#1
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Considering a classical guitar but need opinions...
I'm crossing over from the steel string side of the forum for some advice.
I've always thought I'd like to have a classical guitar in the house and I'm starting to do some searching. Here's where I'm at... I'm looking for an instrument that I can be happy with at home or on stage, but not a high end guitar since that's not my main focus at this time. In other words, a guitar with a reasonable price tag for my purposes that I won't tire of soon, shortly be dissaponted with, and won't scare away the listeners. I was looking at a La Patrie Etude although I would consider a step or two up if it's worth the extra money. I have a lot of trust in the Godin family of guitars. I have a Seagull that I'll never part with. Searching the forum, I see a lot of love for Cordoba models so... If I've explained myself well enough , I'd appreciate any recommendations along those lines. |
#2
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Another solid reputable company for all ends of classicals is Yamaha. If you look up their CG series you can get a decent lower end guitar. If you've got more money you can get into their GC series.
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Amalio Burguet 1A Spruce Takamine C132S |
#3
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Classical guitar
I have owned low and mid end Yamahas. I recommend them to students all the time. In recent years, I've had the opportunity to play some of the Cordobas, and I have been pleasantly surprised at the build quality and intonation. The C5 and C7 seem to be the best bang for the buck in this line. The C9 is nice, as well, but I found that as you go up in models after the C7, there doesn't seem to be as much difference in tone for the difference in money, if that makes sense. Just my opinion. I've had students who owned all these models, so I've played them myself. So I wouldn't hesitate to check out the Yamahas and the Cordobas for good quality beginner classical guitars.
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Don't fret, fret! |
#4
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"on stage" = plugged in? Or unplugged (and perhaps mic'd)? Do you know if you prefer a traditional classical guitar or a crossoverish guitar?
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Yamaha Pacifica 512, Yamaha APX6, Alhambra 7c, Taylor 110 (w/upgraded Taylor gold tuners!), Alhambra 7p, Yamaha CS-40, Samick Corsair Pawn-Shop Special Bass |
#5
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Quote:
There are just some guitar compositions and styles that cry to be played on a classical guitar...hence my interest. Plugged in or not? That remains to be seen. Electronics or a lack thereof won't matter much to my choice as I can always add a pickup later...or a microphone. |
#6
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I have a La Patrie Concert -- it's one up from the Etude. I am quite happy with it. Mine is a straight classical but all La Patrie's are now available with electronics if you desire. The instrument looks very nice, feels good with really decent action for a classical. Being old and stuck in the 60's folk revival, I do not play classical music, but mostly finger pick and am very pleased with my La Patrie. Can't go too far wrong. I would also look at Cordobas C5 and higher.
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La Patrie Concert Lakewood M-1 (2003) Recording King R0S-06 000 Blueridge BR-142 Recording King R0-T16 Alvarez AP66SHB |
#7
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Quote:
What is your price range?
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1967 Aria Classical 1974 Guild D50 2009 Kenny Hill New World Player Classical 2009 Hoffman SJ 2011 Hoffman SJ 12 https://paulashley.weebly.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/PaulAshley https://www.reverbnation.com/paulashley |
#8
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I have a Cordoba C 10 (cedar top) and have been well pleased. It has deep bass notes and very clear treblesand is very responsive. I owned a low end Yamaha classical many years ago and have fond memories of it.
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#9
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The Yamaha line of classical guitars are nice, but I'd recommend that you try out the neck shape / profile before getting one
The Yamaha tend to be the thicker "D" shape whereas the Cordoba tend to have a thinner "C" shape to the necks. My left hand prefers the shape of the Cordoba guitars over the Yamaha. A happy left hand makes for happier playing time Dave
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2003 Froggy Bottom H-12 Deluxe 2019 Cordoba C-12 Cedar 2016 Godin acoustic archtop 2011 Godin Jazz model archtop |
#10
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I have a Cordoba C9. I have played several C9 and C10, as well as C5 and C7 models. I liked the 2 C9 examples I tried better than the others. Based on my experience, I think the C9 or C10 is a big step up from the C5 or C7. Hope this helps.
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#11
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Quote:
I'll have some time off in the next week or two to visit some of the local dealers near me. One has a decent inventory of Godin/Seagull/La Patrie guitars, another stocks Cordoba...Probably Yamaha, too. I'll check. I don't really have a range in mind at this point. It's more like... Find a guitar that I'm happy with and satisfies the conditions of my original post...Find out how much those guitars cost...And if that's what I gotta pay, then that's what I gotta pay. I'm not in a rush and, for the most part I'm a careful buyer. I don't mind buying used either. |
#12
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This past year, I picked up a lightly used Alhambra 8P, made in Spain, with cedar top on Rosewood. I'm not much of a classical player, but the tone is delightful. It's light. It's got gorgeous woods and attractive details. I'd highly recommend checking out the Alhambra line. Lower end models are made in USA (?)... not Spain, if that matters. The used pricing is quite affordable.
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1986 Martin Standard D-28 P 2004 Gernandt Custom D / Walnut 2010 Taylor LTD DN-5e / Engelmann 2016 Godin S & P Woodland Pro Folk 2017 Martin Retro 000-15M ‘Burst 2019 Taylor BE 517e WHB Mahogany 2019 Taylor LTD 512ce / Cedar-Koa 2022 Gibson Original L-00 Sunburst 2023 Larrivee OM-40R / Rosewood |
#13
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Hi,
I’d strongly suggest to look at a good used one, possibly a japanese vintage in good conditions. Beware of neck profiles, read reviews etc but if you find a match, it’s the best price/ratio you can have. Without any affiliation whatsoever, just as a hint: http://www.classicalguitardelcamp.co...p?f=3&t=117390
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Marco "If want to be happy, be." (L.Tolstoj) |
#14
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Just picked up a Spruce top Cordoba C9 crossover and am very impressed with it. Everything is top notch with it...honestly really surprised at that level of quality instrument for the price. Being a crossover it works really well for a player like me who is primarily a steel string player.
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#15
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The Cordoba are pretty great values, and yeah, even though the cheap ones are nice, the more expensive ones are REALLY nice.
I've only played the cheapest of Yamahas, and like all Yamahas, it's also a great value. The Cordoba and Yamahas are true classicals on a budget. I own a LaPatrie Etude (for about 15 years now) it's a little different...it does not have the projection of even a cheaper classical, but it has a lot of bass and warmth most cheaper classicals don't. I don't think it'd be my first choice for playing classical music, but for playing jazz and bossa like I do, it's probably a better choice than comparably priced classicals. |