Might as well list all the alternatives ...
As I mentioned earlier, one other guitar to consider in the "about $300" range is the
LaPatrie Etude. It can be found between $299 and $325. It's made in Canada and is a solid cedar-top with laminated cherry back and sides. It's finish is semi-gloss.
I own the Etude's bigger brother, the
LaPatrie Presentation which has laminated Indian rosewood back and sides. I like the LaPatrie line and I do know that these are also recommended by music teachers. They have a strong bassy tone but do not overpower the trebles.
I had an opportunity to evaluate the new version of the
Cordoba C5 ($255 without gig bag at Guitar Center brick and mortar stores). This is a solid cedar-top with laminated mahogany back and sides. Beginning in 2007, Cordoba hired a new factory in China to manufacture the C5. Prior to 2007, the C5 was made in Portugal.
The Chinese-made version is, IMHO, superior and more consistent in quality than the Portugese-made version. The internal soundboard bracing (seen only with a mirror and a flashlight) is more sophisticated than
anything I have seen to date in a sub-$600 guitar. The neck is connected to the body with a traditional Spanish heel! Overall, the craftsmanship is much improved but its attention to fine detailing (purfling, fit of the saddle on the bridge, selection of attractive woods) still falls just a bit short of Yamaha. This guitar is worth your consideration but
do compare it to the others before making a final decision.
I long ago had tried out the
Manuel Rodriguez y Hijos Caballero C1. It has a dark Madrid sound. Some people like it and some don't. I
don't but I can understand its appeal. There are some pieces that work particularly well for a guitar like this. For me, the dark tone is an acquired taste.
This guitar does have the same projection power as the Etude, IMHO. The craftsmanship is good but below that of Yamaha. I played a couple at Guitar Center this weekend and I stand by my assessment. You should check it out. You might like its tone.
So for about $300, my shortlist recommendations (in order of preference) are:
- The Yamaha CG171SF - $300 to $350
- The LaPatrie Etude - $300 to $325
- The Cordoba C5 - $255 (without gig bag) to $300 (with gig bag)
- The Rodriguez C1 - $350 (if you like the dark tone)