Best Classical Guitar Under $2000 (Jan 2023 Update)

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

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

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 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

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

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

We love the print. My baby will even make the monkey sounds when he sees me bringing out the pajamas. We love your pajamas quality as well. The little ribbon loop you add on to hold the paper marketing label comes in handy to know which side is the back of the shirt in dimmed light. Is there any way you would consider adding a loop to the pants for when I need to put them back on a sleepy baby after a diaper change?Suzy N.

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

Astounding quality for the price. Compared to an $800 Cordoba, there was no contest; the Cordoba (as typical) had so many quality issues (frets that slice fingers etc). The natural finish feels great (subjective) and the tone is bright and full but keep it in a case to avoid dust.Z

Semble excellent pour un faux débutant. Son agréable. Jolie guitare. Pas l’entrée de gamme d’Alhambra, mais abordable encore. Et housse pas mal aussi. Merci Woodbrass.MLU

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

Bought this mainly as a travel guitar. My go too guitars are a Taylor 12en and a Córdoba orchestra CE nylons along with a selection of steel stringed instruments. Compared to all those guitars the Yamaha is a disappointment and it serves me right for buying a guitar on line I'd never played. The action is high, even for a nylon, and makes playing tiring. Try to lower the action and there is buzz from the D string. The sound, either through quality headphones or an acoustasonic amplifier is really "synthetic". It is difficult to really pick out the ring of individual strings when playing relatively fast. So it doesn't help much during practice – the sound is just too "blurred". The much talked about STR electronics are not very useful in improving the sound. I'm debating taking it back to guitar center and trading it in. But it has its uses when I need to be quiet like in a hotel while traveling. But that's all it will be used for, because I never enjoy the sound it makes compared to a real nylon acoustic. It's really expensive too, worth $300 at best.Graeme A

I've played classical guitar for 40 yrs and fingerstyle jazz/blues for 25 yrs. Most of the guitars in my collection are expensive collector's instruments: Taylors, Gibsons, and a handmade classical guitar by the Spanish Luthier Ricardo Sanchis, to name a few. While I don't play publicly much anymore, I have performed classical guitar in concert. I'm no pro, by any means, but a good Saturday still includes at least 4 hours of playing. As for the SLG200NW, I am ALWAYS amazed at how great this guitar sounds. I run it through a Fishman Aura (get one), and the sound is nothing short of SPECTACULAR. When run through a good pre-amp (or imaging), it sounds like a VERY expensive instrument. This guitar is super responsive to touch, producing both delicate nuance and big sound without a hint of string buzz or hiss. Most remarkable for me is how playable it is. The fingerboard, action, and frets gives me the feeling of "glide" that I do not get with any other guitar. The machine heads are also very responsive, and the guitar stays perfectly in tune. Clearly one of the most obvious benefits (aside from the above) is the ability to play silently without disturbing anyone nearby. This is ESPECIALLY helpful when practicing scales or repeating passages hundreds of times; we all know how irritating this is to others. Slip on headphones and get lost, undisturbed and without disturbing others. This aspect (even without great sound) would've been enough for me. For true classical purists, get the wide neck. The feel is exactly like a good classical guitar. The version with the smaller neck is just too cramped for classical playing. Again I suggest using it with a good pre-amp. It's worth it. Final note on Yamaha classical guitars: Many years ago, I was in a master class at the Royal Academy of Music in Madrid. I had Yamaha classical (my first guitar). EVERYONE else had a Ramirez. My teacher, a pupil of Segovia, heard my Yamaha and could NOT believe his ears!Indigo

Two design flaws: The strap buttons screw in and out to attach the top of the "body." They loosen over time as the strap moves making it easy for them to fall out and the guitar to fall on the floor. Also the upper part of the "body" is very "sharp" and digs into my forearm much more than any other guitar leaving a lot of red creases. Aside from these flaws the quality is good but I just don't enjoy playing it possibly due to the action or the lack of tone/authentic feel. I also dislike it when I see people perform with this guitar. People should play real guitars in performance IMO.Christopher

I wanted a smaller acoustic electric thats a little better than a starter guitar, something I could enjoy as my skills grow, and keep for years; something I can play by the campfire on weekend trips and not worry about having to pamper it. I read many, many reviews and listened to experts on YouTube play and compare. I bought this Ibanez and have been really pleased. All the reviews were on target and there were no surprises. The factory strings arent terrific but deliver a decent sound; there is no manual or even a gig case that comes with the guitar, but I found the perfect sized used hard case on Letgo for $20 and a used starter amp as well. I am all set up for under $360. Dont spend good $ on new cases and accessories. There is a huge local market to tap into through Letgo and OfferUp. I didnt want to buy the guitar used since Im still a beginner and wanted to play right away and be able to return if not satisfied. I think I made a good choice. The sound is good, better than expected for a thin instrument on the non-amplified setting, and think it will only improve with usage and better strings, which is what many experts say. Amplified, the sound is crisp, clear and delivers as promised. Its a lovely guitar; the dark finish is deep and beautiful, not atall a factory look like the ubiquitous blonde Yamaha starter guitar of my youth. I am not crazy about the gold-look hardware, which I think cheapens the otherwise excellent quality of the build… but that can be upgraded to chrome if I still dislike it next year. (Ill make it a goal reward for myself when I reach my next skill level). Otherwise, the look and feel of my guitar is outstanding, and Im playing regularly (which is, after all, the mark of a successful guitar purchase, no?)caroly-98

I noticed, while shopping for this guitar, that there are a number of very similar models out there. Most were more expensive, with different woods and very subtle differences. But, what kept me coming back to the Ibanez was the sound plugged in. Nothing else, regardless of cost, sounded as realistic as this does. I wanted a guitar that sounded "classical" amplified. and this did just that. Throw in the excellent fit and finish, this thing is beautiful, and you have a winner all the way around.D.Munson

Light weight guitar that sounds pretty darn good with an amp. It boasts a rich beautiful color in the light with really nice detail. Pretty decent sound for a streamline guitar. Your not going to get a deep sound but this a great piece to travel and practice with. Having a built in tuner is awesome! Also has bass and treble controls. I hooked it up to my home stereo through the stereo's amp and it really sounded sweet. I would highly recommend this guitar for anyone at this great price!TRACY

I have been playing classical since age 12, I am now 72. I have found this instrument to be most comfortable and responsive to my needs. I still have my first guitar that was purchased by my parents in 1954. As I play for my own pleasure and an occasional recital, I have found much satisfaction with this product. My son gave it to me 2 years ago for a birthday present. This instrument "fits" me perfectly. The neck is of perfect dimension for my left hand and fingers. As I transitioned from my first guitar to this one, I found it to be so comfortable. As I do not use much, if any, amplification, it is nice for large rooms like church buildings or recitals. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. The instrument must compliment the human body. Thank you for allowing me to comment on this instrument.Sounds of the past

I have several classical guitars, and this was the least expensive. It has become my go-to guitar for gigging, including a few spots for TV. At home, this Ibanez is the one that was always out of the case on a stand, ready to pick up whenever. So it became comfortable, but then noticeably reliable. It stays in tune. The electronics sound better than the Fishman on another that I have, particularly the bass response. The tuners (particularly the low E) have withstood routine changes to drop D a few times while playing, without obvious sign of wear. When I first started gigging I used another great sounding guitar but then changed to the Ibanez to protect the other(s) from bumps, weather, people, and other hazards. If something terrible happened to my guitar collection, probably the first replacement might be this Ibanez.Tim - ATL

Been playing it for a couple of weeks. My feedback. 1. Bajaoo Service The delivery and packaging was to my expectations. 2. The guitar Ideal for someone who has relatively less longer fingers. I used to play on a yamaha c40 which has a std 52mm nut size, whereas this comes with a 46 mm one, so the stretching is comparatively smoother. 2. Retuning of strings is a must before each session, but after a few days the strings seem to retain their tone, which is the case with all guitars. 3. Due to the thin soundboard, the sound is not very projecting but good enough for soloing in a medium sized room. However, the tone for me is acceptable. 4. The preamp works well after connecting to my kustomsound amp if one really needs amplification. There is no on/off switch, so the battery may have to be removed if you are not using the amp. 5. It is artfully finished in terms of its looks. 6. Would be a good buy for someone playing the steel guitar which usually have a 43mm nutsize and wanting to move to a nylon guitar. My overall experience with this guitar has been good so far.Nikhil D.

So if you’re reading this because of my headline, let get that out of the way first. I’m a weirdo for liking that classical smell. It smells gooooood! As for playability, the guitar is very comfortable. Very easy to play. My only complaint is that a couple of the strings are not keeping tune. Maybe they’re just older strings? I received the guitar about a week to two weeks ago. The tuning issue was present upon receiving the product. I thought maybe the strings were just fresh and needing some breaking in but that’s not the case.Michael

I've played a number of Ibanez electric and acoustic guitars over the years, almost bought an Ibanez 12 string A/E guitar not too long ago. I've owned nylon strings before, but not for a long time. I wanted a nice classical that I could just grab and play around the living room. This is perfect. It plays well and has a nice, soft sound that just sounds good! Highly recommend it!Jamie

I bought this because it's been 30 years since I played guitar. Going from ukulele to full size classical guitar was tiring. This gives my hands a break. It's a pretty instrument and has a decent tone. I bought mine open box. I can always trust Musicians Friend, even on open instruments.KLB

Not a toy, literally a half sized classical guitar, which is saying something if you have tried to find a suzuki instrument or a travel guitar that is actually nice to play. This is it. I also have the Hohner half-sized and there is a big difference between this one and the Hohner. The action was nice and the sound was warm. But the real clencher that showed me this was a real instrument (which I know I have said before, but if you have ever shopped for an instrument this size you know that a lot of junk is passed off for instruments) was the truss rod. Would buy again, very nice.Galen

The looks of the instrument are gorgeous. When I was buying there were very few reviews for this instrument on internet. I took a leap…. This guitar will not give you real classical sound unplugged. When you plug it in you can play with the sound settings depending on what you have available. I play classical guitar in an ensamble and can add some reverb and even a bit chorus. Being a classical musician I wanted depth and warmth, so you need a good EQ. I use just a bit of piezo and a lot of inside mic but right off the bet with such set up you have feedback issues with volume on the guitar all the way down. So there is the need for anti feedback feature. During live concert I had no choice but to bring the Low frequency down and it was very uncomfortable. The guitar is hot. Despite all of it I like the guitar and I suspect there is a lot of potential with this instrument. When you finally set the sound to your liking it's very rewarding! This combo of under the bridge Pic up and inside mic gives you a lot of room to explore the sound. I took the guitar to my Luther to try to eliminate some bazz especially on 4th string, he was able to somewhat do it via bridge and he said that the freeboard is done quite good and does not need adjustment. I like the playability as well. I have another Yamaha trans acoustic that is absolutely amazing and deep but wanted to expand the range of sound variations. Hope this info helps those on the fence about buying it. I was looking at this instrument ever since it came out and am glad that I got it.Natasha

My first guitar was a nylon-string classical guitar made in Spain. The neck was wide as expected, but that wasn't an issue for me when I was 11 years old. However, this guitar's neck is thinner and that's one of the reasons I went with this model. The action is also low right out of the box which I like. It is a joy to play. The sound when unplugged it's good, but the guitar really comes alive when using an amplifier. The built quality is great. And the case that comes with it is very, very good as well. If you want that nylon-string guitar sound with a friendly neck profile and low action, then this is a great choice.Carlos

Excellent instrument . It takes a while to get used again to a wide fingerboard but very good for finger style. I particularly liked the strap button near the heel and first class protective gigbag.. Very good tone and upper sring accessibility with cutaway. Refined appearance and a relief that batteries are easy to fit.John C.

My friends are always complementing my guitar and it's sky blue case in school. I like how I can carry a backpack on my back and the guitar on my shoulder because it's super duper light.Matthew

I've played electric/acoustic for 20+ years and have wanted a nylon String forever. I figured I'd take a chance on this since I love light blue/maple fretboard combinations and I gotta say this is an amazing little guitar for the money. I will say that the neck is pretty wide, so newer players/small hands may have trouble with that, otherwise no cons at all. Great sound, pale sky is an amazing color and the matching gig bag is great. For the price point this is a great couch guitar. Absolutely recommend.Wingy

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

I love this guitar, especially for the price, my last guitar was a Godin which cost $900.00. My Angel Lopez is equally as good if not better.stewarcohe0