooth where the strings pass over / through with no sharp edges. If there are sharp edges use very fine sandpaper to remove them - Care as you don't want to change the shape of either nut or saddle and so ask a luthier if you are uncertain
Make sure there are no sharp edges on the frets or in the bridge tie block
After fitting the strings, tune them 1 tone flat, go up to a half tone flat after 36 hours, and do not go to concert pitch (A=440) until 60 hrs
Consider playing at "French Pitch" (A=435) as in 1859.

These same suggestions can be followed when using Aquila Albastro (synthetic gut) strings too.

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Pay us a visit and choose your guitar in person

We think we are now the UK's largest classical guitar shop with more models and more brands - meaning more choice - than any other in the country.

As well as this unbeatable range of classical models, we also have a very large range of electro/cutaway nylon string, flamenco, and steel string acoustic guitars including an unmatched selection of Maccaferri / Django style jazz guitars.

Please phone before visiting - you will get uninterrupted time in our (admittedly small) studio to try out as many guitars as you like and you will be certain that we have the guitars you want to try in stock.

Our Brands

Acoustic France Authorised Dealer

Alhambra Authorised Dealer

Blackbird Guitars Authorised Dealer

Blueridge Authorised Dealer

Guitarres Camps Authorised Dealer

Esteve Authorised Dealer

Gitane Authorised Dealer

Armin & Mario Gropp Authorised Dealer

Hanika Authorised Dealer

Liikanen Authorised Dealer

Yamaha Authorised Dealer

Water Mill - Our own Guitars

Information

Sound Recordings Classical Guitar Conversations Articles Teachers & Links Try Before you Buy

Buy over the internet with complete confidence

See our no-quibble returns policy.

Classical Guitars PLUS is a part of a family-run company which has been doing business on the internet since the 1990s. If there is more you want to know or more you think we could do, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Our Customers Write

"Dear Nicholas, Just wanted to let you know that the guitar arrived safe and sound first thing this morning! Thank you for the fanstastic service! Kind regards, Alison" 16/12/2011

"I want to thank you, and whoever else there is to thank in your company for the wonderful service you have. Correspondence with you has always been very swift and pleasant, and in a good sense not at all "business-like". Also extra thanks for the special attention to us lefty players, it's amazing that you and Alhambra went with all the trouble just for one guitar. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Yours sincerely, Patrik Nummi" 16/12/2011

"Hi Nicholas thanks for everything ,one does not usually get such caring business relations. I am happy that the guitar sounds nice and I hope that my son will make the most out of it. Best Massimo" 15/12/2011

"I would also like to thank you for your excellent service and will certainly shop with you again. Merry Christmas! Kind regards Anne Parham" 14/12/2012

"I found your service exemplary. Many thanks, enjoy the festive season, and no reply needed. Yours greatfully, ER" 5/12/2012

"Nick Your range of guitars in second to none and your expertise and advice is invaluable in helping customers make the right purchase for them Thank you!" Kyle Davies, 4/7/2011

"I thought I should drop you a line just to say thanks, again, for your excellent service. My new guitar arrived, safe and well, and bang on time. It’s a joy to play and easily matches my expectations. I’ve already recommended you to some of my colleagues. Best wishes," Professor Chris Gane, 23/2/2011

"Hi Nicholas, Just to let you know that the guitar arrived safely and oh I am ever so happy with it ... Last but not least: your customer service is super. All in all, thank you very much" Roberto Cassani, 10/11/2010

"Thanks for your going the extra mile. I will certainly recommend you to all. Best regards" Chris Hayter 19/10/2007

"The guitar arrived safe and well. Looks great sounds great. Thanks for all your help." Ian Harding, Suffolk, 25/9/2006.

and lots more...

Articles and tips

Have a look at our growing Articles section. Strings and stringing tips. Humidity. Tone Woods. Luthiers. And more...

Delivery Charges and Orders Outside the Mainland UK

Delivery throughout the mainland UK is free as usual. If you are not in the mainland UK, please phone (+44 (0)1363 881174) or email for delivery charges to your location - please tell us what you want to buy as well as your full postal address. Alternatively just place your order using our secure checkout and we will email you with delivery costs - we will not take payment until you reply confirming your order. Orders delivered outside Europe and to the Channel Islands are free of VAT.

8 February 2012