There are not so many stringed musical instruments that can make pure tones as the classical guitars do.
However, most classical models are quite expensive. They can produce rich natural sounds.
Moreover, they have become more and more popular these days. You can see hundreds of options out there.
If you are finding the best classical guitars under 500, keep reading this article.
We will show you a list of top ten best models on the market now.
These products will not break the bank. Also, they can help you make the right choice.
| PREVIEW | PRODUCT | TOP | BACK & SIDES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1   | Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar | Solid Cedar | Nato | View on Amazon |
2   | Kremona 6 String Soloist S65C Guitar | Solid western cedar | Sapele | View on Amazon |
3   | Alvarez AC65 Acoustic Guitar | Solid Cedar | Mahogany | View on Amazon |
4   | Cordoba C7 SP Classical Guitar | Solid European spruce | Indian rosewood | View on Amazon |
5   | Breedlove Pursuit Nylon | Western red cedar | Sapele | View on Amazon |
6   | Alhambra Classical 10P-US | Solid Red Cedar | Mahogany | View on Amazon |
7   | Ibanez GA Series GA5TCE | Spruce | Mahogany | View on Amazon |
8   | Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar | Spruce | Mahogany | View on Amazon |
9   | Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Sizer | Solid Canadian cedar | Mahogany | View on Amazon |
10   | Jasmine JC27CE-NAT J- Series | Solid cedars | Sapele | View on Amazon |
Contents
Top 10 Best Classical Guitars under 500 Reviews
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This classical guitar is the right choice for those who are looking for a rich, tremendous sound.
It is a reliable brand when it comes to the best classical guitars. It consists of soft tension strings.Therefore, you can play it with ease.
The guitar is perfect for beginners. It ensures to give you high-quality sound.
Moreover, you will also get bright and warm tones. Thus, it is not essential to try too hard to produce music.
This unit also comes with a cutaway body shape for comfort.
You can also improve the resonance to get the best sound quality thanks to a durable rosewood fingerboard.
Additionally, you have not to worry about neck warp because of the three-ply neck. However, the model also has a downside.
The finish is not the best quality.
Pros
- A 3-ply neck construction
- A scale of 6 inches for effortless playability
- A cedar top with a durable rosewood fingerboard
- Lightweight and gorgeous construction
Cons
- The finish is not of good quality
- Not allow you to use with straps
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Don’t ignore the Kremora if you are finding the top brands of classical guitars.
This brand is known for delivering handmade guitars. Soloist S65C is one of them. It is a full-size classical guitar you should consider.
It is the right option for both beginners and intermediate guitars who want an affordable product.
It comes with the durable cedar top along with the Sapele sides and back.
Moreover, it brings the mahogany neck with an impressive natural finish.
It promises to provide you with great sound. It also comes with the Rosewood Bridge and fingerboard.
Plus, it has the nylon strings that can offer you the fantastic sound.
You can transport it with ease since it has a pocketed padded bag.
Pros
- A cedar top as well as Sapele back and sides
- Excellent for both beginners and intermediates
- A padded gig bag
Cons
- None
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This is an attractive classical guitar you should consider buying. It has a solid cedar top.
Moreover, it comes with mahogany back and sides. The unit also has a classical bridge.
It is also equipped with traditional bridges and nylon strings. They need a Spanish fan bracing system. Since its braces are lighter compared to the “X” bracing system.
Therefore, it can meet the finger playing styles of different musicians. Plus, the model comes with the excellent slotted peghead.
Pros
- Solid Cedar top
- Wood mosaic rosette
- Traditional fan bracing
- Bone nut and saddle
Cons
- Does not come with a case
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This guitar sounds fantastic. Also, it is a budget-friendly model. It comes with a durable spruce top.
Besides the durability of the wood, its spruce also add to the sound quality. The unit also has the rosewood back and sides.
These features will add to the overall aesthetics of the product.
If you are looking ones that make clear sound, invest in this model. Thanks to the large soundboard, you can get a louder volume.
As a customer, you will also get a big bad from the Corboda. It is convenient for you when carrying it around.
Pros
- Spruce top
- Rosewood back and sides
- A gig bag
- Perfect sound, thanks to Fan-pattern bracing
- A shiny finish
Cons
- The saddle may fall off
- The upper frets may vibrate with high action.
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We have to list the Breedlove Pursuit Nylon here. It is a good option for players with a lot of live performances.
Moreover, this one has a USB port. Therefore, you can easily connect USB to the recording software.
It promises to produce high-quality sound. Also, the unit includes a solid Western cedar top, the Sapele back, and sides.
Besides, it is suitable for steel-string players who want to experiment with Nylon strings.
Pros
- The USB port allows for USB connectivity
- Has a Fishman pickup system
- Comes with a solid cedar top
- Comes with mahogany back and sides
Cons
- None
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If you are going for a solid product, you should consider the Alhambra Classical 10P-US.
Some models have cutaways. They are suitable for people who want to get reach the frets. Moreover, it comes in two varieties, including one open pore finish, and one glossy finish.
This guitar is lightweight. Therefore, it is excellent for those who need to move around a lot with their instruments.
It has the rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Moreover, there is the mahogany back and sides.
Besides, it is also packed with a soft case that you can use to keep your instrument safe when you do not use it.
Pros
- Comes in a wide range of varieties
- Comes with a cedar wood top, mahogany back and sides
- Includes a soft case
- Has a lightweight design
Cons
- Still, be a new model in the market
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This product is sure to offer outstanding performance at an affordable price.
It comes with a beautiful golden color. Moreover, it comes with a thin line of body design.
Therefore, you can access to the higher part of the neck with ease.
It comes with the back and sides made of mahogany. The neck is also a mahogany construction.
Besides, there is a slim build that allows you to use the instrument with ease. This unit is made to last for a long time.
It promises to give you the benefits of not only electric guitar but also an acoustic one. It is the right option for beginners and intermediates.
Pros
- A thin line body design
- Nylon strings
- The Ibanez piezo pickup system
Cons
- The setup has a little tweak going along the way.
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When it comes to the best classical guitar, we highly recommend you to buy the Yamaha C40.
This product is one of the most favorite models out there because of its affordability and quality.
The back and sides are made of Indonesia mahogany. Therefore, it can stay strong and durable.
It can withstand any intense practice session the players put in. The guitar will remain fresh for years thanks to the melamine gloss finish.
It is the right purchase for those who are taking guitar lessons.
Pros
- Spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Clear sound
- Good low action
Cons
- The bag does not have protective padding.
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This product is famous for its lightweight qualities. It produces classical sound.
Therefore, this one is a good option for people finding a model that allows them to take on trips with ease.Its top is made of solid Canadian cedar.
This guitar is sure to provide players with a rich, resonant sound. It comes with many full-sized nylon string guitars.
Moreover, it has a good-quality tuning peg. It also allows you to bring your instrument to the tone you expect with ease.
It produces a full and mellow sound. Thus, it is perfect for those who want a solid practice guitar.
If you are a fan of a deep bass guitar sound, choose this one with no doubt. It is also the right choice for any traveling guitarist.
Pros
- Solid Canadian cedar top
- Mahogany back and sides
- The full, mellow sound
- High-quality tuning pegs
- Appealing appearance
Cons
- May need some adjustment
- Need more quality control
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Its solid cedar top can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It has a classical look.
Moreover, it has a very appealing outer design. It is an excellent combination of simple wood color. It brings a slim neck. Therefore, you can navigate around the frets with ease.
Moreover, it comes with a natural gloss finish that can increase the beauty of the tenfold. If you need an effective solution to old issues, you should use this instrument.
It ensures to offer you the best stability, thanks to its classical bracing system with quarter-sawn braces.
Pros
- The slim neck
- A good looking design
- Advanced classical bracing
- Produces clear, rich sound
Cons
- None
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
It may be hard to find the best classical guitars for you among hundreds of products available out there.
You should know the essential features to look for when buying a classical guitar.
Here are some necessary things to keep in mind when shopping for a classical guitar:
Guitar Accessories
Most models out there have extra accessories, such as capo, string sets, and tuners.
They are to enhance the quality of the sound. It may not be easy to access them on your own.
Therefore, you should choose one that already comes with these accessories.
Wood Types
There are several types of woods available out there. The best kind will depend on your personal needs.
For instance, if you want to get a solid and hollow one, you should choose cedar. Mahogany is thicker.
Design
This factor is more important than you may know. If you choose a comfortable one, you can play your instrument better.
Besides, the shape of the fretboard also plays an essential part in the design.
If you are a beginner, it is best to go for a smaller fretboard with less space between the strings. On the contrary, a larger fretboard is suitable for professionals.
Size
You should choose one with the size that matches your physical size. It means that full size and bigger guitars are suitable for the bigger guitarist.
On the contrary, the smaller guitarist should go for half-sized or 3/4 models.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the price of a good classical guitar?
To save your time on the Internet, you need to know the cheapest price of these models ranges from $40-$5000.
Also, you will see many affordable products with a price ranging around $130. These models are quite good for a classical guitar.
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Which classical guitar should I buy?
With a fingerpicking playing style, you can choose a model with a soft, mellow tone.
Music styles operating well with a classical guitar include folk, flamenco, classical, as well as other Latin styles.
Acoustic guitars with a bright sound will perform better with heavier finger work.
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Is a classical guitar easier to play?
The fact is that a classical guitar comes with nylon strings that are easier on the fingers compared to steel strings.
This feature can even make new players like kids easier to play. However, you cannot make your decision just basing on this factor.
You can get a wider range of music if you choose steel-string acoustic guitars.
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How long does it take to get good at classical guitar?
You may have to take a little longer to learn classical guitar. As a beginner, you can play simple tunes after six months.
Also, you will get a basic knowledge of how to read music.
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Is classical guitar harder than the piano?
In general, the guitar requires more technical than the piano. However, it does not mean playing the piano is completely simple.
Classical guitars are much more technique-driven. Therefore, you need to play in the right rhythm.
Conclusion
With the best classical guitar under $500, you will get any feature as playability, durability, or audio quality you expect.
All of the ten products above are highly playable. They are also reliable.
They are the right choices for players of any skill level.
Hopefully, this post offers the insight you need, and they will help you make the right decision.
