Ortega Guitars RCE131L Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Ortega RCE131L is an entry-level nylon string classical guitar made by Ortega Guitars. As part of Ortega's RCE Series, it offers a traditional classical guitar design and sound at an affordable price point. This makes it a great choice for beginner and intermediate players looking to buy their first nylon string or a backup instrument.

The RCE131L features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This combination aims to provide a balanced and resonant tone. The guitar has a traditional fan bracing pattern under the top to help project the sound. The neck is also made of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Overall, the hardware and electronics are pretty basic but functional.

While it may not have the complex tones of more expensive classical guitars, the RCE131L delivers an impressive sound considering its accessible price. The following sections will go over the construction, playability, sound, and other details of this budget friendly nylon string guitar.

Construction

The Ortega RCE131L classical guitar features a standard nylon string classical guitar construction with a solid carved Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides.

The use of solid tonewoods like cedar and mahogany contributes to the guitar's warm, balanced tone and good projection. The cedar top is lightweight and responsive, providing a nice clear treble, while the mahogany back and sides offer a smooth, rich low end.

This combination of cedar and mahogany is a popular choice for classical guitars as it provides a balanced and versatile sound. The all-wood construction also enhances resonance for improved volume and sustain.

Overall, the solid wood build makes this a fairly high quality student model classical guitar for the price point. The tonewoods chosen deliver an excellent sound in a traditional Spanish guitar design.

Another classical guitar to consider in this price range is the WINZZ ACM-H10-39-V. This is also an affordable nylon string classical guitar made with solid woods. It features a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge.

Like the Ortega, the Winzz ACM-H10-39-V utilizes classic tonewoods to produce a balanced, warm tone. The cedar top provides brightness and responsiveness. The mahogany back and sides add depth and richness to the sound. This combination works very well for playing different styles of classical and fingerstyle music.

The construction and playability make this a great choice for new classical guitar players. The neck has a comfortable slim profile that is easy for smaller hands to navigate. The action is set low and very playable right out of the box. Intonation up the neck is good considering the affordable price.

The build quality feels solid with no noticeable flaws. The tuners work smoothly and keep the guitar in tune. The fretwork is also nicely done with smooth, finished frets and no sharp edges. Overall it feels like a well made instrument despite the budget friendly price tag.

In terms of sound, this classical guitar has excellent reviews from owners. Many describe the tone as warm, bright, and balanced. Volume and projection are also rated highly, especially for a lower priced model. The resonance allows for dynamic expression and sustain.

While it may lack some refinement compared to more expensive classical guitars, the Winzz ACM-H10-39-V punches above its weight. For beginner and intermediate players, it provides great playability and classic tone at an affordable price point. Along with the Ortega, it's an excellent option to consider in this range.

Playability

The playability of the Ortega RCE131L classical guitar is one of its standout features. The neck has a comfortable C-shape that fits nicely in the hand. It has a rosewood fingerboard which is smooth and enjoyable to play.

The wider nut width of 52mm gives your fingers room to move around and makes it easy to play complex chords and reach lower strings. Many beginners find this extra width provides a more playable learning experience compared to other starter classical guitars.

The action on the RCE131L is set low and very playable right out of the box. You don't need to press down hard on the strings or feel like you're fighting the guitar. It's effortless to hold down notes anywhere along the neck. This makes the Ortega an excellent choice for new players who are building finger strength and dexterity.

Overall, the playability provides a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience even during long practice sessions. The smooth neck, rosewood fingerboard, and low action allow beginners to easily learn on this well-constructed instrument.

Another excellent beginner classical guitar to consider is the Epiphone EGSVCHVCH1. It has similar playability and comfort features as the Ortega RCE131L. The Epiphone has a slim C-shaped neck with a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability. It also has a 52mm nut width to provide room for your fingers to move around easily. The action is set low and comfortable right out of the box, allowing beginners to learn without fighting the strings.

The tonewood combination on the EGSVCHVCH1 produces a balanced and rich classical guitar tone. It has a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, a tried and true recipe. The onboard preamp lets you plug into an amplifier or PA system for more volume and projection. So it's a good option for playing live performances down the road.

When comparing the Ortega RCE131L and Epiphone EGSVCHVCH1 side-by-side, they are quite similar. The neck shape, width, and fingerboard wood provide comfortable playability. The low action allows easy fretting with minimal finger effort. And they both produce quality classical guitar tones. Choosing between them really comes down to your budget and any personal brand preferences.

As an entry-level classical guitar, the Epiphone EGSVCHVCH1 provides beginners with a very playable and enjoyable learning experience. The comfortable neck, smooth rosewood fingerboard, and low action make it easy to build skills. And the onboard electronics give you some nice options for amplification down the road. So it's definitely worth checking out the Epiphone if you're researching your first nylon-string classical guitar.

Sound

The Ortega RCE131L produces a rich, full-bodied sound thanks to its solid mahogany top, back and sides. Mahogany is a warm-sounding tonewood that adds depth and resonance to each note.

This classical guitar has impressive volume and projection, filling a room with ease without sounding brash. Strummed chords really ring out with sustain. The mahogany construction gives it that bold, robust classical guitar sound.

Single notes also have a pleasing sustain and resonance. The mahogany body offers a balanced tonal response across the frequency range, with good note separation even during complex passages. Trebles have definition without sounding overly bright. Basses are punchy but not boomy.

Overall, the Ortega RCE131L delivers a well-rounded tone profile suitable for various classical and flamenco styles. The all-mahogany body gives it richness and character. Players looking for an affordable classical with solid wood construction and great sound will appreciate this model.

Hardware

The Ortega RCE131L features quality hardware that enhances the playability and sound of the guitar.

Tuning Machines

The guitar has sealed chrome die-cast tuning machines that keep the guitar in tune well and allow for smooth and precise tuning adjustments. The tuning machines are mounted in a traditional configuration with 3 on each side of the headstock.

Nut

It has a synthetic nut which provides proper string spacing and height for clean fretting, and allows notes to ring clearly. The nut material and cut are optimized for nylon strings.

Saddle

The saddle is made of bone which transfers string vibration well for full and balanced tone. The saddle has a compensated design to properly set the string length and intimation for each string.

Electronics

The Ortega RCE131L features a Fishman Presys Blend301T preamp system with built-in tuner, featuring three-band EQ and phase switch to help shape your amplified tone. It also has an undersaddle piezo pickup designed to accurately capture the guitar's natural acoustic voice and dynamics.

The preamp's volume, bass, and treble controls allow you to dial in your optimal tone, whether you want a bright, crisp sound or a warmer, rounder tone. The intuitive phase switch can help reduce feedback at higher volumes. And the chromatic tuner is an extremely convenient feature for quick tuning checks on stage or in practice.

Overall, the electronics package on this Ortega nylon-string guitar provides impressive plugged-in performance with detailed tonal shaping capabilities, making it a great choice for amplified playing scenarios like live gigs or recording sessions. Between the undersaddle piezo pickup and Fishman preamp system, this guitar can handle being plugged in with ease.

Finish

The Ortega RCE131L classical guitar has a beautiful natural finish, showcasing the solid mahogany construction. This finish allows the wood grain to show through, giving the guitar an elegant and traditional classical guitar aesthetic.

The RCE131L comes in a reddish-brown color from the all-mahogany construction. Some may find the single color option limiting, but the rich reddish hue looks very refined against the chrome hardware and complements the natural wood grain. Those seeking a guitar with a more ornate visual flair may want to look elsewhere. But for guitarists focused mainly on tone and playability, the RCE131L's modest yet classy appearance is sure to satisfy.

The satin finish on the RCE131L has a smooth, non-sticky feel that's comfortable against the player's body and hands. It also allows for easy, snag-free movement up and down the neck. The finish has a durable quality and resists scratches and dings reasonably well under normal playing conditions. Overall, the finish provides both visual and tactile beauty, matching the quality craftsmanship throughout this classical guitar.

Outstanding Strengths of the Ortega RCE131L

The Ortega RCE131L classical guitar punches above its weight class with several praiseworthy attributes according to reviewers.

• Build quality exceeds expectations at this price point. The all-mahogany construction produces a resonant, balanced tone.

• Playability gets high marks. The slim neck and low action facilitate intricate fingerstyle techniques.

• Beautiful craftsmanship for an affordable classical. Crisp fret ends and smooth satin finish reflect attention to detail.

• Powerful volume projects well for both practice and performance scenarios. The mahogany top brings out strong midrange frequencies.

• Eye-catching aesthetic with natural wood grain patterns. Ortega's traditional fan bracing and rosette add visual flair.

• Ideal for new players and those on a budget. Offers quality sound and playability without breaking the bank.

• Overall tremendous value. Delivers professional grade features that competitors lack in this price range.

Cons

• The Ortega RCE131L classical guitar has a laminated spruce top rather than a solid spruce top, which can affect the resonance and richness of the tone compared to solid wood models.

• The guitar's tuning machines are unsealed, exposing the gears. This may lead to tuning issues over time as the gears get dirty and dusty. Upgrading to sealed tuning machines could improve stability.

• The nut and saddle are made from plastic rather than bone. Bone or other more dense materials can improve sustain and tone. However, plastic is common at this price point.

• The fit and finish may not be as refined as more expensive models. There can be some sharp fret ends or uneven frets that need dressing. The overall quality control is not as meticulous.

• While playable, the factory setup may require some adjustment to get the best action and playability. Plan on a professional setup or learning how to do it yourself.

• The included gig bag provides basic protection but lacks the padding and durability of a hard case. You may need to invest in a better case for travel and storage.

• The electronics, preamp, and pickup are very basic. The tone is only adequate and lacks the dynamic range and clarity of higher-end electronics. It may limit acoustic-electric performance capabilities.

• There is no cutaway for access to higher frets. This can limit playability, especially for classical repertoire or more advanced players. A cutaway model may be preferable.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ortega RCE131L is a solid entry-level classical guitar that balances affordability with quality construction. While not ideal for advanced players, it's a great choice for beginners looking for an accessible nylon-string instrument.

The guitar's spruce and mahogany body produces a warm, balanced tone that works well for classical repertoire and practice. The comfortable neck and slimmer nut width also facilitate easier playability. While the hardware and electronics are basic, they perform adequately for a beginner instrument in this price range.

Some compromises have been made to meet the lower price point, like the laminated back and sides. Serious players may want to upgrade down the road. But the Ortega RCE131L packs a surprising amount of value into an inexpensive package.

This is recommended for new classical guitarists, younger students, and those looking for an affordable secondary practice instrument. The quality and playability allow beginners to explore classical technique without a huge investment. While not built for the stage, the RCE131L is ideal for lessons and daily practice.