How Much Does A Classical Guitar Cost? (14 Models That Make Sense)

The original C40, of which this is the latest variant, has earned its stripes for at least a couple of decades now. Both the newer C40II and the earlier C40 have similar, if not identical, features. The C40II is cheaper by about 20 dollars. I highly recommend this guitar, it is a true find in its category – excellent build, good sound and consistent quality. The price is at the lower end of our range. Feel free to check out my C40 review if you want to research this one in depth

Cordoba, like Yamaha, is a respected name in beginner and intermediate classical guitars of exceptional quality. The C3M is on the higher end of the budget range, but weighs in well. With its solid (not laminated) top of cedar, it is known for its ease of playing, lightness in construction and a lively sound. If you can reach for the slightly higher price, it is well worth your while and will last you through your advanced beginner stage as well.

This is one of those models where the sound quality feels more ‘expensive’ than the actual price paid. Coming from the able stables of Yamaha, the 104A deserves serious consideration for all its features – good woods, great build and continued student confidence over the years. Wherever there is formal education concerning the classical guitar – whether online, a real college or with a tutor – the 104A comes up for discussion. You can’t go wrong with it.

This is part of Cordoba’s Protege line of guitars for young, aspiring guitarists. It comes in two size variants: the full size and the 3/4 size. The 2-way truss rod, the Mahogany-Rosewood wood choices, the Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension 500CJ strings, a Hauser-styled mosaic rosette, a high gloss polyurethane finish… all suggest a quality instrument. Highly recommended. You will play this for years

Even though they say it themselves that Yamaha is famous for producing great-sounding budget classical guitars, it happens to be true. The smaller 1/2 size makes it easy for small hands to reach the frets. It’s probably too small for adults with small hands but very right for an 8 year old or younger.

This is a favorite among many teachers for their students. Perhaps because it’s not too small like the 1/2 size and not full size either. Very right for a child under 11 years, it may appeal to adults with small hands too. For children certainly, the 103A is a dependable Yamaha product with its renowned consistency in good sound and great construction. Comes with the quality Savarez D’angelico Light Tension strings. Should be an easy choice to make.

The C1M 1/2 size and 3/4 size are part of Cordoba’s impressive Protege line of classical guitars. Both feature the premium Savarez Cristal Corum strings and have everything in common except for the length. Again, the 1/2 size is only for young children while the 3/4 size (longer than the Yamaha’s equivalent) should be OK for children below 11 years as well as adults with small hands. These are excellent Cordoba variants.

This is perfect for those who wish to play on a smaller instrument. 630 mm may not seem much smaller, but there is ease of playing here for adults. It is certainly beyond the price range in this review but I included it because it is an outlier student guitar, the first one here with a solid wood top, a significant leap from laminated tops. As any Cordoba, the Dolce 7/8 is lightweight and comfortable. The specs are outstanding. You get a truss rod to adjust the neck angle. And it comes with the premium Savarez Cristal Corum 500CJ strings. If you’re serious about the classical guitar, this one can stay with you through the advanced beginner stage too without looking for a change.

With high quality woods, you get a high quality instrument for the price. The C7 has earned a name for itself for its clear sound definition and ‘throw’. It is light and loud. It can be a great travel guitar or gigging guitar. It is certainly a step up from the laminated top sounds and an entry to the next level with not that much of a jump in price. It should serve a diligent classical guitar student at least a few years before the need to strike out to something new surfaces once more. The cedar variant is warm with a good sustain. The spruce variant is tighter in sound with ringing clarity. Either will follow you comfortably into a weekend coffee shop gig or two. (I have a comparison review of the C7 and C9 models if you have both on your shortlist)

You are up and running into the adult world of well made, good sounding guitars and away from laminated tops. A rich black ebony fingerboard has a good feel to it. The spruce top is solid. The 192S is heavier than the Cordoba C7 and the feel is different. It is built like a tank and should last many years (typical of Yamaha guitars mostly). The sound is bold with good projection and clarity. The mid-range stands out. All in all, this is a popular, classic Yamaha model in a wholesome, traditional style.

There is something to be said about even factory made classical guitars that are manufactured in Spain. The home of the Spanish Guitar knows a thing or two about the art of making it. I myself have in my collection an Alhambra 7P with its rich sound and a ‘touch’ you cannot simply find in beginner guitars. The 4P is built robust, plays well and sounds sweet. It has the traditional fan bracing construction underneath the top wood for the best resonance. The fingerboard is ebony. It also happens to be among the top selling models for the company. Which frankly is no surprise. If you can stretch your budget, just go for it. There are years of enjoyable playing built into it.

La Patrie is a popular brand of guitars from a village near Quebec for many years. (The brand is under new management and is named Godin guitars.) Its mid-price range guitars are just the ticket for an advanced beginner/early intermediate student. Above the popular Concert and Etude categories is the Presentation, a worthy guitar. It is a respected guitar, known for its playability (lower action) as well as its solidness (it’s actually heavier than, say, the Cordobas). With a 7-fan bracing, this reasonably priced instrument is an all solid-wood guitar, popular with intermediate players for all the right reasons.

I’m tempted to include the highly regarded C9 into the mix even though the price is higher and outside our range. It is really a step up into the next level with its quality tonewoods and the resonance of spruce and rosewood. It has an evenly balanced tone loved by its fans, warm and bright at once with excellent projection. According to the manufacturer, the neck is of Mahogany “for maximum transfer of string energy to the spruce top”. It looks gorgeous, it plays exceedingly well with nice, rich lower bass notes. I highly recommend this well-made instrument to any aspiring late beginner/early intermediate student as a reward for their past efforts as well as something to look ahead to for years to come. Sorry to wax lyrical, I really like this guitar. (Feel free to read the comparison review of the C7 and C9 models.)