The design and quality of the strings, saddle, bridge and soundboard have a major impact on the sound. In contrast, the vibrating strings of an electric guitar are read directly by a pickup and transmitted to a sound system for amplification. There are two basic types of acoustic guitars, the classic or nylon string guitar and the steel-string guitar . Both types are excellent general purpose instruments, suitable for many styles, but each has its own distinct feel and sound. The choice of one or the other is purely personal.
Pop musicians tend to use steel-strings guitars more often than classics.
However, many guitarists play both types of instruments depending on their mood and style of music. Ozzie Kotani and Keola Breamer do most of their slack key work on nylon-string classics. The high tension of steel-strings will severely damage the bridge and soundboard. String tension . Thus, the strings of a classic guitar are much easier to fret than a steel-string acoustic.