If you’re thinking about getting the Cordoba C5 classical guitar and you’re not sure if it’s worth it or not, look no further! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that affordable model. It’s really popular among the beginners, but is it actually worth the money?
The truth is that Cordoba C5 is a fantastic classical guitar. Although it’s not the best guitar in the world, it offers a great value for the money. This instrument looks, sounds and feels like a classical guitar from a higher shelf.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the Cordoba C5 so good and so popular among the guitarists all around the world. Firstly, we’ll have a look at the detailed specifications of that model. Additionally, we’ll investigate the biggest pros and cons of that guitar. Of course, there will be a few sound demos included as well!
Specs & Pricing
Cordoba C5 is an affordable nylon-string classical guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists out there. Although it’s an inexpensive model, it manages to exceed all the expectations in every aspect. And that’s why it’s extremely popular!
What makes it so cool? Well, the guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top with mahogany back and sides. There’s also a really comfortable mahogany neck with an easy-playing rosewood fingerboard. This is a big advantage, because it allows you to play for several hours without getting tired.
The sound of Cordoba C5 can be described as balanced, lively and resonant. It certainly sounds like a much more expensive classical guitar, so it’s a really pleasant surprise. It’s totally understandable that it sounds great – in the end, it’s made of high quality woods and it’s crafted with an attention to detail.
When it comes to pricing, it’s a really affordable classical guitar. Although it’s a bit more expensive than Cordoba C3, it’s still way cheaper than Cordoba C7. In my opinion, it offers a fantastic value for the money and it’s every single cent!
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Cordoba C5 is suitable for guitar players of all levels. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a complete beginner or a bit more advanced guitarist – you will definitely have fun while playing on it.
However, since it’s a pretty cheap model, it’s most often used by beginners. This is a fantastic classical guitar for everyone who’s searching for their first guitar.
It is also worth mentioning that the C5 model offers a really nice and balanced tone, so it’s ideal for quite a lot of different styles of playing. Whether you want to play classical music, jazz, folk or blues – this guitar won’t disappoint you.
Additionally, Cordoba C5 is perfect for both fingerstyle playing and strumming, so it doesn’t really matter what kind of style you prefer.
Lastly, bear in mind that this is a pretty cheap guitar, so it’s recommended for all guitarists who don’t want to spend too much on new gear.
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of guitar players will really notice the high quality of that instrument. It definitely doesn’t feel cheap and although there are some things that could be better, it still offers a great value for the money.
Here’s an another demo.
Pros & Cons
Just like any other classical guitar at this price level, Cordoba C5 has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s totally normal! However, it seems pretty clear that this particular model has far more pros than cons.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Great Tone
- Comfortable Feel
- Stays In Tune
- Perfect For Beginners
Cons
- No Gig Bag Included
- Quality Control Could Be Better
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as the main advantages of that classical guitar. It’s perfect for beginners, it’s not too expensive and it sounds and feels really good. Who needs anything else? Especially at this price level!
On the other hand, the C5 model usually comes without a gig bag or hardshell case, so you’ll have to get it separately. That’s not a big problem, but an included case would save you a lot of time. Don’t worry though – I’ll show you a fantastic and an affordable case for this guitar in a second.
Additionally, bear in mind that this is a guitar from the low shelf, so it’s not made with the same attention to detail as the most expensive Martin, Gibson or Taylor guitars. It’s really well made, but it’s possible to experience some minor quality issues, especially with the finish.
Overall, I’m positive that the advantages of Cordoba C5 outweigh its disadvantages. There’s just not much to complain about! Considering the fact that this is still a budget classical guitar, it exceeds the expectations in every aspect. It won’t be easy to find a better guitar at this price level.
No Case Included? No Problem
As you’re already aware, Cordoba C5 doesn’t come with an included case. And since finding the right case is often a problem for aspiring guitarists, here’s my tip.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of gig bags and hardshell cases manufactured by Gator. I use their cases on a daily basis and they never disappointed me. Their quality is always on point, so you can be sure that your guitar will be safe inside one of their cases.
Here’s a really good hardshell case that fits most the classical guitars similar to the Cordoba C5 model.
Gator GWE-CLASSIC features a very durable plywood construction and a spacious interior with an additional pocket for your accessories. Overall, it offers a fantastic value for the money. I’m sure that it will efficiently protect your Cordoba C5 classical guitar!
Cordoba C5 vs C7 vs C3
A lot of guitarists who are searching for their first classical guitar often can’t decide whether they should choose Cordoba C5, C7 or C3. That’s totally understandable though! Things can get really confusing, especially if you’re a beginner.
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Best Value
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$249.00
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$295.60
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N/A
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But which one of these guitars is actually better? Well, the truth is that it all really depends on your own preferences and the size of your budget.
In my opinion Cordoba C3 is best for guitarists with a tight budget, the C5 offers the best value for the money and the C7 is the best sounding model among these three, but it’s also the most expensive one.
However, it all depends on what you’re looking for and how much are you willing to spend on it. These guitars are really similar, but they sound a bit differently too, so the sound difference may be crucial as well.
Here’s a really good video that compares the sound of all of these guitars – feel free to check it out below.
My Thoughts On Cordoba Guitars
I have to admit that I’m a huge fan of classical guitars manufactured by Cordoba. In my opinion, they create some of the best guitars for beginners.
I had the pleasure to test out all of these models in the past and I was really impressed by their quality. They sounded and felt great! No matter whether you decide to choose the cheapest Cordoba C3 or the most expensive Cordoba C7, you will be really satisfied with your choice.
However, as I mentioned before, I believe that Cordoba C5 offers the best value for the money.
I have no hesitation in recommending all of these three Cordoba guitars to all guitarists who are searching for good, reliable and great sounding classical guitars.
Other Classical Guitars
If you don’t like the sound of Cordoba C5 any you have a feeling that it won’t be a good fit for you, that’s not a big deal! There’s still quite a lot of other really good classical guitars that also deserve a lot of attention.
However, choosing a brand new classical guitar will heavily depend on the size of your budget and your own personal preferences. Here’s a few other models that you may also like!
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out the Yamaha CS40. This is a small, 3/4-sized classical guitar, so it’s a bit different than Cordoba C5 reviewed in today’s article. However, it’s a perfect choice for beginners and younger players. If you’re looking for a classical guitar for your kid, this is probably one of the best guitars that you can potentially get!
If you’re searching for a classical guitar from the highest shelf, you should definitely consider getting the famous Godin Multiac Nylon Encore. This is a really unique acoustic-electric classical guitar which is unlike any other model available on the market. It’s built for live performances, so if you’re a working musician, you will definitely benefit from adding it to your own collection.
Alternatively, you can also check out my article about the 10 Best Flamenco Guitars Under $1000. If that’s your kind of vibe and you have the budget to get a guitar available at this price level, there’s a high chance that your dream classical guitar is mentioned somewhere on that list!
FAQ
Where is Cordoba C5 made?
Cordoba C5 is manufactured in China.
What is the nut width of the C5 model?
The nut width of that guitar is 52mm.
Does the C5 model have a truss rod?
Yes, the C5 has a truss rod.
What strings does the C5 classical guitar model have?
Cordoba C5 is equipped with the Savarez 500CJ strings.
Where can I find out more about Cordoba guitars?
If you want to learn more about Cordoba guitars, you should definitely check out their official website.
Summary
As you can see, Cordoba C5 is a fantastic classical guitar. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all guitarists who are searching for a good, reliable and great sounding classical guitar. It may not be the best guitar in the world, but it’s definitely one of the best classical guitars at this price level.
What do you think of the C5 model? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were looking for! If you’re searching for more gear recommendations or more information about classical guitars, you may also like:
