Cordoba C1M 02685 Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Cordoba C1M is a full-sized classical nylon string acoustic guitar that provides an excellent entry point into the world of classical and flamenco style guitar playing. Part of Cordoba's Luthier series, the C1M model features a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. This combination produces a warm, balanced tone that is great for various classical and fingerstyle playing techniques. The Cordoba C1M offers playability and sound quality that punches above its price point, making it a versatile choice for everyone from beginners to more advanced players looking for an affordable nylon string guitar with pro-level features. With its traditional fan bracing, comfortable construction and savvy electronics, the C1M aims to make playing classical guitar an accessible art form. This review will examine the various features and playing experience of the Cordoba C1M to help you determine if it’s the right classical guitar for your needs.

Build Quality

The Cordoba C1M is built using traditional materials and techniques to deliver excellent sound and playability expected of a classical guitar in this price range.

The top is made of solid Canadian cedar which provides a warm, balanced tone. The back and sides are made from mahogany which gives it richness and depth. The neck is Spanish cedar which is lightweight yet strong.

Attention to detail can be seen in aspects like the ivoid binding and matte finish. The satin polyurethane finish allows the tonewood's natural vibrancy to come through while protecting the instrument.

The build quality utilizes quality materials assembled precisely for great looks, feel, and sound. This is a well-crafted instrument that feels solid and durable.

When it comes to classical guitars, build quality is essential for producing the rich, nuanced sound these instruments are known for. Factors like wood choice, construction techniques, and attention to detail impact the tone and playability. Many affordable models cut corners in this area, but the Cordoba C1M does not compromise.

One comparable model is the Ibanez AW54CEOPN. This is another well-regarded classical guitar with solid top construction. It features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and mahogany neck. The craftsmanship and tonewoods produce full, balanced tone expected of a classical guitar. While the Ibanez model has its own merits, the Cordoba C1M compares favorably in terms of build quality and materials used.

When shopping for an affordable classical guitar, pay close attention to the materials and construction techniques used. A solid wood top is essential, but the back, sides, neck and fretboard woods also impact sound. High quality binding, finishes, and hardware improve the look, feel, and structural integrity. Taking the time to evaluate build quality will help find a guitar that sounds, plays, and lasts beautifully.

Sound Quality

The Cordoba C1M is praised for its warm, balanced sound that projects well. This is thanks to its all-solid wood construction using quality tonewoods.

The top is made from solid Canadian cedar, which provides a sweet, bright tone. Cedar is a popular choice for classical guitars as it offers great resonance while still being lightweight.

The back and sides are Indian rosewood, which gives a strong midrange, clear trebles, and rich bass. Rosewood is known for its complexity and overtone-rich sound.

The fan bracing helps project the sound outward. Players report the C1M has excellent volume and sustain for a classical guitar in this price range. It can easily fill a room and serve well for performances.

The tonal character is described as balanced across the frequency range, with a pleasing warmth and resonance. It has the traditional sound expected from a nylon-string classical guitar. If you're looking for an affordable classical guitar with excellent sound quality, the Cordoba C1M is a great option to consider. However, there are many other quality classical guitars in this price range as well, such as the Fender CN-60S. The CN-60S features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides. It produces a balanced, warm tone with good projection. The playability is also praised by users, with a comfortable neck and low action. It comes equipped with Savarez Cristal Corum high-tension strings for excellent sound quality. The CN-60S is an excellent choice for beginners looking for their first real classical guitar, as well as more advanced players looking for an affordable option for practice and performance. With its comfortable playability, quality materials, and resonant sound, the Fender CN-60S competes well with other guitars in this price range, including the Cordoba C1M. Be sure to try out both to see which classical guitar best fits your playing style and tonal preferences.

Playability

The C1M's playability is excellent for a beginner's classical guitar thanks to its comfortable neck shape, low action, and smooth fretwork.

The neck has a traditional classical shape that is comfortable and accessible for most hands. It uses a 52mm nut width, which is considered a "normal" width for classical guitars. The profile is rounded and tapered, making it easy to grip and fret notes up and down the neck.

The action on the C1M is set nice and low from the factory. This makes pressing down the strings require less finger pressure and facilitates cleaner fretting, especially for beginners. It's easy to fret notes without them buzzing.

The fretwork is another high point on the C1M. The frets are smoothly finished with no sharp edges. They extend all the way to the edge of the fingerboard for full playability across the neck. The ends of the frets are carefully rounded and polished. Overall, the frets feel comfortable under the fingers during playing.

The combination of a comfortable neck shape, low action, and quality fretwork makes the C1M an accessible and enjoyable classical guitar for novice players. It avoids some of the playability challenges found on cheaper beginner classical guitars.

Hardware

The Cordoba C1M classical guitar features high-quality hardware to provide stable tuning and accurate intonation.

The tuning machines are open-geared with butterbean knobs. They provide precise tuning control with a classic aesthetic. The nut and saddle are both made from synthetic bone, which offers a great balance of hardness for stable string spacing and vibration transfer, along with smooth finishing for comfort.

Some key specs on the hardware:

• Nickel open-gear tuning machines with butterbean knobs
• Synthetic bone nut
• Synthetic bone saddle
• D'Addario Pro-Arte Classical strings

The hardware components on the C1M are durable and finely crafted. The tuners hold tuning well, while the nut and saddle materials give crisp note definition. Overall, the hardware supports the playability and sound production of this classical guitar.

Electronics

The Cordoba C1M features a Fishman Presys Blend pickup system. This system combines an undersaddle piezo pickup with a built-in microphone, allowing you to blend the direct piezo tone with the natural acoustic sound for a nicely balanced amplified tone.

The onboard preamp gives you volume and tone control and features a 3-band EQ for dialing in your optimal amplified tone. There's also a built-in tuner, which is super convenient.

Overall, the Fishman Presys Blend system offers a very natural amplified sound and good feedback rejection. The undersaddle piezo pickup captures the guitar's tone nicely, while the microphone adds in those important acoustic resonances that piezos alone can lack. The preamp gives you the control you need for getting a great amplified classical guitar sound live and in the studio.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Cordoba C1M has a traditional nylon-string guitar body shape with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides. This makes it lightweight and comfortable to hold in playing position for extended periods of time.

The C1M weighs just under 3 lbs, which is average for a beginner classical guitar. The weight is nicely distributed so the guitar feels balanced and doesn't neck dive while playing.

The smooth matte finish on the back of the neck allows for a nice grip without feeling sticky. The neck width is standard classical guitar width (52mm nut width, 58mm width at the 12th fret) which allows comfortable left hand movement and fretting.

Versatility

The Cordoba C1M has great versatility and can handle a wide range of musical styles. As an all-solid wood classical guitar, it has the traditional nylon strings and construction to nail the classical and flamenco repertoire. The cedar top produces a warm, mellow tone perfect for the resonance and dynamics needed for these styles.

At the same time, the mahogany back and sides provide some richness and body to the sound. This allows the C1M to crossover into other genres like folk, country, bossa nova, jazz, and more. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the dynamic range and articulation. Whether you need to capture the rapid cascades of notes in a flamenco piece or the warm melodic lines of a jazz standard, the C1M delivers. The comfortable neck and accessible upper frets also facilitate versatile playing. From lightning quick solos to accompanying chords, this guitar won't hold you back.

The C1M gives players flexibility between traditional classical pieces and other contemporary styles. It's a great choice for those looking for one nylon string guitar to cover diverse musical ground.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High quality solid cedar top provides excellent warm and balanced tone
• Mahogany back and sides give a rich resonance
• Easy to play slim neck with low action
• Lightweight and comfortable to hold
• Impressive value for the price
• Warm and mellow nylon strings great for classical and fingerstyle playing
• Attractive high-gloss finish

Cons

• Not as loud as spruce top guitars
• Nylon strings may be too soft for some players
• Basic electronics and pickup
• Minimal ornamentation and decorative elements
• May not appeal to those wanting modern or unconventional looks

Conclusion

The Cordoba C1M is an excellent starter instrument for aspiring classical guitarists on a budget. While not as intricate as more expensive models, it provides very good bang for your buck with its solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The tone is balanced and projects well, making it suitable for various playing styles and techniques.

The comfortable neck and lightweight body are ideal for new players who need to build up finger strength and dexterity. And the Savarez 500CJ strings offer a bright, crisp sound perfect for classical repertoire. While the tuners and nut could be higher quality, they perform adequately and help keep costs down.

Overall, the C1M offers remarkable value given its affordable price point. The smooth playability, resonant sound, and attractive looks make this a great choice for beginners or experienced players looking for an affordable second classical guitar. It's an easy recommendation for anyone shopping for an entry-level nylon-string instrument.