Alhambra 5P or Cordoba C9

[Bix]

I have an opportunity to buy an Alhambra 5P for the same price as a Cordoba C9. I don't have the opportunity to try either guitar; both are brand new and the dealer has a good reputation. The Alhambra is being offered at a reduced price due to a small cosmetic (non-structural) blemish on the lower bout.

Thoughts?

Thank you, Bix

[Prominent Critic]

I am an Alhambra dealer as well as a Cordoba dealer, so I can speak to this. The Cordoba C9 is a fine guitar in its category, and you would not go wrong with it. It also comes with a Cordoba Polyfoam case. And it is all solid woods, as opposed to the Alhambra, which has laminated back and sides.

But the Alhambra 5P is in a somewhat higher category, and under normal circumstances would sell for $300 to $350 more than the Cordoba. So if the defect is merely cosmetic, I think the Alhambra is a better buy.

Ramon