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After the success of the original Mini Series, Cordoba released the new Mini II Series in late 2018, with three new models – the MH, the FMH and the EB-CE. It’s the all-mahogany MH that we are looking at today, which has found its way onto our chart of the best travel guitars. This collection promises more of a guitar tone compared to some of the ‘ukulele sounding’ classical guitars that appear in the travel market. But does it deliver on this promise?
Make no mistakes about it, the MH is a handsome little instrument, as we have come to expect from Cordoba. Black ABS binding along the top, an abalone-style soundhole rosette and a satin finish add a touch of sophistication – you wouldn’t be embarrassed to pull this little beauty out of the bag, that’s for sure.
As is the case with many good travel guitars, the MH is entirely laminated in its construction, with layered mahogany used for the top, back and sides. The neck is also made from mahogany and houses a good composite fretboard with 19 total frets (14 in the clear). With a 22.8” scale length, the fretboard is obviously a little more cramped than a full-size guitar, but playability is overall very comfortable.
Moving onto hardware and the MH offers components that enhance the overall feel of quality, without being high-end in any way. On the headstock, there is a set of robust open-geared tuning machines (with elegant black buttons), along with a GraphTech NuBone nut just below that. Inside the neck is a single action truss rod, while the bridge is made of the same composite as the fretboard. Note the two strap buttons on the body. All solid enough. The only letdown is that (at the time of writing) it doesn’t come with an included gig bag. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect one at such an affordable price, but it is a necessity for travel.
Going back to our original question and yes, it delivers on its promise of sounding more ‘guitar’ than ‘ukulele’. While not as complex in tone as a full-size solid-wood Cordoba, the MH boasts a well-balanced tone, with good warmth. The body of the MH is a little deeper compared to some other travel-dedicated guitars (just over 3” on average) so it projects very well – more than enough volume for practice and very small performances.
Check out the video below for an official Cordoba sound demo of the new Mini II MH:
Cordoba has delivered a travel guitar that any classical guitarist would be happy to take on the road. With elegant looks, a robust build and very good playability, you would be forgiven for forgetting that the MH comes in at under $200. With such value, it is surely set to become a modern classic!
For more info about the Cordoba Mini II MH, click here.
For more Travel Acoustic Guitars you might like, click here.
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