Ortega have really focused on playability in addition to comfort here, with a 48mm nut width, non-classical players will be reassured by the less drastic string spacing. This promotes ease when migrating directly from electric or steel string to the Striped Suite C/E so non-classical players should adapt very well to this guitar too.
Fantastic craftsmanship
Reasonably priced
12 hole bridge
Nothing at this price point
Shop around for a nylon strung guitar and certain features spring to mind; tradition, handcrafting, & tonewoods to name but a few. However, can you have traditional luthier values combined with a modern approach to classical instrument development? Stuart Shields feels Ortega Guitars may have the answer.
The Striped Suite C/E is a single cutaway modern concert guitar. Handmade and crafted from selected tonewoods, the Striped Suite C/E takes pride of place in Ortega’s Private Room series. An instant eye catcher is the Striped Ebony back (hence the the ‘Striped’ title). This is perfectly matched to the Alaskan Spruce top. But the real star of the show is the built in arm rest. This provides an immediate and unique aesthetic to the guitar, but this is as functional as it is beautiful - sitting in a traditional position, the rest provides very welcome comfort and, once experienced, it’s hard to imagine how you ever tolerated the intrusive edge of lower bouts digging into your forearm for all those years! Set along side the Spruce top it is easily notable that the rest is crafted from a wood of it’s own - Acacia wood (also known as Hawaiian Koa). This less ubiquitous choice comes with functionality too, Acacia wood can be found in high end furniture construction and is revered for its almost biblical strength and durability. So rest assured (excuse the pun!), your forearm is going to be well looked after and much thought has been invested into the longevity of this feature.
Ortega have really focused on playability in addition to comfort here, with a 48mm nut width, non-classical players will be reassured by the less drastic string spacing. This promotes ease when migrating directly from electric or steel string to the Striped Suite C/E so non-classical players should adapt very well to this guitar too.
The modern age also has its place in amongst the traditional values of the Striped Suite C/E in the form of a six crystal under saddle Piezo pick up. This is controlled via the reassuringly non-intrusive Magnus Pro preamp. Your standard 3 band EQ controls are present, in addition to a handy phase control to the charge of feedback.
A final cherry on the cake is the use of a 12 hole bridge - a feature usually reserved for much higher price point, but standard for Ortega guitars. The 12 hole system improves the overall tuning stability by allowing the string to feed through the bridge twice and form a ‘sling’. Moreover, due to the adjustment in string pressure, there’s a positive impact on the overall tone.
When taken as a complete package it’s hard not to be impressed by the Ortega Striped Suite C/E - traditional, handcrafted and perfectly matched with modern values and features. A look at the RRP will no doubt strip away any reason for not buying this guitar too! Any player considering adding a nylon string to their arsenal should have Ortega on their shortlist.
Solid Alaska Spruce Top
Striped Ebony Back
Solid Mahogany Neck
Blackwood Fretboard
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