Re-entering the world of classical guitar playing… Looking for a quality instrument

[dwalton]

You could do a lot worse than just grabbing a Cordoba C9 or C10 from somewhere like Sweetwater (or in-person if you can), making sure it’s got a decent setup, and then just getting to work on it. You’ll get decent resale on a modest up-front cost should you want to upgrade later.

https://youtu.be/SlnPJa0m04g

[Trev's Dad]

Originally Posted by Trev's Dad

Hi folks! While in college, as a vocal performance major, I secured a classical guitar minor. I have been playing guitar since I was 13 years old, and wanted to increase the range of my skills, so I picked up that minor in Classical Guitar, which I dearly enjoyed. At that time (mid 80’s), I had an Asturias guitar, which was wonderful.

Fast forward almost 35 years since I graduated with my degree, I no longer have that classical guitar, but find myself wanting to play more classically.

As I’m re-entering this phase of playing, I want to find a quality instrument… Doesn’t have to be a $4000 instrument, but maybe something a little bit above the $700 Cordobas that I’m finding at the local guitar center. Can you guys and gals that play on a regular basis steer me in the direction of some that I might try?

Many thanks!

Wanted to give an update to my journey back to classical playing.

I secured an Asturius A10S not long after posting this initial post. I also had an opportunity to reconnect with my teacher from 38 years ago, who is selling 20 of his own personal collection. I was able to try several of his including a Ramirez, a Kris Barnett PHI, and a Pavan TP – 30.

Also, I had an opportunity to go to Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, and they had about 12 different instruments on the wall ranging from $1000-$4500. On my way back home from Nashville, I stopped in at the Nashville Guitar Center, and tried a Cordoba Fusion Orchestra.

After playing all of these instruments, I ended up with a Córdoba fusion, it simply sounded better, was much easier to play, and the bonus was that it has really good electronics. I had an opportunity to buy his Krris Barnett PHI, for $4500, but I took my Cordova over to his studio again and played them side-by-side, and the Cordoba simply had a much more balanced tone across the tonal spectrum.

I have the money to buy the more expensive guitar, but there simply is just not any reason to spend that money, when the Cordoba is absolutely on par with it in both playability and tone production.

I’m going to try to post some pictures here in just a few minutes… Thanks for all of your help!

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...4939E8192.jpeg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...52E826084.jpeg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...071D1493F.jpeg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...DA4D77D91.jpeg

[Feste]

Originally Posted by Trev's Dad

I have the money to buy the more expensive guitar, but there simply is just not any reason to spend that money, when the Cordoba is absolutely on par with it in both playability and tone production.!

Exactly!
Congrats and enjoy

[guitar000]

Would definitely check out Pavan Guitars for sure. My TP-30 Cedar has been one of the best value guitars I have come across. Maybe you could find a used one somewhere as well...

https://www.pavanguitars.com/

Here's a nice video of the TP-30, gorgeous, couldn't be happier with mine...

https://youtu.be/dDqnmFcNiNs

[Jamolay]

Originally Posted by guitar000

Would definitely check out Pavan Guitars for sure. My TP-30 Cedar has been one of the best value guitars I have come across. Maybe you could find a used one somewhere as well...

https://www.pavanguitars.com/

Here's a nice video of the TP-30, gorgeous, couldn't be happier with mine...

https://youtu.be/dDqnmFcNiNs

There is a good deal on one of these on the DelCamp forum right now. Very, very good reviews and feedback about this guitar.

[guitar000]

I picked up a Pavan TP-30 Cedar from Pavan Guitars last year. It's made in Spain and is really a wonderful guitar. A friend of mine got one first and once I tried his it was an easy decision. A really balanced and responsive instrument with great sustain. My teacher also loves it, always picks it up to play a bit during my lessons... Couldn't be happier. Perhaps you could also find a deal on a used one somewhere, in my opinion, they are great for the price. Look around this forum and others, I have only heard great things about them, and now fully agree haha - here's their website if you are interested - https://www.pavanguitars.com/ - Hope this helps and good luck on your search!

[nightflight]

>>>
According to the store's website, they've been in business 55 years. I've bought several guitars from them over the years ... always helpful. Bill Newman, the owner, is also an excellent player and performer.
http://www.classicalguitarstore.com/
>>>

Bill Newman is an old friend from my Philly days. It's a great shop, and Bill is wonderful. Definitely worth checking out.

[sausgirl]

Hey there!
Good for you going back to classical guitar...I was a voice major as well! I never went away from a classical since it was the first guitar I played. Del camps site is great for ideas about all things classical. You are returning at a good time, some very good instruments out there. Cordoba makes a great guitar for an excellent price. Lucida made a fantastic guitar, albeit for a short period. I read the Lucida 777 was top of the line made in Spain. A used Yairi would be a real find. Made in Japan by a very skilled luthier. I personally own an Oscar Teller, made in Germany for decades, now run by his grandson Wolfgang. But if I were buying new, I would buy a Cordoba. JMO. Happy hunting! Jan 🎸