Why are classical guitars so dull looking?

[Gary-N-LA]

I come to the Taylor world fresh off a few years of playing classical guitar.  I have a luthier-made classical/flamenco guitar that is truly a remarkable instrument.  But even tho it cost thousands of dollars, it looks very much like an inexpensive guitar hanging on the wall at Guitar Center.  From 10 feet away, you'd be hard pressed to say which was a professional quality instrument and which was a starter instrument for a junior high student.

I just bought a Taylor 814ce Tobacco Sunburst and I'm happy to say it's as gorgeous as it is wonderful to play and hear.  If I'm spending thousands of dollars on an instrument, is it shallow of me to want my guitar to look better than a entry level Yamaha?  Hopefully not, as the 814ce has plenty of abalone and mother of pearl trim, all of which I like very much.

So why don't classical guitar worth thousands of dollars look like it?

[michaelw]

maybe it's just me, but i would consider these classicals anything but dull looking -
http://www.mangore.com/bellucci-guitars-gallery-3.html
custom shop
http://www.mangore.com/custom-guitars/
PS "equivalent"
http://www.mangore.com/bellucci-guitars-model-z-cs-2.html
hmmm ...
http://www.mangore.com/bellucci-guitars-model-z-s-2.html
i can't help but think this one looks a little bit familiar, for some odd reason

similar grain pattern, not quite twins but almost "sisters" -
kind of eerie, considering this one was built nearly 11 years earlier

[Jersey tuning]

Even "plain" classicals look all dressed up next to a plain old Martin.

[Gary-N-LA]

Well, you've got me there.  Those are gorgeous.  But of course, they're far from the norm.

[fretted]

Examine the purling, the high quality guitars have meticulously crafted trim joined by miters and not just butt joints. The rosette will be a hand assembled mosaic of hundreds and hundreds of tiny tiles. And look at it this way, most of us would be hard pressed to pick out a cheap violin from one worth the gross national product of a small country.

[Jersey tuning]

I come to the Taylor world fresh off a few years of playing classical guitar.  I have a luthier-made classical/flamenco guitar that is truly a remarkable instrument.  But even tho it cost thousands of dollars, it looks very much like an inexpensive guitar hanging on the wall at Guitar Center.  From 10 feet away, you'd be hard pressed to say which was a professional quality instrument and which was a starter instrument for a junior high student.

So why don't classical guitar worth thousands of dollars look like it?

Your point is well taken.  Maybe that explains why there are no reports on this forum of classical GAS

[TaylorGirl]

I come to the Taylor world fresh off a few years of playing classical guitar.  I have a luthier-made classical/flamenco guitar that is truly a remarkable instrument.  But even tho it cost thousands of dollars, it looks very much like an inexpensive guitar hanging on the wall at Guitar Center.  From 10 feet away, you'd be hard pressed to say which was a professional quality instrument and which was a starter instrument for a junior high student.

So why don't classical guitar worth thousands of dollars look like it?

Your point is well taken.  Maybe that explains why there are no reports on this forum of classical GAS

...classical GAS....LOL!

Actually, I understand totally where Gary is coming from. Classical guitars (except the few pics posted here) are generally not flashy. Not to put them down, just an observation that I've also made over the years. I have always thought that Taylor has some of the most extremely beautiful guitars out there. Like they called it in their 35th anniversary book....."The Art of Taylor". I can never get enough Taylor eye candy.

[Jersey tuning]

It's not how they look, its how they feel-- and play.