If you’ve been shopping for guitars, you might have come across the term concert guitar. But what does it mean, and who should play one? A concert guitar usually refers to a concert-sized acoustic guitar, which is smaller than a dreadnought but larger than a parlor. It can also describe high-end classical guitars built for professional concert performers. These guitars are known for their balance, clarity, and comfortable playability. In this guide, we’ll explain what a concert guitar is, who it’s best for, and review some of the finest models available today.
Quick Picks
- Taylor 312ce Grand Concert – Best Overall for comfort and tone (~$2,000).
- Martin 00-28 – Best Premium small-bodied acoustic (~$3,200).
- Cordoba C12 SP Classical – Best Classical Concert Guitar (~$1,200).
Buyer’s Guide
Before we get into specific models, let’s break down what makes a concert guitar unique:
- Body Size – Smaller than a dreadnought, concert guitars are more comfortable to hold, especially for smaller players or those who prefer fingerstyle.
- Sound – Concert guitars have a balanced, articulate tone, making them great for recording, fingerpicking, and solo performance. They won’t be as boomy as dreadnoughts but shine in clarity.
- Classical vs Steel-String – The term “concert guitar” can also mean a high-end nylon-string classical guitar designed for professional performance.
- Who It Suits – Ideal for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, classical musicians, and anyone who values comfort and tonal balance.
- Price Range – Entry-level concert guitars start around $500, while professional models can exceed $5,000.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Taylor 312ce Grand Concert
Who it’s for: Players wanting a comfortable, versatile steel-string concert guitar.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with sapele back/sides.
- Grand Concert body with Venetian cutaway.
- ES2 electronics for stage use.
Pros: Balanced tone, easy to play, stage-ready.
Cons: Less low-end power than dreadnoughts.
Verdict: A fantastic all-around concert guitar (~$2,000).
2. Martin 00-28
Who it’s for: Traditionalists seeking a premium small-bodied acoustic.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back/sides.
- 00 body size, non-cutaway.
- Warm, articulate tone with vintage Martin craftsmanship.
Pros: Iconic Martin tone, balanced sound.
Cons: Higher price (~$3,200).
Verdict: One of the finest small-bodied acoustics ever made.
3. Cordoba C12 SP
Who it’s for: Classical players seeking a professional concert guitar.
- Solid European spruce top, Indian rosewood back/sides.
- Hand-inlaid rosette and lattice bracing.
- Slotted headstock with traditional Spanish heel.
Pros: Gorgeous craftsmanship, rich classical tone.
Cons: Limited to classical repertoire.
Verdict: A professional-grade concert classical guitar (~$1,200).
4. Taylor 812ce Grand Concert
Who it’s for: Fingerstyle players who want high-end playability.
- Solid Sitka spruce top with Indian rosewood body.
- Grand Concert body with V-Class bracing.
- Premium appointments and ES2 electronics.
Pros: Responsive to light touch, stunning overtones.
Cons: Very expensive (~$4,000).
Verdict: A boutique-level concert guitar for professionals.
5. Collings C10
Who it’s for: Players wanting boutique craftsmanship and a unique concert body shape.
- Solid Sitka spruce with mahogany or rosewood options.
- Smaller body with Collings’ renowned build quality.
- Warm, detailed, balanced sound.
Pros: Boutique craftsmanship, articulate sound.
Cons: Expensive (~$5,000).
Verdict: A refined concert guitar with world-class tone.
6. Ramirez 1a Classical
Who it’s for: Classical concert guitarists looking for the best.
- Solid cedar top with rosewood body.
- Traditional Spanish construction.
- Used by professional classical guitarists worldwide.
Pros: World-class craftsmanship, legendary tone.
Cons: Premium price (~$8,000).
Verdict: The gold standard of classical concert guitars.
Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Top Wood | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor 312ce | Steel-String Concert | Sitka Spruce | $2,000 |
| Martin 00-28 | Steel-String Concert | Sitka Spruce | $3,200 |
| Cordoba C12 SP | Classical Concert | European Spruce | $1,200 |
| Taylor 812ce | Steel-String Concert | Sitka Spruce | $4,000 |
| Collings C10 | Steel-String Concert | Sitka Spruce | $5,000 |
| Ramirez 1a | Classical Concert | Cedar | $8,000 |
FAQ
- Is a concert guitar good for beginners? Yes, many beginners prefer the smaller size and comfort of concert guitars over dreadnoughts.
- What’s the difference between a concert and a dreadnought? Concert guitars are smaller, lighter, and more balanced, while dreadnoughts are louder and bass-heavy.
- Are concert guitars only for fingerstyle? No, they’re versatile and work well for strumming too, though they shine with fingerpicking.
- What’s the difference between a concert classical and a concert acoustic? A concert classical is a nylon-string guitar built for professional classical players, while a concert acoustic is a steel-string guitar with a smaller body size.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
So, what is a concert guitar and who is most suited to this type of guitar? A concert guitar is a smaller-bodied instrument known for its balance, comfort, and clarity. It’s perfect for fingerstyle, classical, and singer-songwriter playing. If you want booming projection, a dreadnought might be better—but if you value articulation and playability, a concert guitar could be your ideal match.
Looking for a great choice? The Taylor 312ce offers modern comfort, the Martin 00-28 brings vintage-inspired tone, and the Cordoba C12 SP gives classical players a concert-ready instrument. Explore your options and find the concert guitar that fits your music best.