Gearank

Gearank Recommended

The C5 first appeared on our recommended list for Classical Guitars from December 2017 until June 2019 when it had been out-ranked by other guitars.

In August 2020 it had high enough ratings to return to our recommendations for Classical Guitars Under $500, but it came back off the list in September 2022 when it was out-ranked by the Kremona Soloist S65C.

Overview

While the price is quite high compared to other entry level models, it is justified by its solid western red cedar top and the use of traditional Spanish fan bracing, which many prefer for its improved resonance and overall tone.

The body is crafted from mahogany, forming Cordoba's modified classical body design, which features a smaller sound hole and a slightly bigger body, the aim of which is to improve projection.

Other features include having a detailed rosette inlay, Indian rosewood binding, pearl buttons and solid mahogany neck.

The Cordoba C5 is a step up from the C3M with most commentary on forums agreeing that the C5 has better sustain despite the specifications for the two instruments looking very similar.

Where they differ is that the C5 has a slightly larger upper bout width, slightly longer overall length, slightly smaller soundhole, higher quality tuning pegs and a gloss finish instead of matte.

While this is not cheap, it is still accessibly priced for students, which makes it a very good nylon string guitar to start with.

Cordoba also say that this is one of their top selling guitars.

This is a good quality nylon string guitar that will help you develop your skill from beginner to intermediate levels of playing.

Specifications

• Top: Solid Cedar
• Body: Laminated Mahogany
• Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 650mm (25.6")
• Nut Width: 52mm (2.04")

Demos