Top 5 Best Requinto Guitars of 2023 – A Comprehensive Guide and Reviews

Are you a guitar enthusiast looking to expand your collection with a unique and versatile instrument? Allow us to introduce you to the mesmerizing world of the Requinto guitar! In this blog post, we will explore the Top 5 Requinto guitars with comprehensive reviews, unique characteristics, sounds, and craftsmanship of these captivating instruments, perfectly tailored for guitar buyers like you. Get ready to be enchanted as we dive into the intriguing realm of Requintos!

1. Cordoba 1/2-Size Requinto

The Cordoba Requinto guitar is a popular choice among travelers and musicians, offering portability and exceptional sound quality in its compact form. Despite its smaller size, the instrument delivers impressive resonance, comparable to full-sized guitars. Generally, the build quality is satisfactory and the finish attractive; however, some users have experienced minor issues initially, so budgeting for a professional setup may be advisable for optimal playability.

• Top Wood: Solid Canadian Cedar
  Back and Sides: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• String Spacing at Saddle: 55mm (2.2in)
• Scale Length: 580mm (22.8in)
• Nut Width: 47mm (1.85in)
• Nut/Saddle: Bone
• Number of Frets: 12 to body, 19 total
• Bracing/Build: Spanish Fan Bracing
• Body Width: 246mm (9.7in) Width at upper bout, 330mm (13in) Width At Lower Bout
• Overall Length: 35.5in
• Body Depth: 86mm (3.4in) at upper bout and lower bouts
• Tuning Machines: Cordoba Gold Tuning Machines

Handcrafted Design and Materials

The guitar features a solid cedar top, mahogany back and sides, and Indian rosewood detailing with a hand-inlaid all-natural wood rosette.

Traditional Bracing for Rich Sound

Incorporating 5-fan Torres-style bracing, the Requinto offers a rich Spanish sound despite its shorter string length.

Ideal for Children Learning Nylon-String Guitars

The Requinto is an excellent choice for children learning to play nylon-string guitars, providing accessibility and quality

Tuning and Strings

The Requinto guitar is designed for standard E tuning and comes with high-tension Savarez strings. Its shorter scale length results in slightly lower string tension compared to full-sized guitars. For increased tension, it can be tuned up to G standard tuning (a minor third higher), but should not exceed this limit to avoid potential damage to the instrument over time.

Overall, the Cordoba Requinto offers great playability for individuals with arthritis or smaller hands, but keep in mind that some may find the nut width discrepancy slightly bothersome.

Pros:

1. It is compact and easily portable, making it perfect for travel.
2. It resonates with a full, rich sound despite its size.
3. Excellent build quality and aesthetics.
4. Suitable for players with small hands or arthritis
5. Offers good value for money.
6. It stays very much in tune with itself.

Cons:

1. Projection concern
2. Fret finishes might sometimes be sharp, needing a little smoothening.
3. Nut width description discrepancy; might be narrower than advertised for some units.
4. May not be ideal for very young players (under 7 years old) due to the size resembling a 3/4 guitar.

2. Ortega Guitars

Hey, Music Lovers! Meet Requinto Series Guitars – your new small but mighty friend in the musical world! Imagine having all the cool vibes of Mexican and Latin American tunes right in your hands. This isn’t just a guitar; it’s a little box of rich, awesome sounds waiting to get out!

This guitar features a solid cedar wood top that produces bold and rich vocal tones, accompanied by the warmth of sturdy sapele back and sides. Despite its smaller, portable size, the instrument delivers an impressive volume surpassing other small guitars in the market.

• Body type: Classical, Single Cutaway
• Bodyshape:Deep Body
• Top wood: Solid cedar
• Back & sides: Sapele
• Bracing pattern: Fan
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E
• Body finish: Satin
• Nut width: 50 mm (1.96 in.)
• Fingerboard: Walnut
• Neck wood: Okoume
• Scale length: 535 mm (21.06 in.)
• Number of frets: 18
• Orientation: Right Handed
• Number of strings: 6

Superior Playability & Design

Feel the smooth touch of the satin-finished okoume neck as you play, and trust in the sturdy 2-way truss rod to keep everything straight and true. Walnut details on the fretboard, bridge, and headstock aren’t just there to look pretty; they make every tune you play extra special.

Perfect for All Music Enthusiasts

The 110mm deep body guitar is designed for all music enthusiasts, regardless of their experience level. This versatile instrument can capture the attention of any audience without the need for an amplifier, producing loud and clear sound. Its user-friendly nature makes it perfect for both seasoned pros and those recently discovered a passion for music.

Traditional Meets Modern

We’re all about mixing the old and the new here. So while we’re big fans of time-tested guitar-making traditions, we’re also jazzing things up with modern tweaks like two-way truss rods and 12-hole bridges. And to top it all off, our Requinto guitars come with a fancy deluxe gig bag to keep them safe and sound.

Pros:

1. Sound Depth: Solid cedar top for a rich, profound sound and robust sapele back and sides.
2. Super Touchy-Feely: With a satin-finished okoume neck and walnut accents, this instrument is expertly crafted and feels wonderful in your fingers.
3. Portability: Compact size, coupled with a deluxe gig bag, enhancing its portability.
4. Loud Acoustic Performance: Notably louder than traditional small-body guitars, even without amplification.
5. Tradition Meets Innovation: Respecting the deep roots of guitar crafting while embracing contemporary enhancements.

Cons:

1. Electronics: Lack of preamp/pickup system which may limit its versatility in varied performance settings.
2. Nut Width: Specific nut width may not be suitable for all players.
3. Orientation: Primarily available for right-handed players.

3. Takamine 12 String Electric Guitar

The Takamine EF381SC is a 12-string Requinto guitar known for its versatile and beautiful sound, crafted by experienced artisans. It is not just an instrument but a reliable partner for every musician to express their musical story and emotions.

• Body Top: Solid Cedar
• Body Back: Maple
• Neck Material Type: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Nut Width: 46.35 mm (1.825 in. )
• Type: Acoustic/Electric Guitar
• Number of Strings: 12
• Body Shape: Dreadnought

Design and Construction

This visually stunning guitar features a reflective maple back, sides, and an elegant gloss black finish. The mahogany neck, dovetail joint, and Takamine’s unique Palathetic under-saddle pickup offer superior tone quality and amplified responses.

Performance

Exceptional in both appearance and performance, the Takamine EF381SC shines on stage with its remarkable design and offers premium sound quality for an impressive musical experience.

Advanced Electronics

Equipped with the CT4B II preamp system, a three-band EQ, volume control, and built-in tuner, the Takamine EF381SC ensures that artists are always in harmony while resonating with audiences during performances.

Musicians Opinion On the Instrument

• “A traveler’s companion – sturdy, reliable, and doesn’t miss a beat even on the road.”
• “A rival to many high-end brands, delivering smooth and unparalleled 12-string tones at a fraction of the price.”
• “An aesthetic and acoustic delight, marrying visuals and sound with its detailed design and tonality.”
• “A universally appealing sound, making it a top choice for diverse musical genres, from rock to Mexican Regional Music.”

Pros:

1. Versatile Tones: Plays everything from soft mellow notes to robust power chords with finesse.
2. Reflective Acoustics: The maple back and sides ensure your music is heard in its richest form.
3. Glossy Aesthetics: Stage-ready with a dazzling gloss black finish.
4. Amplified Excellence: With the CT4B II preamp system, expect an amplified response that stands peerless in its category.
5. Durable and Reliable: Craftsmanship that withstands the test of time and travel.

Cons:

1. Quality Control Issues: A few instances of receiving defective products have been noted.
2. Price Point: Might be a significant investment for some musicians.
3. Weight and Size: The dreadnought size might be bulky or heavy for some players.

4. Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar

The Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar is a unique blend of performance, affordability, and quality. This instrument is the bridge to a new world of sound.

• Bracing: Jasmine Advanced “X” Bracing
• Top Material: Spruce
• Back and sides: Sapele
• Body Finish: Gloss
• Scale Length: 648mm (25.5 in.)
• Neck: Nato
• Neck Finish: Gloss
• Fingerboard Radius: 305mm(12 in.)
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Right / Left Handed: Right Handed
• Number of Strings: 6-String
• Neck Material: Mahogany

Design and Features

Designed with a sleek user-friendly profile, this guitar is perfect for beginners trying to make their first strum as well as veteran artists looking for a reliable tool. It’s slim and matte finished neck will serve as your guide, leading you through enchanted melodies to resonating chords. The fretboard offers smooth transitions and the neck’s curve will simplify those pesky chord formations.

We also threw in a cutaway design so players can reach all the high notes they want. Along with it’s tuning stability this instrument will follow you everywhere as you create memories of “campfire strums”, “beachside melodies” and “cozy home practices”. The best part? All of this in one affordable package.

Take your first step into the musical world with the Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar. Even if you’re already on that path, this guitar is still an amazing addition to your collection without making a serious dent in your wallet.

Pros:

1. Affordable: Provides a commendable level of quality at a relatively low cost.
2. Accessible Playability: Features a slim neck, low action, and accessible fretboard, catering to a smooth playing experience.
3. Chord Sound Quality: Delivers a satisfyingly sweet and bass-enriched sound when playing chords.
4. Tuning Stability: Maintains its tuning well, suggesting stability in everyday use and various environments.
5. Durability and Portability: Showcases a degree of robustness, proving travel-friendly and able to withstand varied shipping environments.
6. Beginner-Friendly: Particularly suitable for beginners with its ease of play and minimal setup requirements out of the box.

Cons:

1. String Quality: Comes with original strings that might be suboptimal in quality, potentially necessitating an immediate string change.
2. Finish Imperfections: Some units may exhibit minor blemishes in the stain, particularly on the spruce top and fretboard.
3. Tone Quality for Soloing: The tone quality for individual strings, particularly for melody or solo playing, might be suboptimal, displaying a booming bass or tinny higher strings.
4. Hardware Longevity: Concerns might arise regarding the long-term durability of certain hardware, such as the tuners.

5. Kremona Romida String Guitar

Experience a classical Requinto guitar that brings together traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, meticulously crafted by Kremona, a brand with a rich legacy dating back to 1924.

Materials and Acoustics

Combining Indian Rosewood and solid spruce top, Romida offers an unparalleled auditory journey with bright clarity and dynamic depth in tone, embodying both aesthetic charm and acoustic excellence.

Design and Ergonomics

Featuring dual ebony headstock overlay, intricate inlays, sturdy construction, and ergonomic ease, Romida is more than just an instrument—it’s a timeless partner in your musical adventures.

Specifications

• Body & Construction
  • Back and Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood, offering a throaty growl in the lows and bell-like clarity in the highs.
  • Top: Solid European Spruce, blending power with a touch of warmth to provide a versatile sonic profile.
  • Finish: Ultra-thin gloss, presenting the wood’s natural allure while offering protection.
• Neck & Fingerboard
  • Material: Honduras Cedar for the neck, ensuring stability and a comfortable profile.
  • Fingerboard: Ebony, providing a smooth touch to the player’s fingers and ensuring durability.
  • Width at Nut: 52mm (2-inch), allowing ease of playability across genres.
• Headstock & Tuning
  • Overlay: Dual Ebony, offering a unique aesthetic appeal to the headstock.
  • Tuning Machines: Brass with black accents, ensuring stable and precise tuning.
• Strings & Sound
  • Strings: Kremona Arete medium-high tension strings, delivering a balanced and expressive tone.
  • Sound Characteristics: A rich, full-bodied sound, producing bright, sparkling trebles and deep, assertive lows.
• Additional Features
  • Binding and Rosette: Wood, enhancing the guitar’s aesthetic and structural integrity.
  • Nut and Saddle: Bone, aiding in producing clear and sustained tones.
  • Scale Length: 650mm (25.5-inch), standard for achieving classical tonality.

Pros:

1. Exquisite Sound Quality: Immerse in the lush, robust tonality, challenging instruments of a higher price point with its rich and full sound.
2. Meticulous Craftsmanship: From high-gloss finish to detailed inlays and charming gold filigree, every element echoes superior craftsmanship.
3. User-friendly Playability: Enjoy effortless sessions with its ideal balance between durability and lightness, ensuring comfort even during prolonged use.
4. Aesthetic and Emotional Appeal: A guitar that’s not just heard but felt, offering an emotionally rich and visually stunning experience.
5. Sonic Versatility: Achieving a sonorous balance, it offers both bright, clear highs and deep, assertive lows.

Cons:

1. String Adjustment Period: May require an adaptation period for some users to its medium-tension strings.
2. Mindful Storage Needs: Its rich craftsmanship demands diligent storage to maintain its allure, potentially limiting spontaneous play and display.
3. Pricing Consideration: While it offers fantastic value, the investment might require contemplation for some aspiring musicians.

What Is a Requinto Guitar?

A requinto guitar is a smaller, unique type of guitar that originates from Mexico and Spain. It’s typically used in traditional Latin American music genres like bolero, corrido and ranchera. The key features that set it apart from a standard acoustic or classical guitar are its smaller size, tuning, and unique tonal qualities.

The requinto guitar is characterized by its bright, clear sound which is achieved through its higher pitch tuning. Unlike the standard EADGBE tuning found on most guitars, the requinto is tuned a fourth higher (A D G C E A). This specialized tuning allows for intricate fingerpicking patterns and distinct melodic lines that are perfect for solo performances or as accompaniment in ensemble settings.

What could be the reasons for adding a requinto to your collection?

• Lightweight and Portable: Due to its smaller size, the requinto guitar is easier to transport for traveling musicians. Whether you’re performing at local gigs or jamming with friends, having a lightweight and easily transportable instrument can make life much more convenient. But remember the tuning variations. It might not be perfect if you don’t like playing in the A to A register.
• Unique Sound: The most obvious reason to consider adding a requinto guitar to your collection is its distinct sound. The higher pitch delivers a brighter tone with more clarity than most other guitars, allowing for intricate melodies to truly shine.
• A unique instrument all on its own: The requinto is a unique musical instrument, allows for easy exploration of higher registers while maintaining familiar guitar chord shapes and fingerings. This accessibility to higher notes enables musicians to comfortably play chords and melodies that may otherwise be difficult on a standard guitar.
• A great choice for small hands: The requinto guitar, with its shorter scale, is an excellent option for individuals with small hands, particularly children. This instrument caters to their needs and allows them to play comfortably and effectively.

Downsides of Requinto Guitars

• Limited Soundscape: Due to their smaller size and shorter scale length, requinto guitars produce a limited soundscape compared to their full-sized counterparts. Players who prefer deep bass tones might find themselves disappointed with the relatively higher pitch offered by these instruments.
• Limited Genre Suitability: While the requinto guitar is perfect for specific genres such as traditional Latin American music or flamenco, it may feel restrictive when trying to explore other musical styles that demand fuller sonic options.
• Size Constraints: The smaller size of Requinto guitars can be both a blessing and a curse. While their compact design is favorable for younger individuals or those with smaller hands, full-grown musicians may face challenges adapting to the reduced fretboard. Additionally, sourcing suitable gig bags or cases that accommodate the unique shape of the Requinto can also pose difficulties for travelling musicians.

Common FAQs

Conclusion

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the top best Requinto Guitars out there! Finding the ideal Requinto for your unique preferences and needs might be difficult given the wide range of options available, but we hope our guide has enlightened your search. Happy strumming!