Nylon String Parlor Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

So I originally wanted to buy a Taylor T5 because they feel so good and sound so awesome. This guitar sounds just as good as a Taylor T5 and about the third of the price. And its appearance is just absolutely beautiful. I was all set to upgrade the strings and set it up to my own preferences but once I started playing it it was just perfect. Vendor was excellent to work with. Very professional. Very efficient. The guitar was delivered a day earlier740*gn

This is my first classic style guitar. Its heavy, really heavy, I thought it would be light to pick up. Its really well made. The pick up are great and very bright. Shipping strings are good. No case or cover, box was well done, awesome even. Has a nubone nut, had to lube quite a bit for tuning. I feel like its a bit over priced, but that might just be me. Again, its solid, like you can smack someone with it and it won't care. I love the head stock. I got this because my hands are falling into ruin from diabetes. I'm trying really hard to find a falt for it, its just a beefy hard core classic style guitar. Volume is pretty low. If your getting into nylon strings i'd recommend it. I honestly can't find any faults for it. Heavy, beefy, Rawr.Meatpopsicle

So after about 40 years of playing music and traveling everywhere I had never actually owned and played a hybrid acoustic guitar. I wanted a Taylor T5, so sweet. $2000 was more than I wanted to give to add to my collection of 30 guitars already. My I caught this gorgeous ESP Telluride acoustic electric guitar. Playing it acoustically was nice but running it through an amp I was extremely impressed with the overall sound quality specially wearing a suit of quality headphones such as you would use in a recording session. I had about a third of the price of the T5 the quality is exceptional, not as good as a T5 before the price it is well worth it. I love this guitar and since I've bought it I rarely play anything else. Awesome guitarGary

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 dont often review products I buy on eBay and I buy things on here every month. I have never heard of this Parlor Style until recently and I Started playing heavily before the Internet was really a thing so maybe thats why because I just stumbled across them accidentally. I wouldve bought one of these a long time ago if I knew they existed and its budget price absolutely dirt cheap, for an extremely premium guitar and Im not exaggerating this in any way. The smaller size of everything makes it so its not work to play it, plus its got a really Unique set of sounds that Ive never really heard from another acoustic. The great low price on top of the quality, it feels like this guitar is built more solid then the typical Dreadnought and it was delivered like two or three days earlier than it was supposed to and Im going to definitely get another guitar soon. I like the smaller body styles now that Ive kind of discovered them I want to look into owning some. Im going to hopefully go through the same seller. I had some questions and they were very prompt in responding they had good customer service and I look forward to working with the seller again and I highly recommend this seller and this instrument, weather your a pro or beginner and anything in between its an amazing guitar Id give it 10 stars if I could!!! I think it more than deserves 10 stars and I think if you buy one Your going to understand what I mean by saying it deserves 10 stars. Thank You for the pleasure of owning an amazing piece of crafted human engineering, for all the bad that is constantly going on all across the world playing and owning something like Is to me the one of the very things that make living in a world full of so much bad worth it and it reminds me to be grateful for what I do still have.tra-4008

I bought this guitar for taking on road trips to save space primarily for family sing-alongs and practicing. Obviously, I didn't expect it to have as deep and rich a tone as a dreadnaught, but the tone does seem a little "tinny," which may just be an artifact of the small sound box. Fine for small venues or practice. The finish around the sound hole was a little rough, but otherwise the finish was very nice and smooth with a high gloss finish. Once it was acclimated to the temperature and humidity in my home, it stayed in tune. No problems "out of the box" with string-to-fretboard spacing and no luthier adjustment was needed.The Professor

for the money and the price it is a gr8 couch guitar. run some scales, practice some chords or just play them. it has good playability and action. the tone of the sound is good for this price range & one could say, not bad in general. only critique is that the g,b & e strings sound a bit thin. the other ones are fine. very happy with the guitar for a cheap, more then decent couch ax. oh, gr8 inlay & binding went into the guitar as well.prestame

I was disappointed in this guitar. Having owned many Yamaha acoustics over the past 25 years, I found the quality to be lacking. The tuners were cheap, the intonation was bad, and the sound was very boxy. Even at the £330 sale price, it felt like a toy guitar. I was looking for something smaller than my FG5 and LJ16 to use on a casual basis and travel about. This did not fit the bill.Matthew H.

My ability to stretch my hand to finger chords is severely limited by dupuytren's contracture (google it for some depressing light reading). I hadn't owned an acoustic for five years as a result. I got the itch to own one again, and when I saw 23.5 inch scale, (excellent) gigbag included at this price, I went for it. And I'm glad I did. While the sound is not huge, it is good and the feel, fit and finish are outstanding. It has inspired me to play a lot more than I was playing, which was already over two hours a day. And that's really the best compliment that you can pay a guitar, isn't it?Jaye

I was excited to. receive this guitar having tried a showroom model. I have been playing it fir two weeks and have the food further examination llowing observation .1 batteries do not lasting (a week for me ). setup looked good a felt good to play except for a buzz on the g string. I noticed that 12th fret appeared higher. I know this is removable and would ask what I should do as it is under warrranty. but I am disappointed ate the thought of the hassle I nw have to get it fixed. over to you pmt ….P C.

A comfortable guitar… not as bulky as a dreadnaught. Just right for fingerpickers. Awesome sound for a smaller sized guitar. Perfect for the "folk baroque" sound like John Renbourn. I intended to buy a cheap parlor guitar but then I saw this one, bought it and knew it was a keeper. Only con, as is the case with all out of the box guitars, it needs to be set up properly for comfortable playing. Have Guitar Center do it for you or other experienced repair person. This guitar has rekindled my interest in playing and composing music. If you are looking for a smaller acoustic steel string guitar, this might be the one for you.Steve W.

As a working musician I am always looking for something that can be used live, and in the studio. This one easily fills those shoes. Great punchy tone out of this small-bodied guitar. Wonderful action straight out of the box. Couldn't be more happy with my purchase.Daniel T.

Got this to downsize from dreadnought and I am extremely pleased. Specs on MF, M&A, GF, all say dreadnought on body type, it's a triple-o concert. Found the correct specs on Fender, which would make sense because they are the manufacturers. Medium strings sound better than light (in my opinion). Great buy and well constructed! My first all solid guitar & I would buy again! Fenders are economical and good quality! It's got really good sound and Fingerstyle sounds amazing! My arm does not fall asleep, from blood circulation being cut off, like it did with the dreadnought! If you are looking to learn Fingerstyle, or play Fingerstyle, and are looking for a comfortable guitar this is it! Also would recommend it for electric players who might be looking to play an acoustic!Guitarist

I play American Fender electrics and was curious about these acoustics. Being made in China, I was a little hesitant but the solid Mahogany back and sides convinced me to pull the trigger. I am glad I did. This guitar has a very full balanced sound. Great projection. The neck is very comfortable though I prefer a satin finish. I have a pretty aggressive pick attack and vibrato and this thing has stayed in tune very well. I am very impressed. Time will tell how this holds up, but so far I would absolutely recommend checking out this Paramount series. Loving it. (nice quality case too)Just my opinion

On my previous review I forgot to mention that the bridge pin, for the low E string, had a split towards the end and half way up on the side. I had taken the strings off to do a detailed cleaning and seen the split. Thankfully it came with one spare so I could finish my work and none of the other pins had any splits. Glued the split one, with wood glue, and have another spare! Guess it can be expected for a wooden bridge pin to split like that as it has the pressure of the string pulling against it. Had seen a video on YouTube that a guy bought a second hand one (Fender pm-3) and had the same issue. Note to anybody who buys a guitar with wooden bridge pins, check them after buying before it has a chance to break and fly out while you're playing! Other than that I am totally satisfied with the guitar and it's constructed very well!Guitarist

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

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 is an inexpensive, decent-quality, full-size classical style of guitar that's aimed at getting more people to play guitar by addressing the more frequent complaints as to why they don't – hurt fingers from no callouses or too small hands or hand fatigue or arthritis or injuries, etc. Steel-string acoustic guitars require a level of hand and fingertip pain for a fair amount of time before any gains are noticed. That's probably why so many people become turned off to playing them. Epiphone shrewdly addressed that with this series of easy-to-play guitars. This is not a classical guitar that's designed for use by professional musicians, on stage or for learning serious classical styles but rather a full-size guitar that encourages more people to learn to play one or for guitarists to just have fun with sitting on the couch, songwriting, learning new songs, etc. And, given its low price, few if any tears might be shed should it one day get lost, stolen or damaged. The 1.75" width nut gives fingers – short, weak, thick or hurt – a bit more room to maneuver on the lower portion of the neck without the unwanted rubbing of adjacent strings and the lower tension strings it comes strung with make fretting clean sounds much easier without hard pressing, squeaks or buzz. This additional room is helpful for learning finger-picking, too. The two strap buttons, although not typical of a classical guitar, are a nice feature as they add greater flexibility for the guitarist as to how he or she prefers to play it. The sound is clean, I'd say very good, and although I'm surely no classical guitarist, this PRO-1 is what it is and what it was designed to be – an easy to hold, easy to play, affordable guitar that should encourage more people to play in spite of hand size, age, injury, physical limitations, etc. While there are many 3/4 size classical guitars out there that also offer easier playing, this Epiphone PRO-1 is a full size model that does the same at a great price.Old guy with a new guitar

When shopping for a first guitar for your child (or yourself) it's confusing. The sales staff will usually direct you to the solid top Yamaha FG or FS series. Tone and quality wise, those are great guitars but they also come out of the box in need of a good setup to be playable up the neck. With the PRO-1 line, Epiphone has worked hard to deliver a reasonable factory setup on one of their most inexpensive models. I can not overstate the benefit this brings to the player! A few other things that stand out for this price range: We also get NuBone nut and saddle on all pro-1 models (this is the material Taylor and other top of the line builders use on their models). The NuBone nut makes a big difference in tone. Also it's a short scale which I think makes it easier to play, the neck is a slip D profile which makes it easy to get your hand around. Tuners at 18:1 ratio not 14:1, that's a first for a guitar in this price range and you get a humidifier and free lessons. If you play the least expensive PRO-1 model against anything in the budget acoustic room at Guitar Center (for those floor plans that separate budget from high end) you notice it's easier to play than anything else…. There is a solid-top version that comes with electronics if you must have a solid top, the truth is having a solid top is overrated on most budget guitars. All solid wood construction does sound different, but when you mix a solid top with the laminated back and sides, it's just hit and miss. If you stick with playing your first guitar won't be your last, and you're more likely to keep playing if you have an instrument that sounds good that is also very easy to play. For that the PRO-1 is your best bet right now.Jeremy

For the price this is a very nice sounding and playing guitar. I have owned higher end acoustic guitars in the past, and just needed something to do some occasional acoustic recording and playing when friends came by. It isn't quite up to the Takamine that I had (but it was also well over 10x the price of this one!), but it sounds great! I did swap out the strings, but that's to be expected. Overall, it is a good looking and nice playing/sounding guitar for a very, very reasonable price.Dave

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

It's exactly what you expect. Not quite a classic guitar but will get the job done. I was thinking the smaller neck would be easier to transition to from electric but I'm thinking it may be a little too narrow for me now. I guess I'm use to the feel of a real classical guitar neck and with nylon strings this neck feels too small. Not the manufacturer's fault, the guitar is exactly as described. I could see this being good for someone who's never played a classical guitar though. Tuner and electronics work great and it's a great guitar for the price but if you've played a real classical guitar the neck may feel a little cramped.GT6L6

Following is the email I sent after ordering a new guitar and a hard case to match. Hi Sean, I just received my Tourtech APX case today, which arrived on schedule and in perfect condition. Although there was a breakdown in email communication between us about the availability of the case and compatibility with the guitar, (it does seem only just slightly big for the NTX-1 guitar) however I am confident that it will protect it adequately, I wasn't expecting an exact fit and am so grateful. I would like to personally thank you and your team for the professionalism and more importantly the honesty I received from you throughout. Your kind gesture of a discount and complimentary delivery on the case was greatly received. I am extremely happy with the guitar, the case and the end result, and would not hesitate to order from you again and recommend your services in the future. Thanks again to all involved. Best regards, Colin BrownColin B.

This is the entry level NTX model. The SDOTD price was a genuine and honest discount. But, the product description was confusing and possibly misleading. It describes an "A.R.T. System61" that is not installed on this guitar. The pickup system on this guitar is the System73. The System73 is a common under-saddle piezo strip configuration. The System61 is the Yamaha proprietary technology that is installed on all other NXT models. There is a noticeable 'runout' effect between the top halves of the sound board. Otherwise, the seam between the halves is impossible to discern. In fact, there were no seams, joins or gaps visible anywhere on the outside of this guitar. The neck and head stock are a work of art. To reiterate, the top is two spruce planks, the back and sides could be Okume or Nato. Yamaha does not list these woods as being laminated. Okume is an African hardwood and Nato is from South America. Both are considered acceptable mahogany substitutes. My guitar was made in China and sounds good enough given my untutored ear. The guitar has a truss rod, the 'urea' saddle is angled and uncompensated. My intonation and string height did not need adjustment. The NXT500's 'Slim' neck and nylon tones make this guitar hard to put down. Its also very light. I have several other steel string acoustics but I played this guitar exclusively for over a week, mostly unplugged. It plays well in my living room with a Fender Acoustasonic 15. The on-board tuner and rear-pointed tuning keys were convenient and comforting. I used them both a lot… btw, do nylon strings ever break in? The SKB-30 Deluxe Thin-Line guitar case fits this guitar perfectly. Also, choose the next model up if you want the System 61 electronics, fancy sound hole surround, sound hole cover and a solid spruce top.Rockme Allnite

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

Overall: There is a reason that I waited so long to review this guitar. I am notorious for purchasing guitars, and then over the course of a few weeks, I find find something about the instrument that drives me insane, and I either sell it, or trade it off. The Alvarez AP66 broke the trend. It is without a doubt, the best acoustic steel string I have ever played. Now, before you purists start rolling your eyes, let me explain. I have been playing the guitar for thirty-plus years. I have played electric, acoustic, and classical. I love all styles of music, and at one time or another, have focused on one particular style for months or even years. I switch it up to keep it fresh, I suppose. But my love for the guitar has never waned. I have played cheap instruments that blew me way, and I have played boutique instruments that were laughable. I am a firm believer that the it's the player, and not the instrument that matters. With that said, let me get down to the specifics for those of you that are considering purchasing this guitar. The tone of this guitar is astounding. It is warm and full, and it does not lean toward either the bass or the treble. It plants itself squarely in the middle, and allows you to determine the timbre of the sound. It responds equally well to your fingers and to your pick. The volume, like the tone, is up to you. If you dig in, it will rattle the fillings out of your mouth. If you play gently, the sweetness of the sound will give you cavities. The craftsmanship is too good for this price point. I cannot find any flaws in the binding, no excessive glue inside the body, and the finish is truly gorgeous. The setup from the factory, at least on the one I received is spot on. The action is low, but not too low. It plays like a dream. I made the mistake of putting a set of light silk and steels on it, and I got some fret buzz. Parlor guitars have a shorter scale, and they tend to respond better with heavier strings. I guess this is why Strat players can go lighter, and Les Paul players can go heavier. Alas, no guitar is totally perfect. The ONLY issue I have with this guitar is the tuners. They are not on par with rest of the instrument. They bass side has too much play, and the treble side is sticky. I will be replacing the factory tuners with Grover Stat-Tites very soon. I still highly recommend this guitar. It has the punch of a dreadnaught, but the articulation of an OM. I have always thought that 12 frets to the body improved the sound of any guitar, but that's just me. So, for under $400, this is without a doubt the best guitar on the market, and it can hold its own against gutars costing five times as much, Alvarez hit a home run with this one. If they upgraded the tuners, it would be a grand slam.Dru

Overall: The tone from this parlor guitar is incredible. The top resonates wonderfully. The neck is a nice thin profile. Feels great in the hand. Tuners are not only how I expect to see them on a parlor guitar, but work smoothly and hold a tune. It only gets a 4 out of 5 stars as the action leaves a bit to be desired. The nut is too tall. I'll make the adjustments to the action and have a wonderful instrument. Knocked a star off for it is not up to its optimum playing capabilities. Overall a nice instrument.Thomas

The Alvarez AP66SHB parlour guitar I received truly validated the reviews I’ve read about this affordable parlour 12 fret beauty. The glasslike finish, “shadow burst” solid African mahoghany top and abalone rosette are truly eye candy in a surprisingly affordable offering. The tuners could actually be a little more sensitive, but for well under 400 dollars, with a nice gigbag I can’t complain. The tuners work and this guitar stays in tune very well, which IS where the rubber meets the road ! And I can upgrade to compatible Gotohs for a fair price. The best part of this instrument is the tone and I can honestly say that this is the only parlour I have that competes in tone, voice and presence with a parlour I own that cost 5 times the price. ( drops the mic ) …Lenny

I was looking for an affordable entry-level classical guitar but I wanted one that was quality made and I knew I wanted an instrument with a solid top. I looked at other manufacturer's models and in my opinion they did not come close to offering as much as Cordoba does with this C3M model. With the C3M you get a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fret board and bridge plus a bone nut and saddle. These are great features for the player and you really don't expect to see them on a guitar in this price range. The C3M has a terrific, warm tone. I find that the playability and intonation is excellent all the way up the neck. The guitar plays well right out of the box. My only criticism is that the pictures of this guitar on the Musician's Friend website don't really match what the guitar actually looks like. The guitar is much darker in appearance. However, this is not a deal breaker for me and shouldn't be for you either. It is still a beautiful looking and playing instrument with a very nice matte finish and nice appointments as I already mentioned. The folks at Cordoba have done a great job with this guitar. You'd be hard-pressed to find another guitar of this quality in this price range.Wayne T.

The C3M is an amazing value. Classical guitars I've owned: 1984 Ramirez 1A, 1974 Alvarez Yairi (modeled on 1A), and this Cordoba C3M. This is 650mm scale, (standard length, the 1A is long scale) but with perfect, wide string spacing on the 2 inch nut. A full size instrument ready for performance, no adjustment necessary. The resin nut and saddle are dense like bone with great tone. The solid cedar top produces a clear lovely sound. It is not as loud, but clear, good for counterpoint. There is a lot of break over the high saddle which must help set the top in motion but will bend over time. The intonation is perfect. The action is within spec, higher than a high end guitar but very playable. There is no buzz, except on the A string 9th-12th fret. The bracing and solid cedar top are strong enough to support the stock Savarez high tension strings, no distortion of top visible. High tension is necessary to produce as much volume with the standard (shorter than 1A) length. The construction is flawless. Again, because the tension is high on the normal 650mm scale, pitch changes are considerably on the trebles as the guitar warms up. The tuners have a solid feel. After 30 hours of playing, the original Savarez D string wore through at 3-5th frets. Another characteristic of high tension strings; the basses are under more stress and wear faster. Maybe that's just the brand, but I'm switching to a different brand hard tension that measures a little less tension than the Savarez. Cordoba understands what is required to make a performance ready instrument, even on this entry level guitar.Darien

My family had a music store when I was growing up which specialized in classical guitars, so I had more than enough chance to play different kinds when I worked after school at the store. That said, this guitar has the best tonality you can buy for $200. I got mine for $140 on SamAsh online which was marketed as a "used" one, which to this day I am convinced it was brand new because it did not have a single show of use. I am incredibly happy with my purchase. The only thing I did was lower the action which is easily possible on this guitar because it has a rod in the neck which is super unusual for a classical but so freaking convenient! I love it!Kaco

We got this mini acoustic for our 7year old Daughter to learn on! The size is perfect for her with room to grow! It's much easier than a standard size guitar due to the size of the neck and also having the nylon strings, they're softer on her fingers while playing. Also, the color and finish on this guitar are gorgeous! It's really well made, and the details are really pretty for a young girl!TwinMom

Sounds really cool. Amazing to have this in car or next to bed or table. Good companion. Loved it playing from the beginning.Arif, M

Great playing. Action was nice out of box. Really well made and beautiful. Great size for my 5 yr old daughter. It jas good solid strap lugs.River Rat

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 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 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

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 guitar sounds bright and beautiful. It's a thinline so it's very comfortable to hold. The strings are set at low action so it's very easy to play. The guitar neck is perfect. Every note sounds clean and clear. The electronics has a built-in tuner and it works great. The only problem that I find is the painting details. There are little uneven spots here and there in the finish paint. Over all this is a very good guitar with beautiful sound.Gio'

Been playing since 14 now 53. Owned over 20 guitars fr Ibanez to Gibson and Martin. Played this guitar exclusively for 8 years. Recently upgraded to several handmade Spanish guitars. I keep going back to this guitar and I have 3 handmade Spanish guitars I spent 9k on. Holds its own. You won't be disappointed.Daniel