Best Other Classical Guitars Under $500 2026

Affordable other classical guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Harley Benton Custom Line Nashville Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton Custom Line Nashville Bundle

Alternative Classical Specialty Applications Modern Classical
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal characteristics
✓ PROS
  • • Creative expression possibilities
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • May deviate from traditional standards
  • • Limited availability and selection

Harley Benton Custom Line Nashville Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Nashville Nylon*Solid Body Acoustic...

4.6/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Nylon - Mahogany - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Nylon - Mahogany

Alternative Classical Custom Features Unique Styles
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal characteristics
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • Limited availability and selection

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Nylon - MahoganyAcoustic Travel GuitarTotal length: 711 mmNeck-through-body made of East...

4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Thomann Classica Fusion 7 Strin Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann Classica Fusion 7 Strin Bundle

Alternative Classical Custom Features Experimental
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal characteristics
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Limited availability and selection

Thomann Classica Fusion 7 Strin Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Thomann Classica Fusion 7 String*7-String Concert...

4.6/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BK w/Bag

Modern Classical Specialty Applications Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • Limited availability and selection

Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BK w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus...

4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Traveler Guitar Ultra Light Nylon Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Traveler Guitar Ultra Light Nylon Natural

Modern Classical Experimental Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability and selection
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

Traveler Guitar Ultra Light Nylon NaturalTravel Acoustic GuitarBody: East American mapleNeck-thru-body: East American...

4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Angel Lopez EC3000CNA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Angel Lopez EC3000CNA

Custom Features Specialty Applications Experimental
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Creative expression possibilities
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
✗ CONS
  • • May deviate from traditional standards
  • • Limited availability and selection

Angel Lopez EC3000CNAClassical GuitarSolid spruce bodyBolt-on mahogany neckArched fretboard: Composite woodScale: 646...

4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus Black

Modern Classical Alternative Classical Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BlackClassical Guitar with PickupStyle: Slim Body with single cutaway and side port...

4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Ortega RGLE18ACA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ortega RGLE18ACA

Unique Styles Custom Features Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

Ortega RGLE18ACAClassical Guitar with PickupSize: GuitarleleTop: Solid AcaciaBack and sides: AcaciaNeck:...

4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Thomann Classica Fusion 8 Strin Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Thomann Classica Fusion 8 Strin Bundle

Specialty Applications Modern Classical Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Thomann Classica Fusion 8 Strin Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Thomann Classica Fusion 8 String*8-String Concert...

4.7/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann Classica Fusion 8 String - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann Classica Fusion 8 String

Specialty Applications Custom Features Unique Styles
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

Thomann Classica Fusion 8 String8-String Concert GuitarTop: solid Engelmann spruceAPC System Mix Torres BracingBack and...

4.4/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Cordoba Mini II EB-CE Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Cordoba Mini II EB-CE Natural

Experimental Modern Classical Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Creative expression possibilities
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

Cordoba Mini II EB-CE NaturalClassical Traveller Guitar with PickupTop: solid spruceBack and sides: striped ebonyNeck:...

4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Ortega RQ39E Requinto - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Ortega RQ39E Requinto

Experimental Custom Features Unique Styles
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

Ortega RQ39E RequintoRequino Classical Guitar with PickupWith cutawayTop: Solid cedarBack and Sides: SapeleNeck:...

4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
La Mancha C-Lime-TN-R - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

La Mancha C-Lime-TN-R

Experimental Specialty Applications Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal characteristics
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability and selection
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

La Mancha C-Lime-TN-RClassical GuitarType: Crossover Thin BodySize: 4/4Top: Solid German spruceBack and Sides:...

4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Angel Lopez EC3000 Maho N - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Angel Lopez EC3000 Maho N

Unique Styles Custom Features Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

Angel Lopez EC3000 Maho NAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: solid spruce bodyTop: Mahogany veneerBolt-on neck:...

4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
La Mancha C-Lime-TN-CER - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

La Mancha C-Lime-TN-CER

Unique Styles Experimental Modern Classical
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

La Mancha C-Lime-TN-CERClassical Guitartype: Crossover Thin Body with cutawaySize: 4/4Top: Solid German spruceBack and...

4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Other Classical Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced other classical guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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