Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

dg27

dg27

New member
My wife has been playing guitar for about three years now and has started to write. She mostly plays a steel-string Ibanez that she's had for years and really likes; I got her a MIM Fender Tele a couple of years ago.

I'd like to get her a classical (nylon string) acoustic-electric since she has gotten heavily into finger picking. My budget tops out at $400.

I looked at quite a few recently that fall into that price range: Fender, Takamine, Yamaha, and Cordoba. Have never heard of Cordoba, but really like one that I saw.

Any guidance here would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

I bought a Yamaha about 4-5 years back. (NTX900FM) But it was about 700 IIRC with a spruce top. I think the model next in line down was about 500 but it had I think a cedar top. Both played the same but the spruce obviously had a much brighter tone. It's nice for finger picking (well ALL nylon string boxes are best finger picked) but suits my style well as it's not a super wide neck like a real "classical" guitar. At the nut mine runs 1 7/8". Wide enough to facilitate easier finger picking but not so wide as to feel like I'm way out in left field compared to my Taylor SS or any normal electric really. As for neck heft? It's no baseball bat. Just a bit more chunky like it's a bit wider. So whatever you go with I'd keep nut/neck width in mind and maybe not go too wide so as to make switching back and forth no big shock.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

SlyFoxx said:
I'd keep nut/neck width in mind and maybe not go too wide so as to make switching back and forth no big shock.
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Thanks a lot--very good advice. My wife mentioned the super-wide classical necks (she read something on line) and was concerned.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

My first bit of life guidance: Don't get her a classical because YOU want to. And get her whatever she says feels/plays/sounds best. There are these things called Guitar Center. Take her there and let her play a few!

Now - based on the original thread, it seems you have already violated that. So, I say Yamaha. I have a CGX-171 I LOVE. Wide fretboard is actually a benefit for fingering and finger picking. Easy to get used to...no big deal.


(PS - don't get your wife the gun you think is best either. Get her the one she asked for and likes and holds/points best. If she didn't ask, don't get her one....free life tip!)
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

I have and use a Yamaha nylon made for steel string players. The neck is about as wide as a steel string's and it is very easy to play.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Aceman said:
My first bit of life guidance: Don't get her a classical because YOU want to.
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I'm a bass player with no interest in guitar. She studies Russian finger picking and has wanted one for a while.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Mincer said:
I have and use a Yamaha nylon made for steel string players. The neck is about as wide as a steel string's and it is very easy to play.
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Thanks, Mincer. Will check that out. Mostly I wonder about Cordoba, quality-wise, since I have never heard of them.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

I used a Yamaha for a few classical classes in college, it was a lower end model but a very nice guitar. I have an old MIK Ovation nylon string acoustic/electric now that I really like, unfortunately it pretty much lives in its case now days. Been thinking about selling it if it sounds like something you might be interested in. Shipping to NY might be a little pricey though. (that wasn't meant to be a sales pitch, I'm not actively trying to sell, just throwing it out there).
 
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Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Not taken as a sales pitch--thanks for the offer. I agree shipping might be steep.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

dg27 said:
Thanks, Mincer. Will check that out. Mostly I wonder about Cordoba, quality-wise, since I have never heard of them.
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They run the range from budget to expensive.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Aceman said:
They run the range from budget to expensive.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I saw a few. I wonder how they compare to other brands I mentioned. There was one within my budget that looked pretty good.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

I'm considering upping the budget a bit and getting a Cordoba CE5. Cedar top, which might be better for what she is doing (a little warmer). The nut is about 1 7/8.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

She has no interest in going to any guitar store to try any out. Sam Ash has a solid return policy. If she doesn't like it, we'll swap.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Takamine EC132SC is a real pro instrument and you can get em second hand at a good price.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Ive used one for over 15 years when playing classical gigs in hotel lobbys or at weddings. Can't be beat when it is plugged in. A lot of cats use em.
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

I was looking at the Fender CN-140SCE for a bit. I still might pick one up when I get all of this house stuff settled. It has a Fishman which is a bonus in any guitar.

fender-cn-140sce-thinline-concert-nylon-electro-classical-guitar-angle.jpg
 
Re: Nylon String Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar recommendations?

Thanks--will check it out.
 
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