Cordoba C10 CD Lefty, Lutheir Series with Polyfoam Case

I received my Cordoba C10 today and I was able to spend some time with it. Just wanted to share my experience and opinion assuming it could be helpful to someone who's looking at this guitar as an option. MY BACKGROUND I'm a beginner player, who has been learning classical guitar on-and-off for about 6 years. I have owned a Yamaha C40, a Cort classical guitar, and currently own a Yamaha CG122MSH (bought 2 months ago on Amazon). So, pretty much I've been playing low-end, entry-level guitars. A QUEST TO FIND AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL GUITAR Before making my decision to buy a Cordoba C10, I spend a lot of time online reading reviews, watching guitar review videos on YouTube, and sometimes playing guitars at the local Guitar Center. My objective was to buy something at $1,000 or below. I researched Cordoba C5/C7/C9/C10, All Alhambra models under $1,000, La Patrie models (especially Collection and Presentation models), and some Kremona models. At Guitar Center, I played a Cordoba C5, a Kremona, and Alhambra 10P (if I'm not mistaken). After all that, I decided to go with Cordoba C10 due to a lot of factors. WHY AMAZON? There were other online shops that had C10 for the same price and free shipping. But no 2-day shipping. Some places had C10 for a few dollars less, but they charged for shipping. SHIPPING & DELIVERY This was one of my worries. I usually take good care of my guitars, but I was not sure the package carries (this came through UPS) would know what this is and take good care. When it arrived, the outer box didn't even have a dent. There was an inner box as well. Once that was opened, the Polyform case was securely packed with a lot of packing paper. It couldn't have been more secure than that. FIRST IMPRESSIONS When the Polyform case was opened, I was absolutely delighted. I immediately felt the new guitar smell. The guitar finish was absolutely brilliant. I checked every corner and surface to find an imperfection and there was none. The build quality was the highest of all guitar that I've played. I also noticed that it was heavier than many other guitars that I've played. Most probably due to the construction and truss rod. The guitar is absolutely quality and beautiful. PLAYABILITY After tuning the guitar, I played a few pieces that I've been practicing for the last few days. The playability is comparatively much better compared to my Yamaha. The left hand was much more relaxed. It was easy to glide the left hand on the polished neck (Yamaha's body is matte). The tuning pegs were smooth and didn't notice any play or slip or anything. SOUND What a difference! I really felt the difference between my Spruce Yamaha and Cedar C10. While the same piece on Yamaha was more elaborated and clear (especially the highs), C10 gave a nice, balanced, full and warmer sound. Like many reviews have pointed out elsewhere, the strings that come with C10 doesn't really give the highs out (Savarez Corum HT as far as I know). But the bases were fantastic. The sound the guitar produced, even with the strings that comes with it, was great. In the coming many weeks, I'm planning to experiment with some strings that I'm familiar with (and some for the first time) to see what I'd really like. Some have said Savarez Corum bases with La Belle 2001 trebles have given the best results, so that's something I'm looking forward to as well. But at the end of the day, it's everyone's preference and I might end up with something no one has suggested already. NEXT STEPS As suggested by luthiers and guitarists who know what they are talking about, I've already ordered humidifies for both my guitars. I'm planning to keep these in the cases, so the guitars won't get dry due to the low humidity in New England in this time of the year. Planning to buy a bunch of strings, experiment with them (each set for 3-4 weeks) and find what I like the most. Although the Polyform case is more than adequate to house the guitar at home, a hard-shell case might be a really good investment. A hard-shell case may provide a better seal for the humidification than the Polyform case. I'll also update this review, maybe in 6 months to share what's going on.

Just received this Cordoba C10 Parlor. I was looking for a small scale (630mm) classical to practice and play on. I have been wanting one to make longer practice sessions easier on my fretting hand do to nerve damage in my left arm and hand. It took me several months of reading reviews and also listening to Youtube reviews before I decided on this particular brand and model. I could have ordered a 630mm scale from the shop in Spain that made my current 650mm classical, but after calculating the cost and time for a new build, I opted for this one. It was less than half the cost of a new Burguet along with not having to wait 2 to 3 months for the guitar to be built. I also chose this model because it was a solid Indian Rosewood and Cedar top similar to my high-end Burguet. I must say I was very pleased with the craftsmanship. The bindings and purflings were spot on. The neck was straight and the action just right. Normally I take all my newly acquired guitars to a luthier friend to have him adjust the bridge saddle and nut and also the action. I was very pleased that this model did not need any adjustments. I played every fret on all the strings down to the body and there was not one fret buzz. The only small complaint, I have, and this is a very very minor one, was that the treble strings B and E seemed to be a bit "muddy or dull". But I am sure this is probably due to their age and where it sat (warehouse) until I purchased it. So I have ordered a new set of the Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension 500CJ. Hopefully they will be brighten up the highs. It's been two days since I took possession and I'm letting the solid woods acclimate to my office/music room. I am lucky to have a room that has steady temps and humidity favorable to guitars. Never drops below 70F and 45% humidity. I was also pleased with the case that came with the guitar. Even though it's a nylon gig bag it is sturdy and I don't see the point in buying a hard case for it. None of my guitars are kept in cases. I hang all my guitars on a wall using the Hercules hangers so they have a steady environment. I intend to append this review once the new strings arrive in the mail and the guitar settles in to it's environment. And for those wondering the local "Guitar Center" doesn't carry much in strings for classical guitars. Update: It has been a week since aquiring the Cordoba C10 Parlor, and as promised here is an update to my review. I did receive new strings earlier this week and had intended putting them on this weekend. But to my delight the guitar has fully acclimated to my music room environment. It has stayed in tune and the two upper stings "B" and "E" are sounding crisp and are ringing clear. The "G" string still seems to be a little muddy, but that seems to be the case with most nylon stings. Over the past 50 years I have owned several high-end guitars and even on them the "G" string always was an issue with being just a tad muddy. I am very happy with this guitar. It is a very beautiful looking and sounding instrument. Although after a closer look, I believe my guitars ebony fretboard was not fully stained. But that is not an issue, I will simply apply a good oil on the first string change in a few months. Update Nov 2020... Have now had this guitar for two months and play it almost every day. Have yet to do a string change. They are still crisp with of course the exception on the "G" string. That one is still a bit muddy. There was another customer on here that warned about humidity and the guitar going out of tune. I have not had that issue so far. My office/music rooms humidity is constantly between 47% and 55% and the strings have stayed in tune throughout my owning it. I have read several critiques here about poor build quality. I guess I was lucky with my purchase. Neck was straight, action was spot on, easy to fret and play. As for the frets themselves they were perfect, no sharp edges on the ends. Also the tops were polished smooth. I would say it's total finish, edges, binding and all are just as good as my higher end Burguet "studio" model guitar that came from a small luthier shop in Spain. I am very pleased with my purchase.

I had been playing classical guitar for two years when I purchased this guitar. I was looking to upgrade from my beginner Yamaha to an intermediate instrument. I also wanted solid spruce and rosewood with inlaid mother of pearl. In this price range, the Cordoba C10 is the only one that meets my criteria. It comes with a hard-sided nylon case so that's an added benefit, but it is not an air-tight case. The wood has beautiful grains and is highly polished. I have been playing it for 10 months now and thoroughly enjoy it. I actually found it easier to play than my beginner Yamaha. The spruce helps project a clear sound. Sometimes, I strum with a nylon pick, and it projects even better so a pick-up and amp wouldn't be needed. If you prefer a more mellow sound, the cedar version of this guitar might be a better choice for you. However, I was disappointed that I had to pay for a guitar technician to set it up and file down the frets. The frets were too wide and extended beyond the edge of the neck. As a result, you can actually feel the sharp edges along the neck. The technician told me that the guitar was very dry, which caused the wood of the neck to shrink and the frets to protrude. The guitar was shipped from Arizona so I assume that the warehouse was probably too hot and dry for the guitar. Unfortunately, the guitar was not ready to be played out of the box. This guitar was difficult to find even in a store so I kept it and I do like it very much. Despite the problem with the frets, I am glad Amazon offers this beautiful guitar.

I play some virtuoso guitar repertoire and this is the best of my 4 classicals. The D'Addario Extended Life Extra Hard Tension strings is a good match for this guitar. It affords excellent sustain with some loss of clarity but finding the perfect tone for the perfect song is the holy grail isn't it and seldom attained. I've yet to play one of the signature model Cordoba's which no doubt sound better but 4 grand better who knows. This one sounds pretty darn good for the money. If you get one with protruding frets call Amazon and see if they will extend your warranty period and then let the guitar sit for 2 or 3 weeks in a 50% humidity. I think you may be pleasantly surprised with the result. The guitar was probably perfect at the factory and just dried up in storage. It's not a permanent disease. At least it wasn't in my case. Over humidifying a guitar is probably worse because it kills tone. To be able to buy a guitar this good at this price point is a miracle unto itself and we should appreciate it. I want to add a note about nut width/50 vs 52mm. The regular C10 is 52 the parlor is 50. I have a C9 with a 50mm nut. It depends on your preferences, hand size and what repertoire you're playing. Mertz material was composed on a narrow necked classical guitar and he would wrap his thumb around to get bass notes at least on occasion. This changes the tone and the dynamics of what you're doing and can mean the difference between success and failure when it comes to mastering one of his pieces. Don't be too set in your preferences as there is seldom a holy grail. If the instrument was manufactured well with good tone woods you can most likely make it work.

Got the guitar from Amazon and the guitar sounded great and very comfortable to play, However, there were two dark line imperfections in the top wood grain near the soundhole which I didn't like in a $1000 guitar, so I returned it.

I recently purchased the Cordoba C10 spruce from Amazon. I was looking for an inexpensive spruce guitar to replace some expensive handmade guitars I sold. Originally I was looking at the C7 but I really wanted an ebony fingerboard. I tried a cedar C7 at the local GC and it was nice but they did not have it in spruce. As far as the C10 I couldn't be more thrilled. I bought it without trying it knowing I could return it to Amazon if I didn't like it. The guitar is very well made, comfortable to play and sounds great. Everything about it is just right. Usually on a new guitar I would change the strings and adjust the action. No need here everything is perfect. I'm afraid to change the strings because it sounds so good! I'm really enjoying the guitar, like I said the sound and playability are just great. I might have to buy a cedar also, I'm sure they are nice too! The only things holding the guitar back from looking like a very expensive instrument is the wood selection. I know it is very difficult and expensive to get perfect spruce (much more so than cedar)but the top does not look bookmatched. One side is a little darker than the other. You can only notice it at certain angles. Also the neck looks slab cut with a big swirl in the grain. As a side note the fingerboard also has dots at the 5,7 & 9th fret. This is a personal thing but I love having one at the 7th, 5th is ok but the 9th confuses me. I marked them out with a sharpie. Overall I can't think of a better guitar near this price range. The folks at Cordoba have really done their homework. Now the average Joe can play a quality guitar at a very reasonable price.

Coming from steel strings, the neck allowed me to make an easy transition. The overall quality is shockingly good, particularly at this price point. And the sound is wonderful - detailed, great string to string balance, and plenty loud. I love it. (Normally, I wouldn't buy a guitar from Amazon. I played a C-10 at my local music shop and tried to buy the Crossover model. But Cordoba couldn't supply one or confirm when they could. Found the last one on Amazon and it was instant satisfaction.) However, here's a word of caution. Cordoba makes a huge deal out of care in low humidity locations. The wood is very thin, so pay attention to this and the following: The guitar was perfectly stable and held its tuning quite well - UNTIL the humidity went up to 65-70%. Tuning wandered radically, and most importantly, the sound went to hell in a handbasket. Tubby and dull, the opposite of it's normal self. I bought a small dehumidifier (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GZ5BSBY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00) to use in my 11x11 music room and at about 58% everything was back in focus. So my suggestion is to do the same or put the guitar in the case at the first sign of rising humidity. I'd noticed this phenomenon with my steel string guitars, but it's orders of magnitude worse with this lightly built nylon strung instrument. But bottom line, it's magnificent sound is definitely worth the trouble!

This may well be the best playing guitar I have ever had and I have been playing guitar for 47 years. I have had Martins, a custom dreadnought and others, nylon and steel string. Putting aside the excellent quality of the instrument and the beautiful woods, quality fit and finish, the sheer play-ability, tone, volume and sustain are simply extraordinary in an instrument at this price level. And, frankly, heavier gauge strings will do even better on it! I was prepared to be wowed based on others' reviews. I was not prepared to have even those expectations exceeded. It really didn't hit me until I had some time finger picking on her for awhile. But it slowly seeped into my pores that this was a true marvel of a guitar. The case is great too, well built, compact and sturdy with an interior that is made to order to protect the goods. I had a friend who has played nylon string guitars professionally for years give it a try. He is not one to wax effusive, but he called her a "winner" and I must agree! If you are on the fence about getting one, don't be.