That's a great review--sounds wonderful for the cost, and lots of features.

I just bought this guitar thanks to you, Brad! I have followed your channel for a year and I really trust your judgment. It absolutely blew me away. I couldn't believe how easy it was to play, which was the one thing I was worried about. I got the double top Spruce/Cedar model, and I made sure to let Paul , the owner of de Cascia guitars know that I bought it based on this video recommendation. All the best, Alex

@Thisisclassicalguitar

6 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear. I haven't tried the doubletop version yet but I bet it's even better!

@ivanguban7143

5 жыл бұрын

I am considering to buy Spruce/Cedar model, but I am not sure about sustain and weight of the guitar. Does it feel light or very heavy? What are your likes and dislikes?

@darkwingduck42

5 жыл бұрын

@@ivanguban7143 I can't say it's heavy. I love the guitar still, no dislikes.

Great review, thanks. Would REALLY like a review of the double-top model.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

3 жыл бұрын

If I get my hands on one I sure will.

I orered one of these last week largely because of your review. There have been some changes to the newer modelssuch as no arched back, no double tops, all lacquer finish, no truss rod, smaller sound port with no sound port cover. There might be other changes to the newer models too. The sound on Sylvia is great! I went from a Yamaha GC12 to the De Cascia Sylvia and what a difference! This guitar seem to effortlessly produce warm, full tones on the E string whereas the Yamaha had a hard time sounding musical on the high E string. The playability is great too! Thank you for posting this review!

@Thisisclassicalguitar

Жыл бұрын

Nice to hear. Yes, this review is now completely outdated and I added a note about that in the description and the review on the site. Glad to hear the new ones are good, maybe I'll get to try one at some point.

Thank you. I think I will upgrade the used Alhambra 4P I started out on to this instrument soon!

Nice guitar with a beautiful sound. Thank you for taking the time to present it. I didn’t really notice or read in the comments if this particular guitar is made of solid wood for top, back and sides or laminated. The website doesn’t mention it either.

@thingstoconsider9126

3 жыл бұрын

Rule of thumb. If the seller doesn't specify it that means it's laminate 100%. It's a huge pride for guitar sellers to mention solid wood because it's an eye catcher and 75% of the marketing. Personally if I don't see it mentioned I run. Not saying guitars made of laminate sound bad. Taylor has built a huge brand with guitars made of engineered wood. However this particular guitar could be just like this one on aliexpress site for $682 plus shipping. Same specs and they make it with solid top cedars, solid rosewood for sides with arch back double laminated. raised fingerboard, sound hole and so on. Check it out if you would like to save around $1000. www.aliexpress.com/item/4000119095089.html

thank you for great and detailed reviw. How would you compare De Cascia to Kenny Hill Player series guitar?

Thank you for your KZread reviews on the De Cassica, Sylvia Classical Guitar. Wonderful I am listening closely to your reviews on the De Cassica, Sylvia Classical Guitar. I listened to you a few years ago on KZread playing the De Cassica, Sylvia Classical Guitar. Now I expect within a few years to buy one of these fine guitars. The De Cassica, Sylvia Classical Guitars sound as sweet as when I heard them a few years ago. I have four steel string acoustics, and I've never owned a Classical Guitar. I play fingerstyle guitar so a classical guitar would suit my ability fine. I must be cautious though before deciding to make a purchase. I'm also thinking I would buy a more expensive classical guitar rather than the De Cassica, Sylvia Classical Guitar within the next two to five years.

Because of this review, I bought one. I have to agree, seems like a lot of guitar for the money. Great case as well. Came with humidifier and a new set of strings. I am very happy with the purchase.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

5 жыл бұрын

Oh good!

@wailhi5148

4 жыл бұрын

where did you bought it?

@keithmahorney6533

4 жыл бұрын

I am going to update this post as I did move on from the De Cascia, Sylvia as the bass was just too harsh for me. I now have 3 Kremona models. The 90th anniversary edition. the solea and the sofia. They are the very best for the money that I have found.

@fuckbored4724

4 жыл бұрын

@@keithmahorney6533 The sofia looks like one of the best guitars you can get for under a grand. Hopefully you like it

@keithmahorney6533

4 жыл бұрын

@@fuckbored4724 I love it. Play it everyday

I bought one of these at the first of the year (2018) and can say this review covers the instrument spot-on. All the features are as mentioned - but no french polish - all lacquer. An interesting feature is the braceless arched back. Cedar Double top, armrest, and the raised fingerboard is really very nice. The raised fingerboard appears to be a thickened neck block, adding 10 mm of height at the 12th fret. Frets were all professionally trimmed and no burs. The 7th fret position dot is slightly raised. It projects better than great! If I rest my chin near the sound port when playing, I can easily cause my ears to ring! No real cons on this - I'm no professional player but its a great instrument for gigs and small gatherings. It is a bit heavy on the bass end and indeed "wolfy" or "boomy". It was a bit of a surprise the first time I grabbed an open e! I did have to consider string gauge as the setup is very precise and perhaps a bit too light. Mediums work well for me. And there were definite changes to the tonal quality as humidity changed from point of origin to my home in the Pacific Northwest, but settled-in after several hours of break-in time and out of the case. This is a great guitar, and I have tried a couple of Cordoba's but not the C12. This guitar is superior to Cordoba for the price in my humble opinion.

@walt5775

6 жыл бұрын

Were there any noticeable changes to the tone due to the lacquer finish?

@garyhome7101

6 жыл бұрын

I'm not aware - I don't have the same guitar with a french polish finish. I would say if there is a difference it's subtle. And I don't know that humidity and temperature affected the finish. it's possible but I haven't noticed.

@ivanguban7143

5 жыл бұрын

Does it feel light in weight or heavy? Would you say it's more than 4 pounds or less?

@kevinl3940

5 жыл бұрын

@@walt5775 I have the Cedar DT Sylvia and I didn't really notice a difference in tonal quality due to the lacquer finish. To be honest, and this might sound dumb, but the lacquer finish is so thin and has such a matte finish I initially though it was French polished.

The link to the review on your website does not seem to be working.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I just fixed it!

Do you have a view on double tops? Spruce/Cedar? Cedar/Cedar? Spruce/Spruce?

@Thisisclassicalguitar

5 жыл бұрын

Depends on the design and the luthier. I feel the outer layer cedars generally sound better to me. Spruce inner/cedar outer might be good. I find spruce double tops sound plasticy to me but again it all depends on the luthier. I've also heard great spruce DTs as well so find a good luthier and buy what they make best!

What do you think about Sylvia model double-top cedar/cedar? What would be the major differences between this guitar and the double-top? Thanks in advance and nice review, very helpful.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

7 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I haven't tried the doubletops yet. If I do I'll post a comparison review.

@fabricioorrego5783

7 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

Thanks for this presentation. I have a question regarding good action of the classic guitar (to be able to compare to mine) The action of my guitar is the same for all 6 strings and it is between 5 and 6 mm (at 12th fret). In general do you think it is a good action for me as a beginner-intermediate player ? I mean when it comes to hold bars ... Sometimes I think holding the string in lower frets are more challenging because of the distance between the string and the neck.

@jeffreagan2001

2 жыл бұрын

Action on the 12th fret low E should be between 3 mm and 4 mm. If you don't play too aggressively, 3 mm is fine to avoid fret buzz. The action should get lower to about 0.25 mm lower for the high E compared to the low E.

Really hesitating between this model, Alhambra 10P or the Ramirez Estudio 2. Any experience/toughts on these models? Thanks a lot!

@Thisisclassicalguitar

2 жыл бұрын

Tough choice, I've only seen the early versions of the De Cascia and not sure of the others. Have you tried a Cordoba C12?

I was wondering what differences you heard between this and the Cordoba c12. Both very nice guitars but wanted to know your preference.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

3 жыл бұрын

They have strengths in different areas, compared to the one I tried the C12s are more balanced in sound and tone but the Sylvia is a bit louder, darker, and has a better raised fingerboard. I've heard lots of people mention that the basses on the Sylvia are pretty muddy but the newer batches might have been corrected, I tried an early one.

Excellent Sustain.

Hello, are the frets nice and low and have no sharp edges? In terms of frets which one has the best playability, the Cordoba C12 or Sylvia?

@kevinl3940

6 жыл бұрын

I bought the Sylvia Cedar Double Top, and the frets were perfect. No sharp edges, etc. Never played the C12, but the Sylvia is definitely comfortable to play.

@roseliasteward7146

6 жыл бұрын

Kevin L thank you for your reply. Merry Christmas!

@walt5775

6 жыл бұрын

Kevin L hey man, I'm very interested in the De Cascia guitars. You mind telling me a little about the guitar as far as the tone, projection, and playability? Maybe some pros and cons. I've been trying to look more into them, but there's very little discussion about them on the internet. Any help would be very much appreciated!

@kevinl3940

6 жыл бұрын

Hi Walter. I think this review is pretty much spot on what I observe also. The guitar really projects loud and it has a nice warm tone. A little warmer than my previous guitar. I'd say the balance slightly favors the bass, but that's really being picky. The action was spot on. I didn't like the sound hole at first because from my vantage point initially because I couldn't hear the trebles well, but there is a cover so you can decide. I really like the arm rest. I'm neutral on the raised fingerboard...I don't tend to play past the 12th fret but I guess it's nice to have. The workmanship is great....absolutely no flaws whatsoever like the demo guitar in the video. Tuners are high quality. I mean, I really can't think of too much downsize at this price point. I had a hard time pulling the trigger on a guitar I hadn't really played in person, and also one that didn't have much available information but in the end, the Guitar Salon of Montreal is extremely reputable in the classical guitar world, and you just can't get these features (in my case double top, raised fingerboard, armrest, sound port) in other guitars. I'm happy with the purchase and have no regrets. I'd buy again for sure.

@walt5775

6 жыл бұрын

I see. Thank you for the quick reply! I spoke to one of the representatives from the Guitar Salon and they mentioned that they no longer use French polish on the top, instead the guitar has completely lacquered finish. But thanks again, it gives me a lot to think about. Have a wonderful day.

I had decided on the Cordoba C10. But after seeing this, I am once again stock in a black empty space of guitar woods and sounds. haha The raised finger thing seems interesting. I actually think I like the sound from this better than the C10. These videos are very helpful. I also like seeing your room. I am always so interested in other peoples lives.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

3 жыл бұрын

I find the Cordoba's more balanced. They are not as loud or responsive as this one but balance is still more important to me.

@gringo5621

3 жыл бұрын

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I'm a great fan of your videos. Could we use different strings that could provide more volume to the trebles?

@JoshuaG85

3 жыл бұрын

@@Thisisclassicalguitar That is a very good tip. In your opinion, for $1000-$1800, what is the best classical guitar I can get? I don't want a flamenco. Just a standard classical. Also, I really don't think I want one with a cut away. I believe Willie Nelson said never get a cutaway. haha I mean, if HE knows anything.

By "woofy" (I I understood properly) did you mean dull? I love the punch that most classical guitars have on the bass. I had been considering a Cordoba C 12 for over a year, but may have been swayed by this review to the Sylvia. I definitely would lose interest though if the bass were at all dull.

@davidcook3795

Жыл бұрын

My interest in both guitars were largely due to your reviews on both.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

Жыл бұрын

I've heard the newer ones sound a bit different but this one was quite dark and a bit muddy in the lower range. In general I've found the C12s to be more balanced. But I've only tried one of these guitars so I don't have as much experience with them.

@davidcook3795

Жыл бұрын

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I emailed and was informed that they no longer used the arched back which resulted in the muddy bass.

615 or 650 scale length?

@Thisisclassicalguitar

4 жыл бұрын

This one is 650mm

You forgot to explain the round hole on top ??

@Thisisclassicalguitar

2 жыл бұрын

It's a soundhole, I have a post here. www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/sound-portals-soundports-for-classical-guitar/

I wish I would have seen this video a couple of months ago. I just bought a used Cordoba C12 for about $1,400 US and I am really happy with it but seeing this makes me wish I would have held out for the De Cascia instead. They go for about $2,200 new which is only about $50 more than a new C12 but the extra features like the (actual) raised fretboard, arm rest, player sound hole, 12 hole bridge and 18/1 tuners really make this guitar a better value. Having just a little buyers remorse but I'll get over it. LOL.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

Жыл бұрын

The C12 is nicely balanced though. Although it isn't as modern in some ways, it would be my choice. That said, I haven't tried the new Sylvias which are supposed to be better than the one I tried.

Wow! I'm looking to upgrade my instrument on a budget and this looks like the ticket! Do you think a spruce top would even out the bass/ treble imbalance? Thanks for introducing me to this company!

@Thisisclassicalguitar

7 жыл бұрын

Maybe, hard to say. It depends on how consistent the building process is...imbalance could be caused by a large number of factors. I think luthiers of high-end instruments really consider each piece of wood in relation to their design.

@azbillbrandon

7 жыл бұрын

I just ordered one of these instruments today!

@Thisisclassicalguitar

7 жыл бұрын

What did you end up ordering?

@azbillbrandon

7 жыл бұрын

A Spruce top Sylvia. I'll have a video up once I receive the instrument!

@harrylegthigh

6 жыл бұрын

Brandon Azbill

If Drew Henderson cares to play it, it must be good. It does sound good in his Grand Guitar Salon recording.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

Ай бұрын

Well, I think they are having him play one in that video but I don't think he owns one himself. Nevertheless, there are a ton of guitars now that aim to try to keep up with more expensive single-luthier built ones. They rarely meet all the criteria of a higher end guitar but they are important contributions for sure, since not everyone can afford high end instruments.

The tone is pretty warm, though I wish it a bit more open. A lot of guitar for the money.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

4 жыл бұрын

It's hard to tell through all the mics and technology.

I have never been a big fan of sound ports, but this guitar has one. What are your thoughts on them? It almost seems like a desecration of the fine wood and workmanship.

@Thisisclassicalguitar

6 жыл бұрын

I don't think it does anything for the audience but it can be nice to have when playing chamber music and you need more sound on the stage for the other musicians. Guitar's a very directional so good for someone beside or behind you. Also, in dead sounding rooms it makes it sound louder and clearer to the player... I do find hearing all the overtones and bright clarity distracting. Mine has a magnetic cover so I can choose...

These guitars are made in China and may only have a 6 month warranty? They are updated in Canada which may assist?

@Thisisclassicalguitar

7 жыл бұрын

I think it is a year warranty. They are checked over by luthiers in Canada as an inspection and to set up the action etc.

@grandguitarsalon

7 жыл бұрын

Hello, yes they do have 6 months warranty, The top is frenched polished in Montreal by our luthiers, also the saddles are made, armrests, nuts and saddles, Fret set up then of course the complete set up..., you could contact paul@salondeguitare.com for more info...Thanks

Lot of guitar for the money - and I think truss rods should be part of every instrument. There is no downside.

@nbnguitar

7 жыл бұрын

Tioga Fretworks I agree

I'm not knocking China's luthiers, I am sure some are darn good. But for almost the same amount of money you dole out for the De Cascia Sylvia you can buy a nice Spanish made studio/professional model made in a family owned and run shop that builds in house and not designed and farmed out to an Asian shop. Back in the early 70's I bought a sweet Hiroshi Tamura flamenco (Japanese Luthier). Sure wish I had held on to it. That guitar was so light you could hold it up on a pinky finger without any trouble. And it was punchy and each string and note as clear as a bell. I also owned a Martin Double 00-28c classical. This was my first classical guitar which cost me $300 back in 71.Sold it for more and then I purchased my final guitar in 96, a Burguet 2M solid wood. Paid a little over 1500 for it back then. These can be found used for same price as the De Cascia. Each year my guitar sounds better and better and every time I open the case I am greeted with the warm aromatic scent of cedar. Not knocking the De Cascia, I'm sure they are nice.

I was considering the Cordoba C12, but I decided to get the Sylvia after seeing this review. I contacted the company through email for a 640mm Sylvia arched back with single Spruce top. Due to some delay in production, it took about 5 months for the guitar to arrive in September 2021. The company says normal waiting time is about 4 to 6 months. To my surprise the guitar's Back & sides are all solid Indian Rosewoods and does not have the arched back. Top is Solid German spruce, very thin all laquer finishing, no truss rod. (No additional charges for the upgrade from arched to solid, guitar price 1700 USD) It still has lattice bracing, raised fingerboard, sound port, Ebony fingerboard, and arm rest. It also came with a humidifier and a hygrometer. I am very happy with this guitar, it is easy to play and smells nice. I think its tone is clear in general, really like its sound. I have noted Paul I made the purchase because of this video. Thank you Bradford for the recommendation!

@Thisisclassicalguitar

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it worked out for you!

While I do enjoy your guitar reviews, it would be really nice if you would start off with playing something. Then we get to hear what it's like before you begin talking, instead of waiting until the end to hear the guitar.

@possiblepilotdeviation5791

2 жыл бұрын

You know you can watch the video from any point you like? You don't have to play from beginning to end.

I bought the double top - hate it - top has warped some does not play well - waste of money 1900 US

Made in China, inconsistent manufacturing with messy fretwork. For this kind of money, you can buy something made in Spain with more consistent workmanship.

@patrickwwallace89

Жыл бұрын

Hey, did you end up buying one? Where did you hear their fretwork is messy?

@talandelana6873

11 ай бұрын

I disagree. Show me a 2k Spanish guitar with all solid wood and lattice bracing.