Build Quality:4.7 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.6 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.7 out of 5 stars
Average:4.7 out of 5 stars

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Cordoba Guitars Protege C1 3-4 Size Acoustic Nylon String

Pros:

  • Full sound
  • Compact
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • It has great volume but not as high as on full sized models
  • The gig bag it comes with is not fully protective

Cordoba’s  ¾ sized nylon string Spanish-style guitar is a part of their Protege series. This model, like the other ones in the series, was created with beginners and young guitar players in mind. The construction, size and comfort provided by C1 fit newcomers very well. That is not to say that more matured and seasoned players would not enjoy it, especially if they are travelling and need a smaller sized model.

Build

C1 is a ¾ size nylon-string acoustic guitar that has Spruce top with ABS binding and mahogany back and side. While the tonewood was selected to deliver full sound that is uncharacteristic of small size guitars, the overall construction aims at providing as much comfort for beginners as possible. The neck is made of mahogany and is very easy to grip and slide along. It is a well-known fact that solid top guitars usually sound better and are more durable than laminated ones but once in a while you will find a guitar that despite not having a solid top does not sound any worse than a solid top model. Cordoba, with their C1 model has achieved something that a lot of companies strive for, great sound and quality without having to utilize all methods that people consider necessary for a great guitar. The sound and structure of this guitar definitely do not suffer from not having a solid top and neither does your wallet because this sort of method allow certain models to cost a lot less.

Hardware

Cordoba equipped this model with a Rosewood bridge and fingerboard. The tuning machines are nickel and two-way truss rod composite nut and saddle. You also get premium Savarez strings and to enhance the look and protect the tonewood, without diminishing the sound the finish is high gloss polyurethane. With a lot of beginner guitars, you will see that the company also adds a sort of a “bonus” in the form of a gig bag. While in most cases these gig bags are rather flimsy I think it is a great idea to have any kind of protection for your guitar. Chances are, if you are getting your first guitar and go not know much about accessories or cannot be bothered at the moment, a gig bag or a case is not your top priority (but believe me it should be).

Cordoba Protege C1 Sound

For the price that you are giving, Cordoba has gone out of its way to provide as much good material as possible and that shows when you pick this guitar up and play it. In contrast to a lot of ¾ sized models this one is quite loud and has a full, rich sound. The tonewood and comfort that C1 has guarantee (well, at least provide all possible tools) for you to learn to play the guitar with ease, develop your skills and find the sound that you like.

Conclusion

Cordoba wants to be the leader in the production of nylon string guitars. Their craftsmanship and dedication to producing well-built, lightweight but sturdy, and durable models have got them where they are not. The C1 epitomizes everything that the company stands for – affordability, comfort and quality. This model would be a great first step for a beginner musician to develop his skills or a great addition to a well-seasoned player who wants a more compact and affordable model to travel with.

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