Classical guitar prices: budget ranges and how to choose your first one

Starting with a classical guitar is one of the most natural ways to enter the world of music. But as soon as you start looking online or in a shop, you’ll see instruments at €70, €200, €500 or more… how much does it really make sense to spend on your first classical guitar? And which brands are worth considering?

In this guide we’ll look at:

• the main price ranges for classical guitars,
• the most common beginner-friendly brands (Yamaha, Eko, Alhambra and others),
• whether it’s better to buy new or used,
• what to look for beyond the price tag when choosing your first guitar.

When you’re ready to see real instruments, you can explore classical guitars on Muviber and filter by price, brand and condition (new/used).

How much does a classical guitar cost? Quick overview

As a reference, you can think in terms of these ranges:

• Under €100 → toy-like instruments.
• €100–250 → ideal range for a first classical guitar.
• €250–600 → solid student-level instruments.
• Over €600 → advanced or handcrafted guitars.

Let’s break these down with some examples of popular brands and models.

Under €100: toy guitars (not ideal for proper study)

In this range you’ll mostly find:

• guitars from big non-specialist stores,
• ultra-cheap “all-in-one” bundles,
• instruments that are often poorly intonated and hard to play.

They can work only as a toy for very young kids or as a beach guitar, but they’re not ideal if you want to take lessons and really learn. A bad instrument can be discouraging, even if you’re doing everything right.

If you’re serious about studying, it’s better to move up to the next range.

€100–250: the sweet spot for your first classical guitar

This is the range where you’ll find most of the guitars recommended for beginners, with:

• acceptable intonation,
• reasonably comfortable necks,
• enough quality for lessons at a music school or with a private teacher.

Among the most common beginner-friendly brands in this range:

• Yamaha → especially the C40 series and similar: widely used in schools.
• Eko → models like the Eko CS10 are often suggested as first guitars.
• Valencia, Cort → typical entry-level brands with solid instruments for beginners.

On a marketplace like Muviber you can find both new guitars and used instruments in good shape in this price range, sometimes already including a gigbag. A good starting budget for a first classical guitar is around €150–200.

€250–600: solid student instruments and first serious guitars

This is the range for players who:

• have been studying for a while,
• want to upgrade from a basic starter guitar,
• are looking for a more balanced tone and better dynamics.

Here you’ll often find:

• higher-end Yamaha models (e.g. C80, C120),
• student-oriented guitars from Cordoba,
• first Alhambra study instruments, very common in conservatories.

These guitars already sound more refined and can easily support several years of study.

Over €600: advanced instruments and luthier-made guitars

Above €600 you’re entering the world of:

• handcrafted instruments,
• advanced series from brands like Alhambra, Esteve, Ramírez,
• guitars designed for conservatory students and concert players.

If you’re choosing your very first classical guitar, you rarely need to start here, unless you already have a very clear long-term study plan and a teacher guiding you through the purchase.

New vs used: which one should you choose?

The next big question is: should you buy a new classical guitar or a used one?

Pros of buying new

• Valid warranty from the shop or manufacturer.
• No wear on frets, tuners or neck.
• Clean look, no cosmetic issues.

Perfect if you want peace of mind and don’t have anyone experienced to help you evaluate instruments.

Pros of buying used

• With the same budget you can move up a level:
  for instance, a guitar that costs €350 new might sell for €180–200 used.
• You can find discontinued models with a very good price/quality ratio.

When considering a used guitar, always check:

• the neck (not visibly twisted or warped),
• the frets (not heavily worn),
• any cracks on the top or back,
• the tuners (they should turn smoothly, without nasty noises).

On Muviber you can easily compare new and used classical guitars in the guitars category, filtering by price, brand and condition.

What to look at beyond the price tag

Price is only part of the story. When you try (or evaluate) a classical guitar, pay attention especially to:

Neck comfort

• Tune the guitar and play a few simple chords in first position.
• Check if you can press the strings without too much effort.

A neck that is too thick or uncomfortable can make practice harder than it needs to be.

Action (string height)

• If the strings are too high, every note requires more strength.
• If the action is too low, you might get buzzing and rattling.

For beginners, slightly higher action is normal, but it shouldn’t be extreme.

Intonation

• Compare the open string with the same note at the 12th fret.
• If there’s a big difference, intonation is off and may require work.

Size: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2

• Adults and teenagers from around 12–13+ → usually 4/4.
• Kids → 3/4, 1/2 or 1/4 depending on height and age.

If you’re buying for a child, always ask for advice from a teacher or an experienced shop assistant.

Recommended brands for beginners (without obsessing over logos)

In short, for a first classical guitar it makes sense to look at:

• Yamaha → consistent quality in all ranges, very reliable.
• Eko → great for affordable entry-level instruments (e.g. Eko CS10).
• Valencia, Cort → solid options for the budget range.
• Alhambra, Cordoba → good upgrade choices, especially between €300 and €600.

That said, don’t focus exclusively on the brand: a “no-name” guitar with a good setup can be more playable than a famous logo with poor adjustments. If you can, try several instruments in the same price range.

A simple rule to choose your first classical guitar

If you need a quick guideline to avoid overthinking:

1. Avoid instruments under €100.
2. Aim for a guitar between €150 and €250, including good used options.
3. Look for reliable brands (Yamaha, Eko, Valencia, Cort) and always read reviews.
4. If you know you’re serious about studying, consider stretching to €250–300.

Most importantly, choose a guitar that:

• is in tune,
• is comfortable to play,
• and makes you want to pick it up every day.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the first classical guitar

How much should I spend on my first classical guitar?

A realistic budget for a first classical guitar is €150–250. In this range you’ll find instruments from brands like Yamaha, Eko, Valencia or Cort that are suitable for serious beginners.

Is it better to buy a new or a used classical guitar?

If you’re a complete beginner and don’t have anyone to help you, buying new is safer. If you can have a teacher or an experienced friend check the instrument, used can give you better quality for the same money.

Which brands are recommended for beginners?

Popular beginner-friendly brands for classical guitar include Yamaha (C series), Eko (such as the CS10), Valencia and Cort for entry level. As an upgrade, many students choose models from Alhambra and Cordoba.

What’s the difference between a 3/4 and a 4/4 classical guitar?

The difference is the size of the instrument. 3/4 guitars are designed for children or smaller players, while 4/4 is the standard size for adults and teenagers from around 12–13 years onwards. A guitar that is too big or too small can make playing more tiring.