Cordoba C5 vs C7: Which Suits You Better?

This post was updated on: April 29th 2024

If you are having a hard time taking your pick at Cordoba C5 vs C7 classical guitars, well, you are not alone!

That’s why we have compiled the most detailed guidelines of these two particular instruments to help you compare and finalize your decision.

Let’s dive in right now !!

Preview	Product
	Cordoba C5 CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series	Check Price
	Cordoba C7 CD Classical Acoustic Nylon String Guitar, Iberia Series	Check Price

Last update on 2024-04-29 at 02:24 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Cordoba C5 vs C7 - The Similarities

Solid Canadian Cedar Top

All the Cordoba C5 come with cedar top while the C7 series only have 2 models: Cordoba C7 CD/IN Acoustic Nylon String Guitar and Cordoba C7-CE CD/IN Acoustic Nylon String Guitar.

Even though many beginners can not hear the differences between a cedar soundboard and a spruce soundboard, this feature is definitely a big plus since cedar tops offer great sounds even with minimal skills.

Savarez Cristal Strings In High Tension, 500CJ

When it comes to classical guitars, high-end strings are a must. The Savarez Cristal Strings in High Tension, 500CJ is a little bit more difficult to handle than the low tension ones, but the sounds and durability they offer are worth the try!

Cordoba C7 vs C5 - The Differences

For The C5 Series, Its Unique Feature Is The Mahogany Back And Sides

The good news is, all guitars in the C5 series are equipped with mahogany back and sides.

Therefore, the price is quite affordable as well. It also offers thicker sounds and is even easier to play for beginners!

If you are looking for a model that produces great sounds at inexpensive prices, the Cordoba C5 is our top recommendation.

Indian Rosewood Back And Sides For The C7 Series

Rosewood back and sides make the C7 series a little bit more difficult for beginners. However, it expands easily to higher and lower notes with deep, rich bass. Combined with the cedar top, this classical guitar is capable of producing fascinating melodies.

Cordoba C5 Guitar Overview

The Cordoba C5 series is specially made for beginners, while a Cordoba C7 requires a bit more serious commitment from guitar learners. Some even think the C7 guitars are better for immediate players.

Besides, a Cordoba C5 guitar has a slightly thinner neck than other models, so for people who just take up playing classical guitars, it will be a little bit easier to adjust.

Also, you will be impressed with the guitar’s excellent craftsmanship! Most buyers are satisfied with the aesthetic quality of C5 guitars compared to the prices.

It’s pretty affordable compared to other guitars, but you will be abundantly compensated.

However, with lower prices, the sounds that a Cordoba C5 produces are not as natural as the C7 guitars. Don’t worry much as you can still compose beautiful melodies when your skills improve.

All Cordoba C5 guitars are active pickup (battery already provided), so you’ll need to have a spare battery at all times.

Pickup quality is not exactly the C5 series’ strength. Some even complain that it’s quite “mediocre”, except for the Fishman Presys in the C7-CE with slightly better quality.

Besides, too low or too high levels of humidity can be a serious problem. In order to prevent cracks or mold forming in your guitar, the ideal humidity levels are between 45-60% range.

Who Should Choose Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar?

If you are a beginner and on a budget, then the C5 series is our top recommendation. The sounds might not be top-notch, but the prices are quite reasonable.

Consider it a low investment if you are not quite serious with classical guitars. If this doesn’t work for you, you can simply give it up with no hard feelings.

Cordoba C7 Guitar Overview

The C7 can be useful for both beginners and immediate players. The Indian rosewood back and sides combined with the cedar top produces much better sounds than the C5 series, with brighter and warmer tones.

Some guitar players really enjoy the natural feelings on the fingerboard as the Indian rosewood produces oil itself, so you don’t have to bother about putting on a finish.

Moreover, this guitar model also offers higher-end looks, which all serious guitar players prefer.

Lightweight with excellent strings is also the main reason why C7 guitars can easily persuade most buyers, even though the prices are indeed higher compared to C5 guitars.

The fascinating, unique sounds it produces are definitely hard to beat.

If you are particular about the tonal range of guitar tops, then you are in luck! The Cordoba C7 SP/IN comes with European spruce - which is famous for being scarce.

Unlike other high-end tonewood, it ages quite gracefully and offers even more sophisticated, warmer tones.

Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks you need to consider before purchasing the C7.

Firstly, you might want to be careful with the European spruce as it’s harder to handle than the cedar top, so only consider the Cordoba C7 SP/IN model when you are at an appropriate level.

Secondly, They are not suitable for recordings. Despite having richer tones and better response rates, guitars with rosewood back and sides have feedback issues.

Thirdly, the C7 series is not for the average and on a budget beginner. With higher quality, it requires more commitment and skills, not to mention a higher price, so that it can be quite an investment for your time and efforts.

Again, humidity is absolutely the worst nightmare for C7 guitars, be careful when the humidity level gets too low. Otherwise, it could cost serious damages!

Who Should Buy Cordoba C7 Classical Guitar?

For serious beginners, the C7 CD/IN will offer much better sounds with minimal skills. The guitars also provide better pickup quality than others, so that they will be great for stage performances. Overall, for immediate players, the C7 SP will meet all your requirements!

Cordoba C5 vs C7 - Which is Better?

It’s really hard to say! First, you’ll need to finalize the key details you would like to have and see which model suits you better.

The C5 Guitars Will Suit You Better If:

You are at the beginning level and on a budget: since the C5 is cheaper and easier to handle, you can start practicing right away.

You are still not 100% sure classical guitar is your thing: since prices are quite affordable, you can take up playing in your free time and decide to get more serious at your own pace. If things don't pan out, that’s okay too because you didn’t spend much on it either.

You are not too particular about the sounds: C5 series produce quite pleasant melodies for the prices it offers. The sounds will get more natural for beginners with enough skills even though it’s no match for higher-end guitars.

The C7 Guitars Will Suit You Better If:

You are serious about learning guitar: the C7 guitars require more skills and practice than C5 ones. Of course, the results will be quite rewarding. However, some players who are at entry-level could get frustrated quite easily. So make sure you can invest enough time into practicing before buying a C7 guitar.

If your budget allows: Over a long period of practicing, a C7 guitar is a worthy investment, but let’s be realistic for a moment: if you decide to give up half-way, then that investment would go to nothing. Quite a waste, isn’t it?

FAQs

How Many Frets Does The Cordoba C5 Have?

The numbers of frets for both the C5 and C7 series are 19. For the Cordoba C5, mother-of-pearl side dot marker inlays at the fifth, seventh, and ninth frets.

Where Are Cordoba Guitars Made?

Cordoba Guitars headquarters is in California, and most of its products are manufactured in China, namely the Fusion, Luthier, steel-string Acero guitars, and so on.

The company also makes guitars in Valencia - Spain, and California as well.

Does Cordoba C7 Arrive With A Low Action?

Yes, it does. Usually, classical guitars have high action; however, with the C7 series, you should feel comfortable with its low action, and it’s not too low to the point that makes the sounds off-putting.

The Bottom Line

We’ll keep it short and simple: the Cordoba C5 is cheaper and sounds wonderful for the price it takes. Beginners or even immediate players can easily agree that they’ve got their money’s worth.

Meanwhile, the Cordoba C7 is a bit more demanding to start with, the price is also higher, but the sounds and the experience can satisfy even the most difficult player.

Both are lightweight with excellent craftsmanship and very playable. The drawbacks are humidity and mediocre pickup quality.

So with our detailed guidelines above, we sincerely hope you can develop an informed decision about Cordoba C5 vs C7 - which guitar suits you better.

Further Reading:

https://www.uberchord.com/blog/10-tips-technique-how-to-play-the-guitar/

https://www.guitarworld.com/lessons/six-tips-better-guitar-playing

https://www.fender.com/articles/play/5-beginner-tips-learning-play-guitar