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Many steel string players fall for the sound of nylon strings sooner or later. It might be a bossa nova record, a fingerpicked folk song or simply the softer feel under tired fingertips. Then they pick up a traditional classical guitar and find it awkward: the neck is wide and flat, there is no cutaway, the body is deep, and the strings sit further apart than they are used to. The chords they know suddenly feel like a stretch.
Crossover guitars solve that. They keep nylon strings but borrow features from steel string guitars, such as narrower necks, slimmer bodies, cutaways and pickups. I am a songwriter, and I build FencyGuitar, a guitar learning app, and I find a nylon string guitar changes the way songs come out: softer, more intimate, often slower. This list covers the best crossover options in the UK, with prices checked on 25 October 2026, and I will be clear about where each one compromises.
Top 3: Crossover Nylon String Guitars
| Guitar | UK price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha NTX1 | £399 | The best value crossover, with a 48mm nut and a pickup |
| Taylor Academy 12e-N | £699 | A nylon guitar that feels like a steel string Taylor |
| Cordoba Stage | £749 to £769 | Stage use, feedback resistance and an electric guitar feel |
Below are all eight picks, honourable mentions and a guide to choosing the right crossover for the way you play.
What Makes a Guitar a Crossover?
Before the list, it helps to know what to look for. A traditional classical guitar usually has a nut around 52mm wide, a flat fingerboard, a deep body and no cutaway. A crossover changes some or all of these:
Narrower nut. Typically 47mm to 50mm, closer to a steel string's 43mm to 45mm. This is the biggest factor for comfort.
Radiused fingerboard. A slight curve, like a steel string guitar, makes barre chords easier.
Slimmer body and cutaway. Easier to hold and easier to reach the higher frets.
Electronics. Most include a pickup and preamp for playing live.
Truss rod and neck joint. Many crossovers use a steel string style neck design, which affects feel and stability.
The more of these a guitar has, the more it will feel like home to a steel string player, and the less it will feel like a traditional classical.
8 Best Nylon String Guitars for Steel String Players
1. Yamaha NTX1
The Yamaha NTX1 is the crossover I would recommend first. At £399, it has a 48mm nut, a cutaway, a slimmer body than a traditional classical and Yamaha electronics for playing live. Yamaha lists its nut width at 48mm, compared with 52mm on its more traditional NCX1, and that 4mm makes a noticeable difference to how chords feel.
It is a well built, practical guitar that sounds sweet and clear unplugged and natural through a PA. Yamaha's consistency at this price is a real strength.
The NTX1 is part of Yamaha's NX range, which splits into two families: NCX models with traditional classical necks and NTX models with narrower crossover necks. That makes it easy to choose. If you come from steel strings, pick NTX. The body is also thinner than a standard classical, so it sits more comfortably under your strumming arm, and the cutaway lets you reach the upper frets for melodies and fills.
Who should skip this: classical players who want a traditional wide neck, and anyone who wants a solid top at this price.
Models Worth Checking Out
Most players: Yamaha NTX1
More traditional classical feel: Yamaha NCX1, £399
Flame maple version: Yamaha NCX1FM, £479
2. Taylor Academy 12e-N
The Taylor Academy 12e-N is a nylon string version of Taylor's Academy Grand Concert. It was £699 at guitarguitar. It has a narrow 1.875 inch nut (about 47.6mm) and a 25.5 inch scale, plus Taylor electronics and a comfortable armrest. It is widely recommended as one of the easiest nylon guitars for steel string players to adapt to.
The tone is warm and gentle, ideal for fingerpicking and singer songwriter material. Some owners say it does not sustain notes as long as a traditional classical, which is a fair trade for the comfort. A Taylor Limited Edition Academy 12e-N Koa was listed at £899.
What makes it special for steel string players is how familiar it feels. If you already play a Taylor, or any modern steel string acoustic, the neck shape, body size and armrest will feel almost identical. The main difference is under your fingertips. That makes it a very low risk way to bring nylon into your songwriting without spending weeks relearning chord shapes.
Who should skip this: players chasing a traditional classical sound, and anyone on a tight budget.
3. Cordoba Stage
The Cordoba Stage is a nylon guitar built like an electric. It has a thin, chambered body, a slim neck and electronics designed for loud stages. Because the body is so slim, it resists feedback far better than a hollow acoustic, which makes it a strong choice for bands. It was £769 in Black Burst and £749 in Edge Burst at guitarguitar.
Unplugged, it is quiet. This is a guitar to plug in. Through a good acoustic amp or a PA, though, it sounds full and controlled, and you can turn it up on a loud stage without the howl that hollow guitars produce near monitors. Players who are used to electric guitars often find its slim body and fast neck the easiest way into nylon of any guitar here. If you play nylon in a band, or switch between electric and nylon at gigs, it will feel more natural than any traditional design. The Cordoba Stage Artist, at £1,079 to £1,199, is the upgraded version.
Who should skip this: players who mainly play unplugged at home.
4. Yamaha SLG200NII Silent Guitar
The Yamaha SLG200NII Silent Guitar is the nylon version of Yamaha's famous silent guitar. It has a slim central body and a detachable frame, it is almost silent unplugged, and it sounds convincing through headphones with built in reverb and chorus. It was £699 to £749 at guitarguitar.
The standard SLG200NII has a narrower neck than Yamaha's wide neck SLG200NWII, which is the one aimed at classical players. For steel string players, the standard version is the better fit. It is perfect for late night practice, travel and quiet flats.
It also has a line output, so it can double as a stage guitar that resists feedback, and an aux input for playing along with backing tracks through headphones. The processed sound is not quite the same as a real nylon guitar in a room, but for practice and writing it is very convincing.
Who should skip this: anyone who wants to play unplugged for friends. It needs headphones or an amp.
5. Cordoba Fusion 5
The Cordoba Fusion 5 was £449 at guitarguitar, though awaiting stock when I checked. Cordoba's Fusion series is designed specifically as a crossover, with a narrower neck, a slimmer body and a cutaway. It is a good alternative to the Yamaha NTX1 at a similar price, with a slightly different, warmer voice that many players like.
Cordoba is a specialist nylon string brand, and that focus shows in the details. The Fusion range is one of the most popular crossover lines worldwide, and the Fusion 5 is its affordable entry point. If you like it, the Fusion 12 gives you an easy upgrade path within the same family.
Models Worth Checking Out
Entry point: Cordoba Fusion 5
Long term upgrade: Cordoba Fusion 12
For stages: Cordoba Stage Edge Burst
Who should skip this: players who need a guitar immediately, as UK stock can be patchy.
6. Cordoba Fusion 12
The Cordoba Fusion 12 is a step up, with a solid top, higher grade woods and better electronics. Owners report a 48mm nut. The Exotic Top version was £999 at guitarguitar, with another finish listed at £869 but out of stock.
It is the guitar for steel string players who have already fallen for nylon and want something they will keep for a long time. The solid top gives a richer, more complex sound that opens up as it ages.
Who should skip this: anyone trying nylon for the first time. Start cheaper and upgrade later.
7. Fender CN-140SCE
The Fender CN-140SCE was £349 to £369 at guitarguitar. It is a cutaway nylon guitar with a solid spruce top, Fishman electronics and a hard case included. It is one of the most affordable nylon guitars from a big name brand with a solid top and a pickup.
Check the neck dimensions against your preferences before buying, because it is closer to a traditional classical than the dedicated crossovers above. It is still a sensible budget choice for players who want a good nylon sound and stage readiness.
The included hard case is a genuine bonus at this price. It protects the solid top from knocks and from the swings in humidity that UK homes see between summer and winter, which matters more for solid wood than for laminate. If you are buying a first nylon guitar to keep for years, that protection adds real value.
Who should skip this: players who specifically need a narrow 48mm neck.
8. Takamine GC1CE
The Takamine GC1CE was £299, the cheapest guitar here. It is a traditional style classical with a cutaway and electronics, so the neck is wider than a crossover's. I include it because some steel string players want the genuine classical feel and sound, and this is an affordable way to try it with a pickup for open mics.
A wider neck is not always a drawback. The extra space between strings makes fingerpicking cleaner, because your fingers are less likely to brush neighbouring strings. If your nylon playing will be mostly fingerstyle rather than strummed chords, a traditional neck may suit you better than you expect. Takamine's electronics are well regarded on stage, which helps it punch above its price at open mics and small gigs.
Who should skip this: anyone who finds wide necks uncomfortable. Choose the Yamaha NTX1 instead.
Honourable Mentions
Yamaha CGX122. A solid top classical with a cutaway and pickup at £339, available with cedar or spruce tops. It has a traditional neck, but it is excellent value.
Cordoba C9 Crossover. Not listed at guitarguitar when I checked, but buyers often describe its nut width as midway between a classical and a steel string. Worth looking for at other UK shops.
Alhambra Crossover range. Spanish made thin body cutaway nylon guitars designed for steel string players. Availability varies, but they are worth seeking out if you want a guitar from a traditional Spanish workshop with a neck that suits steel string hands. Alhambra also makes steel string versions of the same body, which is unusual and handy if you want a matching pair.
Fivcil Crossover. Fency Music, our sister store, carries the Fivcil Crossover Nylon String Acoustic Electric, a modern design with a 48mm crossover neck, a chambered okoume body and a dual pickup system that combines an under saddle piezo with an internal microphone. Its Tele inspired styling will suit players who want something that looks as different as it sounds.
How to Choose a Crossover Nylon Guitar
Start with the nut width
This is the single most important number. If you play steel string with a 43mm to 45mm nut, a 48mm crossover will feel very manageable. A 52mm classical neck will feel wide for the first few weeks, and some players never get comfortable. If you can, try a few in a shop and pay attention to barre chords and stretches.
Decide how you will use it
For home playing and songwriting, a guitar that sounds good unplugged matters most, such as the NTX1, Fusion 5 or Academy 12e-N. For gigs with a band, feedback resistance and electronics matter more, so the Cordoba Stage is hard to beat. For quiet practice and travel, the Yamaha Silent Guitar is ideal. Our best travel guitars roundup covers more portable options.
Solid top or laminate
Solid tops sound richer and improve with age, but they need more care with humidity, especially in centrally heated UK homes in winter. Laminate tops are tougher and more stable. For a first nylon guitar, either is fine; for a long term instrument, a solid top is worth the extra money.
Strings make a big difference
Nylon strings come in different tensions. Normal or low tension strings feel softer and easier for players coming from steel. High tension strings project more but feel stiffer. Remember that nylon strings stretch a lot when new, so expect to retune frequently for the first few days.
Getting it set up
Many nylon guitars leave the factory with fairly high action. A professional setup can lower it and make a crossover feel even closer to your steel string.
Playing live and recording
Most crossovers have a pickup, but a microphone almost always sounds more natural for recording. For live use, an acoustic amp or a small PA works well; our best practice amps roundup includes acoustic friendly options. Some multi effects units also include acoustic patches, as covered in our Valeton GP-50 vs Boss GT-1 vs Zoom G1X Four comparison.
Moving from Steel to Nylon: What to Expect
Even with a crossover, nylon strings feel different. A few adjustments help.
Your fingertips will relax. Nylon strings are softer and lower tension, so they are kinder to your fingertips. Many players find they can play longer without discomfort.
Bends do not work the same way. Nylon strings do not bend like light steel strings. Expressive playing on nylon comes more from vibrato, dynamics and phrasing.
Picking and fingerstyle. You can play nylon with a pick, but many players find fingers or nails sound warmer. Try both and see what suits your songs.
Capos work, but differently. Nylon guitars respond well to capos, though wider necks may need a capo designed for flatter fingerboards.
Tuning drift. New nylon strings stretch for days. Tune often at first, and stretch the strings gently by hand to speed it up.
Songwriting changes. From a songwriter's point of view, this is the exciting part. Nylon strings soften attack and shorten sustain, which pushes you towards gentler rhythms, more space and more melodic chord movement. Songs written on nylon often feel more intimate, and that alone can make it worth owning one.
Matching a Nylon Guitar to Your Music
Singer songwriter and folk. A crossover such as the Taylor Academy 12e-N or Yamaha NTX1 is ideal. The softer attack sits nicely under a voice, and the familiar neck means you can play the chord shapes you already use.
Bossa nova and Latin jazz. These styles grew up on nylon strings and rely on smooth chord voicings and gentle rhythms. A crossover works well, though some players eventually want a traditional classical for the authentic feel.
Pop and indie arrangements. A nylon guitar adds a warm, intimate colour to a recording, often as a second guitar behind a steel string or piano. The Cordoba Stage and Yamaha Silent Guitar are useful here because they plug in cleanly.
Worship and church settings. Nylon guitars suit quieter, reflective sets. Feedback resistant designs such as the Cordoba Stage make life easier on busy stages with monitors.
Flamenco. Flamenco guitars are a specialist design, with lower action, lighter build and a percussive sound. None of the crossovers here are true flamenco guitars, so look for a dedicated model if that is your goal.
Classical repertoire. If you want to play classical pieces properly, a traditional classical with a 52mm neck is the better tool, because the fingerings assume that spacing.
What I Don't Like About Crossover Guitars
They are a compromise. Classical purists find crossovers lacking in the warmth and projection of a traditional guitar, and some steel string players still find the necks wide. You are meeting in the middle.
Thin bodies sound smaller unplugged. Slim crossovers, especially the Cordoba Stage, are quieter and less rich unplugged than a full depth classical.
Electronics add cost. Most crossovers include pickups, so you pay for them whether you plug in or not.
Neck sizes vary. "Crossover" is not a strict standard. Nut widths range from about 47mm to 50mm, so always check the specification.
UK availability is patchy. Some popular crossover models, including Cordoba Fusion models, can be out of stock for weeks.
Who Should Skip a Crossover
Players studying classical guitar. If you are taking classical lessons, a traditional classical with a full width neck is the right tool.
Players who mainly bend strings and play lead. Nylon is not built for that style.
Players who only want a nylon sound occasionally. An acoustic simulation patch on a multi effects unit, or a nylon sound on a keyboard, may be enough.
Buying Used in the UK
Nylon guitars are often good value used, because many people try them and move back to steel. Check for top cracks, bridge lifting, high action and tuning machine wear. On electric models, plug in and check the pickup and the battery compartment.
FAQ
What is a crossover nylon string guitar?
A crossover is a nylon string guitar designed for steel string players. It usually has a narrower nut, around 47mm to 50mm instead of a classical's 52mm, often a radiused fingerboard, a slimmer body, a cutaway and a pickup. The result feels much more familiar to a steel string player.
Is a nylon string guitar easier to play?
A nylon string guitar is easier on the fingertips because the strings are softer and lower tension. However, traditional classical guitars have wider necks, which can make chords harder for steel string players. A crossover gives you the soft strings with a more comfortable neck, which is the easiest combination.
Can I put steel strings on a nylon guitar?
No, you should never put steel strings on a nylon string guitar. Steel strings exert far more tension and can damage the bridge, top and neck. Nylon guitars are built for low tension strings. If you want both sounds, own one of each, or use a crossover with nylon strings.
What nut width should I look for?
If you mainly play steel string, look for a nut width of about 48mm. That is wide enough for nylon string spacing but close enough to a steel string to feel comfortable. The Yamaha NTX1 and Cordoba Fusion 12 are both around 48mm, and the Taylor Academy 12e-N is about 47.6mm.
Is the Yamaha NTX1 or NCX1 better for steel string players?
The Yamaha NTX1 is better for most steel string players because its nut is 48mm wide, compared with 52mm on the NCX1. That narrower neck makes chords and barre shapes easier. The NCX1 suits players who want a more traditional classical feel and plan to focus on fingerstyle.
The Bottom End
A nylon string guitar can open up a new side of your playing and your songwriting, and a crossover makes the move almost painless. For most steel string players, the Yamaha NTX1 is the best place to start: comfortable, affordable and ready for the stage. If you want a nylon guitar that feels like a premium steel string, the Taylor Academy 12e-N is a joy. If you play in a band, the Cordoba Stage was made for you. Whichever you choose, give yourself a few weeks to adjust, and let the softer strings pull your songs somewhere new.
