Difference between 1/2 size Cordoba Protege & Mini II line? & Compared to Yamaha 3/4?

[NinjaPyrate]

Hi! I'm searching for a couch guitar and would like it to sound the most like a full size as possible (though volume doesn't matter as much).

I've searched but cannot figure out the difference between the Cordoba Protege 1/2 size and the Cordoba Mini II line. Any experience with both?

Also, I'm trying to decide between the aforementioned Cordobas and a Yamaha 3/4 size (slightly larger but same scale as far as I can tell). Any experience here?

Thanks!

[Always Learning]

Hey Ninja....

May I suggest you check out places such as....

here: https://www.cordobaguitars.com/mini-ii-series/

and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6igmC7C17Pk

My guess and this is just based on physics (the size) and the nature of woods used, that the Cordoba mini II is gonna sound more like a uke on steriods...

here is a link to yamaha 3/4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HoODhyB9f8

my ears tell me that the 3/4-Y is closer to a standard size gett-er

[NinjaPyrate]

Originally Posted by Always Learning

Hey Ninja....

May I suggest you check out places such as....

here: https://www.cordobaguitars.com/mini-ii-series/

and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6igmC7C17Pk

My guess and this is just based on physics (the size) and the nature of woods used, that the Cordoba mini II is gonna sound more like a uke on steriods...

here is a link to yamaha 3/4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HoODhyB9f8

my ears tell me that the 3/4-Y is closer to a standard size gett-er

Yes, I have been to the Cordoba website. Yes, I have listened to youtube videos, all with different recording setups which make as much difference as the instrument. This was my first post here, and I noted that I have already searched and asked for help specifically from members with experience with these instruments.

[Always Learning]

Ninja,

Of course to me the best method of deciding would be to visit a local shop and try them out in person and let my ears help me.

one demo of the Cordoba C1 Protege 1/2 Size Classical Guitar. Now this one comes close to sounding like a full sized (standard 650mm scale).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k6Mun9WkOo

the mini:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBD3AelULLE

Cordoba's statement on the mini-ii:
The Mini II is the successor to Cordoba's popular Mini. More ukulele-like in character, the Mini has a short-scale fretboard of 20 inches and is tuned a perfect fourth higher than a standard guitar, from A to A. ... It's obviously closer to the guitar end of the spectrum than its predecessor.

That said it's still closer to a uke in sound... If it were me, I would go with the Protege 1/2 size if you want the guitar sound

here is a link to another thread on the mini-ii
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=573675

Again, sorry if I hurt your feelings.. wasn't trying to.

Good luck in your search...

Would be interested in your final decision.

[John_t]

Originally Posted by NinjaPyrate

Hi! I'm searching for a couch guitar and would like it to sound the most like a full size as possible (though volume doesn't matter as much).

I've searched but cannot figure out the difference between the Cordoba Protege 1/2 size and the Cordoba Mini II line. Any experience with both?

Also, I'm trying to decide between the aforementioned Cordobas and a Yamaha 3/4 size (slightly larger but same scale as far as I can tell). Any experience here?

Thanks!

I’d highly recommend Cordoba Cadete - amazing sound for such a small guitar. We got the Protege first for my son and it sounded pretty bad. We then regifted that to someone and got him a Cadete. I tried them out at a store and got the floor demo model which sounded better than the brand new one.

[Always Learning]

John,

Specs on Cordoba Cadet from Cordoba's webpage:

nut = 41mm
scale = 615mm (3/4) size


Specs on the Cordoba Protege (they make 2 versions)

Protege (1/2) nut = 40mm, scale= 580mm
Protege (3/4) nut = 40mm, scale= 615mm


I would think that an instrument closer in a full size guitars scale of 650mm would also sound closer to a full size and once you go way below that scale length it is going to sound more like a uke...

I have a full scale 650mm Spanish (luthier built) made and I can tell the difference when I play my smaller scale (630mm) Cordoba C10 Parlor.. Not too much of a difference, but distinguishable to my ears.

And I have seen Youtube demos on the smaller 1/2 scale Cordoba models including the mini and they don't have the tone that a 7/8 or Full sized guitar would have....

IMHO.... size matters when it comes to sound and tone.... if that were not the case, then shouldn't an upright bass sound just like a violin? After all they are basically shaped the same way, have f-holes and 4 strings

[John_t]

The OP is asking about 1/2 and 3/4 size guitars. A full size guitar will obviously sound fuller. The Cadete does not sound like Uke and it sounds noticeably better than the Protege, because I compared them side by side. I'm not advocating for small guitars, just answering the OP's question.