Cordoba 40R Classical Guitar

Typical student type classical model. Mine was made in 2000, bought it new from musicians friend. It came with a nice molded plastic SKB type case.

Sound is just ok, definitely not a high end instrument. As other reviews here have stated, it loses its tone at the higher registers.

I had to file the nut, and the bridge both to lower the action somewhat. However, the action from about the seventh fret up is still, in my opinion, too high. The fret board drops off drastically where it meets up with the body. It is almost unplayable after the 12ft fret.
Other than the somewhat poor action the appearance is exceptional. A high gloss finish, beautiful woods. I love the smell of the cedar top.
I would only recommend this as a beginner to intermediate level guitar at best.
I've been playing for 30 plus years, mostly electric guitars and basses. Classical is a small hobby for me, and this does the job. If you are a serious student, and want to advance, then I would recommend purchasing a better guitar. You won't be happy with this one for too long.

I have never had a problem with the durability of this guitar. Other than the cheap tuners, and the plastic bridge and nut, this is a reliable piece.

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I guess if this was lost or stolen, I would probably not look for another one. I would most likely buy a better more high end classical. There are lots of $1000. plus guitars on the used market that you could get at a fraction of the original cost.
This is definitely not a hand made guitar. These are mass produced at a factory. Therefore it is possible to get stuck with a bit of a lemon. I'm sure there are some people that swear by the craftsmanship of these Cordobas, however mine is lacking in the overall sound, and playability department.

My Cordoba 40R is the first classical guitar that I have owned. It has solid cedar top, laminated rosewood back and sides, and a mahogany neck. I'm not sure the year that it was built, but I mainly bought it b/c I was taking classical guitar and guitar ensemble in college. For what I bought it for, it worked fine, but I've read the review below, and I completely agree with what he is saying (read below for details on the features). I hardly play it anymore, but it worked fine for what I needed. If I was a hardcore classical player, then I would have scored this much lower.

I like the sound of this guitar, but I have heard much better, even in this price range. And for what I would use a classical guitar for, I would need a pickup to maybe use it for live playing. The sound is okay at best. But like the reviewer below says, the sound quality does diminish once you reach the mid to upper register of the guitar. Again, for what I used it for, the sound was good enough.

The action does get a little high in the upper register, so intonation becomes a problem. Also, I'm not sure if this is normal with classical guitars, but the plastic nut was loosely inserted into place and I was able to completely remove it when restringing. That doesn't seem very safe to let players be able to do that, but again I'm not sure since I don't know a lot about classical guitar construction. The finish was nice enough, I guess.

I did perform solos and ensemble pieces with this guitar, and it stayed in tune pretty well. So for as much as I used it (which relative to my steel string is about 1 on a scale to 10), it was reliable enough. It has held up extremely well sitting in its case in my closet for a couple of years, expcept for getting out of tune (which is understandable). I'm not sure how it would hold up if I actually played it regularly.

I'm not sure about a warranty, and I've never dealt with customer support, especially since these things are made in Spain (I think).

I've been playing for seven years now. I just bought a Breedlove SJ20/R, I have had a Larrivee OM-03E for about six years, and I also own an Epiphone Les Paul. At the time, this guitar was what I could afford, so it served its purpose. If it were stolen or lost, I wouldn't be too upset b/c the trade in value is very low. I would definitely look for something else if I ever wanted to get another classical guitar, probably something that can be plugged in. Bottom line, if you consider yourself a classical guitarist, then save up for something more expensive but better. If you just want to fool around with a nylon string guitar, don't spend this much. Just get something lower quality until you think you are ready for a true quality classical.

Other reviewers have pretty well covered the features of this guitar. The guitar I purchased had a rosewood fingerboard (not ebony as any earlier reviewer stated). This may just be due to Cordoba using cheaper materials on their newer units. I previously owned a C5 Cordoba beginning student model which left much to be desired construction and soundwise. This Cordoba 40R guitar is not handmade, it is listed as hand assembled(?) which is an interesting phrase pretty much meaningless. My Cordoba 40R model is claimed to have laminated rosewood sides and back. The guitar was purchased without the humi-case, I have added a humidifier to my hsc which and it seems to function properly. This does void the extended Cordoba's trumpeted warranty which is really just a way for a manufacturer to limit their responsibility for their product and helps sell their cases. The cheap tuners do not enhance this guitar.

Non amplified (acoustic) classical guitars exhibit wide variations in sound quality and are particularly sensitive to climactic conditions and of course design,constructon and material/string selection. The use of plastic (instead of tusq) for the nut and saddle are particularly disappointing. They should be replaced ASAP and this will definitely improve the sound. To me the true test of a classical instrument is the sound quality at the higher fret locations. In this respect this guitar is VERY DISAPPOINTING. The instrument sound quality is decent in the lower fret positions but becomes quite thin and distorted as you procede up the neck. I am truly mystified by the previous reviewers who rave about this instrument's sound quality. I found it to be thin and leaving much to be desired. Of course since there is a wide variation in the soundl/tone of these acoustic only instruments (even within the same model) I may have just gotten a lemon (it wouldn't be the first time).

The guitar action was decent in the lower fret postion but rapidly becomes unacceptable as you go up the neck. The workmanship was acceptable and no major flaws have been discovered. I do feel that manufacturers who mass produce instruments should be required to say so and not resort to deceptive, vague phrases to imply some kind of old world craftsmanship in their products. This doesn't imply that hand made guitars are always better than machine fabbed, mass produced one, but it seems a bit more ethical to tell it like it is, not misleading the customer.

I believe this guitar would assume live playing, but like most acoustic classicals which do depend mainly on the condition of the tonewoods it does require careful "care and feeding" i.e. humi-case etc.

No personal experience with Guitar Salon International (distributor) customer support. They are located in Santa Monica, California about thirty-five miles from my casa. I would expect it to be similarly apathetic as are other companies in their business.

I have been playing classical guitar for approximately ten years. In hindsight I should have spent more and purchased an all solid wood instrument. In Acoustic Guitar this month (October/November 2005)they are touting an Alhambra 4P model instrument for workmanship/sound quality. In addition it sells for about $150 less than I paid for the Cordoba. I did NOT do extensive comparison of the Cordoba 40R to other instruments (my error), but walked into GC one Saturday and purchased the only Cordoba 40R instrument they had in stock (dumb move on my part). I did relly too heavily on the Harmony Central Cordoba reviews (lazy, my mistake). This guitar was actually hanging up on the wall at GC so who knows what environmental trauma the instrument was exposed to before I purchased it. I wish it had an all solid wood body, better tuners, tusq nut and saddle etc. and better sound (nebulous requirement). BTW I really appreciate the reviews in Harmony Central if kept in proper perspective - they are a big help in helping suggestible impulse buyers like myself to avoid costly mistakes. The buyer gets the quality of instrument they demand - with most customers "bank roll" usually being the main driver. The important issue is for the buyer not to settle for an instrument the salesman likes. Buyer, do your homework first before plunking down your hard earned cash. Unfortunately I didn't follow my guidelines when purchasing this guitar....

I bought this guitar about 1 year or so ago and it was made in Spain. 19 frets, laminated cedar top, rosewood back and sides, mahagony neck and EBONY fingerboard. All descriptions including the cordoba catalog say that this guitar has a rosewood fingerboard, but I own my fair share of rosewood fingerboards, and I had builder look at it and he said that's it's ebony, it doesn't even look like dyed rosewood, I'm not complaining at all. Just another added bonus. Came with a Humi-Case. Very good value.

The sound of this guitar is great, it's hard to really describe the sound of this guitar. The tone is great, especially with new strings, but even with worn ones, deep colors emit from this guitar, from all over the body, the warmth of dolce is one that I've taked quite a liking too, but the metallic-ness of ponticello is bright and vibrant. I've been complimented many times by the sound of this guitar, my teacher loves it and has played it on a few occasions, she's been teaching for over 20 years and said that she thouroughly enjoyed playing the guitar. The ad is right, this guitar does sound like a guitar of a much higher value. I love everything about the sound of this guitar.

When I received the guitar I noticed immediately how nice the action was, it was low, but not too low, now perhaps it's because of my hard tension strings that I put on it I notice it's a little bit high around 7th position, but it's not a problem, at all guitar plays super sweet even from 12th position and up. The finish is real nice, everything is nice and laminated.

This guitar will withstand live playing. It projects sound very well even in a dead room. I've done concerts and recordings with it and the quality I swear by. The hardwared seems like it'll last, no problems there. I would absolutely use it on a gig without a backup. Someone earlier mentioned that their nut fell off when changing strings, because it wasn't glued, mine did the same thing, it wasn't a problem just a little wood glue, and it was set in place.

I bought it off musician's friend, and I think it's nearly impossible to deal with Cordoba directly

I've been playing 3 years, and this is my only classical guitar, I own a few other electrics. If this guitar were lost or stolen I would absolutely replace it....or get a custom handmade one, but nevertheless I wish to never part with this instrument, I really love the ebony fingerboard, gives it that final touch of quality, the only thing I'm not crazy about is the rosette, it's just not my stlye. If anything I wish it had a different rosette, and I guess the bone bridge and nut, but this guitar is a fantastic value hands down, the sound is worth the price alone.

Beautiful guitar. The solid cedar top delivers a soft tone that will only get better as it ages. The Rosewood is stunning, the laminate sides even has rosewood as the inside layer (something that not all guitars do). Draws attention when I take it out of the case.

I will be upgrading the bridge to bone, sadly it is made with cheaper plastic materials.

Sound is amazing - that's why I bought it. I tested Taylor's, Takamine, Giannini, Alvarez and Yamaha (as well as quite a few others). The prices went from $399 to $8,995 (I played the expensive ones, but wasn't going to buy one). The Cordoba had the projection and tone of the expensive guitars, and was a great value for the price.

plays nicely. This is the first nylon string guitar I've owned, and I'm amazed at it. I hardly ever touch my washburn or the Fender.

Action may be a bit high, but not uncomfortable. The bridge and nut would have been nicer if made of bone.

I love it, and would not hesitate to use it at gigs.

I cannot find out anything about the company.

I've been playing about thirty years, but only got serious about it a couple of years ago. I am studying Flamenco and Classical, and just love the instrument.

It's a pretty standard classical guitar with a beautiful solid cedar top and laminated mahogany sides and back. Neck is also mahogany. Saddle and nut are both made of plastic which could be greatly improved (more on this later). Tuners look 24k goldplated and hold tune perfect for days on end, once the strings have stretched of course. Lacquer finished all around.

Projection and volume are above anything in its class. Like the ads say it really does sound like a much more expensive guitar. Intonation is almost perfect. The PVC saddle and nut really take away from the sound though. If you want a cheap upgrade to this guitar to make it sound even more clear then go and have a bone saddle and nut made. It makes a world of difference! After I did this upgrade this guitar sound beautiful. The beiggest differnce it made though was with the pickup I have installed under the saddle.

Set-up kinda high especially at the saddle. When I installed the pickup I had to cut a lot off the saddle to make it where it was, but I took even more off to make the action a little better up the neck. Still not bad considering. The quality of wood and finish are fantastic and couldn't be better. My only complains were the action and the cheap materials in the saddle and nut. For only a little more money and a great deal more sound of sound, I think they should have included these kind of features.

I have had it for 2 and half years now and the finish is coming off a little on the corners, but that may be more my fault than the company's. I think it will probably only get better and last a very long time.

I've been playing for about well... 2 and half years now :-) I would be greatly depressed if this guitar was stolen or lost and might buy it again or a really old used one. This was my first guitar and I now have a 3/4 Ariana steel string, a 1984 Ovation Legend 1617, and a SX Les Paul Special Copy w/ p90's. The 40R is definitely in a class of its owna nd i wold recommend it to anyone starting or seasoned in guitar playing!

I bought my Cordova 40R a couple of weeks ago. I like it's brilliant and balanced sound. It goes with the humicase and now I don't have to worry of unexpected damage. One thing I noticed when I changed the strings, the neck bridge is not glued. Is this normal?

The sound is really good better than my yamaha 120 which I also like for mellow music.

The bridge on the neck fell off when I changed the strings. It is not glued. Is it normal>

This guitar will stand live playing. I tested it already.

This has 3 year warranty and limited lifetime warranty

This will be my 30th year playing guitar. But I don't do it professionally. Other people are asking me to make money out of it.

My Cordoba was made in the year 2000 in Spain.
I have been playing classical music off and on for about ten
years though not professionally. I love this guitar and after testing the sound on a lot of classical guitars at the store, I
decided the Cordoba had the richest sound with fine resonance
and a delicate tone. It sounded better than guitars costing
thousands of dollars more. I haven't been able to find a website
from the manufacturer, though. Many kudos to them!!

Made in Spain. It is a classical guitar with cedar solid top and laminated rosewood side and back, mahogany neck.

It has more volume than the Ibanez classical I also own and like. It has a crisp sound with bass and mid-range that is to my taste.

I have seen one blemish on the neck that you have to look for. I am new at learning how to play the guitar so I can only go by what I have played. I have played top end and low end guitars and have found out the most expensive may not be worth what it cost. I am satisfied with the way it plays.

Still new, but the guitar seems to be well made.

Have been playing 6 months. I would buy another it lost or stolen. I played a nylon string Taylor, but liked the Cordoba, also a Yamaha, Fender and a few others.

Solid top, indian rosewood sides.
Standard Classical setup.

This guitar is the BOMB!!!
Even my guitar teacher complimented on its tone.
(...just wait until it opens up!!!)

Quality made. A little smudge on the finish on the neck, but only I would notice since I love to look at this guitar!!

Strong guitar, I just wish I could find out who imports these fine guitars,

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I love this guitar. This will be my main guitar until I graduate from college with a music degree for guitar!!!