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There are numerous misconceptions about classical guitars. Many think classical guitars are costly and only for skilled and professional guitarists. This is not the case at all.
You can easily find many budget classical guitars on the market. No matter your skill, you can start learning the classical guitar at any level.
This misconception has a misleading base. The classical guitar artists we admire, love and listen to often switch to classical guitar. This is because of the unique and beautiful tonality of classical guitar nylon strings. The best nylon string guitars have characteristics different from those of steel string acoustics.
Classical guitars can usually range pretty high in price. But the expensive ones are more concerned with heritage, craftsmanship, and fine details. There are many affordable options if you’re trying out new sounds and techniques with classical guitar. Let us help you by selecting the finest classical guitars on a budget.
Recommended Classical Guitar: BetterMuseek’s Choice
Yamaha, renowned for its mastery in crafting exceptional musical instruments, consistently delivers a harmonious blend of quality and innovation in its guitar lineup. According to BetterMuSeek, the Yamaha CG122MCH is an excellent classical guitar.
Musicians love Yamaha instruments because of their long history of skilled craftsmanship. This particular CG122MCH is the best affordable classical guitar. The instrument produces a beautiful sound with many harmonics and attractive construction.
Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Guitar – $389
Most people consider the craftsmanship of the Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Guitar to be good. These beautifully built guitars come from some of the best makers in Spain. They have balanced the classic works of master luthiers with new technologies for making guitars.
Craftsmanship
This guitar is built with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The stunning hand-crafted elements, such as an all-natural wood rosette, Indian rosewood binding, and a lightweight gloss PU finish, distinguish the Cordoba Dolce from other entry-level guitars in its price range.
Sound
People generally describe the sound of the Cordoba Dolce as sweet and soft, yet bold and warm. Combining cedar and solid mahogany woods gives the guitar a rich and full sound. The Cordoba Dolce has classic fan bracing, which is a strong characteristic.
It truly adds character to the guitar’s sound and tonality. Because of the short scale length (630mm) and shorter strings, this guitar requires excellent bracing and a fantastic soundboard. The bracing adds a lot of sustain and sympathetic resonance.
Reason to buy
The Yamaha CG122MCH will be your consistent partner for a long time. This robust guitar is suitable for travel.
We cannot assert that it is the top choice. But we are looking for something that serves our purpose without breaking the bank, right?
Yamaha CG122MCH Guitar – $249
Yamaha is a musical instrument manufacturer that needs no introduction. It has a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality instruments.
Quality
The build quality of the Yamaha CG122MCH guitar is generally well-regarded. When played, the solid American Cedar top with a sleek matte finish delights both the eyes and the ears. This classical guitar’s shape is not too short or long. It has a traditional classical guitar body style.
It comes in a comfortable shape that keeps the scale length and tonality in order. The rosewood fingerboard also contributes to the depth of the tone. Overall, it is a quality instrument in both sound and design.
Affordability
Yamaha provides the best value for your money. It has found great ways to save money while still giving great value by keeping the most essential and well-known technologies in place.
Reason to buy
The Yamaha CG122MCH will be your consistent partner for a long time. It is undoubtedly a heavy-duty guitar that you can travel with. We cannot say it is a top pick, but we are looking for something that serves our purpose without breaking the bank, right? This guitar offers just that.
Ibanez GA35TCE Classical Guitar – $317
The Ibanez GA35TCE is a classical acoustic guitar that skillfully blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary features, making it suitable for various musical genres. Here’s an overview of what this guitar offers:
Craftsmanship
The guitar has a thinline cutaway classical body shape, which enhances playability, especially for accessing higher frets. It features a spruce top, renowned for its clarity and resonance, and a common choice for acoustic guitars.
The back and sides are made of Sapele, contributing to a warm midrange and bright tone. The neck is crafted from GANyatoh, known for its rich mid-low end. The fretboard and bridge are walnut, known for their balanced tonal character.
Features
It comes equipped with an Ibanez under-saddle pickup, ensuring the guitar’s natural acoustic sound is accurately captured. The Ibanez AEQ210T preamp includes an onboard tuner for additional sound control and convenient tuning. The tuning machine features gold classical tuners with black knobs, adding an elegant touch.
The guitar is adorned with off-set abalone dot inlays and a classical mosaic design rosette, enhancing its visual appeal. It uses Ibanez ICLS6NT strings with a string spacing of 11.6mm, offering a comfortable playing experience.
Reasons to buy
The Ibanez GA35TCE is an excellent choice for combining traditional and modern elements. Its ergonomic design, quality materials, and advanced features make it a fantastic option for classical and contemporary guitarists. The guitar’s versatile nature and aesthetic appeal make it a valuable addition for any musician.
Cordoba C7 SP Classical Guitar – $599
The name Cordoba alone gives a premium impression because of Cordoba’s rich history of making high-end instruments that have had their significance. Cordoba is the one for you if you want a nylon string classical guitar brand that builds guitars that look and sound traditional.
Craftmanship
Craftsmanship is what sets the Cordoba C7 apart from other instruments. The Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar exemplifies Cordoba’s skill in making guitars. It is a modified version of another classic Cordoba guitar, the C5.
Both of the guitars have some similar features and designs. But the rosewood back and sides combined with a solid top made of spruce make this an excellent guitar.
Another significant change made to this guitar from the C5 is that the C7 is a full-length model. As a result, both beginning and intermediate guitar players favor it.
Features
One of Cordoba C7 Sp’s great features is traditional Spanish fan bracing. It enhances resonance, volume, and tonal balance, producing that distinct “Spanish” sound.
Crafted from mahogany, the neck features a traditional Spanish heel construction for improved resonance and sustain. A rosewood fingerboard makes playing smooth, and the rosewood bridge and bone nut ensure strings are in the right place and vibrations transfer well.
Reason to buy
The Cordoba C7 is an excellent choice for musicians who are just beginners. This full-sized classical guitar combines easy-to-play with a warm, Spanish-style sound. Also an excellent choice for a skilled player who wants a high-quality guitar for traveling or playing gigs.
Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar – $169
The Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar exemplifies Yamaha’s dedication to creating quality instruments that cater to a broad range of musicians. Let’s delve into its craftsmanship, features, and the reasons that make it an excellent purchase:
Craftsmanship
The C40 is meticulously crafted with a solid spruce top, renowned for its bright and resonant sound. The back and sides are made from meranti, adding warmth and richness to the guitar’s tone. The neck, constructed from Nato, is durable and stable, and it’s paired with a rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability. Finished in a natural UTF, the guitar sports a classic, elegant appearance that appeals to traditional and contemporary players.
Features
The C40 is a full-size classical guitar suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. Its 22.8″ scale length is ideal for classical and fingerstyle playing. The guitar has pearloid tuners and chrome hardware, ensuring stable tuning and adding to its sleek design. The 18-fret rosewood fretboard is designed for easy play, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players. The nut width of 2.0625 inches is standard for classical guitars, offering comfortable finger placement.
Reason to Buy
The C40 is highly recommended for beginners due to its easy playability and comfortable neck profile. It delivers a rich and balanced tone, surprising for its affordable price, making it a satisfying instrument for practice and performance. Yamaha’s reputation for quality ensures the guitar’s durability, making it a wise long-term investment. Offering great value for money, the C40 combines quality materials and craftsmanship at an affordable price. Its versatility makes it suitable for various music styles, including classical, folk, and pop.
Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst – $749
The Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst with Bag is a remarkable instrument for its unique design and features. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this guitar special:
Craftsmanship
The Cordoba Stage Guitar showcases exceptional craftsmanship. It features an ergonomic shape with a chambered body carved from solid mahogany, providing comfort and quality sound.
The top is solid maple with a flamed maple veneer, adding to its visual appeal. The guitar’s body depth is 40 mm, making it comfortable to play while offering a rich sound. The neck is crafted from mahogany, and the fingerboard is made of Pau Ferro, known for its smooth feel and durability.
The guitar also features new spruce bracing, enhancing its sound quality.
Features
This guitar is designed with a fusion-style neck and a fingerboard radius of 406 mm, making it comfortable for both classical and modern playing styles. The nut width is 48 mm, with 22 frets, offering a wide range of notes.
It is equipped with a Fishman pickup system, which provides excellent amplification capabilities. The volume, EQ, and blend controls allow for versatile sound shaping. The Edge Burst color in a high-gloss finish gives it a striking appearance.
Additionally, it includes a gig bag for easy transportation and protection.
Reason to Buy
The Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst is an excellent choice for classical and contemporary guitarists. Its ergonomic design and light weight make it ideal for extended playing sessions and live performances.
Solid mahogany and maple combine to ensure a rich, full sound suitable for various musical genres. Including a Fishman pickup system makes it a versatile option for unplugged and amplified settings.
Its unique aesthetic and high-quality construction make it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s collection.
The CG182C from Yamaha Guitars – $509
The repetitive mention of Yamaha guitars makes us look like Yamaha fanboys. Yamaha guitars are highly regarded and have become preferred for classical and budget nylon string guitars. However, we do not exclusively favor one brand. Their attention to detail and competitive pricing make them a household name, even among non-guitarists.
Craftsmanship
The Yamaha CG182C is a classical acoustic guitar from the CG series, which is known for its outstanding quality. Its solid cedar top contributes to its warm and full-bodied sound, which is best suited to classical and fingerstyle playing styles.
Rosewood is used for the back and sides because of its clarity, depth, and endurance. When these woods are combined, they produce a well-balanced, clear tone with a substantial range. Below, you can see a comparison of nut lengths:
The CG182C has a classical guitar design with a wide nut, making playing fingerstyle and complex chords easy. The guitar is smaller than a classical guitar so that you can hold and play it longer.
Quality
In terms of hardware, the CG182C has a rosewood bridge and fingerboard, which add to the guitar’s overall tonal character. The guitar also features a set of high-quality tuners, ensuring stable and accurate tuning.
Reason to buy
Another notable feature of the Yamaha CG182C is its neck profile. The guitar’s thin neck makes playing and navigating the fingerboard comfortable. A double-purpose truss rod keeps the neck straight and sturdy in different playing conditions and surroundings.
This guitar’s price point makes it one of the best affordable classical guitars and an instant no-brainer. Its features far exceed anything in its price class, making choosing it easy.
The GC5 from Takamine Guitars – $429
The GC5 is a great example of Takamine’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation in building the best nylon string guitars. Since Takamine has been building guitars for more than 50 years, they are regarded as trusted luthiers in this industry.
Takamine guitars are played by famous rock stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Classical guitar legends like Tommy Emmanuel also play them.
Body &Tonewood
The Takamine GC5’s body has high-end visual details that enhance its aesthetic appeal. It features a fan-braced solid spruce top that helps produce a warm, resonant sound that complements your music.
The black walnut back and sides contribute to the rich, nylon-string tone that Takamine classical guitars are renowned for.
The choice of tonewoods in the GC5 plays a significant role in its exceptional sound. We carefully choose the black walnut back and tonewoods to ensure the guitar meets Takamine’s high standards.
Electronics
GC5 features Takamine’s proprietary CTP-3 Cool Tube preamp system. This system includes a built-in tuner, three-band EQ, and a tube preamp that amplifies warm, natural sounds.
The CTP-3 helps amplify the GC5 for live shows or recordings without altering the guitar’s sound or character.
Reason to Buy
The GC5 is ideal for musicians seeking a refined, well-balanced, and the best value classical guitar. The guitar is comfortable to play.
It has a sturdy mahogany neck and a laurel fingerboard, making it easy to be creative with music. The dovetail neck joint ensures the wood contacts each other better, improving vibration and structural stability.
Also, if you like the aesthetic vibe of your instrument, you should go for this guitar. It has additional features such as a beautiful design, durable materials, and a shiny finish, making it ideal for playing and looking good.
Cordoba C5 CET Thinline Guitar – $489
Cordoba is no stranger when it comes to making high-quality yet affordable guitars. No matter where you are in your skill set, if you own a Cordoba guitar, you’re bound to love it. Their dedication to hand-scalloped bracing, precise fretwork, and meticulous attention to detail throughout construction make Cordoba a respected brand.
With its high-quality nylon strings and acoustic-electric design, the Cordoba C5 CET Thinline Guitar is no different.
Craftsmanship
Cordoba C5 CET is part of their popular C5 series, known for its craftsmanship and affordability. Crafted with attention to detail, the C5-CET boasts a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. This combination of tonewoods produces a warm and nuanced tonal character.
The guitar also features a carved headstock, a hand-inlaid wood rosette, and a gloss finish, all contributing to its elegant appearance. Furthermore, a lightweight adjustable truss rod is built into the neck to ensure stability and playability.
Pickup
Its pickup system is a Fishman Isys+, which allows easy amplification and onstage use. The system includes a built-in tuner, volume and tone controls, and a phase switch to reduce feedback.
This makes the guitar extra travel-friendly, as you don’t have to deal with mics while playing onstage. It has a simple plug-and-play system.
Reason to Buy
If you’re someone who cherishes the comfort and playability of an electric guitar but still desires the warm, rich sound of a nylon-string acoustic, you would be very happy with the Cordoba C5 CET Thinline. The sound quality of this guitar is unmatched, as it has a solid Canadian cedar top, while the back and sides are made from mahogany.
This tonewood combination produces a warm, balanced tone with a clear, articulate sound. The guitar also has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, which help the instrument sound better and be easier to play.
The Fender CN-60S Nylon Acoustic Guitar – $199
The Fender CN-60S Nylon Acoustic Guitar is a unique blend of traditional nylon-string sound and modern playability. Here’s an in-depth look at its craftsmanship, features, and why it’s a worthy addition to your guitar collection.
Craftsmanship
The CN-60S boasts a concert body style, which is slightly smaller and more comfortable for players of all sizes. The top is solid spruce, a standard tonewood for acoustic guitar tops, known for its strength, brightness, and dynamic range.
The back and sides are crafted from mahogany, adding warmth to the guitar’s tone. The guitar’s body is finished in satin, giving it a sleek and elegant look.
Features
The CN-60S features an easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges, making it ideal for beginners or players transitioning from steel-string guitars. The neck is made of mahogany, and the fingerboard is rosewood, a classic combination for smooth playability and durability. It has a scalloped X bracing pattern, which enhances the guitar’s resonance and tonal balance.
The guitar is equipped with 3-in-line tuners with amber pearloid buttons, adding a touch of vintage style.
Reason to Buy
The CN-60S is designed with player comfort in mind, making it an excellent choice for extended playing sessions. The combination of spruce and mahogany offers a versatile tone well-suited for various musical styles, from classical to folk. Fender’s reputation for quality is evident in the CN-60S. It is the best cheap classical guitar by Fender, which ensures a well-built guitar that will last for years.
The easy-to-play neck profile and nylon strings make it an excellent choice for beginners or electric and steel-string acoustic players looking to transition to a nylon-string guitar.
Honorable Mentions
La Patrie Etude from Godin Guitars
We associate Godin guitars with greatness. This well-known brand is played by artists like John McLaughlin and Leonard Cohen. Godin’s guitars have the same high-quality sound and build, from the most expensive to the least cheap. This one is one of the best nylon string guitars.
Yamaha CGX122MCC Classical Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Why do you think Yamaha has become “The Brand” for classical guitars? Is it because of the price or the quality they provide at that price? Or is it a combination of the two?
Yamaha has gained massive attention and popularity in recent years for their affordable classical guitars. Their wide range of design, configuration, and price has drawn the attention of both beginners and experts.
Ibanez GA5TCE Classical Guitar
The Ibanez GA5TCE is a good electric classical guitar with wood and electronics. It is the best-value classical guitar for any guitarist.
Fender CN-140SCE Guitar
Fender is a name that needs no introduction. They’re a world-famous brand known for manufacturing electric guitars. The Stratocaster and the Telecaster are just two of their most famous guitar models.
However, they’re not the first names when considering classical guitars. I bet you didn’t even know that Fender makes classical guitars. But they do, and the guitars they make are undoubtedly brilliant. The Fender CN-140SCE is one of the best cheap classical guitars.
Best Budget Classical Guitar Buyers Guide
When considering the purchase of a budget-friendly classical guitar, it becomes more than a goal; it becomes a mission. Several things should affect your decision, including your skill level, money, musical goals, playing style, and other aspects.
Based on significant research and personal experience, here are some topics I recommend you look into. Follow basic recommendations, especially for first-time buyers.
Quality of The Guitar
You should check the quality of the guitar cause it has a direct effect on how the instrument sounds and how easy it is to play. A well-made guitar sounds better and easier to play, adding to your music pleasure.
Quality is also tied to durability, which means that the guitar should be able to handle the stress of regular practice and playing without breaking down or getting damaged.
Also, when it’s time to improve or if you want to sell the guitar, a better one tends to hold its value better on the second-hand market. For newbies, learning a well-made guitar can help them progress by letting them learn the proper techniques and musical skills.
Lastly, a better-made guitar improves your musical journey by making you want to practice more, letting you play in different ways, and making you happier with your musical performances.
In the end, judging the quality of a cheap classical guitar is a smart way to have a more enjoyable and satisfying musical experience.
The Tonewoods
The sound of a guitar is greatly affected by the choice of tonewoods, such as spruce, cedar, mahogany, and rosewood. For example, spruce tends to make a brighter and more transparent sound, while cedar makes a warmer and smoother sound.
If you know about these changes in tone, you can choose a guitar that fits your musical tastes.
Also, the quality and type of wood used affect the guitar’s resonance and extension. By looking at the tonewoods, you can buy the best cheap guitar.
The Difference Between Laminate and Solid :
When choosing a guitar, knowing the difference between laminate and solid wood is important. The type of wood used will affect the instrument’s sound, playability, and durability.
Solid woods generally have a warmer, richer sound than laminate woods. This is because solid wood vibrates more freely and evenly, which produces a fuller sound. Laminate woods, on the other hand, can sound more muted and less resonant.
Solid woods are generally considered more playable than laminate woods. They are more responsive to the player’s touch, making it easier to produce various sounds.
Laminate woods, however, can be more challenging, especially for players with smaller hands.
Ultimately, the best type of wood for a guitar depends on the individual musician’s needs and preferences. Solid wood may be a good option if you are looking for a guitar with a warm, rich sound and good playability. Laminate wood may be better if you are on a tight budget or a heavy strummer.
Difference Between Spruce and Cedar :
Understanding the difference between spruce and cedar will help you choose the best guitar. Each wood type has distinct qualities that can significantly impact your playing experience.
Spruce is known for its bright and articulate tone, making it a popular choice for the guitar’s top. It provides a clear and responsive sound with excellent projection, making it suitable for various musical styles. Musicians often appreciate spruce’s ability to cut through a mix and deliver crisp trebles.
On the other hand, cedar offers a warmer and mellow tone, characterized by a rich midrange and a smoother, more intimate sound. Cedar-topped guitars produce a balanced and harmonically complex tone, ideal for fingerstyle playing and genres that require a more nuanced and expressive sound.
Guitar Shape and Size
Classical guitars come in various sizes and shapes, so it’s crucial to consider them.
While the guitar’s shape contributes to its visual appeal, its size affects how comfortable it is to play. A smaller-bodied guitar might be more manageable for beginners or players with smaller hands, while a more prominent guitar can offer more resonance and projection.
For the average adult, there is just one instrument to think about: the full-size classical guitar. Children under 12 can play on half-size guitars, while those aged 12 and over can use three-quarters-size instruments. Manufacturer jargon designates a smaller guitar as a 1/2 size and a more prominent guitar as a 3/4 size for kids.
Your preferred playing style matters. Smaller-bodied guitars may be more conducive to fingerstyle or intricate picking techniques, while larger ones might be better for strumming and producing a fuller sound.
If you plan to travel or perform in different settings, the guitar’s size and shape affect its portability. A smaller guitar is more straightforward to transport, making it suitable for musicians on the move.
Which Classical Guitar Size Is Best?
The best classical guitar size depends on your age, size, and personal preferences. Here are some key points to consider:
Standard-Size Classical Guitars
Classical guitars typically come in various sizes, including full-size (4/4) for adults. The standard scale length is around 26.0 inches, but variations exist.
Children and Small Players
For children aged 4-6 or individuals with a 100-115 cm height, 1/4-sized or 1/2-sized classical guitars may be suitable. These smaller sizes are designed to be more manageable for young players.
One way to determine the best size is by considering the player’s height. Taller individuals may find full-size guitars comfortable, while those with shorter stature might prefer more petite sizes.
Is It Possible To Play Classical Guitar Without Long Nails?
Yes, it is entirely possible to play classical guitar without long nails. While many professional classical guitarists, flamenco players, and fingerstyle guitarists choose to grow and maintain nail shape for enhanced tone and control, it’s not a strict requirement.
Playing without long nails is valid, and some guitarists prefer it. Nylon strings, commonly used on classical guitars, can produce a warm and pleasant tone when played with the flesh of the right-hand fingers instead of nails. This technique emphasizes the fundamental tone of the strings and is known for its mellow sound.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual comfort and the specific musical effect you want to achieve. So, you can play classical guitar without long nails and still create beautiful music.
Difference Between Steel-String And Nylon-String Guitar
The primary difference between steel-string and nylon-string guitars is the type of strings used and the resulting sound and playability. As the name suggests, steel-string guitars use thinner steel strings that produce a brighter, sharper tone with longer sustain.
They are commonly found in folk, country, rock, and pop music. They are favored for their ability to cut through mixes and handle vigorous strumming or fingerpicking.
In contrast, nylon-string guitars use softer nylon strings, which produce a warmer, mellower tone with shorter sustain. These guitars are commonly associated with classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle genres due to their tonal characteristics and suitability for intricate fingerpicking techniques.
The nylon-string guitar is the preferred choice for classical guitar. Its tonal warmth and responsiveness to delicate fingerpicking nuances make it ideal for classical music’s intricate compositions and expressive phrasing. While steel-string guitars have merits, they may not capture the nuances and tonal qualities essential to classical guitar performance.
Therefore, for classical guitarists, a well-crafted nylon-string guitar is the best choice to achieve the desired classical sound and playing experience.
Difference Between Classical And Flamenco Guitar
Even though classical and flamenco guitars look similar, they are used for different kinds of music and have various design features to fit their roles.
Classical guitars are designed primarily for solo performances of classical music. They prioritize a clear, sustained sound for playing clear harmonics, which necessitates higher string action to prevent unwanted buzzing. These guitars produce a well-balanced, whole tone that complements classical compositions.
In contrast, flamenco guitars are created to accompany flamenco dancers and singers, requiring a more percussive and aggressive sound. Flamenco guitarists deliberately set the strings lower to embrace a controlled level of string buzz, a characteristic element of the flamenco sound.
The bridge on a flamenco guitar is positioned lower, facilitating percussive techniques like golpe, where players tap the guitar’s top for rhythmic effects. A Golpeador, or protective plate, is often added to protect the guitar’s soundboard from the wear and tear of fingernails during such techniques.
Understanding these differences is crucial if you want to choose the right guitar for your style of music and performance needs. Whether you want the clear tones of classical music or the lively, percussive sounds of flamenco, choosing the right instrument will help you better share your musical ideas.
Conclusion
As mentioned, finding a great classical guitar on a budget can be difficult. One reason is that we don’t know where to look. Another is the added misconception that classical guitars are less affordable.
I’ve tried my best to break out of that mold by providing you with a list of affordable classical guitars for most amateur and intermediate players. I hope this list helps you out. Thanks for reading.
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