Ortega Guitars RCE131SN-L Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Ortega RCE131SN-L is a beautiful nylon string classical guitar with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Designed for the beginner to intermediate level player, it delivers warm, balanced tone expected of a traditional classical guitar. This left-handed model provides an accessible option for left-handed players looking to learn on a quality nylon string guitar. With its onboard electronics, the RCE131SN-L allows players to plug into an amplifier or PA system. The guitar's comfortable nylon string neck and lightweight construction make it a great choice for new players.

Construction

The Ortega RCE131SN-L nylon string guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top, which provides a warm, balanced tone with good projection. The back and sides are made from mahogany, which adds depth and richness to the sound.

The combination of cedar and mahogany creates an acoustic profile that is well-suited for playing different genres, from classical and flamenco to Latin and pop. The all-wood construction also gives the guitar a natural resonance and sustain.

The neck is made from mahogany as well, with a rosewood fretboard containing 19 frets. Overall, the high-quality tonewoods allow this classical guitar to produce a rich and nuanced sound.

Sound

The Ortega RCE131SN-L classical guitar produces a warm, rounded tone that is nicely balanced across the frequency spectrum. The solid cedar top contributes to a sweet, singing treble, while the mahogany back and sides provide a rich, velvety bass.

This guitar has impressive resonance and sustain for its price point, allowing notes to really ring out. The tone is clear and focused, without sounding overly bright or harsh. Lower register chords have nice depth without getting too boomy or muddy.

Overall, the RCE131SN-L delivers a very pleasant classical guitar voice that belies its budget-friendly cost. The tone is refined and balanced, great for playing anything from Baroque to modern pieces. The voicing and response make this a nice choice for fingerstyle playing and for accompaniment.

The balanced and nuanced tone of the Ortega RCE131SN-L is well-suited to playing both solo classical pieces and accompanying vocals or other instruments. It has enough projection to be heard in small to medium sized spaces, while still being comfortable to play for extended periods. The smooth, rounded sound would work nicely for ensemble playing or recording applications.

Compared to other entry-level classical guitars, the RCE131SN-L stands out for its resonant voice and singing, piano-like treble notes. It has better clarity across the frequency range compared to guitars using laminated woods. The tone has nice focus without being overly bright or zingy.

While it may lack some of the power and complexity of more expensive classical guitars, the Ortega RCE131SN-L punches above its weight in terms of balanced tone. The quality materials and construction allow this budget model to produce sound comparable to guitars costing much more.

Players looking for an affordable nylon-string classical guitar that doesn't compromise on tone will find a lot to like with the RCE131SN-L model. It delivers a pleasing, nuanced voice perfect for practice, lessons, and amateur performing. The comfortable playability combined with resonant sound make this a great choice for beginner and intermediate players.

For those seeking an alternative classical guitar in a similar price range, check out the Fender 0370123506. This model features a laminated spruce top with mahogany back and sides. It produces a balanced mid-range focused tone, slightly warmer than the Ortega's cedar and mahogany combo. While not as resonant across the frequency spectrum, the Fender offers great playability and value.

The Fender 0370123506 uses a nato neck for smooth feel and low action. It also includes a pinned ebony bridge for better sound transfer and sustain. Despite some construction differences, this guitar provides nice clear tone and response. It's another good option for new classical guitarists looking for quality on a budget.

In the end, the ideal entry-level classical guitar comes down to personal preferences for sound, playability, and aesthetics. The Ortega RCE131SN-L and Fender 0370123506 each offer great bang for your buck. By starting on a quality, affordable nylon-string guitar you can focus on improving your musical skills, before upgrading to a more professional classical guitar down the road.

Playability

The Ortega RCE131SN-L is very easy and comfortable to play, with buttery smooth and low action right out of the box. The slim fast neck has a satin finish which allows for incredibly smooth and fast transitions up and down the fretboard. The 12-fret neck joint also provides excellent upper fret access.

Overall, the playability of this guitar makes it a great choice for classical and fingerstyle players who want an acoustic-electric nylon string that feels like an extension of their hands. The low action and slim neck reduce hand fatigue during long practice or gigging sessions. Even complex chord shapes and lead lines are very easy to play cleanly.

When looking for a nylon string guitar with top-notch playability, it's hard to beat the Ortega RCE131SN-L. The comfortable neck and low action allow for intricate classical pieces as well as versatile fingerstyle playing. However, if you're looking for playability on a budget, the Fender CD-60 is another excellent choice. While not quite as refined as the Ortega, the CD-60 still provides beginner-friendly playability. It has a slim C-shaped neck with smooth satin finish. The action is also set low and comfortable right out of the box. This makes basic chords and scales very easy to fret cleanly. The CD-60 may not handle advanced classical repertoire as well as the Ortega. But for beginner and intermediate players, it's a great affordable option with excellent playability.

When testing out classical and nylon string acoustics, playability should be one of the top priorities. You want an acoustic guitar that feels natural and comfortable to play for long periods. Features to look for include a slim, low-profile neck, quality satin finish, low action, and a fretboard radius optimized for nylon strings. The Ortega RCE131SN-L nails all of these criteria for buttery smooth playability. And the Fender CD-60 provides impressive playability considering its budget-friendly price. So whether you're an advancing classical player or looking for your first nylon string guitar, these models have the playability to support your musical growth.

Electronics

The Ortega RCE131SN-L features a built-in piezo pickup and preamp system that lets you plug into an amplifier or PA system for amplified performance situations. The undersaddle piezo pickup accurately reproduces the guitar's natural acoustic tone and dynamics.

The preamp offers simple but effective tone shaping controls, including volume, bass, mid, and treble knobs. This lets you easily dial in your amplified tone, adding more low end punch or midrange cut as desired. Having onboard tone controls means you won't have to rely as much on outboard EQs when plugging in.

The preamp runs on a 9V battery, so no cumbersome external power supply is needed. A battery compartment is discretely mounted inside the guitar. The preamp also features a built-in tuner, which is very convenient for quick on-the-fly tuning.

Overall, the electronics package on the RCE131SN-L provides a quality amplified tone and makes this a flexible classical guitar suitable for both acoustic and plugged-in applications. The preamp gives you the control you need for good amplified sound, while still retaining the guitar's inherent acoustic character - the best of both worlds.

Hardware

The Ortega RCE131SN-L features high-quality hardware that enhances the guitar's tone and playability. The tuners are chrome sealed, which prevents slipping and keeps the guitar in tune. Sealed tuners are an upgrade from traditional open tuning pegs, providing smooth and precise tuning ability. The nut and saddle are both made of bone, which is preferred by many players for its natural resonance and ability to transfer vibrations efficiently. Bone nuts and saddles also promote great intonation across the fretboard. The hardware appointments on the RCE131SN-L are durable and designed to withstand years of playing while giving this classical guitar excellent resonance and sustain. The choice of hardware makes this an ideal instrument for both practice and performance.

A Beautiful, Glossy Natural Finish

The Ortega RCE131SN-L features a stunning high-gloss natural finish that allows the beauty of the solid wood top to shine through. Rather than covering up the distinctive grain patterns and colors of the spruce top, Ortega chose to highlight them with a thin, transparent lacquer.

The gloss finish gives the guitar an attractive sheen while also providing durability to protect the solid wood construction. It resists scratches, nicks, and minor dings far better than a matte, open pore finish would.

Many musicians appreciate a simple, natural wood appearance. The gloss finish provides just enough polish to make the spruce and mahogany pop without going overboard. It gives off an organic, handcrafted vibe perfect for everything from folk music to classical guitar repertoire.

The included gig bag matches the minimalist aesthetic. With its light brown exterior and plush black interior, it complements the RCE131SN-L's natural look nicely. The bag provides a safe means for transporting this fine instrument.

Versatility

The Ortega RCE131SN-L is a versatile classical guitar suitable for various music styles and performance settings. Despite its traditional nylon-string construction, this model offers both acoustic and electric capabilities.

The nylon strings and comfortable nylon neck make this guitar a great choice for classical and fingerstyle playing. The wider neck and nylon strings facilitate the legato techniques and expressive vibratos characteristic of classical guitar styles.

At the same time, the built-in electronics with an EQ preamp and tuner allow this guitar to be easily amplified. The pickup and preamp system faithfully reproduces the warm, rich nylon-string tone. This makes the RCE131SN-L ideal for performing in recitals and other amplified settings.

The cutaway body style also provides excellent access to upper frets, expanding the guitar's soloing range. Between its acoustic qualities and electronic features, the Ortega RCE131SN-L offers players flexibility and can handle everything from Bach to strumming chords at a coffee shop gig.

Value

The Ortega RCE131SN-L provides good quality and sound for a very reasonable price. This classically shaped guitar with spruce top and mahogany back and sides delivers a rich, full-bodied tone you'd expect from a more expensive instrument. The select spruce top is nicely responsive while the mahogany body and neck provide a balanced sound across the registers with good projection and sustain. While it doesn't have the same level of refinement in construction or materials as a professional classical guitar, the RCE131SN-L performs admirably for its price point. The onboard electronics with tuner also add versatility at a budget-friendly cost. For guitarists looking for an affordable nylon-string with authentic Spanish styling and made with solid woods, the Ortega RCE131SN-L represents an excellent value. You get a great starter instrument that can grow with you, without breaking the bank.

Comparison to Similar Models

The Ortega RCE131SN-L compares favorably to other nylon-string classical guitars in the same price range. Its solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides produce a warm, balanced tone that rivals more expensive models. The wider classical neck and nylon strings make for comfortable playing, while the built-in electronics provide the versatility to plug in for live performances or recording.

Compared to the Cordoba C5, the Ortega has a slightly richer low end thanks to its mahogany construction. The Cordoba produces a brighter, more focused sound that may appeal to some players. The Ortega also has a cutaway and electronics, allowing access to higher frets and amplification options that the Cordoba lacks.

Versus the Yamaha C40, the Ortega again provides a warmer, fuller tone and built-in electronics at a comparable price point. The Yamaha is known for quality construction and playability but has a brighter sound that may come across as thinner than the Ortega. The Ortega's attractive appearance and comfortable neck may give it an edge for some players.

Overall, the Ortega RCE131SN-L matches up very well against the competition for its combination of warm, rich tone, comfortable playability, on-board electronics, attractive looks, and reasonable price. It's an excellent value for a nylon-string classical acoustic-electric guitar.