Ortega Guitars RST5M Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Ortega RST5M is a high quality nylon-string classical guitar made by Ortega Guitars, a respected instrument maker based in Germany. This model offers a traditional design and robust construction that make it a great choice for beginner to intermediate players looking for an affordable classical guitar.

The RST5M has a full-size body with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard. This combination of tonewoods provides a balanced and articulate sound. The nylon strings and wider neck give the guitar a smooth playability and warmer tone suited for classical guitar techniques and repertoire.

Overall, the Ortega RST5M is an excellent entry-level classical guitar that delivers an authentic nylon-string sound and feel. Its quality components and traditional design make this a reliable and consistent guitar that can support several years of practice and performance. This review will examine the key features and specs that define the RST5M's performance and value.

Construction

The Ortega RST5M features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides, a combination known for providing a balanced and versatile sound.

The top is made of solid cedar, a lightweight and resonant tonewood that produces a warm, sweet tone and allows the guitar to "breathe" well. Cedar is a popular choice for classical guitars as it offers complexity and nuance to each note.

The back and sides are made of mahogany, which provides a rounded and balanced tone. Mahogany adds depth and richness to the sound. The combination of cedar and mahogany creates a very responsive instrument with clear articulation across the tonal spectrum.

The neck is also constructed from mahogany topped with a rosewood fingerboard. The dual-action truss rod allows for adjustable neck relief to improve playability. Overall the choice of tonewoods makes this an excellent entry-level classical guitar with a complex voice.

When shopping for a beginner classical guitar, it's important to consider construction and materials. Many affordable models like the GLARRY AEG-Green-69 use laminate woods rather than solid tonewoods. While laminates keep costs down, they don't resonate or age as nicely as solid wood. The tradeoff is worth it for some beginners, but serious players will want an all-solid wood guitar.

The Ortega RST5M hits a sweet spot with its solid cedar top and mahogany back/sides. This tonewood combination provides excellent sound while keeping the price accessible. The crisp and balanced tone makes this a very playable instrument right out of the box.

Many classical guitarists advise purchasing the highest quality instrument you can afford as a beginner. Better materials and construction mean the guitar will sound, play, and age better. This sets you up for success as you progress on the instrument. Upgrading later on can get expensive.

That said, you don't necessarily need an all-solid rosewood and spruce guitar as a beginner. The Ortega RST5M's solid cedar top provides great resonance and volume. The mahogany warmth rounds out the tone nicely. You'd be hard pressed to find a better sounding classical guitar in this price range.

It's also worth checking out options like the GLARRY AEG-Green-69. While it uses laminate woods, it has excellent reviews for its playability and sound. The nylon strings are easier on the fingers as well compared to steel strings. Laminate models like this prove you don't need an expensive classical guitar as a beginner.

No matter your budget, focus on getting a guitar that inspires you to play more. You can't go wrong with solid tonewoods like cedar and mahogany. But a laminate guitar with the right setup and strings can also provide a great learning experience. Listen to demos and read reviews to find the best classical guitar for your needs.

Sound

The Ortega RST5M produces a well-balanced tone with good projection thanks to its combination of quality tonewoods. The solid cedar top contributes to a warm, rich sound with pleasant overtones in the mid and upper registers. Cedar is a popular choice for classical guitar tops as it emphasizes the brightness of the nylon strings.

The mahogany back and sides offer a balanced tone across the frequency spectrum, providing low-end richness without muddying the sound. Mahogany adds depth and complexity to each note. The tonewood combination enables the RST5M to project well, filling a room with its bold classical voice.

Players praise the guitar's excellent resonance and sustain. The lightweight construction allows the top to vibrate freely, resulting in impressive volume for such an affordable model. While not as loud as premium classical guitars, the Ortega RST5M holds its own both for practice and performance.

The tonewoods used in the Ortega RST5M produce a balanced and nuanced classical guitar tone. Many players find the sound comparable to more expensive models from top brands. The cedar and mahogany combination delivers a complex voice with strong projection and sustain. For those seeking an affordable nylon-string with professional-grade sound, the Ortega RST5M is an excellent option to consider.

Another classical guitar that offers exceptional sound quality in its price range is the GEWA VG500126. This model features a solid European spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides. The spruce provides clarity and articulation in the treble, while the rosewood offers a deep, resonant bass. There is a rich complexity to each note that makes the VG500126 feel and sound more expensive than it is.

The fan bracing pattern inside the GEWA allows the thin spruce top to vibrate freely. This results in excellent volume and sustain. The bass notes ring out with authority thanks to the rosewood's natural reverberation. Players describe the VG500126 as having a mature, nuanced voice surprising for its modest price tag. It handles both aggressive strumming and delicate fingerpicking with ease.

The VG500126 compares well to classical guitars costing twice as much. The woods are expertly dried and finished to allow the guitar to sing. Intonation up the neck is accurate, and the tone remains balanced across registers. While the Ortega RST5M offers a great sound for the money, the GEWA VG500126 takes it a step further. The incredibly complex voice rivals premium instruments.

Playability

The Ortega RST5M features a traditional classical guitar neck profile that is comfortable and easy to play. The neck has a width of 52mm at the nut, which is a standard width for classical guitars. This allows comfortable playing room for the left hand when fretting notes and chords up and down the neck.

The string action on the RST5M is set low and buzz-free, making it very easy to press the strings down to the fretboard. Lower action reduces hand fatigue when playing for longer periods of time. The action can be further adjusted via the truss rod if desired.

The fretboard on the RST5M is made of rosewood and has aradius of 400mm. The rosewood material provides a smooth playing feel. The 400mm radius fretboard has a flat and even surface which is ideal for classical guitar playing. Overall the neck design, string action, and fretboard of the RST5M come together to provide great playability right out of the box.

Hardware

The Ortega RST5M classical guitar features quality hardware that enhances its sound, playability, and tuning stability.

The tuning machines are open-geared with butterbean knobs. Open gear tuners are known for providing more precise tuning compared to enclosed tuners. The larger surface area interacts with the string better allowing for more subtle tuning adjustments. The butterbean shaped knobs are comfortable and easy to turn smoothly.

The nut and saddle are both made of a synthetic bone material. Synthetic bone aims to mimic the resonant qualities of natural bone while providing more durability and easier manufacturing. It's a cost-effective material that transfers string vibrations well. The slots of the nut and saddle are pre-cut for proper string spacing. The nut and saddle sit at the optimal height and angle to facilitate the guitar's intended action and playability. Overall the hardware components on the Ortega RST5M are functional and help produce good intonation across the fretboard.

Electronics

The RST5M features pro-quality electronics that deliver excellent amplified tones. It comes equipped with Ortega's OE300T preamp and EQ system, which provides smooth and balanced sound across the frequency spectrum.

The guitar has a built-in OE300T preamp with 3-band EQ and tuner. The preamp lets you shape your amplified tone by boosting or cutting the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. This allows you to dial in just the right amount of low-end thump, midrange punch, and crisp highs. The 3-band EQ also helps compensate for any imbalances when playing through different amplifiers or PA systems.

It utilizes a Custom Double Action truss rod pickup that captures the nuances of the guitar's acoustic resonance and natural tone. The pickup is designed specifically for nylon-string guitars, with a focus on accurately reproducing the instrument's dynamic range and tonal complexity.

The onboard tuner is convenient for quick tuning adjustments on the fly. It mutes the output when engaged, allowing you to tune discreetly between songs. The tuner features a precise and accurate chromatic display.

Controls include a volume knob and 3-band EQ sliders for the bass, mid, and treble frequencies. The easy-to-use controls make dialing in your amplified tone simple and intuitive.

Finish

The Ortega RST5M has an elegant high gloss finish that enhances the look and feel of this classical guitar. The gloss gives it a sleek, polished appearance that makes the wood grain pop.

This model comes in six eye-catching finish options - Black, Blue, Natural, Red, Tobacco Sunburst, and White. The colors are rich and vibrant, adding visual appeal to the instrument.

The high gloss finish not only looks great, but also protects the spruce and mahogany construction. It helps prevent wear and tear over years of practice and performance. The durable finish maintains the Ortega RST5M's beauty even with frequent use.

While budget-friendly, this classical guitar still provides a premium look and feel thanks to its flawless glossy finish. The striking colors and glossy sheen give it visual excitement you wouldn't expect in its price range.

Price

The Ortega RST5M has an MSRP of around $150, though it can often be found for less from various retailers. This puts it on the very low end of the classical guitar price spectrum, making it one of the most affordable introductory classical guitars on the market.

At this price point, the RST5M offers good value for the money. While it may lack some of the refinement and features found on more expensive classical guitars, it provides an excellent platform for new players to learn on without making a huge investment upfront. The all-solid wood construction and comfortable playability make it a functional and reliable beginner's instrument.

The affordable price tag makes the RST5M a great choice as a student guitar, for guitarists on a tight budget, or those just looking to dip their toes into nylon-string guitars without breaking the bank. More advanced players may want to consider upgrading to a more professional-level classical guitar after outgrowing this entry-level model. But for most beginner to intermediate players, the Ortega RST5M offers quality and playability that belies its low price point.

Pros

The Ortega RST5M classical guitar offers excellent sound and playability at an affordable price.

• Rich, warm tone. The solid cedar top produces a beautifully rounded, resonant sound. The mahogany back and sides add warmth and sweetness to the tone.

• Easy to play. The C-shape neck profile is comfortable and accessible for beginners while also accommodating more advanced techniques. The shorter scale length reduces tension, making it easier to press strings and form chords.

• Great intonation. The compensated saddle ensures accurate intonation all the way up the fretboard. Notes ring true and in-tune across all strings.

• Outstanding value. For an all-solid wood guitar under $200, the RST5M provides professional sound and playability. The quality rivals models costing significantly more.

Cons

No guitar is perfect, and the Ortega RST5M has a few areas that could be improved.

• The guitar's sound is described by some as having an overall "shallow" tone that lacks richness and complexity. The spruce top and mahogany back and sides might produce a more resonant sound in a higher price range instrument.

• The finish is thinner than some players prefer, especially for a glossy instrument. While aesthetically pleasing, some find the guitar's finish chips and dents too easily with normal wear and tear.

• The included gig bag does not provide the most secure protection compared to a hardshell case. Those planning to travel frequently with the RST5M may want to consider upgrading the included bag.

• While a good value at this price point, more advanced players may be left wanting more in terms of tone and playability. This is clearly an entry level instrument better suited to students and beginners.

• The tuners and hardware work well but are on the cheaper side. Upgrading to higher quality tuners could help keep this guitar in tune better.

• Like many cheaper acoustic guitars, the RST5M is prone to fret buzz especially up the neck. Paying for a professional setup can help minimize buzzing issues.