The 8 Best Classical Guitars for Every Budget: Nylon-String Models Beyond Flamenco
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The 8 Best Classical Guitars for Every Budget: Nylon-String Models Beyond Flamenco · Source: Manuel Rodríguez Guitarras
The best classical guitars, i.e., acoustic guitars with nylon strings, primarily used for plucking and fingerpicking, can vary significantly in terms of model, depending on your budget, age, and experience. That’s why we’ve tried to cover as many areas as possible in this list, from beginner models for children to professional flamenco guitars. Take a look!
Our Picks:
The Best Classical Guitars: What You Need To Know
When it comes to the best classical guitars, many different factors are at play. From your experience and age (and the associated size) to budget, there is no such thing as the perfect classical guitar for everyone. For beginners, for example, an expensive premium model makes just as little sense as a full-size model for an eight-year-old beginner.
But even when it comes to the best classical guitars in the premium tier, there are many different factors to consider. For example, even when you’re looking to buy your second or third guitar, size can still play a role if the guitarist is still young and growing. And, of course, there are guitarists of all heights and sizes, regardless of age.
Essentially, the primary difference (apart from size) between classical and western guitars, both of which fall under the category of acoustic guitar, is the strings: classical guitars are equipped with nylon strings, sometimes also fluorocarbon strings, but never steel strings, as found on acoustic and electric guitars.
Size Matters
Because nylon strings develop far less tension than steel strings, classical guitars often come without a truss rod, which is an additional reinforcement in the neck. Therefore, try to avoid using steel strings on classical guitars, as the neck could break due to the increased tension.
When it comes to the different sizes of classical guitars and the age for which each is best suited, it’s usually this distribution: The ⅛ and ¼ guitars are most suitable for children between the ages five and eight. ½ models are best suited for children between the ages of nine and eleven, ¾ guitars are aimed at twelve to fifteen-year-olds, the ⅞ and 4/4 models are for teenagers and adults.
It is also important to consider the genre or musical direction you want to pursue. If you intend to stick mainly to classical music, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality classical guitar right from the start. If you just looking to try out playing the guitar, a cheaper model might make more sense. Because if you then decide to switch to acoustics or electrics, its cheaper price isn’t as much of an obstacle.
To keep things clear, however, we will primarily focus on 4/4 guitars for this list. If you are looking for smaller concert guitars, you can find them here at Thomann:
- ⅛ models* for the youngest players
- ¼ models* for playing music in elementary school
- ½ models* for beginners aged nine and above
- ¾ models* for teenagers
- ⅞ guitars* for young adults
So let’s take a look at some suggestions for 4/4 guitars. As always with our guitar lists, the best classical guitars are sorted by price only.
The Best Classical Guitars under 100 Euros
The best classical guitars in this price range may not quite match the quality of entry-level models in the mid-three-digit range. However, many offer an affordable entry point for beginners, allowing them to try out the instrument, perhaps develop their skills, or even give it away as a gift without too much hesitation.
Startone CG 851
“Can such an affordable guitar really be any good?” Sure, at a price of €49.90 for what appears to be a full-fledged instrument, it’s a fair question. And yes, higher-priced models are certainly better-crafted and made from better-sounding materials.
But if you look at the over 700 reviews on Thomann, the general consensus is: you get a lot of value for your money! There’s also a bundle* that includes a bag, tuner, and picks.
Harley Benton CG200
Few other manufacturers are as synonymous with the entry-level guitar market as Harley Benton. Whether electric guitars, electric basses, amps, or multi-effects, HB is the gateway drug for many to the world of guitars. And in terms of quality, Thomann’s brand has made huge leaps forward in recent years. The range also includes a whole series of affordable classical guitars, with the CG200 in black being a beautifully dark* option. A model with a cutaway is also available at a similarly affordable price*.
If a slightly higher price also works for you, models such as the HBO-850* and HBO-850 Classic Blue* take things up a notch visually. Perhaps the best concert guitars, but certainly the most beautiful!
The Best Classical Guitars up to 1,000 Euros
The mid-range for classical guitars is more spread out. Higher-quality materials are increasingly being used here, and pickup systems to directly connect a classical guitar to a PA are also more common.
Yamaha C40
For a long time, Yamaha was to drums and guitars what Toyota was to cars in the 1980s and 1990s: a Japanese manufacturer offering significantly better quality than its competitors at the same price.
This classical guitar features a rosewood bridge and fretboard, a South American Nato neck, a spruce top, and meranti back and sides. That’s a load of high-quality woods for this model. Check it out at Thomann*.
Caballero by Manuel Rodriguez CA-PM SE
The traditional Spanish company Manuel Rodriguez has been building classical guitars for almost 120 years. With the company Caballero by Manuel Rodriguez, it is following a similar path to Squier at Fender or Epiphone at Gibson: the expertise behind the parent company’s high-end products is incorporated into a subsidiary’s more affordable models.
A real win-win situation! This CA-PM SE model not only features high-quality wood types, but also comes with a GEWA ETC-4 pickup system, including a 4-band EQ and an integrated tuner. Find all the details at Thomann*.
Alhambra Black Satin CW
I remember exactly how, many years ago, I played an Alhambra model at a local guitar specialist. No other guitar had such a warm, full sound. In the end, I opted for a smaller, more comfortable acoustic guitar from Tanglewood, but I haven’t been able to get that sound out of my head ever since.
I bet this is also the case for this classical guitar in matte black. It also features an integrated Fishman Classic II pickup system, and a gig bag is included. Take a closer look at Thomann*.
The Best Classical Guitars over 1,000 Euros
Anyone who knows even a little bit about concert guitars may be somewhat surprised by the attempt to combine everything over €1,000 in one category. This is because in terms of price, some of these instruments are in dizzying territory. However, there are also some noteworthy gems in the lower four-digit range.
Cordoba GK Studio Negra
Cordoba is a real heavyweight in the world of classical guitars. With a European spruce top, laminated rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) back and sides, Spanish cedar neck, and rosewood fretboard, this model oozes excellence.
With its minimalist appearance and crystal-clear sound, the GK Studio Negra is the ideal guitar for those who frequently play flamenco concerts or teach. Find out more at Thomann*.
Furch GNc2-CW
Zugegeben, an der Produktbenennung könnten Furch bei diesem Modell noch arbeiten. Aber was ihr an Materialien, hochwertiger Verarbeitung und Sound drinsteckt, dafür kann man auch mal einen eher ungewöhnlichen Produktnamen auswendig lernen.
Steg und Griffbrett aus Ebenholz, Decke aus massiver Rot-Zeder, Boden und Zargen aus massiver Walnuss, Hals aus Mahagoni – das Instrument fängt schon an zu schwingen vom bloßen Ansehen. Schaut es euch bei Thomann* an.
Ramirez Anniversary – The Most Expensive Classical Guitar on the Market!
Mal angenommen, man nähme das mit dem Gitarrespielen so richtig ernst. Man wäre sein Leben lang vernarrt in Flamenco und sieht sich fast als Gitano. Und man hätte vielleicht ein klitzekleines bisschen etwas übrig in der Kaffeekasse, oder zwei.
Dann führt kein Weg vorbei an der Ramirez Anniversary. 125 Stück gibt es von ihr nur, ein Tonabnehmersystem fehlt. Aber bei einer derart edlen Gitarre will man aber den Resonanzkörper auch nicht von irgendeiner Elektronik stören. Edler geht es kaum. Details erfahrt ihr bei Thomann*.
*Disclaimer: This article about the best classical guitars contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
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