Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$2,699.99
Guitar Center
$2,699.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$1,741.66 1 available New
Musician's Friend
$2,699.99
Thomann
$2,599.00

Average Price: $2,488

High-end/Boutique

$100

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Cordoba Luthier Select Series Esteso SP". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the art of Spanish luthiery with the Cordoba Luthier Select Series Esteso SP, a classical guitar that pays homage to the legendary Domingo Esteso. Handcrafted by Cordoba's master luthiers, this instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations to deliver a strikingly balanced and resonant sound. The solid European spruce top coupled with solid pau ferro back and sides creates a rich tonal palette, offering punchy trebles, a robust midrange, and a warm, full-bodied low end. The 1931 Esteso Five Fan bracing pattern, a nod to historical construction techniques, enhances this guitar's tonal clarity and projection, making it a favorite among discerning musicians.

The Esteso SP doesn’t just sound exquisite; it looks stunning too. Flamed maple binding and a maple-and-black rope-patterned top inlay elegantly frame the guitar’s natural beauty, while a uniquely designed Esteso soundhole rosette adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays adds a touch of visual intrigue. The mahogany neck features a smooth ebony fingerboard, ensuring comfortable playability and enabling intricate techniques typical of classical guitar music. Gold tuners with ivoroid buttons, alongside a genuine bone saddle and pau ferro bridge, enhance tuning stability and sustain.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a classical music enthusiast, the Cordoba Esteso SP is crafted to inspire artistry and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid European spruce top with solid pau ferro back and sides
  • 1931 Esteso Five Fan bracing pattern for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Flamed maple binding and mother-of-pearl inlaid rosette
  • Cordoba Master Series matte gold tuning machines with ivoroid buttons
  • Includes deluxe humidified archtop wood case for protection

Product specs

String Type Nylon
Number of Strings 6
Body Shape Classical
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Top Wood Solid European Spruce
Back & Sides Wood Pau Ferro
Body Bracing 1931 Esteso 5 Fan
Binding Flamed Maple
Neck Wood Mahogany
Neck Shape C
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 25.6"
Tuning Machines Cordoba Master Series Satin Gold with Ivoroid buttons
Bridge Material Pau Ferro
Nut/Saddle Material Bone/Bone
Nut Width 2"
Strings Savarez Cristal Corum High Tension
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Cordoba Luthier Select Series Esteso SP?

The Cordoba Esteso SP offers a rich, resonant sound with excellent projection, thanks to its solid European spruce top and pau ferro back and sides. It's well-suited for classical and flamenco styles, delivering a bright yet warm tonal palette.

Is the Cordoba Esteso SP suitable for professional performances?

Yes, the Esteso SP is designed for concert-level performances, featuring high-quality craftsmanship and materials that provide exceptional sound and playability for professional musicians.

What is the neck profile of the Cordoba Esteso SP, and how does it affect playability?

The Cordoba Esteso SP features a C-shaped mahogany neck, offering a comfortable grip that facilitates smooth playability, ideal for both intricate fingerstyle and traditional classical techniques.

How does the 1931 Esteso 5 Fan bracing pattern impact the guitar's sound?

The 1931 Esteso 5 Fan bracing pattern enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain, providing a balanced sound with clear articulation, which is particularly beneficial for classical pieces.

What materials are used for the nut and saddle on the Cordoba Esteso SP?

The Esteso SP uses bone for both the nut and saddle, which contributes to enhanced tone and sustain by providing a stable and resonant foundation for the strings.

Reviews

PROS

  • Slightly smaller body size enhances playability for those with smaller hands

  • Esteso construction and bracing provide a rich, full sound

  • Excellent note separation, ideal for recording in a studio setup

  • Features a truss rod for added neck stability and longevity

  • Classic design inspired by Domingo Esteso's guitars

  • Includes high-quality Humicase with built-in humidifier

  • Superior fit and finish, rivaling more expensive, USA-made guitars

CONS

  • Factory strings are low quality; need replacement for optimal sound

  • Sound may not initially impress without a professional microphone setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cordoba Luthier Select Series Esteso SP.

Build quality

  • Some owners have reported loose bracing under the soundboard, leading to buzzing issues, especially in newer models.

    Source
  • Both the Esteso and C12 have been described as feeling somewhat heavy compared to other classical guitars, impacting playability preference.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High action issues noted, specifically with the 6th string at the 12th fret measuring around 5mm on some models.

    Source
  • It's noted that the action on both the C12 and Esteso is high, particularly near the body, which some attribute to concert-level guitar dynamics rather than a flaw.

    Source

User experience

  • After-market adjustments like filing the nut and re-gluing braces are common for some Cordoba models to improve playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Alhambra guitars offer a warmer and darker sound profile compared to Cordoba, though they may have high action and tuner issues.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the Esteso over the C12 due to its non-lattice sound, describing the C12's bass as boomy and lacking clarity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Cordoba guitars are seen as the best entry-level brand in the U.S. due to their availability and sound quality, despite some quality control issues.

    Source
  • An Esteso was available for clearance at $2,000, down from its usual price of $2,700, presenting a potential deal for interested buyers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Guitars with higher action, like the Esteso, are better suited for dynamic range and volume, but may require more effort when fretting.

    Source

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