Best Professional Classical Guitar Brands (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

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.

This was a birthday present for my wife and this did not disappoint. She was very happy and loves playing it. Spunds excellentReviewed by guitarguitar custome

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

Im a nylon fingerstyle player, but not essentially a classical player, although I can play some classical pieces albeit badly. At first impression this is a good intermediate classical guitar. With 52mm nut width, at 12th fret neck join and 19 frets in total. So a standard classical Guitar. In fact it is basically a CG 162 with copied tonewood amp technology built in. That's where the criticism of price comes in. You are basically paying 500 pounds for a three hundred pound Guitar. But that was okay for me as I figured that if I bought the CG 162 and then bought the additional tonewood amp the cost would exceed the 500 price point. So I opted for the CGTA instead saved 50 quid and everything is integrated and less fiddly than fitting in a tonewood amp. This Guitar is perfect for me, and just what I wanted. It makes me play more and gives me my ambient tone without the hassle of turning on and plugging into my amp and useing pedals. It will never replace my very expensive Taylor nylon string guitar. Or my pedal board and acoustic amp. But I practice on this every time I walk past it. I dont have any problems switching from a 48mm nut width of a hybrid nylon to the 52mm nut width of a classical guitar. But bear this in mind as you may not like the flatter wider finger board of the standard classical Guitar. The instant ambient sound inspires me to keep playing it over my other guitars as we humans are lazy and choose the road with least resistance and picking up this and pressing a button is far easier than getting out my pedal board and amp. But I would never perform with this. I even take it out in my garden and get a sound I would never have dreamed of getting before. I can take it room to room and still have my ambient tone on tap at the press of a button So yes overpriced for what it is..but .. perfect for me and just what I was looking for.Kerry T.

My daughter plays classical guitar in chamber group and needed amplification to be heard along violins and other loud strings. She also didn't want a cutaway. I went down to mid-town Guitar Center, we tried two, and are happy with the purchase. This was a perfect price point. The next amplified classical acoustic without cutaway was over 1k USD. Also great sound without any amp or onboard preamp. Bright solid sound.Kian T

Let me tell y'all what it is! Lol. I am really into this classical nylon guitar; it is the best nylon guitar I've had in years. Over 20 years ago, I had bought a nylon guitar in Mexico. It was totaled, eventually. But, I've been meaning to get a classic Spanish nylon ever since. This particular model was a gift from my beautiful soon-to-be-wifey! She hit the nail on the head with this axe (she too is a musician). This model, I am really interested in pima, finger style and Huapango, and other Latin variations. My fingers have missed this kind of a fretboard; since I am used to my electric guitars (Ibanez, PRS, Epi.) A most excellent purchase, I strongly recommend it. I love the wood on it. Lol. December 2020.T.A.

This is an excellent classical guitar. I bought it, because I wondered if Yamaha GC42C would be as large an improvement over my GC31C as the latter was over my old CG180SA. I was not disappointed! However, it's a judgment call whether the price tag is worth it, since the more affordable GC31C in my opinion would satisfy the demands of even the most demanding guitar student. The American cedar top on the 42 model has a wood grain visibly finer than that on the 31 model. This contributes to the slightly better (by 1 to 2 sec.) note sustain and slightly darker, deeper and richer tone of the 42 model compared to the 31 model. The difference, though, is clearly perceptible only if you play one of the models right after the other. The workmanship and finish are impeccable. The guitar sounds great even in rooms with poor acoustic. In addition to the guitars, I have owned various Baroque woodwind and Clavinova instruments by Yamaha for over 30 years. If you're a serious/advanced classical guitar student and trust the company as I do, consider acquiring her majesty GC82 ($10 000) in spruce or cedar. Otherwise, buy GC42 (I lucked out with a barely used one at $3200). If you are "serious but not THAT serious", purchase Yamaha GC31 ($1500). You won't be disappointed regardless of your choice. On the negative side, the GC42 and GC31 series guitars come with handsome, but only semi-hard, cases and sport quite decent, but not the greatest, standard Yamaha tuning machines. Upgrading both can become pricey. All in all, the GC42 is certain to make you practice longer and with greater joy, for the guitar is quite a beauty.amx521

This truly is a concert level guitar at a great price. Volume is an important factor in determining if a guitar is "Concert level" and this guitar has plenty. It can be played very softly or powered through while maintaining clarity. It also has long sustain and rich overtones. The finish is a very thin layer of polyester. If I had been told it was polyester, I would not have known. The workmanship is impeccable. Having owned individual luthier made guitars, I can honestly say that this is just a good, if not extremely close. Having played the gc82c and gc42c side by side, I can say that the gc42c comes very, very close to the gc82c. The average person will not be able to tell the difference. I highly recommend this guitar to anyone that wants a concert level instrument at a lower price.JE

I practice classical guitar an average of 3 hours a day, and this has proven to be a very reliable instrument. I got it a couple of weeks ago and seems like the spruce top is beginning to gain a little more openness in sound a volume. I played on a Spanish cedar top before, and cedar will deliver the same tone from the beginning. Happy with my purchase so far. I did get the 2 year warranty. I live in El Paso so I'm keeping two humidifiers in the case and one in the guitar.Angel

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

I've had this for two months now and I'm very very happy with it. There's no reason to pretend that this is a $1000 instrument, but for ~$150 it's a very pleasant beginner instrument. Frets are edges are nicely seated so that you never feel them when playing; instrument stays in tune. Black finish adds a nice touch. Would recommend for anyone curious about classical guitar on a tight budget.Brennan V

I bought this guitar years ago while living in LA and loved it. Great warm tone and nice resonance throughout the body. It just feels good to play. I gave it to a friend when I moved across the country to NYC. I couldn't justify moving with 3 guitars, 2 ukuleles, an accordion, & more. Something had to go, and since this guitar is cheap, this was the one. Here I am buying it again 6 years later and it's just as nice as I remember. I love that it's a more sunny yellow than most other guitars as well. Just all around a good guitar. I debated ordering nicer strings along with it but decided not too. After playing, I'm happy with the sound of the factory strings.Claire

I have always played steel string guitars. I have always wanted a classical but didn't want to dive deep into my wallet. My wife picked this up for me one year for Christmas. I play it everyday, great little guitar for the money.Ian Richardson

I upgraded from a Yamaha CG162 to this guitar a couple of months ago. The price difference is significant but worth it. With the extra money you are getting a very high quality guitar that plays well, and sounds amazing. The first thing I noticed was how much lighter the GC12 is, and how finely it's put together. The second thing I noticed was how much richer and fuller the sound is. The guitar body vibrates and hums. It's a really big step up in quality. All solid wood at this price is really nice too. The ebony fretboard is really smooth and deep black with no marks or imperfections of any kind. I passed on the spruce top and ordered the cedar based on the reviews here. The cedar is very full sounding, and projects nicely. Very happy I bought this guitar.Tony

This is the guitar for when you're ready to leave all those beginner guitars behind. The guitar is clear and crisp and snaps in the trebles, and has a beautiful tight low end. Quality tuners and built extremely well. I have three pieces of advice if you buy this guitar: 1. Get an arched back hardshell case. The case that comes with the guitar is really nice and lightweight, but I just don't trust all of these zippered polyfoam cases on the market right now. 2. Replace the factory strings with high tension strings. D'Addario 46s are great. 3. Get the cedar top version. You could shell out about twice as much for the GC32, and never have to buy another guitar again, if you have the money. But the GC12C is a really nice guitar on it's own.Green Leaf

Yamaha's equivilant to the Cordoba C9, both with solid mahogany back and sides and solid spruce or cedar top. I've played both. The Yamaha is a much better instrument all around, and sounds and plays like a dream. VERY refined tone. Cordoba likes to put heavy truss rods in their guitars, for some unknown reason. It makes the guitar heavy and awkward, and you will never ever adjust it. The cedar is much nicer than the spruce, by the way. This guitar is NOT bass heavy, or "favor the lower registers" as some reviewers have said. That's a general statement for cedar/mahogany, and does not apply to the GC12 cedar. This guitar sparkles in the trebles, and has a tight, refined tone in the bass. Put on high tension strings and lower the action, which is too high from the factory, as on most guitars. If you can't afford a 5,000 – 10,000 guitar, but want a very high quality factory made instrument, go for this. Another reviewer is right in that the rosewood models (GC22 and up) are not worth the extra money, in my opinion.Arlene

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

Nice guitar for the price but after 9 months the bridge popped off while on it's stand. I had been told by a Guitar Center employee and a local luthier that this is fairly common problem with this guitar.Sarah J

This is my first guitar. I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted, so I visited Guitar Center and looked/played around with guitars a few times. When I decided I wanted to go with a classical guitar because I preferred the sound and the style of music, I went back to the store, looked at all of them in my price range, and chose this one. I am so glad I did. The sound is beautiful thanks to the solid cedar top. The instrument itself is also gorgeous with the dark sides and gorgeous rosette and looks more expensive than it is. I have now had it for about three months now, and I have had no issues. My guitar playing is coming along beautifully.An

I had this guitar for over a year and absolutely loved it! One day I went to play it and took it out the case just to see that the bridge had completely broken off and my strings were ruined. Mind you I had no kids around or anyone to damage it and I was VERY careful with it, never dropped it and had it always kept away in a safe place. I was so upset because I truly loved that guitar. I was told that the bridge was "probably faulty due to bad manufacturing". Thank God I had the Pro Coverage and was fully refunded. So if you plan to get this make sure you get the coverage just to be safe. It is a great guitar, but over time it might fall apart on you like mine did.T. Rose

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

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

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

Perfect guitar for a small child taking lessons. This is a real instrument not a toy. Sounds great, easy to tune, nylon strings were in perfect condition (did not have to replace), and it's beautiful! No nicks, scratches, or scuffs. Our teacher was very pleased with the quality.falkenhome

The Q&A says it's full size. It is not. It measures 29" overall. I received the guitar an when I call to complain about the description they insisted that they were selling a full size guitar. They tried to convince me that a classical guitar is smaller. Would not trust this site. On the plus side it was very easy to arrange for the return. Just a waste of time.GuitarPlayer