Kremona Fiesta FC Classical Guitar: Full Review

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Kremona Fiesta FC Classical Guitar: Full Review

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Back Material: Rosewood
Body Material: Wood
Color Name: Natural
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Guitar Bridge System: Fixed
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
Item Model Number: Fiesta FC
Item Weight: 8 pounds
Material Type: Cedar Wood, Rose Wood
Neck Material Type: Cedar
Number of Strings: 6
Product Dimensions: 42 x 17 x 6 inches
Scale Length: 650
String Gauge: Medium
String Material: Nylon
Top Material: Cedar
Back Material Type: Rosewood
Body Material: Wood
Brand: Kremona
Color: Natural
Fretboard Material Type: Rosewood
Guitar Bridge System: Fixed
Hand Orientation: Right
Neck Material Type: Cedar
String Material Type: Nylon
Top Material Type: Cedar
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Review and analysis

The Kremona Fiesta FC is a classic nylon string guitar that delivers resonant tone and comfortable playability. As part of Kremona's beginner Fiesta series, it's an affordable entry-level instrument made with solid wood construction and quality hardware.

Originally designed in Bulgaria, the Fiesta FC combines traditional classical guitar design with modern manufacturing techniques. It features a hand-crafted solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides for warm, balanced tone. The slim neck and lower string action make this an accessible guitar for new players.

With its rich sound, comfortable feel, and attractive price point, the Fiesta FC is a great choice for aspiring classical guitarists looking for their first real nylon-string instrument. While not a professional-grade concert guitar, it provides an enjoyable playing experience that can last for years.

Construction

The Kremona Fiesta FC features a solid spruce top, with mahogany back and sides. Solid spruce is known for providing excellent tone, brightness, and responsiveness. It's a common choice for classical guitar tops. Mahogany is also a popular tonewood that lends the guitar warmth and sweetness. The combination of spruce and mahogany makes for a nicely balanced sound.

The spruce top is hand-carved in the traditional fan bracing pattern, which allows the top to vibrate freely. Mahogany is used for the back and sides. It has an appealing look, with natural grain patterns. The neck is also made of mahogany for stability. Overall, the Fiesta FC uses high-quality tonewoods chosen to complement each other and produce full, nuanced classical guitar tone.

The Kremona Fiesta FC is an excellent entry-level classical guitar. It delivers impressive sound and playability at an affordable price point. The all-solid wood construction provides rich, complex tone expected from a classical guitar. The nylon strings have a warm, mellow sound. The slim neck profile and low action facilitate comfortable playing. This is a great choice for beginners looking for a quality classical guitar without breaking the bank.

Another good beginner classical guitar to consider is the TARIO GLC-231TCED NA. Like the Fiesta FC, it features solid spruce and mahogany construction. The spruce top produces bright, vibrant tone while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and sweetness. It comes with nylon strings for the authentic classical sound. The neck has a comfortable C profile that accommodates both fingerstyle and classical playing. The slim nut width of 52mm facilitates easy fingering. This is an excellent entry-level classical guitar for new players.

When shopping for a beginner classical guitar, look for solid wood construction and nylon strings. Spruce and mahogany are common tonewoods that provide balanced tone. The neck should allow comfortable fingering with a slim nut width and profile. Pay attention to action height, as very high action can make playing difficult for beginners. Brands like Kremona and Tario offer quality entry-level classical guitars that meet these criteria. Test different models in person to find the best fit for your playing style and budget.

Sound Quality

The Kremona Fiesta FC has impressive sound quality for its price point. It produces a well balanced tone across the frequency spectrum, with clear and articulate treble, present midrange, and sufficient bass resonance.

The construction and bracing provide good projection, allowing the guitar's sound to carry well in performance settings without needing heavy amplification. Both fingerstyle and strumming come through with clarity.

The sound is described by many players as warm yet crisp, able to convey subtle tonal colors and dynamic expression. The rosewood back and sides contribute to a rich, rounded bass and an overall "big guitar" sound, belying the instrument's modest size.

While not as nuanced as elite concert classical guitars, the Fiesta FC has very good sound for recreational playing and intermediate performance needs. The tone is consistent up the fretboard, with no dead spots or wolf notes. It provides a satisfying and inspiring sound for passionate hobbyists.

The Fiesta FC's sound quality makes it a great choice for players looking for an affordable classical guitar with professional-grade tone. It's an excellent option for students progressing beyond a beginner instrument, or for gigging musicians on a budget. Many are impressed by how close it comes in sound to premium classical guitars costing twice as much or more.

With a solid cedar top and quality rosewood back and sides, the Fiesta FC delivers a rich, nuanced classical guitar voice at a price that's very reasonable. While not as finely crafted as handmade classicals from elite luthiers, it provides impressive sound and playability for the money.

If you're looking for an even more affordable classical guitar with good sound, check out the Epiphone DR-100 EA10EBCH1. It has a laminated spruce top and mahogany back/sides, producing a bright, focused tone. The slim neck and low action facilitate easy playability. While it doesn't match the Fiesta FC's richer sound, the DR-100 is a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

Playability

The Kremona Fiesta FC classical guitar shines when it comes to playability. Its neck is crafted from mahogany and features a comfortably thin profile that makes it very easy to wrap your hand around. The 25.6” scale length provides ample room between frets while still remaining very playable.

The rosewood fretboard is perfectly smooth, making it easy to glide up and down the neck. There is no sticking or uncomfortable friction that can sometimes occur with cheaper guitars. The Fiesta FC combines its comfortable neck profile and silky smooth fretboard to offer outstanding playability right out of the box.

Even for long practice or playing sessions, the Fiesta FC remains very comfortable against your hands without causing any fatigue. The playability of this classical guitar punches well above its price point, making it a great choice for new players and professionals alike.

Superior Hardware

The Kremona Fiesta FC sports high-quality hardware that enhances its overall sound and playability. It features gold-plated tuning machines that hold tune precisely. The tuning machines operate smoothly and have an elegant look.

The nut and saddle are both constructed of bone. The bone nut promotes accurate intonation, while the bone saddle enhances resonance and sustain. The bone nut and saddle pair nicely with the solid spruce top to produce clear, balanced tones across the tonal spectrum. The bone also gives the guitar a natural look that complements the aesthetic.

The gold tuning keys and bone nut and saddle make this a guitar built with top-tier hardware. The hardware selection positively impacts the sound, tuning stability, and visual appeal of the instrument.

Finish

The Kremona Fiesta FC has a beautiful high gloss polyurethane finish that gives the guitar an elegant look. Polyurethane is known for being durable yet flexible, allowing the wood to resonate properly while also protecting the instrument from scratches and wear.

The high gloss finish really makes the wood grain pop, showcasing the beautiful patterns and colors in the spruce and cypress wood used on the Fiesta FC. It's smooth to the touch and reflects light in an eye-catching way. While some prefer a more muted matte finish, the shiny polyurethane used on this model has an upscale, luxurious aesthetic.

Overall, the finish is expertly done and matches the quality craftsmanship of the entire guitar. It's thin enough not to dampen vibrations yet thick enough to properly defend the wood. The flawless high gloss polyurethane finish gives the Fiesta FC visual appeal to match its acoustic properties.

Price

The Kremona Fiesta FC is considered a mid-range classical guitar in terms of pricing. While not the most budget-friendly option, it also doesn't reach into the higher price points of professional classical guitars. The Fiesta FC hits a nice sweet spot for players looking for a quality instrument that doesn't break the bank.

Compared to beginner classical guitars often under $200, the Fiesta FC provides noticeable upgrades in craftsmanship and materials for its price tag. While there are certainly even more high-end classical guitars out there for thousands of dollars, the Fiesta FC delivers fantastic bang-for-your-buck.

Overall, the pricing is reasonable for an all-solid wood classical guitar made with quality European spruce and rosewood. Players get an instrument with rich resonance and detailed voice without having to spend upwards of $1000 or more. The Fiesta FC hits the ideal mid-range price point for serious students progressing in their classical guitar journey.

Pros

The Kremona Fiesta FC classical guitar has many positives that make it a great choice for players of all levels.

Quality Materials

The Fiesta FC features a solid cedar top and cypress back and sides, giving it a rich, warm, balanced tone that is characteristic of high-end classical guitars. The solid wood construction allows the top to vibrate and resonate freely, producing excellent sustain and projection.

Great Sound

Reviewers consistently praise the Fiesta FC for its impressive sound that belies its affordable price point. The nylon strings have a mellow, refined tone with pleasant overtones and nuanced dynamics. It's a very responsive instrument that is capable of delicate pianissimos to forceful fortissimos.

Easy Playability

This guitar features a comfortable neck profile and low action that make it very playable right out of the box. The neck width and string spacing is ideal for most hand sizes. The smooth finished frets promote fast, fluid playing across the fingerboard. The Fiesta FC is enjoyable to practice on for extended periods.

Cons

The Kremona Fiesta FC has very few drawbacks compared to similar classical guitars in its price range. The main downsides are:

  • The included gig bag offers minimal padding and protection. Upgrading to a hardshell case provides more security when transporting the guitar.

  • The satin finish on the neck could feel a bit sticky or tacky for some players. Those who prefer a smoother neck may find this distracting.

  • There are limited color options. The Fiesta FC only comes in a natural wood finish. Players wanting a wider selection of colors and finishes may be disappointed.

  • The lack of cutaway can hinder access to higher frets. However, this is typical for most entry-level classical guitars.

  • It may not have the same rich, complex tones as more expensive classical guitars. But the Fiesta FC provides excellent sound quality for its price point.

Overall, the cons are minor for a classical guitar at this affordable price. The Fiesta FC's high-quality construction and components outweigh any potential shortcomings.

Conclusion

Overall, the Kremona Fiesta FC is an excellent classical guitar for the price. It delivers rich tone and great playability thanks to its solid cedar top and Cypress back and sides. The satin finish gives it an elegant look while allowing the woods to resonant freely. While not the cheapest starter classical guitar, the Kremona Fiesta FC offers superb value by combining high-end construction techniques and quality materials at an accessible price point. The result is a very playable classical guitar with impressive sound that can hold its own against more expensive models. For intermediate players looking to upgrade or beginners wanting a quality instrument that will last, the Kremona Fiesta FC is easy to recommend. Its excellent materials and construction provide the ideal balance of tone, playability and aesthetics that classical guitarists seek.

More Information

Features of Kremona Fiesta FC Artist Series Nylon String Guitar
Back MaterialRosewood
Body MaterialWood
Color NameNatural
Fretboard MaterialRosewood
Guitar Bridge SystemFixed
Is Discontinued By ManufacturerNo
Item Model NumberFiesta FC
Item Weight8 pounds
Material TypeCedar Wood, Rose Wood
Neck Material TypeCedar
Number of Strings6
Product Dimensions42 x 17 x 6 inches
Scale Length650
String GaugeMedium
String MaterialNylon
Top MaterialCedar
Back Material TypeRosewood
Body MaterialWood
BrandKremona
ColorNatural
Fretboard Material TypeRosewood
Guitar Bridge SystemFixed
Hand OrientationRight
Neck Material TypeCedar
String Material TypeNylon
Top Material TypeCedar

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