A Classical Start That Actually Sounds Like One
There's something genuinely satisfying about picking up a nylon-string guitar for the first time — the lower string tension, the warm tone, the way the neck invites you to use proper classical hand position. The Ibanez GA3 in Open Pore Amber gives you all of that in a full-size, 4/4 instrument without asking you to spend a lot to get there.
At the heart of the GA3 is a solid spruce top built around traditional fan bracing — the same construction approach used on classical guitars for centuries. It's paired with meranti back and sides, a combination that delivers a balanced, warm tone with enough clarity in the treble register to handle both strumming and fingerstyle playing. The open pore finish keeps the body light and resonant, letting the wood breathe the way an acoustic instrument should.
Whether you're just starting out with classical repertoire, picking up a nylon-string to complement your steel-string playing, or simply want an affordable acoustic that's easy on your fingers, the GA3 is a genuine, well-thought-out instrument — not just a beginner placeholder.
Solid Top, Fan Bracing, and Traditional Construction
The solid spruce top is the GA3's most important structural spec. Unlike a laminate top, a solid wood top vibrates as a single piece — it responds more dynamically to your playing and tends to open up and improve in tone over time. Fan bracing, the traditional internal pattern used in classical guitar building, allows the top to flex and resonate freely, producing that warm, full-bodied classical voice.
The meranti back and sides round out the tone with a smooth midrange and a solid low end. The body is full classical size — 375mm wide, with an open pore gloss polyester finish that keeps the aesthetic clean while allowing the wood to project naturally. Black body binding adds a clean visual contrast against the amber-toned top.
Neck, Fretboard, and Playability
Classical guitars are built differently from steel-string acoustics, and the GA3's neck reflects that. The GA neck profile is wider than a typical steel-string neck — 52mm at the nut — and runs a flat fretboard radius, which is standard for classical technique and makes fingerstyle arpeggios and scales feel natural under your hand. The 650mm (25.6") scale length is the full classical standard, giving nylon strings the right amount of tension for a balanced feel.
The fretboard and bridge are both made from nandu wood, a dense tonewood that contributes warmth and sustain. With 19 frets and a smooth neck profile, the GA3 is comfortable whether you're working through first-position exercises or exploring higher positions. Chrome classical tuners keep things in tune reliably without adding unnecessary bulk to the headstock.
Product Features:
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Top: Solid spruce with traditional fan bracing
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Back & Sides: Meranti
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Neck: Meranti with GA profile (wide, flat radius)
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Fretboard & Bridge: Nandu wood
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Body Shape: Classical (Full Size, 4/4)
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Scale Length: 650mm / 25.6"
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Nut Width: 52mm / 2.0"
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Frets: 19
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Strings: Nylon
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Finish: Open pore gloss polyester — Amber
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Tuners: Chrome classical tuners
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Nut & Saddle: Plastic
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Body Binding: Black
Brand: Ibanez
Model: GA3
SKU: GA3OAM
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
