FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Esteve Classical Guitar

Question:
I'm purchasing a classical guitar for my son who is studying Music Business in college. He will be taking guitar ensemble for the next eight quarters. His instructor has recommended; Esteve GR-08 Cordoba 75-R We've played them both and have found them to be very similar in terms of performance. However the Cordoba has solid rosewood back and sides with a German spruce top. The Esteve has laminated sides with a cedar top. We're leaning toward the Cordoba 75-R Any help?.

Answer:
The materials in the Cordoba are theoretically of a higher caliber. I say theoretically only because a builder can often build an excellent instrument with inferior materials. Cedar will give you a warmer sound ( Loosely speaking ) and a quicker response. German Spruce is regarded as the top of the line in top material and according to tradition ought to last a good hundred years and provide a sweet yet bright sound. It is often found on the best instruments. Solid Rosewood is the preferred choice for back and sides. Some builders may contend that it doesn't matter, however you will never find guitars with factory laminated sides and back in the highest price ranges. Thus the preferred choice is the former. The only thing which you don't mention is the relative price. If the Esteve is significantly cheaper and your son is planning to upgrade sooner rather than later, then perhaps that would be the way to go. But if the price is about the same, then go with the one with the better materials. It may take a year to break in but it will be worth it.