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10 Best Nylon String Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender FA-25N 3/4 Size Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Perfect Beginner Guitar for Kids that is Easy on Fingers, Includes 3 Months of Free Lessons, Natural

The Fender 6 String Acoustic Guitar, specifically the FA-25N 3/4 Size model, is a great choice for beginners looking to learn the guitar. Its smaller, 3/4-size body makes it particularly suitable for children and those with smaller hands, making it easier to handle and play. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, which is a plus for new players, and the 'C' shaped neck design enhances playability. With a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship from Fender, this guitar promises durability and reliability, backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

One of the standout features of this guitar is the inclusion of a free subscription to Fender Play, offering thousands of instructional videos that can help users build their skills at their own pace. This is a significant advantage for beginners who may feel overwhelmed when starting out.

While the smaller size is excellent for beginners, it might not provide the same sound projection and volume as a full-sized model, which can be a consideration for those looking to play in larger settings. Additionally, the softer nylon strings, while easier to play, might not appeal to those seeking a brighter tone typically associated with steel strings. In terms of materials, it features a top made of Agathis wood and a back of Sapele, which contribute to its warm sound but may not match the tonal quality of higher-end models. The guitar also lacks built-in electronics, which could limit options for amplification if needed. Despite these drawbacks, the Fender FA-25N remains a strong option for novice players who want a quality instrument to start their musical journey.

#2

Fender CN-60S Concert Nylon String Acoustic Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Natural

Rating
9.8
Body Size and Shape

Most important from
1847 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The smaller size is convenient and might be especially good for young students.

The Fender CN-60S Concert Nylon String Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a reliable nylon-string guitar. One of its standout features is the solid spruce top, which provides a bright and resonant sound, paired with a laminated mahogany back and sides that enhance its warmth. The scale length of 25.3 inches is comfortable for most players, making it easier to reach the frets without straining. The 12-inch fingerboard radius is quite user-friendly, particularly for those transitioning from steel-string guitars.

On the downside, while the laminated back and sides help keep the cost down, they may not offer the same richness in tone as a fully solid wood guitar. Additionally, the lack of built-in electronics might limit performance options for players looking to amplify their sound or record directly. It's important to note that this model is geared more towards acoustic playing, so if you're interested in more advanced features like pick-ups or enhanced adjustability, you might find it lacking.

This guitar is well-suited for those who appreciate classic nylon tones and seek a warm, inviting playing experience without the complexities of advanced features.

Rating
9.8
Body Size and Shape

Most important from
1847 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The smaller size is convenient and might be especially good for young students.
#3

Cordoba C1M 1/4 Small Body Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Protégé Series

Rating
9.5
Body Size and Shape
Top Wood

Most important from
172 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The small size and lightweight design make it a perfect fit for young players and those with smaller hands, ensuring comfortable handling and playability.
Top Wood
With its spruce top and mahogany body, the guitar delivers a well-rounded tone that works well for both beginners and more experienced players seeking a compact instrument.

The Cordoba C1M 1/4 is a small, lightweight nylon-string guitar designed primarily for young players or those with smaller hands, thanks to its 1/4 size body and short 18.9-inch scale length. Its spruce top and mahogany back and sides offer a warm, balanced tone typical of classical guitars, while the satin finish adds a smooth feel and reduces glare. The neck is made of mahogany with a pau ferro fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience. This guitar comes with high-quality Savarez Cristal Corum strings, which are known for good tension and tone.

This model features a pickup system, though it may not provide advanced amplification features. The fixed bridge ensures stable tuning, and the build is lightweight at under 3 pounds, making it easy to handle. The Cordoba C1M 1/4 performs well within its category and has received positive customer feedback for its sound and playability.

Its small size means it is not suited for adult players seeking a full-sized classical guitar. Additionally, as it is made in China, some users might prefer guitars crafted in traditional regions. The Cordoba C1M 1/4 is a solid choice for beginners or young learners looking for a quality nylon-string guitar that is easy to play and carry, while those requiring full-sized instruments or more advanced electronics may want to consider other options.

Rating
9.5
Body Size and Shape
Top Wood

Most important from
172 reviews

Body Size and Shape
The small size and lightweight design make it a perfect fit for young players and those with smaller hands, ensuring comfortable handling and playability.
Top Wood
With its spruce top and mahogany body, the guitar delivers a well-rounded tone that works well for both beginners and more experienced players seeking a compact instrument.

Buying Guide for the Best Nylon String Guitars

Choosing the right nylon-string guitar can be a rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Nylon-string guitars, also known as classical guitars, are known for their warm, mellow tones and are often used in classical, flamenco, and folk music. When selecting a nylon-string guitar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your playing style and needs.
Body Size and ShapeThe body size and shape of a nylon-string guitar affect its sound and playability. Smaller bodies, like parlor or concert sizes, produce a more focused and intimate sound, making them ideal for fingerstyle playing and smaller hands. Larger bodies, such as grand concert or dreadnought, offer a fuller, louder sound with more bass response, suitable for strumming and louder performances. Choose a body size that feels comfortable to hold and suits your playing style.
Top WoodThe top wood, or soundboard, of a nylon-string guitar significantly influences its tone. Common choices include spruce and cedar. Spruce tops provide a bright, clear sound with good projection, making them versatile for various playing styles. Cedar tops offer a warmer, more resonant tone with a quicker response, ideal for fingerstyle and classical music. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the top wood.
Neck WidthThe neck width of a nylon-string guitar affects playability, especially for fingerstyle techniques. Classical guitars typically have wider necks (around 2 inches at the nut), which provide more space between strings, making it easier to play complex fingerings. Some crossover or hybrid models have narrower necks (closer to 1.8 inches), which can be more comfortable for players transitioning from steel-string guitars. Choose a neck width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
Scale LengthThe scale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle, affecting string tension and playability. Standard scale lengths for nylon-string guitars range from 25.5 to 26 inches. Longer scale lengths provide more string tension, resulting in a brighter tone and more volume, but can be harder to play. Shorter scale lengths offer less tension, making the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands. Consider your comfort and the sound you prefer when choosing the scale length.
Bracing PatternThe bracing pattern inside the guitar's body supports the top wood and influences the instrument's tone and projection. Traditional fan bracing is common in classical guitars, providing a warm, balanced tone with good sustain. Lattice bracing offers more volume and a brighter sound, often preferred by modern classical guitarists. Choose a bracing pattern that complements your playing style and desired sound.
ElectronicsIf you plan to perform or record with your nylon-string guitar, consider a model with built-in electronics. These systems typically include a pickup and preamp, allowing you to amplify your sound without losing the guitar's natural tone. Look for features like onboard tuners and EQ controls for added convenience. If you primarily play acoustically, electronics may not be necessary, but they can be a valuable addition for versatility.

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