The 30 best classical guitar brands
Valencia, Yamaha and EKO lead our ranking of 30 classical guitar brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Classical Guitar brands, ranked
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1
Valencia
Valencia Guitars consistently goes above and above to provide exceptional service. That is what they understand by doing the right thing. They adhere to the highest production, ethical, and ethical standards. Valencia Guitars has risen from humble beginnings to become a market leader with a vast customer base and thousands of employees. They produce guitars that sound amazing and feel fantastic to play in order to equip guitarists with high-quality, affordable instruments.
Website: valenciaguitars.com |Brands like Valencia
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in 1955 and later separated to become an independent company. The parent company was established in 1887 as a manufacturer of reed organs before growing into the powerhouse it is today.
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 8.6/10
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3
EKO
Eko was founded in 1959 in Castelfidardo by Oliviero Pigini who kickstarted the company by producing traditional acoustic guitars and small archtop guitars. It aims at providing a vast range of guitars that are consistent in their standard of quality and affordability to make the instruments economically accessible to everyone. The merchandise ranges from acoustic, classic guitars and ukuleles to amplifiers, electric guitars, and pedals. Despite facing subsequent ups and downs in their path, Eko is a competitive contender on the market, producing quality instruments and expanding their dream.
Website: ekoguitars.it |Brands like EKO
Popularity 7.0/10
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4
Cordoba
Music is a pure source that blows life to words and emotions, and therefore, the organic beauty and honesty of instruments should be maintained, understanding which Cordoba sets forth the range of acoustic instruments that blends evolution and traditional craftmanship. The guitars designed in the Spanish tradition are lightweight and handmade, having tonewood style and cutaway/electric options supplied with nylon strings, followed by four-string ukuleles crafted from premium materials like various tonewoods a pleasing sound.
Website: cordobaguitars.com |Brands like Cordoba
Popularity 6.9/10
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5
ADMIRA
Guitar maker ADMIRA is a firm believer in the ability of music to transform lives. They are committed to producing more fabulous guitars by combining ancient skills passed down through generations. Everyone can be a musician, in their opinion. They aim to equip people with the abilities, information, and materials needed to fulfill their musical ambitions. Their guitars are handcrafted utilizing ancient methods, merging old-world artistry with current technology, resulting in guitars that sound amazing and look fantastic.
Website: admiraguitars.co.uk |Brands like ADMIRA
Popularity 6.8/10
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6
Kremona
If you are a musician, then you can never explain how much you love it; neither can you explain your love for your instrument. That is why every product at Kremona is made with utmost devotion to give you the best-crafted Guitar you will love your entire lifetime. Kremona's Guitar is made with the best European craftsmanship and constantly working to make its products and instruments better and better so you can perform your best every time you hold it.
Website: kremona.com |Brands like Kremona
Popularity 5.7/10
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7
Encore Electronics
Encore Electronics is a world-class manufacturing and engineering firm that draws on its mechanical design, electrical design, and software development strengths. Encore provides a comprehensive range of value-added services at reasonable prices, including electronics design and development, PCB assembly, mechanical design, product procurement, and manufacturing. They also offer contract engineering services that cover the entire product development process, from prototyping to mass production. Encore Electronics is the ideal design and manufacturing partner, with years of experience, a competent team, and great facilities. Automotive, Renewable Energy, Power Generation, Aerospace, Gas & Oil, and Defense are just a few of the applications covered by their professionals.
Website: encore-elec.com |Brands like Encore Electronics
Popularity 5.2/10
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8
Stagg
Music is life itself. Stagg makes it more beautiful by manufacturing musical instruments for all the musicians. Its mission is to offer superior instruments, audio and lighting, and accessories at an affordable cost. They have guitars, cymbals and percussion, band, and orchestra instruments. The team of specialists designers customizes products according to your needs without compromising with the quality. Stagg designs products that are loved and helps the musician to play their best every time.
Website: staggmusic.com |Brands like Stagg
Popularity 5.0/10
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9
Aria
Aria was founded in 1956. Aria manufactures guitars with love and attention so that it is reflected in the music produced through the instruments. They are true music enthusiasts making guitars for music producers but above all for music lovers....
Website: ariaguitarsglobal.com |Brands like Aria
Popularity 3.9/10
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10
Takamine
Takamine guitars are the ideal blend of traditional craftsmanship and world-class technology. Its commitment to invention and continuous development has elevated it to the ranks of the world's leading acoustic guitar manufacturers, producing genuinely excellent instruments that are the first...
Website: takamine.com |Brands like Takamine
Popularity 3.9/10
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11
Alhambra
Alhambra was established in 1965 as a steel-string guitar manufacturing company. The company offers a range of guitars such as Classical, Flamenco, Acoustics, Semi-acoustics, and traditional, to name a few. The products' excellent built quality and neat finishing would be...
Website: alhambraguitarras.com |Brands like Alhambra
Popularity 3.7/10
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12
Cort
CORT is a leading nationwide furniture rental, staging, and apartment relocation service. Customers rely on them for furniture rental for home, business, and short-term projects. For all of your furniture needs, they provide both short and long-term rentals with various...
Website: cort.com |Brands like Cort
Popularity 3.6/10
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13
Ramirez
Having experience in something gives oneself an edge in that field; now imagine if that experience is of 125 years; that is what Ramirez has. It is a company that manufactures, designs, and sells guitars of the highest quality made...
Website: ramirezguitars.us |Brands like Ramirez
Popularity 3.6/10
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14
Martinez
An instrument is what connects the soul to music. The guitar is among the best musical instruments that have been discovered. Martinez is a globally renounced brand that fascinates people to buy its handmade classical guitars. It is recognized for...
Website: martinezguitars.eu |Brands like Martinez
Popularity 2.9/10
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15
Lucida
Lucida Guitars specializes in the manufacturing and sale of guitars and other string instruments such as Basses. The company is based in China and has all the classic guitar and instrumental elements that you could need. What's more? Lucida Guitars...
Website: lucidaguitars.com |Brands like Lucida
Popularity 2.7/10
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16
LAG
Lag is a French electric, acoustic, and electro-acoustic guitar manufacturer. The line includes models ranging from the most basic to the most complex and skilled. The company's objective is to constantly reinvent the guitar in materials, aesthetics, and sound. With...
Website: lagguitars.com |Brands like LAG
Popularity 2.7/10
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17
Sanchez
The guitars that you will find at Antonio Sanchez are all authentically crafted and will ensure that the music you make sounds exactly as it should. Apart from providing a wide variety of guitars, these experts can customize them to...
Website: antoniosanchezguitars.com |Brands like Sanchez
Popularity 2.7/10
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18
Asturias
Asturias is a company that designs and manufactures string instruments such as guitars and ukuleles. On their official website, you can shop for instruments, both classical and acoustic. They have a wide range of guitars that are suitable for beginners...
Website: asturias.jp |Brands like Asturias
Popularity 2.6/10
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19
Dimavery
One of the top online music equipment retailers, Dimavery offers a wide selection of musical instruments and all related accessories. Only on Dimavery can you find everything you need at a low cost, from guitars to basses, drums to synthesizers....
Website: dimaverymusic.nl |Brands like Dimavery
Popularity 2.6/10
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20
Godin
Bringing from forest to stage, Godin is an America-based company. They provide acoustics, basses, electrics, amps, accessories, and parts to sell. They also offer TrueFire guitar lessons. With assured quality products, they take responsibility for quality control before shipping. Shipping...
Website: godinguitars.com |Brands like Godin
Popularity 2.5/10
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21
Hanika
At Hanika, you will find guitars of the best quality. Guitarists from all over the world trust Hanika as these guitars help them showcase their art to their full potential in the best possible way. These guitars are designed with...
Website: hanika.de |Brands like Hanika
Popularity 2.3/10
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22
Ashton
Celebrating the most important day of your life can be exhausting. You need someone you can trust with this responsibility, and that's where Ashton Events come in, a company that designs and executes events. They take care of everything with...
Website: ashtonevents.com |Brands like Ashton
Popularity 2.1/10
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23
Chord
Chord is a range of excellent quality digital to analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, and more from award-winning British HiFi experts. Chord DACs are used in studios, music venues, and homes worldwide to create superior sound quality. The company prides itself...
Website: chordelectronics.co.uk |Brands like Chord
Popularity 2.1/10
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24
Alvarez
Keeping the love and bond you have with your instruments and adding creativity, Alvarez presents you with top-notch guitars and ukuleles. With finishing that, you will get nowhere else; Alvarez believes in innovating with top-quality materials and special attention to...
Website: alvarezguitars.com |Brands like Alvarez
Popularity 2.1/10
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25
Martin
Digital publication Martin is devoted to all things Aston Martin. The publication has established itself as the go-to resource for the most fascinating, captivating, and in-depth articles regarding Aston Martins, both current and past. You can find anything here, from...
Website: magazine.astonmartin.com |Brands like Martin
Popularity 1.9/10
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26
Ibanez
Ibanez is a Japanese company known for its quality guitars that come in various types. Their products are famous in countries like China and the US and also well known in Indonesia. Electric and Acoustic are a few from their...
Website: ibanez.com |Brands like Ibanez
Popularity 1.8/10
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27
Axiom
Axiom Nutrition aims to provide the highest quality of dietary supplements to its customers. They started this company to spread wellness and health in the community. They believe that one can not truly be happy without being well in their...
Website: axiomnutrition.co.uk |Brands like Axiom
Popularity 1.7/10
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28
Onyx
In Los Angeles, Onyx is seeking to create a fabulous bridal business. It was established on the idea that actions of compassion, respect, and grace produce sacred junctures—a stunning bridesmaid gown made of high-quality fabrics is more than just the...
Website: onyxbridal.com |Brands like Onyx
Popularity 1.4/10
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29
Walden
Walden is a food product manufacturer specializing in natural flavors and nutritional components in food. Dressings, creamers, barbeque sauces, ketchup, spreads, dips, sauces, etc., the brand has been making its non-fat products since 1972. Walden focuses on what its customers...
Website: waldenfarms.com |Brands like Walden
Popularity 1.4/10
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30
Tanglewood
Tanglewood is a guitar manufacturer founded in 1989 and produces high-quality guitars. The firm makes guitars for all levels of guitarists, from beginners to professionals. Tanglewood Guitars are handcrafted in England with the finest materials and unique artistry handed down...
Website: tanglewoodguitars.com |Brands like Tanglewood
Popularity 1.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia | valenciaguitars.com | – | – | – | – |
| Yamaha | usa.yamaha.com | /YamahaMusicUSA | yamahamusicusa | @yamahamusicusa | – |
| EKO | ekoguitars.it | /ekoguitars | ekoguitars_official | @Eko_guitars | Eko Guitars Official Youtube Channel |
| Cordoba | cordobaguitars.com | /cordobaguitars | cordobaguitars | – | CordobaGuitars |
| ADMIRA | admiraguitars.co.uk | /admiraUK | admiraguitars | @AdmiraUk | – |
| Kremona | kremona.com | /Kremona-Factory-268019109970395 | kremonafactory | – | Kremona Factory |
| Encore Electronics | encore-elec.com | – | – | – | – |
| Stagg | staggmusic.com | /staggmusic | staggmusic | – | – |
| Aria | ariaguitarsglobal.com | /ariaguitars | ariaguitars | @ARIA_Guitars | ariaguitarsworld |
| Takamine | takamine.com | /TakamineGuitars | takamineguitars_official | @takamineguitars | takamineguitars |
Classical Guitars Buying Guide
Classical guitars are known for their warm, gentle sound, and beautiful craftsmanship. If you're looking to buy a classical guitar, there are a few important things to consider. In this buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Types of Classical Guitars
There are two main types of classical guitars: Nylon-string and Flamenco. Nylon-string guitars are the more traditional of the two, and are used primarily for classical and other fingerstyle genres. Flamenco guitars have a brighter, more percussive sound, and are used primarily in Flamenco music.
Nylon-String Classical Guitars
Nylon-string classical guitars are the most common type of classical guitar. They have a soft, warm sound that is perfect for classical music, but also works well for other fingerstyle genres like folk and fingerpicking. The strings on these guitars are made of nylon, which gives them a softer, warmer tone than steel strings.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a nylon-string classical guitar:
- Tonewood: The tonewood used in the construction of a guitar has a big impact on its sound. Some popular tonewood options for classical guitars include cedar, spruce, and mahogany.
- Size: Classical guitars come in a variety of sizes, from 1/4 to full-size. It's important to choose a size that is comfortable for you to play. If you're a beginner or have small hands, a smaller size may be more suitable.
- Price: Classical guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While it's tempting to go for the most expensive option, it's important to choose a guitar that meets your needs and price range.
- Brand: There are many excellent brands of classical guitars to choose from. Some popular options include Yamaha, Cordoba, and Takamine.
Flamenco Classical Guitars
Flamenco classical guitars are similar to nylon-string classical guitars, but they have a brighter, more percussive sound. These guitars are designed for Flamenco music, but can also be used for other genres like pop and rock.
When choosing a Flamenco classical guitar, there are a few things to consider:
- Tonewood: The tonewood used in the construction of a guitar has a big impact on its sound. Some popular tonewood options for Flamenco classical guitars include cypress and spruce.
- Size: Flamenco guitars come in a variety of sizes, but they are generally smaller than nylon-string classical guitars. They typically have a thinner body and a narrower neck, which makes them easier to play for Flamenco-style techniques.
- Price: Flamenco guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While it's tempting to go for the most expensive option, it's important to choose a guitar that meets your needs and price range.
- Brand: There are many excellent brands of Flamenco classical guitars to choose from. Some popular options include Cordoba, Alhambra, and Ramirez.
Materials Used in Classical Guitars
The materials used in the construction of a classical guitar have a big impact on its sound and playability. Here are some of the most common materials used in classical guitars:
Tonewoods
Tonewoods are the most important materials used in the construction of a guitar. The type of wood used can have a big impact on the guitar's sound.
- Spruce: Spruce is a popular tonewood for classical guitars. It has a bright, clear sound and is used in the soundboard of most guitars.
- Cedar: Cedar is another popular tonewood for classical guitars. It has a warmer, more mellow sound than spruce, and is often used in the soundboard of guitars designed for fingerstyle playing.
- Maple: Maple is often used for the back and sides of classical guitars. It has a bright, clear sound and is known for its beautiful figuring.
- Mahogany: Mahogany is another popular tonewood for the back and sides of classical guitars. It has a warm, rich sound and is often used in guitars designed for fingerstyle playing.
- Rosewood: Rosewood is a beautiful tonewood that is often used for the back and sides of classical guitars. It has a warm, rich sound and is known for its beautiful figuring.
Fretboard Woods
The wood used for the fretboard can also have an impact on the guitar's sound and playability.
- Ebony: Ebony is a popular choice for fretboards. It has a smooth, dense texture that works well for fast playing.
- Rosewood: Rosewood is also a popular choice for fretboards. It has a warm, rich tone and is known for its beautiful figuring.
Other Materials
Other materials used in the construction of a guitar include the bridge, saddle, and nut. These materials can also have an impact on the guitar's sound.
- Bone: Bone is a popular choice for the bridge, saddle, and nut. It has a hard, dense texture that works well for transmitting sound.
- Plastic: Plastic is a cheaper alternative to bone that is often used in lower-end guitars. While it's not as good at transmitting sound, it can still produce a decent tone.
Budget
As with any purchase, budget is an important consideration when buying a classical guitar. While you can easily spend thousands of dollars on a high-end guitar, there are also plenty of great options available at more affordable price points.
If you're on a budget, consider looking for a used guitar. You can often find great deals on used guitars, and they can offer the same quality as a new guitar at a lower price point.
Size and Comfort
Classical guitars come in a variety of sizes, from 1/4 to full-size. It's important to choose a size that is comfortable for you to play. If you're a beginner or have small hands, a smaller size may be more suitable.
The shape of the guitar also plays a role in how comfortable it is to play. Look for guitars that have a comfortable shape and smooth edges that won't dig into your body while you play.
Brand Reputation
The reputation of the brand is another important consideration when buying a classical guitar. Look for brands that are known for high-quality craftsmanship and materials. Some popular brands include Yamaha, Cordoba, and Takamine.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there are plenty of great options available when it comes to buying a classical guitar. By considering factors like the type and materials used in the guitar, your budget, and brand reputation, you can find a guitar that meets your needs and delivers the beautiful sound that classical guitars are known for.
