Mad About MA-CG02 Classical Guitar: Full Review

to the Mad About Classical Guitar MA-CG02

The Mad About MA-CG02 is an affordable entry-level classical guitar model from the Mad About brand. Mad About offers a range of classical and acoustic guitars aimed at beginners and intermediate players on a budget.

The MA-CG02 features a standard classical guitar shape with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and mahogany neck. It comes in a natural gloss finish. As an introductory model, it focuses on providing a quality beginner instrument that is easy to play while remaining cost-effective.

Mad About is a relatively new brand that sources its guitars from major guitar manufacturing hubs in Asia. They emphasize value for money while maintaining decent build quality and playability. The MA-CG02 delivers on this promise with its combination of traditional woods, accessible pricing, and reliable construction.

Construction

The Mad About MA-CG02 classical guitar features a traditional fan-braced spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides. This all-solid wood construction produces a full, resonant tone that is characteristic of concert-level nylon string guitars.

The spruce top is nicely grained and has an attractive satin finish. There is no binding on the top or back, giving the guitar a simple and understated aesthetic. The neck is also made of rosewood and has a comfortable 19 fret rosewood fretboard.

Overall the materials and workmanship reflect the budget-friendly price point, yet still deliver quality sound and playability. While not as ornate as more expensive models, the MA-CG02 has all the essential elements for an enjoyable playing experience.

Classical guitars like the MA-CG02 are designed specifically for playing classical and flamenco music. The wider neck, nylon strings, and lightweight construction optimize the guitar for fingerstyle techniques common in these genres. Many guitarists also appreciate the mellow, nuanced tone that a good classical guitar can produce.

While classical guitars excel at certain styles, they may not be ideal for every guitarist. Players who want to strum chords or play rock/pop music may be better served by an acoustic steel-string. The steel strings deliver brighter tone and defined bass, while the narrower neck profile facilitates chord shapes and single note playing.

For those seeking an affordable classical model, the Fender 144562531 is another option to consider. This guitar has a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides. The tone is balanced and projects well. The neck is also very playable with a comfortable fretboard radius. Overall it's an excellent entry-level classical guitar with Fender's trusted build quality.

When shopping for a new classical guitar, it's important to look for quality materials and construction in your price range. Pay attention to the type of woods used, as this greatly impacts tone. Also check the intonation up the neck to ensure accurate tuning. Take time to play the actual guitar you intend to purchase, as each instrument has its own unique voice.

While expensive hand-crafted classical guitars exist, there are many reasonably priced models that offer good value. With companies like Fender, Yamaha, and Cordoba making quality instruments, classical guitar is accessible for musicians at all levels. Do some research, set a budget, and you can find a great guitar to start your classical journey.

Sound Quality

The Classical Guitar Mad About MA-CG02 produces a rich, warm, resonant sound thanks to its combination of quality tonewoods. The top is crafted from solid cedar, which provides excellent resonance and responsiveness. Cedar is a common choice for classical guitar tops due to its balanced tone.

The back and sides are made from mahogany, which adds depth and complexity to the overall tone. Mahogany gives the guitar a sweet, rounded sound with good projection. The mahogany back and sides pair nicely with the cedar top to deliver a balanced tone profile.

This guitar offers excellent sustain and resonance across the tonal spectrum. The notes ring out with clarity and definition. There is no muddiness or lack of focus in the sound. Each individual string rings true with impressive sustain.

Volume and projection are also strengths of this guitar. It has no problem filling a room with its bold, rich voice. The construction allows the sound to resonate freely, pushing the volume outwards. The player can achieve both soft intimate tones and louder projecting tones depending on playing dynamics.

Overall, the combination of quality tonewoods gives this classical guitar a complex, nuanced sound with excellent sustain, resonance and projection. The solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides work together beautifully to produce a warm, rounded tone.

Another popular classical guitar to consider is the Epiphone EILTWRNH1. This model features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a similar combination to the Classical Guitar Mad About model. The Epiphone offers a balanced, rich tone with crisp highs and robust lows. It has a slightly brighter sound compared to the warmer Classical Guitar Mad About. The Epiphone is an affordable option for beginners looking for a quality classical guitar. It provides great value for money with its solid tonewood construction and resonant sound. The nylon strings are easier on the fingers for new players. While not as complex sounding as more expensive models, the Epiphone still delivers an impressive musical voice. It's a reliable entry-level classical guitar worth considering for the budding classical guitarist.

Playability

The playability of the Classical Guitar Mad MA-CG02 is quite good for the price point. The neck width is standard for a classical guitar at 52mm at the nut, which allows comfortable playing hand positions.

The string action out of the box is set reasonably low, allowing easy pressing of the strings without excessive buzzing. While a setup by a guitar tech could potentially lower it further, it is very playable as-is.

The fretwork on this model is decent, with smooth and rounded fret ends that do not create discomfort. There are no sharp or protruding frets that would cause issues. The frets appear to be installed correctly with good intonation across the neck.

Overall, the playability exceeds expectations for an affordable classical guitar like this. The combination of nut width, string action, and fretwork come together to create a smooth and enjoyable playing experience for beginners to intermediates. More advanced players may want to upgrade, but the MA-CG02 provides a very solid foundation.

Hardware

The Classical Guitar Mad MA-CG02 is equipped with quality hardware that enhances its playability and sound.

Tuning Machines

The guitar has sealed die-cast tuning machines with pearl buttons. These keep the guitar in tune well and are smooth to turn. The sealed design prevents dust and debris from getting inside the tuners.

Nut & Saddle

Both the nut and saddle are made from plastic. While bone or tusq would be preferable, the plastic nut and saddle are decent quality and get the job done. The string spacing at the nut is good.

Bridge

The bridge is rosewood which matches the fretboard. It has a classic slotted design with a bone saddle. The bridge transfers vibrations efficiently for full resonance and sustains notes well. The slots are cut straight and smooth so there is no binding or buzzing.

Electronics

The Mad About MA-CG02 classical guitar features basic but quality electronics that provide versatility for playing in more settings.

Pickups

The guitar has a built-in piezo pickup under the saddle to amplify the sound. Piezo pickups are known for accurately reproducing the acoustic tone and dynamics. The pickup seems to capture the guitar's warm nylon-string sound well.

Preamp

It includes a simple 2-band EQ preamp with bass and treble controls to shape the amplified tone. While basic, the preamp gives you some tonal control when plugging into an amplifier or PA system.

Controls

The volume knob allows adjusting the output level of the piezo pickup. There is also a built-in tuner activated by a button above the volume knob. The tuner is handy for quick tuning before performing. The preamp operates on a 9V battery accessed via a compartment inside the guitar.

Tone

The MA-CG02 classical guitar produces a warm, rich, and balanced tone that will please both beginners and more advanced players. The solid cedar top provides sweet and lyrical trebles, while the mahogany back and sides offer a robust bass response.

The guitar has an evenly balanced EQ across the frequency range. Neither the highs nor lows overpower, providing a rounded tonal profile ideal for classical repertoire. There is enough crispness and shimmer in the treble register to bring out complex melodic lines and voice leading. The strong midrange allows the guitar to cut through an ensemble, while the full low end gives the instrument body and presence.

Dynamics are also well-controlled on the MA-CG02. The guitar is responsive to different playing intensities, from delicate 'piano' passages to more aggressive 'forte' strumming. Notes bloom gradually as the strings are plucked, and there is a satisfying resonance as each note sustains and fades out naturally. This dynamic sensitivity makes the guitar come alive under the player's fingers.

Overall, the MA-CG02 provides a versatile classical guitar tone profile suitable for various musical contexts. The balanced EQ, sensitivity to dynamics, and rich sustain make this an expressive instrument for diverse repertoire. Students and experienced players alike will appreciate the quality of sound possible from this affordably-priced guitar.

Versatility

The Classical Guitar Mad About MA-CG02 is a very versatile instrument that can handle a wide range of musical styles and techniques. Its nylon strings and lightweight construction are ideal for classical guitar techniques like fingerpicking and plucking. The wider neck also accommodates fingerstyle playing quite well.

However, this classical guitar has enough projection and sustain to still work for other genres too. Strumming chords sounds full and vibrant on the MA-CG02. It also handles flatpicking single-note melodies cleaner than many classical guitars in this price range. The versatile tone and playability make it a great choice for various musical applications.

Whether you mainly play classical, folk, pop, rock, jazz, flamenco, or just want an all-purpose nylon-string guitar, the MA-CG02 is able to cover a lot of ground. Its well-rounded sound and comfortable feel allow the player to explore different styles with ease. Overall, this is a very adaptable classical guitar for various techniques and musical tastes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price makes it accessible for beginner and intermediate players
• Solid spruce top provides good projection and balanced tone
• Mahogany back and sides offer warm, mellow sound
• Nylon strings are gentle on fingers
• Smooth playability right out of the box
• Lightweight and comfortable to hold
• Attractive, high-gloss finish
• Includes padded gig bag for protection

Cons

• Not as much volume and richness as more expensive models
• High tension nylon strings take time to break in
• Minimal handcrafted attention to detail
• Electronics and built-in tuner are lower quality
• Lacks higher-end appointments like solid wood binding
• Wide nut width may be difficult for smaller hands
• Minimal warranty compared to other brands

Recommendation

The Classical Guitar Mad MA-CG02 is best suited for beginner to intermediate level players looking for an affordable nylon string classical guitar to start learning on. Its compact size makes it a good choice for younger students with smaller hands. The spruce and mahogany construction produces a balanced, warm tone that works well for classical repertoire and lighter fingerstyle playing.

While not a professional level instrument, the MA-CG02 offers good playability and sound quality for the price point. The slim neck and low action facilitate easier fretting and barre chords. The onboard tuner and pickup give players flexibility to plug into an amp or PA system. Overall, it's a great entry-level classical guitar for new players that offers solid features without breaking the bank.

More advanced guitarists would likely want to upgrade to a solid wood classical guitar to get better projection and richer tone. However, the MA-CG02 is certainly a very solid starter instrument for aspiring classical guitarists of all ages.