Lucero LC235SCE might lead to similar assumptions. With its cutaway body, laminated back and sides, and being an import instrument, it doesn’t scream “concert-level” at first glance.
However, spending just a few minutes with the LC235SCE reveals a different story. This guitar stands out within its class, offering impressive playability and a surprisingly warm and well-rounded tone. Positioned at the higher end of Lucero’s offerings, the LC235SCE presents itself as an inspiring instrument, not just for students exploring classical guitar repertoire, but for any guitarist seeking an affordable and versatile nylon-string guitar.
Design and Features: Traditional Meets Modern
The Lucero LC235SCE builds upon the foundation of the LC230S model, introducing several upgrades that enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. Most notably, it features a Venetian cutaway for improved upper fret access, a shift from bubinga to zebrawood for the back and sides, and the addition of a Fishman electronics system.
In some aspects, the LC235SCE adheres to traditional classical guitar design principles. It boasts a solid red cedar top, a 12th-fret neck joint, a traditional slotted headstock, and a standard 49mm nut width. However, the zebrawood back and sides, the inclusion of a cutaway, and the integrated electronics represent departures from the purely traditional blueprint, catering to a more modern player. The guitar also features a slightly longer 25 3/4-inch (653mm) scale length.
Visually, the Lucero LC235SCE is a step above what one might expect from a budget-friendly classical guitar. The red cedar top exhibits a rich, warm hue, beautifully complemented by the striking grain patterns of the zebrawood back and sides. Elegant touches include an all-wood rosette and rosewood binding, headstock faceplate, and heel cap, adding a touch of class to the instrument’s overall appearance.
Close-up of the Lucero LC235SCE guitar showing rosette and strings, highlighting its aesthetic appeal and classical design elements.
The build quality of the LC235SCE feels solid and reassuring. A look inside reveals clean interior surfaces, free from excess glue or rough bracing, indicating attention to detail in manufacturing. The glossy polyurethane finish is applied thinly and evenly, and the binding work is neatly executed. While the fretwork is generally well done, the fret ends could benefit from a slightly finer dressing for ultimate smoothness.
Playability and Sound Quality: Performance Beyond Price
The Lucero LC235SCE, prepared at Lucero’s North American headquarters, is remarkably easy to play straight out of the box. The action is set low and comfortable, facilitated by the neck’s relatively shallow profile. This contributes to a playing experience that is inviting and reduces hand fatigue, especially beneficial for students and players practicing for extended periods.
Despite its affordable price point and cutaway design, the LC235SCE projects a surprising amount of volume and resonance. The tonal character is balanced across the frequency spectrum, with firm, clear bass notes and bright, yet not harsh, trebles. While aggressive playing on the lower strings might reveal a hint of fret buzz, the inclusion of a truss rod allows for neck adjustments to accommodate individual playing styles and preferences.
Playing classical guitar studies, such as those by Giuliani and Carcassi, on the LC235SCE is genuinely inspiring. It surpasses the experience of playing on typical entry-level instruments, offering a responsiveness to both fretting and picking hand nuances. The guitar’s inherent tonal warmth brings a musicality to these studies, making practice sessions more engaging and rewarding.
Venturing beyond traditional classical repertoire, the LC235SCE also proves its versatility. Exploring bossa nova comping and solo arrangements highlights the guitar’s clarity and articulation. Complex jazz harmonies sound vibrant and well-defined, with individual notes within chords remaining distinct. The bass notes are present and strong, but balanced, allowing higher notes to remain crisp and clear, making it suitable for various musical styles.
Fishman Electronics: Expanding Sonic Possibilities
While purists might shy away from electronics on a classical guitar in concert settings, the Fishman system integrated into the LC235SCE adds a valuable dimension to its functionality. The system comprises an under-saddle Sonicore pickup and a Clásica III preamp, specifically designed by Fishman for nylon-string guitars. The Clásica III preamp offers volume control, a three-band EQ for tone shaping, a phase switch to minimize feedback, and a convenient built-in tuner.
When plugged into an amplifier, such as a Fender Acoustasonic combo, the LC235SCE delivers a reasonably authentic amplified sound. While perhaps not intended for formal classical recitals, the electronics open up opportunities to explore musical genres beyond classical, and even experiment with effects like delay and reverb, broadening the guitar’s sonic palette.
A Standout Value in its Category
At a price of $399.99, the Lucero LC235SCE represents exceptional value. It costs considerably less than high-end concert instruments, yet provides a level of playability and sound quality that makes it truly enjoyable to play. This lucero guitar is a very commendable instrument, offering student guitarists, and any player seeking an affordable and versatile nylon-string, ample room for musical growth and exploration. The Lucero LC235SCE confidently exceeds expectations, proving that quality and affordability can indeed go hand-in-hand in a classical guitar.
