Ortega Guitars R121L Classical Guitar: Full Review

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Ortega Guitars R121L Classical Guitar: Full Review

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Back Material: Mahogany Wood
Body Material: Mahogany
Color Name: Spruce Top - Natural - Satin
Fretboard Material: Walnut Wood
Guitar Bridge System: Fixed
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
Item Model Number: R121L
Item Weight: 7.04 pounds
Musical Style: Student, Pop, Rock, Country, Classical, Flamenco, Solo, Folk
Neck Material Type: Mahogany
Number of Strings: 6
Product Dimensions: 42.5 x 20.25 x 5 inches
Proficiency Level: Beginner
Scale Length: 650
Size: Full
String Gauge: Medium
String Material: Nylon
Top Material: Spruce
Back Material Type: Mahogany Wood
Body Material: Mahogany
Brand: Ortega Guitars
Color: Spruce Top - Natural - Satin
Fretboard Material Type: Walnut Wood
Guitar Bridge System: Fixed
Hand Orientation: Left
Neck Material Type: Mahogany
String Material Type: Nylon
Top Material Type: Spruce
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Review and analysis

The Ortega R121L is an entry-level nylon string classical guitar made by Ortega Guitars. As part of Ortega's Beginner Series, it is designed to be an affordable and accessible instrument for new players who want a quality classical guitar without breaking the bank.

This model features a traditional fan-braced spruce top with mahogany back and sides, giving it a balanced and well-rounded tone. The R121L has a comfortable neck for smaller hands, making it a great choice for younger players or those with smaller builds. It comes in a 3/4 size, allowing beginners to start learning proper classical technique on a guitar scaled to fit their current size.

Overall, the Ortega R121L aims to deliver a solid playing experience and reliable construction at a budget-friendly price point. It covers the basics well, providing new classical guitarists with an instrument to help them learn the ropes. While it may lack some projection and nuance compared to professional-grade classical guitars, the R121L offers beginners a quality entry point into the world of nylon string guitars.

Construction

The Ortega R121L is made with a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The top wood contributes to its overall balanced and warm tone, while the mahogany provides depth and resonance.

The neck is also made from mahogany with a rosewood fretboard, a wood combination commonly used for classical guitars. The neck has a standard width and slope that should accommodate most hand sizes comfortably.

The guitar has a traditional fan bracing pattern underneath the top, which gives it structural stability while allowing the top to vibrate freely. The bracing appears neat and cleanly cut.

Overall, the materials used in the Ortega R121L are decent for an entry-level classical guitar in this price range. While not extravagant, the woods should produce good sound projection and sustain.

When comparing the Ortega R121L to other beginner classical guitars, it's worth looking at the Gayetana Guitars ATTO A77S. This model also features solid wood construction with a cedar top and mahogany back and sides. However, it uses an African mahogany neck instead of Honduran mahogany. The fretboard is ebony rather than rosewood.

The ATTO A77S is handmade in Spain, while the Ortega R121L is mass-produced in China. The craftsmanship and attention to detail may be higher on the Spanish-made ATTO. The bracing and construction techniques can also impact the tone and playability.

Both guitars have traditional fan bracing, but the Gayetana may have more delicate bracing that maximizes resonance. The action and playability straight out of the box could potentially be better on the handmade ATTO as well.

That said, the Ortega R121L costs a fraction of the price of the ATTO A77S. So while the Gayetana may be the better instrument overall, the Ortega offers good value for those on a very tight budget. Many beginners may not notice the tone and playability differences between the two models initially.

The bottom line is that the Ortega R121L uses decent materials for its price range and can suit most beginner classical guitarists well. More advanced players or those willing to spend more may prefer the craftsmanship and potential tonal improvements of the Gayetana ATTO A77S. But the Ortega remains a solid budget choice for an introductory classical guitar.

Sound Quality

The Ortega R121L classical guitar produces a warm, balanced tone with good sustain and projection. The all-laminate construction provides a focused sound with crisp highs and robust bass notes.

The cedar top contributes to the guitar's balanced tone profile. It offers a sweet treble sound, while also projecting the lower notes with clarity. Mahogany is used for the back and sides. This tonewood boosts the midrange, adding depth and richness to chords and arpeggios.

Sustain is impressive for a guitar in this price range. The notes ring out cleanly when allowed to vibrate fully. Decay is gradual, avoiding an abrupt cut-off. Whether playing complex classical pieces or simpler chording, the Ortega R121L provides satisfying sustain.

Volume and projection are also noteworthy. The guitar projects well when playing solo classical guitar parts that need to cut through clearly. It also provides ample volume for ensemble playing or practice. The sound projects from the body to fill a room, rather than being overly directional.

Overall, the Ortega R121L offers a versatile tonal palette suitable for various classical and fingerstyle needs. The balanced EQ with extended sustain allows nuances and subtleties to come through in the player's sound.

The Takamine GC1 NAT is another excellent classical guitar option to consider. This all-solid wood guitar produces a rich, refined tone perfect for playing classical compositions and fingerstyle arrangements. The solid spruce top provides crisp and clear treble notes, while the rosewood back and sides add depth and resonance to the midrange and bass.

When comparing the Takamine GC1 NAT to the Ortega R121L, the Takamine offers more volume projection and dynamic range. The all-solid wood construction allows the Takamine to produce greater tonal complexity as notes decay. However, the Ortega R121L's laminate construction provides a more focused and direct sound.

The Takamine GC1 NAT classical guitar has excellent reviews for its quality of materials and construction. Everything from the quartersawn spruce top to the intricate rosette and binding is done to high standards. This results in a guitar with superlative playability right out of the box. It has a comfortable neck profile and low action that make it very playable.

Some guitarists may prefer the amplified sound of the Ortega R121L. It has an onboard preamp and tuner that allows plugging directly into an amp or PA system. The Takamine GC1 NAT is an acoustic-only classical guitar without any electronics. For strictly amplified applications, the Ortega R121L may be the better choice.

When choosing between these two high-quality classical guitar models, players should consider their budget and needs. The Takamine GC1 NAT offers all-solid wood construction for around twice the cost of the Ortega R121L laminate model. For those seeking the ultimate nylon string guitar tone, the Takamine is worth the investment. But the Ortega R121L punches above its weight, providing great playability and sound at a very attractive price point.

Playability

The R121L has a classical guitar neck profile that is comfortable and easy to play. The neck has a standard width of 52mm at the nut which allows easy fingering of chords and single notes.

The action on the R121L is set up well out of the box. The string height at the 12th fret is around 2.5mm which is a good compromise between playability and volume. The strings aren't too high making it easy to press down, but have enough clearance from the frets to still project loudly when played.

This makes the R121L a very playable instrument right away without the need to adjust the truss rod or bridge height. It's comfortable to practice on for long periods without causing undue hand fatigue. The smooth neck and comfortable action make it a great choice for beginners transitioning from steel-string acoustics.

Hardware

The Ortega R121 has quality hardware that enhances its playability and sound. The guitar features open-geared chrome tuners that keep it in tune reliably. The nut and saddle are both made of plastic, which helps keep costs down while still providing decent tone and sustain.

Some key aspects of the R121's hardware include:

  • Tuning Machines - Ortega chose open-geared chrome tuners for the R121. They have an elegant vintage look and turn smoothly for easy and accurate tuning. The tuning ratio is 14:1.

  • Nut - The nut on the R121 is made from plastic. While bone or other upgraded materials can further enhance resonance, the plastic nut is certainly serviceable for this price range. It allows notes to ring clearly.

  • Saddle - Like the nut, the saddle is also plastic. It has a proper intonation curve for accurate tuning up the neck. The material doesn't dampen sustain too severely.

Overall, the hardware components Ortega selected for the R121 help it deliver great playability and sound, especially considering the very wallet-friendly price tag. While the plastic nut and saddle aren't as resonant as bone or tusq, they get the job done.

Finish

The R121L has a high-gloss natural finish that gives it an elegant, classic look. The semi-gloss polyurethane finish is hand-rubbed onto the laminated spruce top, back and sides. This gives the guitar a very smooth surface with a subtle shine that brings out the wood's natural beauty.

The high-gloss finish not only looks great, but also protects and seals the wood. It's a durable finish that will help prevent cracking or chipping. Some owners have commented that the glossy finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudges. However, a simple wipe down keeps the R121L looking pristine.

Overall, the high-gloss finish has an attractive, traditional esthetic fitting for a classical guitar. It allows the spruce and mahogany tones to stand out beautifully. Those looking for an eye-catching gloss finish will appreciate the ornate look. While those wanting a more low-maintenance matte finish may prefer other options.

Price

The Ortega R121 is an excellent value for the money acoustic guitar. Though not the cheapest beginner classical guitar, the R121 delivers professional sound and playability at an accessible price point.

Many budget classical guitars use cheaper materials and manufacturing to hit lower prices, but this can sacrifice long-term quality and reliability. The Ortega R121 balances cost with premium spruce and mahogany tonewoods to provide an instrument that will last years, not just a season.

Considering the quality of craftsmanship and components, the R121 represents an affordable step up for beginning and intermediate players looking to upgrade from an ultra-budget guitar. While professional concert-level classical guitars can run into the thousands, the R121 offers pro-grade performance well under $500.

For parents buying a child's first real classical guitar, or adults learning later in life, the R121 hits a sweet spot of quality and cost. It's built to stick with you through years of practice and playing. Beginners will appreciate the comfortable feel and resonant sound as they progress from lessons to recitals and beyond.

Overall the Ortega R121 Classical Guitar proves you don't have to break the bank to get excellent classical sound and playability. It punches above its price, competing with guitars costing twice as much. An outstanding value for classical guitar shoppers.

Alternatives

When looking for a beginner or intermediate classical guitar, the Ortega R121 is one option to consider but there are other comparable models as well. Here are some alternatives to look into:

Cordoba C5

The Cordoba C5 is a Spanish-made classical guitar that provides excellent quality and tone for the price. It features a solid Canadian cedar top with mahogany back and sides. The C5 has a concert shape with a 7/8" neck for comfortable playability. This is an ideal instrument for students and gigging musicians.

Yamaha C40

Yamaha is known for making quality classical guitars at affordable prices. The C40 is an excellent beginner model with a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and rosewood fretboard. It produces a balanced tone and has a comfortable nylon neck. The hardware is chrome with Yamaha's quality craftsmanship.

Fender CN-140S

This slim neck nylon-string from Fender has a laminated spruce top with basswood back and sides. The CN-140S features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It's an easy-playing classical guitar well-suited for new players. The tone is bright and focused.

Ibanez GA3

From Ibanez, the GA3 is a thinline classical guitar with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This results in a rich low-end with good articulation and volume. The GA3 has an easy-to-play maple neck and rosewood fretboard. It's a good quality classical for intermediate players.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Solid spruce top provides good projection and balanced tone
  • Mahogany back and sides offer warm, rich sound
  • Classical body shape provides comfort while playing
  • Smooth satin finish on neck allows fast play
  • Well constructed for the price
  • Comes with padded gig bag for protection

Cons:

  • Factory setup may require adjustments for proper action and intonation
  • Electronics can add buzzing; an acoustic-only model may be preferable
  • Laminated sides do not resonate as well as solid wood
  • Strings it comes with may need to be upgraded for better sound
  • Only available in full-size, not smaller sizes

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ortega R121L is a solid budget classical guitar that punches above its weight class. While it may lack some of the refinement and premium appointments of more expensive models, it provides excellent value given its affordable price point.

The nylon strings and traditional fan bracing produce a warm, balanced acoustic tone that works well for classical and fingerstyle playing. The rosewood fretboard and bridge offer a comfortable feel, while the spruce top helps project the sound. Hardware and electronics are serviceable, if unremarkable.

Some guitarists may desire more robust build quality or richer tone woods, but the Ortega R121L makes an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players, or anyone seeking an affordable entry-level classical guitar. It provides the essential sound, playability and aesthetics you’d want from a nylon-string guitar without breaking the bank.

Overall, the R121L is recommended for its quality construction, pleasant sound and easy playability. While it may eventually be outgrown by advancing classical guitarists, it's an ideal way to start your nylon-string journey without a huge upfront investment.

More Information

Features of Ortega Guitars 6 String Family Series Full Size Left-Handed Nylon Classical Guitar w/Bag, Spruce Top-Natural-Satin, (R121L)
Back MaterialMahogany Wood
Body MaterialMahogany
Color NameSpruce Top - Natural - Satin
Fretboard MaterialWalnut Wood
Guitar Bridge SystemFixed
Is Discontinued By ManufacturerNo
Item Model NumberR121L
Item Weight7.04 pounds
Musical StyleStudent, Pop, Rock, Country, Classical, Flamenco, Solo, Folk
Neck Material TypeMahogany
Number of Strings6
Product Dimensions42.5 x 20.25 x 5 inches
Proficiency LevelBeginner
Scale Length650
SizeFull
String GaugeMedium
String MaterialNylon
Top MaterialSpruce
Back Material TypeMahogany Wood
Body MaterialMahogany
BrandOrtega Guitars
ColorSpruce Top - Natural - Satin
Fretboard Material TypeWalnut Wood
Guitar Bridge SystemFixed
Hand OrientationLeft
Neck Material TypeMahogany
String Material TypeNylon
Top Material TypeSpruce

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