I had a well-made luthier built classical years ago and for the past few years have a Fusion 12 Cordoba in spruce top. For me, it lets you play classical, regular acoustic and electric pieces well. It has a slightly narrower nut, 12 frets to the body, and is a very good sounding guitar with truss rod. At $500 barely used, it is VERY inexpensive and rather nicer than a C5 or C7
I wanted to start playing Bossa Nova music and I recently bought a Cordoba and thanks to lockdown in UK I had to buy it sight unseen and unheard. It's my first nylon strung guitar and I absolutely love it. Beautiful guitar and the action is perfect. My Bossa Nova playing leaves a lot to be desired but I cannot blame the guitar. Thanks for another informative excellent video.
My next guitar is the Nylon string Godin Multivac with built in 5 PIN MIDI connector. The possibilities are endless when you combine nylon tones with guitar synth like GR-55. This video inspired me to make that my next piece of musical gear and they make a thin line model with a 1 7/8th nut. Thanks for video. .
I have planned to buy the Taylor and then the Yamaha, but the more a listen to this video playing content, the more I find the Cordoba has a much deeper bass and elegant voice overall.. Am I going crazy?...
Awesome video. I am exactly in this situation trying to switch from playing the steel string acoustic guitar to a nylon string guitar without scarifying I have been used to. I would prefer the Academy 12e-N which sounds brighter to me. I am 52 now and looking for something easy on my on left hand.
The wider fingerboard is not to accommodate thicker nylon strings, but to make it easier to play fingerstyle. A classically trained player doesn't wrap his/her hand around the guitar neck, so the width of the neck is not an issue.
He stated "for one" it's for thicker strings. I.e., that's only one of the reasons. The wider neck of traditional classical guitars is absolutely an issue for the type of musicians who do NOT play classical music, but want the nylon string sound. Why would a "classically trained player" want to play a fusion guitar? They don't. They can and should stick with a traditional classical guitar, play classical music on it, and everyone will be happy.
I had an NTX 700 and absolutely loved it. Got a great deal and sold it for a profit to buy a Tele. I would like to try a Fusion 12 one day. The Taylor didn't do it for me in this particular video but I love their steel string guitars.
Fantastic! If I was in the market for a nylon, on a budget, I would go for the Taylor all day long. Sharp sounding low- and mid range, like my other Taylors are, and the wood pattern on the back makes this gutar really stand out from the crowd!! In my humble opinion. Thx a lot, Chris, my 614ce and me are still struggling along to learn that beautiful tune of yours... :-D
This is great. Nails it. I love the price tags flopping around too. Kind of a 'Minny Pearl' look. The voice of a nylon string, particularly with the tone turned down, is, for me, very soulful.
Chris. Give us more vids on nylon string guitars. I bought Taylor 12 N because of your great review. - and I adore it!- But there are lot baby boomers like me who want start here. If I get better I may move to steel string next year Boy/girl. Like you said. Taylor knows how to build beautiful instruments to inspire new users.
@@glorioskiola might be discontinued but similar Yamaha is likely available. Night and day difference between a standard nylon guitar and a higher level Yamaha nylon. Like butter.
@@GUITARTIME2024 yes, their new line, the NTx is their crossover version. On my wish list with the Taylor 214ceN. Same price as the Yamaha NTx3. The main difference is the Taylor is a full sized Grand Auditorium, while the Yamaha is their APX size (smaller and thin). And the Yamaha is all solid wood, but not the Taylor.
@@GUITARTIME2024 actually, I have a 50+ year old Yamaha classical. The G-170A. Those nylon strings are sure easy on your fingers! (But the 2+ inch nut is a killer.)
This is very helpful video for me. It’s very sad that big chains like Sam ash and guitar center have stopped carrying classical guitars. I have a dozen guitars. One is a classical Yamaha student model. I want to update to something nicer but I can’t find many places here in NYC that Carries guitars. I’m thinking of making a long drive out of state to somewhere with lots of nylon string guitars so I can play before I buy.
Yamaha has a new nylon line, including the NTx3 and 5. All solid wood, and have their Atmosfeel electronics. The “5” version is much more expensive, and I’m just guessing that it’s made in their custom shop in Japan.
Well done as usual Chris! I thought the Cordoba sounded best with the Yamaha a very close 2nd. The Taylor just sounded a bit brittle and too dry to me.
You know that you can just buy an acoustic guitar and use Silk and Steel strings, right? You can have low action that way, and you can always mount a set of Elixir (and turn the truss rod) in case :)
@@eaman11 Yep. Silk and steel is a good choice. You can also purchase sets of nylon strings that are all ball end. Elixer coated PB's are pretty easy on the fingers though. A few other suggestions. Tune down half a step. Capo on 1st fret. Shorter scale length (under 25").
@@neilmartin99 Well nylon string usually require a setup for the capo and the bridge, other than a heavy truss rod release. I like those but it's an other play style and sound. As for shorter scale and all the rest: it's all good, actually I have a 630mm with nylon strings. Yet if you use short scale you should go with an heavy gauge set of strings, if you want to use like silk and steel you need a full size guitar or it will all become a bowl of spaghetti. Capo on the first fret is always cool, you can spot many pretty singers that do that trick, it's a clever one. But you kill a lot of overtones with it.
I had a classical guitar when I started learning the guitar and it took so zmuch to adjust once I got an acoustic guitar that it put me off from practicing.
I have the ntx 700 and for bossa nova I think it sounds really great......even though I have not record nothing yet but for soft easy background guitar music my honest opinion is a great instrument for bout 400 doll on sale.
Though the Cordoba has more highs and tone clarity, the warmth and emotion is from Yamaha. You just feel like closing your eyes when you play the Yamaha, lol! all in for Yamaha NTX 700C!
Chris. I’m really interested in buying that Taylor. Can you describe the action from the factory please? Is it set up low like a steel string acoustic or high like a classical please? Thanks Ian
The Yamaha NTX 700 has 14 frets with radius fretboard. The other two guitars are 12 fret models - probably flatter radius. The Yamaha is also available with spruce - plus the 900 models with flamed maple. Look up the websites to get the facts.
Great video. Thanks for the info. I went and tried out the Taylor academy but came away with the Taylor 114 ce-n. Beautiful sound and very kind on my scarred index finger which has reduced my playing time considerable over the past 3 years.
I'm a classical guitarist but I wanted to try a crossover. Do most crossover guitars recommend hard tension strings? I just purchased a Cordoba Orchestra CE. Cordoba recommends the hard tension strings. I prefer playing with normal tension but have had a hard time getting this guitar set up properly. I now have hard tension strings on it and the set up is ok.still getting some strange vibration and buzzing noises even on open strings. Normal tension would be worse I'm sure because they vibrate more. Great review and discription....and playing!!
Sounds like you need to get a luthier to do a setup on your guitar. The high vs low tension strings concerns the amount of ideal stress on the soundboard for best tone and volume. Either tension types shouldn't cause buzz in a properly set up guitar
When plugging in an acoustic hybrid , we all want to hear 100% of the amplified sound . Very often the best acoustic sound does not translate to the best electric sound because the electronic are The major concern . The finest woods often do not translate into a great amplified sound with feedback control . We are all looking for guitars that sound very acoustic when played through amps and PA's loud .
Are you familiar with the La Patrie Arena serie? I have an hesitation between the NTX700 and the Arena Flame Maple CW Crescent II. You would recommand which one
La patrie Arena has bigger neck, like classical guitar. Yamaha is slim neck, more for electric guitar playera. Arena sounds really nice but I didn’t like the neck, too big for me.
playing classical guitar requires a different posture, and you have the guitar at a different angle and your fretting hand is rotated to accomodate for the wider neck.. You do not play it like an electric guitar - hence people have problems. If you learn a bit of technique you will have no issues with it... not to say these arent good as well..
Are you familiar with the La Patrie Arena serie? I have an hesitation between the NTX700 and the Arena Flame Maple CW Crescent II. You would recommand which one
Arena has a bigger neck, it’s good for those who are used to classical guitars. Yamaha ntx series has a slim neck, good for electric guitar players. Both guitars sound nice.
sound demos:
5:57 Yamaha
7:18 Taylor
8:43 cordoba
I had a well-made luthier built classical years ago and for the past few years have a Fusion 12 Cordoba in spruce top. For me, it lets you play classical, regular acoustic and electric pieces well. It has a slightly narrower nut, 12 frets to the body, and is a very good sounding guitar with truss rod. At $500 barely used, it is VERY inexpensive and rather nicer than a C5 or C7
Thanks for sharing!
I wanted to start playing Bossa Nova music and I recently bought a Cordoba and thanks to lockdown in UK I had to buy it sight unseen and unheard. It's my first nylon strung guitar and I absolutely love it. Beautiful guitar and the action is perfect. My Bossa Nova playing leaves a lot to be desired but I cannot blame the guitar.
Thanks for another informative excellent video.
Which model?
Yes which model?
That Cordoba sounds right...caught my ear's attention.
My next guitar is the Nylon string Godin Multivac with built in 5 PIN MIDI connector. The possibilities are endless when you combine nylon tones with guitar synth like GR-55. This video inspired me to make that my next piece of musical gear and they make a thin line model with a 1 7/8th nut. Thanks for video. .
To me, the Cordoba had a fuller sound but the Yamaha has a surprisingly nice sound.
I have planned to buy the Taylor and then the Yamaha, but the more a listen to this video playing content, the more I find the Cordoba has a much deeper bass and elegant voice overall.. Am I going crazy?...
Get all 3 of ‘em! We guitarists never have enough guitar!
(and never enough money for more)
@@hoangnguyennguyen1032 Ditto!
Awesome video. I am exactly in this situation trying to switch from playing the steel string acoustic guitar to a nylon string guitar without scarifying I have been used to. I would prefer the Academy 12e-N which sounds brighter to me. I am 52 now and looking for something easy on my on left hand.
Actually the Academy Series are some of the best sounding guitars Ive heard.
@Oliver I have the academy 12en, and it is a dream to play.
Chris McKee totally roCKS!!! Thank you, Chris.
You're welcome!
Chriss McKee is a rockstar
That Taylor sounds incredible.
Love the Taylor non cut away looks_ they feel good to play. Good tone!
The wider fingerboard is not to accommodate thicker nylon strings, but to make it easier to play fingerstyle. A classically trained player doesn't wrap his/her hand around the guitar neck, so the width of the neck is not an issue.
He stated "for one" it's for thicker strings. I.e., that's only one of the reasons. The wider neck of traditional classical guitars is absolutely an issue for the type of musicians who do NOT play classical music, but want the nylon string sound. Why would a "classically trained player" want to play a fusion guitar? They don't. They can and should stick with a traditional classical guitar, play classical music on it, and everyone will be happy.
Awesome review! Thank you very much for doing this!
The cordoba has more volume and warmth, but the Taylor has better articulation. Both are nice. I think I like the Taylor a little better.
The Taylor (which I have) has carbon strings while the Cordoba has normal nylon strings. This alone could explain the better articulation.
It plays great but I miss the 14 fret neck
I think the cordoba sounds the best than the Yamaha
Love them all,you are an amazing guitar player Chris !
I had an NTX 700 and absolutely loved it. Got a great deal and sold it for a profit to buy a Tele. I would like to try a Fusion 12 one day. The Taylor didn't do it for me in this particular video but I love their steel string guitars.
Fantastic! If I was in the market for a nylon, on a budget, I would go for the Taylor all day long. Sharp sounding low- and mid range, like my other Taylors are, and the wood pattern on the back makes this gutar really stand out from the crowd!! In my humble opinion. Thx a lot, Chris, my 614ce and me are still struggling along to learn that beautiful tune of yours... :-D
The thing about the taylor is the fantastic ebony fingerboard. You don't see it in video but you feel it with your hands!
This is great. Nails it. I love the price tags flopping around too. Kind of a 'Minny Pearl' look. The voice of a nylon string, particularly with the tone turned down, is, for me, very soulful.
Cordoba guitar had the best sound easely. The other ones sound to much like sterk, especially the second one.
i realize it is pretty randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to stream new movies online ?
@Calvin Damon Try flixzone. You can find it on google =)
@Calvin Damon Lately I have been using Flixzone. You can find it on google :)
Sterk?
Chris. Give us more vids on nylon string guitars. I bought Taylor 12 N because of your great review. - and I adore it!-
But there are lot baby boomers like me who want start here. If I get better I may move to steel string next year
Boy/girl. Like you said. Taylor knows how to build beautiful instruments to inspire new users.
Chris, fantastic video. What is the piece you are playing? Sounds amazing!
Good review and explanations...
This actually helped a lot !!! Thanks
Tried the Yamaha. Amazing.
Good choice!
Yeah, I have my eye on that one.
@@glorioskiola might be discontinued but similar Yamaha is likely available. Night and day difference between a standard nylon guitar and a higher level Yamaha nylon. Like butter.
@@GUITARTIME2024 yes, their new line, the NTx is their crossover version. On my wish list with the Taylor 214ceN. Same price as the Yamaha NTx3. The main difference is the Taylor is a full sized Grand Auditorium, while the Yamaha is their APX size (smaller and thin). And the Yamaha is all solid wood, but not the Taylor.
@@GUITARTIME2024 actually, I have a 50+ year old Yamaha classical. The G-170A. Those nylon strings are sure easy on your fingers! (But the 2+ inch nut is a killer.)
Hi...
Do you recommend the Taylor 214 ce Nylon string?
I love the sound of an classical guitar. I went out and purchase one.Phillip Austin
Chris, great explanations on this "newest" Guitar type for those not studying true Classical Guitar. I appreciate your videos! Kudos!!!
you are terrific. i watch all your videos
This is very helpful video for me. It’s very sad that big chains like Sam ash and guitar center have stopped carrying classical guitars. I have a dozen guitars. One is a classical Yamaha student model. I want to update to something nicer but I can’t find many places here in NYC that Carries guitars. I’m thinking of making a long drive out of state to somewhere with lots of nylon string guitars so I can play before I buy.
You have to try the Taylor im this video. I have one and it is buttery smooth, easy to play and beautiful, powerful rich and sweet tone
Yamaha has a new nylon line, including the NTx3 and 5. All solid wood, and have their Atmosfeel electronics. The “5” version is much more expensive, and I’m just guessing that it’s made in their custom shop in Japan.
Can you recommend a small scale guitar that is a crossover for steel string players with smaller hands? Thanks.
Well done as usual Chris! I thought the Cordoba sounded best with the Yamaha a very close 2nd. The Taylor just sounded a bit brittle and too dry to me.
codoba is the best I think
What's with the tuner on the mic stand? :)
In terms of comfort to electric guitar players, in what order would you rank those 3 guitars?
You know that you can just buy an acoustic guitar and use Silk and Steel strings, right?
You can have low action that way, and you can always mount a set of Elixir (and turn the truss rod) in case :)
@@eaman11 Yep. Silk and steel is a good choice.
You can also purchase sets of nylon strings that are all ball end.
Elixer coated PB's are pretty easy on the fingers though.
A few other suggestions.
Tune down half a step.
Capo on 1st fret.
Shorter scale length (under 25").
@@neilmartin99 Well nylon string usually require a setup for the capo and the bridge, other than a heavy truss rod release. I like those but it's an other play style and sound.
As for shorter scale and all the rest: it's all good, actually I have a 630mm with nylon strings. Yet if you use short scale you should go with an heavy gauge set of strings, if you want to use like silk and steel you need a full size guitar or it will all become a bowl of spaghetti.
Capo on the first fret is always cool, you can spot many pretty singers that do that trick, it's a clever one. But you kill a lot of overtones with it.
Chris, which of these three has the most volume unplugged?
The second Yamaha sounds a bit odd. Was this just an issue with the recording?
I had a classical guitar when I started learning the guitar and it took so zmuch to adjust once I got an acoustic guitar that it put me off from practicing.
Dear chriss which was the most comfortable to play. It seemed you had to press harder on the yamaha. & also which you feel sounds best out of these 3
I tried the Yamaha, felt great.
I have the ntx 700 and for bossa nova I think it sounds really great......even though I have not record nothing yet but for soft easy background guitar music my honest opinion is a great instrument for bout 400 doll on sale.
Though the Cordoba has more highs and tone clarity, the warmth and emotion is from Yamaha. You just feel like closing your eyes when you play the Yamaha, lol! all in for Yamaha NTX 700C!
Thanks for sharing!
Have NTX700 for 3 yrs. Great guitar!
Chris. I’m really interested in buying that Taylor. Can you describe the action from the factory please? Is it set up low like a steel string acoustic or high like a classical please? Thanks
Ian
The Yamaha NTX 700 has 14 frets with radius fretboard. The other two guitars are 12 fret models - probably flatter radius. The Yamaha is also available with spruce - plus the 900 models with flamed maple. Look up the websites to get the facts.
do any of these come in 3/4 size?
Great video. Thanks for the info. I went and tried out the Taylor academy but came away with the Taylor 114 ce-n. Beautiful sound and very kind on my scarred index finger which has reduced my playing time considerable over the past 3 years.
Iam love them all
Me too, bro! 😆😆
I'm a classical guitarist but I wanted to try a crossover. Do most crossover guitars recommend hard tension strings? I just purchased a Cordoba Orchestra CE. Cordoba recommends the hard tension strings. I prefer playing with normal tension but have had a hard time getting this guitar set up properly. I now have hard tension strings on it and the set up is ok.still getting some strange vibration and buzzing noises even on open strings. Normal tension would be worse I'm sure because they vibrate more. Great review and discription....and playing!!
Sounds like you need to get a luthier to do a setup on your guitar. The high vs low tension strings concerns the amount of ideal stress on the soundboard for best tone and volume. Either tension types shouldn't cause buzz in a properly set up guitar
You have no advise about Arena Mahogany CW QIT?
The Cordoba c10 crossover is a good guitar in this line too.
When plugging in an acoustic hybrid , we all want to hear 100% of the amplified sound . Very often the best acoustic sound does not translate to the best electric sound because the electronic are The major concern . The finest woods often do not translate into a great amplified sound with feedback control . We are all looking for guitars that sound very acoustic when played through amps and PA's loud .
Great guitars and a great explanations. May I know the title of the song and if there is a tab somewhere? thanks
What are the neck profiles?
Are these easier on the fingers for fingerstyle as compared to a steel string?
I would definitely say so...
Try Silk and Steel string on yr acoustic
You probably get this question all the time, but is chris related to andy mckeet? Chris is awesome :)
Are you familiar with the La Patrie Arena serie?
I have an hesitation between the NTX700 and the Arena Flame Maple CW Crescent II.
You would recommand which one
Hi! We are not very familiar with La Patrie guitars, however the NTX700 guitar is a great guitar! Most people enjoy it and recommend it.
La patrie Arena has bigger neck, like classical guitar. Yamaha is slim neck, more for electric guitar playera. Arena sounds really nice but I didn’t like the neck, too big for me.
awesome thanks
On board electrics ? Why not demo the sound of this? Why use a boom mic? Is the electro sound so bad?
I am glad they mic'd them so I can hear the sound of the guitar. Free reviews are pretty great aren't they?
All sound good electric. The difference is the acoustic sound (and especially the volume). Wonder if the Yamaha is loud enough..
what mic are you using to record these?
I have the c7. I just can’t used to those nylon strings going out of tune so much compared to steel string.
Great review 👍🏽. What's the song name ?
Sounds a bit like Sand and Water by Beth Nielsen Chapman
I wonder which one is loudest unplugged?
I have owned and played different nylon string guitars and found a Fusion 12 at $500 barely used and have kept it ever since . It can do it all...
Cordoba is the best sounding one
Please also play plugged in.
Alhambra Is Very Good And Manuel Rodriguez, Some Cordoba’s Are Great And Some Are Really Cheap , Yamaha is Fair to Good. Just Saying.
The Taylor is the guitar you wanna play at home, no use for fancy finishes when you have it in your lap and just play and no one sees ya ;)
playing classical guitar requires a different posture, and you have the guitar at a different angle and your fretting hand is rotated to accomodate for the wider neck.. You do not play it like an electric guitar - hence people have problems. If you learn a bit of technique you will have no issues with it... not to say these arent good as well..
Yamaha
Cordoba sound the best.
I hate those elliptical sound-holes on the Yamahas
I love them. Just beautifull en less conventional.
🤗🤗
Taylor wins. thanks.
Haha not even close. The cordoba absolutely kills it than the Yamaha the Taylor was okay
That genere is called “Rodrigo y Gabriela” 😆
The Cordoba definitely sounds absolutely amazing the best to me is the cordoba big time. than the Yamaha not fan of the Taylor on nylon strings
Are you familiar with the La Patrie Arena serie?
I have an hesitation between the NTX700 and the Arena Flame Maple CW Crescent II.
You would recommand which one
Godin Arena ever!
Arena has a bigger neck, it’s good for those who are used to classical guitars. Yamaha ntx series has a slim neck, good for electric guitar players. Both guitars sound nice.
Please also play plugged in.