Alhambra vs. Ramírez vs. Cordoba vs. Hanika: Which Classical Guitar Brand Is Right for You?

An honest comparison of four leading classical guitar makers—their history, sound, construction, and which is right for you

If you're shopping for a serious classical guitar in the $1,000 to $7,000 range, four names come up again and again: Alhambra, José Ramírez, Cordoba, and Hanika. All four produce excellent instruments. All four have devoted followings among classical guitarists. And all four are different enough that the "best" choice depends entirely on what you're looking for.

I've spent years working with these brands—including several years as Vice President of Alhambra USA—and I've played, set up, and sold hundreds of guitars from each maker. This guide shares what I've learned about how these brands differ in sound, construction, philosophy, and value. My goal isn't to declare a winner, but to help you understand which brand's approach matches your needs.

The Short Version

If you want the quick take before diving into details:

Alhambra offers the best value at most price points, with consistent quality, modern construction, and a warm, balanced sound. They're made in Spain with excellent quality control and are ideal for players who want a reliable, great-sounding instrument without paying a premium for a famous name.

José Ramírez carries the most prestigious name in Spanish guitar making, with a distinctive rich, powerful tone that's instantly recognizable. You pay more for the heritage, but for many players, the Ramírez sound is worth it—especially for Spanish repertoire.

Cordoba offers modern designs with traditional construction methods, often at lower prices than comparable European-made instruments. Their guitars are made in various locations with experienced oversight and are excellent for players who prioritize playability and contemporary features.

Hanika brings German precision to classical guitar building, producing instruments with exceptional consistency, brilliant tone, and the finest workmanship of any brand in this comparison. They're made entirely in Germany and excel across all styles of music, from Bach to Spanish repertoire to contemporary works.

Alhambra: Spanish Consistency and Value

Alhambra is one of Spain's largest guitar manufacturers, producing instruments entirely in their factory in Muro de Alcoy. What sets them apart is their combination of traditional Spanish craftsmanship with modern quality control. Every guitar that leaves their workshop meets strict standards—you won't find the wild inconsistency that sometimes plagues smaller operations.

The Alhambra sound is warm, balanced, and quintessentially Spanish. It's not as dark or powerful as Ramírez, nor as bright as some Cordoba or Hanika models—it sits in a pleasing middle ground that works well across a wide range of repertoire. Alhambra guitars tend to have a clear, singing treble and a full but controlled bass.

Construction quality is where Alhambra really shines relative to price. Their mid-range instruments (the 4P, 5P, and 7P) offer solid construction, quality tonewoods, and careful finishing that rivals guitars costing significantly more from other makers. The higher-end models like the 9P and Linea Profesional compete directly with concert-level instruments.

Notable features: Many Alhambra models include their "ErgoNeck" design—a subtle asymmetric neck profile that improves left-hand comfort, especially for players with smaller hands. Their higher-end instruments also feature 12-hole bridges for improved string angle and energy transfer.

Alhambra consistently delivers more guitar for the money than almost any other maker. If you're budget-conscious but unwilling to compromise on quality, start here.

Best Alhambra Models by Price

Under $1,500: The Alhambra 4P ($1,099) is the sweet spot for serious beginners and intermediate players. Solid cedar top, laminate rosewood back and sides, ebony fingerboard—an exceptional value.

$1,500–$3,000: The Alhambra 7P ($1,899) and 9P ($2,799) offer all-solid construction with increasingly refined tonewoods and finishing. The 9P in particular punches well above its price.

$3,000–$5,000: The Linea Profesional ($4,799) is Alhambra's concert-level offering—nitrocellulose lacquer finish, premium European spruce or cedar tops, and exceptional projection and refinement.

José Ramírez: The Legendary Spanish Sound

José Ramírez is arguably the most famous name in classical guitar making. The Ramírez workshop in Madrid has been building guitars for over 140 years, and their instruments have been played by Andrés Segovia, Narciso Yepes, and countless other legendary performers. When people imagine the sound of Spanish classical guitar, they're often imagining a Ramírez.

The Ramírez sound is distinctive: rich, powerful, and complex, with remarkable depth in the bass and a warm, singing quality in the trebles. There's a characteristic "woodiness" to the tone that immediately identifies a Ramírez. This voice is particularly well-suited to Spanish repertoire—Albéniz, Granados, Tárrega, Rodrigo—where that passionate, expressive quality elevates the music.

The trade-off is that Ramírez guitars are more specialized. Their warm voicing may not be ideal for Bach or other music that benefits from brighter, more articulate trebles. Some players also find that Ramírez guitars require a bit more work to project clearly in large halls, though the top-tier instruments certainly can.

Pricing: You pay a premium for the Ramírez name—there's no getting around it. A Ramírez at $3,500 might have similar materials to an Alhambra at $2,500. But for many players, the distinctive Ramírez sound and the connection to guitar history justify the cost. And the resale value of Ramírez guitars tends to be excellent.

Best Ramírez Models by Price

$3,500–$5,000: The Estudio 140 is where the Ramírez magic begins—all-solid construction, the classic Ramírez tone, and a level of refinement that satisfies serious players. The Estudio 140 CWE offers the same quality with a cutaway and electronics for amplified performance.

$6,000+: The Sencillo Cedar ($7,499, currently on sale for $6,400) moves into true concert territory with select tonewoods and meticulous hand work from the Madrid workshop. This is a professional-level instrument with the full Ramírez voice.

Cordoba: Modern Classics

Cordoba is the youngest of the four brands but has quickly become one of the most popular names in classical guitar. Founded by a group of guitar enthusiasts with deep connections to traditional lutherie, Cordoba builds instruments using time-tested techniques—fan bracing, traditional heel construction—while incorporating modern features that appeal to contemporary players.

The Cordoba sound varies more across their lineup than Alhambra or Ramírez, since they offer guitars inspired by different historical makers (Torres, Hauser, Esteso, Friederich). Generally, Cordoba guitars tend toward a brighter, more immediate voice than Alhambra, with excellent clarity and articulation. They're versatile instruments that work well across many styles.

Manufacturing: Cordoba's entry and mid-level guitars are made in China and Indonesia under experienced supervision, while their higher-end instruments come from workshops in Spain. This approach allows them to offer remarkable value at lower price points—the C10 and C12 are exceptional guitars for their prices—though some traditionalists prefer instruments made entirely in Europe.

Modern features: Cordoba embraces features like two-way truss rods, cutaway bodies, and onboard electronics more readily than the European makers. If you need a guitar for amplified performance or want the security of an adjustable neck, Cordoba is worth considering.

Best Cordoba Models by Price

Under $1,500: The C9 ($1,199) and C10 ($1,499) offer all-solid construction with traditional building methods at prices that undercut comparable European-made instruments.

$1,500–$2,500: The C12 ($2,299) features lattice bracing and a raised fingerboard for easier upper-fret access—a modern design that produces impressive volume and clarity.

$2,500+: The Master Series guitars (Hauser, Torres, Friederich, Esteso) are Cordoba's top tier, offering hand-built instruments inspired by legendary historical makers. These compete directly with traditional European guitars at similar prices.

Hanika: German Precision

Hanika represents a different tradition in classical guitar making. Founded by Helmut Hanika and now run by the third generation of the family, this German workshop produces instruments with a level of precision and attention to detail that is simply unmatched. Every guitar is made entirely in their Baiersdorf facility, with the most rigorous quality standards of any brand we carry.

The Hanika sound is often described as brilliant, clear, and articulate. Compared to the warm Spanish voice of Alhambra or the rich complexity of Ramírez, Hanika guitars tend to have more presence in the upper frequencies—sparkling trebles, well-defined note separation, and excellent projection. This clarity makes them particularly well-suited to contrapuntal music like Bach, where you need every voice to speak clearly—but make no mistake, these are versatile instruments that excel across all styles, from Spanish repertoire to Romantic works to contemporary compositions.

Construction: Hanika uses both traditional fan bracing and lattice bracing depending on the model. Their lattice-braced guitars are especially impressive—powerful, responsive, and capable of filling a concert hall. But what truly sets Hanika apart is their pristine workmanship. The fit and finish on these instruments is flawless—the best of any brand in this comparison. Every joint, every binding, every detail reflects the German tradition of meticulous craftsmanship.

The European alternative: For players who want a European-made instrument but find the traditional Spanish sound too warm or specialized, Hanika offers a compelling alternative. They deliver concert-quality performance with a brighter, more versatile voice—and build quality that has to be seen to be believed.

Hanika's workmanship is in a class of its own. If build quality and consistency matter to you as much as tone, these guitars set the standard.

Best Hanika Models by Price

$4,000–$6,000: The Natural Torres brings Hanika's interpretation of the classic Antonio de Torres design—warm yet articulate, with the balance and projection that made Torres the father of the modern classical guitar. The HE Torres offers a similar voice with Hanika's lattice bracing for enhanced power and response.

$7,000+: The New Century Double Top represents Hanika's finest work—a modern double-top design that delivers extraordinary projection and dynamic range. These are true concert guitars built for professional performers who need an instrument that can fill a hall.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Choose Alhambra if:

Value matters to you—you want the most guitar for your budget. You prefer instruments made in Spain. You want a warm, versatile tone that works across many styles. You appreciate consistent quality without surprises. You're looking for anything from a solid student instrument to a concert guitar.

Choose Ramírez if:

You're drawn to the classic Spanish sound—rich, warm, and powerful. You play primarily Spanish or Romantic repertoire. Heritage and history matter to you. You're willing to pay a premium for a legendary name. You want excellent resale value. You're shopping at $3,500 or above.

Choose Cordoba if:

You want modern features like truss rods, cutaways, or electronics. You're attracted to guitars inspired by specific historical makers. You prioritize bright, articulate tone. You want excellent quality at lower price points. Country of manufacture is less important to you than overall quality and value.

Choose Hanika if:

You demand the finest workmanship available—Hanika's build quality is the best in this comparison. You want a versatile instrument that excels across all styles. You appreciate the clarity and articulation that helps contrapuntal music shine, but also want a guitar that handles Spanish and Romantic repertoire beautifully. Exceptional consistency matters to you. You're looking for a European-made instrument with a brilliant, balanced voice.

Comparing Similar Models

Here's how specific models from each brand stack up at similar price points:

Around $1,100–$1,500

Alhambra 4P ($1,099) vs. Cordoba C10 ($1,499)

The 4P offers a solid cedar top with laminate rosewood back and sides—exceptional for its price. The C10 is all-solid construction with Indian rosewood. The Alhambra has a warmer, more traditional Spanish voice; the Cordoba is brighter with more modern features. Both are excellent; the Alhambra is the better value, while the C10 offers higher-end construction. (Ramírez and Hanika don't compete at this price point.)

Around $2,500–$3,500

Alhambra 9P ($2,799) vs. Cordoba C12 ($2,299)

This is a competitive price range for Alhambra and Cordoba. The Alhambra 9P offers concert-level performance at a mid-range price—it's hard to beat for pure value. The Cordoba C12's lattice bracing gives it impressive volume and a modern, responsive feel. Your choice here comes down to whether you prefer Alhambra's warm Spanish voice or Cordoba's brighter, more immediate response. (Ramírez and Hanika start at higher price points.)

Around $4,500–$6,000

Alhambra Linea Profesional ($4,799) vs. Ramírez Estudio 140 vs. Cordoba Master Series ($4,000–$5,000) vs. Hanika Natural Torres / HE Torres

At this level, you're getting true concert instruments from all four brands. The Linea Profesional offers traditional Spanish construction with a nitrocellulose finish and exceptional refinement. The Ramírez Estudio 140 delivers the legendary Ramírez voice with all-solid construction and Madrid craftsmanship. The Cordoba Master Series guitars (Hauser, Torres, Friederich) let you choose a sound profile based on the historical maker that inspires each model. The Hanika Natural Torres and HE Torres deliver German precision with pristine workmanship and brilliant clarity—the Natural Torres with traditional bracing, the HE Torres with lattice bracing for extra power. All are excellent choices for serious performers.

A Personal Note

I've worked closely with all four of these brands, and I have genuine respect for what each one does. Alhambra's commitment to quality at every price point is remarkable—I spent years with them and saw firsthand how seriously they take consistency. Ramírez carries a legacy that's almost impossible to overstate, and their instruments have a voice that nothing else quite matches. Cordoba has done more than anyone to make quality classical guitars accessible to players who might otherwise never discover the instrument. And Hanika brings a level of precision and craftsmanship that reflects the best of the German tradition.

There's no wrong choice among these four. The "best" brand is the one whose sound speaks to you, whose instruments feel right in your hands, and whose values align with what matters to you as a player. If possible, play guitars from all four before deciding. And if you can't, feel free to reach out—I'm always happy to talk through the options and help you find the right match.

— Geoff Ferdón, XGuitars
Former Vice President, Alhambra USA