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.
Top 10 Best Classical Guitars under 500 Reviews
We will show you a list of the top ten best models on the market now.
These products will not break the bank. Also, they can help you make the right choice.
1. Yamaha GigMaker Standard Acoustic Guitar
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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 haven’t to worry about the neck warp because of the three-ply neck. However, the model also has a downside.
The finish is not the best quality. The Yamaha GigMaker Standard is still rated as the best classical guitar for the money.
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What’s the difference between Yamaha Gigmaker Standard vs Deluxe Package?
First, In the GigMaker Standard Guitar Package, you get the F325D acoustic guitar – with die-cast chrome tuners (rated pretty good) and a spruce top.
Yamaha GigMaker Guitar Package includes essential accessories: a gig bag, digital tuner, strap, extra strings, picks, and an instructional DVD to kick-start your guitar playing.
Yamaha GigMaker Deluxe Guitar Pack
In general, the accessories of the two guitars are the same. GigMaker Deluxe – Similar guitar but has a solid spruce top and is only $10-$20 extra.
In the Yamaha GigMaker Deluxe Guitar Pack, you get the FD01S acoustic guitar – chrome tuners, solid spruce top for singing resonance and sustain.
At this price, I would recommend it for a long time beginner’s guitar and beyond. One word of advice, this does not come with a case.
Just because of the price doesn’t mean it should not be taken care of properly, including humidity control. Solid wood tops sound good but need to be kept in controlled humidity whereas the laminate tops don’t care about humidity.
If you want to control humidity, you can buy a little humidifier (no electricity needed) that drops into the soundhole of the guitar.
2. Kremona 6 String Soloist S65C Guitar
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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 a 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.
It is “student” or beginner friendly because it is a bit smaller than full-sized models this makes it the preferred instrument for those with small hands.
Features
- Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
- African mahogany neck.
- Wood fiber binding.
- Plus, it has nylon strings ( Royal Classics strings) that can offer you a fantastic sound.
- You can transport it with ease since it has a pocketed CGGB-BK branded gig bag.
- Wood rosette
- Solid red cedar top
- Sapele back and sides
- Dovetail neck joint
- 52mm nut width
- 25.6 scale length
- Wood purfling
- Polyurethane finish
- Slotted headstock
- Kremona Arete strings
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3. Alvarez AC65 Acoustic Guitar
This is an attractive classical guitar you should consider buying. It has a solid cedar top.
Moreover, it comes with a 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 an excellent slotted peghead.
Are Alvarez guitars expensive?
In terms of price The Alvarez-Yairi series guitars, is the most expensive guitar line Alvarez has to offer. The reason is that this guitar is completely handcrafted by masters in the guitar manufacturing industry.
That’s why the sound of the guitar is very warm, has a wonderful tone and excellent action, superb finish. Great guitar for the money!
it wasn’t too pricey and the guitar is much more playable now than it was in stock configuration. This is a terrific beginner guitar for the serious classical student and a very good addition to a non-classical player’s collection.
They do two other versions of this guitar they do one with a cutaway and an electronic pick up in it.
Alvarez guitars are quite a reputable brand. Many people have experienced and are satisfied with this product of Alvarez guitars.
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Pros
- Solid Cedar top
- Wood mosaic rosette
- Traditional fan bracing
- Bone nut and saddle
- The comfortable wider neck and the better string spacing at the nut.
Cons
- Does not come with a case
4. Cordoba C7 SP Classical Guitar
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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 rosewood back and sides. These features will add to the overall aesthetics of the product.
If you are looking for 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.
Are Cordoba classical guitars excellent?
Whether you play classical music, play flamenco, or just want to add a classical guitar to your musical arsenal, Cordoba guitars are an excellent option. Moreover, the price of this guitar is very good.
Does the Cordoba C7 have a truss rod?
The Cordoba C7 packs a two-way truss rod for maximum neck stability. This is a real classical guitar with nylon strings
Are Cordoba guitars made in China?
The Cordoba C series is made in China, the Master series is made in the US, and the Luthier series is made in Spain!
The main headquarters and factory is located in Oxnard, California where the Cordoba Master Series is hand-crafted.
Cordoba’s España Series is handmade in Valencia and Barcelona while the Iberia, Fusion, Luthier, and Protege Series as well as all ukuleles are handmade in China.
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.
5. Breedlove 6 String Acoustic Guitar
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We have to list the Breedlove Pursuit Nylon here. It’s a good choice for beginners to play guitar. ” Beginner-friendly” design makes the series a perfect introduction to the world of music.
We set out to create a guitar that would surpass the classic big body sound of the dreadnought, to bring out more tonal complexity, and to offer a much more comfortable playing experience
The world’s most popular top wood, for a reason. Sitka has an ideal strength-to-weight ratio, yielding a strong fundamental, high velocity of sound and a pleasing elasticity.
Pros
- The Breedlove Bridge Truss (BBT) reduces tension on the soundboard of the guitar, so the top wood is able to vibrate more freely, producing remarkable sustain, balance, and clarity.
- The Breedlove Pinless Bridge helps maintain the integrity of the top by eliminating the need for six drilled string holes. The fewer holes in your soundboard, the more evenly the sound wave can move across the interior, without any loss of energy
- Breedlove guitars feature a slimmer neck profile, which enables comfortable play, even with smaller hands.
- Comes with mahogany back and sides.
Breedlove Guitar
6. Alhambra Classical 10P-US
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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 a 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.
Alhambra Classical 10P-US is completely handcrafted by the hands of skilled craftsmen. They have used years of experience making guitars to create the best classical guitar with bass; Mid-range and treble are perfectly balanced with incredible sound projection.
The Alhambra Classical 10P-US is a modern guitar geared towards guitarists and guitar lovers alike.
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
7. Ibanez GA Series GA5TCE
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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.
8. Yamaha C40 Classical Guitar
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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.
9. Cordoba Dolce 7/8 Size
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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 to find 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
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
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.
Which classical guitar should I buy?
With a finger-picking 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.
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 based on this factor.
You can get a wider range of music if you choose steel-string acoustic guitars.
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.
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 it will help you make the right decision.
