Best Classical Guitar From Experts

Whether you are a novice or a professional, having the sweet classical guitar sound in your collection is a must. Especially if you are into fingerpicking, or folk, or jazz, that mellow tone of the nylon strings is the perfect tool to achieve that sound.    

best classical guitar

These days lot of artists use 12 string guitar to master the 6-string guitar. Why because; instead of handling single string in classical guitar, we have to control dual string in 12-string guitar. This result in honing your 6-string skills drastically.

Below I have a chart of affordable Best classical guitar that cover all types including different woods, electronics, kits, the built, design and lastly the tone. Once you go through my best classical guitar list, you will get a fair idea of what the classical guitar market is like today.

REVIEW OF BEST CLASSICAL GUITAR

1) ORTEGA - BEST CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR BEGINNERS

best classical guitar

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Spruce top.
  • Glossy finish.
  • 590 mm scale.
  • 12 holed bridge.
  • 2-way truss rod.
  • Mahogany back.
  • Premium gig bag.
  • Wine red in colour.
  • Walnut fretboard and bridge.

This best classical guitar is part of the family series, and as the name suggests the body is built in a way it fits comfortably irrespective of the age, or size of the person, or the skill set. That is not all, you also get a few size options with varying neck widths that cater to your style if you are looking for something specific.

The R121-3/4WR has a red wine glossy finish that is pleasing to the eye and a sturdy spruce top that is built to improve projection.

Speaking of hardware, it has a two-way truss rod for maximum flexibility, a 12 hole bridge, a mahogany neck for a full-bodied tone, walnut fretboard and bridge. 

If you are someone who travels a lot, then this best classical guitar is perfect as it comes with a high end padded gig bag to protect your guitar for damages.

Pros

  • Comes with a gig bag.
  • Good projection.
  • Attractive.
  • Versatile.
  • Sizing options.

Cons

  • No peg for straps.

2) J&Z - BEST CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR KIDS

best classical guitar

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Capo.
  • Picks.
  • 36’’ scale.
  • ABS tuners.
  • Glossy body.
  • 6 nylon strings.
  • Solid basswood top.
  • Engineered fingerboard.
  • Maple neck and fretboard.

Whether you are a child moving to a bigger guitar, or adults starting your learning journey, this kit has all you need to start playing those tunes. This acoustic guitar is widely popular among all contemporary acoustic guitar types. It has a glossy dreadnought body with a booming warm full-bodied sound. It features a maple neck, engineered fingerboard, and soft nylon strings that are comfortable to play. 

Coming to the accessories, you get a digital tuner that works well of vibrations, a waterproof gig bag that keeps your guitar safe makes it easy to travel with, a comfortable shoulder strap, a capo, picks and a polishing cloth.

With no set up necessary, play it comfortably right out of the box and with the additional accessories, master the craft to become the next acoustic one-man band.

Pros

  • Excellent range.
  • Good sound quality.
  • Useful accessories.
  • Waterproof guitar case.

Cons

  • The wood can get scratches if not careful.

3) YAMAHA C40II - BEST CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR CONCERTS

best classical guitar

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Glossy finish.
  • Nylon strings.
  • Full-sized model.
  • Rosewood fingerboard.
  • Meranti back and sides.

You definitely don’t need an introduction to a Yamaha classical guitar. This excellently built guitar with high-end craftsmanship is the kind of model that turns heads no matter the scenario.

If you are strapped for cash and want to purchase a Yamaha, then you’re in luck as the C4011 is the cheapest model in the series that looks expensive and plays even better. 

It has a compact scale with a glossy finish, spruce top with good projection, meranti back and sides, and soft rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability.

You never find that Yamaha sound and quality anywhere else especially at this price. So, grab this best classical guitar and belt out that outstanding tone and inspire others with your music. 

Pros

  • Compact scale.
  • Affordable.
  • Yamaha sound.
  • Clear tone.
  • Perfect for beginners.

Cons

  • No gig bag included.

4) OSCAR SCHMIDT OG1-A-U - BEST CLASSICAL GUITAR FOR SMALL HANDS

best classical guitar

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Parlor sized.
  • Glossy finish.
  • Spruce body.
  • ¾ the full scale.
  • 5 colour options.
  • Right-handed orientation.
  • Technical wood fretboard.

You have got to check out this student-friendly model from one of the most trusted brands in the market. This OG1-1-U that is 3/4th the size of a full-scale model is built to fit perfectly to the contours of your body especially if you are new to playing.

Specifically built for people with smaller hands and children, it is lighter and comfortable to hold. This particular model comes in 5 different colour options, and has an attractive glossy finish that looks great under the stage lights.

It comes with a spruce body, an engineered fretboard, and a tech wood bridge with a neck that is not too wide and dot inlays across the fretboard.

Getting the perfectly parlour sized guitar can become an expensive ordeal, but this Oscar Schmidt one will not cause a single dent in your pocket, and give you that sweet sound with low action.

Pros

  • Perfect for small hands and beginners.
  • Affordable.
  • Attractive design.
  • Good intonation.
  • Adjustable narrow neck.

Cons

  • No guitar case included.

5) WASHBURN - BEST BUDGET CLASSICAL GUITAR

best classical guitar

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Spruce top.
  • Catalpa back.
  • Natural finish.
  • Built-in tuner.
  • Mahogany neck.
  • EVT pickup system.
  • Rosewood bridge and fingerboard.

A Washburn classical guitar is usually everyone’s first foray into classical guitars due to the simple fact that they are beautifully constructed and play beautifully.

Now coming to its hardware, it is a classic cutaway design for accessibility with a spruce top and a catalpa back. It has an electronic pickup system with a built-in tuner, and for the price, it is quite a steal.

The mahogany neck gives the tonal warmth, and the standard rosewood fingerboard has the right inflection. It also comes with an adjustable truss rod and a wretch to alter the neck.

All in all, this best classical guitar is a complete all in one package that is pretty unexpected, and will impress you with the sound and quality.

Pros

  • Good intonation.
  • Attractive finish.
  • Built-in pickup.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Batteries included.

Cons

  • They need to be tuned frequently.

6) CUTAWAY CLASSICAL GUITAR WITH SAVAREZ NYLON STRINGS

CUTAWAY

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • 39’’ scale.
  • TUSQ nut.
  • Spruce top.
  • Nylon strings.
  • Cutaway body.
  • Two-way truss rod.
  • Walnut fingerboard.
  • Free lessons and tuner.
  • Mahogany back and side.

A guitar that not only uses high-quality tonewoods and has a full-scale cutaway design but also comes with free live lessons? Sounds too good to be true?

The answer is false as Hola music with its classical 39-inch guitar is an excellent little multi-tasker, especially if you are a student and want something easy to play and tailor according to your style.

On the hardware front, it has a walnut fingerboard, a spruce top, and mahogany back and sides that are great for intonation and resonance.High-quality Savarez nylon strings are used and are known to hold their tune longer and are easy to press.

It also features an adjustable two-way truss rod and can be altered with the hex key to adjust the strings accordingly. Additionally, you get a clip-on tuner and a padded gig bag to keep your guitar from damage.

Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Comes with padded gig bag.
  • Affordable.
  • Free tuner.
  • Free live lessons.

Cons

  • The tuners are not very tight.

7) IBANEZ (GA6CE) 6 STRING CLASSICAL GUITAR

IBANEZ

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • C neck.
  • Built-in pickup.
  • Classic shaped.
  • Mahogany neck.
  • Right-handed pickup.
  • Nylon stringed guitar.
  • Laminated spruce top.

You might wonder that an Ibanez is more metal or rock guitar, but this classic model will surprise you with its basic design and brilliant sound perfect for beginners.

This nylon stringed beauty has a full sized scale of 25.6 inches with a laminated spruce top for resonance and durability and catalpa back. The mahogany neck gives you the warmth and the soft rosewood fretboard makes chord transitions comfortable and easier. 

So, if you looking for an instrument that sounds expensive, is constructed perfectly, easy to play, has a great tone with soft nylon strings, then you can look no further and snap up this best classical guitar quickly.

Pros

  • Adjustable truss rod.
  • Traditional sound.
  • Clear tone.
  • Affordable.
  • Comfortable playability.

Cons

  • High action.

8) STAGG C505 NYLON STRING CLASSICAL GUITAR 

STAGG C505

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Patterned inlays.
  • High gloss body.
  • Four colour options.
  • Guitar strap included.
  • Nickel machine heads.
  • Basswood top and back.
  • Solid maple bridge and fingerboard.

Stagg is one of those rare models that you may have not heard of much but can easily compete with all the cult brands in the market due to its superior quality and features. Their idea is to make the perfect classical guitar without breaking the bank and simultaneously not compromising on the sound.

It has a high gloss body with a solid maple bridge and fingerboard and basswood top and back. You have four colour options and the vibrant wood has patterned inlays. The tuners hold their tune for a long time and have very good intonation. 

On the sound front, they sound clear and warm, and with a narrow neck, it is the perfect learning tool for beginners and those with small hands. So whether you want to play jazz or folk or rock, this best classical guitar will do it all.

Pros

  • Narrow neck.
  • Good intonation.
  • Perfect for beginners.
  • Clear sound.
  • Value for the price.

Cons

  • Tuning stability will need patience.

9) CORDOBA C3M CLASSICAL GUITAR

CORDOBA C3M

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Satin finish.
  • ABS binding.
  • Nickel tuners.
  • Solid cedar top.
  • Mahogany back.
  • Two-way truss rod.
  • Natural wood body.
  • Hand veneered rosette.
  • Rosewood fingerboard.
  • Savarez cristal corum strings.

Cordoba Iberia series isn’t a new name in the market and the C3M has been one of the oldest models in the series due to its popularity, and its iconic Spanish fan bracing.

This handcrafted and best classical guitar model has a light matte finish that looks traditional, a solid cedar top, mahogany back, hand veneered rosette, a soft rosewood fretboard. It also has the nickel tuners with pearl keys, ABS binding, and Saverez Cristal Corum strings that are known for their high tenacity.

This model is perfect for you if you are a student just dipping your toe into the world of guitars, or if you are a seasoned performer wanting that traditional tone that resonates well.

The cutaway design also contributes to its popularity as it provides easy access to higher frets and the responsive soundboard gives you that acoustic boom.

Pros

  • Acoustic resonance.
  • Lightweight.
  • Smoother tone.
  • Warm sound.
  • Good sustain.

Cons

  • No gig bag included.

10) SQUIER SA-150N BEGINNER CLASSICAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR

SQUIER SA-150N

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • Laminate body.
  • Lindenwood top.
  • Maple fingerboard.
  • Mahogany neck.
  • Scalloped x bracing.
  • Spare steel strings.
  • Digital tuner.
  • Picks and shoulder strap.

One can never go wrong with a Fender, especially one that is as affordable as this Squier beginner as it is one of the most trusted cult brands available in the market. This is best classical guitar if you like playing Spanish songs, and is built for the road. It has a sturdy laminated body with a mahogany back, maple fingerboard and Lindenwood top.

Unlike the older models, this comes with a scalloped x bracing, a wider neck and nylon strings that are easy to press, less tension and comfortable to play. Thus guitar is also optimum to those of you who focus more on fingerpicking.

Coming to the body shape, it is perfect for all body types and provides good resonance along with an adjustable truss rod. It also comes with a premium gig bag, spare steel strings, strap, digital tuner, and picks. What more could you need?

Pros

  • Fender guarantee.
  • Perfect for fingerpicking.
  • Excellent sound quality.
  • Comes with a padded gig bag.
  • Tuner included.
  • Free instructional DVD.

Cons

  • May not be loud enough for performances.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLASSICAL GUITAR?

Even if the choice of a first classical guitar for beginners or children remains a matter of personal appreciation and often of crush, the fact remains that key points must be taken into consideration to target, with more insurance, the model that will fill you.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA TO REMEMBER

1. Cut

The dimensions of your classical guitar must be perfectly adapted to your particular height and your general morphology. Indeed, the comfort of grip, position, and play depends on it. Your guitar practice will be even more enjoyable! Among the 5 standard sizes of classical guitars for children and adults existing on the market, no problem to get the one that suits you.

Note: 7/8 guitars are not only intended for children aged 11 to 12 but are also suitable for women whose height is between 1.50 m and 1.65 m and whose hands are small.

2. Solid wood or laminated wood

This criterion is essential to consider because the sound, the lifespan, and the budget of your classical guitar will depend on it. But what is the difference between a solid wood table and a laminated wood table? Both are used in violin making and for the manufacture of guitars and have their specificities.

  • Laminated timber

    It is also said to be veneered or laminated wood. This involves gluing different layers of wood together. The last coating is made up of so-called noble or precious gasoline wood for aesthetic reasons. The main advantage is the cost will be less. The major drawback is that the wood on your top will not work overtime, so your guitar sound will not evolve and improve.

  • Solid wood

    The guitar is cut from a solid wooden board. The cost of the instrument is, therefore, higher. But, your guitar may gain a better sound over time. Other advantages: solid wood is more resistant to humidity and temperature variations and is more solid. It is commonly believed that a solid wood soundboard gives a better color to the sound.

3. Wood species

The species used in the manufacture of guitars are very diverse: cedar, spruce (several varieties), alder, ash (very expensive), lime (special electric guitar), poplar, rosewood, mahogany. Each has its properties. Some woods are also preferred for the soundboard, while others are more reserved for the back, sides, fingerboard, or neck.

In addition to the aesthetic aspect, it is sound that the variety of woods has a primordial impact, especially for the soundboard. Indeed, each species has its acoustic color.

Thus, cedar allows us to obtain a warm, soft, and complex sound in harmony. It is very often used for classical guitars whose practice requires calm and light playing. Solo classical guitarists particularly appreciate it for its harmonic possibilities.

On the other hand, Spruce offers crystal-clear tones with deep midrange and bass for a powerful, punchy, and clear sound. According to its variety (from Sitka, Engelmann, from the Alps), the harmonies are more or less complicated. This essence lends itself particularly well to the dynamic play of rock, folk, or country.

For the other elements constituting the guitar's body, the species of rosewood and mahogany are the most commonly used. Rosewood will add warmth to the sound while mahogany will tinge it with brilliance and power.

CONCLUSION

There is no perfect guitar. The ideal guitar is the one that is right for you. The world of classical guitars is like a shoe. If it fits perfectly, then you buy it and what works for you might not work for anyone else.

This is why I have included a wide variety of best classical guitar in my list so that with your bit of research and trial, you can choose one that fits like a glove.

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