I was too afraid to review this guitar
Nylon string guitars have always intimidated me. I’m comfortable with Strats and SGs, knowing exactly what music I’ll play on them. Hand me an acoustic, and I’ll grab my capo and dive in. But nylon strings? They scare me. Yet here I am, facing my fears with the Cordoba Stage, a nylon string stage guitar that I’ve hesitated to review. Today, I’m diving into this beautiful instrument and sharing my thoughts.
“Unboxing” of the Cordoba Stage
Let’s get started with the unboxing. The Cordoba Stage is stunning, featuring a wine red flame top that catches the eye. As I pull it out, I notice a user manual tucked in the case, which will definitely come in handy. There’s also a truss rod adjustment allen key, which is a nice touch. The guitar itself feels gorgeous, and I can’t wait to play it, even if I’m a bit nervous about handling nylon strings.
First sounds of the Cordoba Stage
After some initial setup, I plug into the Boss Katana, using the acoustic amp setting for the first time. I’ve got to say, I’m pleasantly surprised by the sound. The guitar is beautiful, and with the help of the Walrus Audio Ambient Reverb, it transforms into something truly special. The reverb adds depth, making the sound lush and inviting.
Specifications of the Cordoba Stage
Now, let’s dive into the specs. The neck is a bit slimmer than I expected, coming in at 49mm at the nut, which is wider than a Les Paul but feels comfortable. The top is solid maple with a flamed maple veneer, and the body is chambered mahogany. As for the fretboard, it’s made of powfaro, which is a lovely alternative to rosewood.
The body thickness is 42mm, making it a great fit for stage performance. There are 22 frets, and the neck joins the body around the 13.5 fret, which is a nice design choice for easier access. The dual-action truss rod is also a welcome feature, allowing adjustments in both directions.
What does the knobs do?
Moving on to the controls: there’s a volume knob, an EQ, and a body blend knob. The EQ is powerful, allowing you to scoop sounds effectively. I’ve noticed that turning the knobs makes a significant difference in the sound, which is much more useful than a standard tone knob. The body blend really adds resonance, making it fun to experiment with different sounds.
Acoustic Stuff
When testing the acoustic capabilities, I’m aware that it won’t be as loud as a traditional nylon string guitar due to its smaller body. However, it’s designed for plugged-in performances, and the sound quality shines through an amp. I’m finding it quite enjoyable to play, even with my electric guitar background.
Andy “The Butcher” Geek
As I continue to explore the guitar, I can’t help but think about how far I’ve come since my school days. Back then, I would have never attempted playing a nylon string guitar, especially one as beautiful as this. The Cordoba Stage feels like a serious instrument, not a toy or a beginner’s model.
Under the hood!
Now, let’s open it up and take a look at what’s going on inside. The preamp system is impressive, featuring a lot more than I expected. The active preamp, made by Fishman, is integrated seamlessly into the guitar. This opens up possibilities for recording and unique sound experimentation.
Andy’s Verdict
After spending some time with the Cordoba Stage, I can confidently say it’s a joy to play. It’s not just for nylon string enthusiasts; it’s a fantastic option for electric players looking to expand their horizons. The sound is gorgeous, and it performs like a higher-end instrument, even though it’s priced around $700.
The soft case it comes with is practical, featuring good padding and pockets for accessories. Overall, if you’re searching for a stage-ready nylon string guitar, the Cordoba Stage is a top contender. It’s a beautiful instrument that inspires creativity and offers a unique playing experience.
For those interested in exploring the Cordoba Stage further, check out Sweetwater for an extensive collection of instruments from the Cordoba Stage series. You might find the perfect fit for your musical journey!