h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Just a couple facts to add to this entry:

First, contrary to popular belief, the classical guitar does occasionally make an appearance in an orchestra. An example would be John Williams, a modern classical guitar virtuoso who has played many times with orchestras performing concertos and suites. He is still currently doing so.

Also, back sometime in 1994 or 1995, there was an actual 'classical guitar orchestra' that performed at Inverness Castle a piece called "Farewell to Inverness", an original composition specifically written for the group. I, myself, have been performing with a classical guitar ensemble for the past six or so years. We have arranged many things from Bach symphonies to Beatles tunes, and they are such great fun to play with a group of twenty plus classical guitars!

The second thing to add to this posted entry involves some of the predecessors to the classical guitar. These would begin with the 'lyre', which has been documented to exist about the time of Christ. Then there are various versions of that which evolved into the 'lute' used in medevial times. Other renissance instruments similar to the modern guitar are the gitarra, the chitarra, the psaltry, and the oud(the psaltry and the oud are of Middle Eastern origin).

There are so many interesting things about early music history and the insruments used, but it is best to leave it open to other individuals to enjoy finding these things out for themselves.

Nice to find some other classical guitarists. When I was a school (only a few years ago) my music teacher asked me to join the orchestra temporarily as they needed a guitar. After the first rehearsal I mentioned that I was being completely drowned out by the other instruments, so she said, "Never mind, we'll use an amplifier on the night. What sort of jack do you need?"!!! She seemed quite surprised when I told her that mine wasn't a guitar you plugged in! And her a music teacher - I ask you.

Anyway, just moved to Birmingham to Aston Uni. Any idea where I can find a good music shop for strings etc?

Thanks for responding!! Actually, I am in the US, so I can't help you with music stores. But, I can tell you that you can amplify your guitar in three ways. One way is you could have a small pick-up built into your classical. For this, you want to find a reputible music shop, preferrably that has been in biz for a long time.

Also, you can buy an external pick-up that is attatched to your guitar by the bridge with 2-sided sticky pads and also a jack for the cord. This is what I use with my mandolin. It is made by a company called 'barcus-berry'. It is a Piezo Transducer, Model DISQ-OS, and cost me around $75. They specialize in acoustic pick-ups.

The final way is the good 'ole fashion way...with a microphone and an amplifier, hopefully going through a sound board or equalizer.Just be sure the microphone is low and aimed at the sound hole of the guitar. Then, just adjust the distance away from the microphone for volume control.

You will have fun playing with a large group, especially if it is classical music. Break a leg!!!