Best Budget Classical Guitar (2024 Update)

I use my C10sp mainly to study and play classical music at home. I own another classical which I use for gigs. I don't want my C10SP to get bumped up and scratched. The sound is well balanced with excellent bass and crisp trebles. The intonation is perfect across the fretboard. The action was standard so I lowered a bit to my taste. The wood is beautiful, the spruce top has a nice color with bear claw marks that makes it unique. The rosewood back and sides has a nice color with a beautiful rose/brownish grain. The tuners are beautiful as well and functional as it keeps the guitar tuned very well all the time. The C10SP is an excellent classical guitar at an incredible price.Guitarmonsterz

I went to a guitar store specializing in classical guitars, and tried out a whole lot. For the price, I could not find a better-sounding guitar (if you are after the flamenco sound). Other options: While I originally intended to buy a Cordoba with cutaway and electronics, I found that those guitars (despite from being 50% more expensive) lacked in the quality of sound. A pickup from something like Kremona would cost a lot less. Sound: This guitar has a very clear sound – something you want regardless of the type of guitar. The notes do not sound muffled or dead. The flamenco construction adds to this by producing a shorter sustain, and a very bright tone. At times, it sounds similar to bells ringing. Additionally, there is a little bit of fret buzz on the bass strings when played hard – nowhere near the amount of buzz a flamenco requires, but the bridge had a lot of room to be sanded down if that's what you are after. This should go without mention, but this guitar is made for a flamenco/percussive style of playing. It is entirely possible to play classical music on it, but that music will sound better on the classical equivalent (Cordoba C7). For percussive playing, tapping various regions of the top produces a range of sounds from dull to sharp and bring – lots of potential there. Construction: I found that this guitar is built very well. It would be nice to see book-matched top and bottom, but this is after all an entry level flamenco guitar. Value: I think this is a great guitar for the price. Nothing sounds better (flamenco-wise) in guitars up to two or three times the price. Not to mention the gig bag, and truss rod – something a lot of guitars do not come with.VladimirK

I just purchased my Cordoba C9 Parlor, and I'm so excited. Since I previously owned a Taylor GS Mini with steel strings, I was looking for a smaller size guitar with nylon strings. I tried several smaller-feel, nylon guitars (Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Size, Cordoba C5 CET Thinner Body and F7 Paco Flamenco Guitar). The first guitar I tried, the Cordoba Cadete, felt too small. The Cadete is smaller than my Taylor GS Mini. The second guitar, the Cordoba C5 CET, had a slimmer body and a thinner neck. Both of these characteristics made the C5 CET easier to play. However, I felt that its sound was slightly compromised due to its slimmer body. The third guitar I tried, the F7 Paco, was very light and comfortable, but I wasn't akin to playing flamenco, so instead I went with the Cordoba C9 Parlor. I could not be happier with my purchase. Though the D string broke within 3-days of owning my new C9 Parlor, Sam Ash's staff replaced the string same day. Additionally, the C9 Parlor comes with Cordoba's polyfoam case. Please note that this polyfoam case is not a Humicase. Although the case is beautiful, it is heavy and the straps are a flimsy. I wish Cordoba would make a smaller, lighter polyfoam case with more comfortable and durable straps.Dulci

It's hard to find a high quality affordable nylon guitar with a 48mm neck. I have both the Cordoba Orchestra CE Crossover and the Kremona Verea. I like the Cordoba CE a lot more. I'm surprised that there aren't more favorable reviews for the Cordoba compared to the Verea. I admit that I took the Cordoba to a luthier and had the action lowered. They told me high action was normal for nylon, but I convinced them to lower it, now it's really nice; low action and no buzz. Maybe if I did that to the Verea I would like it more, but it seems like the neck on the Cordoba is better. The Verea is fatter with a flat finger board, while the the Cordoba is thiner and maybe a slightly rounder finger board. The Verea looks a little better and the tuning pegs are nicer, but all that stuff is somewhat superficial. The bottom line is that I find myself playing the Cordoba all the time and when I pick up the Verea it just doesn't do it. To me, the Cordoba design and craftsmanship is superior but maybe that's why it cost a little more. That's ok because at the end of the day you want a guitar that you're going to keep forever, and not sell back to Guitar Center.CY

Have been searching for an affordable and highly playable A/E nylon string for years. Started with a Cordoba C5-CE that I liked a lot (partial to cedar tops), but could never get the intonation and action right. Then tried the top of the line Lucero, but that one was bad luck – sound guy pulled on a cord without looking, and it fell forward and easily busted the headstock, which scared me away from getting another one. Then went cheap-o and bought a Harley Benton and put in Fishman electronics, but it just sounded cheap onstage. Tried this one out, and it's been lights-out ever since…can't put it down.Bob

I use my C10sp mainly to study and play classical music at home. I own another classical which I use for gigs. I don't want my C10SP to get bumped up and scratched. The sound is well balanced with excellent bass and crisp trebles. The intonation is perfect across the fretboard. The action was standard so I lowered a bit to my taste. The wood is beautiful, the spruce top has a nice color with bear claw marks that makes it unique. The rosewood back and sides has a nice color with a beautiful rose/brownish grain. The tuners are beautiful as well and functional as it keeps the guitar tuned very well all the time. The C10SP is an excellent classical guitar at an incredible price.Guitarmonsterz

I went to a guitar store specializing in classical guitars, and tried out a whole lot. For the price, I could not find a better-sounding guitar (if you are after the flamenco sound). Other options: While I originally intended to buy a Cordoba with cutaway and electronics, I found that those guitars (despite from being 50% more expensive) lacked in the quality of sound. A pickup from something like Kremona would cost a lot less. Sound: This guitar has a very clear sound – something you want regardless of the type of guitar. The notes do not sound muffled or dead. The flamenco construction adds to this by producing a shorter sustain, and a very bright tone. At times, it sounds similar to bells ringing. Additionally, there is a little bit of fret buzz on the bass strings when played hard – nowhere near the amount of buzz a flamenco requires, but the bridge had a lot of room to be sanded down if that's what you are after. This should go without mention, but this guitar is made for a flamenco/percussive style of playing. It is entirely possible to play classical music on it, but that music will sound better on the classical equivalent (Cordoba C7). For percussive playing, tapping various regions of the top produces a range of sounds from dull to sharp and bring – lots of potential there. Construction: I found that this guitar is built very well. It would be nice to see book-matched top and bottom, but this is after all an entry level flamenco guitar. Value: I think this is a great guitar for the price. Nothing sounds better (flamenco-wise) in guitars up to two or three times the price. Not to mention the gig bag, and truss rod – something a lot of guitars do not come with.VladimirK

I just purchased my Cordoba C9 Parlor, and I'm so excited. Since I previously owned a Taylor GS Mini with steel strings, I was looking for a smaller size guitar with nylon strings. I tried several smaller-feel, nylon guitars (Cordoba Cadete 3/4 Size, Cordoba C5 CET Thinner Body and F7 Paco Flamenco Guitar). The first guitar I tried, the Cordoba Cadete, felt too small. The Cadete is smaller than my Taylor GS Mini. The second guitar, the Cordoba C5 CET, had a slimmer body and a thinner neck. Both of these characteristics made the C5 CET easier to play. However, I felt that its sound was slightly compromised due to its slimmer body. The third guitar I tried, the F7 Paco, was very light and comfortable, but I wasn't akin to playing flamenco, so instead I went with the Cordoba C9 Parlor. I could not be happier with my purchase. Though the D string broke within 3-days of owning my new C9 Parlor, Sam Ash's staff replaced the string same day. Additionally, the C9 Parlor comes with Cordoba's polyfoam case. Please note that this polyfoam case is not a Humicase. Although the case is beautiful, it is heavy and the straps are a flimsy. I wish Cordoba would make a smaller, lighter polyfoam case with more comfortable and durable straps.Dulci

I was looking for a good beginner's guitar, and I wanted something with nylon strings. I did a pretty extensive search in order to find an instrument that was relatively inexpensive yet had some degree of quality. I read reviews on this particular model, and most seemed to be pleased. I was able to purchase one that, I'm guessing, had been returned, and I was very pleased with both the reduced price and the condition/quality of the guitar. The guitar itself has a very beautiful and mellow tone. It stays in tune, only requiring minor adjustments from time-to-time. I would not recommend this for young people or those adults with smaller hands, as the neck is somewhat wider than one might expect. All-in-all a very fine instrument for the price.Swewpa

This is the best beginner/student classical guitar there is bar none. It's full size and the intonation is spot on, the tuners (whilst basic) are fully functional and consistent. The bridge saddle has 3rd string compensation and is set to a low-ish action. Putting a new set of EJ45's opens up the sound considerably (don't play with the crappy strings that are on it). Great second or studio guitar for the experienced player. Stick it in a half decent case and you'll have a fantastic holiday guitar for around £150. The spruce soundboard already sounds good and will improve with age. Buy, play it – chuck it about. – it's very well made and robust. Finish is shiny and cleans with a wipe. Buy it today.Warwick M.

We purchased two of these for my pre-teens, who have been studying guitar in school. Both loved the instruments, which match the model they use in school. Nice, clean, warm sound, and clearly well-made instruments.Amy Beee

OK, I got mine 5 or 6 years ago, because my arthritis was making steel string acoustics too difficult. The slightly wider neck and nylon strings have extended my career. I use it two ways, first, it's great for solo work, fingerstyle. I also play it with a pick, for jazzy and Willie Nelson country style. There's little feedback at normal volume, and it has a great tone. Just played out with it, and got many compliments on the sound.TGB

The picture on the AMS website doesn’t do the guitar justice, as it’s much more beautiful than that! The tuners are typical Godin proprietary, as they look good, and are smooth and stable in operation. I play with many alternative tunings, and am very happy with their smooth use. When running straight through my Roland Jazz Chorus 40, I can get any sound I expect from it. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get a GR-55 soon to experiment with all the synth sounds! With the exception of the heavy total weight, this guitar is perfect for my use.John K.

I've been Jonesin' for a nylon string guitar to add to my arsenal. I tried several, but the thing that I kept coming back to was the intonation issues inherent in a traditional design. So, I started looking for a nylon string that had different compensation on the saddle pieces. I came across this Godin, and since I already have two 13-pin synth access guitars, this seemed like a perfect match. When it arrived, I was surprised to find that it's actually a solid body guitar with some chambering. I mean, I knew it was a slim body, but I thought it was a slim hollow body. In retrospect, this has some advantages and some disadvantages… First of all, this is NOT the guitar that you're going to grab to sit around the campfire with your friends. It's as loud as a normal electric guitar that's not plugged in. The advantage, of course, is that you can jack this up as loud as you please in performance without worrying about body howl type feedback.Doug

This was my upgrade from a Lucero 150se and what a difference it made. In terms of playability there's no comparison, the Cordoba is superior in every way. Start with the tuners/nut which are perfectly smooth allowing you to make small adjustments even on steel strings. Playing the Cordoba is simply easier and there were things I could not do well on the Lucero due to the thickness of the wood neck. Mind you I'm not talking about the nut width which is 50mm on both, I'm talking the actual thickness of the wood neck itself below the fret board. The slimmer profile of the Cordoba meant reaching certain chords easier, changing chords faster, and giving my hands the ability to put pressure when needed. The factory strings on the Cordoba appear to be superior as well although I would still upgrade them if you can afford it; the steel strings on the Lucero wore out at about 85hrs. No fret noise of any kind on the Cordoba (so long as you play the chord right) whereas on the Lucero I would get buzzing on frets 5 & 6 from both 5th and 4th strings with anything other than light strumming, even with perfect finger placement. The sound of the Cordoba is more sharp, crisp, and clear than the Lucero. My only con is that the shallower body does create a slightly more "twangy" sound than I'm used to but its a negligible difference I quickly settled with in exchange for the other qualities. You get what you pay for. This is a very solid guitar for the price. I would recommend nothing less for serious beginners.Joe T

I mostly play rock/popular music gigs but wanted a classical nylon guitar for that particular sound on home recording projects. I researched intermediate level guitars and thought I'd found what I wanted when I chanced on a review of the Cordoba C7 and decided to spend a little more and go with that. I haven't been disappointed. The build quality and tone have been worth that little extra. It would have been nice if a gig bag was included to give it some protection but it wasn't a deal breaker.David

I had a misconception regarding this brand. The only Cordoba's I noticed in stock at the store were inexpensive ukuleles. So when I began the search for a proper classical guitar, Cordoba was nowhere on my list. I ordered a used european built guitar by a reputable brand. It arrived with a bad up-bow in the neck. That's when I learned that traditional classical guitars have no truss rod. (Just my opinion, but wood isn't what it used to be, and you aren't going to get an instrument built with old growth timber under several thousand dollars.) So began my search for a "traditional classical guitar", but with a truss rod. That google search led straight to Cordoba. (All their models have truss rods.) I ordered a C7 (built in China) and a 45CO (built in Spain) to see what this brand was about. It would be a battle royale for build and sound quality. The loser is… my bank account, because I'd like to keep both. The two have a different build and likewise a different feel and sound. (see Cordoba's website for details.) Fit and finish is impeccable on both guitars. The C7 projects more, while the 45CO has perhaps a slightly more refined tone. My past experience has been that nylon string guitars are difficult to play, have poor intonation and need to be tuned more than played. None of that is the case with these two. My steel string acoustic and electrics are collecting dust while I obsess over this genre of guitar. My conclusion is… classical guitars are awesome, and Cordoba should definitely be on your test drive list. What I received are well priced instruments that are not only well made but intoxicatingly fun to play.JRH

This guitar is a clear upgrade from my Hoefner HZ23, which I've loved for the last twenty years, in clarity of tone, volume, sustain, and playability on the upper frets (due to the raised fingerboard). A particular highlight are artificial harmonics e.g. in Llobet's El testament de Amelia. I'm eager to wear out the strings so I can justify trying others 🙂Reviewed by guitarguitar custome

I was looking to upgrade from my Cordoba C5 and was seriously considering the C10, but I figured, "Why not go right for the C12 and get a guitar that I can enjoy for the rest of my life, especially in retirement (I'm 62)?" I didn't get a chance to play it before purchasing, but I've bought other guitars from GC without plating them first, and I've never been disappointed. The guitar arrived in 3 days in flawless condition. I'm just so impressed with the quality of the craftmanship. Special appointments like the maple wedge on the back, the rosette and the purfling on the edges make the C12 a work of art. The sound is beautiful, with tone that is consistent up and down the fretboard. The action is a tad high at the 12th fret (3.7mm for the 6th string), but I'll play it for awhile before I consider making any adjustments. The Humicase it came with is very nice and seems to retain the right level of humidity inside, but I'll confirm that once I add a hygrometer. The only disappointing thing was more around marketing: I wish Cordoba included some more brochures or material showing you the specific features of the model you purchased and how best to care for it. Yes, you can find some of that on their website, but it's not the same as having it arrive with the guitar. Overall, though, a fantastic guitar!MG

It's hard to find a high quality affordable nylon guitar with a 48mm neck. I have both the Cordoba Orchestra CE Crossover and the Kremona Verea. I like the Cordoba CE a lot more. I'm surprised that there aren't more favorable reviews for the Cordoba compared to the Verea. I admit that I took the Cordoba to a luthier and had the action lowered. They told me high action was normal for nylon, but I convinced them to lower it, now it's really nice; low action and no buzz. Maybe if I did that to the Verea I would like it more, but it seems like the neck on the Cordoba is better. The Verea is fatter with a flat finger board, while the the Cordoba is thiner and maybe a slightly rounder finger board. The Verea looks a little better and the tuning pegs are nicer, but all that stuff is somewhat superficial. The bottom line is that I find myself playing the Cordoba all the time and when I pick up the Verea it just doesn't do it. To me, the Cordoba design and craftsmanship is superior but maybe that's why it cost a little more. That's ok because at the end of the day you want a guitar that you're going to keep forever, and not sell back to Guitar Center.CY

Having always been a steel string/electric player I wanted to add a classical/nylon string to the collection and after a lot of trials and research I ended up with one of these. Appearance and feel wise, it could easily stand up against guitars twice the price in my opinion and sound wise I'd have to say the same. It's got a wonderful rich warm sound but the highs just cut through beautifully and that's before plugging it, as it truly comes to life then. The pickups sound ace and the blended mic/pick up makes it sound absolutely mind blowing giving an airy clear sound, but with lows that resonate. Definitely recommend checking one of these out, especially if moving from steel strung.T M.

This guitar is a lot of fun. I have played for a long time, and owned many guitars including some higher-end Taylor acoustics. Due to issues with my elbow, I didn't think that I would be able to play an acoustic guitar again. This nylon string guitar, however, doesn't aggravate my elbow and is super fun to play. It has a great sound for the money. Highly recommended.Dave S.

It's not cheap but it also doesn't feel cheap. Quality materials and construction. Sounds beautiful with the included steel strings but also with nylon strings. Intended as a learning guitar.dcchristopher

I feel confident that I was recommended the right guitar for my level of experience. I was also given time by myself to make a decision, which was helpful. Someone was always available for questions and I didn't feel overwhelmed. The quality of the guitar is excellent.Megan

This is just a fabulous instrument. Maybe I received an especially good one, but it's alive! Such response, clarity, tone! Loud! Beautiful string balance. Solid low end, with not a hint of confusion – indeed easily as good as a friends $2,000 guitar (which has more cosmetic "fanciness", but no better tone or playability). Great tuning response and stability, lovely to play, wonderful neck profile. I can't put her down!Nyk Fry

I was looking to graduate to a more intermediate model in the Cordoba line, having already purchased and enjoyed the C3M. The C7 is the perfect choice. First the appearance – The C7 is an exquisite looking guitar. The fit and finish are superior to other brands that I have researched. Fantastic looking rosewood back and sides, beautiful tight-grained cedar top, lovely rosette, beautiful gold and black tuning machines and the gloss finish is the icing on the cake. Now the playability features – Comfortable and smooth C shaped neck, outstanding warm tone and volume projection, standard classical string action, good intonation up the neck and the better quality tuning machines help to keep the instrument in tune. Throw in a real bone nut and saddle, lightweight adjustable truss rod, side fret markers and a sturdy padded Cordoba gig bag and you've got a total package that's tough to beat, especially at this price. I would easily recommend this guitar to anyone, especially an intermediate player like myself.Wayne C.

I bought this for my friend that wants to learn how to play the guitar. I chose this for him because it's a nylon string so it wouldn't hurt his fingers which I noticed that most beginners easily gets frustrated when the steel strings hurts their fingers and then stops learning how to play the guitar. The guitar is well made and it looks like that it will last a long time of course with proper care. It's very light weight and compact so it's easy to maintain and store this guitar and also good for traveling.Rome

This Yamaha classical guitar is sold as a 'student' guitar but it's also a great travel size instrument. It's affordable, stays in tune, intonates well and has a great full body sound even though its a 3/4 size guitar. The nylon strings are easier on the fingers than steel strings and are great for someone just starting out. This one arrived with smooth fret ends and played perfectly right out of the box. Yamaha is one of best quality guitar brands, this one proves it.bascorulesright

This was my first time trying out Musiciansfriend. I must say I wish l had I known about them sooner. I bought a guitar for my daughter's lessons. The guitar came well protected in the box. The shipping was super fast and it arrived on time. The color of the guitar is gorgeous – my daughter loves it. The price too was very good compared to other sites. I also bought a case separately and the foot stool which I am happy with. I will definitely be shopping here for all our instrument needs. To top it all off. I received a purchase follow up call from the team at Musicianfriends. It's important to make sure your customers are happy with their purchase or address any questions or concerns.Noma N

OK, I got mine 5 or 6 years ago, because my arthritis was making steel string acoustics too difficult. The slightly wider neck and nylon strings have extended my career. I use it two ways, first, it's great for solo work, fingerstyle. I also play it with a pick, for jazzy and Willie Nelson country style. There's little feedback at normal volume, and it has a great tone. Just played out with it, and got many compliments on the sound.TGB

The picture on the AMS website doesn’t do the guitar justice, as it’s much more beautiful than that! The tuners are typical Godin proprietary, as they look good, and are smooth and stable in operation. I play with many alternative tunings, and am very happy with their smooth use. When running straight through my Roland Jazz Chorus 40, I can get any sound I expect from it. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get a GR-55 soon to experiment with all the synth sounds! With the exception of the heavy total weight, this guitar is perfect for my use.John K.

I've been Jonesin' for a nylon string guitar to add to my arsenal. I tried several, but the thing that I kept coming back to was the intonation issues inherent in a traditional design. So, I started looking for a nylon string that had different compensation on the saddle pieces. I came across this Godin, and since I already have two 13-pin synth access guitars, this seemed like a perfect match. When it arrived, I was surprised to find that it's actually a solid body guitar with some chambering. I mean, I knew it was a slim body, but I thought it was a slim hollow body. In retrospect, this has some advantages and some disadvantages… First of all, this is NOT the guitar that you're going to grab to sit around the campfire with your friends. It's as loud as a normal electric guitar that's not plugged in. The advantage, of course, is that you can jack this up as loud as you please in performance without worrying about body howl type feedback.Doug

Alhambra is a very premium making that has started making factory guitars, this ones not bad- probably the best beginner guitar I've seen at guitar center. However it's pretty pricey and you basically are paying the price to get it shipped from Spain and at that price there are many handmades from Spain that are better. Still not badDan, I

I just received my handmade Linea Profesional built by Alhambra in Spain. This is perhaps one of the absolute best professional level classical guitars you can buy for the money. It has a cedar soundboard giving the guitar a deep melodious, Spanish tone with excellent sustain. The innovative strut design offers the guitar magnificent projection. It came with two saddles. I use the lower saddle without buzz. The tuning machines are beautiful and compliment the instrument. The rosette, saddle decoration, and binding are all beautifully matched. You cannot find a better classical guitar in this price point. I recommend it without reservation. This is my forever guitar.frona-22

Great guitar for the price point. Tried all of the other classical models in the store at this price point and below, and walked away with this one due to both sound and aesthetics. Particularly good for the Brazilian jazz stylings I was looking to play. Definitely recommended as an entry point into the classical world.Brian

This was my upgrade from a Lucero 150se and what a difference it made. In terms of playability there's no comparison, the Cordoba is superior in every way. Start with the tuners/nut which are perfectly smooth allowing you to make small adjustments even on steel strings. Playing the Cordoba is simply easier and there were things I could not do well on the Lucero due to the thickness of the wood neck. Mind you I'm not talking about the nut width which is 50mm on both, I'm talking the actual thickness of the wood neck itself below the fret board. The slimmer profile of the Cordoba meant reaching certain chords easier, changing chords faster, and giving my hands the ability to put pressure when needed. The factory strings on the Cordoba appear to be superior as well although I would still upgrade them if you can afford it; the steel strings on the Lucero wore out at about 85hrs. No fret noise of any kind on the Cordoba (so long as you play the chord right) whereas on the Lucero I would get buzzing on frets 5 & 6 from both 5th and 4th strings with anything other than light strumming, even with perfect finger placement. The sound of the Cordoba is more sharp, crisp, and clear than the Lucero. My only con is that the shallower body does create a slightly more "twangy" sound than I'm used to but its a negligible difference I quickly settled with in exchange for the other qualities. You get what you pay for. This is a very solid guitar for the price. I would recommend nothing less for serious beginners.Joe T

I mostly play rock/popular music gigs but wanted a classical nylon guitar for that particular sound on home recording projects. I researched intermediate level guitars and thought I'd found what I wanted when I chanced on a review of the Cordoba C7 and decided to spend a little more and go with that. I haven't been disappointed. The build quality and tone have been worth that little extra. It would have been nice if a gig bag was included to give it some protection but it wasn't a deal breaker.David

I had a misconception regarding this brand. The only Cordoba's I noticed in stock at the store were inexpensive ukuleles. So when I began the search for a proper classical guitar, Cordoba was nowhere on my list. I ordered a used european built guitar by a reputable brand. It arrived with a bad up-bow in the neck. That's when I learned that traditional classical guitars have no truss rod. (Just my opinion, but wood isn't what it used to be, and you aren't going to get an instrument built with old growth timber under several thousand dollars.) So began my search for a "traditional classical guitar", but with a truss rod. That google search led straight to Cordoba. (All their models have truss rods.) I ordered a C7 (built in China) and a 45CO (built in Spain) to see what this brand was about. It would be a battle royale for build and sound quality. The loser is… my bank account, because I'd like to keep both. The two have a different build and likewise a different feel and sound. (see Cordoba's website for details.) Fit and finish is impeccable on both guitars. The C7 projects more, while the 45CO has perhaps a slightly more refined tone. My past experience has been that nylon string guitars are difficult to play, have poor intonation and need to be tuned more than played. None of that is the case with these two. My steel string acoustic and electrics are collecting dust while I obsess over this genre of guitar. My conclusion is… classical guitars are awesome, and Cordoba should definitely be on your test drive list. What I received are well priced instruments that are not only well made but intoxicatingly fun to play.JRH

I have played guitars in this price range and have never been impressed until this guitar came out. I played it because I know Yamaha will not put their name on just anything. Wow was I amazed! My first guitar, which brand shall go unmentioned, was priced around $330-350. No way did it even come close to the warmth of the low strings or the snappy nylon sound of the high strings like this one does. My guitar also did not come with a bag or any sort of instructional items. Such a great buy! I am hands on reviewer, Sam Ash #41Wingman

I have several guitars of diffent styles but was lacking a nylon acoustic. I wanted to study some classical and flamenco music. I didn't want to make a huge purchase on something I wasn't going to get extremely invested in, so my guitar teacher recommended the Yamaha C40 Gigmaker. It is perfect! It's been several months now and still plays and sounds great. An amazing value for the dollar. So every now and again when I get the itch, it's there and ready for me. Whether this is for a beginner, a student or someone like me who just wants to add a nylon to the arsenal, there's no need to look further than this.Douglas

Fantastic for anyone younger showing interest in guitar. This Yamaha pack has everything for the beginning classical guitarist. Tuner and DVD are sure to get you on your way. Fantastic product at a great price that only Yamaha can offer. Does include Gig Bag, providing immediate protection from the elements. Great for beginners, but also anyone needing a spare classical at home. Included tuner makes sure you're always ready to play. This is a real hands on review from Christian @ Sam As.h ColumbusThe Riffer

The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a rare gem among acoustic classical guitars. Once you hold it and hear the incredible tones it offers your ears, you not want to put it down. Pure ear candy that plays like soft golden butter as you easily slide your fingers on the fretboard and bend the strings. After playing many other acoustic and classical guitars over the years as a professional musician, the GK Studio Negra was ‘the one’ I’d been searching for. It just feels good and the woods are so well balanced not only in tones but beautifully designed. It’s truly a work of art and has much character. The value is unbelievable for what you get because this remarkable guitar plays and has the appearance of one three times it’s cost. There’s no other way to say it except that you will fall in love with it. I did. For classical, jazz, folk or blues it’s a wonderful companion on or off the stage plugged in or not. With dynamic rich low end and gorgeous sustain, you will be inspired to play this versatile guitar for many years. The Córdoba GK Studio Negra is a graceful friend that you will cherish.KH singer songwriter and produce

This was my upgrade from a Lucero 150se and what a difference it made. In terms of playability there's no comparison, the Cordoba is superior in every way. Start with the tuners/nut which are perfectly smooth allowing you to make small adjustments even on steel strings. Playing the Cordoba is simply easier and there were things I could not do well on the Lucero due to the thickness of the wood neck. Mind you I'm not talking about the nut width which is 50mm on both, I'm talking the actual thickness of the wood neck itself below the fret board. The slimmer profile of the Cordoba meant reaching certain chords easier, changing chords faster, and giving my hands the ability to put pressure when needed. The factory strings on the Cordoba appear to be superior as well although I would still upgrade them if you can afford it; the steel strings on the Lucero wore out at about 85hrs. No fret noise of any kind on the Cordoba (so long as you play the chord right) whereas on the Lucero I would get buzzing on frets 5 & 6 from both 5th and 4th strings with anything other than light strumming, even with perfect finger placement. The sound of the Cordoba is more sharp, crisp, and clear than the Lucero. My only con is that the shallower body does create a slightly more "twangy" sound than I'm used to but its a negligible difference I quickly settled with in exchange for the other qualities. You get what you pay for. This is a very solid guitar for the price. I would recommend nothing less for serious beginners.Joe T

This guitar is great. I've had no real qualms with it so far, albeit I've only had it since April 1st. I used to play about a decade ago, but life happened and I stopped playing consistently. I bought a Jasmine S34-C about a month back to start up playing again, but it didn't revitalize my love for guitar quite like this one did. I had only played an acoustic before up until I picked up this GK Studio. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it. The ebony/gold tuning keys look very refined and the guitars "negra" or black style looks sooooo good. The contrast between the lighter and darker colors does a lot for me. The sound(for me) is just right. Not too soft, but not excessively punchy. I am not someone to perform at gigs as I've only ever played at home, but this guitar definitely has made me want to give it my all and try new things! When things finally get back to 100% here in the states I'll be giving this guitar a shot at a few spots. I've seen a few reviews online that suggest that this is a great gig guitar as well and has a great sound when plugged in so I can't wait to try that out even more so! The only (minor)thing I can think of that I would call a "con" is the Fishman tuner built onto the side of the guitar. I have not had a chance to test out the different options when it is plugged into an amp, but the on-hand guitar tuner setting can be a bit fidgety at times. Its not anything severe as I usually just tune by ear, but I personally only use it for a guide to get back to standard when I'm done messing about with other alt. tunings. I wouldn't say it docks a star from this review, but its just something to look out for if anyone is wondering about it.Ruben S

OK, I got mine 5 or 6 years ago, because my arthritis was making steel string acoustics too difficult. The slightly wider neck and nylon strings have extended my career. I use it two ways, first, it's great for solo work, fingerstyle. I also play it with a pick, for jazzy and Willie Nelson country style. There's little feedback at normal volume, and it has a great tone. Just played out with it, and got many compliments on the sound.TGB

The picture on the AMS website doesn’t do the guitar justice, as it’s much more beautiful than that! The tuners are typical Godin proprietary, as they look good, and are smooth and stable in operation. I play with many alternative tunings, and am very happy with their smooth use. When running straight through my Roland Jazz Chorus 40, I can get any sound I expect from it. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get a GR-55 soon to experiment with all the synth sounds! With the exception of the heavy total weight, this guitar is perfect for my use.John K.

I've been Jonesin' for a nylon string guitar to add to my arsenal. I tried several, but the thing that I kept coming back to was the intonation issues inherent in a traditional design. So, I started looking for a nylon string that had different compensation on the saddle pieces. I came across this Godin, and since I already have two 13-pin synth access guitars, this seemed like a perfect match. When it arrived, I was surprised to find that it's actually a solid body guitar with some chambering. I mean, I knew it was a slim body, but I thought it was a slim hollow body. In retrospect, this has some advantages and some disadvantages… First of all, this is NOT the guitar that you're going to grab to sit around the campfire with your friends. It's as loud as a normal electric guitar that's not plugged in. The advantage, of course, is that you can jack this up as loud as you please in performance without worrying about body howl type feedback.Doug

Great guitar! The price was perfect! Very comfortable to play. Very well made. Great sound! I really dig the matte finish. Overall, a great deal for this incredible guitar!John

I purchased this guitar for my son who starts to learn how to play. It is a very cheap entry guitar but has a wonderful sound. As it has open pore finish, it has a little bit dry sound and may be weak in its durability. But Cordoba has found a good balance between sound and price. I strongly recommend Cordoba C1M to beginners.Andy

This guitar seems to be well built and has a nice deep sound. I’ve only had it for about 30 days, but I play it frequently for hours each time. I am excited everyday to play it during my breaks or when I am at home. The tuner is convenient, the controls are clear and the glossy finish is attractive. I took the guitar to GC for a truss rod adjustment which lowered the action. Frets and fingerboard are all up to par. Not much else to say. This is a good mid-level beginner’s guitar. Guitar is the third instrument that I am learning, after piano and drums. I look forward to playing this guitar during my breaks, at work, and when I come home. Most cordoba acoustic electric models are smaller than the standard 2 inch nut width. I teach music at a school who has the non-electric version, so it took a bit of time getting used to this. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I know that I can grow into this guitar, and if necessary I can “upgrade” if I become really good and dedicated. But in the meantime, I am content with enjoying the journey.Brian

I have had this guitar over 5 years. The Suarez high tension strings give it a clean sound. Warm bass string and higher treble strings. The guitar looks great and holds sound longer then some of the guitars I own in this price range. Plan to stick with Cordoba is I ever upgrade. Also enjoy the cutout and pickup. After you change your strings it does take 1-2 days before your strings tighten and settle. This is due to the high tension.Eloy

I purchased this guitar about 3 weeks ago and wanted to wait to give a review until after I'd played it for a while… turns out my first impressions were really accurate — this is an excellent guitar! The C4-CE is well-built, beautiful, and sounds warm and full. The frets are smooth, and overall this guitar seems better-constructed than some more expensive nylon-string models that were available at my local GC. This is my first nylon-string guitar, though I have played acoustics for nearly 20 years. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the C4-CE, and the sound, quality, and playability are really exceptional for the cost. The solid wood top resonates beautifully and I think the volume is great for nylon strings. I really look forward to owning and playing this guitar for years to come! (Plus, it's beautiful!)Ann V.

This guitar seems to be well built and has a nice deep sound. I’ve only had it for about 30 days, but I play it frequently for hours each time. I am excited everyday to play it during my breaks or when I am at home. The tuner is convenient, the controls are clear and the glossy finish is attractive. I took the guitar to GC for a truss rod adjustment which lowered the action. Frets and fingerboard are all up to par. Not much else to say. This is a good mid-level beginner’s guitar. Guitar is the third instrument that I am learning, after piano and drums. I look forward to playing this guitar during my breaks, at work, and when I come home. Most cordoba acoustic electric models are smaller than the standard 2 inch nut width. I teach music at a school who has the non-electric version, so it took a bit of time getting used to this. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I know that I can grow into this guitar, and if necessary I can “upgrade” if I become really good and dedicated. But in the meantime, I am content with enjoying the journey.Brian

I have had this guitar over 5 years. The Suarez high tension strings give it a clean sound. Warm bass string and higher treble strings. The guitar looks great and holds sound longer then some of the guitars I own in this price range. Plan to stick with Cordoba is I ever upgrade. Also enjoy the cutout and pickup. After you change your strings it does take 1-2 days before your strings tighten and settle. This is due to the high tension.Eloy

I purchased this guitar about 3 weeks ago and wanted to wait to give a review until after I'd played it for a while… turns out my first impressions were really accurate — this is an excellent guitar! The C4-CE is well-built, beautiful, and sounds warm and full. The frets are smooth, and overall this guitar seems better-constructed than some more expensive nylon-string models that were available at my local GC. This is my first nylon-string guitar, though I have played acoustics for nearly 20 years. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the C4-CE, and the sound, quality, and playability are really exceptional for the cost. The solid wood top resonates beautifully and I think the volume is great for nylon strings. I really look forward to owning and playing this guitar for years to come! (Plus, it's beautiful!)Ann V.