Traditional

A traditionally built classical guitar uses a single solid soundboard supported by fan bracing — the construction Antonio de Torres established in the 19th century and the foundation of the classic Spanish sound. Unlike modern double-top or lattice-braced instruments, which prioritise raw volume and projection, a traditional fan-braced guitar is prized for its tonal warmth, colour, and expressive nuance. This collection brings together instruments built in that time-honoured tradition.

What “Traditional Construction” Means

Traditional classical guitars are defined by three things: a solid one- or two-piece spruce or cedar top (not a laminated sandwich), a fan-bracing pattern beneath that top, and time-tested Spanish building methods such as the integral Spanish heel, where neck and body are joined as one. The seven-fan pattern that Torres standardised remains the reference point, though every luthier refines the number, placement, and taper of the struts to shape their own voice.

The Sound of a Fan-Braced Guitar

Fan bracing distributes string energy across the whole soundboard in a way that favours tonal complexity over sheer loudness. The result is a warm, rounded, deeply coloured voice with clear note separation, a singing sustain, and a wide palette of timbres between the bridge and the fingerboard. Players often describe the traditional sound as more “three-dimensional” and intimate — qualities that suit the core classical repertoire, recording, and chamber settings beautifully.

Because the soundboard responds closely to the player’s right hand, a traditional guitar rewards refined technique: small changes in attack, angle, and position translate directly into colour. This is why so many concert artists and serious students continue to prefer fan-braced instruments for their expressive depth.

Traditional vs. Double-Top and Lattice

There is no “better” construction — only different goals. Modern double-top and lattice guitars typically deliver more volume and projection, ideal for large halls and contemporary music. Traditional fan-braced guitars offer greater tonal colour, warmth, and that unmistakable classic character, with a touch sensitivity many players find more musical. The right choice depends on your repertoire, the rooms you play in, and the voice you’re looking for — and we’re happy to help you compare.

Masters of the Traditional School

The traditional lineage runs from Torres through the great 20th-century builders to today’s finest makers. At Siccas Guitars you’ll find instruments from masters working firmly in this tradition — including Hermann Hauser I, Daniel Friederich, and José Ramírez — alongside contemporary luthiers and high-quality studio guitars built the traditional way.

Find Your Traditional Classical Guitar at Siccas Guitars

Whether you’re drawn to the warm clarity of a spruce top or the immediate warmth of cedar, a traditionally built guitar offers a timeless, expressive voice. Explore this collection, compare it with the rest of our classical guitars, and reach out for personal advice. Every instrument is hand-selected, rigorously checked, and comes with a 14-day home trial, worldwide.