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Classical guitar size
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Author:  aqualibguitars [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Classical guitar size

Hello friends..
my niece birthday is coming near and she demanded a guitar from me.
so i searched net and came to know that for her age 1/4 size guitar is suitable for her
i want to know what will be lower bout width of this size?

and what will be thickness of soundboard for 1/4 size?

also pls advice me the lower bout widht of 1/2 and 3/4 size.

waiting for ur advices.

Author:  Jim Kirby [ Mon Apr 21, 2014 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Classical guitar size

Why shouldn't she have a full sized guitar she can treasure forever?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a5rhAEUlXU

:D

Author:  aqualibguitars [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 3:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Classical guitar size

she is just 4 years.
and i can build full size whenever she wants.

Author:  Colin North [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 4:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Classical guitar size

A simple internet search will give you typical 1/4 sized classical dimensions (or 1/2 and 3/4) e.g.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acoustic-Guitar-Package-Classical-String/dp/B003287KN2
gives-
Guitar Specifications -
Player Age Guide - 4 to 6
Player Height Guide - 80cm to 120cm
Body Size - 1/4
Guitar Length - 31' inches - 78cm
Scale Length - 50cm
Nut Width - 4.5cm
Body Width 1 - 28cm
Body Width 2 - 22cm
Body Depth - 7cm

or look at http://www.smallguitars.com/results.php?CategoryID=26 for various others.

This may be usefull http://www.designofaclassicalguitar.com/

I have no experience of doing what you are talking about, but in general, soundboard thickness depends on the individual soundboard you are using.
But instead of going too thin and then becoming too delicate for "little" accidents, (I would possibly suggest less than 1.8-2 mm for almost any spruce, 15 -20% more for cedar) look at reducing the number of fan braces.
Sorry I can't be more helpful.
That's a lot of work for something that will only be used for a couple of years at best probably.
To be honest, I'd likely just buy one for her, do a good set up on it to make it easy to play (and maybe personalize it for her?).
Then make something larger as she gets older and shows definite interest in continuing to play.

Author:  mqbernardo [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Classical guitar size

I made a small classical for my 4 year old son (my second build). Body shape is loosely based on Romanillos. Measurements were adapted on the go and are, FWIW:

- Scale length: 480 mm
- Max Width at Lower bout: 260 mm
- Width at waist: 166 mm
- Max Width at Upper bout: 197 mm
- Body length: 356 mm
- Body depth at heel: 5,8 mm
- Body depth at tail: 6,7 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Fretboard width at 12th fret: 48 mm
- Top height at upper bout: 2 mm
- Top height at bridge : 1,9 mm
- Top height at lower bout edges: 1.6-1,7 mm
- Air mode: 150 Hz
- Main top mode: 288 Hz

IMO it sounds chocked and lacks brilliance, but what would you expect?

good luck!

Author:  mqbernardo [ Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Classical guitar size

oh, let me just add: bracing was based on courtnall´s plan for the smaller (5 fan) Torres, with the footprint of the fans slightly decreased. dumb as i am, i din´t took notes, so i don´t remember measurements.

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