It was recently my pleasure to purchase this guitar for my grandson who is a beginner. I chose this particular model because of the universally positive online reviews I read online. I was not disappointed when it arrived. I also chose the SKB hardshell case and chose for the guitar to be shipped in the case which is a great option. The instrument I received was in perfect condition. Intonation at the 12th fret was perfect. If I had to do it all again the only thing I might do differently is consider purchasing the spruce top version rather than the cedar. The spruce supposedly has a brighter sound, but somehow I didn't realize it existed until after my purchase. That fact does not diminish my pleasure of having received such a wonderful instrument from Sweetwater.

I recently received my Cordoba C5. It is beautiful! I wish I was skilled enough to play this wonderful sounding guitar as well as it deserves. Thanks to Chris Shura for his help and guidance in selecting it. I received the usual excellent Sweetwater customer service.

From the moment I walked in the door I was treated as though I was the most valued person in the building. What a great place to do business with. They took time to answer all my questions and I'm very happy with my purchase.

First, let me say Sweetwater has the absolute best customer service or any industry in the US. Love these folks.
I used to have a Yamaha and was talked into this flaming pile of garbage.
Immediately the pickup dropped into the body. Much to their credit they asked me to get a receipt and they'd reimburse me. I should've pushed for a refund. That's on me.
Now, the D string tuning key won't budge the string. This guitar is an absolute pile of rubbish and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Do yourself a HUGE favor and find an alternative...like the Yamaha I wanted and have bought in the past. This bloody guitar is a curse. I'll likely pitch in the trash. It'd be of no use to anybody. It is without a doubt the worst instrument I've bought in 45 years and the reason I will never do business with Sweetwater again. Bloody shame.

Beautiful guitar. Not a flaw in the finish. Came set up perfectly for a classical guitar. Extremely lightweight, but solid. Build quality is very good for this price range. Sound is very balanced. Expext this guitar to sound great once she opens up. Can't go wrong for this price!

Many thanks to sales engineer Alan Bauer for helping me to find the classical guitar that I really wanted. Very happy with my purchase of the Cordoba C5 cedar. Excellent student classical at an exceptional price. Buy one, and if you don't have a personal sales engineer ask for He'll help with whatever you're looking for.

I bought this 'student' guitar for one of my students. HOWEVER. I'm keeping this one for myself and ordering him another one. This particular C5 with cedar top and mahogany s/b has a tone and projection that outshines my most prized 1963 Guild Mark IV (which has always been my favorite) and even my C12. The setup was a little high but the truss rod fixed that pronto. The workmanship and detail is impressive. It's not just a great guitar, its a great instrument. Can't say enough good things about this one. - Al

Bought this guitar because I have a few guitar but not a classical and wanted to dabble into new music. For the price you can't get anything better. Sounds and feels like an instrument much more expensive. I played a C7 and C9 Parlor and the difference isn't that much. Great overall instrument.

I ordered the C5 classical in hopes it would be easier on my hands with rheumatoid developing. It certainly is very easy on the hands. it arrived on doorstep quickly, within a week. The packaging was so well done to protect the guitar from shock or damages. I stripped all the protective armor away and discovered there was a condensation device installed over sound hole, a nice little bonus. Once I got beyond the wrapping I was floored at the Beauty of this fairly inexpensive guitar. A few hours later I tuned the guitar and began to play a few chords and all I can say is wow! This guitar rings through with such an incredible sound. I'm more than please most certainly would advise purchasing this guitar for any level really. It speaks for itself in many arenas. Ima happy camper

The guitar arrived in less than a week from Sweetwater in beautiful condition. I love the look of the guitar and it's clarity of tone.

Bought this for my grandson who teaches music in a school. He mentioned this to me, asked him to find the one he wanted, and I would buy it for him. I had it mailed to him ( we don't live near each other)and he was thrilled..Loves it. I had purchased something from Sweetwater quite sometime ago and knew this would be a good purchase..Thank you so very much.
Anne Turner, Grandma

It's easy to see why this has been one of Cordoba's flagship guitars. I like the quality tone woods - solid Canadian Cedar top, Mahogany back, sides and neck and Indian Rosewood fretboard, bridge and binding are altogether a winning combination. The gold tuners with pearl buttons, bone nut and saddle and the hand-inlaid wood rosette are all icing on the cake. The guitar also has an adjustable truss rod which is a good feature. The C-shape neck is very comfortable. The tuners are of a good quality and work well. The intonation is very good all the way up the neck. But perhaps the C5 feature that I like the best is the AMAZING volume and projection. The bass strings sound deep and rich while the treble strings ring out very sweet and clear. The guitar has great sustain as well. Thanks to my Sweetwater Sales Rep Jed Elliott for his assistance in getting this C5 to me. In my opinion, this has to be one of the very best classical guitars in this price range. Just buy one. You won't regret it.

I love this guitar, but definitely had to get it set up upon arrival -- the bridge was far too high and there was a buzzing situation. After getting it set up, everything sounds great. Highly recommend!

I did some research and queried my instructor on what might be a reasonably priced, beginner guitar and settled on the Cordoba C5. This is obviously a popular instrument, as I looked at multiple, local music stores (Big Box and mom/pop shops). I was unable to find one in stock, anywhere in the city. Upon receiving this instrument, I was immediately struck by the quality of craftsmanship. Yes, I understand these are (effectively) mass produced. However, the manufacturing process is obviously dialed in. It is a beautiful instrument.
In the month that I've had it, I've discovered that the sound and tone are strongest in the mid and low tones. Though, I believe this to be common with nylon stringed guitars. The tones are rich and can be felt though the back of the guitar. My instructor was very impressed with the value and tone quality vs. the reasonable price.
What I really enjoyed was the personal touch of having a dedicated representative, Robert Koch, who availed himself to my myriad of obsessive questions throughout all phases of the purchase. He absolutely took excellent care of my order, even after receipt of the guitar. Thanks to Sweetwater for having such a cool sales model.
In summary, Sweetwater has a new and loyal customer who will look there for all things music, first. Cordoba will be where I look when I choose to upgrade this C5 (or, I may just frustrate my bride by keeping the C5 and buying a C10 for recitals). Either way, Sweetwater and Cordoba are a good team for me.

I just picked up a C5 used. It is very light. So far I do not like how sharp the frets are on the neck. I am going to have to smooth them out Has a somewhat cheap feel to me. Decent sounding. I am going to put some new strings on it.

Great guitar! (Not just me a great guitar for the money)

This is a great guitar for the price. The sound is rich and deep due to the solid cedar top. The finish is nice and the guitar sounds and looks great. Cordoba's quality control could be better nonetheless. I have seen cordoba guitars of the same model, but with inconsistent finishes and imperfections.

I have had this guitar for nearly a year now. I got the classical bug and was determined to learn a couple of songs. This guitar makes you want to play and practice more. I'm very satisfied with this instrument and very happy I went with a Cordoba. I'm already thinking about the C10 model because the C5 is so nice and I'm sure the C10 with rosewood would be lovely.

these are good guitars solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides nice warn mellow tone clear powerful sound
it is a classical nylon string but has a truss rod that is adjustable
built well with good finish being nylon strings they need to stretch i see some reviews that they could not tune and it wouldn't stay in tune all nylon string guitars are like that with new strings and will take time to tune
and will need tuning every day for the first week as they will stretch once the strings stretch out
it stays in tune and tunes nicely don't rush let them stretch and intonation is good
I find that the neck is a tad wide for my taste at 52 mm besides that a great guitar for the price

Ive been recently obsessed with spanish music and always wanted to learn guitar so i just went for it! Had it for a couple days now and im practicing everyday love the feel love the sound, feeling like im dreaming to be honest.

Very nice instrument for a good price. Excellent for all levels. Lightweight. Excellent service from Jason at Sweetwater!

The sound quality and craftsmanship is just amazing at this price range. The C5 can go up against guitars that are priced much higher. The fact that it uses a truss rod, allows the back of the neck to be thinner and with a 2 inch nut width, makes it very easy to play. I find myself playing this guitar everyday.

This is the first guitar I've ever bought (messed around with my sister's old half size) and I couldn't be happier. The tone is miles better than the half-size and the instrument is just plain gorgeous. I had trouble choosing between this model and the Solid Spruce version and I am glad I went with cedar for the warmer and more mellow sound. I couldn't think of a better investment for a time when we are all spending a lot of time at home. I think this instrument is going to bring me many happy years of playing :)

I was debating between this and the Yamaha c40II. I ended up going with this Cordoba because I had the extra money to spend. I'm pretty impressed with it, though my classical guitar experience is just beginning. I can say this, it is joyful to hear and produces solid resonating low end tones. The upper register sounds pretty and its easy to play coming from a steel string guitar. This guitar really seems to resonate, it's cool because I will be watching on-line tutorials and the guitar will vibrate against my stomach because it picked up the sound form the tv. I'm anxious to upgrade in a year or so to the C10 with maybe a spruce top next time I buy a guitar. This was exactly what I wanted in a entry level classical guitar and I look forward to getting home from work to play it everyday.

Review from 11 year old: I'd been learning to play classical guitar for 5 years with a beginner guitar, and my teacher said it was time to upgrade. My parents surprised me with this beautiful guitar in a Humicase! The wood is such a pretty color and the tuning pegs are gorgeous! It's very comfortable to play and the neck width is just right. I love how the sound resonates when I strum or pluck the strings. Now my playing sounds a lot better on my new guitar. I hope I have this guitar for a really long time!

A tad disappointing. I had bought a cheaper Lucero and it does not buzz at all.
Oh well.....live and learn. I may try different strings or a set up

First off: I'm the singing/pianist type of musician. Classical guitar is a hobby - and you know how obsessive hobbies can become! Hard to explain, since even with the same make and model each instrument has a distinct personality. I'd say this one's warm with some pleasant bright overtones. The action is fine. I'll be enjoying it more in about a month - when my new puppy is better behaved and a bit less time-consuming!

I compared this guitar to 4 others out to 5 times the price and found my C5 to be every bit as good as the more expensive guitars. I am completely satisfied.

First of all it's a classical guitar so it had to have the melody and the cedar top brings out the warmth very very well. Moreover, as the brand endorses itself as been inspired by the Spanish built, it truly delivers that promise. For those who are concerned whether it's really made in Spain or not, it is really an irrelevant subject of consideration. One of the best possible choices for beginners in the best fit of budget. Go for it!!!!!!

I am very happy with this guitar. The two main factors that mean the most to me are its playability and sound, both of which exceed my expectations. It is also a well-made beautiful instrument. If something were to happen to it, I would most likely get another just like it.

Some of the things I like the most:
- truss rod in neck. I've already used it to eliminate some excess relief.
- bone nut and saddle.
- solid cedar top. The top is very resonant and all notes ring with a nice clear voice.
- neck shape. Maybe a little thinner C shape than a neck without a truss rod - feels nice overall.

All in all, it's nice and full sounding, has good volume, plays really well, and has a responsive adjustable neck with great intonation. Its look and sound do not betray it as being an entry level guitar. A student would not need to upgrade for a long time.

It is my first classical guitar it plays awesome and it stays tuned. Very impressed with this product.

This little guitar is a fabulous value. I use it mostly for playing bossa nova and couldn't ask for a better tone. It is very warm and responsive. The cedar really improves with age and playing, as you would expect....much better than spruce. I didn't care much for the strings and swapped them out for a good set of Martins. The built-in truss rod is a bonus and the machine-heads/tuners are solid. A beautiful looking box besides. I have several acoustics, but this is my first classical and it was a good choice!

I bought mine a couple of weeks ago and I can find nothing about this guitar to complain about. Excellent fit and finish and great tone. Entonation is spot on. Action and relief needed no adjustment. Mine came with a beautiful cedar top. I have never seen a cedar with dark brown striations and it took me by surprise when I first took it out of the box and I wasn't sure I liked it. However, the more I look at it the better I like it. Many people have commented on how beautiful it is!

I am a guitar teacher and suggested this guitar to a few students. I am vey sorry that i did. The necks warped so bad they are no longer playable. Absolute garbage guitar!!!

My Cordoba C5 is my first real guitar. I came to the guitar from piano and brass-winds. I have had a lot of fun over the last week teaching myself classical guitar from internet resources. I am fortunate to live within a few miles of Sweetwater. What a wonderful resource! The guitar sales staff brought out five guitars for me to choose from, including three C5s, and then patiently played them for me and answered all of my newbie questions. My C5 produces great sound, in spite of my clumsy fingers, and it is sharp looking too!

I have found nylon strings need to be stretched. This may require tuning until they have reached the full potential of staying in tune. It's usually not the guitar that is at fault. I have the C5 and the C10. The C5 is a very good guitar for the money. If someone wants to use it for firewood, then sell it and take your loss and move on.

Got it today it's a kind guitar the kind you don't need. It's my first and last Cordoba. I had a 15 dollar guitar that blows this away in fact I used it on two records. This is junk, The neck has to be the worst. It's going under my Mom's bed until we can use it for what its made for firewood. I love Sweetwater but you guys ought to be ashamed for taking a person's hard earned money it's got the pizzazz of a10 day old Pepsi. Congratulations Cordoba you made Silvertone look like a 5 Star collector

I recently started to play the guitar and have really become interested in fingerpicking and classical style guitar. I really didn't want to spend a lot of money but I really wanted a great sounding guitar. I mean if I'm going to play I want my music to be pleasing to the ear. The sound quality and volume this beautiful guitar produces is mind blowing. I could not be happier with the product from Cordoba and the service provided by Sweetwater.

I can't believe how good this guitar plays. And it sounds unbelievably good. I can't figure out how they offer this guitar at only $299. Back and sides are laminates. Cedar top is solid. It has a truss rod, so hard tension strings aren't a problem. The tone is somewhat breathy. Typical tone of mahogany and cedar. The frets are dressed at the edges and there are no sharp spots along the fretboard. The action is typical of nylon stringed guitars costing much more. The tuners are great right out of the box. No need to tighten them. No serial number on the tag inside the guitar but fit and finish are excellent.

The guitar did not disappoint in any area.
It plays great and looks good on top of it.
For this kind of money it'd be tough to find better.
The quality control seems tight. I did not find any flaws.
The tuner winders (not the gears) seem to be made of plastic which, is why it didn't get 5 stars but, for this money, that seems Normal.
Great guitar at a great price.

The C5 guitar is well made and has a great tone but is very difficult to tune (using an electronic tuner). String intonation varies widely from one tuning attempt to another even after letting the strings stretch for a while. The D string could not be tuned at all. I had another guitar player try tuning the guitar which made no difference. At this point in time I am wondering if purchasing the Cordoba C5 was a good idea. I remain open to advice from other guitar players on resolving the tuning problem.

Got this guitar after researching many similar brands and it was the right choice! It was a vast upgrade from other lower-end classical guitars I had access to and now everything I play sounds much, much better thanks to this guitar.

I bought this with no high expectations on the sound, it was so I could learn a style of guitar playing (classical spanish) I receive d this guitar and was expecting the plinky sound you get from nylon string guitars but boy was I wrong, this cordoba has an amazing sound thats both loud and suttle compared to others I checked out and the feel while playing is very comfortable, for the price you just can't go wrong and case I got for it fits like a glove thanks again Roc and Sweetwater for another great reccomendation

I bought this for my 11 year old son, based on the recommendation of his classical guitar teacher. For the price, I expected something pretty mediocre, so I was pleasantly surprised the first time I heard it. This guitar sounds really good! Definitely a 5 star product.

Beautiful guitar. Sweetwater was great and guitar arrived very fast. Only issue is with buzzes, particularly on the D string. I am a beginner and don't have experience buying many guitars so this might be typical. Just frustrating to push the limits of my budget to find out I need to spend another $40-$50 to have the guitar set-up by a local shop. Though, as far as I can tell the C5 is a good buy even tacking on the cost of set-up. Plan on the cost of set-up though or you may, like me, need to return it since you didn't budget for the set-up cost.

As a retired beginner with minimal past experience, I find everything about this guitar outstanding. For years I heard that Martin guitars are the best and I had a Martin Sigma for awhile. This Cordoba C5 is every bit as good overall as the Martin plus it is easier for me to fret.

As well I appreciate the personal attention both before and after the purchase of this guitar. The personal phone calls are unheard of in this day and age.

I have been using this guitar for over a year now, and compared to other classical guitars in this price, the Cordoba C5 is one of the best products on the market. The playability is more than satisfactory and the quality of the tone is quite impressive for $300. It has a particularly warm sound when played over the sound hole and near the neck. The sharp tone that is achieved by playing near the bridge of a nylon string is not as strong and crisp as it is on higher end guitars, but nonetheless it is a very tonally dynamic guitar. I use savarez strings on my Cordoba, which I think are one the best brands for this guitar.(At least according to my ears). If you are just starting out in classical, or want to upgrade from your current starter classical setup, I would say this model is one of the if not THE best buying options you will find.

It has a beautiful sound and very nice furniture. It is a fair price for a very good quality. I really would recommend this product.

For the past six months and more I have been playing this guitar and every where I go people always give me good comments on how wonderful it sounds. Some expressed that it as sounded "Sweet" others said with exclamation and with great expression that it sound really good and repeated it over and over.

I gave this guitar a five star rating because I was very much impressed with the sound, considering the other guitars in it's price range. It surely does give you that clear sound but with a "punch" as it's top is made out of Canadian Cedar. I must say that Cordoba did their best to make this guitar affordable yet create a beautifully sounding guitar.