Ortega Guitars R122SN Classical Guitar: Full Review

Ortega is a brand of classical and acoustic guitars that has been around since the early 1900s. Founded in Germany, Ortega has focused on providing quality nylon-string guitars at affordable prices. While not as iconic as brands like Martin or Taylor, Ortega has cultivated a following of devotees over its long history thanks to its commitment to value.

The R122SN is one of Ortega's most popular classical guitar models. As an entry-level nylon-string instrument, it aims to deliver strong sound and playability without breaking the bank. Ortega uses a combination of traditional construction techniques and modern manufacturing methods to produce the R122SN and keep costs down. This guitar represents an excellent choice for new classical guitarists looking for a well-made, rich-sounding instrument.

Overview

The Ortega Guitars R122SN is a nylon-string classical guitar model made by Ortega Guitars, a company known for producing quality and affordable classical and acoustic guitars. This R122SN model features a full-size body with traditional fan bracing, a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard.

The R122SN has 12 frets clear of the body and a 650mm scale length. It is a very traditional classical guitar design aimed at beginner to intermediate players looking for an accessible nylon-string guitar option. The guitar comes bundled with a padded gig bag, picks, extra strings, a clip-on tuner, polishing cloth, and an instructional DVD.

Classical guitars like the R122SN are designed specifically for playing classical and flamenco music. They utilize nylon strings rather than steel strings, producing a warm, mellow tone perfect for the complex fingerstyle techniques used in classical guitar. The wider neck, lower action, and nylon strings make these guitars easier on the fingers compared to steel-string acoustic guitars.

While Ortega is known for beginner and intermediate classical guitars, there are also high-end handmade classical guitar models like the Martin 11GBPCL. This professional-grade classical guitar has a solid German spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard. It produces a rich, nuanced tone perfect for advanced classical players. The 11GBPCL model starts around $2,500, quite a jump from the affordable Ortega R122SN.

For beginners, a guitar like the R122SN provides an easy entrance into the world of classical guitar at a budget-friendly price. The high-quality construction and included accessories make this a great choice as a student's first classical guitar. More advanced players may want to eventually upgrade to a handmade solid wood classical guitar by a luthier, but the Ortega R122SN is certainly sufficient for early classical guitar lessons and practicing.

Classical body shapes maximize resonance and projection, with a waist contour that allows comfortable playing with the guitar supported on the left leg. This is essential for classical technique and facilitates the specialized posture and hand positions required to properly play with this style. The wider classical neck also accommodates the complex fingerings essential for classical and flamenco music.

The R122SN features a fan bracing pattern under the spruce top that provides strength and rigidity while allowing the top to vibrate freely, resulting in excellent resonance and sustain. The mahogany back and sides offer a balanced, well-rounded tone. Overall, the R122SN delivers an authentic classical guitar tone and playing experience suitable for beginners through intermediate players.

Build Quality

The Classical Guitar R122SN has a high-quality spruce top with nylon stringing. The back and sides are made from laminated okoume - a lightweight, durable wood common in entry-level classical guitars. While the use of laminates keeps costs down, some guitarists may prefer a fully solid wood body for better resonance and tone.

The neck is mahogany with a matte finish. The scale length is 25.6 inches, standard for a full-size classical. The neck is joined to the body with a dovetail joint, a traditional design that provides stability.

The bridge is made from rosewood, which complements the warm sound of mahogany and okoume. The saddle material is not specified but likely a synthetic bone or plastic common on guitars in this price range.

Overall the build quality is quite good for a sub-$200 instrument. While not all solid woods, the combination of spruce, mahogany, and okoume results in an affordable classical guitar with decent projection and balanced tone.

Another entry-level classical guitar to consider in this price range is the Dean EC BKB. It features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and rosewood fretboard. The Dean EC BKB comes with Savarez Cristal Corum high-tension strings installed. It has a slightly shorter 24.75" scale length, making it a good option for players with smaller hands. The slim neck profile and low action facilitate comfortable playing. While it may not have the richness of tone of premium classical guitars, the Dean EC BKB punches above its weight given the affordable price point.

When shopping for an entry-level classical guitar, pay attention to the materials used, especially for the top/soundboard which greatly impacts tone production. Spruce is the most common choice. Alternative woods like cedar can provide a slightly different voice. The species of wood used for the back and sides also contributes to the sound. Laminates versus solid woods is another consideration from a construction quality and resonance perspective.

Neck width, string spacing, and scale length determine playability. Narrower string spacing and shorter scale lengths benefit smaller hands. Pay attention to neck relief and action height, as a very high action can make an inexpensive classical guitar difficult for beginners to play.

It's worth paying a little more for a quality setup from the factory or luthier. Upgrading to better strings like Savarez or Hannabach can also make a noticeable improvement in an affordable classical guitar's tone and playability.

While premium features like all solid woods and hand craftsmanship significantly increase cost, respectable entry-level classical guitars like the R122SN and Dean EC BKB demonstrate that beginners don't have to break the bank to start their classical guitar journey.

Sound Quality

The Ortega R122SN classical guitar produces a balanced, warm tone with good projection suitable for various playing styles and genres. The solid cedar top contributes to a bright, lively sound with crisp highs. The mahogany back and sides add depth and richness to the midrange frequencies, providing a pleasing resonance.

The fan bracing pattern allows the top to vibrate freely, emphasizing its acoustic properties. This results in excellent volume and sustain. The guitar projects well whether played up close or at a distance.

The tone exhibits warmth and sweetness in the low to mid frequencies. Basses have adequate punch without sounding boomy. Mids are pronounced yet smooth. Overall the R122SN delivers a nuanced, well-rounded tonal character.

The sound is clear and defined across all registers from treble to bass. Notes speak quickly with a sensitive response. The dynamic range allows guitarists to control tone and articulation from delicate pianissimos to aggressive fortissimos.

With its balanced tone, warmth, and projection, the R122SN's sound quality makes it suitable for various genres including classical, flamenco, folk, fingerstyle, and more. The versatile acoustic voice will appeal to guitarists of different playing levels and musical interests.

Playability

The Ortega R122SN classical guitar has a comfortable and easy-to-play neck that makes it suitable for beginners and intermediates. The neck has a traditional classical C-shape that provides a nice rounded feel in the hand. It's not too thick or too thin, finding a happy medium that most players will find comfortable.

The action on the R122SN is set up well right out of the box. The strings sit low enough to press down easily, yet still have enough height to deliver a full, ringing tone. This guitar has just the right amount of playability to balance easy fretting and great sound. The action is also adjustable at the bridge if you want to customize it further.

Overall, the playability of the Ortega R122SN punches above its price point. The neck shape and string action come together to offer an accessible playing feel that lets you concentrate on learning and improving rather than wrestling with the instrument.

Hardware

The Ortega R122SN features quality hardware that enhances the playability and functionality of the guitar.

The tuning machines are die-cast chrome sealed gears that keep the guitar in tune well. The gears turn smoothly and allow for accurate tuning adjustments. Many budget classical guitars have cheaper tuning pegs that can slip and make tuning unstable.

The nut and saddle on the R122SN are both made of plastic. While bone or Tusq would be higher quality options, the plastic nut and saddle are decent for a guitar at this price point. The nut slots and saddle are cut well, allowing the strings to slide smoothly through the nut slots and sit at the proper height on the saddle. This contributes to the guitar's good playability overall.

Some upgrades guitarists commonly make are to replace the nut and saddle with bone or a synthetic material. This can refine the tone and tuning stability even further. However, the plastic nut and saddle the guitar comes with get the job done satisfactorily.

Electronics

As an acoustic classical guitar, the Ortega R122SN does not have any electronics. It produces sound purely through the vibration of the strings transmitted via the bridge to the top wood of the guitar body.

Without built-in electronics, the R122SN will need to be miked if it is to be amplified through a sound system or recorded. However, many classical guitarists prefer the natural unamplified sound of an acoustic instrument. The lack of electronics also contributes to the affordability of this model.

While the addition of electronics could provide more versatility, the R122SN delivers the traditional nylon-string classical guitar experience centered around the resonance of the wood body. This allows players to focus on technique and musicality without amplification.

Cosmetics

The Ortega R122SN has an understated yet elegant cosmetic design. The guitar features a high-gloss finish over solid mahogany back and sides that gives it a rich, warm appearance. The spruce top has a satin finish that enhances resonance and gives it a more vintage look.

The body binding helps protect the guitar and gives it a more refined style. It has faux tortoise shell body binding and a faux tortoise shell pickguard that complement each other nicely. The rosette around the soundhole has an intricate multi-wood marquetry design.

The mahogany neck has a natural satin finish and the rosewood fretboard has a radiused edge for smooth playability up and down the neck. The Ortega logo is tastefully displayed on the headstock. Overall the cosmetics are simple yet stylish, befitting the guitar's traditional nylon-string tone and performance.

Accessories

The R122SN comes with several useful accessories to help you get started on your classical guitar journey. Inside the box, you'll find:

• Guitar strap - This wide nylon strap provides a comfortable way to stand and play your R122SN. It connects to the strap buttons on the guitar's body and neck.

• Extra strings - Ortega includes an extra set of strings, allowing you to re-string and replace old strings. Having spares on hand ensures you won't have any downtime if a string breaks.

• Digital tuner - A handy clip-on tuner is included, making it easy to keep your R122SN tuned before playing. The tuner works by sensing the vibrations from your strings.

• Polishing cloth - The included polishing cloth lets you wipe down your guitar after playing to keep it looking its best. It helps remove finger marks and dust.

• Picks - Ortega provides a few standard plastic guitar picks in various thicknesses, so you can find the right feel and sound.

• Gig bag - The R122SN comes with a lightweight padded gig bag for storage and transport. It has backpack-style straps for easy carrying.

The bundled accessories provide everything you need to start playing classical guitar on the R122SN. From strap to strings to tuning, Ortega includes the essential add-ons.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The Ortega R122SN offers impressive value for the price point. The all-mahogany construction delivers a rich, warm sound that belies the guitar's budget-friendly cost.

• The smaller body size makes this an excellent choice for younger players and those with smaller frames. The slim neck and low action facilitate easy playability.

• Hardware and fittings are quite good for an entry-level classical guitar. The chrome tuning machines operate smoothly and hold tune reliably.

• Attractive cosmetics, especially considering the price range. The sunburst finish looks more expensive than it is.

Cons

• While tonewoods are described as "select" mahogany, these are likely lower-grade, plantation-grown woods rather than premium old-growth varieties. This is expected for the price.

• The bundled gig bag, strings, picks, etc. are very basic. Serious players will want to upgrade these accessories over time.

• The thinner body and laminated wood back and sides mean this instrument might not age as gracefully as a premium hand-built classical. Durability could be a concern with heavy use over many years.

• Electronics are likely rudimentary and may exhibit background noise. Not ideal for amplifying the instrument. Better to consider an external pick-up or microphone.