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Hay guys, couple of weeks I posted to help me to find some choice to buy in Kuwait.... at least I have this 2choices ...buy a Yamaha CG171SF (store) or buyin Cordoba 32EF online..... any one have the cordoba or play it??? I need help....I feel the cordoba is much better becouse its hand made .also I'd like to say that I pay attention to the rosette it gives me some kind of feeling when I look to the guitar, and I like the cordoba's rosette. .but all the guys say good about the yamaha....2oo$+ to buy the cordoba is not that much if its much better than the yamaha.......... please help me
Posts: 25
Joined: Oct. 22 2008
From: San Francisco, CA
RE: Yamaha CG, or Cordoba 32EF (in reply to rolly)
i had the same question 2 months ago. i went with the yamaha for $300. i'm happy i didn't spend more than necessary on an entry instrument. the money saved goes into lessons and a potential future purchase of something nice.
to me, it doesn't make sense to get a "mid-range" instrument that wouldn't perform significantly better than the yamaha. plus the word on the street is that you aren't likely to find a "mid-range" that actually sounds better.
if one were to peruse the forums at harmony central, ultimate guitar, this or a certain other flamenco forum, all the buzz surrounds the yamaha in this price range. if you have an aesthetic preference for the cordoba, then you've answered your own question.
Posts: 667
Joined: Aug. 20 2008
From: DFW Area, Texas
RE: Yamaha CG, or Cordoba 32EF (in reply to superboo)
I have a Cordoba 32EF I have enjoyed learning the Art of Flamenco with this instrument. I have also played the Yamaha CG and think is a not a bad choice for the price. I think the price diference is around 200 bucks, is that worth a second look for the CG, that is up to you, I know that either instrument will serve you well if you are starting. I have been playing My EF for over a year and still have a while before i upgrade.
As you have probably read that next purchase is a difficult and expensive one, so enjoy the CG or EF, I am sure you will be happy either way.
Posts: 833
Joined: Oct. 29 2006
From: Olympia, WA in the Great Pacific Northwest
RE: Yamaha CG, or Cordoba 32EF (in reply to rolly)
Rolly,
I think most people would probably recommend the Yamaha. I had a 32ef for a couple of days (I had to send it back due to some damage on the finish) and have a played a couple at Guitar Center, along with the Yamaha. As far as construction quality goes, I think they’re basically equal, and I don’t think that the Cordoba is any more “handmade” than the Yamaha.
Aesthetically, the Cordoba was more appealing to me than the Yamaha, so I can sympathize with your rosette preference.
As far as overall sound and playability goes, I think the Yamaha’s a bit better. To be perfectly honest, I think the only edge the Cordoba has on the Yamaha is that it’s made in Spain and has a more classic look to it, but obviously, neither of things thing make for a better guitar. They’re both fine, and if you could compare them side by side to make your choice that would be one thing, but given that you can try out the Yamaha first and know exactly what you’re getting rather than taking a chance on the mail-order Cordoba makes the decision easy, I think.
Additionally, the Yamaha is very much sought after, so when the time comes to trade up to a better guitar you’ll probably have an easier time selling off the Yamaha for a good price.