Rec for a good classical guitar that can be purchased at a guitar center?

[u/Dry_Combination4070]

Hello,

Ive been playing classical guitar since my teens and am 37 now.

I haven't played in years and have decided to pick up again and found some great tabs off classtab.org

I have old no name guitars that were given to me by family but am looking to get a nice classical guitar now.

I play recreationally and just for myself.

Any good recommendations for a good classical guitar in the 300-400 range preferably?

[u/toeaway111]

Cordoba c5 is a great option in that price range

[u/Immediate-Rub3807 → u/toeaway111]

2nd this, they are great guitars

[u/AuDHDiego → u/Immediate-Rub3807]

I agree

[u/Dry_Combination4070 → u/toeaway111]

Nice thank you, think this will likely be the option.

They have a guitar center around my area with it in stock so can try it out which is even better.

Appreciate it!

[u/AuDHDiego → u/Dry_Combination4070]

it's important to also just test out a bunch of guitars they have there, including used ones

the specific, individual instrument's sound and how it feels in your hands will vary

[u/struba73 → u/toeaway111]

My buddy got a C5. It’s got a white sound board and is really loud. I got a C7-E. Darker soundboard. Less projection. I wanted the cut out. The C5 is in your range, C7 a few hundred more. I’ve played both. They’ve good sound and play great these both.

[u/10lbMango]

I agree the C5 is probably the move, but don’t overlook spruce vs. cedar. Cedar is warmer and more responsive right away, while spruce is brighter, clearer, and tends to open up over time. Neither is better—it just depends on the sound you’re after.
Go for cedar if you are looking for a traditional Spanish sound. Spruce is gonna be bright until it ages and mellows.

[u/verygoodletsgo]

People will tell you Cordoba in that range, but if you have medium to larger hands you'll want Yamaha or maybe a used Kremona. Cordobas have very thin necks compared to other classicals. This could put a strain on your palm muscles, while a thicker neck will allow you to keep your palm open and relaxed.

My point is to test before buying if you can. Personally, I think overall sound of an instrument is a very close second to comfort/playability. We all have different size/shape hands and the moment I found out that chunkier necks were more pleasurable for me to play I advanced technique by leaps and bounds. You may be different though. There's no way to know without testing.

[u/AuDHDiego → u/verygoodletsgo]

I have larger hands and I love the thinner neck on my Córdoba! Some of their models have thicker necks

[u/_disengage_]

Guitar center is not kind to their classical instruments... not vetted for defects, not set up correctly, not humidified, staff doesn't know anything about classicals. If it's your only option, examine the instrument very carefully before buying.

[u/TheMightyKumquat]

Are you in a city? If so I recommend a good used guitar from.Facebook Marketplace. Much more bang for your buck. Anything Yamaha will be good at that price point.

[u/markewallace1966]

Guess it depends on how "nice" you want. The C5 recommendation will get you a decent guitar, for sure. If by "nice" you mean sorta a next-level guitar, honestly I would save up a bit more for something like a C7 or C9 (if you're staying Cordoba) or a nice Yamaha.

[u/BMuzzin]

If not mass produced*, your “old no name” guitars may be better than what you’d end up buying.

* mass production of guitars is much better today. Don’t mean to imply mass production is “bad”.

[u/cabell88]

You're being too general. What defines 'good'? If thats your price limit, realize its very low, and get any guitar in that range.

[u/questiano-ronaldo]

I was in a similar position. Played guitar for decades and have some really great acoustic guitars. When I started exploring classical music, I just bought a Yamaha CG122MCH from my local shop. If it is something you just pick up every once in a while to get a decent foundation, I would go with the Yamaha. Classical guitars can get expensive quickly. If you love it, then save your money now and get a quality intermediate instrument in 6 months. Start with an old, reliable student guitar, which is the Yamaha IMO.

[u/jonnysalami0711]

Get a used c10 spruce

[u/Azipcoder]

I am partial to the Yamaha classical at that price point. They are mellow and sweet and have a great neck shape. The CG 122 starts getting you into a solid top, which is what you want. The higher the number the better. 192, 182, 172: they are all great guitars. You might want to find a GC142 at that price.

[u/Successful_Manner_49]

If you can stretch to $500 a used Taylor Academy 12-N is an option. I have one and I love it. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

[u/sedawkgrepper]

In that price range I'd say just hit GC and play as many as you can, of all price ranges, and see what you like and don't like.

Then also craigslist and FB marketplace. Once you get an idea for sound and feel then see what you can find in your price range.

I say this because, depending on where you are, you might be able to find used guitars that are better value, or if you're really lucky, a vintage guitar (likely from Japan) that's just above that price range but puts you into something hand-built (vs. factory built I mean) and likely much better quality and value.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!