Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $575

Standard/Professional

$100

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Ortega RCE-159". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Discover elegance and precision with the Ortega RCE-159, a classical guitar designed for the discerning musician. Crafted for concert-level performance, this instrument combines traditional craftsmanship with modern enhancements. The solid cedar top resonates with a warm, full-bodied tone, offering a rich sonic palette that classical guitarists crave. Walnut back and sides complement this with a touch of depth, ensuring every note is articulated with clarity and grace.

The neck, made from mahogany, features a "Medium Neck" profile, providing comfort and ease during long practice sessions or performances. A standout feature of the RCE-159 is its Magus Pro pickup, which offers amplified sound without compromising on the guitar's natural acoustics, making it perfect for both intimate and large venues. The blackwood fretboard and bridge not only contribute to the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also enhance playability.

With a scale of 650 mm and a nut width of 50 mm, this guitar is designed to accommodate a variety of playing styles, from intricate fingerpicking to robust strumming. The addition of a 2-way truss rod ensures the neck remains straight, providing stability and durability. Complementing the traditional aesthetic, the walnut headstock and soundhole decoration add a touch of refinement.

The Ortega RCE-159 comes complete with a high-quality Ortega gig bag, ensuring your instrument remains protected on the go. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring classical guitarist, this guitar is a reliable companion in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Top: Solid cedar
  • Back and sides: Walnut
  • Fretboard and bridge: Blackwood
  • Neck: Mahogany with "Medium Neck" profile
  • Scale: 650 mm
  • Nut width: 50 mm
  • 2-Way truss rod
  • Magus Pro pickup for enhanced amplification
  • 12-Hole bridge
  • Includes Ortega gig bag

Product specs

Available since April 2013
Cutaway Yes
Top Cedar
Back and Sides Walnut
Pickups Yes
Fretboard Blackwood
Nut width in mm 50,00 mm
Scale 650 mm
Colour Natural
Case No
Incl. Gigbag Yes

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the top of the Ortega RCE-159, and how does it affect the sound?

The Ortega RCE-159 features a cedar top, which typically provides a warm, rich tone with excellent projection and responsiveness, making it ideal for classical and fingerstyle playing.

Does the Ortega RCE-159 come with a built-in pickup system?

Yes, the Ortega RCE-159 includes a built-in pickup system, allowing you to easily amplify your sound for live performances or recording.

Is the Ortega RCE-159 suitable for beginners?

The Ortega RCE-159 is a versatile guitar suitable for both beginners and advanced players, offering a comfortable playing experience with its cutaway design and quality materials.

What is the nut width of the Ortega RCE-159, and how does it affect playability?

The nut width of the Ortega RCE-159 is 50 mm, providing ample space for fingerstyle playing and making it comfortable for players with larger hands.

Does the Ortega RCE-159 come with a case or gig bag?

The Ortega RCE-159 does not come with a hard case, but it includes a gig bag for easy transport and protection.

Reviews

PROS

  • Comfortable and well-built for home recordings and gigs

  • Excellent sound quality when plugged in

  • Exceptional value for money in its price range

  • Built-in tuner with color-changing display for easy tuning

  • Comes with matching gig bag and strap

  • Balanced sound across all frequencies, no need for EQ adjustments

  • Versatile for classical, French songs, and progressive rock

  • High-quality finish with good mechanics

  • Transparent preamp sound closely matches acoustic output

  • Pleasant neck feel, though not slim for easy adaptation

CONS

  • Requires adjustment for users switching from slim necks

  • Initial issues with loose preamp and jack screws causing vibrations

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ortega RCE-159.

Build quality

  • Some owners report unseated and twisted frets above the 15th fret, indicating inconsistent quality control.

    Source
  • Comes with a wider top strap button providing more security, preventing strap slips compared to narrower buttons.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The original Ortega strings are fragile; D'Addario EJ27H hard tension strings are recommended for longevity.

    Source
  • The 8th string's gauge (83) and 27-inch scale length create tuning challenges; better quality tuners are suggested.

    Source
  • Owners note a low action setup is comfortable but may require more force for vibrato, affecting sound and feel compared to guitars with higher action.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner noted the guitar produces a flamenco-like sound and had perfect construction when shipped internationally.

    Source
  • The large fretboard can be challenging for those with smaller hands, potentially affecting playability for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Ortega JRSM COS is mentioned to have a similar sound to the RCE 159-8 despite price differences.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A K&K Pure pickup system is recommended for clearer sound without needing 9-volt batteries, enhancing the guitar’s performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users appreciate the extended range of this classical guitar, highlighting its appeal for those interested in expanded musical possibilities.

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  • The guitar has unobtrusive acoustic-electric controls with tone and volume wheels located under the soundhole.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some discussions point out concerns with the high cost of specific string sets for this guitar, suggesting alternatives for more budget-friendly options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's lower strings add depth, enabling unique chord voicings not possible on standard 6-string guitars, appealing to those exploring diverse musical styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zoltán Farkas uses Ortega RCE-159

Zoltán Farkas

Singer, Guitarist

Ektomorf

...

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ortega RCE-159, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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