The nylon-string guitar is likely the world’s most popular stringed instrument. With its rich tonal palette, great volume for playing fingerstyle, and dimensions that facilitate the playing of polyphonic material, it is the guitar of choice for playing classical music. But the nylon-string guitar is hardly limited to the styles—classical, flamenco, and Latin jazz—that are most often associated with it. Players such as country fingerstylist Chet Atkins, smooth-jazz virtuoso Earl Klugh, and pop singer-songwriter José González have demonstrated that nylon-string guitars are suited to many kinds of music. Indeed, nylon-strings have a place whether you’re a steel-string fingerstylist, a singer-songwriter looking for a different tone for the material you already play, or a guitarist who wants to delve into the classical repertoire and its techniques.
For this review, we gathered seven entry- to mid-level nylon-string instruments, ranging in price from $299 to $2,900. All of these guitars are considered traditional classical guitars in that they have full-width (about two inches at the nut) necks with a 650-mm (25.59-inch) scale, fan bracing, and a “Spanish foot” neck joint that joins the body at the 12th fret. These guitars are direct descendants of the Torres/Hauser/Ramírez school of classical guitar design, not “hybrid” instruments designed to appeal to steel-string players or examples of ultramodern classical guitar construction with features such as lattice bracing, double tops, or arched backs. As such, these instruments are representative of what a classical guitar student or recreational player would choose. In a distinct difference from their steel-string-guitar-wielding colleagues, virtually all players who perform classical guitar at a professional level use luthier-made instruments, so even the high-end instruments represented in this review would be considered advanced student guitars.
In reviewing these instruments, I was assisted by Mark Simons, a founding member of the San Francisco Guitar Quartet (sfgq.com ) and an experienced classical guitar teacher.
1. Under $500
Takamine G128S
SPECS: Solid spruce top. Laminated rosewood back and sides. 131 /32 5 /8 PRICE: $439 list/$299 street. CONTACT: KMC Music: (860) 509-8888; takamine.com .
Takamine Guitars has long had a strong presence in the entry-level and mid-price classical guitar markets, and the company’s acoustic-electric versions are a familiar sight on stages and studios the world over. The G128S, a step up from the least-expensive classical guitars, is Takamine’s latest version of what can rightfully be called a classic classical. It is a good example of an entry-level classical guitar with a solid top—a construction feature that will not only make the guitar sound better than an equivalent new laminated-top instrument but will also allow it to improve with age. A solid top is the most important specification to look for in an inexpensive guitar, even if it stretches your budget a bit.
With the G128S, Takamine is clearly offering as much guitar as $300 can buy. It has minimal appointments, including simple purfling, and the orange-yellow-stained spruce top is wide-grained but fairly even in color. The rosewood laminate used for the instrument’s back and sides is attractively dark, and the back has a nicely book-matched grain pattern near the center strip. The guitar’s rosewood fretboard is bound with matching rosewood strips, closing the fret-slot ends and resulting in a smooth neck edge. However, the guitar does not have any position markers, which would be helpful to student players. The instrument’s full-width neck, which has a flattened-U shape, is on the thicker end of the spectrum and is equipped with an adjustable truss rod. The guitar’s hefty weight is no doubt due to its heavy construction (relatively thick woods and braces), which may not be ideal for tonal results, but could be a bonus for a student guitar that gets lugged around a lot. Construction is clean throughout, but the guitar’s finish appears to be quite thick.
The Takamine G128S we received for review was clearly set up with student players in mind: the action is low, making it very playable but also prone to the occasional buzz when played with some force. Tonally, the G128S offers a sweet and clear voice devoid of the thin sound sometimes found in inexpensive instruments. However, you shouldn’t expect miracles from a guitar at this price, and accordingly, the G128S has a limited volume ceiling and tonal spectrum. But with its great playability, reliable construction, and good, if basic, tone, the guitar could accompany a student even beyond the first training steps.
OTHER UNDER-$500 CLASSICALS
Fender CDN90, $179
Ibanez G100, $199
Washburn C80S, $249
J. Navarro NC40, $395
2. $500–$749
Yamaha CG201S
SPECS: Solid European spruce top. Solid mahogany back and sides. 21 /16 5 /16 PRICE: $869.99 list/$599 street.CONTACT: Yamaha Corp. of America: (714) 522-9011; yamaha.com .
For more than 40 years, Yamaha has been the first word many teachers utter when asked to recommend a good student guitar. While the Japanese company offers a full line of guitars at virtually every price point, Yamaha’s reputation for making affordable and dependable instruments has allowed it to prosper. The company’s CG line of guitars is a classic, and we were impressed that the affordable CG201S model we received was constructed entirely from solid woods, which is not a given at this price.
The CG201S is built with cosmetically plain materials, and the European spruce top sports a significant amount of streaking as well as a few wavy grain lines—characteristics that are not unusual on budget-level instruments. But the guitar’s build quality is quite satisfactory, with no detectable flaws, and pencil marks inside the top point to a degree of hand labor in the construction process. The instrument’s gloss finish appears to be on the thick side of things, and there are areas that display a slight “orange peel” texture. The guitar’s neck has position markers at the fifth and seventh frets as well as one particularly nice detail: the fret slots don’t go all the way to the edge of the fingerboard, resulting in a smooth edge, similar to a bound fretboard. Yamaha’s gold-plated tuners are reasonably smooth, but there is a small click each time one of the gears is first engaged, indicating a slight amount of play.
Picking the guitar up to play, the first thing I noticed was its hefty weight, which is most likely a result of sturdy construction. Yamaha also chose a full neck profile that is deep and somewhat squared off. Although the guitar has a good setup and plays buzz-free throughout its range, the neck shape and size may be an issue for players with small hands.
Tonally, the CG201S offers a strong voice with a pleasing warmth, good projection, and reasonable balance. I would have liked a bit more tonal complexity and dynamic range, but given the guitar’s solid-wood construction, it will likely mature over time. Overall, the CG201S would make a fine student guitar for someone with adult-size hands. Its sturdy construction and musical voice will allow it to accompany a player’s musical growth.
OTHER $500–$749 CLASSICALS
La Patrie Collection, $599
Rodriguez C, $599
R. Fernandez 40, $625
3. $750–$999
Córdoba C9
SPECS: Solid Canadian cedar top (solid European spruce top optional). Solid mahogany back and sides. 2-inch nut width. 25 /8 PRICE: $995 list/$799 street. CONTACT: Córdoba Guitars: (877) 304-0909; cordobaguitars.com .
Founded in 1997, Córdoba Guitars is headquartered in Southern California. Until recently, the company made most of its instruments in Spain, but recently, it moved production of its Iberia and Fusion series to China.
The C9 is constructed from solid woods, and its light weight is an indication of light construction. The guitar’s cedar top is even-grained and free of all but the slightest streaks in color, while the attractive mahogany back and sides have a bit of a three-dimensional shine behind the finish. The finish itself may be the most impressive I’ve seen on a classical guitar at this price. It shows no buildup around tricky areas such as the neck joint or bridge, which is often an indication of a thick application in general. Similarly, the guitar’s overall construction is ultraclean. The adjustable truss rod in the neck is the only exception to traditional Spanish design.
The Córdoba arrived with a medium-action setup that offers great playability for a variety of picking-hand attacks. The neck’s relatively shallow but well-rounded C-profile (which extends into the ebony fretboard) is very comfortable—steel-string players should even be able to handle it. Tonally, the C9 is an incredibly resonant guitar. Even when playing softly, I could feel the entire body vibrate, and from the first note, the guitar had a dynamic, if somewhat bright, presence. Under a harder right-hand attack, the guitar’s volume started to compress a bit—it’s not going to be the most powerful instrument you find. But its deliciously complex tone and great playability make it an excellent guitar for an advanced student or serious amateur. Equipped with a pickup, this guitar could also be a real find for gigging players who need a reasonably priced instrument for amplified performance.
OTHER $750–$999 CLASSICALS
Aria A-80, $799
Guild GAD-C2, $799
Takamine 132S, $799
Lucida LG-777, $899
4. $1,000–$1,499
New World Player Series 650-C
SPECS: Solid red cedar top (solid spruce top optional). Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. 21 /32 5 /8 PRICE: $1,695 list/$1,395 street. CONTACT: Hill Guitar Co.: (800) 262-8858; hillguitar.com .
New World Guitars are designed by American luthier Kenny Hill, built in China, and set up at the Hill Guitar Co. in Ben Lomond, California. The New World 650-C is built with solid woods throughout, and while it basically follows traditional Spanish construction methods, it also includes an adjustable truss rod (as most Hill guitars do) and a slightly slimmer, contemporary-feeling neck that, while wide enough for classical players, may also appeal to steel-string players.
The 650-C we received for review has a beautiful top that does the “red” in red cedar proud. Evenly grained and sporting a touch of medullary rays, the top immediately conveys an impression of quality. The rosewood used for the guitar’s back and sides is relatively plain but has a nice multihued grain pattern. The craftsmanship is very clean throughout; the only real flaw I could detect was that the back’s inside center reinforcement doesn’t line up perfectly with the neck block. The New World’s thinly applied finish is excellent, and its tuning machines work smoothly and with no apparent play.
Playing the New World 650-C is a joyful experience. The guitar’s setup makes it easy to fret, but it also responds well to forceful playing. The neck’s rounded C shape extends into the fingerboard, creating a comfortable workplace for the fretting hand, and a single position marker at the seventh fret provides a helpful point of reference. Tonally, the guitar is at once rich and delicate. It is responsive to a soft touch, likely a result of its light top bracing, and while it isn’t the most muscular instrument on the block, it offers an impressive palette of tonal color, a super-resonant bass, meaty trebles, and great sustain. Overall, the New World 650-C is a very satisfying instrument to play.
OTHER $1,000–$1,499 CLASSICALS
Alvarez-Yairi CY116, $1,200
Cervantes Hauser PE, $1,350
José Ramírez S1, $1,469
Córdoba Solista, $1,499
5. $1,500–$1,999
Rodriguez FC
SPECS: Solid cedar top. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. 21 /32 5 /8 PRICE: $3,499 list/$1,749.99 street. CONTACT: Guitarras Manuel Rodriguez and Sons: guitars-m-r-sons.com .
Tracing its roots back to 1905, Manuel Rodriguez and Sons is one of the longest-running guitar manufacturers in the world. With the exception of the entry-level Caballero line, all Rodriguez guitars are made in the company’s shop outside of Madrid, Spain. The FC model combines the overall flair of a Madrid-style guitar with several modern touches. Colorful red, green, yellow, and black purfling and a flower-theme rosette give the instrument a flamboyant appearance, while the Madagascar rosewood bridge and ebony neck reinforcement strip (visible on the back of the neck) lend a touch of sophistication.
The FC sent to us for review has a straight-grained cedar top and attractively striped rosewood back and sides, but both woods are somewhat pale in color, perhaps a result of the guitar’s finish, which seems fairly thick, with significant amounts of build-up around the neck joint and bridge. Inside the guitar, several other design elements depart from strict tradition. Most significantly, the instrument’s top is braced in a radical, Rodriguez-designed asymmetrical fan pattern that crosses the lower bout at about a 45-degree angle. The guitar also has solid lining connecting the top and back with the sides, rather than the more common slotted kerfing. Overall, the instrument’s craftsmanship is clean throughout.
Playing the Rodriguez demonstrated how the company has fused modern playability with traditional tones. The guitar’s deep but rounded neck profile feels more contemporary than most older Spanish guitars, and its 650-mm scale makes it easier to play than some Spanish guitars with longer scales. But tonally, I was immediately reminded of the FC’s heritage. The guitar has a growling bass, powerful trebles, and impressive sustain, giving it the strong and slightly raw quality that attracts many players to Spanish guitars. Pieces from the Spanish classical guitar repertoire sound great on the Rodriguez, and anyone who is interested in a guitar that combines contemporary playability with traditional sound would do well to check this one out.
OTHER $1,500–$1,999 CLASSICALS
Yamaha GC41, $1,599
Antonio Aparicio AA100, $1,795
Hirade H8SS, $1,900
Montalvo Hauser, $1,900
6. $2,000–$2,499
Alhambra 9P
SPECS: Solid cedar top. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. 21 /32 5 /8 PRICE: $2,358 list/$2,004 street. CONTACT: Alhambra USA: (828) 254-3380; alhambrausa.com .
Of the many traditional Spanish guitar makers, Alhambra—which was founded in 1965—is among the newer companies. A manufacturer of a full line of stringed instruments (including steel-string guitars and traditional Spanish instruments such as the multicourse bandurria and laud), Alhambra has become a major player in the classical guitar market.
With a lower bout that measures nearly 15 inches, the Alhambra 9P is almost an inch wider than most classical guitars, and its entire body is proportionally enlarged. As such, the instrument is a descendant of the Madrid school of building a powerful guitar, but with a standard 650-mm scale. A look inside the body reveals thin, tall back braces and traditional top fan bracing augmented by a “floating” cross brace that touches the top at just a few points. The 9P’s neck is constructed with an ebony reinforcement strip, and the headstock is home to a set of smoothly operating, Alhambra-branded tuners with ebony buttons. Our review guitar has an attractive, narrow-grained, and evenly colored cedar top, and the instrument’s Indian rosewood back and sides have a particularly nice striping pattern with light to dark brown hues. The back’s book-matching creates a slightly parabolic pattern, giving the guitar a sophisticated air.
As you’d expect of a guitar of this size, the Alhambra 9P is a handful to play, but its sound is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does the body feel larger than most when resting in the lap, it also has a big, slightly boxy neck. But tonally, it has a fat bass that really growls, especially when picked close to the bridge, balanced by round-toned trebles and excellent sustain, although notes seemed to decay faster as I moved farther up the neck. Players who want a powerful Spanish sound, and don’t mind working a little to get it, will take real delight in this instrument.
OTHER $2,000–$2,499 CLASSICALS
José Ramírez 125 Años, $2,199
Cervantes Fleta Concert, $2,350
Asturias Prelude, $2,375
German Vazquez Rubio Estudio, $2,450
7. $2,500–$4,000
José Ramírez 4NE
SPECS: Solid cedar top. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. 21 /16 5 /8 PRICE: $3,600 list/$2,900 street.CONTACT: Tornavoz Music Co. (USA Importer/Distributor): (310) 586-1180; tornavozmusic.com .
In terms of name recognition, José Ramírez is to classical guitars what C.F. Martin and Co. is to steel-strings. Not only has the company been around since 1882, it is in the fifth generation of family ownership (currently under the direction of Amalia Ramírez), and the influence of the company’s model 1a on the development of nylon-string guitars in general can be compared to the Martin dreadnought’s position in the steel-string world. Ramírez now offers a full range of nylon-string guitars at virtually every price level. The company’s Professional series (which includes the 1a) is still made in its Madrid workshop, while most other lines are farmed out to Spanish manufacturers who build to Ramírez’s specifications.
As the company’s top-of-the-line student model, the Ramírez 4NE offers traditional construction in a slightly more compact form than the 1a. Our review guitar came with a tight-grained cedar top with a couple of dark stripes accenting an otherwise uniform color. The guitar’s rosewood back and sides are dark and chocolate-like—Indian rosewood doesn’t come much better than this. The instrument’s craftsmanship is very good throughout, but there are several long beads of squeezed-out glue along the solid lining inside the body, and its backstrip isn’t perfectly centered with the neck block. Like most Ramírez models, the 4NE has an ebony-reinforced neck.
Ramírez guitars have something of a reputation for being hard to play, but our 4NE did everything it could to dispel this perception. Comfortable action throughout its range and a somewhat rounded and shallow neck profile resulted in excellent playability that was especially welcome when I tried it out on pieces with difficult fretting-hand stretches. The instrument is fundamentally “Spanish,” nicely balanced, and offers more of a modern classical-guitar clarity than some older Madrid-style guitars. While the Ramírez isn’t a cannon in terms of volume, its great playability and sophisticated voice make it a very satisfying instrument.
OTHER $2,500–$4,000 CLASSICALS
Manuel Contreras II C-5, $2,695
Loriente Angela, $2,799
Esteve Deluxe Artisan, $2,895
Kenny Hill Torres, $4,000
