Top Brands for Nylon String Guitars: A Strummer's Delight

In the world of music, nylon string guitars hold a unique charm with their rich, warm tones and are a favorite among classical and flamenco guitarists. When selecting the best brand of nylon string guitar, musicians often seek a balance of sound quality, craftsmanship, and playability. This includes renowned names like Yamaha, Cordoba, and Takamine, which are celebrated for their consistent high-quality instruments. To explore a detailed guide on the best nylon string guitar brands and what each has to offer, continue reading below.

Illustration of nylon string guitars

Best brands of nylon string guitars in 2025

Cordoba

Cordoba Guitars, founded in 1997 by Tim Miklaucic, is a leading producer of nylon string guitars, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern developments. Known for their high-quality instruments, Cordoba guitars are handcrafted in various locations, including Oxnard, California, and Valencia and Barcelona, using materials certified by the FSC. The brand offers a wide range of instruments, such as the Master Series, Espana Series, and Fusion Series, catering to all levels of players. Cordoba's innovative designs, like the Cordoba Stage nylon electric guitar, have won awards, including Best in Show at the 2022 NAMM Show. Their guitars are renowned for their lightweight, responsive design and authentic acoustic nylon-string tone. For more information, visit their official website.

Yamaha

Yamaha is renowned as one of the leading producers of nylon string guitars, boasting a significant market share in the musical instrument industry. With a global market share of 23.9% in the musical instruments sector as of 2020, Yamaha's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its range of nylon string guitars, such as the CG, GC, and NX series, which are praised for their sound quality, performance, and playability. These guitars are crafted with expertise, reflecting Yamaha's core competencies in musical instruments. The company's diverse product lineup, including handcrafted models from its guitar workshops in Japan and China, caters to both beginners and professional musicians. Yamaha's dominance in the market is further underscored by its strong presence in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Alhambra

Alhambra Guitars is a renowned brand and world leader in nylon string guitars, established in 1965 in Muro de Alcoy, Alicante, Spain. With over 50 years of experience and continuous investment in research and development, Alhambra maintains a strong commitment to traditional Spanish guitar craftsmanship combined with modern technology. Their guitars are distributed to over 3,000 points of sale in more than 70 countries, reflecting their global prestige. Alhambra's innovative approach, recognized by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, ensures exceptional sound quality, careful finish, and environmentally friendly production methods. The company's dedication to sustainability is evident in their recycling processes and the use of water-based products, earning them the LIFE seal from the European Union. For more information, visit Alhambra's brand of tradition and innovation page.

La Patrie

La Patrie, a sub-brand of Godin, is renowned for producing high-quality nylon string guitars, particularly notable for their classical and parlor models. The La Patrie Motif, for example, features a solid cedar top, Wild Cherry back and sides, and a mahogany neck, offering excellent playability and tone. These guitars are handcrafted in Canada and are praised for their reliability and affordability, with prices starting under $400. La Patrie guitars are highly respected for their build quality, tone, and playability, making them ideal for advanced beginners and early intermediate players. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their pressure-tested solid tops, which enhance the guitar's tone and reliability over time.

Kremona

Kremona is a renowned brand in the nylon string guitar market, boasting 100 years of European traditions in luthiery since its establishment in 1924 in Bulgaria. Known for their handcrafted, solid-top guitars, Kremona instruments are recognized for their superb build quality and expansive tone, making them a great value compared to boutique brands. Despite being a niche market, with classical guitar sales accounting for about 6% of steel string guitar sales, Kremona stands out for its attention to detail and high-quality tonewoods. The company conducts a 50-point in-house inspection and adjustment before shipment, ensuring each instrument is perfectly setup. Kremona guitars are favored by musicians worldwide for their excellent articulation and projection.

Takamine

Takamine, although primarily known for its steel-string acoustic guitars, also produces high-quality nylon string guitars, leveraging its expertise in traditional classical guitar construction. Founded in 1959, Takamine has established itself as a major brand internationally, with significant contributions to acoustic-electric models since 1978. While the company is more renowned for its steel-string instruments, its nylon string guitars, such as the P3FCN, feature premium materials like solid cedar tops and rosewood fingerboards. Takamine's global presence and innovative designs make it a notable producer in the nylon string guitar market. The company's market share, though not exclusively in nylon strings, is significant, with Takamine being a major player in the global guitar market.

Raimundo

Raimundo Guitars is a renowned producer of nylon string guitars, founded by Manuel Raimundo in 1968. With a workforce of 29 artisans, they manufacture over 12,000 instruments annually, 85% of which are exported globally. Known for their traditional Spanish guitar-making techniques, including the use of the 'Spanish heel,' Raimundo Guitars offers a range of models from student guitars to top-of-the-range concert guitars. The company has received several awards, including the Quality Award from the Valencian Government in 1993, and is the first Spanish guitar manufacturer to obtain the certificate of Spanish origin for all their guitars. Raimundo Guitars maintains its artisan spirit while innovating in design, sound quality, and finish. For more insights into their craftsmanship and heritage, visit their detailed blog on Guitar from Spain.

José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez is renowned as one of the premier producers of nylon string guitars, celebrating 135 years of excellence in the craft. Founded by Jose Ramirez I in 1882, the company has maintained a tradition of guitar making passed down through five generations, with current leadership by Cristina and Jose Enrique Ramirez. Their guitars, such as the Centenario and Auditorio models, are crafted with premium tonewoods like solid cedar and Indian rosewood, ensuring exceptional tone and playability. Notable musicians like Eric Clapton, Andres Segovia, and Carlos Santana have chosen Ramirez guitars for their superior quality. The brand continues to innovate, using woods naturally dried for up to 60 years to enhance sound quality. You can explore their exquisite collection on their official website.

Hill

Kenny Hill is renowned as one of the premier luthiers for nylon string guitars, with a career spanning over 40 years. He has been influential in North American classical guitar building since the mid-1970s, known for his innovative designs such as the double-top guitars and lattice bracing. Hill's guitars, including the Performance Series and the Companion, are celebrated for their exceptional response, volume, and playability, making them highly sought after by serious nylon-string players. His New World line, manufactured in China under his supervision, offers high-quality yet moderately priced options, while his top-of-the-line models are crafted in his California workshop. The Hill Performance Series, for example, is priced at $5,500, making it one of the more affordable double-top guitars on the market.

Antonio Hermosa

Antonio Hermosa is a notable brand for nylon string guitars, particularly appealing to those transitioning from steel string instruments. The AH-50 model, for instance, features a mahogany back and sides with a spruce top, and a thin chambered body about 2" thick, making it a budget-friendly option with good playability. This guitar is designed to be lightweight and responsive, catering to the needs of electric players looking for a nylon string experience. With positive reviews and a 4.6-star rating, Antonio Hermosa guitars are recognized for their quality and affordability. They offer a range of models suitable for various playing styles, including flamenco and jazz. You can explore more about their guitars collection online.