Best Classical Guitars (Reviews). Nylon string guitars have a mellower tone and slightly smaller body compared to steel-stringed acoustic guitars. Guitar players love the warm, full sound produced by classical guitars; these 6-string guitars are also available as flamenco guitars, acoustic-electric, and hybrid versions. These guitars look beautiful and sound beautiful as well.
Classical Guitars: Buying Guide
Classical Guitars buying guide & tips for students, enthusiasts and performers.
Traditional classical / Spanish guitars contain six nylon strings (acoustic guitars usually have steel strings).
A classical guitar is basically an acoustical, wooden guitar with six classical guitar strings (nylon) as opposed to the metal strings used in acoustic and electric guitars designed for popular music. The classical guitar body style is also smaller than most other acoustic designs, which makes the instrument easy to handle and feel.
Classical guitars have been used throughout the Baroque, Romantic and Renaissance periods. With a rich history spanning centuries vintage classical guitars have become increasingly valuable.
Some of the leading brands of classical guitars include Ramirez, Gibson, Martin, and Alvarez, though it is possible that you may come across some excellent quality classical guitars that may not be from a recognized brand.
Strings
The strings are made of nylon where the three high strings (treble strings) are usually made entirely of pure nylon whereas the three lower strings (bass strings) consist of nylon wound with metal.
In this style of playing, the strings are plucked by hand, and not by pick.
Tuning the Guitar
String musical instruments like guitars, violins, banjos etc. need to be tuned so that they can produce the correct sound / pitch.
Tuning a classical guitar requires practice and patience, and accessories such as classical guitar tuners.
Though there are other ways of tuning, such as using another musical instrument (such as piano) for reference while tuning, the easiest way is to use a classical guitar tuner. You may choose to use an electronic one or an online guitar tuner.
Shape and Construction
Here are some features specific to the classical guitar (in terms of how its built):
Neck of the guitar
In classical guitar, the way the neck joins the body is different (compared to other types of guitars). Electric guitars and steel string acoustic guitars often have a cutaway neck to allow the guitar player to fret notes at the top end of the scale. And even though classical guitar players use the uppermost notes on the guitar fretboard, classical guitars are stuck with the original guitar shape.
Width of the Neck
Another difference between the classical guitar and other kinds of guitars is the width of the neck. On the steel string acoustic guitar, the neck is slightly narrower than the design used by the classical guitar.
This is why most students take a little longer to get used to playing the classical guitar (initially).
Uses Nylon Strings
The classical guitar uses nylon strings exclusively. They have a very warm, mellow sound. Of course, it is debatable that the nylon string sound is the best for classical music (just look at the success on YouTube of the kid playing Pachabel’s Canon on electric guitar) but the use of nylon strings is due partly to tradition and partly to the fact that steel strings are a lot harder on the guitar player’s fingernails.
How is the Sound Produced?
Classical guitars transmit the vibration of the string to the soundboard via the saddle and bridge. The combined resonance of the strings, saddle, bridge and soundboard are, in turn, amplified in the sound-box or body of the guitar.
The design and quality of the body, saddle, bridge and soundboard have a major impact on the guitar’s sound. The fingerboard provides room for intricate finger picking.
Basically, even these are acoustic guitars, so you don’t need any external equipment to amplify the sounds.
So the better the design and the quality of the saddle, bridge and the soundboard, the better and louder will be the sound.
About the Body
A classical guitar is comparatively easier to handle than an acoustic one, mainly because the body is smaller than most other acoustic designs.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to take care of the guitar, as per the maker’s instructions. Remember, things like temperature and humidity does impact wood, and so if proper care is not taken the quality of the guitar may deteriorate.
You may choose one keep the following points in mind:
- Get a solid top guitar as opposed to a laminated plywood top instrument.
- Get a cedar top guitar as opposed to spruce (most factory made guitars use low-quality spruce)
- You may go for either laminated or solid sides and back
- If possible, get a Spanish made guitar, though they might not have the finish of a Japanese guitar they sure do sound better.
But if you have some basic idea about guitars, then you would know that the name classical guitar doesn’t imply in any sense that you can only play classical music on it. You can actually perform in any genre of music on a classical guitar, though because of its long history a lot of classical stuff does get played on the classical nylon guitar.
Check out Classical Guitar vs Acoustic Guitar to know the differences and similarities.
Classical Guitar Strings
Acoustic guitars usually have steel-strings. Classical, on the other hand, use Nylon strings, which produce the mellow sound suitable for classical music.
Nylon produces a round, mellow sound and is the preferred sound for classical. The strings are usually available as low, medium, normal and hard tension strings.
The less string tension makes a classic guitar easier to play, whereas the longer string (from saddle to nut) enhances the bass response and sustain.
Read more here on classical guitar strings.
Tuning machines on classical guitars.
Difference between Classical guitar and Flamenco guitar
Though both are acoustic guitars, there are some differences between these two types, when it comes to the materials used, the way its constructed, and the sound produced.
Material Used
- Classical guitars have more sustain, and that is usually accomplished by using spruce or cedar tops and rosewood or mahogany backs and sides.
- Flamenco guitars have more volume and the emphasis is on the attack of the note, which is accomplished by using spruce tops and cypress or sycamore for the backs and sides.
Construction
- Flamenco guitars have tapping plates, called ‘golpeadores’, above and below the sound hole, to protect the finish of the guitar body from the fingernail taps of the guitarist. They also have a bit thinner body compared to the classical, and a faster action, usually at the expense of some buzzing.
- On the other hand, classical guitars usually have a bigger/deeper body and the woods are slightly thicker to produce more sustain.
Sound
- On a classical guitar, the attack is soft with a longer and gradual decay.
- On a flamenco guitar, the sound is a bit more percussive, a loud sonic burst followed by a swift decay.
If you’ve been playing classical guitar for some time now, its very likely that you may already own a few nylon string classical guitars. But if you are interested in learning to play Flamenco, you’ll realize that you’ll need a Flamenco guitar; even though you could play Flamenco on a classical guitar, it’s not really the same.
And if you’ve smaller hands, you may find classical guitars with comparatively narrower fret-boards and shorter scales, however it’s a bit difficult to find a Flamenco guitar with a narrower fret-board or shorter scale.
You need a nice guitar if you want to progress your Flamenco playing. Entry-level Flamenco guitars are usually expensive than a beginner student Classical nylon, but it really enhances your learning experience and gets you to start off learning Flamenco the right way. Using a poor instrument can be a hindrance and you will end up blaming yourself if you don’t sound great – when in reality it might just be the wrong instrument. You will sound much better on a proper Flamenco guitar (when playing Flamenco), the lower action, the easier string tension, the more comfortable neck, the tap plates, the lighter weight.
It will help you play clearer, better and faster, compared to playing it on cheaper ones, or if you try playing the Flamenco on a Classical guitar. It gives you a boost in confidence (especially if you’re a beginner) and motivates you to practice and play more.
Buying a Classical Guitar: Factors to Consider
So what are the things to look for when buying the best Classical Guitar?
The simplest way is to go buy the budget. Premium quality guitars will definitely sound better, look better, and have better finish than budget guitars. But then budget guitars are useful and can be played well; however they may not be as polished as the premium ones.
You may want to check the tuning heads, to see if they turn smoothly and allow reasonable pitch control. It is not a great deal however as they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.
Shiny May Not Mean Better
There are several options around the 300 dollar mark that are of good quality. But these are definitely not going to sound like a 1000 dollar guitar.
Most budget guitars have several layers of glossy finish on them, which makes them look cool, however the fact is that they are done to cover up for the poor materials and craftsmanship used. The problem with that is those costing usually suffocates the wood and as a result you don’t hear a vibrant sound.
Usually, a lightly polished finish with high quality solid top is what produces a nice sound.
About the Guitar Action
Each guitar is usually unique in feel due to the variations in neck thickness and shape. If the neck is comfortable, the guitar will be easier to play.
The string height above the fingerboard (known as the action) also influences how easy it is to play. The action may vary according to personal taste and playing style.
- High action is difficult to play but allows buzz-free high volume playing.
- Low action is easy to play but buzzes during aggressive playing.
A compromise between the two is best for most players. Fortunately, the action can be adjusted to suit your needs.
If you are a steel-string player, remember that classical action is higher than steel-string action due to nylon’s lower tension.
What Do you Want to Play?
Buying a new guitar is always exciting, be it for the beginner or for the experienced guitarist. However, a basic knowledge of the instrument and knowing about your musical tastes will help you make a wise purchase; a purchase that you can enjoy for years or perhaps even a lifetime.
Is playing guitar a serious hobby or are you majoring in music? If so, buying the best solid top guitar that you can afford makes more sense.
An inexpensive guitar is a good choice if you’re on a really tight budget or if you’re in it only for casual enjoyment.
Do you need amplification, so that you can play in the church or on stage? If so, an acoustic-electric classical will be a better option.
Read more on classical guitar pickups.
Listen carefully to the timbre (tone color) of the guitar. A balance between dark and bright is best and also the most versatile. However, it’s also more of a personal choice and depends on your playing style.
If your right hand technique is on the bright side, a dark sounding guitar will help balance your tone. If you play without nails, a brighter guitar will help bring out the upper frequencies.
Play single notes throughout the guitar’s range and listen to how they sustain. Listen to the relationship of the bass notes to the treble. The bass should be firm with a long sustain. However, the treble notes must be able to stand out in relation to the bass so you can project the melody.
Finally, have someone play the instrument so you can judge the projection. What’s the difference in sound between a $300 guitar and a $3000 one? Budget guitars are less resonating and have a smaller tonal and dynamic range than expensive guitars.
How’s the Workmanship
Whether you are a beginning or advanced player, a quality guitar is crucial to your success and enjoyment. A fine instrument is easy to play, exudes workmanship, and sounds resonant and responsive.
A quality instrument inspires you to practice and excel as a musician. Buy the best guitar you can afford and it will greatly enhance your learning and enjoyment.
Note the quality of workmanship in the seating and polish of the frets, the binding between the top and sides, and in the finish.
However, in all fairness, you normally get what you pay for.
Budget guitars cost less because cheap materials and lesser workmanship are used to trim costs. Budget guitars should be playable but will have unpolished frets, messy glue joints, unsounded bracing and poorly adjusted action (a good dealer will adjust the action if needed).
Premium quality guitars will have a near perfect fit and finish of all components. Even the interior bracing will be neatly glued and sanded smooth!
Before purchasing a guitar, make sure that the tuning heads turn smoothly and allow reasonable pitch control. Fortunately, cheap or broken turning heads are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.
Effect of Temperature and Humidity
Always remember, when buying a handmade guitar, you are buying a instrument made of wood.
Temperature and humidity are the main factors to ruptures and instrument deterioration if not cared according to the maker’s instructions.
Popular Guitar Brands
Yamaha, Fender, Lauren are the popular brands that make some really good Classical Guitars. So here are some options depending on what you are looking for.
If you are looking for a good nylon-string classical guitar for kids or children, to get started with guitar lessons, then you need something that really is not a toy but a nice, lovely little classical guitar.
Here are a couple of options that are great for kids or children. You can check out the amigo 1/2 size classical guitar or the lauren 30″ student guitar. Both are equally good.
If you are looking for a full size guitar, with some bundled accessories, then you may check out these truly value-for-money options.
The one from fender that comes with a gigbag or the yamaha that gives you a digital tuner and padded gig bag. These are beautiful looking and rich-sounding guitars with a nice wooden body. If you have been on the fence about buying a guitar, do check these out.
Brands such as Yamaha, Takamine, Ibanez are the more popular ones out there, especially because they have a lot of stuff aimed at the beginner/intermediate level guitar players.
But then there are many other manufacturers of acoustic/classical guitars, some of which make expensive stuff for the connoisseur guitarist.
Here are some of the big brands (though not as popular):
- Jose Ramirez
- Manuel Rodriguez
- Armin Hanika
- Yamaha
- Orpheus Valley / Kremona
- Madrigal
- Alhambra
- Cordoba
- Iberica
- Almansa
- LaPatrie
- Yairi
Price Ranges
Here’s an idea of how much you can expect to spend on these classical guitars.
Most beginners are looking for an inexpensive guitar. However you need to bear in mind that most guitars retailing for under $100 are usually not fun to play (they do have their use though).
So if you’re really serious about playing classical, it makes sense to spend a bit more and get a quality guitar. Fortunately, there are several factory-made classical guitars that are reasonably priced and are of good quality.
Most pros who use top quality concert instrument actually get them handmade guitar by a professional luthier. So they aren’t going to be cheap. Such hand-made guitars will cost a few thousand dollars. when you pay so much, you should ask for a trial period and also expect lifetime warranty.
If you are looking for a factory fitted guitar, and an affordable one, look for a solid cedar top Spanish guitar, with either laminated or solid sides and back. These will cost you well below thousand dollars.
In case, you like a guitar that is priced around a couple of grands, you should evaluate whether it makes sense to spend more and go for a handmade one as opposed to buying a factory made nylon string guitar.
You can read reviews of some of the best classical guitars here.
You May Consider a Luthier Made Guitar
That is one option available for the experienced players, and there are many who get their guitars custom made.
The challenge with a factory made guitar is that they are designed for a wide group of people and may not take into account your exact requirements. Most of these guitars are build to a certain minimum level of sturdiness.
An individual luthier doesn’t necessarily have to do that. Though it’s going to cost you more, the sound of the guitar is more likely to blow you away.
Deals, Discounts & Sale
As you become more experienced and have the knowledge to decipher what is a good quality and sounding instrument, you become open to the idea of using used guitars as well. This is because you know that high-quality guitars can be expensive, and you don’t want to wait forever to own such an instrument.
That is why it is a good idea to check out sites that offer Classical Guitars for sale, or have discounted music gear.
What to Look For?
Most of the time, the dealers are trying to get rid of their inventory, or offer discounts because of festive season, as they make up on the volumes generated. These are brand new ones.
Even if you are looking for used ones, do remember to check the guitar thoroughly for wear and tear. Besides, classical guitars (aka Spanish guitar) can vary greatly, depending on their make. You need to know how to differentiate between poor quality and something that is of magnificent quality.
As I said you need to have some experience so that you can evaluate better. If you are a beginner, take a friend along who knows what to look for.
Can get Good Bargain
Once you are satisfied with the sound, finish, fit, comfort, you may definitely consider buying the guitar.
Many online sites also have the Blowout section where refurbished or slightly blemished (only looks wise) Classical Guitars are offered for sale where you get massive discounts.
You can indeed land yourself a good bargain on those Classical Guitars for sale.
Buying a Beginner Classical Guitar
You will obviously need a good classical guitar. You don’t have to get the most expensive one but you certainly need a good quality one.
Make sure the guitar sounds right, feels right in your hands, and in case you are buying a used one make sure the frets are not damaged and the guitar is in good shape.
But then, you can easily find a decent beginner classical guitar for around $150. You may also want to buy accessories such as the guitar case or hanger.
You may also want to change the guitar strings, something like D’Addario, that are perfect for the weaker fingers and help produce a sweet sound, besides offering better sustain.
Whenever you’re ready for a classical guitar, avoid the inexpensive ones as they are almost junk. It makes lot of sense to pay more and buy a real classical guitar, that is easy to play, sounds resonant and responsive, and will greatly enhance your learning and enjoyment.
If you’re an intermediate player looking to upgrade, remember that budget guitars have multiple layers of glossy finish, likely to make them look better and probably cover up some of the poor craftsmanship as well as materials. Beginners may associate that with better quality, but experienced players know that laminates usually suffocates the wood and prevents the guitar from producing a bright sound.
As you consider more expensive options, remember that you also have the choice of going in for a used luthier made guitar.
Learning to Play the Classical Guitar
Beginner Classical Guitar: Lessons & reviews of various brands of classical guitars, and the best classical guitars for beginners to get started. Understand how classical guitar is different from acoustic guitars and the various playing techniques used in playing classical guitar music.
Nothing can be as soothing as listening to some great classical guitar music. Though most teenagers like the sound of an electric guitar, there are many other music enthusiasts who prefer the mellower, melodious and soulful sound of classical music.
Usually, guitar students have their first encounter with classical pieces while preparing for music exams. Experienced players, in their quest to learn more, come across classical at some point of time. Irrespective, it does come across as a breath of fresh air, because they’re usually soft and soulful.
The best thing about playing a classical guitar is the soothing sound that it generates. Even if you’re a beginner, and can play a few simple songs, it feels ‘so relaxing’ when you hear yourself playing the classical guitar.
Here’s a video of Moonlight Sonata being played on a classical guitar:
Beginner classical guitar lessons doesn’t have to cost much, it is possible to learn on your own through books and the various online resources. And even when it comes to buying one, you can select from a range of affordable classical / nylon string guitars for around 150 bucks.
Learning to play the classical guitar may seem difficult in the beginning, and even the fingers could hurt. But with a little patience, you can easily overcome those challenges. Just be regular with your learning and there is no reason why you can’t become good at it.
Also, when taking beginner classical guitar lessons, always remember to do things the right way, including maintaining your posture while holding and playing the guitar.
Different students take different approaches when learning classical guitar. The important point however is to stay focused and be regular with your practice. It is affordable to buy a beginner classical guitar nowadays and access to quality lessons is also quite cheap, so there is nothing that should stop you from learning classical guitar.
Classical Guitar: Music Theory
Most beginners learn the basic notes, and a few songs, and are happy with the progress they have made.
One suggestion – If you can, spend some time on music theory sooner (than later). We already have covered a lot in music theory here on our site. Learn to play from a jazz fake book, and so on.
In addition to understanding and playing the classical music repertoire, you should also try to play other styles of music that are similar to classical. You should also listen a lot to songs of classical guitarists. It is fascinating to hear how different players (Segovia, Bream, Williams, Parkening) play the same piece of music.
Learning Resources
Besides learning some basic lessons, you’ll also need a collection of good books and other learning resources.
The good thing about these books and software is that you can proceed at your own pace, and do not have to keep paying for repeated lessons. Some of these courses will also allow you to learn more than one style of play, besides Classical guitar. They also offer advanced lessons.
Classical Guitar Books
There are plenty of good books out there to learn classical guitar (many come with audio lessons) that will help you improve greatly to play with the correct rhythm and timing.
Pumping Nylon: The Classical Guitarist’s Technique Handbook: This is a masterpiece for developing the correct technique for both left and right hands. Whenever I am having difficulty with my technique for a new piece I find that spending a couple of days on Scott’s exercises soon solves the problem.
So you will need to spend some time finding resources that will suit your styles & skills.
Also, you can learn a lot by looking at videos of accomplished guitarists. Besides appreciating and learning from their playing skills, another aspect worth looking at is how relaxed the guitar players seem while playing.
There’s no doubt that classical-style playing are much appreciated by almost everybody, be it playing on the piano or the guitar, but what makes you come across as a seasoned/professional is when you’re totally calm while playing…easily coordination your thumb, fingers and the fret hand (the playing part comes from years of practice though).
Being relaxed allows you to connect with your hands without any interfering thoughts. And how to reach that state? It starts with just a couple of simple steps (works for most skills in life):
1. Learn the guitar techniques and practice them slowly, with conscious focus
2. Once you know the part thoroughly, get out of the way and let your body perform what it has learned.
Left Handed Guitar Players
Left handed players can either use a right handed guitar and play it just like any right handed student, this is because both hands are required to do relatively complex and unrelated tasks in order to play. The other solution is a left handed instrument, these can be bought and in the list of guitars I have included a left handed model.
Some guitars such as Yamaha can be strung either way as either left or right handed as the bridge consists of a slotted piece of plastic with a triangular shaped insert which is tallest under the base strings, this can be reversed when the strings are removed and the instrument strung in the reverse sequence, thus turning it into a left handed instrument. The only challenge that remains is to find left handed tabulature, most of the lefties I have come across reverse the right handed tabulature and become very proficient at using it.
Playing the Classical Guitar: Techniques
When it comes to playing the guitar, there’s also a difference in the way you pluck the guitar strings.
Unlike most other guitar players, plectrums and fingerpicks are not used by classical guitarists. The sound produced is a product of the guitar player’s fingertips or fingernails plucking or striking the nylon strings (It’s the player’s choice as to what to use).
There are a couple of ways in which you can pluck the classical guitar strings:
- The “rest” stroke is where the thumb or the fingers pluck the string and come to rest on the next string. The “free” stroke is where the thumb and fingers attack the string in such a way as to avoid the adjacent strings.
Watch: This Classical Guitar Lesson explains the Rest Stroke & Free Stroke - Another technique used in classical guitar playing is the tremelo technique where the right hand thumb plays a bass note followed by the index, middle and ring fingers playing melody notes in quick succession. A famous piece employing the tremelo is Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega.
Watch: Ana Vidovic plays Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega - Another tricky technique, used for playing solos, is by using the sound of harmonics. This involves the right hand index finger damping the string while the ring finger plucks. When you play chords by scraping the right hand fingers or thumb across the strings it is called a ‘rasgueado’. You can strum chords with the thumb using a down stroke, the index finger using up or down strokes or, less commonly, by using the flamenco rasgueado which entails the little finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger and thumb following each other in a down stroke across the strings.
Watch: Flamenco guitar technique: rasgueado patterns (more of an advanced technique)
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercises
Here are some useful videos on beginning classical guitar exercise.
Pay attention to the technique used, the thumb movements, and the basic positions. It’s best to learn these exercises in the sequence mentioned. Move on to the next video only if you’re able to play the previous one.
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercise 1
This video covers the basic left hand position, the right hand position, rest stroke, free stroke, and alternating strokes.
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercise 2
The video demonstrates how to play the free-stroke and alternating stroke.
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercise 3
This video shows the basic thumb movement while playing the bass strings.
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercise 4
Right hand plays two strings at a time with p and i, and p and m. i and m are alternating throughout. Very good exercise for beginners.
Beginning Classical Guitar Exercise 5
This video demonstrates the technique for slurs and hammer-ons. You need to be able to play the previous exercises to be able to attempt this one.
Best Classical Guitars (Reviews)
Most beginners usually start off with a classical (nylon-string) guitar because of the nylon strings (easier on the fingers). High-end classical guitars on the other hand are used by experienced players to play in the classical or flamenco style. Over the years, classical guitars have become more affordable due to improvements in guitar building technology and it’s now possible to own a stage-worthy classical guitar for well under a thousand bucks.
A quality instrument inspires the player to practice more and become better as a musician. So, serious players should consider buying the best solid top guitar you can afford. You also have the option to go in for an acoustic-electric classical guitar in case you intend to perform onstage or at the church.
Here are reviews of some of the best Classical Guitars (nylon strings) available from different brands and for various prices.
Mini-sized (3/4th)
- Cordoba Mini (Small Body) Nylon String Guitar
- Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar
- Ortega (R121-3/4WR) Classical Guitar
Full Size
- Yamaha FG840 Nylon-string Acoustic Guitar
- Kremona Right Handed (S65C) Classical Guitar
- Cordoba C9 CD/MH Nylon String Classical Guitar
Cordoba C3M
Affordable, Suited for all levels, Comfortable playing
Cordoba C3M is the entry-level model in the popular Iberia series from Cordoba (its also priced like an entry-level classical guitar). Built with traditional Spanish fan bracing, a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, it has a hand-inlaid wooden rosette.
A popular model, the C3M is a full-sized, handcrafted guitar, built with traditional Spanish fan bracing, a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The C3M also has a hand-inlaid wooden rosette, a rosewood fingerboard, and gold tuning machines with pearl buttons. The “M” in the title stands for its light matte finish.
Its a full-size guitar with a 52mm nut width, comes with a truss rod that allows for adjusting the tension on the strings. The C3M has a matte finish.
Yamaha C40
The Yamaha C40 is an affordable, classical guitar perfectly suited to beginners and young learners, and from a brand that is quite popular & trusted in this price range.
Spruce top with mahogany back and sides, nato wood neck, rosewood fretboard, and melamine gloss finish. Full-size guitar (but only 24″ long) so kids, teens, as well as adults of shorter stature can use this guitar comfortably. Weighs only 4.8 lbs!
So if you want to study classical guitar as a hobby, or need an inexpensive replacement guitar, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Yamaha’s C40 full-size classical guitar is a good option.
Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar
Cordoba C5 guitar is part of the Cordoba “Iberia” series, features cedar-top, back and sides are made of mahogany. Full sized guitar with 52mm nut width. Whether you’re a classical guitar player or simply looking for a new acoustic guitar, you’ll like the feel and tone of the Cordoba C5.
La Patrie Motif
The La Patrie Motif is a Spanish classical guitar with solid cedar top and suitable for those who prefer an affordable ‘North American made’ nylon-string guitar, read more…
La Patrie Etude
This is one of the more popular models in the La Patrie series and great for beginning and intermediate level players, looking an affordable classical guitar with a decent sound.
One of the more popular brands, at least for beginners and experienced players, is Yamaha. And the Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar is a great low-cost instrument with much more potential. Most beginners usually don’t have the budget for high-end luxury guitars; for them, this is a great fit because of its looks and great sound quality. You may also opt for a bundled package for more useful accessories along with the Yamaha FG700S.
If you are fond of collecting quality guitars, or a guitar student serious about classical music, or any performer who would want the guitar sounds to stand out during jam sessions, then here is a baby guitar from Taylor, in 3/4 size. The brand is one of the most trusted, so definitely you can expect good build quality and sound quality.
Everybody wants a nice and bright-sounding guitar, which is not at all harsh, and which gives out nice-sounding bass notes. The seagull guitar is one such product that not only looks gorgeous but also sounds like a much more expensive one.
Cordoba C5-CE Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar
Cordoba C5-CE Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar is an affordable classical guitar, handmade in the traditional Spanish style. Get excellent articulation via the guitar’s Canadian cedar top and African mahogany back and sides. Quality electronics amplify its clear, warm sound.
- Pros: Bone nut and saddle makes playability so much better. Fishman preamp. Built in tuner makes tuning the guitar quick, easy, and accurate. Smaller neck feels better than a standard classical neck. Looks beautiful. Offers good value for money.
- Cons: A sound hole mic would have been great but it would have increased the price. 48″ nut width (in case you’re not used to playing on it). The guitar sounds a little thin unplugged/unamped but its awesome with the pickup through a amp/PA system. Tuners are okay
- Best Uses: Finger Picking, Suitable for various music genres, Recording
The Cordoba C5-CE is built like the traditional Spanish classical guitar with one exception – it has a soft cutaway and a slightly thinner neck as compared to a full-sized classical guitar. Suitable for the intermediate guitar player, this guitar uses top-quality electronics and produces a warm tone.
The Cordoba C5-CE from the Iberia Series is a popular Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar. The guitars in the Iberia Series are of large and medium size, and suited to people of all ages and skill levels. They are made of solid materials, look beautiful, are designed to feel lightweight and provide a warm sound.
The guitar has a classic design, the top is made of solid Canadian cedar cedar, mahogany is used for the sides and the back, and the finish is glossy and shiny, despite the traditional construction.
The guitar comes with modern features, including an on board tuner and Fishman Isys+ 2band pickup system that makes it suitable for gigging and recording as well. The Fishman pickup may not look impressive at first glance, but allows customization – you get phase, tone or volume controls, as well as knobs for all kinds of individualizations. The battery box is hidden close to the bottom.
The tone of this guitar is quite nice and consistent, and the intonation is spot on. It plays super smooth, has fantastic low action and a fabulous acoustic sound, very clean sound on all notes and just the right “acoustic slap” if you strum it hard. In the electric mode the sounds can be manipulated by the EQ’s and it sounds real good, very little feedback. The built-in tuner is a great thing to have.
The Cordoba C5-CE Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar looks beautiful, has a great tone and quality sound, has great sound can be played with or with out amp. The B-Band preamp is excellent, a lot better than others that are similarly priced. Its an excellent guitar for both beginners, as well as professionals looking for a value buy.
La Patrie Etude Classical Guitar
La Patrie Etude Classical Nylon-String Guitar is one of the more popular models in the La Patrie series and great for serious beginners as well as intermediate level players who want an affordable classical guitar with a decent sound. Its difficult to find a Canadian guitar that sounds so good and costs so little.
- Pros: Excellent sound
- Cons: Tuning machines are okay
La Patrie Etude is one of the most popular models in La Patrie lineup — great for beginning and intermediate-level players. The rich, mellow sound (dark bass) without being overpoweringly loud appeals to many guitar players. Its a fine guitar for beginning and intermediate classical players. Easy to play, keeps in tune, and sounds awesome.
The guitar features solid cedar top, Back and side: laminated wild cherry, Neck: mahogany, Fretboard: rosewood, Bridge: rosewood.
The full body size of this guitar makes it sound more responsively. The neck is thinner and the fretboard is slightly radiused making it easier to hold and play. The pickup version is La Patrie Etude QI.
Some players don’t like the dry tremble on this guitar, but it’s partly because of the cedar top finish, which is actually okay for a Spanish classical guitar. If you prefer a more brighter tone, you may have a look at other spruce top guitars.
Overall, the Patrie Etude is a good classical guitar with great tone (midrange is rich and bass is strong). The thinner neck and radiused fretboard makes it easy to play, the slightly higher action is actually normal for classical guitars. Its highly recommended for those looking for an under-priced classical guitar that sounds great. It has Great sustain & wonderful overall sound.
Hohner HC06 Classical Guitar Bundle
The Hohner HC06 classical guitar bundle is a full sized, basic beginner guitar bundle and an inexpensive way to get started on the classical guitar. Perfect for ages 13 and above.
- Pros: Nice finish, good intonation, the guitar has a solid, stable feel to it.
- Cons: Its a beginner classical guitar.
- Uses: Practice. Learning
Here’s what you get in the bundle:
- Hohner HC06 Full Sized Classical Nylon String Guitar
- D’Addario EJ45 Pro-Arte Nylon Classical Guitar Strings, Normal Tension
- D’Addario Assorted Pearl Celluloid Guitar Picks, 10 Pack, Medium
- D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner
The neck is slightly wider and the strings further apart than what you find on an acoustic guitar, so its easier to play (especially for beginners). Also, the nylon strings are a little easier on the fingertips, then steel strings (found on most acoustic guitars).
The guitar features a spruce top, the sides and back are catalpa. The clip-on tuner is highly precise and can be used for a wide range of instruments like guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin etc. The tuner is compact and hides behind the headstock. The small size of tuner allows you to leave on every instrument. As an additional practice aid, there is visual metronome feature on the tuner
Guitar picks are good quality celluloid. Picks are medium gauge (70mm), and provide natural and warm feel and fat tone.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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