cordoba solesta? opinions

[zaskar1]

i have my eye on this used cordoba solesta, if i can negotiate a good price, i might walk away with it. as i think it was made in spain.
when i was doing some web research, it vectored me to some rather negative reviews, mainly regarding cordoba QC
ie, the bridge fell off in one, and the cordoba workmanship was no longer what it use to be, guitars sounded like nothing special
to me the guitar looks good, but doesnt sound all that great, could be the strings, i will have to change them before i decide.
my teacher likes a local luthier, Kenny Hill

my current classical is a 1963 Goya G-10, sounds good, made in sweden, my first guitar, but i think perhaps its time to consider an upgrade.

but any insight or opinions?
z

[GuitarsLover]

Did you mean Cordoba Solista?

The new one has a truss rod, the older does not. I had a chance to play with the older one. I was impressed with its sound and play-ability.

[oldtimeblues]

My first classical was a Goya, the only "upgrade" I know is a Ramirez. It was the same then and the same now.

[Norman2]

Originally Posted by zaskar1

i have my eye on this used cordoba solesta, if i can negotiate a good price, i might walk away with it. as i think it was made in spain.
when i was doing some web research, it vectored me to some rather negative reviews, mainly regarding cordoba QC
ie, the bridge fell off in one, and the cordoba workmanship was no longer what it use to be, guitars sounded like nothing special
to me the guitar looks good, but doesnt sound all that great, could be the strings, i will have to change them before i decide.
my teacher likes a local luthier, Kenny Hill

my current classical is a 1963 Goya G-10, sounds good, made in sweden, my first guitar, but i think perhaps its time to consider an upgrade.

but any insight or opinions?
z

Hi, Now that you mention Kenny Hill guitars. He introduced not too long ago
a line of Classical Guitars which are built by his shop in China called New
World Guitars. They have the Signature, Players and Estudio series. Do a search on New Worlds Guitars and take a look at them. I just purchased a
Estudio E640C and can't be happier with the build quality, and sound. They
are marvelous instruments and way superior to Cordoba. Regards
Norman2

[zaskar1]

Originally Posted by Norman2

Hi, Now that you mention Kenny Hill guitars. He introduced not too long ago
a line of Classical Guitars which are built by his shop in China called New
World Guitars. They have the Signature, Players and Estudio series. Do a search on New Worlds Guitars and take a look at them. I just purchased a
Estudio E640C and can't be happier with the build quality, and sound. They
are marvelous instruments and way superior to Cordoba. Regards
Norman2

hi all
thanks for the comments
will check out the kenny hill guitars, as he is local
z

[Red_Label]

I've had seven Cordobas. Love em! I've been on the brink of picking up a Solista flamenca or an F10 for a while now. Every mass-producer can churn out a lemon now and then, but all of my experiences with Cordoba have been great. As far as Chinese versus Spanish makes go... my C12 SP and GK Pro blanca EASILY stand up to my Spanish-made FCWE, 55FCE blanca, and 55FCE Limited Ziricote.

[dosland]

Originally Posted by Norman2

Hi, Now that you mention Kenny Hill guitars. He introduced not too long ago
a line of Classical Guitars which are built by his shop in China called New
World Guitars. They have the Signature, Players and Estudio series. Do a search on New Worlds Guitars and take a look at them. I just purchased a
Estudio E640C and can't be happier with the build quality, and sound. They
are marvelous instruments and way superior to Cordoba. Regards
Norman2

Correct me if I'm wrong here, Norman2, but I seem to recall you were a very strong Cordoba backer when you first arrived here on the forum - have you experienced such a dramatic conversion so soon? If so, high praise indeed for the Kenny Hill line!

[Norman2]

Originally Posted by dosland

Correct me if I'm wrong here, Norman2, but I seem to recall you were a very strong Cordoba backer when you first arrived here on the forum - have you experienced such a dramatic conversion so soon? If so, high praise indeed for the Kenny Hill line!

Hi Dosland. Yes i have been quite a fan of Cordoba having owned a C5, C7, C9, and C10,
Don't get me wrong they were all excellent guitars but I could not get my left
hand comfortable with the shape of their neck and started having horrible wrist
aches. My teacher pointed out that I should consider guitars with a different neck shape. I tried an Alhambra and same thing. I tried an Alvarez and still the
same problem. I was able to try the Kenny Hill Estudio in 640mm scale and that
was it. No more pain. Quality is the same than that on the Cordobas considering
that Kenny Hill designed them. maybe I should have tried to get a 640mm scale but I do not think Cordoba has them available. Just needed comfort
and I found it. Cordoba recommended a crossover but I do not like the 48mm
radiused neck. The Estudio E640C fits me like a glove. Regards I needed more of a C Shape than a D shape
Norman
PS: I first considered the C9, and C10 in parlor size but although they have a 630mm scale their bodies are smaller and I did not want that. The estudio at 640mm scale
has the same standard body as the traditional 650mm guitar. I needed more of a C shape than a D shape on the neck shape. That was the only reason
I changed.

[hesson11]

Originally Posted by Norman2

Hi, Now that you mention Kenny Hill guitars. He introduced not too long ago
a line of Classical Guitars which are built by his shop in China called New
World Guitars. They have the Signature, Players and Estudio series. Do a search on New Worlds Guitars and take a look at them. I just purchased a
Estudio E640C and can't be happier with the build quality, and sound. They
are marvelous instruments and way superior to Cordoba. Regards
Norman2

I second the recommendation of Kenny Hill's New World guitars. They are excellent. One correction, though: Only the Player and Estudio guitars are in the New Word line, built in China. The Hill Signature and Performance series are produced by Kenny's small shop in California and typically list from about $5,000 to $7,500.

Also, I personally wouldn't characterize the New World guitars as "way better" than Cordobas, because the Cordobas I've played have all been quite good. The New World are definitely better, but there isn't a world of difference (so to speak), in my opinion.
-Bob

[Red_Label]

Originally Posted by hesson11

I second the recommendation of Kenny Hill's New World guitars. They are excellent. One correction, though: Only the Player and Estudio guitars are in the New Word line, built in China. The Hill Signature and Performance series are produced by Kenny's small shop in California and typically list from about $5,000 to $7,500.

Also, I personally wouldn't characterize the New World guitars as "way better" than Cordobas, because the Cordobas I've played have all been quite good. The New World are definitely better, but there isn't a world of difference (so to speak), in my opinion.
-Bob

My exact thought as well when I read his post. I immediately dumped my flawless Breedlove Masterclass Bossa Nova after I bought my first "bottom of the barrel" Cordoba GK Studio. I was enamored enough with the brand just from having bought that $600 low-end model, to sell my $4K Breedlove to get more/better Cordobas (all mail-order without having played any of them). Without going to very expensive single luthier hand-crafted concert instruments that rum from $8k-30K... I don't see how it would be possible for an instrument to be "WAY" better than the $1,000-$2,000 Cordobas that I've owned.

[Norman2]

Originally Posted by Red_Label

My exact thought as well when I read his post. I immediately dumped my flawless Breedlove Masterclass Bossa Nova after I bought my first "bottom of the barrel" Cordoba GK Studio. I was enamored enough with the brand just from having bought that $600 low-end model, to sell my $4K Breedlove to get more/better Cordobas (all mail-order without having played any of them). Without going to very expensive single luthier hand-crafted concert instruments that rum from $8k-30K... I don't see how it would be possible for an instrument to be "WAY" better than the $1,000-$2,000 Cordobas that I've owned.

Hi, Well everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Some people like blondes and
other people like brunettes.Norman2

[ZippyChip]

I suggest calling a service oriented classical guitar dealer to help with your selection. Try Maple Street Guitars. I was helped by the very experienced classical guitar guy there and he hooked me up with a Alhambra but they have many choices new and used.

[TinyTrains]

Originally Posted by hesson11

Also, I personally wouldn't characterize the New World guitars as "way better" than Cordobas, because the Cordobas I've played have all been quite good. The New World are definitely better, but there isn't a world of difference (so to speak), in my opinion.
-Bob

I have read that Kenny Hill is also the Chief Designer for Cordoba, so that makes perfect sense. He oversees Cordoba's factories in China and Oxnard CA. I would bet his KH Chinese guitars come out of the same factory in China.

[Norman2]

Originally Posted by TinyTrains

I have read that Kenny Hill is also the Chief Designer for Cordoba, so that makes perfect sense. He oversees Cordoba's factories in China and Oxnard CA. I would bet his KH Chinese guitars come out of the same factory in China.

Hi, Although Kenny is Cordobas Chief Designer. He has his own boutique shop
in China and it is called New World Guitars. It even has a different address in
China than Cordoba. Nevertheless they are very similar guitars. Regards
Norman

[TinyTrains]

I guess I lose the bet. Thanks.