AudioFu

Best Other Classical Guitars Under $800 2025

Affordable other classical guitars under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Unique Styles For Alternative Classical For Modern Classical For Experimental For Custom Features For Specialty Applications
BRANDS: Godin Cordoba Ortega Harley Benton Yamaha
Ortega RCE158RW-8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ortega RCE158RW-8

by Ortega
Modern Classical Specialty Applications Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal characteristics
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • Uncertain resale value

Ortega RCE158RW-88-String Classical Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4With cutawayBack and sides: RosewoodTop: solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 605772
$791
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kala KA-GTR-MTN-E Thinline Nylon - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Kala KA-GTR-MTN-E Thinline Nylon

by Kala
Alternative Classical Specialty Applications Experimental
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

Kala KA-GTR-MTN-E Thinline NylonClassical Guitar with PickupStyle: Thinline with cutawayTop: solid mahoganyBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 577939
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD TL-6N Nylon - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

ESP LTD TL-6N Nylon

by ESP
Specialty Applications Custom Features Modern Classical
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • Limited availability and selection

ESP LTD TL-6N Nylon, Thinline Classical Guitar with PickupProvides an acoustic sound with the comfort and feel of an...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 425030
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton G5N Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Larry Carlton G5N Natural

by Larry Carlton
Alternative Classical Experimental Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

Larry Carlton G5N NaturalAcoustic Guitar with PickupChambered body with piezo pickup and nylon strings for a...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 589254
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
Journey Instruments OC520 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Journey Instruments OC520

by Journey Instruments
Modern Classical Experimental Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability and selection
  • • Uncertain resale value

Journey Instruments OC520Travel Concert Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4Stylised 00 body shapePatented detachable neck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 460970
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS24C-5-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS24C-5-G

by Ovation
Experimental Modern Classical Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Creative expression possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS24C-5-GClassical guitar with pickupWith cutawayTop: Solid cedarBody: Mid-Depth...

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 515547
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha SLG200NW NA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Yamaha SLG200NW NA

by Yamaha
Experimental Alternative Classical Unique Styles
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Unique construction and design features
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
✗ CONS
  • • May deviate from traditional standards
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Yamaha SLG200NW NASilent Guitar with Nylon StringsMahogany bodyMahogany neckMaple / rosewood frame (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 408646
$800
Buy at Thomann View Details
Larry Carlton G5N Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Larry Carlton G5N Tobacco Sunburst

by Larry Carlton
Unique Styles Custom Features Experimental
Key Feature:
• Modern innovations in classical tradition
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • May deviate from traditional standards
  • • Limited availability and selection

Larry Carlton G5N Tobacco SunburstAcoustic Guitar with PickupChambered body with piezo pickup and nylon strings for a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 589252
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BK w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton Nashville Nylon Plus BK w/Case

by Harley Benton
Alternative Classical Specialty Applications Experimental
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Creative expression possibilities
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606606
$567
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ortega RCE159RW-8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Ortega RCE159RW-8

by Ortega
Experimental Modern Classical Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • May deviate from traditional standards

Ortega RCE159RW-88-String Classical Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4With cutawayBack and sides: RosewoodTop: solid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605778
$791
Buy at Thomann View Details
Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst w/Bag

by Cordoba
Experimental Custom Features Modern Classical
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Creative expression possibilities
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Cordoba Stage Guitar Edge Burst w/BagClassical GuitarType: ThinlineErgonomic body shapeChambered body: carved solid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 546126
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
La Mancha Opalo SX-FEN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

La Mancha Opalo SX-FEN

by La Mancha
Unique Styles Experimental Modern Classical
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Modern innovations in classical tradition
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles

La Mancha Opalo SX-FENClassical Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4With Florentine cutawaySmall neckTop: Solid German...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 492336
$505
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha SLG200N NA - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha SLG200N NA

by Yamaha
Custom Features Alternative Classical Experimental
Key Feature:
• Unique construction and design features
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative approaches to classical guitar
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • Uncertain resale value

Yamaha SLG200N NASilent Guitar with Nylon StringsBody: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFrame: Maple / Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 361837
$800
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44C-4A-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44C-4A-G

by Ovation
Specialty Applications Modern Classical Unique Styles
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Unique construction and design features
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain resale value
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44C-4A-GClassical GuitarElectro-acoustic stage guitar with nylon strings and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 516174
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Cordoba Stage Guitar Natural Amber w/B - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Cordoba Stage Guitar Natural Amber w/B

by Cordoba
Custom Features Unique Styles Alternative Classical
Key Feature:
• Alternative approaches to classical guitar
✓ PROS
  • • Distinctive tonal characteristics
  • • Creative expression possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for all classical styles
  • • Specialized maintenance requirements

Cordoba Stage Guitar Natural Amber w/BThinline Acoustic Guitar with PickupErgonomic body shapeChambered body: solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 563258
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more