Cordoba C5 CE - (best crossover classical I've tried)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ม.ค. 2025
- I am not a classical guitar player by any stretch of the imagination, but I was in need of some soft stringed guitar tones for future projects. So..
I went on a hunt for my first crossover spanish/classical guitar. I went to a few different music shops around my hometown to tried a bunch of different ones. Budget was around 500 dollars. I played 10 different guitars and brands in 500 dollar price range, and being the last guitar I picked up, this Cordoba C5 immediately stood out. Once I picked it up, I noticed the light weight, and how It felt so much alive, compared to other similar priced guitars. Fit and finish is absolutely great, and the tonal balance is amazing. The only adjustment I had to do, was to sand down the bone saddle to make it more playable for me. And although some purerists probably wouldn't because of the loss of tone, I really didn't notice any difference. Built in fishman preamp sounds good, but the system ain't the best - you are pretty much stuck with it. It's not an easy task to change it later down the line. The under-saddle mic can introduce some squeakyness from the strings. But if you pay attention to your technique, it's easy enough to work around. It's a joy to play, and importantly - the instrument doesn't feel cheap at all. The classical/spanish guitar marked is flooded and tough to navigate through - but this guitar dear friends is absolutely great. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for their first classical guitar.
All the tunes are originals
I strive to only play original tunes, otherwise I will mention it in the video.
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AFFILIATE LINK (Help me earn a small commission)
www.thomann.de...
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Interface: Audient ID44
DAW: Logic Pro X
Mic: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure
Strings: Daddario Pro Arte high tension
Please click the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button if you like what you see and hear - I really appreciate your support.
DISCLAIMER: Im not affiliated with Cordoba Guitars.
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Wan't to buy me a coffee or donate to the channel? You can do so by PayPal using my email Christofferlunoee@gmail.com
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Thank you
//Chris Effort
Find me on instagram @Chris_Effort
I bought this guitar for my Wife today,
She is learning guitar and I was showing her some basic chords and folk style licks , Then She asked why are some guitars steel string so I picked up a steel string guitar to show her the difference (expecting the steel to sound much better) but wow was I surprised of the tone of the C5. Beautiful guitar and a really good demo here too.
Came for the guitar, stayed for the amazing playing
Same.
Haha I did the same.. Beautiful playing.
This was the most wonderful demo I have EVER seen across any guitar type or genre!!! So well done!
Thank you so much Kristen! That’s incredibly kind of you:
what is the song called?@@ChrisEffort
I think Cordoba owes you a thanks - I just ordered a C5 Ce after listening to a lot x-over classicals that can be had left handed. Looking forward to it!
Are u satisfied with the guitar bro ? Im lefthanded and i want a nylon and dont know what to buy
Hey, your playing and videos are are thing of beauty and have inspired me to start playing guitar and pick up two guitars that were used in your videos (Cordoba C5 CE and Martin 000-15M). This is a small thank you for everything and please continue doing what you do! ❤️
Thank you Raphael, sincerely. I appreciate that more than you know 🙏 So glad to hear my videos were able to help you find some awesome guitars!
Cordobas are very good guitars and a good value. I have one.
I also have a Carlos Pena Flamenco cutaway based on a Santos Hernandes pattern.
Beautiful playing.
I thought I was the only one out there who planted his ring finger !
Wonderful playing. Sounds incredible.
Thank you, really appreciate it
I just bought this as my first guitar. I have no idea what I'm doing yet. But I will! Beautiful playing!
Your mic setup, guitar playing, camera set up was gorgeous. I loved it.
Thank you so much, sincerely. Have a Merry Christmas. Take care
This is a great demo and incredible performance. Thanks for this!
Thank you very much Bryant! Means a lot
Thank you so much for your video!
I was looking for many reviews before bying my last guitar (Córdoba C5-CE CD, of course!) and I buried all my doubts after watching your showing... It's so good, believe me! ;-)
One more time... Thank you so much! 🙏
Greetings from Canary Islands (Spain)!
My "last guitar" - yep that's what I always tell my partner :-) :-)
Thanks! It will be mine too!
Thank you sir. And thank you super much for the super thanks! Really appreciate you
Awesome playing Chris, and thanks for posting.
I was looking for a lounge guitar to complement my Strat. After much research, I bought the C5 without the pickups. I absolutely love it. So light, and the cedar body resonance is absolutely amazing. It hangs in my home office, and if I have a speaker turned up too high, the guitar's body picks it up and just starts resonating. The wide nut takes a little getting used to, but the nylon strings feel like bliss under the fingers. I was worried that playing this would mess with my muscle memory when going back to the narrow neck of the Strat, but it does not. The brain is amazing as it just knows what you are playing, and your fingers just go right to the correct position. The mellow sound means it just blends into the environment, so you can play, and it's not intrusive if other people are in the room. Great for sitting around the campfire.
You should do a video tutorial on how to record and to get this sound, it's just perfect....
That was incredible . I was looking to get me a new guitar and after this demo, the Cordoba C5-CE will be my guitar. The word beautiful falls short to describe what you did. Thank you very much.
Oh man, thank you so much. I hope you are gonna enjoy that guitar as much as I do.
Wow 👏 Don't stop making videos. It sounds great.
Wonderful! You bring the best out of this guitar with your pieces and playing!
Thank you Jens!
Wow 😮 thanks for posting this. I’m looking for my first nylon string guitar and this one is on my shortlist. Wonderful pieces you played 👍🏻👍🏻 a pleasure to listen
Thank you Lee. You can’t go wrong with this as your first nylon guitar. It’s such a overflown marked, so it’s nice to have something to go for.
I just bought this for my son at Guitar Center. It’s was “used” and sold for $240 dollars. It sounded better than most 1,000 dollar nylon guitars in the place! …and wow you can make yours sing! Beautiful playing and great sound recording. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for that very good quality video. It's what I needed to choose my next guitar.
Want to add a nylon string guitar and narrowed it down to a few models. Unfortunately, no one locally has them to try, but your C5 sounds better than any I've heard in a similar price range. As much the playing as the guitar, but an outstanding demo! Really enjoyed it! Cordoba should be paying your royalties :)
Yeah the C5 is pretty spectacular. It won among 10 other Spanish guitars I tried the day I took it home. Only wished the electronics were better.
Beautiful, just beautiful.
Wow. This was the last video I needed to watch to decide that the C5 will do me just fine. Awesome playing!
Thank you so much man, I am glad to hear this video was helpful.
Currently learning on one of these. Loving it!
Excellent playing and wonderful recording. How demos should be done. Thank you!
Thank you! Appreciate it
Great video! Just got one today off FB marketplace extremely well kept new strings and all for just 175! MY Best purchase yet. LOVE IT
Thank you J C! And man what a sweet deal, huge congratulations. It’s punches way above its weight class.
you played soooo good. Loved every bit of it!!!!!
Thank you so much Joel!
nice mix between the mic and preamp. well done
Man, your playing is fantastic.
Thanks so much, really appreciate it
Great playing Chris👍🏻❤️
Thanks man!
Such a sweet touch.
je dois avouer, regarder quasiment tous les jours et plus deux semaines cette vidéo.
Je voulais changer de guitare car je joue sur une flamenca.
Et je pense avoir trouvé celle qui me convient c’est-à-dire celle-ci. Cette démonstration est formidable le jeu est parfait quelle maîtrise de la guitare. Grand merci pour ce style et du coup ça m’a donné envie de l’acheter.
Juste une petite question c’est quoi le titre de cette petite musique du début. J’adore trouver les tablatures.
Encore un grand bravo 😉🙏
Fredo
stunning playing
Great climate, sounds and preformance 👍
Thank you very much!
Awesome playing, beautiful songs.
Appreciate it sir
Love your demo , really sold me on the guitar .....I went and ordered one but did not research it properly and when it came it was the Thin-line version of it . I like it and have got used to it but proves a point to me to go and try out different models before you purchase. It is a problem I have living out in a rural area unable to get to a decent music store
Thanks for your kind comment Karl. Oh man, sorry to hear that. But yeah they are very difficult to distinguish on the web, especially if the difference in thickness are not comprehensively described. Aren’t you able to return it and exchange it for the right guitar?
@@ChrisEffort ...Unfortunately Chris ........this guitar was on offer as it was "B' stock and I got a good reduction on it , probably the person returned it for the same reason I have stated . Apart from that it sounds great through my acoustic amp and I have other guitars to keep my interest . Finally I love that first opening piece you do on your video and I think i have cracked it ......
That sounds great Chris. I loved the bit when you ran up the dimmished cords
Thanks Jon, appreciate it!
This just sold me on the guitar. Great playing!
Thank you!
Beautiful sound and great playing! Thanks for sharing this with us. I was hesitant between the Cordoba C5 and the Ortega RCE159MN, but I was impressed by your video. Really nice demo. I hope the tone is strong and "dry", without "microphone and cable", because I would like to buy it. All the best ! Greetings from Serbia
Hi Sasa and thank you so much.
My example sounds really good and loud especially for a brand new guitar. I was kind of blown away by it. And it’s really light too, so that really enhances the resonance and overall tone. I hope you yourself a great classical guitar, and maybe even this model.
Take care
Sounds beautifully
Thank you very much
Such great playing. Bravo
Thank you so much
That was pure nectar!
Thank you!
Excellent!! Just what Im looking for....very nice arrangement!
Thank you Scott! Happy I was able to help
Chris, I bought a C5 CE today, and I was wondering what strings that you prefer. D'addario hard tension?
@@scottriggs3795 Hi Scott! Congratulations with your new catch. Yup I’m preferring the Pro Arte hard tensions. I find they work great for more than just finger style. They respond a bit better with strumming too, and in my experience makes the guitar a bit louder. YMMW though, but In general the D’addario pro arte are my go to’s. Hope you enjoy your new guitar
@@ChrisEffort Thank You my friend!
Thank you
just bought this guitar off watching your video sounds superb and great playing 👍
Thanks Lee
I hope you will enjoy your new guitar. It’s a good one!
i do too use an audient interface. they sound amazing
Thank you so much for this masterpiece! I just bought this guitar because of you!
Just I'm wondering you can give the name of the songs you play here! Or if you have tabs or how to learn website available for them!
Thank you very much man! So glad you dig it. The songs are all some of my own, I might make some tabs available in the future, but sadly I don’t have the time at the moment, but I really appreciate it.
Warm but full tones. Rich mids too, and I love your playing.
Thank you Julie, I appreciate that
Nice playing dude and yep this video made my mind up, I am definitely going to get one. Honestly I am surprised at how good it sounds, it sounds like a guitar of way higher value!!!
Thank you Quintin
I’m pretty certain you’re not gonna regret that. I was literally blown away how good it sounds compared to even more expensive counterparts.
Fantastic in every way. That may be the best nylon string guitar tone I've ever heard.
Thank you very much. It’s a great sounding guitar. I just wish it had better electronics.
Beautiful feeling. Thank you
Thank YOU Cosmo!
Beautiful!
This was really sweet, man.
Thank a lot Peter! I’m glad you enjoyed
I've played this guitar quite a bit at GuitarCenter and it's a solid buy. Sounds incredible and comparable to my C7.
Very epic!!
It is lovely. I've owned one for 8 years. Bought it for bossa nova and fingerpicking, but I've bought the most inspirational guitar you own, which arrives today. I strongly suspect my Cordoba will be relegated to second place.
It really is! And please check in when you have gotten the 15SM, would love to hear your thoughts
@@ChrisEffort I got it. I've watched your "inspirational guitar" vid many times, and I've even played it on my daily walk. I was disappointed when I couldn't find you on Spotify. Let me know how I can hear more of your guitar playing! If you watch the one video I've uploaded, you'll quickly discover that I suck. But, in my defense I've only just learned some basic Travis patterns about a month ago. What follows is part of my Amazon review...
When it arrived, I went over it with much scrutiny. I was surprised to find that it appeared to be cosmetically, and structurally perfect in every way. Music Zoo did me right. The guitar arrived perfectly in tune. I played up and down the neck to find the guitar perfectly set up. Now as far as tone goes, I can't compare it to others since I only ordered one, but it sounds every bit as remarkable as I hoped it would. For such an unadorned, historical design, it sounds lively, responsive, rich, and warm. Once I discovered how easily the guitar takes my attempts at expression, the more I express. Adding reverb via finger or neck wobble is easier than any other acoustic guitar I've ever played. Did I mention it REEKS? Reeks in a very good way. When I open the case, out wafts the rich scent of mahogany. This guitar smells like it was a tree just a few days ago. In summary, good on Martin, and good on Musical Zoo for providing me with the quality product I paid for.
Amazing Sir
Love this demo! I just got one of these used - waiting to receive it. Do you teach? :)
Well Done. Thanks for the video.
Thank you Simon🙏
I am currently looking at Cordoba / Alhambra/ and a few others, this does sound great, certainly a contender
Hi Chris, what a beautiful sound and awesome skill you display. I just wonder what is the name of this classical piece? thank you! Tom
Hi Tom - Thank you very much 🙏 if you mean the tunes - they are all original compositions, and I unfortunately haven’t named any of them yet.
@@ChrisEffort Wow! congratulation! I thought it was a "lost treasure" piece of classical music! very impressive and harmonic composition...
The into song ❤❤❤❤
nice video
Excellent!!!
excellent
Hi I'm thinking in one of this where o you bought it?
Hi Chris I researched your guitar but there are always different guitars as Cordoba C5 CE, even the preamps are different. I wonder if the code of your guitar could be different? Or could it be a different series C5.
I'm waiting for!!that guitar and if Ican get the same sound like you and a good sound evev unplugged , i'll be the happiest man in the world!!!really incredible demo here!!!what amp do you use ???thanks a lot!! alain
HA sorry it's rather a C7 CE
Nice guitar but there is a distinction between Spanish and flamenco guitars. It's a common error of many to assume they are one in the same. Yes a classical can be used to play flamenco but often the strings are higher making it somewhat difficult and a tap plate to protect the guitar top is a must if your looking to play much rumba. Flamenco guitars are set up with lowered string height which may or may not be possible to do on a classical depending on the saddle, bridge and nut. Typically, a classical is cheaper but I recommend having a quality string gauge to check if you can lower the strings via the nut, saddle and or bridge and if so research the propper way to do so and install a true tap plate . Also, traditionally, the woods of a flamenco are cypress sides and back with a spruce top as these woods project more where as cedar not so much. Cordoba, does one thing I think all should do and that is providing a truss rod in every guitar and many classical don't. Research before buying , don't be sorry be smart and play first and foremost for yourself because you enjoy it.
Hello 😊 one of the best demos of a guitar I found in TH-cam! Congratulations 😁 and how does it sound with eletronics? For example plugged into an Hall of fame 2? Have you tryed? I'm much into Estas Tonne (if you dont know him check it out) and was wondering if this was a good guitar for that style of playing. Thanks 🙏
Great guitar🎸SUPERB SOUND 🕯️...but the tool is only Great in the indicated Hands.... HANDS LIKE YOURS🥇 CONGRATULATIONS MASTER. and thanks for share this SUPERIOR MUSIC and PURE ART!
Bella musica 🎼🎶
sounds amazing man! how do you combine the audios from the plug in output and microphone output?
Such lovely playing Chris! Can I ask how you got such an incredible recording sound? Was it with two mics? Keep up the vids!
Thanks man! Yeah I mixed the DI and a large condenser mic and sprinkled a bit of reverb on it.
I’m looking to get my first classical guitar. Been playing rock most my life. I hate cheap guitars, and I don’t wanna go all out either. Thinking this will be a good compromise
Hi Paul, I’m pretty sure this one will suit you perfectly. I love the narrower nut width, it makes it easier to transition from western or electric while still feeling like a Spanish/classical guitar
Great bro ! Is it better than the gk studio negra ?
Thanks man. Unfortunately I haven’t tried the GK, so I can’t say :/
Lovely playing. Isn't this a 50mm nut? Interested what makes it a crossover
Probably the cut-away and the built in pick-up/pre amp.
Beautiful! I want to play these to my daughter do you have any tabs available?
Thank you! I don’t have any tabs available at the moment, but I will definitely consider it.
what an amazing playing! how can i learn like this? i mean which grammar I have to learn can you please suggest me?
Thank you sir. I’m pretty much self taught. There are so many great resources out there. Enjoy the journey :-)
@@ChrisEffort can you suggest me any, I will be grateful
Does anyone know the name of the first song? Awesome tone by the way.
Thanks Daniel, all my songs are original tunes unless otherwise stated.
Is this the spruce top version?
What strings would you recommend for this guitar that are easy to play?
Thank you
Posso sapere che tipo di corde come note monta ? per esempio dal basso E A D G B E ? Oppure ha un'altra scalatura ?
crossover to what in between what?
Can you list the song titles? Sounds great!
Oh, I haven’t named them yet.
@@ChrisEffort well they are good enough that I thought they were from well known composers. Nicely done
can you ply it without the electric part as a classic guitar? I was recommended a cheaper one as the first Valencia vc104 natural-so is this the same but with the ability to amplify it with a cable or do I have to buy a few gittars along the way? thanks
Sounds amazing, guess I need a new guitar now! How is the action out of the box Chris?
Hi Bryan
The action was a bit high, but it’s easy to sand the bone saddle down with some 120 grit sandpaper. Worked like a charm for me. No buzz or anything.
Thanks Chris, I always adjust my guitars to suit my style so that wont be a problem, appreciate your reply. Guess I will be hitting my wallet after Xmas:)
I took 30/1000 off the bridge and 10 off the top nut, made it near perfect
Hi Chris - did you find you had to adjust for intonation when you got this? I just started actually playing it and it's noticeably sharp on g b and especially E at the 12th fret. BTW great compositions!
Thanks Bob. Mine was absolutely fine, or at least I never really noticed anything out of the ordinary, I generally never really play up that high on the neck on classic guitars. How high is your action?
@@ChrisEffort The action is still high, I did carefully tighten the truss rod and the neck looks to have just a touch of bow. How much did you take off the bridge - like a mm or ?. The tone you are getting is also sweeter than mine. I am thinking a better set of strings might help there (have the factory supplied on now). Thanks in advance for your help!
Thanks mate I’m looking at buying one of these. How would it compare against the Takamine GC5CE?
Thank you Drew! Wish I could help - but I haven’t tried the Takamine unfortunately
Awesome playing and great video. I have quick question. How high is the action of the guitar?
Thank you! I filed the saddle down a bit to get the action where I wanted it. Action was probably great for someone who likes a little higher action. With classical guitar it’s really a matter of preference, since you tend to loose some tone of it gets too low.
@@ChrisEffort thank you so much
@Chris Effort , I have just placed an order for the Cordoba C5 CE. Thank you for your demo. It really helped me a lot to make my decision. You are an incredible artist. 🙏💐
can I ask what is your microphone?
Where these the nylon strings that came with the guitar? I listen to the strings that come with the guitar in the store and they don’t have the same clarity. Thanks.
Hi
I changed to Pro Arte high tension, I wasn’t fond of the savarez cristal strings it came with either. I actually found the savarez strings brighter, which I didn’t like. Your mileage may vary
this guy can play for tone, no doubt. He is not a classical player but the cheap Washburn does sound good!
👍👌
I have one, really full sound out of a $400 Córdoba
Absolutely! It’s pretty darn good!
Hi, Chris, my local retailer only has Taylor nylon guitar but no cordoba crossover so I have no chance to try. Do you think the neck is as easy to hold as a Taylor nylon? Thank you.
Hi
The nut width on the Cordoba is 50mm so it will be wider than Taylor’s academy nylon guitar which have 47.6 mm. I don’t have big hands, and I find the neck on the Cordoba very playable and not to wide at all. And the Cordoba is almost half the price. I would try the Taylor first and see if you like it at the price. All I can say is that the Cordoba is really good value, and the pickup system sounds really well too.
@@ChrisEffort Thanks for your reply. Have you tried Alhambra crossover guitars which also have 48mm nut? What is your comment on it? Thanks.
@@tubeball123you’re welcome :-) I unfortunately haven’t had my hands on a Alhambra, but I’ve read good reviews.
@@ChrisEffort Thank you!
Are the strings the original strings that came with the guitar. I’m also not a classical guitar player and find the action high for me. Did you go as low as you could without buzzing? I know you can’t go as low as steel string.
I changed them to pro arte hard tension. I favor those strings in general.
I sanded until I reached my desired action. Important to only take a little off and check so you don’t remove too much material. The process requires some patience, but it’s a pretty easy job.
I am really confused between admira Malaga and cordoba c5 ( regular)…. Pls help….
I wish I could help, but unfortunately I haven’t tried the Malaga. I hope you find the right one for you.
@@ChrisEffort no worries got c7....
I wonder which is better, this or Taylor 12E-N? I'm a beginner so want to get a guitar that's easy to play.
Taylor’s are generally incredibly playable right out the box. This one did need the saddle to be sanded to get the action where I wanted it. If you are able to I’d recommend trying a few different ones and pick the one you like playing the most.
@@ChrisEffort thanks for the reply Chris! The local retailer sells both brands so I think I can try them both.
Nice Chris, great guitar to practice finger picking? Some jazz chords
Thank you John. Yes absolutely, it’s a great guitar indeed. And fun to play Spanish for a change.