Top-10 Classical Guitars
Loved in the USA

The Takamine GD-37CE PW is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar with a striking pearl white finish that will catch the eye. It features a spruce top, known for bright and clear tone, paired with maple back and sides which add brightness and projection, making it sound lively and vibrant. The mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a warm feel and smooth playability. With a dreadnought cutaway body, it offers good volume and easy access to higher frets, beneficial for more dynamic playing styles.

Its scale length is 46.9 inches, which is slightly longer than many classical guitars, giving a bit more string tension and clarity but potentially requiring more finger stretch. The strings are alloy steel, standard for 12-strings, delivering a bright, ringing sound but with somewhat higher tension than nylon classical strings, which might be tougher on beginners' fingers. Being an acoustic-electric with a piezo pickup means it can be plugged in easily for performances, which is a plus. This 12-string steel-string model is best suited for players who want a rich, shimmering sound typical of folk or acoustic styles rather than classical music.

It is somewhat heavier, weighing about 11 pounds, which may affect comfort for longer playing sessions. The included gig bag and 2-year warranty add good value for protection and convenience. This guitar represents a solid choice if you want a visually appealing 12-string with bright tone and electric capability, but if you're specifically after a traditional classical guitar sound and feel, you might want to consider nylon-string options instead.

The Godin Multiac Nylon Encore is a solid choice for classical guitar players who want a blend of traditional tone and modern electric capabilities. Its solid cedar top and silver leaf maple two-chambered body create a warm, rich sound, which is a plus for those who appreciate the full, resonant tone of classical guitars. The neck is made of mahogany with a 1.9-inch nut width, which is fairly standard and comfortable for most players, especially those used to classical nylon-string guitars. The 25.5-inch scale length is a bit longer than typical classical guitars, which could offer a slightly brighter tone and more string tension, but might feel different if you’re accustomed to shorter scales.

This guitar comes with nylon strings, fitting the classical style, and the custom Godin Dual Source pickup system ensures that plugged-in performances retain natural sound quality, making it a great option for live play or recording. The body shape is designed with two chambers, reducing feedback and enhancing amplified performance without sacrificing acoustic tone, which is helpful if you perform with amplification.

The guitar’s unique body and electronics might not appeal to purists who prefer a fully traditional acoustic classical guitar without any amplification features. Also, at 0.6 kg listed, the weight seems unusually light for this type of guitar, which might be a packaging or measurement quirk to consider. It is priced higher than basic classical guitars, so it suits players looking for a versatile instrument that bridges classical tone and stage-ready electric features rather than a simple beginner guitar. This guitar performs well for intermediate to advanced players seeking quality wood tone combined with good electric amplification in a comfortable, reliable package.

The Kremona Solea is a beautifully handcrafted classical guitar made in Europe, featuring a solid western cedar top and solid cocobolo back and sides, which usually provide a warm, rich tone with good projection. Its ebony fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar’s durability and smooth playability. The guitar has a 650 mm (about 25.6 inches) scale length, which is standard for classical guitars, offering a comfortable string tension for beginners and experienced players alike. It comes in a large body size, which tends to produce a fuller, resonant sound, ideal if you want a rich tone with good volume. The nylon strings are typical and suitable for classical music, providing a softer feel compared to steel strings, making it easier on the fingers.

The guitar includes an adjustable bridge system, which can help set the string action (the height of the strings from the fretboard) to your preference, improving playability. It lacks built-in electronics, so it’s purely acoustic—great if you prefer traditional play but less convenient if you want to amplify your sound. Weighing 10 pounds, it’s somewhat heavier than many classical guitars, which might be a consideration for longer playing sessions. It comes with a deluxe wooden arch-top hard shell case, offering excellent protection for travel or storage.

This guitar is a strong choice for classical guitarists looking for quality tonewoods and traditional craftsmanship, especially if sound quality and durability are priorities over electronics or lightweight design.