Best Classical Guitar Under $500 (Jan 2023 Update)

The cordoba iberia requinto 580 1/2 size classical acoustic guitar is handmade with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. the hand-inlaid all-natural wood rosette and indian rosewood detailing distinguishes the iberia requinto 580 from other guitars in this price range. it is designed with the traditional 5-fan torres style bracing to produce a rich spanish sound in spite of its diminutive string length. ideal for children learning how to play nylon string guitars. the requinto comes strung with high tension savarez guitar strings, which are meant to be used in standard e tuning. because the scale length of this guitar is slightly shorter than a full size guitar, the tension will be slightly lower than a full sized guitar as a result, but will still play very well in standard tuning. the requinto can be tuned up as high as a minor third up to g standard tuning, which will increase the tension, but any tunings higher than this are not recommended, as the added stress of the higher string tension of these tunings will compromise the long term health of the instrument.

Slightly larger than the requinto 580, the cordoba iberia cadete 3/4 sizeclassical acoustic guitar is perfect for a beginner or someone who wants a travel guitar. it has the traditional spanish 7 fan bracing, a solid canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. additional features include a hand inlaid wooden rosette, gold tuning machines with pearl buttons and a rosewood fingerboard. an adjustable truss rod is built into the neck. the cordoba iberia cadete 3/4 size guitar is a great guitar for anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and easy playing instrument. the cordoba cadete comes strung with high tension savarez guitar strings, which are meant to be used in standard e tuning only.

One of c rdoba's flagship models, the c5 is perfect as a first nylon-string guitar, this lightweight model is built with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides to produce a clear, powerful tone with beautiful sustain. handmade in the traditional spanish style, the c5's carved headstock, hand-inlaid wood rosette, pau ferro binding, savarez strings, and glossy pu finish result in a guitar that truly stands out from all other entry-level options. a lightweight adjustable truss rod is built into the neck for stability. available in natural finish with solid engelmann spruce top. used for less than a year. personally one of my favorite acoustics. lightweight feel and the tone can range from dark/rich to urgent expression depending on your playing style. great to practice technique and finger-picking patterns.

A traditional solid-topped classical pairing western red cedar and rosewood. the c7 is a wonderful choice for beginner or intermediate guitarists. a step up from our c5, the c7 offers rosewood back and sides with the choice of a solid cedar top to achieve a warm classic nylon string sound, or a solid european spruce top for a brighter tone. the c7's traditional fan bracing allows for maximum resonance and sustain and premium features such as a hand-inlaid wooden rosette, two-way adjustable truss rod, and a sleek high gloss pu finish. available at ken stanton music. *grain pattern may vary

One of the original models in cordoba's luthier series, the cordoba c9 is built with solid european spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides. the c9 features a fan bracing pattern, which gives the center of the soundboard more surface area to vibrate and respond to the tension of the strings. a more responsive soundboard makes the guitar louder, and provides better tone. like every guitar in the luthier series, the c9 is built with spanish heel construction, where the top of the guitar is attached to the neck, the sides are added next, and the guitar' body is sealed by the installation of the back. this construction feature allows the entire instrument to vibrate as one unified piece. the c9 has the neck shape and flat fingerboard characteristic of traditional classical guitars, and includes the added benefit of a two-way truss rod built into the neck. cordoba recently expanded upon the c9, offering two new options that appeal to guitarists from all backgrounds: the c9 parlor, which has a 7/8 size body shape and 50mm nut width, and the c9 crossover, which is a full size guitar with a slim neck profile, radiused fingerboard, and 48mm nut width. aesthetic touches like the mother-of-pearl weave rosette inspired by a 1920's domingo esteso guitar add a touch of vintage elegance to this best-seller. other premium features include an rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bridge, high gloss finish, and savarez cristal corum strings. the c9 includes cordoba's lightweight polyfoam case.

The handmade c9 parlor (7/8 size) is ideal for the player looking for the feel, comfort, and ease of playability that a smaller instrument provides, while retaining the sweet, warm tone created by all-solid wood construction. the c9 parlor is handmade by a small team of builders in a boutique workshop using traditional spanish construction techniques such as the spanish heel, hand carved necks and braces, and domed soundboards. it also features the vintage elegance of a hand-inlaid mother-of-pearl rosette inspired by a 1920s domingo esteso design. like its full-size companion, the c9 cd, the c9 parlor is made with a solid canadian cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides. includes a cordoba polyfoam case.

The maple belongs to cordoba's fusion series, a line of high-quality crossover or hybrid-style nylon string guitars designed to play and feel like steel string acoustics. most notably, the necks are carved thinner than traditional spanish-style "classical" guitars and have a nut width of 48 mm (1-7/8 in.). with the option of 12 or 14 frets to the body on most models, these slimmer dimensions, combined with a radiused fingerboard, give the fusion series the feel and playability that most steel string and electric guitar players are used to. tonally, the fusion series models have all the warmth, body, and resonance that traditional "classical" nylon string guitars are known for, and are built using traditional spanish guitar methods like domed soundboards and fan bracing patterns in the design. additional features include cutaway and non-cutaway body styles, fishman or b-band pickups, two-way adjustable truss rods, and savarez corum alliance strings that offer the higher tension feel that most crossover players are looking for. cordoba's fusion series was first to effectively merge the feel of a steel string with the tone of a "classical" guitar, and, with a variety of wood options and finishes, is the most comprehensive line of crossover-style nylon string hybrids on the market. the maple is built with a solid european spruce top and flamed maple back and sides. the neck has 14 frets to the body and has an ebony fingerboard. the bridge, binding and headstock overlay are made of rosewood, and the rosette is hand inlaid using maple and rosewood rings. the maple is equipped with the fishman presys blend pickup, and includes a deluxe cordoba gig bag.

This bundle includes: 1 x cordoba fusion 14 maple classical guitar; 1 x cordoba classical guitar gig bag full size; from cordoba: meet the maple, a beautiful crossover guitar that features a solid european spruce top and flamed maple back and sides for a bright, snappy tone and sweetly pronounced high end. other than its strikingly beautiful back, the 12/14 maple's main feature is its slim steel-string feeling neck (48mm nut width) and radiused fingerboard. available with 12 or 14 frets to the body, the maple is ready for the stage with its fishman presys blend preamp. build: crossover construction: solid top body top: solid european spruce top bracing pattern: fan soundhole diameter: 84mm (3 1/3") rosette: maple and black rings top purfling inlay: 6-ply maple and black top binding: pau ferro side purfling inlay: 3-ply maple and black back and sides wood: flamed maple back purfling inlay: 3-ply maple and black neck material: mahogany scale length: 640mm (25.2") neck shape: crossover c shape nut width: 48mm (1 7/8") neck thickness 1st fret: 21mm neck thickness 9th fret: 24mm truss rod: dual action truss rod wrench: 4mm allen key fingerboard material: ebony frets total: 19 color: natural (nat) finish: gloss polyurethane bridge material: pau ferro saddle material: bone nut material: bone tuning machines: cordoba silver with black buttons electronics: fishman presys blend upper bout width: 279mm (11") lower bout width: 368mm (14 1/2") body depth upper bout: 95mm (3 3/4") body depth lower bout: 100mm (4") body length: 483mm (19") overall length: 978mm (38 1/2") note: due to differences in wood grain, the item you receive may not exactly match the item in the photos.

The cordoba fusion orchestra ce classical acoustic electric guitar blends steel string playability with the warm sound of a nylon-string guitar. this model features both the bracing and heel of a traditional spanish guitar in addition to a thinner neck and radiused fretboard, making it similar to steel string or electrics. the fusion orchestra ce features an added cutaway to provide easy access to the upper frets. the solid mahogany neck paired with the thinner 48 millimeters, 1 7/8 inches nut width, makes this guitar comfortable for any player to hold. the most notable characteristics of the orchestra ce are the dark and punchy bass tones, strong, round trebles and balanced mids. the fishman presys blend includes a 4band eq and convenient onboard tuner. this guitar comes with a deluxe padded cordoba gig bag.

Acoustic guitars – enjoy rich tone and exquisite craftsmanship with the cordoba c9 parlor! the 7/8-sized cordoba c9 parlor is an excellent value in a nylon-string acoustic guitar. the handmade c9 parlor sports mahogany back and sides with a canadian cedar top, for rich tones with a lively presence. and the solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and detail. no matter your experience level, you'll love the attention to detail and excellent playability of the c9 parlor. and with the gloss polyurethane finish, indian rosewood binding, and a stylish rosette, the c9 parlor looks as good as it plays. the cordoba c9 parlor even comes with a humidified hard case! cordoba c9 parlor nylon-string acoustic guitar at a glance: traditional design. quality tonewoods. great look, great playability. traditional design. the cordoba c9 parlor doesn't skimp on construction. the handmade c9 parlor features a slightly smaller, 7/8-sized traditional classical guitar design, including the solid canadian cedar top (choice top wood for classical guitars) and spanish-style fan bracing. fan bracing is preferred for classical guitars over lattice bracing, as it allows the guitar's top to vibrate more freely while still providing evenly balanced tone. quality tonewoods – the cordoba c9 parlor's solid mahogany back and sides set a powerful tonal foundation for the solid cedar top, giving you the right balance of warmth and brightness. the neck is solid mahogany, for maximum transfer of string energy to the cedar top. a rosewood fingerboard and indian rosewood bridge complete the elegant look. great look, great playability – the cordoba c9 parlor is gorgeous to simply look at, from the detailed mother-of-pearl "esteso" rosette inlay and indian rosewood binding to the gold tuners with ebony buttons. and you'll love how the gloss finish shows off the indian rosewood body and canadian cedar top. but looks aren't everything, the c9 parlor was designed with playability in mind, and the great look is just the icing on the classical cake. cordoba c9 parlor nylon-string acoustic guitar features: handmade 7/8-sized classical guitar. traditional spanish fan bracing provides a balanced, lively sound. mahogany back and sides for full-bodied frequency response. canadian cedar top for excellent definition and projection. polyfoam case included. get premium tonewoods at a great price with the cordoba c9 parlor nylon-string classical guitar.

A beautiful limited edition for limited time only, the top-selling c5 is available with flamed mahogany back and sides. perfect as a first nylon-string guitar, this lightweight model is built with a solid canadian cedar top and produces a warm, well-rounded tone with beautiful sustain. handmade in the traditional spanish style, the c5's carved headstock, hand-inlaid wood rosette, indian rosewood binding, savarez strings, and glossy pu finish result in a guitar that truly stands out from all other entry-level options. a lightweight adjustable truss rod is built into the neck for stability.

The cordoba c9 crossover offers a new spin on a cordoba classic. built with a solid canadian cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, the c9 crossover features a 48mm nut width, radiused fingerboard, and hand-carved mahogany neck with a thinner profile. it also includes a two-way truss rod built into the neck. this model is an excellent choice for the guitarist who loves the sound and look of the traditional c9, but prefers the feel of a steel string or electric guitar. the c9 crossover features a fan bracing pattern, which gives the center of the soundboard more surface area to vibrate and respond to the tension of the strings. a more responsive soundboard makes the guitar louder, and provides better tone. like every guitar in the luthier series, the c9 crossover is built with spanish heel construction, where the top of the guitar is attached to the neck, the sides are added next, and the guitar's body is sealed by the installation of the back. this construction technique allows the entire instrument to vibrate as one unified piece. aesthetic touches like the mother-of-pearl weave rosette inspired by a 1920's domingo esteso guitar add a touch of vintage elegance to this best-seller. other premium features include an rosewood fingerboard, rosewood bridge, high gloss finish, and savarez cristal corum strings. the c9 crossover includes cordoba's lightweight polyfoam case.

The cordoba c5-ce is a great value in a nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar. the c5-ce sports a mahogany back and sides, with a solid canadian red cedar top, for rich tone with a lively presence. the solid mahogany neck provides excellent sustain and detail. you'll also appreciate the playability of the slightly thinner neck and cutaway design for easy access to the upper frets. whether you're a beginner or experienced player, the c5-ce is a great deal. and with the gloss polyurethane finish, indian rosewood binding, and a stylish rosette, the cordoba c5-ce looks as good as it plays. cordoba c5-ce nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar at a glance: traditional design quality tonewoods fishman electronics traditional design the cordoba c5-ce classical guitar doesn't skimp on construction. the c5-ce features traditional handmade classical guitar design, including the solid red cedar top (choice top wood for classical guitars) and spanish-style fan bracing. fan bracing…

This item was returned in mint condition. it is free of any performance issues, and has no scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic flaws.the 4 p nylon-string classical is one of best-selling alhambra guitars in the company's history. four layers of light varnish highlight its solid red canadian cedar top and the gorgeous rosewood laminate on back and side. the fingerboard is made of beautiful ebony, and its gold-plated machine heads are of a superior quality, allowing smooth and precise tuning. built in spain.gig bag included.

The c1 is a full-size nylon string spanish-style guitar. it belongs to the protg by cordoba line, a series of high quality instruments created to provide aspiring young guitarists with a comfortable first guitar that's easy to learn on and play. offered in full, half, three-quarter, and one-quarter sizes, the protg by cordoba models feature the classic combination spruce tops with mahogany back and sides, rosewood bridges, rosewood fingerboards, a hauser style wood inlaid mosaic rosette, nickel tuning machines, premium savarez strings, and a high gloss polyurethane finish. all protg by cordoba guitars also include a two way truss rod and a cordoba gig bag. full size nylon string spanish style guitar 650mm or 25.6" scale length. spruce top with mahogany back and side. rosewood bridges. rosewood fingerboards. hauser-style wood-inlaid mosaic rosette. nickel tuning machines. premium savarez strings. high gloss polyurethane finish. two-way truss rod. cordoba gig bag.

The cordoba c7 is a handmade traditional nylon-string acoustic guitar featuring a solid canadian cedar top with indian rosewood back and sides, a wood-inlaid rosette, and rosewood binding, bridge and fingerboard. cordoba represents a lifestyle that blends bohemian creativity and individuality with a heritage of artistry and craftsmanship. offering an entire range of nylon-string acoustic guitars, the quality of cordoba guitars has been recognized worldwide by artists from a variety of genres and musical backgrounds. passion and tradition accompany every cordoba guitar from the craftsman who chooses the soundboard to the musician playing the finished guitar. strings: 6. string type: nylon. top: solid canadian cedar. back and sides: indian rosewood laminate. finish: polyurethane. fretboard: rosewood. scale: 25 1/2". nut width: 2". neck joint: thru-body. frets: 19. includes cordoba gig bag. scale length: 25.59".

The cordoba c10 parlor is ideal for the player looking for the feel, comfort, and ease of playability that a smaller instrument provides, while retaining the sweet, warm tone created by all-solid wood construction. built with either a solid canadian cedar or solid european spruce top with solid indian rosewood back and sides, the c10 parlor features a 7/8 body size, 50mm nut width, and the fan bracing pattern found on most cordoba guitars. this bracing pattern gives the center of the soundboard more surface area to vibrate and respond to the tension of the strings. a more responsive soundboard makes the guitar louder, and provides better tone. like every guitar in the luthier series, the c10 parlor is built with spanish heel construction, where the top of the guitar is attached to the neck, the sides are added next, and the guitar’s body is sealed by the installation of the back. this construction technique allows the entire instrument to vibrate as one unified piece. aesthetic touches like the mother-of-pearl weave rosette inspired by a 1920’s domingo esteso guitar add a touch of vintage elegance to this best-seller. other premium features include an ebony fingerboard, rosewood bridge, high gloss finish, and savarez cristal corum strings. the c10 parlor includes cordoba’s lightweight polyfoam case.

The taylor academy 12-n classical guitar is elegant, comfortable to play, and a true natural beauty. its lutz spruce top offers a hybrid tone that boasts the qualities of sitka and white spruce, so you can explore an abundance of dynamics and richness that responds to strong attack. layered sapele back and sides then produce glistening clarity whilst a sublime grand concert shape accommodates fingerstyles, perfect for folk players. underneath your fingertips will lie a luscious ebony fretboard, a tonewood that lends itself to seamless playing. slide from fret to fret in glorious, effortless fashion. it's magical. the smooth feel and sound of nylon strings then beg you to delve into their superb classical tone. a gig bag is included too, protecting the academy 12-n from any damage on the road, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Lightweight, responsive, versatile. three essential qualities you deserve. and this cordoba c1m 3/4 classic guitar provides all three things, and much more. it's designed to be played by anyone with a passion for music. so, whether you're a complete beginner, picking up an old hobby, or purchasing your little one's first instrument – there's no reason not to choose cordoba.it's made with layered spruce and mahogany. a layered build offers superb durability, and reliability. so wherever you travel, you know this c1m can handle the demands of life on-the-go. you'll also appreciate the endless amounts of versatility and responsiveness this c1m holds. it produces a classic acoustic sound that's mellow, resonant, and beautifully warm. and, blended with the c1m's nylon strings and fan bracing, you have a traditional classic guitar sound with dynamics like never before. plus, with a slimmed down, c-shaped neck, you have all the comfort you need to get deep into your creativity.

One of the most popular models and a staple in the iberia series lineup, the c3m is a full-sized, handcrafted guitar. it is built with the traditional spanish fan bracing, a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. the c3m also has a hand inlaid wooden rosette, a rosewood fingerboard, and nickel tuning machines with pearl buttons. the "m" in the title stands for its light matte finish. case sold separately.top: solid canadian cedar. back & sides: mahogany. binding/bridge: black abs binding/rosewood bridge. purfling/inlay: white and black abs top. rosette: all natural wood inlaid. finish: satin(matte) neck/fingerboard: nato neck/rosewood fingerboard/traditional (classical) style neck. truss rod: two way adjustable, 4mm. scale length: 650mm (25.6"). nut width: 52mm (2.04"). string spacing at saddle: 59mm. fret marker inlays: mother of pearl at 5, 7, 9, 12. nut/saddle: bone. number of frets: 12 to body, 19 total. bracing/build: spanish 7 fan bracing. body width & length: 375mm (14.75 inches), width at lower bout, 1,003mm (39.5 inches) total length. overall length: 39". body depth: standard spanish classic body depth, 95mm upper bout/ 100mm lower bout (3.7 / 3.9 inches). tuning machines: nickel plated with pearl buttons. strings: savarez cristal corum in high tension 500cj.