| Classical guitars are acoustic. But it appears you want a classical because of the nylon strings instead of getting a steel-string acoustic. A classical will have a wider fingerboard, and the neck will join the body at the 12th fret. MOST steel string acousitcs have narrower necks, and the neck joint at the 14th fret. The tension on the typical nylon set is much lower than the typical steel string set (note that almost no one actually uses steel strings, they're bronze wound on nickle plated steel cores).
Real classical guitars aren't intended for strumming (they don't have scratch guards) but rather for classical finger-style technique. So, if you do find yourself strumming, just accept that the top is going to get some scratches.
To choose one, the tap test can be a good starting point. But play them some too and see what sounds good to YOU. Acoustic guitars (whether nylon or steel) vary about as much between individual instruments as they do between brands. So it's very much about the specific instrument rather than a blanket recommendation for a particular brand. Plus, in the lower price ranges, there's a LOT of different labels on essentially the same instruments.
My advice is to take some time playing a bunch of them in all price ranges. Play stuff that's way out of your range to teach yourself about WHY a $500 guitar costs more than a $99 one does. Listen for tone, listen for how well the guitar plays in tune with itself (adjusting intonation on a fixed bridge acoustic isn't simple), and the usual stuff wtih fretted instruments- the nut, how well the frets are set and polished, etc.
And have fun on the search!
John
__________________
JTE
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation do matter, despite the threats of death by grease fire!
"Without space, music is just noise piling up on itself." TRK
Lakland Owners' Club # 248
| 
