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- The Pleyel range covers all levels: from the affordable study guitar to the high-end instrument in solid woods.
- The choice between spruce top and solid cedar top directly influences the tonal color and responsiveness.
- Budget, level and playing style: each model targets a specific guitarist profile.
At Woodbrass, we see hundreds of classical guitarists every year. And since Pleyel arrived in our shelves, one question keeps coming up: "Which Pleyel model should I choose for my level?" It’s true that the range is well thought out, with a real progression from accessible to high-end series.
So, we decided to give you the full tour. In this comparison, you’ll discover four 4/4 classical guitars from Pleyel, from entry-level to the Expression series. The idea: to help you find the classical guitar that really fits your playing, budget and ambitions.
Comparison of the new Pleyel classical guitars
The Pleyel P100 Étude lets you start classical guitar without hassle. The okoumé neck and sonokeling fingerboard offer immediate comfort from the first chords.
The spruce top delivers a clear and balanced sound, ideal for clearly hearing what you play. The nato back and sides provide a consistent response. Fitted with Aquila strings, it’s ready to play right out of the box.
Pros
- Immediate playing comfort
- Clear and readable tone
- Original Aquila strings
- Very affordable price
Weak point
- Spruce laminated top (not solid)
On a study classical guitar, a laminated top (plywood) is common and perfectly suitable for learning. The difference with a solid top is mainly felt in projection and dynamic nuances, qualities that become more meaningful as you progress.
The P200 stands out from the P100 thanks to its solid red cedar top. The guitar responds faster, projects more and offers a naturally warm tone. Even with a light attack, the notes come out well: a real asset for working on nuances and phrasing.
The nato back keeps a balanced and stable character. Like the P100, it comes with Aquila strings and a very comfortable okoumé neck / sonokeling fingerboard.
Pros
- Solid red cedar top: responsiveness and warmth
- Expressive tone from the first notes
- Excellent value for money
- Original Aquila strings
Weak point
- No gigbag included
With the P800, you enter Pleyel’s Expression series. The goal is clear: to offer progressing guitarists an instrument more precise, more nuanced and better finished than a simple study guitar.
The solid spruce top provides a clear attack and expanded dynamics. The notes stand out well, the instrument responds finely to touch variations. It’s exactly what you need to start working on articulation and projection.
The back and sides in Macassar ebony, a dense and responsive wood, enhance sustain and bring a more high-end sonic identity. The khaya neck and Black Brankowood fingerboard complete the set for consistent playability. Padded gigbag included.
Pros
- Solid spruce top: precision and projection
- Back in Macassar ebony: sustain and richness
- Gigbag included for transport
- Careful finishes, intermediate level
Weak point
- No truss rod in the neck
On a classical guitar, the solid top (spruce or cedar) is the first upgrade that really makes a difference. It’s what vibrates and projects the sound. As you move up the range, it’s the criterion to watch first.
The P800CE takes the base of the Expression series and opens it to amplified playing. Its solid spruce top gives a clear attack and dynamics sensitive to right-hand nuances. Voices stand out well in chords and arpeggios remain readable when you work on phrasing.
The back and sides in Macassar ebony provide a sustained bass and clear trebles. The cutaway frees access to positions beyond the 12th fret, and the Pleyel preamp (supplied by Korg) preserves the warmth of nylon both in rehearsal and on a small stage.
Big plus: the double-action truss rod allows you to finely adjust the neck relief according to your string gauge and playing style. A real advantage on a classical. Comes with a padded waterproof gigbag.
Pros
- Solid spruce: clear attack and dynamics
- Cutaway and preamp: accessible trebles, amplified playing
- Double-action truss rod
- Padded gigbag included
Weak point
- No left-handed version
The double-action truss rod (truss rod) is rare on classical guitars. It allows you to adjust the neck relief in both directions, to compensate for tension variations related to string gauge changes or climatic conditions. A real advantage for maintaining optimal action over time.
FAQ – Choosing your Pleyel classical guitar
What’s the difference between a spruce top and a cedar top?
Spruce offers a sharper attack and a clear sound, with projection that develops over time. Cedar responds faster, with a naturally warm tone. Both are suitable for study. Cedar is often preferred for fingerstyle and bossa, spruce for a more articulated playing.
Why choose a solid top rather than laminated?
A solid top vibrates more freely than a laminated top. It offers more nuance, better projection, and a sound that improves with time. This is the first criterion to watch when you move up in range on a classical guitar.
What is the double-action truss rod for on a classical guitar?
The truss rod allows you to adjust the neck relief to modify the action (the height of the strings relative to the frets). The double-action model corrects in both directions, a real plus to adapt the instrument to your playing or to compensate for humidity changes.
Are Pleyel guitars suitable for styles other than classical?
Yes. All Pleyel classical guitars come with nylon strings and are very suitable for bossa nova, fingerstyle, singing accompaniment, ballads, and traditional music. The cedar models are particularly comfortable with styles that favor warmth and roundness.
Which Pleyel to choose for an intermediate guitarist?
For an intermediate guitarist, the Pleyel P800 Expression is an excellent starting point: solid spruce top, dense woods, and careful finishes. If you also want to play amplified and gain comfort, the P800CE Expression adds the cutaway, preamp, and double-action truss rod.
How to choose your Pleyel classical guitar?
The choice depends on three simple criteria: your level, your budget, and the sound you’re looking for. If you’re a beginner, the P100 or P200 will support you without issue during your first years. The P200 with its solid cedar top offers an appreciable extra musicality for a few euros more.
If you already have a few years of practice and want an instrument that responds better to your nuances, the Expression series (P800, P800CE) will be more suitable. The move to solid woods is immediately felt under the fingers. Also consider the environment: if you play in variable conditions (temperature, humidity), the truss rod on the P800CE is a real daily comfort.
Spruce or cedar: which top for which playing style?
This is the question most often heard in the classical guitar section. Spruce (P100, P800, P800CE) offers a defined attack and a sound that gains complexity over time. Red cedar (P200) gives a more immediate, warmer response, perfect for expressive styles. A guitarist playing Tárrega or Barrios will appreciate the softness of cedar. A more percussive or rhythmic playing will benefit from the clarity of spruce.
Our verdict
The Pleyel range offers a logical and coherent progression, from accessible study guitars to high-end instruments in solid woods. Whether you’re looking for your first full-size classical guitar or a serious upgrade to take a step forward, each model has been designed for a specific guitarist profile. The common point? Real care given to playing comfort and sound balance, in the spirit of a house that has known music for nearly two centuries.
