From traditional classical guitars, to flamenco and modern crossover guitar models, there are now plenty of good nylon string guitar options. Here we share our best nylon string guitar picks covering the most popular price ranges.
Best Nylon String Guitar Under $200 | Best Nylon String Guitar Under $200 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 92 | 2100+ |
Best Nylon String Guitar Under $500 | Best Nylon String Guitar Under $500 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 92 | 500+ |
Best Nylon String Guitar Under $750 | Best Nylon String Guitar Under $750 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 200+ | |||
 | 95 | 90+ |
Best Nylon String Guitar Under $1000 | Best Nylon String Guitar Under $1000 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 93 | 170+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Classical guitars are the most common, designed specifically for traditional classical music. But with enough creativity, the best classical guitars can work with other musical styles.
Classical guitars follow specific profiles and specifications. They are favored by many music conservatory teachers and students alike.
Flamenco guitars, on the other hand, have their own distinct design. They’re tailored for aggressive and percussive playing styles, offering a different and compelling option.
Additionally, there are contemporary nylon string guitar variants. These options provide the soft feel and tonal richness of nylon strings while incorporating modern ergonomic and functional designs.
This guide offers a comprehensive selection to suit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner, a serious student of classical or flamenco music, or exploring nylon strings for the first time.
Best Nylon String Guitar under $200
Yamaha C40II Classical Nylon String Guitar
The Yamaha C40 has been the best classical guitar for beginners for decades, and rightly so. It gets the most teacher recommendations and continues as the perennial classical guitar for novices.
Pros:
- Time-tested build quality and durability.
- Well-balanced sound with good clarity and projection.
- Best cheap nylon string guitar.
- Most popular student classical guitar.
- Great playability for beginners and advanced players.
- Generic specs with laminate wood.
- Lacks sustain.
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On paper, it doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary. It just bears the expected characteristics of a classical guitar, including the body shape, nut width, scale length, and string height. But thanks to Yamaha’s penchant for build quality and attention to detail, they have made a seemingly ordinary instrument, into a consistent market favorite.
This good build quality translates to good playability, is easy enough for beginners, and can also handle advanced techniques experienced musicians use.
Given its price, there can be inconsistencies with the fretwork and setup, but mine was adequately set up, so I didn’t experience the problem personally. I never even had any work done on the guitar work after that.
It also has a balanced sound with good clarity and projection, and it feels responsive to how strong or soft the strings are plucked. My main gripe is its lack of sustain, and volume dips quickly after playing a note.
Longevity is another common reason the C40 is one of the most universally recommended beginner guitars. The Yamaha C40 I used while I was enrolled in classical guitar studies is still playable. Many teachers, myself included, have years’ worth of good stories to tell about the instrument.
And to this day, the C40 is still the talk of the town regarding classical guitar deals.
It is easily one of the best classical guitars in popularity and widespread use.
Note that this nylon string guitar is different from what comes to mind for professional playing. But it is one of the great classic guitars for classical and nylon string guitars.
Whether you specifically want to learn Classical Guitar or you want to learn guitar in general, you can’t go far wrong with the world’s best nylon guitar for students, the Yamaha C40.
I have a soft spot for it because I initially learned to play guitar on the Mk I version of the C40. I’m pleased that today’s beginning guitarists, their teachers, and parents have rated the MkII version so highly.
Editor’s Note by Jason Horton
- Top: Laminated Spruce
- Body: Meranti back & sides
- Finish: Gloss
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Neck: Nato
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25 9/16″)
- Nut Width: 52 mm (2 1/16″)
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Best Nylon String Guitar under $500
Cordoba C5 Nylon String Classical Guitar
Cordoba’s rise in the nylon string guitar market is impressive. Thanks to its blend of high-quality construction, modern production, and affordable pricing.
The Cordoba C5 perfectly exemplifies this. It’s a reasonably priced classical guitar with features like a solid Canadian cedar top and traditional Spanish fan bracing. These features enhance its resonance and overall tone.
Pros:
- Good-quality construction
- Enriched resonance and projection.
- Detailed craftsmanship and aesthetic enhancements.
- Versatile for various music styles, like bossa nova and flamenco.
- Appropriate for both beginners and advanced guitar players.
- Higher cost relative to entry-level options.
- Finish preferences may vary.
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The C5’s price may be higher compared to other entry-level models. But it’s justified by its high-quality materials and construction techniques.
Its slightly modified body design, with a smaller soundhole and larger body, enhances clarity and projection. This makes it suitable for various music styles, like bossa nova and flamenco.
The C5 also features a bone nut and saddle, a significant upgrade from the plastic often used in entry-level guitars. This greatly improves the guitar’s sustain and resonance.
Cordoba’s attention to detail is evident in the C5’s Indian rosewood binding. It has gold tuners with pearl buttons and a detailed wood rosette inlay.
Though not the cheapest option, the Cordoba C5 offers great value, especially for Spanish music styles.
It’s an excellent choice for students willing to spend a bit more on quality, and it can also satisfy advanced players.
The C5 is a step up from the C3M, with better sustain and other improvements like a slightly larger upper bout width.
It’s got a longer overall length, a smaller soundhole, higher-quality tuning pegs, and a glossy finish.
Cordoba claims it’s one of their top-selling guitars, and it’s easy to see why. The C5 can help players develop their skills from beginner to intermediate levels.
- 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″)
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Best Nylon String Guitars under $750
Cordoba GK Studio Negra Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar
The Cordoba GK Studio Negra is a flamenco-style nylon string guitar. I highly recommend it for its unique features and versatility. It comes equipped with a Fishman Presys Blend pickup system, and has a soft cutaway in keeping with how most acoustic-electric guitars are designed.
Pros:
- Specifically crafted for flamenco with special dimensions and action.
- Gritty and percussive flamenco tone when hit hard
- Solid European spruce and rosewood.
- Exceptional build quality
- Balanced tone and sustain.
- Lacks projection due to thinner body
- Can be too sensitive to attack
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It is an acoustic-electric guitar for flamenco, with a thinner nut, reduced scale length, and lower action, all of which make the instrument great for flamenco playing techniques.
Since it can handle flamenco’s blazing fast runs and percussive attack, it’ll easily tackle anything else that you can throw at it, and you can do so with less stress on your hands. This easy playability is its focal point.
It sports premium specs that include a solid European spruce top supported by Spanish-style fan bracing, and what separates it from the standard studio version is the use of rosewood for the back and sides. And build quality is up to par, if not above its pay grade.
It has a balanced voice with good upper and low-end clarity. The string balance is superb and sustains notes well, complete with complex harmonic overtones.
The downside to its thinner profile is its lack of projection. Lower action means the notes have more grit when plucked hard, sometimes even buzzing.
Losing clarity when you hit the strings hard is more of a design choice, given that this guitar is meant to emphasize flamenco-style percussive attack.
While this guitar is meant for flamenco, it can handle other styles, including jazz, blues, folk, pop, and even classical – as long as you don’t overdo your right-hand attack. But if you’re looking for a more versatile modern nylon string instrument, check out Cordoba’s Fusion series models.
The Cordoba GK Studio Negra is the best nylon string guitar for fans of flamenco, and with its built-in pickups, it’s viable for stage use with other styles of music.
- Top: Solid European Spruce
- Body: Rosewood back & sides
- Finish: High gloss PU
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650mm (25.6″)
- Nut Width: 50mm (1.96″)
- Electronics: Fishman Presys Blend with 4 Band EQ + phase, undersaddle piezo, internal microphone with blender, and built-in digital tuner
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Kremona Soloist S65C Classical Guitar
European-made guitars are usually not associated with affordability, but there are exceptions, like the Kremona Soloist S65C. This guitar is handcrafted in Bulgaria but retains a reasonable price tag.
Pros:
- Solid cedar top
- Handcrafted in Bulgaria
- Lively tone with detailed highs
- Good overall quality for the price
- Can be a bit too bright for some
- Fret work is hit or miss
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European-made guitars are usually not associated with affordability, but there are exceptions, like the Kremona Soloist S65C. This guitar is handcrafted in Bulgaria but retains a reasonable price tag.
Since production is not outsourced, Kremona has better control over quality, translating to less build quality and material-related issues.
Kremona began life in 1924, founded by Dimitar Georgiev, a gunsmith-turned-luthier after his apprenticeship at Markneukirchen, Germany.
Thanks to its solid cedar top, it has a lively tone with detailed highs. The extra emphasis on the highs gives it a trebly zing rare among nylon string guitars, making it viable for non-classical types of music. It’s not overly bright and stays within traditional classical guitar tones.
Response and projection are also outstanding. Shifting the right-hand position dramatically changes the flavor of the voicing, warmer near the neck and brighter near the bridge.
And it also responds well to dynamic changes as you play. This makes it an excellent baseline nylon string guitar to develop preferences for construction tone and feel.
The neck profile can be a hit or miss depending on the player, but it is a non-issue since I am used to traditional classical guitar necks. Those used to narrower steel string guitar necks will notice a substantial difference.
The Soloist S65C is an excellent pick whether you’re starting or want a backup guitar for your collection.
- Top: Solid Red Cedar
- Body: Sapele back & sides
- Finish: Natural
- Bridge: Indian rosewood
- Neck: African Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25.6″)
- Nut Width: 52mm (2.04″)
Best Nylon String Guitar under $1000
Cordoba GK Studio Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar
The Cordoba GK Studio is a versatile flamenco-style guitar with exceptional build quality.
It’s equipped with Fishman Presys Blend electronics. This lets you seamlessly blend an internal mic and piezo pickup system, to better capture percussive playing styles.
Pros:
- Your List Here, Paste in Bulk
- Your List Here, Paste in Bulk
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What I love most about the GK Studio is its playability. The mahogany neck features a slightly thinner nut width and scale length. Together with its low action, you get a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
It features a solid European spruce top, paired with cypress back and sides – which are quite special for its list price.
The Fishman Presys system is a game-changer for live performances. You can blend the mic and piezo pickups to achieve good sound while managing feedback on stage.
While it is meant for flamenco, it’s surprisingly adaptable for jazz, pop, blues, and folk styles. It’s generally a great choice if you enjoy fingerstyle playing. It delivers the rich, resonant tones favored by flamenco musicians.
The GK Studio is a great pick for those who want to seriously delve into the rhythmic complexities of flamenco.
- Top: Solid European Spruce
- Body: Cypress back & sides
- Finish: High gloss PU
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650mm (25.6″)
- Nut Width: 50mm (2″)
- Electronics: Fishman Presys Blend with 4 Band EQ + phase, undersaddle piezo and internal microphone with blender, built in digital tuner
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Things to Consider When Buying a Nylon String Guitar
This section explains some of the terminologies you will come across when you look at nylon string acoustic guitars and discuss them; this, along with a few tips, will help you determine which guitar characteristics will suit your playing style.
If you need clarification on the different parts of a guitar, then the check out our article on guitar parts diagram at the bottom will explain them to you.
The Different Types of Classical Guitars
Flamenco Guitars are generally built to have a more punchy sound and are intended to be played in a more percussive style, including tapping on the top soundboard; in fact, they usually have a protective plastic cover called a golpeador to facilitate this without damaging the finish. They have a smaller nut width, which means the strings are closer together than on a standard classical guitar, and a lower action (aka string height). They are often made with spruce tops and cypress or sycamore backs and sides to enhance volume from their thinner bodies. Their tonal characteristics are designed to cut through the sound of dancers loudly clapping and tapping their feet.
Classical Guitars usually have deeper bodies, wider nut widths, and higher action than flamenco-style guitars. They typically have thicker spruce or cedar tops and rosewood or mahogany backs and sides, which tend to give them a more rounded or mellow sound, roughly covering the frequency spectrum of an orchestra. They are primarily intended to be played solo or in tiny ensembles.
Spanish Guitars are a subset of classical guitars traditionally made in Spain with bracing, construction techniques, and tonal characteristics that, experts say, vary by region. If you are into traditional Latin and Spanish style music, then you should take this type of guitar into account.
Concert Guitars are high-end classical guitars made by luthiers, usually following centuries-old traditional methods and the use of expensive materials. A typical luthier may only produce 4 to 6 guitars per year or, in a more extensive operation, perhaps as many as 20. A lower-priced concert guitar usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000, with higher-end models going well into the 5-figure range.
Nylon String Guitars include all of the types of guitars above in addition to many modern hybrid guitars and crossover guitars. These instruments combine the characteristics of many different kinds of guitars, including steel-string acoustic and even electric guitars. Some come with pickups and electronics built-in. Due to this guide’s price range, most guitars here are considered Classical, Flamenco, or Hybrid guitars. Electric guitar players who want a ticket into the world of nylon string guitars will appreciate hybrid or crossover guitars.
Crossover Nylon String Guitars
Instead of being a distinct type like the ones listed above, this refers to nylon string guitars designed with specifications that make it easy to transition from steel-string guitars, and as such, many of the types above can be made with crossover characteristics. The main one is that they typically have smaller nut widths, so the strings are closer together than on a standard classical guitar. Traditional classical guitars also have flatter fingerboards (a larger fretboard radius) than regular acoustics, while crossover guitars can have curved fingerboards. Some crossover models also feature a cutaway to make it easier to reach the higher frets, particularly with acoustic-electric models. These pickup-equipped models can plug into an amp or a PA Mixing Console.
Tonewoods
Like other guitars, there are ongoing discussions and debates about which wood species produces superior tones or tones better suited to certain playing styles. Two main types of wood are used for the top or soundboard of nylon string acoustic guitars: Spruce is generally considered to produce a crisper tone with more definition, while Cedar is regarded as having warmer or darker tones.
However, many luthiers will tell you that the thickness of the wood, types of bracing, and other construction techniques can be just as important as the materials in determining the tone.
Everyone agrees that having a solid wood top instead of a cheaper laminated wood top will provide better projection (they’ll be louder) and lead to richer tones over time as the wood grains open up. The caveat is that on cheap guitars under about $200, a laminated top will have a more consistent tone between individual guitars of the same model than the variations in grain that come with cheap solid woods.
Similar discussions occur about the wood used on the rest of the guitar, but the top or soundboard dominates in tone.
Solid mahogany for the back and sides is a popular configuration, but it is priced much higher than the scope of this guide.
Scale Length
This is essentially the distance measured between the saddle and the nut, or more accurately, described as double the distance from the nut to the 12th fret plus some “compensation” added by the saddle’s position. A longer scale length requires higher tension in the strings, resulting in a brighter tone. Stewart MacDonald presents a more detailed explanation with examples quite well, and a good description of the implications of different scale lengths can be found on Martin Guitar.
Nut Width
This is the main thing determining the distance between the strings, although the width at the saddle plays a minor role too, with the strings usually being closer to each other at the nut than at the saddle. The nut width and action height are the things that most influence the ‘playability’ of a guitar, with smaller nut widths better suited to steel-string players transitioning to classical.
Action / String Height
Instruments with a low Guitar Action allow faster runs and easier use of advanced playing techniques. But this comes at the expense of introducing some fret buzz, a feature of flamenco-style playing. Beginners and those transitioning from steel-string acoustic to Electric Guitars generally find a lower action easier to play. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic, see this Delcamp Classical Guitar Forum thread.
Straight Acoustic or Acoustic-Electric?
Acoustic-Electric models come with pickups and other electronics installed. This usually includes a battery powered preamp with EQ. These additional components may have subtle effects on the tone or resonance of the guitar, but the most practical differences are that they cost more but can be amplified.
Can Steel Strings be Used on a Classical Guitar?
The short answer is no. A nylon-strung guitar is not built to handle the tension of steel strings. It can be done with some modifications, but you won’t get the most out of your steel string, so it’s not worth it. On the other hand, steel-string acoustic guitars can handle nylon strings easily, but adjustments to the nut and saddle will make it work. The identical downside applies: you won’t get the natural feel and sound of nylon strings when used this way. So for the best results, learn how to string a classical guitar with the proper strings.
Best Nylon String Guitar Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016. The current edition was published on July 23, 2024
To be considered for inclusion in this guide, a guitar had to meet the following criteria:
- Must have nylon strings.
- Priced from $99 to $999.99.
- Only 6 string guitars were included.
- Must be available from major online retailers in the USA.
- Must have upper and lower bouts consistent with a full-sized body.
- Types of guitars with nylon strings that were excluded: Travel & Silent Guitars
With these criteria in hand, we looked at the individual guitars that the major retailers in the USA listed as their most popular models. We selected the most promising 68 guitars to process for their Gearank rating scores. The Gearank Algorithm processed more than 10,400 reviews and ratings during this process. It includes the most recent ones to produce the rating scores out of 100 that you see above.
Finally, we selected the highest-rated options to recommend in each price range above.
For more information about our methods, please read
You won’t see boutique classical guitar brands featured here. Given the availability and price range that this guide covers.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
As a classically trained guitarist, nylon string guitars have a special place in my heart. I have taught many young students on nylon string guitars, and I usually recommend starting this way unless the student specifically wants to learn electric or steel string guitar.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Product research.
Alden Acosta & Jerry Borillo: Product research.
Jason Horton: Supplemental writing, Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Taylor Academy 12-N, Cordoba GK Studio Negra, Kremona Verea Cutaway and Kremona Soloist S65C.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
Related Guides
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Best Budget Acoustic Electric Guitar 2024: Trusted & Proven
Best Acoustic Guitars from $100 to $1000 – 2024
Best Acoustic Guitar Under 1000 Dollars
Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar in All 3 Categories – 2024
Comments:
16 responses
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Publication of our September 2022 Edition resulted in the following models coming off the recommended list above:
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The following guitars came off the recommended list for this Edition, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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We have removed the Yamaha CG102 from the Under $200 recommended list above due to a price increase putting it above $200.
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Publication of our June 2021 Edition resulted in the following guitars coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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The following guitars came off our recommended list above as a result of our August 2020 update, however you can still see our analysis of them:
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We have removed the Cordoba C3M from the list of recommended nylon string guitar under $200 due to its price going up above that level.
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As a result of the June 2019 update for this guide the following guitars came off the recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:
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The Cordoba Fusion 12 with spruce top and rosewood back/sides at $500 barely used was a DEAL from a pal in another state. I am delighted with it for a modest price and it helps a primary steel / electric player stay with some intermediate classical pieces (Sor etudes, Guardame las Vacas, Alman by R. Johnson, etc.). And I owned 1 and played several built by pro luthier Thos. Rodriguez. For normal play a good mid-range Cordoba is hard to beat and easy to re-sell.
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I’m on my second Córdoba c5 and the first one the bridge came off and now this second one is beginning to do the same. You mentioned that was the only negative but unverifiable however I can’t imagine this not happening frequently. Not a well built guitar.
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Thanks for mentioning it – the Taylor Academy 12e-N is on our short-list and will be considered for recommendation when we next update this guide.
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As a result of the December 2017 update of this guide, several guitars were removed from our recommended list above, but you can still read about them here:
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This is an exceptionally well-written and informative article about nylon string guitars and I enjoyed learning about the nuances and main differences among the several varieties. As a writer myself, I feel compelled to point to one tiny, nit-picking correction you could make in order to make it a near-perfect piece.
Near the beginning, under Methodology, you say, “With this criteria in hand . . . ” It should be “these criteria.” Although in your case, because of the high quality of your writing, I would assume it to be a typo, many people are not aware that “criteria” is the plural form of the singular, “criterion.”
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Thank you for pointing out the error – I’ve corrected it now. If you look at our other guides you’ll see we do usually refer to ‘criterion’ in the singular and ‘criteria’ in the plural. BTW – We really do appreciate it when our readers help us to improve these guides!
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That looks like an interesting guitar, but I couldn’t find anyone selling it at that price – here’s the Amazon UK price.
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Acoustic Guitar Guides
Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
The Best Nylon String Acoustic Guitar Under $200
Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar
Cons
- Generic specs with laminate wood.
- Lacks sustain.
Pros
- Time-tested build quality and durability.
- Well-balanced sound with good clarity and projection.
- Best cheap nylon string guitar.
- Most popular student classical guitar.
- Great playability for beginners and advanced players.
The Yamaha C40 has been the best classical guitar for beginners learning classical guitar for many years, and for good reason. Many teachers, including myself, highly recommend it to new learners.
This acoustic embodies the characteristics of a classical guitar, such as body shape, nut width, scale length, and string height. Although it may not boast extraordinary features on paper.
The C40 is a highly favored beginner classical guitar. Thanks to Yamaha's quality construction and attention to detail.
Its excellent build quality translates to great playability. This makes it easy for beginners to learn and helps ease the execution of advanced techniques.
Despite its affordable price, the C40 produces a well-balanced sound with good clarity and projection.
Personally, I did not encounter any issues with my C40. It was adequately set up and required no further adjustments.
While it may lack sustain or experience a quick volume drop after playing a note, its longevity is another reason why it's widely recommended.
The Yamaha C40 I used during my classical guitar studies is still in playable condition.
Even today, the C40 continues to be a popular choice for those seeking classical guitars. It's an excellent option for both classical and nylon string guitar enthusiasts.
The Yamaha C40 is undeniably one of the best nylon string guitars for beginners. It is a great companion, whether you're learning classical guitar or pursuing general guitar studies.
--Ed, Jason Horton
Features
- Top: Laminated Spruce
- Body: Meranti back & sides
- Finish: Gloss
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Neck: Nato
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25 9/16")
- Nut Width: 52 mm (2 1/16")
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | 5 Minute Music | 95/100 |
The Best Nylon String Acoustic Guitar Under $500
Cordoba C5
Cons
- Higher cost relative to entry-level options.
- Finish preferences may vary.
Pros
- High-quality construction with premium materials.
- Enhanced resonance and projection.
- Detailed craftsmanship and aesthetic enhancements.
- Versatile for various music styles, like bossa nova and flamenco.
- Appropriate for both beginners and advanced players.
- Improved features compared to similar models.
Cordoba's rise in the nylon string guitar market is impressive. Thanks to its blend of high-quality construction, modern production, and affordable pricing.
The Cordoba C5 perfectly exemplifies this. It’s a reasonably priced classical guitar with features like a solid Canadian cedar top and traditional Spanish fan bracing. These features enhance its resonance and overall tone.
The C5's price may be higher compared to other entry-level models. But it’s justified by its high-quality materials and construction techniques.
Its slightly modified body design, with a smaller soundhole and larger body, enhances clarity and projection. This makes it suitable for various music styles, like bossa nova and flamenco.
The C5 also features a bone nut and saddle, a significant upgrade from the plastic often used in entry-level guitars. This greatly improves the guitar's sustain and resonance.
Cordoba’s attention to detail is evident in the C5's Indian rosewood binding. It has gold tuners with pearl buttons and a detailed wood rosette inlay.
Though not the cheapest option, the Cordoba C5 offers great value, especially for Spanish music styles.
It's an excellent choice for students willing to spend a bit more on quality, and it can also satisfy advanced players.
The C5 is a step up from the C3M, with better sustain and other improvements like a slightly larger upper bout width.
It's got a longer overall length, a smaller soundhole, higher-quality tuning pegs, and a glossy finish.
Cordoba claims it’s one of their top-selling guitars, and it's easy to see why. The C5 can help players develop their skills from beginner to intermediate levels.
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")
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| YouTube | AcousticGuitarReviews | 96/100 |
The Best Nylon String Guitars Under $750
Cordoba GK Studio Negra Flamenco Guitar
Cons
- Thinner profile may affect projection.
- Lower action can lead to occasional buzzing.
Pros
- Unique features and versatility for both stage and studio.
- Specifically crafted for flamenco with special dimensions and action.
- Premium materials like solid European spruce and rosewood.
- Exceptional build quality with a balanced tone and sustain.
- ESuitable for various music styles beyond flamenco.
The Cordoba GK Studio Negra is a flamenco-style nylon string guitar. I highly recommend it for its unique features and versatility.
This classical guitar is perfect for both stage performances and studio recordings. Designed with a soft cutaway and equipped with Fishman Presys Blend electronics.
Specifically crafted for flamenco, it boasts a thinner nut, reduced scale length, and lower action. This caters perfectly to flamenco playing techniques while ensuring comfort and ease of use.
Cordoba has packed the GK Studio Negra with premium specifications. It includes a solid European spruce top with Spanish-style fan bracing.
It utilizes rosewood for the back and sides and displays high build quality. This differentiates itself from the standard studio version.
The build quality is exceptional, ensuring a balanced voice with clear upper and low-end tones. It has remarkable string balance with sustained notes and complex harmonic overtones.
Its thinner profile may limit projection, and the lower action can lead to a gritty sound. It can also have an occasional buzz with hard playing, but its versatility still shines through.
It's not just for flamenco; it adapts well to jazz, blues, folk, pop, and classical music styles, as long as the right-hand attack is controlled.
The Fishman Presys Blend system allows you to blend the microphone pickup to your desired level. It's an invaluable feature for managing stage feedback and achieving optimal recording results.
Overall, whether you're a fan of flamenco or exploring various musical genres, the Cordoba GK Studio Negra is an excellent choice.
Cordoba GK Studio Negra's versatility and quality craftsmanship make it a well-rounded instrument.
Specifications
- Top: Solid European Spruce
- Body: Rosewood back & sides
- Finish: High gloss PU
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650mm (25.6")
- Nut Width: 50mm (1.96")
- Electronics: Fishman Presys Blend with 4 Band EQ + phase, undersaddle piezo and internal microphone with blender, built in digital tuner
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Gitarzysta | Editor | 90/100 |
Kremona Soloist S65C Classical Nylon String Guitar
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Cons
- Neck shape may not suit all players.
- Could benefit from more low-end resonance.
Pros
- Exceptional quality at a reasonable price.
- Solid cedar top for a lively tone and detailed highs.
- Impressive response and projection.
- Responsive to dynamic playing.
- Crafted with a solid red cedar top and rosewood back and sides for a balanced sound.
- Outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail.
European-made guitars aren't typically known for being affordable. But, the Kremona Soloist S65C stands out as a remarkable exception.
Founded in 1924 by Dimitar Georgiev, a former gunsmith turned luthier, Kremona boasts a rich heritage of craftsmanship.
Handcrafted in Bulgaria, this guitar offers exceptional quality at a reasonable price. Credit to Kremona's commitment to maintaining control over production.
The Soloist S65C features a solid red cedar top and rosewood back and sides. This delivers a lively tone with detailed highs that suit both classical and non-classical music styles.
It's a warm, balanced sound with impressive tonal clarity, sustain, and responsiveness. While it could benefit from more low-end, I appreciate the focused tone it offers.
I find the S65C's response and projection truly impressive. By adjusting your right-hand position, you can dramatically alter the tone—warmer near the neck and brighter near the bridge.
It's responsive to dynamic changes, allowing you to explore different nuances in construction, tone, and feel.
The craftsmanship of the wooden rosette and the overall build quality of the neck, fingerboard, and body are outstanding.
The Kremona Soloist S65C is a superb nylon string guitar that will delight classical guitar players. Whether you're just starting out or adding to your guitar collection.
Features
- Top: Solid Red Cedar
- Body: Sapele back & sides
- Finish: Natural
- Bridge: Indian rosewood
- Neck: African Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650 mm (25.6")
- Nut Width: 52mm (2.04")
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| truemeliorist | 90/100 |
The Best Nylon String Acoustic Guitar Under $1000
Cordoba GK Studio Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar
Cons
- Limited projection.
- Action sensitivity may affect play in certain situations.
Pros
- Advanced Fishman Presys Blend electronics for versatile sound.
- Comfortable playability with ergonomic design.
- Versatile for various musical styles.
- Quality materials for rich, resonant tones.
- Reliable construction for long-term use.
The Cordoba GK Studio is my top recommendation for its versatility and exceptional quality. This classical guitar is great if you're looking for a nylon string guitar that's tailor-made for flamenco-style playing.
It's equipped with Fishman Presys Blend electronics. This lets you seamlessly blend an internal mic and piezo pickup system.
It also allows you to adjust your sound effortlessly, whether you're performing live or recording in the studio.
What I love most about the GK Studio is its playability. The mahogany neck features a slightly thinner nut width and scale length. It is paired with low action that ensures a comfortable and dynamic playing experience.
While it excels in flamenco, it's surprisingly adaptable for jazz, pop, blues, and folk styles. It's generally a great choice if you enjoy fingerstyle playing.
It delivers the rich, resonant tones favored by flamenco musicians. It's all thanks to its solid European spruce top and cypress back and sides.
It's built to last; I've heard stories of performers using it reliably for years without any issues. This highlights the GK Studio's robust construction.
The Fishman Presys system is a game-changer for live performances. It allows you to effortlessly blend the mic and piezo pickups to achieve the perfect sound while managing feedback on stage.
The GK Studio stands ready to accompany you with its expressive and reliable performance capabilities. Whether you're exploring the rhythmic complexities of flamenco or delving into new musical genres.
Specifications
- Top: Solid European Spruce
- Body: Cypress back & sides
- Finish: High gloss PU
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650mm (25.6")
- Nut Width: 50mm (2")
- Electronics: Fishman Presys Blend with 4 Band EQ + phase, undersaddle piezo and internal microphone with blender, built in digital tuner
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Interactive Guitar | Editor | 90/100 |
| YouTube | Jesse's Auditorium | 96/100 |
Things to Consider When Buying a Nylon String Guitar
This section explains some of the terminologies you will come across when you look at nylon string acoustic guitars and discuss them; this, along with a few tips, will help you determine which guitar characteristics will suit your playing style.
If you need clarification on the different parts of a guitar, then the diagram at the bottom of this article will explain them to you.
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Flamenco Guitars are generally built to have a more punchy sound and are intended to be played in a more percussive style, including tapping on the top soundboard; in fact, they usually have a protective plastic cover called a golpeador to facilitate this without damaging the finish. They have a smaller nut width, which means the strings are closer together than on a standard classical guitar, and a lower action (aka string height). They are often made with spruce tops and cypress or sycamore backs and sides to enhance volume from their thinner bodies. Their tonal characteristics are designed to cut through the sound of dancers loudly clapping and tapping their feet.
Classical Guitars usually have deeper bodies, wider nut widths, and higher action than flamenco-style guitars. They typically have thicker spruce or cedar tops and rosewood or mahogany backs and sides, which tend to give them a more rounded or mellow sound, roughly covering the frequency spectrum of an orchestra. They are primarily intended to be played solo or in tiny ensembles.
Spanish Guitars are a subset of classical guitars traditionally made in Spain with bracing, construction techniques, and tonal characteristics that, experts say, vary by region.
Concert Guitars are high-end classical guitars made by luthiers, usually following centuries-old traditional methods and the use of expensive materials. A typical luthier may only produce 4 to 6 guitars per year or, in a more extensive operation, perhaps as many as 20. A lower-priced concert guitar usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000, with higher-end models going well into the 5-figure range.
Nylon String Guitars include all of the types of guitars above in addition to many modern hybrid guitars that can combine the characteristics of many different kinds of guitars, including steel-string acoustic and electric guitars, as well as some that come with pickups and electronics built-in. Due to this guide's price range, most guitars here are considered Classical, Flamenco, or Hybrid guitars.
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Instead of being a distinct type like the ones listed above, this refers to nylon string guitars designed with specifications that make it easy to transition from steel-string guitars, and as such, many of the types above can be made with crossover characteristics. The main one is that they typically have smaller nut widths, so the strings are closer together than on a standard classical guitar. Traditional classical guitars also have flatter fingerboards (a larger fingerboard radius) than regular acoustics while crossover guitars can have curved fingerboards. Some crossover models also feature a cutaway to make it easier to reach the higher frets, particularly with acoustic-electric models. These pickup-equipped models can plug into an amp or a PA Mixing Console.
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Like other guitars, there are ongoing discussions and debates about which wood species produces superior tones or tones better suited to certain playing styles. Two main types of wood are used for the top or soundboard of nylon string acoustic guitars: Spruceis generally considered to produce a crisper tone with more definition, while Cedar is regarded as having warmer or darker tones.
However, many luthiers will tell you that the thickness of the wood, types of bracing, and other construction techniques can be just as important as the materials in determining the tone.
Everyone agrees that having a solid wood top instead of a cheaper laminated wood top will provide better projection (they'll be louder) and lead to richer tones over time as the wood grains open up. The caveat is that on cheap guitars under about $200, a laminated top will have a more consistent tone between individual guitars of the same model than the variations in grain that come with cheap solid woods.
Similar discussions occur about the wood used on the rest of the guitar, but the top or soundboard dominates in tone.
Solid mahogany for the back and sides is a popular configuration, but it is priced much higher than the scope of this guide.
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This is essentially the distance measured between the saddle and the nut, or more accurately, described as double the distance from the nut to the 12th fret plus some "compensation" added by the saddle's position. A longer scale length requires higher tension in the strings, resulting in a brighter tone. Stewart MacDonald presents a more detailed explanation with examples quite well, and a good description of the implications of different scale lengths can be found on Martin Guitars.
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This is the main thing determining the distance between the strings, although the width at the saddle plays a minor role too, with the strings usually being closer to each other at the nut than at the saddle. The nut width and action height are the things that most influence the 'playability' of a guitar, with smaller nut widths better suited to steel-string players transitioning to classical.
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Instruments with a low Guitar Action allow faster runs and easier use of advanced playing techniques. But this comes at the expense of introducing some fret buzz, a feature of flamenco-style playing. Beginners and those transitioning from steel-string acoustic to Electric Guitars generally find a lower action easier to play. For a more in-depth discussion on this topic see this Delcamp Classical Guitar Forum thread.
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Acoustic-Electric models come with pickups and other electronics, such as preamps and EQ, installed, while straightforward acoustic models don't. These additional components may have subtle effects on the tone or resonance of the guitar, but the most practical differences are that they cost more but can be amplified.
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The short answer is no. A nylon-strung guitar is not built to handle the tension of steel strings. It can be done with some modifications, but you won't get the most out of your steel string, so it's not worth it. On the other hand, steel-string acoustic guitars can handle nylon strings easily, but adjustments to the nut and saddle will make it work. The identical downside applies: you won't get the natural feel and sound of nylon strings when used this way. So for the best results, learn how to string a classical guitar with the proper strings.
The Different Types of Classical Guitars
Crossover Nylon String Guitars
Tonewoods
Scale Length
Nut Width
Action / String Height
Straight Acoustic or Acoustic-Electric?
Can Steel Strings be Used on a Classical Guitar?
Best Nylon String Guitar Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016.
To be considered for inclusion in this guide, a guitar had to meet the following criteria:
- Must have nylon strings.
- Priced from $99 to $999.99.
- Only 6 string guitars were included.
- Must be available from major online retailers in the USA.
- Must have upper and lower bouts consistent with a full-sized body.
- Types of guitars with nylon strings that were excluded: Travel & Silent Guitars
With these criteria in hand, we looked at the individual guitars that the major retailers in the USA listed as their most popular models. We selected the most promising 68 guitars to process for their Gearank rating scores. The Gearank Algorithm processed more than 10,400 reviews and ratings during this process. It includes the most recent ones to produce the rating scores out of 100 that you see above.
Finally, we selected the highest-rated options to recommend in each price range above.
For more information about our methods, please read
You won't see boutique classical guitar brands featured here. Given the availability and price range that this guide covers.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
As a classically trained guitarist, nylon string guitars have a special place in my heart. I have taught many young students on nylon string guitars, and I usually recommend starting this way unless the student specifically wants to learn electric or steel string guitar.
Contributors
Alden Acosta & Jerry Borillo: Product research.
Jason Horton: Supplemental writing, Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Taylor Academy 12-N, Cordoba GK Studio Negra, Kremona Verea Cutaway and Kremona Soloist S65C.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube's Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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