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Nylon String Guitars

10 Best Nylon String Guitars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon with Gig Bag, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany and Sitka Spruce Construction, Gloss-Top Finish, 000C-12 Fret, and Low-Profile Neck Shape Natural

Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon with Gig Bag, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany and Sitka Spruce Construction, Gloss-Top Finish, 000C-12 Fret, and Low-Profile Neck Shape Natural

MARTIN

10.0 score

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The Martin 000C12-16E is a 6-string nylon-string guitar designed with classic tonewoods that blend mahogany for the back and sides and spruce for the top, which is a popular combination for warm yet bright sounds. Its body size is the 000 style, a mid-sized shape that balances comfort and good projection, making it suitable for players who want a guitar that’s not too bulky but still rich in tone. The neck has a low-profile design with an ebony fingerboard, known for smooth playability and durability. Martin’s 000 models typically offer a comfortable neck width for fingerstyle and classical techniques.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,312
Top Wood
Neck Width

Most important from
6 reviews

Top Wood
Delivers a warm, classic tone reminiscent of Willie Nelson’s signature sound.
Neck Width
Features a neck profile that’s noticeably easier to play than traditional classical guitars, enhancing comfort and technique.
#2
9.7 score

Taylor 814ce-N Grand Auditorium Cutaway Nylon-String - Natural Sitka Spruce Top

Taylor 814ce-N Grand Auditorium Cutaway Nylon-String - Natural Sitka Spruce Top

Taylor

9.7 score

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The Taylor 814ce-N is a high-quality nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar featuring a Grand Auditorium body shape and a cutaway, which enhances playability by allowing easier access to higher frets. Its spruce top delivers bright and clear tones that complement the warmth of the rosewood back and sides.

Rating
9.7
Body Size and Shape
Top Wood
Neck Width

Most important from
5 reviews

Body Size and Shape
Despite its premium build and sound, the guitar is noticeably heavier than typical nylon-string guitars, which can affect comfort during long sessions.
Top Wood
The solid Sitka spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides creates a bright, clear sound with warm undertones that impress both unplugged and amplified.
Neck Width
The playability is outstanding, with a setup that feels smooth and comfortable, making it a joy for both beginners and seasoned players.
Electronics
It delivers an incredible presence and responsiveness, producing a tone that truly sings and justifies its premium price.
#3
8.8 score

Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar, Full Size With Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge, Natural

Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar, Full Size With Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge, Natural

Yamaha

8.8 score

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The Yamaha C40II is a full-size nylon-string classical guitar designed for beginners. With a spruce top, it offers a bright and clear sound, and the meranti wood used for the back and sides provides durability. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge enhance the quality and playability of the guitar. The neck is made from nato, which is a reliable and sturdy wood choice, and the guitar has a glossy finish, giving it an attractive look.

Top 10 Best Nylon String Guitars 2026 in the United States

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enya

Enya Acoustic-Electric Carbon Fiber Classical Nylon String Travel Guitar NEXG 2N Smart Acustica Electric Guitarra with 50W Wireless Speaker, Thickened Gig Bag, Strap, Charging Cable, Adjusting Wrench

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
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MARTIN

Martin Guitar 000C12-16E Nylon with Gig Bag, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Mahogany and Sitka Spruce Construction, Gloss-Top Finish, 000C-12 Fret, and Low-Profile Neck Shape Natural

Body Size and Shape: 000 style
Top Wood: Spruce
Electronics: acoustic-electric setup

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Chosen by 1312 this week

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enya

Enya Acoustic-Electric Carbon Fiber Classical Nylon String Travel Guitar NEXG 2N Smart Acustica Electric Guitarra with 50W Wireless Speaker, Thickened Gig Bag, Strap, Charging Cable, Adjusting Wrench

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#2
9.7  score
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Taylor

Taylor 814ce-N Grand Auditorium Cutaway Nylon-String - Natural Sitka Spruce Top

Body Size and Shape: Grand Auditorium, cutaway
Top Wood: Spruce
Electronics: ES-N pickup system

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#3
8.8  score
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Yamaha

Yamaha C40II Classical Guitar, Full Size With Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge, Natural

Body Size and Shape: Full Size
Top Wood: Spruce
Scale Length: 25.0
Electronics: None

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#4
8.2  score
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Taylor

Taylor 312ce-N Nylon String Grand Concert, Sapele

Body Size and Shape: Grand Concert
Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Electronics: built-in electronics

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#5
8.2  score
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Godin

Godin MultiAc Nylon Deluxe Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural

Top Wood: Spruce Wood
Electronics: H-6M pickup system

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#6
7.6  score
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Ibanez

Ibanez TOD10N Tim Henson Signature Nylon-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Black

Body Size and Shape: 43.75 x 17.53 x 5.75 inches
Top Wood: Spruce Wood
Electronics: Piezo

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#7
7.6  score
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Fender

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

Top Wood: Spruce Wood
Scale Length: 25.3

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#8
7.3  score
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Godin

Godin ACS-SA Slim - Natural Semi-Gloss

Top Wood: Cedar Wood
Scale Length: 25.5 Inches
Electronics: Single pickup configuration

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#9
7.0  score
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Cordoba

Cordoba C7 Nylon String Guitar Cedar

Body Size and Shape: Standard
Top Wood: Cedar Wood
Scale Length: 650 mm
Bracing Pattern: Fan bracing
Electronics: None

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#10
7.0  score
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Yamaha

Yamaha CG-TA Nylon String TransAcoustic Guitar with Chorus and Reverb, Classical, Vintage Tint

Body Size and Shape: Classical
Top Wood: Spruce
Scale Length: 25.56
Electronics: Built-in Hall, Room Reverb, Chorus

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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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