Top Classical Guitars from Recommended Brands – Reviews of Some Outstanding Models

Last Updated: November 19, 2019 As we moved into early summer, it was all change at the top of our main chart on the best classical guitars. The Kremona Solea made way for the Kremona Verea Cutaway, while we also added the cool Taylor 114ce-N to the list. Finally, there was no way we could leave out the suave La Patrie Etude or the newly updated Yamaha C40II!

Looking for a nylon-stringed guitar? You’ve come to the right place! Because whether you’re a professional concert guitarist, an enthusiastic student, a steel-string guitarist who fancies a change, or a complete beginner to the world of guitar, this article aims to help you find your ideal nylon-stringed model.

Top 10 Nylon-Stringed Guitars

There we have a list of ten of the finest nylon string options – in their individual categories. You may question why we rate two greatly varying in price (such as the Kremona Solea and the Cordoba C3M) both at 4.8/5. Does that mean they’re the same quality? Not at all! Naturally, in a one vs. one scenario, the Kremona would win hands down due to its high-end construction, materials, sound and overall feel. However, both of them earn a 4.8 in their respective categories, which are relative to their price tag. With that in mind, let’s check out what else we should look out for in a guitar.

Defining ‘The Right’ Classical Guitar

That’s a bit of trick title… because the right guitar for you, is the right guitar for you! By this we mean that your level of playing, your style, your ambitions and your budgets will ultimately define what the best model is for you. What works for me, might not work for you. Which is why the models in our chart above range from cheap nylon-stringed guitars right up to high-end models. It will help to give a rough snapshot of how the market looks today, regardless of the price range you are shopping in.

Is a Classical Guitar Right for Me?

Perhaps the most important question to answer! And one you may be asking as a complete beginner, or an experienced guitarist looking to add the smooth sound of nylon to your collection. Without wishing to state the obvious, such guitar uses nylon strings instead of steel, and therefore sounds much more warm and mellow, lending itself well to jazz, folk and fingerstyle music, while nylon is essential for traditional classical music pieces and flamenco. If you are a beginner, then a classical starter guitar can benefit you in the early stages. These guitars are usually slightly cheaper than their steel-string counterparts (so you tend to get a better-quality instrument for the same price), while the strings tend to be less painful for beginner fingers. However, there is much debate as to whether a classical is the optimal choice if you eventually want to go on to play a steel-stringed so, ultimately, it’s worth reading more on the pros and cons, then make the decision that suits your ambitions.

Are Electronics a Must?

It depends on what you are using it for. If you are using the guitar for performances of any sort (more than just a gathering of friends in a small room), then you’ll certainly need to amplify your sound. That usually means either buying one with electronics already installed, or placing a condenser microphone in front of the guitar as you perform. Miking up the guitar is great way to capture it’s natural tone, and professional guitarists – whether performing or recording – will probably opt for this method. But for sheer convenience, plug-and-play electronics from brands such as Fishman, B-Band and Shadow can be hugely effective and versatile, allowing you to shape your sound directly from the preamp. If you are a beginner, it’s probably wise to ignore the last two paragraphs – you do not need electronics. Learn the instrument first before amplifying it. Chances are it will be a few years before you feel comfortable enough to perform to an audience anyway, by which stage you may consider upgrading your guitar.

The Difference Between Spending $100 and $1,000

We’ve said it several times before, but occasionally – from a photo or a distance – a high-end $1,000 classical can look surprisingly similar to an entry-level $100 model or a mid-range $300 one. This is because there tends to be little difference in the fundamental design of these traditional instruments. However, when you get up close, you really start to see the differences. Materials The first thing you may notice on a budget model is that the woods are nearly always all laminate – top, back and sides. Although there’s little aesthetic difference, laminate is the cheaper option. The pitfalls are that it’s less resonant and less tonally pleasing (even though tone is subjective). A solid wood guitar, whether made entirely of solid wood or just with a solid top, can be a lot more toneful and resonate more freely, offering a louder, more complex sound that will develop nicely as the wood ages. Build A guitar costing $1,000 will definitely show better craftsmanship than a budget model, and chances are it will have been made in a workshop by a skilled luthier instead of on a factory line. In fact, a $1,000 should be flawless in its feel and playability, showing no blemishes or rough spots. In contrast, the craftsmanship on a $100 unit is likely to be less impressive – maybe not particularly bad, but usually with plenty of room for improvement. Some entry-level guitars are also in desperate need of a good set-up when they first arrive, compared to the smooth playability of a premium guitar right out of the box. Design As design we’ve mentioned, designs can be shared among models of all prices. For example, the Cordoba C1 ($150) looks a lot like the Cordoba C10 ($1,050). However, as you move into the higher-end market, you can find some elegant, innovative and adventurous designs you just wouldn’t see in the budget market – whether it’s ESP LTD’s uber-modern TL-6N or a model from Godin’s premium Multiac Series. Electronics In the section above we determined that an entry-level/beginner’s guitar need not have electronics, but a classical guitar which is likely to be performed with should have the capabilities. Not every $1,000 model will have electronics, but those that do will tend to be advanced – some with dual pickups, and most with sound-shaping capabilities that go beyond simply adjusting the volume! A 3-band EQ (bass, middle and treble) is standard, while you may find a phase switch and even USB connectivity, for true plug-and-play convenience. Tone The sound of any guitar is subjective, and what sounds beautiful to me may not be your cup of tea. However, it’s generally agreed that an expensive, lovingly-crafted guitar using quality solid woods will have more character than an all-laminate budget model. But for beginners, as long as the guitar is clear with enough projection (and the models we feature on our budget classical charts certainly are), then you’ll be more than equipped! Hardware Finally, it goes without saying that the hardware on a premium model should be good quality, helping both the sound and functionality of the model. On a budget classical guitar, you expect the components to work, but you could forgive a little tuning stability or stiff tuning keys. Not on a $1,000 model – tuning should be impeccable, and the nut and saddle should be bone (or a modern bone alternative, such as GraphTech’s Tusq). More often than not, when you pay a grand for a guitar, a good-quality protective case should come with it as standard. You can sometimes expect a gigbag or other free accessories with an entry-level option (replacement strings, polishing cloth, humidifier), but these are all easily purchased separately and shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

What is a Good Classical Guitar?

Defining a ‘good’ classical guitar isn’t an easy task. Of course, something like a Cordoba C10 CD at around $1,200 is a great guitar. However, you don’t need to spend that much to find a good model, as good models share a few similarities whatever the price. Unlike a steel-string acoustic or electric guitar, the action of a classical guitar isn’t particularly important. In fact, you could compare both a $50 classical and a $500 classical to find that the action is identical. Instead it is the craftsmanship and tone of the classical guitar that will ultimately determine if it is a good guitar. For example, whatever price range you are shopping in, a good classical guitar will have a neck that feels smooth and easy to play, with no sticking points (regardless of whether it is gloss or satin-finished). You should also look for a guitar that shows good workmanship, with no rough patches or excess glue showing. Of course, the higher the price band, the easier it is to find what we would class as a good guitar as more time is spent on the craftsmanship, while the use of better materials ensure the tone is always rich, warm and sweet.

How Much Does a Good Classical Guitar Cost?

Following on from our previous answer, you can find a ‘good’ classical guitar in all price ranges. In fact, with $100 in your pocket, you can end up with a very good nylon-stringed guitar for practice, with a smooth neck, decent tone and no obvious flaws. However, most guitarists would class a ‘good classical guitar’ as one that sits a few rungs above the entry-level price range. Not quite a high-end premium model, but perhaps a guitar that is suitable for small performances as much as it is your go-to guitar when relaxing at home. This style of guitar would feature some sort of solid wood (usually on the top of the guitar), with a sleek neck, upgraded tuners, great overall craftsmanship and a beautiful tone. For one of these guitars, you would need to look in the $300 to $500 ranges.

Which Brand of Classical Guitar is The Best?

There are so many brands of classical guitar that trying to announce ‘the best’ is a very tricky ask. However, some names always pop up and end up at the top of comparison charts. Two of these are Kremona and Cordoba. Established in Bulgaria in 1924, Kremona has a great reputation for both affordable and high-end classical guitars. Cordoba are a newer brand (established in 1997), but it has an equally impressive reputation thanks to the high-quality guitars in its catalog. However, it’s not just those two. Yamaha is another brand with a great standing in the world of nylon-stringed instruments, and its models are highly respected in the entry-level markets as much as they are the premium.

The Final Verdict

Whatever your budget, whatever your style, and whatever your aspirations, you’ve all come to this page for the same reason – you are interested in buying a new classical guitar. We hope our chart and the individual categories you can explore further have been helpful and have given you some inspiration. Make sure you read plenty of reviews and watch review videos of your shortlisted models – possibly even try them out if you can – before making the purchase. Because regardless of whether you’re spending $80, $500 or $2,000, nobody should waste their money on something that’s not suitable for them. Good luck with your search!