Guitar Basics – Page 5

Classical guitars come in a bewildering price range with the cheapest model at $50 and the most expensive well over $5,000. I have researched various models within various price bands that are excellent value for the money. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find a good guitar here. So what exactly is the right price for a good classical guitar? The price of a guitar is related to the playing level. A beginner can expect to pay in the $150-$200 range, an advanced beginner around $500-$800 and an intermediate player in the $1,500-$2,000 range. For expert or concert players, luthier-made guitars cost more than $5,000. A costlier guitar is not always a better guitar. A cheaper guitar is not always bad. Barring the truly (absurdly, in my opinion) cheap options, say, below the $100 mark, you can find true bargains inside every budget. For the truly advanced and expert players, the world of custom-made, luthier guitar spreads its arms wide open to lure the unwary... which is another story altogether and we'll do it another time. For now, the following listings feature some of the excellent value-for-money classical guitar brands/models for the absolute beginner, an advanced beginner and an early to middle intermediate player. These classifications are clumsy and inexact, I know, but you know where you're at. We'll also cover some excellent options for young children and adults with small hands. Right priced classical guitar for the beginner What's the right price of a classical guitar? All classical guitars for beginners listed here are regular, full size (650 mm) guitars. For folks with small hands or children below 11 who typically look for smaller sized guitars, there is a separate sub-section below. All prices in this section are in the reasonable range. I've given links to online stores where you can check the latest price. Lucero LC100, a popular choice Lucero LC100 classical guitar Top woodLaminated SpruceOther woodsMahogany for sides and back, other unnamed hardwoods for fingerboard and bridgeNumber of frets18FinishNatural glossInteresting featuresIn addition to the Natural finish, you get a Black finish variant too. Cool!NotesAlthough I haven’t played it myself, there are simply too many voices in favor of this guitar model online that are hard to ignore. People praise its sturdy construction and expect it to last for years. They enjoy its ‘loud and clear’ sound. They observe it’s a solid and well made instrument. It’s a great guitar for the price, they say, and is comparable to instruments that cost much more. Crowd tested, folks. The Lucero gets a lot of love from satisfied users.Guitar Center linkLucero LC100 at Guitar CenterLucero LC 100 Classical Guitar Key Summary Yamaha C40II, the eternal evergreen 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 Top woodLaminated SpruceOther woodsMahogany/Meranti/Nato for sides, back and neck. Rosewood for fingerboard and bridgeNumber of frets18FinishGlossInteresting featuresThe C40II is a variant of the much older C40, an evergreen favourite of classical guitar students and teachersAffiliate linkYamaha C40II at SweetwaterYamaha C40ii Classical Guitar Key Summary I have written an in-depth review of the Yamaha C40. If you're interested in this model, you'll find this detailed review useful. Cordoba C3M, a serious step up 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. Top woodSolid CedarOther woodsMahogany/Nato for sides, back and neck. Rosewood for fingerboardNumber of frets19FinishSatin MatteInteresting featuresAt this price level, the saddle/nut is usually plastic. The C3M uses bone, found in higher priced guitars. The Spanish classic Fan Bracing under the top wood is an advanced feature as well.Affiliate linkCordoba C3M at Amazon | Cordoba C3M at SweetwaterCordoba C3M Classical Guitar Key Summary Yamaha CGS 104A, students' favorite 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. Top woodLaminated SpruceOther woodsLaminated Meranti/Nato for sides, back and neck. Rosewood for fingerboardNumber of frets18FinishGlossyInteresting featuresThis is a leading model out of Yamaha's Student Series. Everything about it is full-size specs.Affiliate linkYamaha CGS 104A at AmazonYamaha CGS 104A Classical Guitar Key Summary Cordoba Protege C1, feature rich 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 Top woodSpruceOther woodsMahogany for sides, back. Rosewood for fingerboard and neckNumber of frets19FinishHigh glossInteresting featuresIt comes with a traditional Spanish fan bracing under the top wood and, unusual for the price range, has a truss rod for adjusting neck anglesAffiliate linkCordoba Protege C1 at Amazon | Cordoba Protege C1 at SweetwaterCordoba Protege C1 Classical Guitar Key SummaryThere is a similar model C1M which is essentially the same guitar as the C1 but with a matte finish. The C1, as noted, has a high gloss finish. Classical guitar for the very young or players with small hands Yamaha CGS 102A 1/2 size for the little one 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. Top woodSpruceOther woodsMeranti for sides, back, Rosewood for fingerboard and Nato for neckNumber of frets20FinishGlossInteresting featuresIts scale length (distance from nut to bridge) is a reduced 21 inches (about 530 mm) as against a full size of 25.6 inches (650 mm). Yamaha calls it 1/2 sizeAffiliate linkYamaha CGS102A at Amazon - you can save a few dollars if you buy just the plain guitar without accessories like gig bag, tuner, instructional DVD, etc. | Yamaha CGS102A at SweetwaterYamaha CGS 102A 1/2 Size Classical Guitar Key Summary Yamaha CGS 103A II 3/4 size for the not so little 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. Top woodSpruceOther woodsNato for sides, back and neck, Rosewood for fingerboard and bridgeNumber of frets18FinishNaturalInteresting featuresIts scale length (distance from nut to bridge) is a reduced 23 inches (about 585 mm) as against a full size of 25.6 inches (650 mm). Yamaha calls it 3/4 sizeAffiliate linkYamaha CGS103A II at Amazon | Yamaha CGS103A II at SweetwaterYamaha CGS 103A II 3/4 Size Classical Guitar Key Summary Cordoba C1M 3/4 -1/2 sizes, great choices 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. Top woodSpruceOther woodsMahogany for sides, back and neck, Rosewood for fingerboard and bridgeNumber of frets18FinishMatteInteresting featuresThe 1/2 scale length (distance from nut to bridge) is a reduced 22.8 inches (about 580 mm) as against a full size of 25.6 inches (650 mm). The 3/4 scale length is 24.2 inches (about 615 mm). Cordoba has marginally less width of the neck at the nut at 1.875 inches (about 48 mm) than the YamahaAffiliate linkCordoba C1M 3/4 at Amazon | Cordoba C1M 3/4 at SweetwaterCordoba C1M 1/2 at Amazon | Cordoba C1M 1/2 at SweetwaterCordoba C1M 3/4 and 1/2 Size Classical Guitar Key Summary Cordoba Dolce 7/8 for adults with small hands 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. Top woodSolid Canadian cedarOther woodsMahogany back, sides and neck, Rosewood fingerboardNumber of frets19FinishHigh glossInteresting featuresThe Dolce 7/8 scale length (distance from nut to bridge) is a reduced 24.8 inches (630 mm) as against a full size of 25.6 inches (650 mm). It has a solid cedar top, not laminatedAffiliate linkCordoba Dolce 7/8 at Amazon | Dolce 7/8 at Guitar CenterCordoba Dolce 7/8 Size Classical Guitar Key Summary Classical guitar for the advanced beginner Cordoba C7 Cedar/Spruce, a step up 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) Top woodSolid Western Red Cedar OR Solid European SpruceOther woodsIndian Rosewood for back, sides and fingerboard, Mahogany for neckNumber of frets19FinishGlossInteresting featuresChoice of cedar or spruce top at the same price. Quality tonewoods and traditional Spanish-style fan bracing. Good projection. Nut and saddle are made of bone, not plasticPurchase linksCordoba C7 Cedar at Amazon | Cordoba C7 Cedar at SweetwaterCordoba C7 Spruce at Amazon | Cordoba C7 Spruce at SweetwaterCordoba C7 Classical Guitar Key Summary Yamaha CG192S, an evergreen staple 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. Top woodSolid European spruce topOther woodsRosewood back, sides and bridge, Mahogany neck, Ebony fingerboardNumber of frets19FinishGlossInteresting featuresAn ebony fingerboard feels right and proper and gets you into the big boy/girl club. White mother-of-pearl peg tuners.Affiliate linkYamaha CG192S at Amazon | CG192S at Guitar CenterYamaha CG192S Classical Guitar Key Summary Alhambra 4P, a great Spanish alternative 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. Top woodSolid Canadian CedarOther woodsLaminated Rosewood back and sides and bridge, Mahogany neck, Ebony fingerboardNumber of frets18FinishGlossInteresting featuresThis is above our prince range, about $800. If you can reach here, you have yourself a Made in Spain classical guitar. An ebony fingerboard and all other details just rightAffiliate linkAlhambra 4P at Amazon | 4P at Guitar CenterAlhambra 4P Classical Guitar Key Summary La Patrie Presentation, well made in Canada 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. Top woodSolid Canadian CedarOther woodsSolid Rosewood back and sides and bridge, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboardNumber of frets18FinishSemi-Gloss custom polishInteresting featuresThe back and sides are of Rosewood, a wood known for its resonance. Made in Canada with real quality woodsAffiliate linkLa Patrie Presentation at AmazonLa Patrie Presentation Classical Guitar Key Summary Cordoba C9 Spruce, over budget and brilliant 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.) PriceHang on, this one is above the 'reasonable' range!Top woodSolid European SpruceOther woodsSolid Mahogany back and sides and neck, Indian Rosewood fingerboard and neckNumber of frets19FinishGlossyInteresting featuresMother-of-pearl rosette inlay, gold tuners with ebony buttons, Spanish-style fan bracing make for a gorgeous instrument inside and outAffiliate linkCordoba C9 Spruce top at Amazon | Cordoba C9 Spruce top at SweetwaterCordoba C9 Classical Guitar Key Summary For a detailed discussion of the Cordoba C9 (including Spruce and Cedar options plus the 630 mm Parlor variant), do check out my review of the C9. And then some more options... I should really mention a few more options. Not just because there are fabulous options out there, but also because they are not all that wildly expensive. I'm talking about good classical guitars made in Spain, not usually found among the usual online stores. They are not normally recommended on online review sites. Being a member of the classical guitar community worldwide and in touch with what's winning the favor of guitarists at every level, I wish to point out these models which are in turn from top class, high repute brands. Solid, quality manufacturers without the huge marketing budgets of the big guns. I believe the following models are worthy of your consideration at the intermediate level of classical guitar playing. Yes, I know I'm pushing it... but hopefully by not too much. They are not as costly as you may think. Prudencio Saez G11 Hermanos Camps SP6 Hernandez Professor Esteve 7CE Raimundo 132 Cedar You will not find them in regular online stores but on sites like: Guitars From Spain, Guitarrras de Luthier and Casa Luthier. To be clear, any of the guitars in the main list above are great choices in quality and price. They will leave you more than satisfied. If you wish to explore the ultimate step in a guitarist's journey, there are always luthier-made guitars! Hear what 11 owners of luthier-made classical guitars have to say about them (with audio samples). If you're interested in the Yamaha range of classical guitars in particular, I recommend you read our review of all the Yamahas for beginner and intermediate guitarists. Happy hunting!