Classical guitars have a long history, and many brands still follow traditional Spanish designs. Some focus on student instruments, while others are known for handmade concert guitars.
Here are 20 of the most popular classical guitar brands and the models they are best known for.
1. Cordoba
Cordoba is one of the best-known modern classical guitar brands. It became popular by making Spanish-style guitars more accessible to a wider range of players. The lineup includes beginner models, traditional classical guitars, and higher-end handmade instruments.
Popular Cordoba Classical Guitar Models
- C5: One of Cordoba’s most popular classical guitars. It has a solid cedar top and a traditional full-size body.
- C7: A step up from the C5, with upgraded woods and a choice of cedar or spruce top.
- C12: A higher-end all-solid classical guitar with traditional construction and more detailed finishing.
2. Yamaha
Yamaha has been making classical guitars since the 1960s. The company makes everything from inexpensive student guitars to handmade concert models.
Popular Yamaha Classical Guitar Models
- C40II: One of the most popular beginner classical guitars and a common choice for students.
- CG192S / CG192C: The top models in Yamaha’s CG Series, available with spruce or cedar tops.
- GC82S / GC82C: Yamaha’s high-end handmade concert guitars, made in Japan.
3. Alhambra
Alhambra is one of Spain’s best-known classical guitar makers. The company builds its guitars in Alicante and is known for traditional Spanish construction, cedar and spruce tops, and a very large classical lineup.
Popular Alhambra Classical Guitar Models
- 1C: A popular student model with a solid cedar top.
- 4P: One of Alhambra’s best-known models. It has a cedar top, rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard.
- 7P Classic: An all-solid concert-level guitar with cedar and Indian rosewood.
4. Kremona
Kremona has been making string instruments in Bulgaria for more than a century. Its classical guitars have a traditional feel and make strong use of solid woods.
Popular Kremona Classical Guitar Models
- Sofia SC-T: A solid-top classical guitar from the Artist Series.
- Fiesta FC: An all-solid guitar with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides.
- Solea SA-C: One of Kremona’s high-end concert models, made with cedar and cocobolo.
5. Jose Ramirez
Jose Ramirez is one of the historic names of Spanish classical guitar. The Ramirez family has built guitars in Madrid since the 1800s, and its instruments have been played by some of the most important classical guitarists.
Popular Jose Ramirez Classical Guitar Models
- Tradicional 1A: The model most closely associated with Ramirez. It was developed by Jose Ramirez III with Andres Segovia.
Famous players: Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, Narciso Yepes, Christopher Parkening.
- Tiempo: A studio guitar based on Ramirez designs and made in Spain.
- SPR: A higher-end studio model with solid woods and traditional Ramirez styling.
6. Ortega
Ortega is known for modern classical guitars, especially crossover and stage models.
Popular Ortega Classical Guitar Models
- R121: One of the main models in Ortega’s Family Series and available in several sizes.
- R131: A solid-top model from the Family Series Pro.
- RCE131SN: A cutaway acoustic-electric version with a slimmer neck.
7. Admira
Admira is a Spanish brand focused mainly on classical and flamenco guitars. The guitars are especially common among students and classical guitar teachers.
Popular Admira Classical Guitar Models
- Malaga: One of Admira’s best-selling classical guitars, with a solid cedar top.
- A1: A handmade Spanish classical guitar from the Artesania range.
- A20: A higher-level model from the same handmade series.
8. Manuel Rodriguez
Manuel Rodriguez is a Spanish guitar company with a history going back to 1905. Its guitars keep the classic Spanish look, decorative rosettes, and solid wood models.
Popular Manuel Rodriguez Classical Guitar Models
- Tradicion: A traditional classical guitar with a solid top.
- Magistral D: An all-solid model from the higher-end Magistral range.
- Signature Legacy: Handmade guitars built in Spain using selected solid woods.
9. Esteve
Esteve guitars are made in Valencia, Spain. The company builds classical guitars at several levels, from simple student instruments to professional handmade models.
Popular Esteve Classical Guitar Models
- 4ST: A solid-top classical guitar with a simple traditional design.
- 7SR: An all-solid model with cedar or spruce and Indian rosewood.
- 9C/B: A higher-end classical guitar with solid woods and carbon fiber bracing.
10. Camps
Camps is a family-run Spanish company that has been making guitars since 1945. Its classical guitars mix traditional construction with some more modern ideas, especially on crossover and amplified models.
Popular Camps Classical Guitar Models
- M-1: A traditional classical guitar from the more affordable part of the Camps range.
- M-6: A higher-level classical model with solid woods.
- M-10: A concert-level guitar from the Camps classical range.
11. Hanika
Hanika is a German company that specializes in classical guitars. Its instruments have very clean construction, and a style that is noticeably different from many Spanish-made guitars.
Popular Hanika Classical Guitar Models
- 50 MC: A solid-wood classical guitar with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides.
- 50 PC: Uses a cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides.
- 58 Series: Concert-level guitars made with higher-grade woods and more detailed finishing.
12. Paco Castillo
Paco Castillo guitars are made in Valencia, Spain. The company focuses on traditional Spanish classical and flamenco guitars.
Popular Paco Castillo Classical Guitar Models
- 201: A solid cedar top model and one of the more affordable Paco Castillo guitars.
- 203: Adds Indian rosewood back and sides to the basic traditional design.
- 205: A higher-level classical model from the same range.
13. Altamira
Altamira makes classical, flamenco, gypsy jazz, and other acoustic guitars. Its classical range includes affordable student instruments and more expensive all-solid models.
Popular Altamira Classical Guitar Models
- N100: An entry-level full-size classical guitar.
- N300: A step up in the N Series with upgraded woods and construction.
- N600: A higher-end model aimed at more experienced classical players.
14. Prudencio Saez
Prudencio Saez is another long-running Spanish guitar maker from Valencia. The company makes classical and flamenco guitars at different price levels.
Popular Prudencio Saez Classical Guitar Models
- 1-PS: A professional classical guitar from the PS range.
- 4-PS: A higher-level model made for serious classical players.
- 6-PS: One of the top models in the professional series.
15. Hofner
Hofner is a German company with a long history of making guitars and other string instruments. Its classical guitars are especially familiar in Europe and have been used by generations of students.
Popular Hofner Classical Guitar Models
- HZ23: A full-size classical guitar from the Classic Series.
- HZ27: A cedar-top model with rosewood back and sides.
- HF17: A German-made solid-top classical guitar aimed at students and intermediate players.