With so many options and different shapes, sizes and brands it can seem like a minefield when choosing your first guitar, but have no fear, I have compiled a list of the very best entry level guitars to facilitate your passion for playing. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new guitar, the first is what size you need so here are the recommended sizes:
5 - 8 years old (up to 4'5"/135cm): 1/2 Size
8 - 11 years old (up to 4'11"/150cm: 3/4 Size
11+ years (from and above 4'11"/150cm): Full Size
The next thing to consider is your budget. Expect to pay around £100-£200 for a decent quality guitar by a reputable brand. Some of the benefits of selecting a well known brand are:
1. It will be of good quality so you will have less problems and less trips back to the guitar store.
2. It will sound much more inspiring, nothing kills the passion than a bad sounding guitar.
3. Best case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price when you upgrade.
4. Worst case scenario is that you will be able to sell it for a good price if you give up.
I've considered these things for you and created a list based on my own personal experience and the experiences of many others a like. Which brings me to the last consideration, which one do you like? Whichever one you choose, you can't go wrong.
1. Cordoba C3M
Price: £190
Solid Top: Yes
Sizes: Full Size
Features: Solid western red Cedar top, with mahogany back and sides. The neck is also made from mahogany and has a truss rod to help maintain tuning and intonation stability. The fingerboard is made from Rosewood and the nut and saddles are made from bone to ensure good tone and sustain.
What the manufacturers say: "The C3M is one of our most popular entry-level nylon string guitars. Lightweight and comfortable to play, the C3M features a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides and a matte finish. Handmade in the traditional Spanish style, its fan bracing results in a beautiful, warm, and well-balanced tone. The C3M is hand-crafted and features a hand inlaid wooden rosette, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Savarez strings and nickel plated tuning machines with pearl buttons." - Cordoba Guitars
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2. Admira Diana
Price: £170
Solid Top: Yes
Size: Full Size
Features: Solid Cedar top with Sapelli back and sides. The neck is made from Mahogany and the fingerboard is made from Rosewood, as is the bridge. Comes with nicker Lyre design machine heads Nickel and a high gloss finish.
What the manufacturer says: "The Admira Diana is a great servant throughout the learning process and beyond.
The Diana's Solid Cedar top ensure a great tone both at the time of purchase as well as for the future. This is the entry-level model for a fully featured, solid-topped classical guitar.
Our Beginner guitars are our high-quality, entry-level models that will help you sound like a professional. Great designs using top-quality materials and manufacturing processes ensure this range of guitars are a joy to play and will make learning fun and as easy as possible."
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3. Yamaha C40 II
Price: £110
Solid Top: No
Size:
Full Size
3/4
Features: This is a classic among beginners and a great affordable entry level guitar that comes in smaller sizes. It is very durable and reliable with a decent tones. Comes with a Spruce top and high gloss finish.
What the manufacturers say: "A high level of craftmanship and great attention paid to detail results in instruments of outstanding quality.
The C series guitars provide excellent cost performance for beginners and young learners with exceptional playability and superb tone. The C40II might be one of Yamaha's most inexpensive full-size classical models, but its quality and tone are outstanding. A real bargain for beginners.
-Yamaha CG Shape
-Spruce Top
-Yamaha Quality in An Affordable Price" - Yamaha Guitars
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4. Cordoba C1
Price: £160
Solid Top: No
Size:
Full Size
3/4
Features: Layered Spruce Top (slightly brighter sound than cedar) with Mahogany back, sides and neck. The fingerboard is made from composite or Pau Ferro (depending on production date) and it comes with a gig bag.
What the manufacturers say: "The C1 is a high quality full size nylon string guitar designed to provide aspiring young musicians with a comfortable first guitar that’s easy to learn on and play. Offered in full or 3/4 sizes, the C1 features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a wood-inlaid mosaic rosette, and a high gloss polyurethane finish. Like all Córdoba instruments, the C1 features premium Savarez strings and an adjustable truss rod for lifetime neck stability. Comes with a standard Córdoba gig bag." - Cordoba Guitars
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5. Admira Alba
Price: £110
Solid Top: No
Size:
Full Size
3/4
1/2
Features: Oregon Pine top with Sapelli back and sides. The neck is made from Mahogany and the fingerboard is made from Rosewood. Features a high gloss finish.
What the manufacturer says:
"Admira Alba 4/4 size guitar is perfect for players who are new to the guitar world.
With manufacturing carefully controlled in the Far East by Spanish-trained luthiers, the Alba stays true to the purpose set out by its Spanish older sibling – the Almeria – and it delivers a great tone bound to enhance the learning of any student or enthusiastic amateur.
Our Beginner guitars are our high-quality, entry-level models that will help you sound like a professional. Great designs using top-quality materials and manufacturing processes ensure this range of guitars are a joy to play and will make learning fun and as easy as possible." - Admira Guitars
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Hope you have found this helpful. Be sure to check out some essential accessories and free lessons. I wish you the best of luck on your musical journey.