Córdoba Guitars is synonymous with high-quality, nylon-string classical and flamenco guitars, a lot of them provided at inexpensive worth factors. One of many Southern California firm’s newest creations, the Stage mannequin, delivers construct high quality and innovation in an instrument that might complement the quiver of any versatile guitarist. It’s simple to play, visually interesting, and possesses a state-of-the-art Fishman electronics system that delivers a full nylon-string acoustic tone—even whenever you push the amount.

First Impressions

Once I first eliminated the Stage from its recycled nylon gig bag, I used to be instantly taken with the guitar’s visible charms. Its flamed maple veneer high has a vibrant grain sample framed by a darker picket binding that completely matches the pau ferro fretboard. Three trapezoidal soundholes (a nod to the maker’s graphic emblem, which was impressed by the arches of a historic cathedral in Córdoba, Spain) on the higher bout aesthetically steadiness a trio of walnut management knobs on the decrease bout. This motif is repeated in pearl inlays on the headstock—one other stylish contact. All in all, the main points listed below are without delay basic and fashionable, a delight to the attention.

Good Design and Execution

The Stage’s thinline chambered mahogany physique is modern, measuring simply 1-1/2 inches deep, with a stable spruce high beneath the maple veneer. A deep Venetian cutaway gives quick access to the best notes of the fingerboard—the nineteenth fret on string 6, scooping to the twenty second on the highest two strings. 

The bottom of the guitar reveals a nine-volt battery chamber, together with a management cavity cowl, for accessing the electronics. The neck heel is cleanly seated towards the physique, and the again fringe of the higher waist is rounded, to supply further taking part in consolation. Total, the development could be very clear, and shut consideration seems to have been given to each element of the construct. 

I’ve lengthy thought that any new guitar acquisition, whether or not fashionable or classic, needs to be arrange by knowledgeable technician who’s acquainted with your preferences and taking part in type. The Stage is not any exception. Whereas the frets on the overview guitar had been snugly seated, the intonation was barely sharp on the twelfth fret, and I discovered the motion a tad excessive as I ascended the neck. Moreover, the fifth and sixth strings had a gentle buzz previous the ninth fret—frequent out-of-the-box points which are minor and may seemingly be corrected with correct setup. 

Excellent Playability 

The Stage is extremely snug to play, whether or not sitting or standing. Once I’m seated with the decrease waist resting on my proper leg, the guitar suspends itself in good steadiness. The instrument is outfitted with a pair of gold strap buttons—a small however handy element not generally seen on nylon-string guitars—and it nestles proper into my arms once I strap the it on.

With its C-shaped mahogany neck and radiused fretboard, the Stage handles extra like a semi-hollow electrical than a conventional classical or flamenco guitar, making it preferrred for a steel-string participant desirous to discover nylon-string sounds with none adjustment in method. And as primarily an acoustic steel-string participant, I admittedly discover it a chore to navigate the extensive nut of a typical nylon-string guitar. Nonetheless, the Stage’s bone nut measures a comparatively slender 1-7/8 inches, and the string spacing is sort of snug for taking part in chords of every type in addition to single-note strains. I may even simply apply my go-to Django Reinhardt chords—these unconventional shapes requiring the tip of 1 fretting finger to cowl two strings on the identical time. 

An Engaging Voice

The Stage is clearly designed to be amplified. When performed unplugged, it’s noticeably quiet—not unpleasant-sounding, however a few third of the amount of the everyday acoustic steel-string. That mentioned, it’s tonally properly balanced, with the underside two strings offering simply sufficient low finish to mix properly with the midrange and higher-register notes. Inevitably, an unplugged thinline offers you extra string than physique sound, however I solely discovered this distracting when taking part in single word strains previous the fifth fret on the highest two strings. 

To correctly audition the Stage, I began by fingerpicking my manner via the nylon-string normal “Malagueña” in first place. The bass was full and clearly articulated, whereas the treble maintained a vivid, reducing presence. I then strummed via an Andalusian cadence in A minor simply utilizing my fingers. Pushing the tempo and assault, the guitar responded with well-balanced, strong chords that didn’t distort. 

Turning again to fingerpicking, I improvised on the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” utilizing chord shapes up and down the neck with a mix of fretted notes and open strings that rang collectively fantastically. The Stage really spoke to me once I comped an authentic bossa nova composition. The tune’s chord development covers a variety of the fretboard, and the guitar delivered steadiness and word separation in every place.

I then picked up a plectrum and tried out a chord-melody association of Django Reinhardt’s “Nuages.” The one notes sung out from the tops of the chords, however I needed to be cautious to keep away from unintentionally bending the strings attributable to their decrease pressure (relative to metal strings). I ended the session with one other improvisation, on a Willie Nelson–accepted model of the Irving Berlin basic “Blue Skies,” and the guitar responded with an immediacy to the dynamics and articulations. 

Stage Prepared

The crowning function of the Stage is probably its electronics package deal. Designed in collaboration with Fishman, this two-way system combines an undersaddle pickup with an inside physique mic and has minimal controls—simply quantity, mix, and tone. 

Once I plugged the Stage into my Henriksen Blu Six amplifier, the guitar got here to life. With the mix knob, I may simply navigate between the pickup and mic so as to dial in essentially the most pure sound. I discovered the only tone knob preferable to a several-band EQ, because it enabled me to extra simply alter the timbre on the fly. Most essential, the three controls provide loads of flexibility for dialing in a full acoustic sound in a wide range of settings. 

The Backside Line

For those who’re on the lookout for a guitar that’s snug, simple to play, and may present genuine nylon-string sounds in a wide range of efficiency settings, the Córdoba Stage would make an important selection—particularly in case you are a steel-string participant seeking to discover new tonal colours. Whereas this good-looking guitar is, because the title suggests, clearly designed to be heard and seen on stage, it will additionally make a wonderful follow guitar for these quiet after-hours periods, or perhaps a nice journey companion—all for properly below a grand.

Specs

BODY Chambered mahogany physique with cutaway; 38mm (1-1/2″) depth; stable spruce high with flamed maple veneer; three-piece fan bracing; pau ferro bridge with compensated bone saddle; gloss polyurethane end

NECK C-shaped mahogany neck (three-piece); dual-action truss rod; pau ferro fretboard; 16″ radius; 22 frets; 650mm (25.6″) scale size; 48mm (1-7/8″) bone nut; Córdoba 14:1 tuners

OTHER Fishman Stage electronics; Savarez 510AJ Alliance/Cantiga HT strings; deluxe gig bag

MADE IN China

PRICE $699 road

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