ADM JC613-39-NR Classical Guitar: Full Review

The ADM Classical Guitar JC613-39-NR is an affordable nylon-string acoustic guitar made by ADM, a company known for producing good quality instruments at a budget-friendly price point. This beginner classical guitar has a traditional fan bracing design and comes in a sunburst finish, giving it an elegant look and feel.

As one of ADM's lower-cost models aimed at new players, the JC613-39-NR focuses on delivering core functionality, playability and sound. It forgoes some of the finer appointments found on more expensive classical guitars, but still offers good bang for the buck. This review will examine the guitar's construction, hardware, sound quality and playability to provide an overview of its strengths and limitations for the entry-level guitarist.

Construction

The ADM JC613-39-NR is made with a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The size is a comfortable full-size classical guitar body measuring 30" x 11.5". The top has a smooth satin finish in an attractive natural wood color.

The spruce top is known for its clear, articulate tone while the mahogany back and sides provide a balanced warmth. The combination of woods makes this an ideal guitar for the beginner or intermediate player looking for a full classical guitar sound. The smooth satin finish allows your hand to glide easily along the neck for comfort during longer practice or playing sessions. The full-size body will be comfortable for most adult players.

When choosing a classical guitar, it's important to consider the construction and materials. A solid wood top, like the spruce top on the ADM JC613-39-NR, will provide better tone and volume than a laminate top. The mahogany back and sides are also a good choice for a balanced, warm sound. The all-mahogany neck provides stability and durability. The satin finish not only looks attractive, but feels smooth during playing. The full-size body shape ensures comfort and good projection of sound.

Another high quality classical guitar to consider is the Ortega Guitars RST5MBK. This model also features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. The neck is made of cedro, which is similar to mahogany. It has a smooth satin finish as well. The Ortega RST5MBK produces a rich classical guitar tone and volume. It's comfortable for both practicing and performance. The full-size body and traditional fan bracing help create an authentic nylon-string sound.

When shopping for a new classical guitar, be sure to try out different models in your price range. Pay attention to the woods used and the construction quality. Materials like solid spruce and mahogany generally provide better sound. Try the guitar with different playing styles to hear the clarity and projection. The neck should feel comfortable and allow smooth fingering of chords up and down the fretboard. Consider the aesthetics as well - a guitar you find beautiful will inspire you to pick it up and practice more. With some research, you can find an excellent classical guitar like the ADM JC613-39-NR or Ortega RST5MBK to match your skill level and budget.

Sound

The Classical Guitar ADM JC613-39-NR produces a balanced, warm sound with good projection thanks to its solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides combination. The cedar top provides a sweet, melodious tone with pleasing overtones while the mahogany back and sides offer a balanced tone across the frequency range.

This guitar has impressive volume and sustain capability. The solid wood construction allows the sound to really ring out, and notes sustain for a long time. Strumming produces a full, rich sound while fingerpicking rewards the player with complex harmonics blooming from each string. The bass notes have punch but are also warm and rounded.

Overall, the sound quality of this classical guitar exceeds expectations for its price range. From quiet practice to performing, this guitar's excellent tonewood combination delivers compelling sound with enough power and sustain to motivate continued play. The balanced and articulate voice makes this a very versatile instrument for various musical genres and playing styles.

Another comparable classical guitar to consider is the Ibanez PF12MHCEOPN. This model also features a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The Ibanez produces a bright, lively sound thanks to its thinner body depth and 2.25" nut width compared to 2" on the ADM. The Ibanez has impressive projection and volume like the ADM, with clear articulation across the tonal spectrum. The treble has sparkle and sweetness from the cedar while the mahogany provides good midrange punch and warm low end. This makes the Ibanez versatile for both aggressive strumming and intricate fingerpicking styles. It's a great option for those looking for a compact classical guitar with balanced tone and excellent playability in this price range.

Playability

The ADM JC613-39-NR classical guitar features a comfortable C-shaped neck that is easy to hold and navigate. The action on this guitar is set low, making it very playable right out of the box. Both beginners and experienced players will appreciate how little effort it takes to press the strings down.

The guitar has a rosewood fretboard that is nicely polished, providing a smooth surface for your fingers to glide along. The frets themselves are nicely finished with no sharp edges to irritate your hands. Overall the fretwork on this model is well-done, contributing to the enjoyable playing experience.

Between the comfortable neck shape, low action, and quality fretwork, the ADM JC613-39-NR offers excellent playability that both novice and seasoned guitarists can appreciate. Your fingers will fly up and down the neck with ease as you play.

Hardware

The ADM JC613-39-NR classical guitar features quality hardware that enables stable tuning and playability.

The guitar comes equipped with chrome enclosed tuning machines. These allow for accurate and smooth tuning adjustments. The tuning machines hold their position well, enabling the guitar to stay in tune once tuned up.

The nut and bridge are both made of quality composite materials. The nut guides the strings cleanly from the headstock to the fretboard and allows for open string resonance. The bridge transfers the strings' vibrations into the soundboard for full sound production. Its compensated design provides proper intonation up and down the fretboard.

Overall, the hardware components on the ADM JC613-39-NR are well-made and allow the guitar to function smoothly. The tuning machines, nut, and bridge complement each other to deliver stable tuning, resonance, and playability.

Electronics

The ADM JC613-39-NR classical guitar is an acoustic instrument, so it does not have any electronic pickups or preamps. However, it does have basic hardware controls.

The guitar has vintage-style open chrome tuners with butterbean knobs. These tuners are easy to turn for tuning stability. There are no other electronic controls or features on this model.

Some players may wish for an option of adding a pickup down the road for plugging into an amplifier. However, as an affordable beginner classical guitar, the lack of electronics helps keep costs down while still providing a quality instrument.

The focus is on the natural acoustic sound of the solid cedar top and other all-wood construction. Overall, the electronics and controls are simple, which is typical for a classical guitar in this price range.

Comfortable and Well-Balanced

The ADM JC613-39-NR Classical Guitar has a comfortable feel and good balance, making it easy to hold and play for extended periods.

The guitar has a nice lightweight construction, weighing in at just a few pounds. This reduces fatigue while practicing or performing, especially for younger players or those with smaller frames. The body shape and proportions are ergonomically designed, fitting nicely against the player's torso and thigh.

The neck has a smooth satin finish that feels great against the palm. The width and thickness of the neck are ideal for most hand sizes, allowing comfortable gripping and chord formations up and down the fretboard. The well-cut nut width also contributes to the overall comfort and playability.

The carefully crafted classical body shape, light weight, and attention to ergonomic design allow this guitar to feel natural in the playing position, staying comfortable during longer practice sessions. The materials, proportions, and build considerations all contribute to a nylon string instrument that is a joy to hold and play.

Tone

The ADM Classical guitar produces a warm, balanced tone with a nice richness in the midrange. The mahogany back and sides along with the cedar top contribute to the instrument's mellow and resonant voice.

The bass response has good depth and definition. Notes ring out clearly on the lower strings without muddiness. Chords sound full without sounding boomy.

The mids showcase the guitar's lush and refined character. There's a pleasant sweetness that makes melodies sing. The mahogany adds a touch of complexity to chord voicings in this register.

The treble strikes a good balance between clarity and smoothness. High notes have presence without sounding harsh or brittle. The cedar top provides enough crispness for melodic lines and arpeggios without overly dominating the sound.

Overall the tone profile is warm yet detailed. The guitar sounds refined without sacrificing character. From intimate playing to vigorous strumming, the ADM Classical guitar offers a versatile and balanced voice.

Versatility

The ADM JC613-39-NR is quite versatile for a classical guitar in its price range. It can handle a variety of musical genres from classical and flamenco to pop and light rock. The nylon strings and comfortable neck make it easy to play different techniques from quick arpeggios to hammer-ons and pull-offs. Beginners will appreciate how playable this guitar is for learning the basics, while more advanced players can explore more complex fingerstyle arrangements.

The ADM has a bright, focused tone that projects well making it suitable for solo guitar or playing with a small ensemble. The spruce top and mahogany back and sides give it a balanced sound across the tonal spectrum. This versatility expands the musical possibilities for guitarists at many skill levels. Whether you're looking to play Bach or The Beatles, the ADM JC613-39-NR is worth considering if you want an affordable classical guitar that can handle a diverse range of genres and techniques.

Value

The ADM JC613-39-NR classical guitar represents a great value for beginners and students on a budget. At just $89, it's among the most affordable classical guitars on the market. Yet despite the low price point, it doesn't compromise much on quality or playability.

The guitar's tonewoods, build, and hardware are comparable to other classical guitars in the $150-$200 range. While the fit and finish may not be as refined, the basics are there for an enjoyable playing experience. The spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide a balanced, resonant sound.

The guitar comes ready to play out of the box, with nylon strings and a preinstalled pickguard and bridge. Extra touches like the herringbone binding and mosaic rosette punch above its low cost. All said, the ADM JC613-39-NR gives budget-minded players an authentic classical guitar option without breaking the bank.