Ortega Guitars RCE138-T4BK-L Classical Guitar: Full Review

Ortega is a manufacturer of guitars and accessories founded in Germany in the 1970s. They have established themselves as a reputable brand known for producing affordable, quality instruments.

The Ortega RCE138 is a nylon-string classical guitar made with students and beginners in mind. This review will provide an overview of the RCE138, covering details about the construction, sound quality, playability, hardware, appearance, setup, maintenance, pros and cons, and alternatives on the market. The goal is to give readers a comprehensive look at this budget classical guitar to help inform their purchasing decision. We'll highlight the key features and specs of the RCE138 and provide an honest assessment of how it performs for various playing styles and techniques.

Construction

The Ortega RCE138 is constructed with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides. Mahogany is a dense, heavy wood that provides a warm, rich tone. The use of all solid wood construction gives the guitar a full-bodied sound with good projection and sustain.

The build quality on the RCE138 is quite good, especially considering its affordable price point. The woods are carefully chosen and expertly put together. There is no laminate used, only solid wood. The neck joint and bridge are securely attached. Overall the guitar has a sturdy, durable feel that should hold up well over years of playing. There are no obvious flaws or shortcuts taken during manufacturing.

The attention to detail in wood choices and construction is impressive for a guitar in this price range. The all-mahogany body produces a balanced, responsive tone. The solid build should provide years of playing enjoyment. The choice of all solid wood shows the manufacturer's commitment to quality and tone in an affordable instrument.

The mahogany top, back, and sides work together to produce a warm, balanced sound. Mahogany is known for its rich lows and smooth mids. The solid construction allows the tone to resonate fully. Many guitars in this price range cut costs by using laminate woods, but the RCE138 stays true to its acoustic roots.

From the securely glued neck joint to the tightly fitted bridge, it is clear no shortcuts were taken in constructing the RCE138. Close attention was paid to each step of the build process. This high standard of workmanship results in a very playable, great sounding instrument. The guitar feels solid and durable, built to go the distance.

Players looking for an affordable way to enjoy the rich, resonant tone of an all-mahogany acoustic guitar will appreciate the Ortega RCE138. The quality woods and construction provide impressive value. While not as inexpensive as some entry-level models, the Ortega delivers substantially better tone and playability.

Sound

The Ortega RCE138-T4BK model produces a warm yet articulate tone with a balanced sound across the registers. The combination of a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides provides a sweet and mellow resonance in the lower registers, while still allowing the treble notes to ring out with clarity and brightness.

The cedar top contributes to its robust volume and projection. This guitar has no problem filling up a room with a loud, bright voice. The notes sustain for a long time, allowing you to hold chords and have them resonate.

Overall, the tonal character leans towards the warmer side, with a pleasant, singing treble balanced by the cedar and mahogany woods. It's versatile enough to handle both aggressive rhythmic strumming as well as delicate fingerpicking. The RCE138 produces a classic nylon-string guitar sound that works well for various genres and playing styles.

While the Ortega RCE138 offers a balanced and warm acoustic tone, players looking for more projection and brightness may want to consider the Fender 970713502. With its solid spruce top, this Fender nylon-string guitar produces crisp highs with chime and shimmer. The mahogany back and sides boost the midrange while also adding some roundness to the bass notes.

The Fender has a powerful voice that really cuts through when playing live. It has no problem competing with other instruments thanks to its robust projection and articulation. The treble notes have sparkle and clarity without sounding harsh or brittle. It handles aggressive strumming without muddiness or losing definition.

This guitar offers the volume and headroom needed for stage performance. The solid spruce top allows it to play with dynamics - it responds well to both soft fingerpicking and hard strumming. The Fender produces excellent note separation even during busy chordal passages. The tone remains balanced across the tonal spectrum.

While not as warm sounding as the Ortega, the Fender 970713502 still captures the essence of a traditional nylon-string guitar. It works well for classical and flamenco styles. The crispness gives it definition for rhythmic parts, while the spruce projects the subtleties of fingerstyle playing. Players who need more cut and volume in their acoustic tone will appreciate this Fender model.

Playability

The Ortega RCE138 is known for its excellent playability, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

Neck Shape and Feel

The RCE138 features a traditional classical guitar neck profile that is comfortable and accessible. The neck has a pleasing rounded "C" shape that fits nicely in the hand. It's not too thick or too thin. The satin finish on the back of the neck allows for smooth sliding up and down the fretboard.

String Action

This guitar comes set up with a decently low action right out of the box. The action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A low action makes the guitar easier to play, while a high action requires more fingertip pressure. The RCE138's action is set up for playability while still allowing enough space between the strings and frets to avoid buzzing.

Fretwork

The frets on the RCE138 are finished nicely and don't have any sharp edges. The ends of the frets are smoothly finished. The fretboard edges are rounded for comfort. Overall the fretwork on this model facilitates smooth, comfortable playing.

Hardware

The Ortega RCE138-T4BK-L features high quality hardware that enables it to stay in tune and produce a balanced tone.

Tuning Machines

The guitar has sealed die-cast chrome tuning machines. These are very precise and keep the guitar in tune even during long practice sessions or live performances. The tuning pegs turn smoothly without any binding.

Nut and Saddle

It comes with a rosewood nut and saddle. The nut is cut precisely for accurate intonation, while the saddle compensates for string height and allows adjustments. Both nut and saddle are machine finished for a smooth feel.

Electronics

Since this is an acoustic-electric guitar, it has a built-in preamp and pickup system. The Ortega OP-2CT preamp provides crystal clear plugged-in tones. It has 2-band EQ for tone shaping, volume control, and tuner. The custom oval under-saddle piezo pickup accurately reproduces the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

Appearance

The Ortega RCE138 is available in three different finish options - natural, black, and sunburst.

The natural finish showcases the solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides beautifully. It has an understated, traditional look perfect for classical guitarists.

The black finish is a matte black that gives the guitar a modern, sleek aesthetic. This dark finish allows the wood grain to subtly show through while still providing a deep, rich black color.

Finally, the sunburst option features a reddish-brown sunburst pattern emanating from the center of the solid cedar top. This gives the guitar a vintage vibe and displays the guitar's craftsmanship.

All three finish options are smooth and flawless thanks to a high-quality satin polyurethane finish. There is no ornate binding, inlay work, or other decorative appointments on this classical guitar. The minimalist design allows the wood and finish to speak for themselves.

The headstock features the Ortega logo stamped in silver. Overall, the appearance options offer players a choice between a traditional, contemporary, or vintage-inspired look.

Setup and Maintenance

Out of the box, the Ortega RCE138-T4BK-L classical guitar comes well setup for playing right away. The action and intonation are set to factory specs to be comfortable and buzz-free when using the nylon strings. However, as with any instrument, some minor adjustments may be needed over time as the strings settle in and the wood responds to your local climate conditions.

It's a good idea to check the action and neck relief periodically. If buzzing develops, the truss rod may need a slight adjustment to add relief. The saddles can also be adjusted individually to set the string height and intonation. Keeping the fretboard clean and lightly oiled will help prevent drying or cracking. Wipe down the body and hardware occasionally with a soft cloth to remove dirt, skin oils, and debris that can corrode the finish and metal over time. Storing the guitar in a hard case when not in play will help protect it from dings, dust, and extreme temperature and humidity changes.

With periodic cleaning and adjustments as needed, the Ortega RCE138-T4BK-L is built to provide many years of enjoyment. Following basic guitar maintenance best practices will keep it looking, playing, and sounding its best.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid spruce top provides good projection and balanced tone
• Mahogany back and sides offer warm, mellow sound
• Nylon strings are soft and comfortable on fingers
• Classical body shape is comfortable to hold
• Smooth satin finish on neck for fast playing
• Geared tuners keep guitar in tune
• Affordable price point for beginners

Cons

• Laminated spruce top doesn't resonate as well as solid wood
• Tone may lack richness and complexity
• Intonation can be tricky with nylon strings
• Limited tone shaping from basic electronics
• Lower-end hardware shows in tuning stability
• Set up needs adjustment out of the box
• Not the best option for advanced classical players

Alternatives

When looking for a classical guitar in this price range, the Ortega RCE138 has some comparable alternatives worth considering:

Yamaha C40

The Yamaha C40 is one of the most popular classical guitar models for beginners and intermediate players. It features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and nato neck. The tuning machines work smoothly and hold tune well. It has a warm, balanced tone considering the affordable price point. The playability and setup out of the box make it a great value.

Cordoba C5

For those looking for a slight step up, the Cordoba C5 provides solid European spruce top construction with Indian rosewood back and sides. It produces a more complex, nuanced classical tone. The wider nut width and lighter string tension facilitate advanced classical technique. The attention to detail and handcrafted construction provide great value at this price.

La Patrie Etude

On the high end, the La Patrie Etude combines a solid cedar top with laminated mahogany back and sides. The lighter bracing allows greater top vibration for a responsive and resonant sound. The slim neck profile and low action accommodate intricate fingerstyle playing. This is an excellent choice for the advancing classical guitarist before moving into a professional concert-level instrument.

Conclusion

The Ortega RCE138 Classical guitar provides solid value at an entry-level price point. Though it may lack some of the refinement and features of more expensive models, it excels where it matters most - delivering rich, full-bodied nylon-string tone in an accessible and playable package.

The spruce and mahogany body and neck produce a balanced, nuanced sound across the registers, resonant and clear. While the factory setup may benefit from professional adjustment, the hardware holds tune reliably. The wider neck and nylon strings facilitate fingering for classical repertoire, while the onboard electronics empower practice and performance.

For beginners and hobbyists, the Ortega RCE138 merits consideration for its quality materials, electronics, and comfortable playability. While it may eventually be outgrown, it's an ideal first classical guitar to start lessons and explore the genre. For students and parents watching their budget, the lifetime warranty provides peace of mind on the investment.

Overall, the Ortega RCE138 punches above its weight at this price point. While premium details may be lacking, it delivers on the fundamentals - solid woods, good tone, and playability. For its balance of quality and affordability, it's easy to recommend trying the RCE138 as a starter nylon-string guitar.