The Altamira Basico is an entry-level classical guitar intended for beginners starting classical guitar lessons. It combines a solid cedar top with laminated African mahogany back and sides, an African mahogany neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. With a standard 650 mm scale length and a matte satin finish, the Basico offers students a clearly specified starting point for comparing classical guitars.
Why does the solid cedar top matter?
The top of an acoustic guitar is also called its soundboard. When a string is plucked, vibration travels through the bridge to the soundboard, which moves the surrounding air and helps produce the sound we hear.
The Basico uses a solid cedar top rather than a top made from bonded layers of wood. A solid top can respond differently to string vibration than a laminated top, which is one reason players pay attention to this specification when comparing classical guitars. Altamira describes the Basico as having an immediate, punchy tone. As with any acoustic guitar, its actual sound will also depend on its overall construction, strings, setup and the person playing it.
Solid top with laminated back and sides
“Solid top” does not mean that the entire guitar is made from solid wood. On the Basico, the cedar top is solid, while the back and sides are laminated African mahogany. This distinction is worth understanding when comparing the Basico with guitars that have laminated tops or all-solid construction.
The neck is made from African mahogany and carries an Indian rosewood fingerboard. Together, these specifications give buyers a more precise picture of the instrument than a general description such as “wooden classical guitar.”
Who is the Altamira Basico designed for?
Altamira positions the Basico as an entry-level guitar for beginners taking classical guitar lessons. It may be relevant to students choosing their first instrument or comparing beginner classical guitar models by construction and dimensions.
The Basico has a standard 650 mm scale length. Scale length is the vibrating distance of the string between the nut and saddle; it is not the guitar’s total length or its neck width. If a teacher has recommended a particular guitar size, check that requirement rather than relying on the scale-length measurement alone.
Finish and appearance
The Basico has a matte satin finish. This gives the instrument a non-glossy appearance and is a useful detail for buyers comparing the visual finishes of different classical guitars.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Altamira Basico classical guitar |
| Intended player | Beginner classical guitar student |
| Top | Solid cedar |
| Back and sides | Laminated African mahogany |
| Neck | African mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Indian rosewood |
| Scale length | 650 mm (standard) |
| Finish | Matte satin |
Is the Altamira Basico an all-solid guitar?
No. It has a solid cedar top and laminated African mahogany back and sides.
Is the Basico suitable for someone starting classical guitar lessons?
Yes. Altamira identifies it as an entry-level model suitable for beginners starting classical guitar lessons. Students should also follow their teacher’s guidance on instrument size.
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