The Cordoba Mini II is a nylon-string travel guitar with a 22 7/8 inch scale and a wide 1 7/8 inch nut, from around £195 in the UK. Cordoba is a dedicated classical and nylon-string maker, and the Mini II is built around the same wide, low-tension feel as a full-size classical guitar, just shrunk down.
It comes in several finishes. The FMH is acoustic only, the MH-CE and EB-CE both add an onboard preamp for plugging in, and prices rise with the top wood used.
What you actually get
All three UK-stocked versions share the same 22 7/8 inch (580mm) scale and the same wide classical-style nut. The FMH has a flamed mahogany top and no electronics. The MH-CE has an all-mahogany body and a Cordoba MG102 preamp. The EB-CE steps up to a solid spruce top with striped ebony back and sides, plus the same MG102 preamp. A plain MH acoustic also exists but was preorder only when this was written, so it is left out of the comparison below.
| Model | Top | Back and sides | Electronics | From around |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMH | Flamed mahogany | Flamed mahogany | None | £195 |
| MH-CE | Mahogany | Mahogany | Cordoba MG102 preamp | £229 |
| EB-CE | Solid spruce | Striped ebony | Cordoba MG102 preamp | £299 |
Good for: players who want a genuine nylon-string feel in a travel-sized body, or anyone introducing a child or beginner to guitar on lower-tension strings. Not for: anyone expecting steel-string volume or sustain from this size of body.
- FMH: see it at Andertons
- MH-CE: see it at Andertons
- EB-CE: see it at Andertons
Cordoba Mini II sound and playability
Acoustic Guitar magazine reviewed the FMH and found a warm, dulcet voice with notes that stayed true and clear across the neck, which the reviewer called unusual at this price. The main downsides were sharp fret ends on the test unit and bass strings that buzzed under hard playing, alongside the limited sustain and volume any small body brings. The reviewer adapted to the shorter scale quickly thanks to the wide nut, and specifically recommended it both as a travel guitar for adults and as a first guitar for a child.
That wide, low-tension nylon-string feel is a genuinely different experience from every steel-string guitar on this site, and it suits players who find steel strings hard on the fingers, which is covered in whether travel guitars are good to learn on.
Is it a good travel guitar?
Nylon strings are gentler on the fingers than steel, which makes the Mini II a comfortable choice for a beginner or for anyone travelling with sore hands. Cabin rules for instruments vary by airline, so check yours before you fly, and our guide to taking a guitar on a plane in the UK covers what to expect.
Check the Cordoba Mini II MH-CE price at Andertons
How it compares
The Vintage Viator was previously the only genuine nylon-string classical guitar covered on this site. The Mini II gives nylon-string players a second, cheaper route in, with the choice of an acoustic-only FMH or an electro-acoustic MH-CE or EB-CE depending on budget and whether you need to plug in. For how it sits against every other size and shape of travel guitar, see what size a travel guitar is and the complete UK buyer’s guide.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Cordoba Mini II FMH, MH-CE and EB-CE?
The FMH has a flamed mahogany top and no electronics. The MH-CE has an all-mahogany body with a Cordoba MG102 preamp fitted. The EB-CE steps up to a solid spruce top with striped ebony back and sides, plus the same preamp.
What scale length is the Cordoba Mini II?
22 7/8 inches, or 580mm, with a wide 1 7/8 inch nut typical of a classical guitar.
Does the Cordoba Mini II have nylon or steel strings?
Nylon. It is built around the same low-tension, wide-neck feel as a full-size classical guitar.
Is the Cordoba Mini II good for beginners?
Yes. Acoustic Guitar magazine specifically recommended it as a first guitar for a child, as well as a travel option for adults, thanks to the nylon strings and wide nut.
How much does the Cordoba Mini II cost in the UK?
From around £195 for the acoustic-only FMH, £229 for the electro-acoustic MH-CE, and £299 for the electro-acoustic EB-CE.
