What makes the Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE a 'crossover' guitar?

It is designed with a narrower neck and a radiused fingerboard compared to a standard classical guitar, making it feel more similar to a steel-string acoustic while using nylon strings.

What type of wood is used for the guitar's top?

The guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top, which is known for its warm, lush sound and immediate responsiveness.

What woods are used for the back and sides?

The back and sides are constructed from Indian rosewood, providing a balanced frequency range and excellent clarity.

Does this guitar have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the Fishman Presys electronics system includes a built-in tuner, allowing for easy adjustments on stage or in the studio.

Is the Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE suitable for gigging?

Yes, it is designed for performing musicians, featuring onboard amplification to project its sound in live environments.

What electronics system is installed in this model?

The guitar is equipped with Fishman Presys electronics, which include volume and tone controls to sculpt the amplified sound.

How does cedar compare to spruce for the guitar top?

Cedar typically offers a warmer, darker sound that responds well to a light touch, whereas spruce is often brighter and requires more time to 'break in'.

What playing style is this guitar best suited for?

It is highly recommended for fingerpicking styles due to the clarity and even response provided by its tonewood combination.

What is the typical price for the Fusion Orchestra CE Cedar?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £819, positioning it as a professional-grade instrument.

Does the guitar feature a cutaway body design?

Yes, the 'CE' in the name stands for Cutaway Electric, providing easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.

How does this model compare to the Taylor PS14ce?

The Cordoba is a nylon-string crossover focused on classical warmth at a mid-range price, whereas the Taylor PS14ce is a premium steel-string instrument costing significantly more.

Can I use steel strings on this guitar?

No, this guitar is built specifically for nylon strings. Using steel strings would likely cause structural damage due to the significantly higher tension.

Gear article

Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE Cedar

The Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE Cedar is a hybrid electro-acoustic guitar designed to bridge the gap between traditional nylon-string classical guitars and steel-string acoustics. It features a solid Canadian cedar top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, incorporating Fishman Presys electronics for professional amplification.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE is a member of Cordoba's Fusion series, a line specifically engineered to provide steel-string players with a more familiar transition to the nylon-string world. Unlike traditional wide-necked classical guitars, the Fusion series typically features narrower nut widths and radiused fingerboards. The 'Orchestra' body shape provides a comfortable, ergonomic profile while maintaining sufficient internal volume for resonant projection.

The build quality centres on a solid Canadian cedar top, a tonewood favoured for its immediate responsiveness and warmth. This is complemented by Indian rosewood for the back and sides, a combination frequently used in high-end lutherie to achieve a balanced frequency response and aesthetic elegance.

Electronics and Performance

For live performance and studio recording, the instrument is equipped with the Fishman Presys electronics system. This preamp is designed to maintain the natural acoustic properties of the nylon strings when amplified. Key features of the system include:

Onboard volume control
Tone shaping controls for precise sculpting
Built-in digital tuner for convenience on stage
Phase switch to help mitigate feedback issues

Tonal Profile

The combination of cedar and rosewood yields a 'highly desired classical tone' characterised by clarity and an even response across all registers. Cedar is known for being less stiff than spruce, allowing it to vibrate easily even with light fingerpicking. This results in a sweet, harmonically rich sound that excels in intimate performance settings. The rosewood back and sides provide a sturdy low-end foundation and crisp highs, ensuring that the guitar does not sound overly 'muddy' when played with complex chords.

Intended Users

The Fusion Orchestra CE is specifically suited for gigging and recording musicians who require the soft feel and distinct timbre of nylon strings but prefer the ergonomics of a modern acoustic guitar. It is particularly effective for fingerpicking styles and genres such as folk, bossa nova, and jazz, where a balance of warmth and articulation is required.

Market Context

While priced around £819, the Fusion Orchestra CE occupies a mid-to-high-tier position in the crossover market. It offers a more traditional tonal pallet than compact models like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E, and a different stylistic direction compared to steel-string jumbos like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E. It serves as a more affordable, specialised alternative to ultra-premium custom shop models such as the Taylor PS14ce.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE a 'crossover' guitar?: It is designed with a narrower neck and a radiused fingerboard compared to a standard classical guitar, making it feel more similar to a steel-string acoustic while using nylon strings.
What type of wood is used for the guitar's top?: The guitar features a solid Canadian cedar top, which is known for its warm, lush sound and immediate responsiveness.
What woods are used for the back and sides?: The back and sides are constructed from Indian rosewood, providing a balanced frequency range and excellent clarity.
Does this guitar have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the Fishman Presys electronics system includes a built-in tuner, allowing for easy adjustments on stage or in the studio.
Is the Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE suitable for gigging?: Yes, it is designed for performing musicians, featuring onboard amplification to project its sound in live environments.
What electronics system is installed in this model?: The guitar is equipped with Fishman Presys electronics, which include volume and tone controls to sculpt the amplified sound.
How does cedar compare to spruce for the guitar top?: Cedar typically offers a warmer, darker sound that responds well to a light touch, whereas spruce is often brighter and requires more time to 'break in'.
What playing style is this guitar best suited for?: It is highly recommended for fingerpicking styles due to the clarity and even response provided by its tonewood combination.
What is the typical price for the Fusion Orchestra CE Cedar?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £819, positioning it as a professional-grade instrument.
Does the guitar feature a cutaway body design?: Yes, the 'CE' in the name stands for Cutaway Electric, providing easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.
How does this model compare to the Taylor PS14ce?: The Cordoba is a nylon-string crossover focused on classical warmth at a mid-range price, whereas the Taylor PS14ce is a premium steel-string instrument costing significantly more.
Can I use steel strings on this guitar?: No, this guitar is built specifically for nylon strings. Using steel strings would likely cause structural damage due to the significantly higher tension.