Best Cedar Classical Guitars of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Cedar Classical Guitars are known for their exceptional sound quality and beautiful craftsmanship. These guitars are handcrafted using only the finest materials, including solid cedar tops, rosewood backs and sides, and ebony fingerboards. The attention to detail in the construction of these instruments is evident in their rich, warm tones and easy playability. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, Cedar Classical Guitars offer a superior playing experience that is sure to impress. With a range of styles and sizes to choose from, there is a Cedar Classical Guitar to suit every player's needs and preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 1
Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cordoba 6 C5-CE CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar Cover #TOP 2
Cordoba 6 C5-CE CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Yamaha NCX1C NT Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 3
Yamaha NCX1C NT Classical Guitar
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cedar Classical Guitars

#TOP 1

Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar

CG122MCH
Natural
Classical
Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG122MCH Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar

The Yamaha CG122MCH Classical Guitar features a solid cedar top, a 3-ply neck construction to improve durability against neck warp, low string action, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge with 19 frets and a 25.6 inches scale, and a natural matte finish. This guitar is perfect for beginners and intermediate players who want a high-quality instrument that is easy to play and produces a great sound. The low string action makes it comfortable to play, and the solid cedar top produces a warm and rich tone that will make your music sound great.

What We Like
Easy to play with low string action
Produces a warm and rich tone
Durable construction against neck warp

Cordoba 6 C5-CE CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar

Withouth Gig Bag
Cedar
Cutaway Electric
Cordoba 6 C5-CE CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar Cover
Cordoba 6 C5-CE CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series, Right, Cedar, Cutaway Electric (Withouth Gig Bag)

The Cordoba C5-CE Guitar is the perfect entry-level instrument for aspiring classical guitarists and those seeking the warm sound of nylon strings. This flagship model from Cordoba features a solid Cedar top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a clear and powerful tone with beautiful sustain. The soft cutaway design allows for easy access to the upper register, and the Fishman Presys II preamp amplifies your sound for stage and studio performances. With its lightweight construction and beginner-friendly nylon strings, this guitar offers comfortable playability for beginners. Handmade in the traditional Spanish style, the C5-CE stands out with its carved headstock, hand-inlaid wood rosette, Pau Ferro binding, Savarez strings, and glossy PU finish. Experience the unique spirit and versatility of this exceptional entry-level guitar.

What We Like
Warm sound
Powerful tone
Easy access to upper register
#TOP 3

Yamaha NCX1C NT Classical Guitar

NCX1C NT
Natural
Yamaha NCX1C NT Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha NCX1C NT Cedar Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Nylon-String Classical Guitar, Natural

The Yamaha NCX1C Classical Guitar combines modern aesthetics with a classic feel. Its cedar top delivers a warm, rich sound that enhances your playing experience. The nato back and sides add durability and resonance, ensuring it withstands regular use. With a traditional neck profile, this guitar provides a comfortable grip, making it easier for you to play for extended periods. Additionally, the advanced preamp and pickup system, complete with an onboard tuner, allows you to easily amplify your sound and stay in tune, perfect for performances or practice sessions.

What We Like
Warm cedar sound
Durable nato construction
Comfortable neck profile
Advanced pickup system
#TOP 4

Yamaha CG142C Classical Guitar

CG142C
Cedar
medium
Yamaha CG142C Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG142C Cedar Top Classical Guitar

The Yamaha CG142C Classical Guitar features a solid cedar top, nato back and sides, a nato neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. These materials produce a warm and clear tone, and provide a comfortable playing experience. The guitar is suitable for classical and nylon-string music lovers.

What We Like
Produces warm and clear tone
Comfortable playing experience
Suitable for classical and nylon-string music
#TOP 5

Ovation Applause Balladeer AB24CII-CED Classical Guitar

AB24CII-CED
Natural Cedar
Mid Depth
Ovation Applause Balladeer AB24CII-CED Classical Guitar Cover
Ovation Applause Balladeer AB24CII-CED Mid Depth Classical Guitar, Natural Cedar

The Ovation Applause Balladeer AB24CII-CED Classical Guitar is a 2017 model with a spruce top, Ovation Lyrachord Mid-Depth Cutaway, and Ovangkol Fingerboard. It features an Applause by Ovation CE304T with three band EQ and built-in tuner, and an Ovation Under the Saddle Piezo Pickup. The guitar is recommended to be paired with the Ovation 8158-0 hard-shell case or 8358-0 Zero gravity Guitar case.

What We Like
2017 model
Mid-Depth Cutaway and Ovangkol Fingerboard
CE304T with three band EQ and built-in tuner
#TOP 6

Yamaha CG162C

CG162C
Natural
Yamaha CG162C Cover
Yamaha CG162C Cedar Top Classical Guitar

The Yamaha CG162C Cedar Top Classical Guitar is a high-quality instrument designed for classical and nylon-string guitar enthusiasts. With its solid American cedar top, this guitar delivers warm and rich tones, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced players. The ovankol back and sides contribute to the guitar's balanced sound and resonance. The nato neck offers excellent playability and comfort, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the fretboard. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add a touch of elegance and durability to the guitar. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, the Yamaha CG162C Cedar Top Classical Guitar guarantees a pleasurable playing experience.

What We Like
Warm and rich tones
Balanced sound and resonance
Excellent playability and comfort
#TOP 7

Yamaha CG182C Classical Guitar

CG182C
Yamaha CG182C Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG182C Solid Cedar Top Classical Guitar - Natural

The Yamaha CG182C Classical Guitar boasts a solid American cedar top, rosewood back and sides, nato neck, ebony fingerboard, and rosewood bridge. The guitar is ideal for classical and nylon-string guitar enthusiasts. The solid cedar top offers a rich, warm tone that improves with age. The rosewood back and sides provide a beautiful look and contribute to balanced, clear sound. The ebony fingerboard and nato neck allow for comfortable playing, while the rosewood bridge ensures excellent intonation.

What We Like
Rich and warm tone
Beautiful look
Comfortable playing
#TOP 8

Vangoa Classical Guitar

Premium VC-2
Red Cedar
Full
Vangoa Classical Guitar Cover
Classical Guitar Full Size 4/4 Spanish Style Classical Guitarra, 39 Inch Nylon Strings Guitar Ideal for Beginner Adults, Solid Cedar Top, by Vangoa

The Vangoa 39" Classical Set is the perfect entry-level guitar for beginner adults. It comes with everything you need to start your music journey right away, including a full-size classical guitar, tuner, strap, capo, cleaning cloth, manual, pick set, spare strings, accessory pouch, and pedal. The premium cedar top and sapele side and back woods produce a bright and clear sound, while the soft nylon strings and smooth fretboard provide a comfortable playing experience. The C-shaped neck and guitar tuner make tuning more accurate and convenient. With its elegant design and vintage engraved headstock, this classical guitar is not only a great instrument but also a beautiful piece of art. Whether you're soloing, teaching, performing, or practicing at home, the Vangoa 39" Classical Set is the ideal choice for you.

What We Like
Great value
Outstanding sound
Practical design
#TOP 9

Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar

C9 CD/MH
Natural
Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar Cover
Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar

The Cordoba C9 CD/MH Acoustic Nylon String Classical Guitar is a great choice for classical guitar students and serious amateurs. It features a solid Canadian cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides, a hand inlaid Mother-of-Pearl "Esteso" Rosette, and a rosewood fingerboard and Indian rosewood bridge. It also includes a Cordoba Polyfoam case and truss rod wrench 0.1 inch Allen Key. Customers praise its excellent sound quality, beautiful aesthetics, and easy playability. The only downside is that it lacks balance and low end, but for the price, it's a great guitar.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Beautiful aesthetics
Easy playability

Cordoba Luthier C10 Lefty Acoustic Guitar

99-753-0110
Cedar, Lefty
Cordoba Luthier C10 Lefty Acoustic Guitar Cover
Cordoba Luthier (all solid) 6 String Acoustic Guitar, Left, Cedar, Lefty (99-753-0110)

The Cordoba Luthier C10 Lefty Acoustic Guitar is handmade in a small boutique workshop and perfect for serious classical guitarists or anyone looking to upgrade to a concert-level instrument at an affordable price. It features an all-solid Spanish design with Canadian cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides that provide a fat low-end, crisp treble response, and complex overtones. The guitar includes traditional Spanish fan bracing and Spanish heel construction, a C-shape neck, and modern features such as a two-way truss rod for long-term neck stability. Other features include a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, red purfling, high gloss finish, pearloid rosette, Savarez Cristal Corum strings, and a lightweight polyfoam case.

What We Like
Handmade in a small boutique workshop
Perfect for serious classical guitarists or anyone looking to upgrade at an affordable price
Features solid Indian rosewood back and sides that provide a fat low-end, crisp treble response, and complex overtones
Includes modern features such as a two-way truss rod for long-term neck stability
Comes with a lightweight polyfoam case
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is cedar or spruce better for classical guitar?

Spruce guitars typically have a quite direct sound with a bell-like tone. They seem to be more clear, balanced and sometimes have more sustain. Cedar however, makes the guitar sound darker, warmer and generally fuller.

2. Is cedar a good guitar wood?

Cedar is the most popular top tonewood for classical guitars and is an excellent choice for steel-string acoustics as well. A variety of cedars can be seen in acoustic guitar tops and necks, though it's uncommon to see it used as a back and sides material and certainly as a fretboard material.

3. Is cedar good for guitar top?

Cedar, however, because it is less stiff - provides more sparkle and more nuance when played more softly. So essentially, cedar top acoustic guitars are the most ideal guitars for the person who plays fingerstyle, or plays with a pick using softer attacks on the strings.

Editor's Notes

During our cedar classical guitar research, we found 48 cedar classical guitar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,382 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cedar classical guitars list. We found that most customers choose cedar classical guitars with an average price of $302.56.

The cedar classical guitars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cedar classical guitars, including YAMAHA, Cordoba, Ovation, Vangoa. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.