Nylon-string for half a grand

[Cue Zephyr]

Howdy folks,

I'm starting to develop an itch for a nylon-string guitar. I have a specific sound in my head that it should have but I don't know what brand, model or type fits that description.

What do I want to play on it? Mediocre 90s pop music classical guitar solos, most likely. In all seriousness, it's not that far from the truth. I would like to play pop music on it.

What do I want it to sound like? I would like something that sits well in a (recorded) band mix. I equate that to something with not too much low-end and clear highs. Maybe something with a spruce top and mahogany body?

I don't necessarily need a pick-up but I like the sound of a pickup in a nylon-string guitar. Go riddle that.

I was looking at the Cordoba GK Studio and it seems pretty cool. Or the Taylor Academy 12-N. The 114ce-N is a little much, sadly.

Cheers!
CZ

[fitness1]

Used Cordoba C9 spruce - easy stuff!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cordoba-C9-...wAAOSwh8NbThDJ

[Cue Zephyr]

Originally Posted by fitness1

Used Cordoba C9 spruce - easy stuff!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cordoba-C9-...wAAOSwh8NbThDJ

Pretty good, but I'm not in the US, sadly.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Cue Zephyr

Pretty good, but I'm not in the US, sadly.

I'd still tell you to try and find one - I use mine exactly how you are saying - and it does a better job than many 2-3k used classicals I've had. It records incredibly well too.

[Five Fourths]

Here's a used 114ce-N from a Taylor authorized dealer for $619 asking price:

https://reverb.com/item/13980074-tay...ro-set-up-save

The seller ships internationally, and you can always offer less than asking. I don't think there are any woods used in the 114 that would cause CITES issues, but you would need to check.

The dollar has weakened over the past couple of days, so the guitar has gotten cheaper for most international buyers--don't know where you are exactly.

FF

[Gcunplugged]

I’m a fan of the Córdoba GK Studio. Here’s a video of mine on a Hawaiian Slack Key finger-picked tune. This is recorded with a Zoom camera and built-in mic, not the guitar’s onboard electronics. The only post processing was normalization and a little reverb.

Hope that helps,
Gary

[Rudy4]

Cordoba Orchestra Fusion. If you're looking for nylon tone reconsider your choice of a spruce top.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...dian-cedar-top

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...dian-cedar-top

[gmr]

Cordoba has a handful of guitars that would fit your price range. The C5 models are quite reasonably priced and sound better than you would think. The C7 models are available in spruce or cedar but they do not have any electronics. They have a new model, the C4ce, which is an all mahogany model with a cutaway body and electronics. Tavi Jairiu has a couple of videos on the Córdoba website of this model and amazingly, it is pretty darn cool. Striking looking guitar as well. Of course Tavi can make a plastic guitar sound symphonic...

[51 Relic]

Try a Yamaha NTX 700
Great guitars

[gmr]

I agree with Mr. 51 relic. Especially if you are planning to play mostly plugged in, that Yamaha NTX 700 is excellent. They also make the NCX 700 which has the more traditional 2 inch nut width and the normal body depth of a standard classical. The NTX is thinner bodied and has a slightly narrower nut width. I owned an NTX700. I loved the electronics in that guitar. But I play mostly unplugged so the pure acoustic tone was not satisfying for me personally. If I played plugged in, I would still have, and be loving that guitar. The NCX model might be just the ticket!

[Cue Zephyr]

I will not be playing plugged in primarily. I have a bunch of mics to record with but I'm open to recording with the pickup as well since it has a particular sound that I like. No pickup is fine too, if I need one I'll get one.

Although the US dollar may have gone down, I would still have to deal with import duties and VAT (21%). So the difference might become so small I'm better off just buying new from my favorite guitar store.

Can anybody tell me how Cordoba's C line differst from say, the GK Studio or the Orchestra Fusion? They all sound good to me.

If the Yamaha APX 700 is anything to go by relative to the NTX, I'm not a fan. It sounds great plugged in but it sounds meh acoustically. Just IMO.

Originally Posted by fitness1

I'd still tell you to try and find one - I use mine exactly how you are saying - and it does a better job than many 2-3k used classicals I've had. It records incredibly well too.

Have you tried the C5 or the C7? Just in case the C9 isn't an option.

Originally Posted by Gcunplugged

I’m a fan of the Córdoba GK Studio. Here’s a video of mine on a Hawaiian Slack Key finger-picked tune. This is recorded with a Zoom camera and built-in mic, not the guitar’s onboard electronics. The only post processing was normalization and a little reverb.

Hope that helps,
Gary

That sounds great, thanks!

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Cue Zephyr

.



Have you tried the C5 or the C7? Just in case the C9 isn't an option.

I haven't - I've always opted for solid wood instruments.

[Cue Zephyr]

Originally Posted by fitness1

I haven't - I've always opted for solid wood instruments.

I see. I've only ever had solid tops.

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Cordoba Orchestra Fusion. If you're looking for nylon tone reconsider your choice of a spruce top.

I don't think I'm looking for that warmer nylon tone, more the snappy and present type. Heck, I'll even play it with a pick.

[sirwhale]

Originally Posted by Cue Zephyr

I don't think I'm looking for that warmer nylon tone, more the snappy and present type. Heck, I'll even play it with a pick.

Go for a flamenco guitar then

[GHS]

I have a Cordoba Fusion 12. Really nice guitar. 1 3/4" neck, om body, built in pick up system. Un plugged sounds real nice, great tone and finish. New around 700 dollars US. Used should be in the 4-500 range. I looked around for a very long time before buying a Cordoba. In that price range I think they are the best built. check them out if you can.