Yamaha or Cordoba
 

Looking to replace an old nylon string guitar that I traded years ago. I mostly play a steel string acoustic but want another nylon as well. I am looking at a Cordoba C5 on a local site for half of regular retail in very good condition and a Yamaha G255Sii from a local merchant for about 50 more. The Yamaha has a few dings in the top but looks good other than that.

Both companies build good guitars with excellent value. I've played many from both companies and have consistently found that I prefer Cordoba to Yamaha because they seem more responsive and lively. Also I prefer the thinner neck profile of Cordobas. But this is entirely a question of personal preference. I hope you are able to try both of them out in person and then choose the one that you prefer.

A few questions;

What's your preference for playing - unplugged or amplified?

What genre are you planning on playing? Classical? Pop tunes? Jazz?

I'm an admittedly Cordoba fan, but I've never seen that Yamaha guitar.

I am leaning toward the Cordoba because of the neck profile as well. I play mostly fingerstyle and like to mix it up with a nylon string every once in a while. Also my daughter doesnt like to play my steel string so this is also for to play on as well.

I bought the Cordoba C5 five weeks ago, so my recommendation would be a little biased.

Just purchased a B-Stock C10 with extremely light scratch on the back (almost undetectable in normal light). Plays like a charm and it beautiful. The case is iffy though. I have played Yamaha s and they are nice, just prefer the atyle and tones of Cordoba.

I like both as well but also prefer Córdoba for exactly the reasons you mentioned. I’m also in the market for a new/used classical and have decided on the Córdoba as well.

I’m currently considering a Yamaha GC32S and a Cordoba Solista Cedar. Both seem to be attractive guitars with great reputations and their own benefits, and are in the price range that I am considering but neither are available locally.

Any comments, from those who have played either or both of these?

Would be buying as a permanent keeper classical that’s a step up from my C5 :)

I've owned a Spuce Solista and sold it to buy a Cedar C1-... Personally, I like the C10 over the Solista.

I think the construction quality of the Cordoba guitars made in Spain are inferior to those built in China. The ones I've that were made in Spain had high / sharp frets, excess poly finish, etc..

The C-10 also seems to be built lighter than the Solista and the neck is much more comfortable for me to play.

You can get a like new or barely played C10 from GC for under $1,000

Really, that surprises me. I haven't played a Solista, but the Espana series guitars I have seen seemed to be good quality. Fret sprout I'm not overly concerned about, since a fret dressing is usually a part of me acquiring a good quality guitar on the used market.

I have a lead on a Solista, and a Yamaha GC32, so hopefully I will be able to play these by the end of the week. I will report back in case anyone is interested :)

Thank you for the tip, sir! I checked out the whole range of classicals at the best local shop, including a Yamaha and a Solista. They also had a range of New World guitars that were very nice, but the ones I liked most of New World were out of my price range.

I ended up coming to the same conclusion as you, and going with the C10. I felt the Solista was very nice and had a great sound, build quality seemed great to me, but I preferred the sound of the cedar-topped C10. (They had a spruce Solista for me to compare to a spruce C10 and a cedar C10, and I think I just like the cedar sound more)

Very happy with it and I was able to obtain it brand new for under $1k.

I appreciate the tips!

Happy to see all the favourable comments on Cordoba here, as I have one on order. Coming in in a couple of months or so, depending on CITES etc. It's a GK Pro Negra, which I'm hoping will suit my needs.

Has anyone here ye mentioned Truss Rods? Cordobas have had them for over a decade- I'm not sure if Yamaha is putting Truss Rods in classical yet

Definitely a factor for me- I had to finally abandon my first two viable classical guitars because of neck bend issues

I'm not sure where you reside, but GC has GK Pro's in stock with no issues regarding CITES.

I absolutely love my GK Pro Negra. Be aware that inherent to it's construction is a bit of Flamenco string snap sound to it. It's not going to sound like a concert classical guitar when played acoustically. It's awesome for playing finger-style in a variety of genre's.

If you adjust your right hand technique, you can minimize the effect on the sound. I've got a Cordoba C-10 Cedar for when I want a much more classical sound to my guitar playing.

While having a truss rod wasn't high on my nylon string guitar needs list, the fact that Cordoba has them certainly influenced my decision making.

My truss rods get adjusted about twice a year due to seasonal climate changes. You can't do that with a classical guitar without a truss rod.

Dave