JoLuck A6 Cantabile Classical Guitar Review – I’ve really enjoyed testing and playing the A6 Cantabile classical guitar from JoLuck. They have a great line of small scale guitars at various price points and design options so check out their website to see the full product line. The JoLuck A6 Cantabile has some important features usually found on much higher priced guitars. The all solid wood construction, 12 hole bridge, high C, tuners, and defined and balanced sound all contribute to a good value at this price point.
The small scale (630mm) length and slightly smaller body feel exactly like my professional instrument and is a pleasure to play. Many small scale guitars are built to crossover specs but the A6 feels like a proper classical guitar with a normal neck profile. It’s a bit more comfortable for shorter people or those with small hands; or just for those who enjoy the feel of a slightly smaller instrument. As they mention on their site: “In addition to the benefits of the 630mm scale length, there is another advantage of the JoLuck guitar. The body size of the JoLuck guitar is slightly larger than a normal 7/8 guitar, providing a richer and fuller sound. This makes it even more appealing for those who may have been hesitant to try a 7/8 guitar in the past.” Read more at their article 630mm is not a compromise.
It has a pleasant tone but it’s the clarity and balance across the strings that I most appreciate. I also love seeing the high C and the 12 hole bridge on a guitar at this price. There is no raised fingerboard but I don’t mind as I think that would raise the price a bit too much for something that is not essential. At this price I’d rather see the value go into other features as it has here. The responsiveness is surprisingly good for a traditional design at this price. It was very easy to bring out musical lines within a texture. The tone and sound of the guitar is very good for this price, there is a touch of hollowness to the depth of sound but I would imagine that will improve with the aging and playing of the spruce top. Every guitar has tone qualities that are either desirable and not but the balance and responsiveness are the benefits of this guitar.
Conclusion
The JoLuck A6 Cantabile is a great value and I’m happy to recommend this guitar to my students. The small scale size and all solid woods as well a number of modern features makes this instrument very desirable at this price point.
JoLuck Info – Learn more about their guitars and models at the JoLuck Guitar Website or see a list of international JoLuck dealers.
Acoustic Station Central – I recommend you visit Acoustic Station Central to purchase Joluck Guitars in the US and continent. Contact them with questions on specs and supply.
Available Now – Here is a link to a currently available JoLuck A6 on Acoustic Station Central
Specs – Also see the JoLuck Website for the A6
- All Solid Woods
- European Spruce Top
- Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
- Mahogany Neck
- Ebony Fingerboard
- Bracing Hauser Style
- Scale Length 630mm
- Slightly Smaller Body
- Finish High Gloss PU
- Hard Gigbag
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Price (as of 2024): $1699 USD. Keep in mind that dealer prices often differ for a variety of reasons from shipping, import taxes, supply, etc, etc.
JoLuck A6 Photos
Here is the link to my video review on YouTube if you want to watch it there.
The piece I play the video is Lamento, No.5, Op.89 by Jacques Bosch (1825–1895).
Thanks for your comprehensive review of the JoLuck 630mm scale classical guitar as well as your earlier very complete assessement of the full-size Saers A90 model. I wonder if the manufacturer(s) of these instruments would consider distributing their products to at least one additional dealer for North America?
I would imagine they are looking for lots of dealers. Fairly new company, expanding quickly for the most part.
Hi, a lovely review, I found it very interesting so thank you for this. I just wonder how you would compare it to the instruments by Cordoba, the C9 and now not so easily available, C10, both 7/8 scale please?
Thanks again for this review, much appreciated.
All are good for the price in general. That said, I think the JoLuck is a better value and have better responsiveness. The Cordobas do sound pretty good for the price and have nice balance but I would personally choose the JoLuck. I think Cordoba has discontinued the C10 parlor though which might solve that debate.
Hi Bradford, thank you for your review. It was very thorough and insightful, as always. I’ve been wondering if anyone has experience switching back and forth between 630mm and 650mm scale lengths. Lately, I’ve been learning repertoire with longer stretches on a 630mm scale, and then moving to a 650mm scale. I find playing on the 650mm scale easier after practicing on the 630mm scale. I’m not sure if this is just my misconception or if it does make a difference.
I switch back and forth and don’t mind it at all. It take me 2 minute to adjust maybe but otherwise I find it easy to switch.
Looks and sounds great!
How would you compare the balance and playability of this JoLuck to a Cordoba C10 spruce or a Saers A70 or A90 spruce?
There are so many variables here. So I’ve only tried the cedar versions on the Saers A70 and A90 but those are very different guitars with different qualities and price tags. The A90 is certainly way above the rest in terms of approaching concert level guitars. But it comes with a specific sound. The Cordoba C10 parlor spruce is the most similar guitar to the JoLuck A6.
I like the feel of the JoLuck guitar compared to the Cordoba parlor but the Cordobas are good too, they have lots of depth of sound for the price. However, I would say this JoLuck is a better value and more responsive to the touch. Plus this has the high C and the 12 hole bridge and I like the neck profile here better as well. But try out both and go with whichever inspires you most. I’d go with the JoLuck personally due to the responsiveness and the feel of guitar and neck profile. Plus the guitar sounds a bit more extroverted and less plasticy. But some people might go with the Cordoba for the smooth sound which is also nice.