Best Cedar Classical Guitars of 2026

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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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
Yamaha CG142C Classical Guitar Cover #TOP 2
Yamaha CG142C Classical 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

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
#TOP 2

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 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

Vangoa Classical Guitar

Premium VC-2
Red Cedar
4/4 (39 inch)
Vangoa Classical Guitar Cover
Classical Guitar Full Size 4/4 Spanish Style Classical Guitarra, 39 Inch Nylon Strings Guitar Ideal for Beginner Adults, 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
Beautiful finish
Good sound quality
Includes useful accessories
Lightweight and easy to play
Great value for price
#TOP 5

Yamaha GC12 Handcrafted Classical Guitar

GC12C
Natural
Large
Yamaha GC12 Handcrafted Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha GC12 Handcrafted Classical Guitar Cedar

The Yamaha GC12 Handcrafted Classical Guitar is a premium quality 6-string nylon-string classical guitar that offers bright and articulate tones with excellent touch-response. It features a solid cedar top and solid mahogany back and sides that produce rich lows, detailed mids, and vivid highs. The guitar also has an ebony fretboard that completes the premium tonewood selection. This guitar will only sound better as it ages, making it a great investment for any classical guitarist.

What We Like
Premium quality tonewoods
Excellent touch-response
Great recipe for rich lows, detailed mids, and vivid highs
#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

36-Inch Junior Size Nylon String Guitar Bundle by Vangoa

Premium VC-2
Red Cedar
3/4 (36 inch)
36-Inch Junior Size Nylon String Guitar Bundle by Vangoa Cover
Vangoa Classical Guitar 3/4 Inch Acoustic Classical Guitar, 36 Inch Junior Size Nylon String Guitar Bundle Kit for Beginner Teens, Cedar Top

Vangoa's 36-Inch Junior Size Nylon String Guitar Bundle is perfect for beginners, featuring a bright and clear sound, classic vintage appearance, exquisite craftsmanship, and a complete set of accessories. The improved high-quality nylon strings deliver a mellow, softer sound with outstanding midrange and smooth frequency. The classic vintage engraved headstock, antique inlaid pattern, and shock-resistant solid ABS binding provide an elegant and luxurious appearance. The handmade guitar with a cedar top and Sapele back & side enhance technology attached with stable X-shaped bracing structure provides superior response. The bundle includes a strap, capo, cleaning cloth, manual, pick set, spare strings, accessory pouch, pedal, and a sweet gift for kids and friends.

What We Like
Bright and clear sound with outstanding midrange and smooth frequency
Elegant and luxurious vintage engraved headstock and antique inlaid pattern
Exquisite craftsmanship with stable X-shaped bracing structure and superior response
Complete set of accessories perfect for beginners
#TOP 8

Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar

CG192C
Yellow
Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar Cover
Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar - Natural

The Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar, known as Yamaha CG192C Classical, features a Solid American Cedar Top, Rosewood Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Ebony Fingerboard. The Solid American Cedar Top enhances the resonance and tone quality, providing a rich and warm sound. Rosewood Back and Sides contribute to the guitar's durability and aesthetic appeal. The Mahogany Neck offers stability and a comfortable playing experience. The Ebony Fingerboard ensures smooth playability and adds a touch of elegance to your music.

What We Like
Rich Sound
Durable Build
Comfortable Neck
#TOP 9

Kala Cedar Top Mahogany Nylon String Guitar (KA-GTR-NY23)

KA-GTR-NY23
Natural
Kala Cedar Top Mahogany Nylon String Guitar (KA-GTR-NY23) Cover
Kala Cedar Top Mahogany Nylon String 3/4 Size Classical Guitar (KA-GTR-NY23)

The Kala Nylon String Guitar features a Cedar top, Mahogany neck, Laurel fingerboard, and Mahogany back sides. The Cedar top provides warm tones, the Mahogany neck offers durability, the Laurel fingerboard ensures smooth playing, and the Mahogany back sides deliver rich sound. Beginners and experienced players alike will appreciate the balanced sound and comfortable playability of the Kala Nylon String Guitar.

What We Like
Warm Cedar top
Durable Mahogany neck
Smooth playing experience
#TOP 10

Cordoba C5 CD Classical Nylon String Guitar

Withouth Gig Bag
Natural
Classical
Cordoba C5 CD Classical Nylon String Guitar Cover
Cordoba C5 CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series

The Cordoba C5 CD is an entry-level classical guitar ideal for aspiring guitarists who want the warm sound of nylon strings and comfortable playability. This lightweight model is built with a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides that produce a clear, powerful tone with beautiful sustain. Beginners will appreciate the lightweight and easy-to-play nylon strings, while the 52mm nut width and high-tension Savarez Cristal Corum strings make it perfect for experienced players. The natural wood color and grain create a unique appearance, which may vary from the product shown here.

What We Like
Incredible sound for the price
Excellent build quality
Suitable for all experience levels
Beautiful wood and finish
Great intonation and sustain
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 7,149 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 $295.72.

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, Vangoa, Kala, Cordoba. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.