Art & Lutherie Ami Nylon String Cedar Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)To the eye: It's a great looking guitar for sure, with REAL rosette inlays on a gorgeous cedar top. It would look great hung up on a wall, or sitting in a corner - good since you will not want to put it away, ever.
To the ear: Intonation is dead on, and the tone on this is absolutely even up and down the entire fretboard, with excellent clarity and separation of the individual notes. The parlor size doesn't provide much bass, but it's not tinny at all, and it is much louder than you'd expect. It is not a baby or travel guitar sound, but definitely a real parlor sound with good projection and that tight clarity you would expect.
To the hands: the modern neck has a sort of hybrid feel - with the seeming acres of classical fretboard, but a thinner depth than most old classicals (it has an adjustable truss rod). I generally play steel strings (30 years), but I just can't put this little nylon beauty down (the somewhat thinner neck might be part of it), and it's increased my playing by hours and hours a week. It's a great player for just... playing. In a word: Comfortable.
To the wallet: Handmade in Canada by the same people who make the Seagulls I believe. At $300, I think it's just a ridiculous deal, and a value that can't help but appreciate over time. Buy it, play it for 10 years, sell it for a profit.
To the Devil's Advocate: It does have gold/pearloid tuners. I hate gold hardware and I hate pearloid, so they'll be leaving us soon.... YMMV

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Yamaha CG111C Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I could not expect more from this guitar. I can only say I do not deserve it... Very sweet and open sound. Perfect for Bossa Nova classics.

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Takamine TC132SC Classical Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)Very happy with the guitar. Feels full of quality and love the tube pickup. Sounds very warm and natural.
I live in Australia and had this guitar shipped from the US. Arrived in gemreat condition thanks to the hard case that came with it.

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La Patrie Guitar, Concert CW QI Review

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(More customer reviews)I'll start off by saying that my introduction to this instrument came through a rather 'odd' circumstance.
A younger classical guitar student owned it; he dropped it hard enough on a 'sharp surface' to crack the top (through no fault whatsoever of the instrument manufacturer) and was selling it for dirt cheap. While it appeared 'real bad', in reality, it was an easy enough fix to anyone familiar with how that process goes. OK, so after watching enough Buster B Jones video's (but not quite ready to jump into a Multiac), I've been looking for a decent cutaway nylon w/ electronics. I'm always a sucker for a fixer-upper project that saves money on something I want anyway. Sold.
In going through the motions of getting the crack under control, I got pretty familiar with how the guitar is put together. I'm not a guy who believes in 'super glue' or simply cleating the leading edge of a crack- I believe in proper repair and on-body refinish.
First things first, explored around the innards with a little flashlight and dental mirror to see what I was up against... Wow. This thing is VERY well built. The interior components were clearly put together with about as much deliberation as any given Martin or Taylor in terms of fit and finish. By contrast, take a look inside a cheapie sometime and compare. There is no comparison. The overall quality of materials- as far as tuners, neck, bridge, nut and saddle, etc- was all first rate, as was the overall fit and finish (joinery, binding, etc). This thing is an *extremely* well made, professional grade instrument.
Solid cedar top is absolutely gorgeous. Thankfully, the crack on mine was a sharp break, so a bit of time with some hide glue and an Xacto knife to turn the crack into a thin 'glueable channel'... Some more time with stainable wood glue to fill the crack flush with the top and installing some underside cleats along the crack line, the box is ready to rock. Will be undergoing a top refinish soon, but now that the crack is stable and the glue's dry, strung it up to see how it plays and sounds....
I noticed right off the bat that it comes with a high action, due to the Tusq (R) saddle being tall. Some people have complained about this but really, this is fairly standard for higher end instruments, where the saddle comes untuned from the factory with the expectation that the player will have it fit to their individual specifications. Nice touch. A bit of time with some abrasive paper, had it right where I wanted. The nut (also Tusq) was dead on.
The onboard Godin Q1 Saddle pickup sounds amazing. The plug is integrated with the bottom strap stud, while the battery compartment is smartly designed- a simple hatch, right next to the plug. Anyone who has had to change the damn battery in old Ovations will appreciate this. Open door, old battery out, new battery in- a 5 second process.
The acoustic tone was superb, amplified, just as good. Can't really 'explain' this, but go play one, you'll understand.
Overall, this is just a tremendous instrument at this price point. While I bought a 'fixer upper', having handled and played it for a bit now, I would not hesitate to recommend this at it's new price point.
This is a $1500 guitar for $600.

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Cordoba 55RCE Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar, CD/IN Review

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(More customer reviews)I have owned this guitar for about 3 years and I am more impressed with it now than the first day I brought it home. I have a number of guitars and the only classical guitar I own that I think compares favorably is an Alvarez-Yairi CY 118. While the Yairi is a beautiful instrument in tone and workmanship, the value of it is that of a classical guitar which resonates throughout your body as you play it. On the other hand, the Cordoba 55RCE sounds wonderful but does not have quite the acoustical resonance of the Yairi. But, the Cordoba has an electronic piezo pickup system that makes the guitar come alive when played through a halfway decent amplifier. The Cordoba includes an electronic tuner and 3 band equalizer as well as a presence modifier with its electronic package. On the whole, the Cordoba is a well rounded instrument that you will enjoy playing with or without and amplifier for years.As with any fine classical guitar, I would highly recommend that you play it before you buy it. All fine guitars are a little different. If it is not possible to play before delivery, make sure you can return it within a reasonable amount of time. This should not be a problem for the dealer. If it is, say goodbye and take your business elsewhere. The Cordoba 55RCE is made from some of the finest wood available in a time of scarcity of fine woods. But, even the best of woods do not guarantee long-term structural integrity. This is not a guitar to take to the beach and play along with your friends singing because significant changes in humidity will harm the wood and could cause cracking and/or warping. Since the Cordoba has an excellent warranty, please make sure that you take care of it in the prescribed way (to the extent practical) to preserve the value of the warranty, and more importantly to preserve the sound and beauty of the instrument. Even though it is covered by a warranty, you do not want to be without your guitar for any period of time that it takes to fix it properly. It takes a little extra time to care for your Cordoba, but it is worth it. Buying a Cordoba 55RCE is buying art that is functional as well. If you are lucky enough to acquire one of these fine instruments, I wish you luck and all the happiness that will come from your playing.


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Orpheus Valley Guitars ARTIST SERIES FIESTA FC Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)The main reasons I bought this guitar are because it sounds great, and it is affordable. I compared this guitar at local music shops directly against several other classical guitars in the same price range, including guitars made by La Patrie, Alvarez, Takamine and Ibanez. All of these guitars were in a similar price range (up to $1,000.00) but it was clear that the Fiesta FC was the only truly excellent guitar among the bunch (I tried out literally dozens of guitars). I also compared it to several guitars that were much more expensive, including Yairi, Ramirez, Conde Hermanos, and Antonio Loriente. In my opinion, the Fiesta FC sounded better than every Yairi model in the store and the Ramirez (R1). It sounded basically on par with both Loriente models in the store, but had a slightly higher action (and a significantly lower price). The Conde Hermanos was superior to the Fiesta FC, but at 10x the price, it had darn well better be.
Needless to say, I bought the Fiesta FC because it sounded as good as guitars that were several times more expensive, and VASTLY superior to any other guitar in the same price range. I've now owned the guitar for three years, and I have never regretted it.
I have been studying classical guitar for almost 15 years. I've taken master classes with Ricardo Iznaola, Ernesto Tamayo, and the late James Smith.
Tone: Excellent. Brilliant, responsive to dynamic playing.
Action: Very Good. A bit higher than a Conde Hermanos, about equal to a La Patrie Collection or the Ramirez R1.
Feel: Excellent. Comfortable standard design, and the nitrocellulose finish is smooth, not sticky like my old Takamine.
Quality: Excellent. Flawless craftsmanship, excellent design.
Value: Excellent. You simply cannot buy any other guitar of this quality at this price. Perhaps you are looking for a guitar to take through college? This IS it. Don't buy a student model Ramirez or any La Patrie. They just don't compare.

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Yamaha CG171SF Flamenco Guitar (Standard) Review

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(More customer reviews)I tried this on a Guitar Center store, next to $1200 guitars imported from Spain, and I've got to tip my hat to the Yamaha. It's got the flamenco sound right of the bat. Next to it, I couldn't tell the difference between another expensive 'flamenco' guitar from an expensive classical. The CG171SF seems to have its own peculiar flamenco sound. Really low action (great for falsettas), and it can get loud at the same time. Feels pretty light which makes you think it'll break! Highly recommended.

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Cordoba C10 Classical Guitar, SP/IN Review

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(More customer reviews)This guitar is GREAT!!! I have been playing classical for about 10 years and studied under two instructors who studied under Manuel Barrueco & Aaron Shearer. I was playing a Cordoba C5-CE but wanted to upgrade to a higher quality instrument and thus began a long and frustrating search. After playing a number of classicals at local guitar centers and sam ash stores in Cleveland, Ohio including some very expensive Ramirez and Rodriguez guitars, I was not satisfied. So i drove 4 hours to Elderly Instruments (best shop around!!!) in Lansing, Mich. Over the course of 4 hours I tested a $1,000 Alhambra 5p cutaway, a few LaPatrie's, a $1,500 Takamine, a bunch a Rodriguez models, and a few Ramirez, including an excellent condition used Ramirez going for $5,000 (probably worth 6K new). It finally came down to the Cordoba c7, solista, and C10. After playing and comparing all 4 against each other, the C10 had the best sound and playability.
The bass notes are full and loud, especially the E. The trebbles are clear and bright, not "tinny", but not soft or muted either. Very well balanced sound/tone, great projection. The spruce top really helps with sound "punch". No neck problems and the action is "Goldi-Locks" (not too high, not too low, but just right). So far, it sounds best with the Savarez 500CJ high tension cristal corum strings (i have tried Di-Addario normals, Savarez rectified red pack HT, and cristal corum 500cj's on my C'dobs.) It is also a beautiful looking guitar with high quality workmanship. Bought it with a Humicase to upgrade warranty to lifetime for only an extra $40 becasue the case handle was slightly bent. Bottom line, a $1,000 guitar plays like a 2K-3K instrument.

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Ramirez R2 Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently shopped for a new classical guitar (checked out about 30 different models) and almost eliminated the R2 before even playing one. After all, Jose Ramirez is a "big name" and I presumed I would be getting less guitar for my money than I could find elsewhere. I'm glad I tried one anyway.
There are two things you should know, before buying a lower-end model Ramirez like the R2. First, these are factory guitars. They are not actually made in the Ramirez shop, like the higher-end Ramirez models. They are made "to Ramirez specifications" elsewhere--probably by a company like Alhambra--then "finished" in the Ramirez shop. Also, the back and sides are laminated, not solid, Indian rosewood. Doesn't sound very promising at this price, right?
But--play one. The R2 has a tone, from the Canadian red cedar top, that is just wonderfully sweet. But more than just that, this guitar has a sensitivity and resonance that makes it stand out from other classical guitars. It's a bright tone, too: clear, and bold when it needs to be. Distinctly superior to many guitars in this price range, and a joy to hear while playing. I swear, this guitar works: someone just got the design and manufacture right, on this one. It's better than any other guitar I tried under 2K.
The action is low, easy and quick--again distinctly better than most or all other guitars I investigated. It plays fast and smooth--it's a joy to play. A great playing guitar.
I've had my R2 for almost exactly one year now. I've read other reviews and heard other guitarists remark how the sound of this particular model improves with time. Mine has, after just a year. After 3-4 years many say that the sound becomes comparable to the higher-end Ramirez models.
Bottom line: would I buy this guitar again? In a New York minute.Final note: If you're considering Ramirez and looking at the R1 because it's a little cheaper, buy the R2 instead. Much, much nicer guitar, for just a little more $$. Much better tone, much better action.

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Takamine Pro Series TC135SC Acoustic Electric 14 Fret Classical Guitar, Natural with Case Review

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(More customer reviews)The best part of this guitar is the 1 7/8 neck width(at the nut). Although the sound w/o amp is somewhat muted, it really shines plugged in, the Cool Tube technology is great, I've had the guitar more that 2 years and use it almost everyday. While the neck is somewhat thinner and narrower than my classical guitars, the transition to playing this instrument in both classical and jazz, even bossa nova is without undue hardship. The built in tuner is excellent, the 4 AA batteries give you about 15-20 hrs, but UNPLUG it from the amp when not in use, otherwise they run down quickly. I found the technical info from takamine wanting, but they do build a quality instrument and this is not exception, I have a Ramirez 2ce (cutaway electric) and this TC1135sc is my everyday guitar, I can't see where a Taylor nylon string would be any better.

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Godin XTSA Solid Body 3-Voice Electric Guitar (Light Burst) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been playing guitar for over 20 years and have owned, and still do own, many high end guitars (Gibson / USA Fender / USA Jackson) etc. but since purchasing this this Godin xtsa, it has become my main 'go to' axe.
I purchased it for it's synth access (which it excels at) but combined with it's acoustic piezo output abilities and it's great overall electric sound, it is so versatile that it is hard to pick anything else up!
I love the overall feel and vibe of this guitar, kinda a cross between a Strat and Les Paul, but it works for me!
I got mine used and it was already well cared for and set up by a semi pro player.
It has an easy playing action and hangs well for playing on stage.
Godin states that this guitar is "a jack of all trades and master of all of them" and they are pretty much right on!
I only wish Godin would come out with a 24 fret guitar in the future, I would be all over that.
The only problem with Godin is that you may have to mail order the guitar, if you can find a dealer that has some in stock then try them out and you may be lucky enough to be able to 'cherry pick' your top, mine has the bonus of a nicely flamed top.

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Cordoba 45F Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)I own a Cordoba Ukulele I got a few months ago that has been my passion since it hit my hands. I also own a Jose Rameriz R2 classical, a Seagull S6 original steel string, an Ibanez semi-hollow bodied electric Jazz, an Ibanez electric bass and an old Sigma DM2 steel string. I've been playing since 1974 and I've had several classicals over the years but wanted to try a Flamenco to add to the collection because I'm drawn as I age to the rhythmes of Flamenco music. I played several Cordoba classicals and Flamencos around town at Guitar Centers and local music stores along with many other brands. I kept finding myself drawn more and more to the feel and sound of the Cordobas for the price. When I finally decided on the model I wanted, I decided to try my hand at getting one through Amazon, sound unheard. It was a bit nerve racking but the free humicase, Prime two-day shipping with the $3.99 one day upgrade (came late anyway) and no sales tax finally pushed me to give it a try.
My guitar arrived today and it was worth it. The guitar is a beautiful shade of honey with a high gloss finish. The grain on the side of the guitar is breathtaking. The fret board is a beautiful deep ebony and the black and gold tuners with wooden turners add to it's visual charm. But the real magic is the way it sounds. As a new guitar, I'm stunned by its strength and openness. It came with Savarez strings which I've never tried so the jury is out on them at the moment. It's very playable as is although the action may be a bit high. But because it has struts in the neck, it can be adjusted to some extent without lowering the saddle. I played it for about an hour and can't wait to get back to it. I can't wait to hear it as it ages and it's true sounds comes through. I'm thrilled that a completely hand made Spanish guitar exists for such a reasonable price. I would buy another Cordoba in the future without question.

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Cordoba C5-CE Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned this guitar for a few months and I can only say positive things about it.
I'm not a highly skilled player myself but I can recognize a fine instrument like this when I play it.
The construction and overall finish is beautiful. Very solid, doesn't feel like is going to break in your hands even if you treat it like a solid body guitar...
Great sound, as an acousting, even when it has a thin body, or plugged into an amp or PC interface.
Althoung the action is a little high, you will find this beauty very easy to play due to its kind of thin neck.
The tuner works great as it's very precise. Also the internal pick up does a great job, but don't forget to turn it off after tuning because it eats the 9volts battery very quick.
The cut-away makes it great for high pitch shreding not possible in normal acoustics... and, I have to say, the tuning is still great down in the last frets.
I would really recommend this guitar for beginners and very skilled ones as well.

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Godin Multiac Guitar (Nylon, Natural HG) Review

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(More customer reviews)Great Price for this Guitar - Shipping was fast. Guitar was packed very well and had NO damage. Was a very nice Christmas surprise. Would definately buy from this vendor again. Thanks !!!

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The original Multiac Nylon SA combines cutting edge acoustic guitar design with state-of-the-art on-board electronics and synth access. The 25-1/2" scale, the 1 7/8" nut width, and the fingerboard radius—a slight 16"—all contribute to an easy feel for steel string players to adapt to. This has become the instrument of choice for guitarists of all genres looking to incorporate nylon string guitar sounds in their music.


Godin's Multiac Series
The Multiac models represent the créme de la créme of the acoustic/electric guitar world. Whether you're recording, performing or just looking for an incredible plugged-in sound, these instruments deliver superb results. Several of these guitars are nylon string and the remaining are steel string. The various models are also distinguished by the two electronic systems used in the Multiac series guitars. The RMC-equipped Multiacs include synth access capabilities, and the Duet models feature custom dual source systems by L.R. Baggs.
RMC Polydrive preamp system for added feedback suppresion and a wealth of different tones.

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Ramirez 125 Anos Classical Guitar, CD/IN Review

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(More customer reviews)This guitar is a limited edition produced by the Jose Ramirez workshop in Madrid, Spain. It is a light guitar made only of solid Ceder and Indian Rosewood. The action was perfect right out of the humicase. The guitar case is awesome. The decorations on the guitar are beautiful and the finish is flawless. The silver-plated frets are well placed and trimmed. The scent of the Ceder top is nice too. The sound is high-end, with no buzzing at all. The high notes are clear and full. The sustain is long and dolce(sweet). This is the best student guitar I've yet to come across. I've had the opportunity to play and inspect a few of these and they are all very consistent in quality and sound. I prefer this guitar over the Rodriguez FC and the Yari CY128CE. I researched this guitar extensively searching for the last student guitar I'll need and this is definitely it. They're making this model until December of this year and they go pretty quick. I highly recommend this guitar for the classical player looking for the most quality at the best price. It's a bit more than the other models in its class, but well worth the extra cash.

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Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar, SP/IN Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all, I should state for the record that I am a professional classical guitarist. For the past 15 years I have owned and played guitars by the late master luthier Thomas Humphrey almost exclusively (I concurrently owned a beautiful instrument by notable English builder Christopher Dean for about two years) all of which are near the $10,000 price range. I mention this only to establish the frame of reference by which I am reviewing the Cordoba C7.
I ordered the Cordoba C7 as a teaching guitar and I received it in record time (about 2 days from ordering). Aesthetically, the guitar is beautiful. The European Spruce top and indian rosewood (laminated) back and sides are really gorgeous for a $500 guitar. What I find most impressive is the sound quality and volume of the C7. The sound is deep, rich, "wet" and suprisingly full and round. This guitar can be pushed pretty hard and played fairly loud without breaking up, although the volume does seem to peak at a certain point compared to true concert guitars (again, it's only $500, what do you want?). The playability is outstanding and action very easy no matter what the string tension. I'm not sure how the folks at Cordoba do it, but they have managed to design and build a very impressive, REALLY good advanced student guitar (or entry level concert-quality guitar?) with fine materials for an unbelievable price.
I want to be careful not to over-state my praise for this guitar, but I have played guitars that sell for $1500-$2000 that do not sound this good. All of my comments and praise should be taken in the context of the price of this guitar. If you are looking for an amazing concert instrument to travel the world and record your Grammy award-winning CD, then this is probably not your guitar (although I would play a concert on this guitar if I had to). If you are looking for a great sounding and playing guitar as a "beater", travel or teaching instrument for an unbelievable price, you won't be disappointed here.
P.S. The case is a gig bag and not really review-worthy. It's solidly made with thick durable fabric, but it's still a gig bag. Overall, a really good guitar/bag package for a great price.


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Cordoba C7 Nylon String Acoustic Classical Guitar Review

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(More customer reviews)About three weeks ago, I purchased a new Cordoba C7 from my local Guitar Center. I went there three times, and tried several of their Spanish guitars, including a Rodriguez and another Cordoba, a C5. I liked the C5 as well, but I kept coming back to the C7 as I liked its sound best. By comparison, the other guitars sounded tinny and/or muffled. The C7 is a beautiful instrument, with a nice cedar top and plenty of volume. It has an adjustable truss rod. The action of the strings is low yet not buzzy. I have small hands, but I do not find the neck too much of a stretch for my fingers. The black tuning pegs complement the overall look. The C7 is made in China. It comes with a nice padded "gig bag", but I will be looking for a hard case soon. My instructor likes it too, and commended me on the purchase. I'm happy so far, and it makes me want to pick it up and practice more!

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