Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (34)
$549.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (55)
$549.99
Amazon
4.2 (126)
$549.99
Reverb
5.0 (23)
$450.57 New
$320.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (28)
$549.99
Thomann
4.4 (42)
$466.00 $464.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $491

Standard/Professional

$100

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Cordoba C5 CE Spanish nylon guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Bringing the soulful sounds of Spain to your fingertips, the Cordoba C5 CE is a sublime blend of classic design and modern functionality. This Spanish nylon guitar is crafted with a Canadian cedar top, paired with mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm, resonant tone that enchants both performer and audience. The guitar’s body, inspired by traditional Spanish form, features a soft cutaway, allowing effortless access to the higher frets—perfect for expressive solos and intricate fingerstyle playing.

The C5 CE’s slightly thinner neck enhances playability, accommodating both seasoned musicians and those new to the classical guitar world. Its standout feature, the Fishman Isys+ pickup system, ensures your performances are amplified with clarity and precision, whether on stage or in the studio. This combination of authentic acoustic quality and electronic versatility makes it an ideal choice for players seeking a reliable gigging companion or a studio staple.

Whether you're strumming traditional flamenco or venturing into contemporary genres, the Cordoba C5 CE provides a versatile playing experience. It’s a guitar that not only sounds exquisite but also connects you to a storied musical heritage with every note.

Key Features:

  • Canadian cedar top with mahogany back and sides
  • Soft cutaway for enhanced fret access
  • Fishman Isys+ 2-band pickup system
  • Slightly thinner neck for improved playability
  • Traditional Spanish body shape

Product specs

Brand Cordoba
Model C5-CE Classical with Electronics
Finish Natural
Year 2010s
Made In China
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Classical
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Nylon
Top Material Cedar

FAQs

Is the Cordoba C5 CE suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Cordoba C5 CE is equipped with a Fishman undersaddle piezo pickup and preamp, making it well-suited for live performances where amplification is necessary.

What type of wood is used for the top of the Cordoba C5 CE?

The Cordoba C5 CE features a solid Canadian cedar top, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone, ideal for classical and flamenco music styles.

Does the Cordoba C5 CE have a cutaway design?

Yes, the Cordoba C5 CE includes a single cutaway design, allowing easier access to higher frets for more advanced playing techniques.

What is the neck profile of the Cordoba C5 CE?

The Cordoba C5 CE has a traditional classical neck shape with a nut width of 1.96 inches (50 mm), providing a comfortable grip for classical guitarists.

Is the Cordoba C5 CE a good choice for beginners?

The Cordoba C5 CE is suitable for beginners who are serious about classical guitar, offering quality construction and playability that can support a player's growth.

Cordoba Guitars

Cordoba Guitars

Cordoba Guitars - C5-CE Nylon String Guitar

Video thumbnail for Cordoba Guitars - C5-CE Nylon String Guitar by Cordoba Guitars

Cordoba Guitars - C5-CE Nylon String Guitar

Cordoba Guitars

Cordoba Guitars

Video thumbnail for Cordoba C5 CE - (best crossover classical I've tried) by Chris Effort

Cordoba C5 CE - (best crossover classical I've tried)

Chris Effort

Chris Effort

Video thumbnail for Cordoba C5-CE by Cin Guitars

Cordoba C5-CE

Cin Guitars

Cin Guitars

Video thumbnail for Cordoba C5-CE Guitar Specifications by Making Music magazine

Cordoba C5-CE Guitar Specifications

Making Music magazine

Making Music magazine

Video thumbnail for Cordoba C5-CE Classical Guitar by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Cordoba C5-CE Classical Guitar

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for Cordoba C5-CE CD Classical Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series by Product Reviews

Cordoba C5-CE CD Classical Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series

Product Reviews

Product Reviews

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful, clear, and mellow sound with good volume

  • Lightweight and easy to play with a slim neck

  • Excellent build quality and well-made materials

  • Cedar top and mahogany back offer a warm tonal quality

  • Surprisingly low retail price for the quality offered

  • Fishman pickup provides great sound when amplified

  • Versatile tone with a variety of sound options

  • Low action enhances playability, especially for beginners

  • Rosewood fretboard contributes to a smooth playing experience

  • Quality instrument that exceeds expectations given its price point

CONS

  • No truss rod, which may be a concern for some players

  • May require setup adjustments like lowering the saddle

  • Needs replacement of strings and possibly tuners for optimal performance

  • Unusual heel shape may not suit everyone's preference

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cordoba C5 CE Spanish nylon guitar.

Use cases and applications

  • The thin-body design is highlighted for its utility in amplified settings, reducing feedback issues compared to full-bodied guitars.

    Source
  • The guitar's cedar top offers a punchy yet soft sound, appealing for classical play, distinct from brighter spruce tops.

    Source
  • The guitar is recommended for casual performance situations like open mics and busking due to its durability and amplified sound capabilities.

    Source
  • The C5 CE is praised for its versatility, suitable for both fingerstyle and flamenco, although it has a medium-high action designed for classical play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The onboard Fishman Presys II tuner is praised for its accuracy, comparable to a Korg CA-2 chromatic tuner.

    Source
  • Users struggle with EQ settings on the Fishman Presys II, noting difficulty in achieving a satisfying amplified tone.

    Source
  • The Cordoba C5 CE comes with a Fishman Presys II preamp, which includes a built-in tuner known for its accuracy.

    Source

Build quality

  • The C5-CE’s bridge and fingerboard may vary between Pau Ferro and Indian Rosewood, affecting tonal brightness and aesthetic preference.

    Source
  • The spalted maple on the C5-CET is noted to vary significantly in appearance, with some guitars having more striking patterns than others.

    Source
  • The C5 CE has a cedar top with solid mahogany back and sides, maintaining a traditional classical guitar build with a 650mm scale length.

    Source

User experience

  • Initial neck bow due to humidity was corrected by adjusting the truss rod and using D’Addario EJ45 strings, achieving a relief of 0.003” without buzzing.

    Source
  • Owners note that nylon strings require frequent tuning initially due to their elasticity, making onboard tuning functionality especially beneficial.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Gotoh 35G1600-2M machine heads are recommended for smoother tuning and compatibility, with a screw hole pattern of 30-35-30mm.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • String beads help maintain a constant string angle from the bridge to saddle, preventing grooves that alter intonation over time.

    Source
  • Owners report adjusting the truss rod for a relief as low as 0.003” without buzzing; maximum relief before buzzing is 0.008”.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners suggest the Cordoba C7-CE as a superior alternative, offering better sound for a similar price.

    Source
  • The C5 CE's 50mm nut width differs from the 46mm nut width on the Cordoba Fusion series, which also features a radiused fretboard.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
gammabamma

Bought on a whim

I had plans to purchase one of Cordoba's higher end classical guitars. When I found this guitar used and at a very low price, I couldn't resist. Honestly, I am shocked at how low the retail price is for this guitar. It is very well made and sounds amazing. I am sure if it was made with higher quality wood, pearl inlays and made in a more prestigious location, it would easily be top of the line. The more I think about it, this guitar deserves more attention and is probably one of the best classical guitrs I have every played.

P

Great acoustic nylon guitar with a cutaway

The top in cedar completely fits to this kind of instrument, ans plus a fishman pickup The Fretboard is made of rosewood, a scale of 650 mm, a large nut of 50 mm. Good tuners, and all the sounds are very surprising from bass to treble, the sound from a mixer coming from the pickup is totally great !!!!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Katz uses Cordoba C5 CE Spanish nylon guitar

Andrew Katz

Drummer

Car Seat Headrest

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video, Andrew Katz plays on what appears to be a Cordoba nylon guitar. He can be seen playing the guitar in various Instagram videos of his as well.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Cordoba Classical & Nylon-String Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides