SOUND TEST: Yamaha CG182SF vs. Cordoba F7 Paco - Which Flamenco Guitar Sounds Better?!

Timestamps:
0:00 - 1:33 Introduction
1:34 - 2:09 Buleriá
2:10 - 2:57 Soleá
2:58 - 3:35 Fandango
3:36 - 4:30 Percussive Rumba
4:31 - 5:26 Strumming (with nails)
5:27 - 6:28 Classical (Prelude from Bach´s Cello Suite No. 1)
6:29 - 6:48 Wrap Up

[josesedalopez]

Hello. I have been trying to find an all solid flamenco guitar as a begginer, but had some very bad luck with options due to international shipping issues since most are found in Spain and I live in Puerto Rico. Would you still recommend any of these despite being laminate back and sides? These are the only ones that make it to Puerto Rico. Also thought of the normal F7 besides the F7 Paco. Would love to hear youre thoughts.

[MiloMcCarthyMusic]

Seems to me like the cordoba isn’t designed for the style of playing you were using, the cordoba sounded much better for classical and worse at the various styles of flamenco you were using. Great playing, I just bought the Yamaha recently and I’m very happy with it 😊

[nainglynn]

Yamaha sounds sharp and hard. Cordoba sounds mild and soft.

[shigekiaritome]

What is 1000? In Japan, this instrument costs 39000 yen ($ 368/ €325). The sound balance is good, and I think it is enough for beginners. However, I like Cordoba F7 Paco.

[rjj]

My honest opinion. I can only speak from the experience I have had. I had 2 Cordoba F7's. BOTH never stayed in tune for any period of time no matter what I did. I bought one, sold it. I bought another thinking I may have gotten a bad one. Before I sold that one I bought a cheap Yamaha C40. I didn't want to go without a guitar. It was $158.00. I replaced the nut and saddle with bone and installed a Golpeador. I could throw it at the wall and it will still stay in tune and it sounds just as great as the 600.00 Cordoba with the new nut and saddle. I play a variety of styles and instruments for many years and the one thing I can clearly say without any reserves is that Yamaha ALWAYS made great stuff. If you want one of these guitars featured in the video, buy the Yamaha.

[jefsut]

Great review, thanks! I'm in the market for a budget flamenco guitar and, based on this video, I'm leaning toward the Yamaha. Sounds a bit brighter and punchy. But both sound great! Thanks again.

[chcotydf]

I have one of the Yamaha and you made me appreciate it even more

[MisterMasterlife]

Thanks for sharing. The cordoba sounds much more mellow and pleasant all round. I would advise it for a more versatile player. If you only play flamenco I would go with the Yamaha.

[guitar_noodle]

Great comparison video! 
The Yamaha has a very Flamenco sound. Bright, loud, snappy, quick response. The Cordoba has a classical sound. I have cedar and spruce top guitars(classical), depending on the piece I'm playing determines which top I'll use. If I'm going to play Flamenco, the Yamaha is what I'd go for.

[junacaba]

They are both good sounding guitars: each has its own distinctive character that is pleasant to the ear. I'd like to own both.

[IRKNFEET]

I think I preferred the sound of the Cordoba but the Yamaha was certainly punching me in the face harder.

[bsharporbflat]

The córdoba sounds more like classical guitar dressed for flamenco....the Yamaha sounds more like the real deal.

[etherlords]

Cordoba Stays true to the definition of flameco! It's loud, lower-mid boosted and pleasing tone!

[losthwy]

AAA+ review, if only every YT guitar comparison could be as clear, concise and thoughtful as this. The playing was top notch as well and the recording too was good, one def hear the differences between the two instruments.

[Hannah-fhsm]

Thanks for the comparison, very nice playing. Yup- the Yama has that blanca snarl/growl and quicker decay of tones suggestive of my Sanchis Carpio flamenco guitar at 2.5 times less the cost. The Paco has a big sound via the IR back/sides though has longer tone sustain. Was hoping the Paco’s build as a negra would make it versatile for both flamenco/classical but it still leans more for classical. There’s another You Tube vid of the Paco itself by another performer- it really responds well to alzapua and picados, though requires a lot of planting and control to give it that snappy flamenco sound. The Yama responds well to rasgueados, golpe’s, and has that biting personality. It’s amazing how far flamenco guitar has come through brilliant players, but old school-wise it still resembles drumming with the added element of strumming/picking when used behind singers and dancers...

[Blakester-brlt]

I have the Yamaha 172SF and it is my go to guitar for everything. Best $350 I've spent in a long time.

[Taffer]

Nice and informative video. I am getting the Cordoba. Both are excellent.

[uhoh]

I thought I would like the Paco best for the yamaha sounds awesome.

[斑目武-dy]

Thanks. Nice explain and beautiful play. God bless you.

[terrysmith]

The Yamaha wins, bright, true, clear . The cordoba a bit light losing it into medios . Coatings of course can create its own dynamic to sound .