TARIO GLC-231TCED NA Classical Guitar: Full Review

Tario is a brand of classical and nylon string guitars manufactured in China and sold globally through online retailers like Amazon. The Tario GLC-231TCED NA is one of their newer electric-acoustic classical guitar models aimed at the entry-level and intermediate market.

This nylon-string guitar features a conventional classical guitar body shape with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It comes equipped with an electric pickup and preamp system, allowing it to be plugged into an amplifier for more volume and stage use. The GLC-231TCED NA also incorporates a cutaway for easier access to higher frets.

This model provides an affordable option for players looking to get an amplified nylon-string guitar with a smooth playing feel and balanced tone, without spending a premium. It's a good choice for classical guitarists or fingerstyle players who want the versatility of plugging in, whether for performing or recording.

Construction

The Classical Guitar TARIO GLC-231TCED NA is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The spruce top provides brightness and responsiveness. Spruce is a popular choice for classical guitar tops due to its resonance and ability to project sound. The grain patterns of the spruce top add aesthetic appeal as well.

The mahogany back and sides offer balanced tone across bass, mid, and treble ranges. Mahogany is known for its warm, rich sound. The combination of spruce and mahogany produces a guitar with nice tonal complexity.

The finish is a gloss polyurethane. This clear gloss finish allows the natural grain patterns of the spruce and mahogany to show through beautifully. At the same time, it provides protection against scratches and wear. The gloss finish gives the guitar an attractive shine.

The construction quality of this classical guitar is excellent, utilizing solid tonewoods and a durable gloss finish. Many features contribute to the full, nuanced sound that makes this model stand out. The spruce and mahogany combination produces a balanced and complex tone. The polyurethane finish not only looks great, but also protects against damage during playing or storage. Overall, this is a well-crafted instrument built to last. For another high-quality option, check out the Fender 0310202503. This model also utilizes solid spruce and mahogany in its construction. The craftsmanship from the reputable Fender brand results in a handsome, resonant instrument. While the tonewood combination is similar, each guitar has its own unique sound and feel. Trying out different classical guitars, even those with comparable specs, is the best way to find your perfect fit. The small variations in wood grain, bracing patterns, and finishing details all impact the final product. Whether you opt for the TARIO or the Fender, you can be confident in the reliable construction. Both represent quality classical guitars that will provide years of playing enjoyment.

Neck

The Classical Guitar TARIO GLC-231TCED NA features a Canadian cedar neck with a consistent taper profile. The neck allows easy access to the higher frets while maintaining a comfortable feel in the lower positions.

The scale length is 25.6 inches, which is the standard for a full-size classical guitar. This promotes clean intonation across the fretboard.

The fretboard is made of Indian rosewood, which provides a smooth feel under the fingers. Rosewood is dense and durable, resisting indentations even under heavy use. The wood grain has an attractive, dark appearance.

The neck joint utilizes a dovetail design that securely anchors the neck to the body for reliable stability and sustain. Overall, the neck has a traditional feel tailored for classical guitar techniques and repertoire.

The neck is one of the most important parts of any guitar, especially for a classical guitar where clean technique and intonation are essential. The material, dimensions, and craftsmanship of the neck all contribute to the playability and sound quality of the instrument. This guitar's Canadian cedar neck provides a comfortable but responsive feel. The scale length is optimized for classical guitar repertoire. The rosewood fretboard offers smooth playability. And the dovetail joint provides solid construction for resonance and sustain. Together these attributes allow the musician to easily navigate the fretboard and produce clean tones across the registers. While this neck aims for a traditional classical design, other options like the Gretsch G9500 2704000503 offer an alternative take with its mahogany neck and ebony fretboard.

When evaluating a classical guitar neck, it's important to consider the width and thickness or profile. Preferred dimensions can vary based on the size of the guitarist's hands and personal playing style. Wider necks allow more finger space for complex chords and techniques. But smaller hands may find narrower necks more comfortable and playable. The neck profile impacts comfort and also the tone and resonance. Thicker necks often promote richer, warmer tones while thinner necks provide more flexibility and easier mobility. The nut width where the strings rest at the top of the neck is another key factor, influencing both playability and tone. So classical guitarists should test out different neck profiles to find the best fit for their physiology and musical needs.

In addition to material and size, craftsmanship is essential for optimal neck performance. Precise engineering allows proper adjustment of string height for easy fingering without buzzing. Smooth fret ends prevent snags and scrapes while playing. And proper neck relief and tilt angle help achieve the ideal action for classical guitar style. Proper neck construction also enhances resonance and sustain. So while narrowing down preferred neck dimensions, guitarists should also evaluate workmanship which contributes to overall playability and sound.

Beyond inherent design, proper neck care also maintains playability over time. Guitarists should limit exposure to humidity changes which can cause the wood to swell and shrink, altering the neck relief. Storing the instrument in a hard case when not in use protects the neck from warping under temperature and humidity fluxes. Regular cleaning and oiling preserves the fingerboard and fret condition. And annual neck adjustments at the guitar shop fine tune the truss rod tension and bridge height for optimal action. With the proper neck design, construction, and care, classical guitarists can enjoy responsive and resonant playability for many years.

Hardware

The Classical Guitar TARIO GLC-231TCED NA electric classical guitar features solid hardware that enhances its playability and sound quality.

The guitar has sealed chrome die-cast tuning machines that help keep it in tune. The tuners are mounted on a treated maple headstock and feature pearloid buttons for a stylish look. The tuning machines provide smooth and precise tuning adjustments.

The TARIO GLC-231TCED NA has a rosewood bridge with a bone saddle. The rosewood and bone combination offers a natural acoustic resonance while providing crisp and clear tone. The bridge transfers the strings' vibrations efficiently for optimal energy transfer and sustain. The bone saddle also helps produce a rich, warm sound.

Overall, the high-quality tuners and thoughtfully designed bridge give this classical electric guitar stable tuning functionality and excellent tonal transfer. The hardware supports the instrument's musical performance and represents one of its strengths.

Electronics

The TARIO GLC-231TCED NA electric classical guitar comes equipped with quality electronics to accurately reproduce the warm, resonant tones of a nylon string guitar through an amplifier or recording interface.

Pickups

The guitar features a custom-designed TARIO piezo pickup system specifically voiced for nylon string guitars. The under-saddle piezo pickup captures the guitar's natural acoustic resonance and detailed string articulation. There are also two additional piezo pickups, one at the lower bout and one at the neck joint, to further enhance the pickup of vibrations across the top and body of the guitar. This multi-source pickup configuration helps produce a balanced and nuanced amplified tone.

Controls

The guitar has volume and 3-band EQ controls, allowing shaping of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. There is also a built-in tuner for quick tuning reference during practice or live performance. The easy-to-use control set gives you versatility in dialing in your amplified nylon string sound, from bright and crisp to warm and robust.

Sound

The Classical Guitar TARIO GLC-231TCED NA features a well-balanced sound profile thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides construction. The spruce top provides brightness and responsiveness, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and sweetness to the overall tone.

This guitar utilizes a traditional fan bracing pattern underneath the top. The bracing helps project the sound while allowing the top to vibrate freely. As a result, notes have good sustain and separation. The tone is clear and articulate across the frequency range, with pleasant sparkle in the trebles, balanced midrange, and tight controlled bass.

Strummed chords have depth and richness. The mahogany back and sides give chords a pleasing rounded tone. Single note lines have definition and note separation. The spruce and mahogany Tonewood combination offers a versatile tonal palette suitable for various playing styles and genres.

The nylon strings help produce a warm, mellow, and refined classical guitar tone. Overall, the TARIO GLC-231TCED NA has a well-balanced and responsive acoustic voice that makes playing this guitar a satisfying experience.

Playability

The Classical Guitar TARIO GLC-231TCED NA features comfortable playability that makes it enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike.

The action on this guitar refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. A properly set up action is crucial for playability, as strings that are too high can cause hand fatigue and impede fingering, while strings too low can buzz against the frets. The TARIO GLC-231TCED NA comes from the factory with a medium action that provides a good balance of comfortable chording and clear, ringing notes when fretting single notes and playing melodies. The action can also be further adjusted to personal preference by adjusting the truss rod in the neck.

The neck shape and width also contribute to the TARIO's easy playability. Its C-shaped neck profile is comfortable to hold and not too thick or thin. And the fingerboard has a nut width of 2" (51mm), giving a spacious feel that makes it accommodating for most hand sizes. Overall, the TARIO GLC-231TCED NA's neck design makes chords transitions smooth and allows room for fingerstyle techniques.

Between the balanced factory setup, adjustable truss rod, and comfortable neck shape, the TARIO GLC-231TCED NA classical guitar provides very playable action right out of the box. It's an inviting instrument for new players, while also satisfying for more advanced guitarists looking for ease of playability.

Pros

The Tario Classical Guitar GLC-231TCED NA has several notable pros that make it a great option for beginner and intermediate players.

• The cedar top produces a warm, balanced tone that works well for classical and fingerstyle playing. The sound projects nicely without being overly bright or boomy.

• The guitar features a rosewood fretboard and bridge which look attractive and feel smooth during playing. The wider neck provides comfort for classical hand position and technique.

• The onboard tuner, EQ and built-in pickup allow for both acoustic and plugged-in amplified playing. This versatility suits guitarists who want to play live, record or practice with headphones.

• Reasonable price point for a classical electric guitar with solid top construction and multiple high-quality appointments. Provides good value for money.

Cons

• The neck can feel overly thick or chunky for some players, making fast soloing and intricate chords more difficult. The wider neck profile may not suit all hand sizes and playing styles.
• The onboard preamp and electronics are fairly basic and add some background noise. The tone shaping options are limited, so dialing in your ideal amplified classical guitar sound can be tricky.
• The tuners feel stiff and can be difficult to turn for precise tuning adjustments. This makes it harder to get the guitar perfectly in tune.
• The plastic nut and saddle don't transfer vibrations as smoothly as bone or other upgrades. This can impact the resonance, sustain and dynamics.

Summary

The Tario GLC-231TCED NA offers impressive value as an entry-level electric classical guitar. It has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a comfortable C-shaped mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The onboard electronics include an under-saddle piezo pickup and a 3-band EQ for shaping your amplified tone.

While it doesn't compare to more expensive models, the Tario delivers decent playability and sound quality considering its budget-friendly price point. The tuners and hardware are serviceable, and the tone from the piezo pickup, while not the most natural sounding, is usable both amplified and through headphones.

Overall, the Tario GLC-231TCED NA is a great option for beginning nylon-string guitarists looking to start playing electrically on a tight budget. It provides a solid foundation to build technique and learn if this genre of guitar suits your musical interests before investing in a more professional level instrument. While not suitable for advanced players, it's a recommendable starter electric classical for students and hobbyists.