The Cordoba Esteso Spruce Top Classical Guitar is a lightweight, small body guitar with a full size scale length. Its elegant appointments perfectly complement the Esteso's incredibly balanced voice.  (Click here to hear the pronunciation of "Córdoba".)

Lightweight with an incredible tone

Materials:
Cordoba's Esteso is built with either a solid European spruce or solid Canadian cedar top, paired with solid Pau Ferro back and sides. Pau Ferro is a variety of rosewood, renowned for its striking figure, great volume, and light weight. The Cordoba Esteso has a more petite body shape than many full size guitars, measuring 13" at the lower bout. It has a 650mm scale length, 52mm nut width, and a comfortable classical guitar neck profile. Additional features include a Spanish cedar neck topped with an African ebony fingerboard, flamed maple binding, intricate pearloid rosette, nitrocellulose finish, and Esteso's 5-fan bracing pattern. Cordoba added a few modern refinements such as a truss rod, geared tuning machines, durable finish, and non-gut strings. The result is an instrument that exemplifies authentic Esteso designs, voicing, and feel, and captures a rare piece of guitar making history.

The Process:
Cordoba obtained two 1931 Esteso models in order to study them inside and out, and play them over and over. The mission was to understand the essence of what gives these iconic guitars such an amazing voice and feel, and then recreate an instrument that possesses these characteristics and carries the same magic in its DNA. The process was a combination of science and feel; the wood thicknesses of the top, backs, sides, and braces were measured to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter, bracing patterns traced and mapped, and details of the materials, inlays, wood grains, and vibrations were all carefully analyzed. The guitars were played and listened to for hours to gain an understanding of the balance between the trebles and basses, resonance of the tops, and a sense for the feel and response of each guitar when played in a variety of styles and environments.

Why Esteso?
Domingo Esteso is considered one of the greatest Spanish luthiers of the 20th century, with a career that began in the 1890s, and continued through the 1930s. He is responsible for establishing one of the most famous workshops in Madrid, which was later inherited by his nephews. Esteso's instruments are characterized by their physical lightness, yet great volume and projection.

Top: Solid European Spruce
Back/Sides: Solid Pau Ferro
Neck: Mahogany
Fret Dots at Frets: V & VII
Fingerboard: Ebony
Rosette: Pearloid Esteso Design
Tuning Machines: Master Series Matte Gold - Ivoroid Buttons
Scale: 648mm
Nut: 52mm
Nut/Saddle: Bone
Truss Rod: Dual Action
Bracing: 1931 Esteso 5 Fan
Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Case: Cordoba Humidified Archtop Wood Case

Made in China

Cordoba Esteso Classical Guitar

The Cordoba Esteso Classical Guitar represents the pinnacle of traditional Spanish guitar craftsmanship, bringing the sound of 1920s Madrid to modern players. This meticulously handcrafted instrument honors the legacy of Domingo Esteso, one of Spain's most renowned luthiers.

Heritage and Construction

Each Esteso guitar is carefully constructed using traditional Spanish building methods. The solid European spruce top is hand-selected for its exceptional tonal qualities and responsiveness. Paired with solid Spanish cypress back and sides, this guitar produces the warm, rich sound that classical and flamenco players seek.

The traditional Spanish fan bracing pattern enhances projection while maintaining the characteristic Spanish sound—bright, responsive, and full of character. Hand-carved cedar neck supports a sleek ebony fingerboard, offering comfort and playability for demanding performances.

Distinctive Sound Profile

The Esteso delivers a sound profile that combines clarity and warmth with remarkable projection. The initial attack is crisp and defined, ideal for flamenco techniques, while sustain is rich and complex, perfect for classical repertoire.

Lower registers resonate with depth and authority, while the treble strings sing with bell-like clarity. This tonal versatility makes the Esteso suitable for various playing styles from traditional Spanish music to contemporary classical compositions.

Authentic Spanish Aesthetics

Visually, the Esteso captures the essence of traditional Spanish guitar design. The hand-inlaid wooden rosette showcases intricate craftsmanship, while the French polish finish highlights the natural beauty of the tonewoods while allowing them to resonate freely.

Traditional Spanish heel construction joins the neck and body, ensuring optimal vibration transfer and structural integrity. Premium Gotoh tuners with ebony buttons provide smooth, precise tuning while complementing the guitar's elegant aesthetic.

Playing Experience

The Esteso offers a playing experience that connects you to the rich history of Spanish guitar making. The 650mm scale length and 52mm nut width provide a comfortable playing experience for classical techniques.

The action and setup are meticulously adjusted to balance playability with optimal tone production. Players will appreciate the guitar's responsiveness to dynamic changes and articulation, allowing for expressive performances across various genres.

Professional Choice

The Cordoba Esteso is favored by professional guitarists worldwide for its authentic Spanish sound, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional playability. Whether in intimate recitals or concert hall performances, this guitar delivers the projection and tonal nuance that discerning players require.

Many classical and flamenco artists choose the Esteso for its ability to capture the essence of traditional Spanish guitar music while remaining versatile enough for modern repertoire.

Care and Maintenance

Like all fine instruments, the Esteso benefits from proper care. We recommend maintaining appropriate humidity levels (40-60%) and using a high-quality hardshell case for storage and transportation. Regular cleaning with appropriate products will maintain the French polish finish's beauty for years to come.

Each Cordoba Esteso includes a premium hardshell case to protect your investment and ensure your instrument remains in optimal condition throughout its lifetime.

Experience the Esteso Difference

The Cordoba Esteso Classical Guitar offers players an opportunity to own an instrument that embodies centuries of Spanish guitar-making tradition. With its exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive tonal characteristics, and authentic design, the Esteso provides an inspiring playing experience for serious musicians.

Explore the Cordoba Esteso today and discover why this remarkable instrument continues to captivate players who appreciate Spanish guitar tradition and exceptional craftsmanship.