7 Best Cheap Classical Guitars That Actually Sound Good

As part of our best instruments that don’t suck series, we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap classical guitars that sound great and play beautifully.

All of these Spanish classical guitars will encourage a positive learning experience by offering a comfortable playing experience in turn. If you enjoy playing, then you, or your loved one is more likely to continue playing guitar!

One thing to mention though; when we say these are the best cheap classical guitars, we simply mean that they’re the best value classical guitars that don’t cost a fortune, but still sound amazing.

These are high-quality options that will last a lifetime if looked after and sound better every day. These are all under £300 with many options around the £100 price point.

If you’re starting your children out young on guitar, then a ¾ size guitar is best as a full size might be a little too big for them to navigate. This Encore 3/4 Size Classical Guitar has a smaller size which is perfect for kids up to about 6 or 7 years old – depending on the size of the child.

At just £52.99 it certainly won’t break the bank but will still provide a good quality sound whilst they get to grips with playing.

This is ideal for kids as it offers good projection and a resonant sound so they can hear how chords and notes should sound whilst the smaller scale length and fretboard are both easier on little fingers.

If your child is under 8 yrs old then this is a great first option before you have to upgrade to a full-size classical guitar.

At £59.99 this is the cheapest classical guitar on our list that we would still actually recommend for adults and kids over the age of 8yrs.

This Eastcoast 4/4 Linden Classical Guitar, Blue is ideal for younger players, and the kids out there who might turn their nose up at a ‘regular’ looking classical guitar.

This benefits from a Linden wood top which provides a warm sound as well as a composite Walnut fingerboard which is comfortable to play. Don’t be fooled by the low price – this isn’t a toy, but a solid foundation with which to learn classical guitar.

This is perfect for complete beginners and those who want to try out playing the guitar.

There will be a couple of Admira guitars in this blog as they make some of the best cheap classical guitars (and expensive ones too!) that don’t suck. This particular model, the Admira ADM200 Alba 4/4 Classical Guitar is just over £100 and will really surprise you when you hear it.

We love these guitars as they are constructed in the far East by Spanish-trained luthiers utilising pro-level tonewoods such as a pine soundtable, Sapelli back and sides, Mahogany neck and Rosewood fingerboard.

The full size 4/4 construction makes it a great option for players of all sizes.

Washburn is good at making guitars – it’s what they do, so when they release a cheap electro classical guitar aimed at beginners, you know it’s going to sound fantastic!

The Washburn C5CE Electro Classical Guitar is a classical guitar that has been designed to provide high levels of playability to all thanks to a combination of pro-level features.

This is an especially great beginner guitar because it comes with a built-in pre-amp - this is great if you have aspirations of playing on-stage!

The Yamaha C40 II Classical Guitar is a staple of the beginner classical guitar market thanks to its outstanding construction quality and modest budget.

We love it as the Spruce top and Meranti tonewoods used for the back and sides have been expertly coupled together to provide all the crisp and clear top end you need for fingerpicking whilst allowing for chords to ring out with a warm resonance.

A solid workhorse that will last decades if you look after it and a great jumping-on point for guitarists.

Next up we have the Admira ADM500 Sara EC Electro-Acoustic Classical Guitar.

This budget-friendly option has a few key benefits for guitarists such as a cutaway design – ideal for flamenco players who need access to the upper frets, as well as onboard electronics so you can plug into an amplifier.

This is one of the best Spanish classical guitars for those players out there who either want to upgrade from their first guitar and accomplished players who need to step up their game without breaking the bank.

This is easily one of the best cheap classical guitars for the money as you get a pro-level 4 band EQ preamp built-in with an extra under-saddle piezo pickup.

This pickup combined with the Canadian Spruce top and Walnut back and sides mean your guitar sounds incredible both played acoustically and when plugged into an amplifier or PA desk.

Whilst this may be a little bit of a jump in budget, we still feel this qualifies as one of the best cheap classical guitars as it’s under £300 and still well within the budget-friendly price bracket.

The Cordoba Iberia C5 Nylon String Acoustic Guitar is definitely aimed more at those who are very serious about carrying on with guitar and those who can already play and want something else to add to their collection.

The solid Canadian Cedar top, with Mahogany back and sides, is a pro-level appointment whilst the addition of rosewood fingerboard, wood inlaid rosette, rosewood binding, hand-carved headstock, fan bracing system and a nut and saddle made of bone are all features usually found on guitars many times the price.

Shop a full range of classical guitars over at PMT Online today or call into your local PMT store to speak to us about Spanish classical guitars, beginner guitars and more – we’ll help you get the right correct for your playing style and ability.

Want to go professional or upgrade your guitar? Take a look at our best classical guitars blog for players who are serious about their sound.

Updated: 2020-07-02