Below are some reviews and recommendations for classical guitars and brands. These are mainly reviews of factory guitars is mainly for beginner to intermediate students looking for an affordable and quality recommendations. For a list of luthiers making high end guitars please see my luthier list. I consider these classical guitars the good value for the money. Value and liking an instrument can be different things though so proceed with caution.
Submit Guitar for Review: I only review instruments I’ve played and owned. If you would like your guitar reviewed here please contact me: bradford@thisisclassicalguitar.com
Bradford is Currently Playing
I own two main concert level instruments. One is a Douglass Scott Guitar which is a small scale cedar top and the other a Marcus Dominelli Guitar which is a small scale spruce top.
In-Person, Online, My Pick, Something Local?
Although it’s best to play a factory guitar in-person but I know that is not always a possibility for many students outside of large cities. That said, if you can make it to a major classical guitar dealer that is the ideal. Otherwise I recommend buying from a store that knows how to setup and ship instruments.
If you find a guitar in your local shop that isn’t listed here, you might still want to buy it. I’ve tried lots of guitars but not all of them so if you fall in love with a classical guitar at a local store, go for it. Just make sure it’s a standard full size nylon string classical guitar and that it’s set up correctly. Play every fret on every string.
Get a 10% discount on JoLuck and Saers Guitars by clicking the link below
Proportion Guitars ← (discount link) – Proportion Guitars online store is offering my followers a 10% discount. They currently offer JoLuck and Saers. They set up the guitar before shipping it out which is a very valuable service. They can also order guitars from the Saers and Joluck lines and still get your discount. Trusted and Recommended.
Recommended Student Level Guitars
I understand not everyone is ready for the leap to a expensive single-luthier built guitar. Therefore, here are some recommendations based on guitars I’ve review for the site. Keep in mind that there are other great brands out there that I have not had the chance to review and that may or may not be great. The better the instrument you get, the more you’ll likely enjoy the experience of learning music (within reason). However, everything I’ve listed here is a good value in relation to the price.
- Brands I’ve Review
- Cordoba ☑ – Widely available and generally a solid guitar. Pick a price and buy.
- Saers Guitars ☑– Great value and creating a more modern classical guitar.
- JoLuck Guitars ☑ – Great value, specializing in small scale guitars.
- Siccas Luthiers (Review Coming Soon)
- D Cascia Guitars (Review Coming Soon)
I’m in talks with more guitar builders and companies about potential reviews so watch for that in the future where I’ll verify the quality and playability of new brands and models.
All Price Ranges
Pick your price range and the more you spend the slightly nicer it will be in general. Although, as you spend more money the increase in performance is minimal (but still important). I’ve reviewed most of these and I trust the guitars for the most part. Most have truss rods which are great for entry-level instruments in case of issues with the neck and setup. Truss rods allow small adjustments plus they keep the neck straight which is an issue when factory guitars sit in dry warehouses too long. All of the models from the Cordoba C3 model up have solid tops which is also great for the sound. Send it back if you don’t like it, Amazon and most local stores have a great return policy. Yamaha’s are also well build on average but no truss rod (but I’ve still been happy overall with their value).
I only recommend or review guitars I’ve played and have solid experience with. So if something isn’t listed below it doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t endorse it, I simply haven’t owned or experienced them enough to recommend.
Entry Level Guitars
If you can spend more you really should, but if you’re on a super budget the Yamaha will make some sound and be playable. You might quickly outgrow it musically though so if you can make it to the Cordoba C5 that would be better.
Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar (Amazon Link) – Approximate Price Range $150 USD
A good value if you’re on a thin budget but it’s not a refined sound. No truss rod but their quality control is pretty good. Essentially, if financial limitations force this price I’ll recommend it but otherwise upgrade to the Cordoba at the bare minimum.
Cordoba C5 (My Review) – Approximate Price Range: $450 USD – Recommended Beginner Guitar
If you can afford to start here that would be better. With a solid top this one has some nice touches and a decent sound for the price.
Mid-Entry Level Guitars
Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar (Amazon Link) – Approximate Price Range: $650 USD
This is great because you get a solid cedar top and laminate Indian rosewood back and sides. In general, this is going to be a louder and more refined sound but the price is a jump up. To be honest it’s not that much better than the C5 just a bit nicer. If you can afford this one you might even stretch your budget and buy the C9 or 10 which is a real improvement.
JoLuck E02 Amoroso Classical Guitar (Small Scale Guitar, $650 range) – This is a lattice brace guitar offering much more volume than most of the above instruments and is available in a four different sizes for those looking for a slightly smaller guitar.
Mid-Range Guitars
JoLuck E04 Dolce Small Scale – Approximate Price Range: $650 USD
A solid cedar top and Indian rosewood back and side along with a lattice design creates a responsive and warm guitar.
Cordoba C9 Classical Guitar (Amazon Link) – Approximate Price Range: $1100 USD
Solid Canadian cedar top with solid mahogany back and sides. I would love to see my students with a guitar that could last them into their intermediate years.
Saers Guitar A50 (review link) – Approximate Price Range: $1400 USD – Recommended
Good value for the price. A bit more of a modern guitar compared to the Cordobas with better response. The Cordoba has a more traditional sound though.
JuLuck A6 (Review Link) – Approximate Price Range: $1700 USD
A small scale (630mm) solid wood guitar with a nice traditional balance.
Cordoba C10 Guitar (review link) – Recommended
Cordoba C10 Parlor Guitar (review link)
Approximate Price Range: $1600 USD.
Solid Canadian cedar top & Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Includes Cordoba Polyfoam case. Also comes in a small scale “parlor” for all you shorties out there. 630mm. Beware of small neck profile on the parlor.
Upper Mid-Range
Cordoba C12 Guitar (review link) – Approximate Price Range: $2500 USD
All the goodies. Modern design elements include a lattice braced top and raised fingerboard for easy playability when accessing upper frets. It’s fairly loud and well balanced. If you are young concert player or just want a high quality instrument for an affordable price you should buy this as it will keep in in the game.
Saers Guitar A90 Review – Approximate Price Range: $3000 USD
I had a great time testing and playing the Saers Guitar A90 classical guitar from their Artist Series. The solid woods, lattice bracing, raised fingerboard, 12 hole bridge, French polish top, high C, tuners, and responsiveness all contribute to an excellent value at this price.
Professional Single-Luthier Instruments
Three luthiers I’ve had lots of experience with are Douglass Scott, Marcus Dominelli, and Erez Perelman. Their guitars are played by some of the biggest names around the world and they all make instruments that I personally guarantee are amazing. You can talk to me first about a choice or tell them I sent you. I visit their shops regularly and know them personally so trust them completely.
For a list of luthiers making high end guitars please see my luthier list.