Table of Contents
Yamaha classical guitars have earned their place in legacy guitar-making since the 1940s. Musicians worldwide prefer Yamaha for their reliability, tonal excellence, and overall playability. This reputation for quality makes Yamaha a trusted choice for anyone seeking a classical guitar that balances affordability with exceptional performance.
Yamaha offers various classical guitar models to suit multiple skill levels and preferences. From affordable entry-level options to handcrafted, premium instruments, every player has a Yamaha classical guitar. But among them, there are only 10 that can be considered their best:
After choosing your guitar, check out some of the best songs to learn on the classical guitar.
Yamaha CGX122MC – $429
One of the lower-priced models on this list, the Yamaha CGX122MC is still a versatile, classical guitar with a combination of quality tonewoods, advanced electronics, and player-friendly features.
Key Features
Construction
The CGX122MC boasts a solid cedar top known for its rich, warm tone. The choice of nato wood for the back and sides further enhances the warmth in the guitar’s tonal profile.
Classical Body Shape
The CGX122MC features a traditional classical guitar body shape, which provides a comfortable playing experience and a timeless look.
Electronics
The CGX122MC has Yamaha’s System 61 preamp and piezo pickup system. The preamp features a 3-band equalizer, enabling players to fine-tune their sound.
Natural Matte Finish
The guitar features a natural matte finish that enhances its aesthetic appeal and allows the wood’s natural characteristics to shine through.
Chrome Tuners
The chrome tuning machines are functional and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring stable tuning.
This Guitar Is Perfect For Small Venue Stage Performers
The onboard electronics, body size, balanced tone, and price point make this guitar a good pick for players who perform on small stages casually.
Pros and cons of the Yamaha CGX122MC
Pros
- The mid-frequency control allows for further tonal adjustments, enabling players to tailor their sound to suit their preferences and the musical context.
- The CGX122MC features a comfortable neck profile, making it accessible for players of various hand sizes and playing styles.
- It’s near the lower end of the price range for high-end classical guitars, making it more appropriate for budget-conscious musicians who want quality sound.
- The guitar features an elegant design with a natural finish, allowing its tonewoods to shine through, and understated but tasteful rosette and binding details.
Cons
- Unlike some competing models, the CGX122MC often doesn’t come with a padded gig bag.
- It doesn’t quite match the quality of genuinely high-end guitars.
Yamaha CGX122MS – $429
The Yamaha CGX122MS is the same model as the Yamaha CGX122MC. However, this one has a spruce top, whereas the CGX122MC has a cedar top, leading to a slightly different sound.
Key Features
Construction
The CGX122MS is identical to the CGX122MC, except it boasts a solid spruce top instead of a cedar top. This contributes to a clear, resonant, and well-defined tone compared to the warmer tone of the cedar. The nato back and sides of the guitar complement the spruce top with warm and resonant tones.
Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
The fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood, which is known for its durability and smooth playing surface. It also adds warmth and depth to the overall tonal character.
Three-band EQ and Tuner
The preamp system includes a three-band EQ (bass, middle, treble) for fine-tuning the guitar’s amplified sound. Additionally, it features a built-in tuner for convenient and accurate tuning on stage.
We also suggest you check out our blog about the most accurate tuners.
Quality Hardware
The guitar has chrome-plated tuners and durable strings, ensuring stable tuning and reliable performance.
Matte Finish
Just like its cedar counterpart, the CGX122MS features an attractive matte finish that enhances its visual appeal and allows the wood to resonate more freely, contributing to its overall sound quality.
This guitar is perfect for small venue stage performers
This model is almost the same in specs as the CGX122MC, so it is suitable for the same player base. However, those who prefer a brighter, more transparent tone would take this model over the CGX122MC.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha CGX122MS
Pros
- The ergonomic design of the neck facilitates easy playability and comfortable fretting.
- Features a built-in tuner for convenient and accurate tuning on stage.
- The CGX122MS is built with quality materials, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- It’s a versatile guitar with various tones for classical, fingerstyle, or other acoustic genres.
Cons
- The nut width on the CGX122MS is a bit narrower than other classical guitars.
- The electronic components are less nuanced than those in higher-end systems, leading to a less nuanced amplified sound quality than that of Yamaha’s high-end guitars.
Yamaha GC22 S – $1429
The Yamaha GC22S is a distinguished classical guitar made with premium tonewoods, traditional construction techniques, and meticulous attention to detail.
Key Features
Solid Top Construction
The GC22S features a solid European spruce top renowned for its tonal clarity, responsiveness, and projection.
Hand-Finished Detailing
Skilled luthiers carefully crafted each guitar, ensuring consistent quality and playability.
Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge
The GC22S features an ebony fingerboard and bridge, known for their durability, smooth feel, and ability to enhance the sustain and articulation of the notes.
Traditional Fan Bracing
The guitar employs traditional fan bracing, a construction technique that enhances the guitar’s projection, responsiveness, and tonal balance.
Spanish Heel Construction
The GC22S employs a Spanish heel neck joint, a traditional method known for its structural integrity and how it allows the neck and body to resonate as a unified whole.
This guitar is perfect for players with a taste for aesthetics
The Yamaha classical guitar GC22S appeals to musicians who are picky about their guitar’s design. The ebony fingerboard and precise intonation make it a choice model for players who like to play fast, complex passages.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha GC22S
Pros
- Typically, it comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and convenience for transportation.
- Understated but elegant aesthetic details include a rosette made of natural wood inlay and tasteful body binding.
- Each GC22S undergoes a thorough hand-finished process, ensuring that every aspect of the guitar, from the fretwork to the finish, meets Yamaha’s high standards.
- The GC22S is known for its precise intonation across the fretboard, ensuring that notes ring true and chords sound harmonious.
Cons
- As a higher-end classical guitar, The GC22S is relatively expensive.
- The GC22S is an acoustic-only guitar, lacking built-in pickups or preamps for amplification.
Yamaha GC12 C – $949
The Yamaha GC12C is a highly regarded classical guitar known for its exceptional craftsmanship and tonal excellence.
Key Features
Traditional Spanish Design
The guitar’s design adheres to traditional Spanish construction techniques, ensuring optimal resonance and projection.
Premium Tonewoods
The GC12C is crafted using high-quality tonewoods, including a solid European Spruce top and solid American Mahogany back and sides. This combination offers a balanced and articulate tonal profile.
Resonance-Enhancing Design Elements
The guitar incorporates several design elements to maximize resonance, including a soundhole rosette crafted from traditional wood marquetry.
Deluxe Hardshell Case
The guitar comes with a high-quality deluxe hardshell case, offering excellent protection and portability.
Refined Aesthetics
The GC12C boasts a refined and classic appearance characterized by a natural finish and intricate detailing. Its design reflects Yamaha’s attention to both visual and sonic appeal.
This guitar is perfect for players switching from steel strings to nylon
The GC12C appeals to musicians who are used to the narrow neck of a steel string guitar and are switching to classical guitars.
Having trouble restringing your guitar? Click here to learn how to string your guitar.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha GC12C
Pros
- The GC12C produces a transparent, balanced sound with rich harmonics, making it suitable for various musical styles and settings.
- It features a slightly narrower nut width than some classical guitars, providing a comfortable fretting experience for players with smaller hands.
- The GC12C’s tonal characteristics make it suitable for various musical styles.
- The GC12C is equipped with high-quality tuners, ensuring accurate and stable tuning, crucial for maintaining optimal sound quality.
Cons
- The GC12C’s high-gloss finish requires extra care to avoid scratches or smudges, which is a consideration for those who prefer a more low-maintenance option.
- The GC12C doesn’t have built-in electronics, a disadvantage for players who require amplification for live performances or recording sessions.
Yamaha GC32 S – $1899
The Yamaha GC32S is an exquisite classical guitar featuring premium tonewoods, meticulous construction techniques, and thoughtful design elements typical of Yamaha’s GC series of handcrafted classical guitars.
Key Features
Spanish Heel Construction
This classical guitar employs the traditional Spanish heel-neck joint. This meticulous construction technique enhances resonance, sustain, and overall projection by ensuring a seamless connection between the neck and body.
Bone Nut and Saddle
The GC32S is equipped with a bone nut and saddle, contributing to the guitar’s superior sustain and resonance and giving it a warmer tone.
Delicate Rosette Design
The rosette design is elegantly crafted, adding a touch of visual refinement to the instrument’s overall aesthetic.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finish
The guitar is finished with nitrocellulose lacquer, a premium finish that protects the wood and allows it to age gracefully, enhancing the instrument’s tonal character over time.
Hardshell Case Included
The guitar has a high-quality hardshell case, providing secure protection during storage and transport.
This guitar is perfect for collectors and professional performers
The high-end crafting, materials, and design make it great for players who need an exceptional axe to deliver their best performance on stage.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha GC32S
Pros
- The GC32S is equipped with high-quality Yamaha tuning machines
- The Yamaha GC32S offers impressive sustain, allowing for expressive playing and dynamic range.
- Due to its balanced tonal characteristics and responsive playability, the GC32S is a versatile instrument.
- The combination of quality tonewoods and expert construction results in a guitar that projects a powerful and articulate sound
Cons
- The GC32S is a high-end instrument with a price point outside the budget of most casual players.
- The non-cutaway design can impede players used to cutaways with its lack of accessibility to higher frets.
Yamaha GC42 C – $4299
The Yamaha GC42C is an exquisite testament to the artistry and craftsmanship poured into Yamaha classical guitar models. An excellent choice for players who seek an instrument of uncompromising quality and beauty
Key Features
Solid Cedar Top
The GC42C features a solid cedar top, a tonewood known for its warm and rich tonal characteristics.
Hand-scalloped Bracing
The GC42C is equipped with hand-scalloped bracing, a meticulous crafting technique that optimizes the top’s resonance and responsiveness.
Mahogany Neck
The neck is constructed from mahogany, a stable and reliable wood choice.
Gold-plated Tuners
The high-quality, gold-plated tuners offer precise tuning stability and add a touch of elegance to the guitar’s overall appearance.
Bone Nut and Saddle
The use of bone for the nut and saddle contributes to the guitar’s clarity and sustain and provides a solid foundation for the strings.
This guitar is perfect for players who want perfection in build and material.
The Yamaha classical guitar GC42C is not for most, as most would instead pick a model with some limitations but half the price. But for a player who wants durability, elegance, and playability all maxed out, this model is for them.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha GC42C
Pros
- The GC42C is handcrafted by skilled luthiers in Yamaha’s esteemed Custom Shop, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and top-tier construction.
- The GC42C delivers impressive projection, making it suitable for intimate settings and larger performance venues.
- The GC42C features elegant appointments such as intricate rosette and purfling, which add to its visual appeal and showcase the attention to detail in its design.
- The GC42C’s fretwork is executed with precision, ensuring accurate intonation and comfortable playability throughout the fretboard.
Cons
- The GC42C falls into the higher-end range of classical guitars, making it a significant investment for players.
- The GC42C’s string tension is slightly higher than that of other classical guitars. This can affect playability for individuals with specific preferences or physical considerations.
Yamaha GC82 – $8000
The absolute cream of Yamaha’s handcrafted classical guitars, the Yamaha GC82S represents a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern precision engineering. Its choice of tonewoods, meticulous construction, and attention to detail make it well worth its price.
Key Features
Solid European Spruce Top
The GC82S boasts a top crafted from high-quality solid European spruce. This tonewood is prized for its responsiveness, providing a rich, well-balanced sound with clear projection.
Solid Rosewood Back and Sides
The back and sides are constructed from solid Madagascar rosewood, which contributes to the guitar’s warm, resonant tones and adds depth to its sound profile.
Fan Bracing Pattern
The guitar employs a carefully designed fan bracing pattern, optimizing the distribution of vibrations across the soundboard for optimal tonal balance and projection.
Delicate Rosette Design
The rosette features an intricate, tasteful design, adding a touch of visual elegance to the guitar’s appearance.
Gold-Plated Tuning Machines
The GC82S is equipped with high-quality, gold-plated tuning machines, ensuring stable tuning and adding a touch of luxury to the instrument.
This guitar is perfect for players rolling on money
The most expensive Yamaha guitar, few would risk playing it on stage and damaging it. This is mainly for collectors with deep pockets.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha GC82S
Pros
- Each GC82S is individually crafted by skilled artisans at Yamaha’s workshop in Japan, ensuring consistency and quality control.
- The high-quality tuning machines and precise craftsmanship ensure that the GC82S maintains stable and accurate tuning even during extended playing sessions.
- Whether in a studio recording setting or on stage, the GC82S delivers a clear, articulate sound that can be tailored to suit various musical styles and genres.
Learn more about different guitar-playing styles here!
- Combining high-quality tonewoods and expert craftsmanship results in a rich, warm, and resonant tone.
Cons
- The GC82S is by far the most expensive classical guitar made by Yamaha, and few can afford it.
- Like many high-end classical guitars, the GC82S requires more maintenance and care than lower-end models.
Yamaha NTX5 – $1999
The Yamaha NTX5 is an exceptional electro-acoustic nylon-string guitar equally suitable for classical, jazz, flamenco, and a variety of other musical styles.
Key Features
A.R.E. Treatment
Yamaha’s A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology is applied to the top wood. This process simulates the aging of wood, enhancing the instrument’s resonance and projection akin to a well-seasoned vintage guitar.
Slim Mahogany Neck
The guitar features a slim-profile mahogany neck that offers excellent playability and comfort. This design makes it easier for players to navigate the fretboard, especially those accustomed to narrower neck profiles.
Cutaway Design
The single-cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, enabling players to explore a broader range of musical possibilities.
Electronics
The NTX5 is equipped with Yamaha’s Atmosfeel™ pickup and preamp system, which delivers a natural, acoustic sound when amplified.
Gotoh® Tuners
The high-quality Gotoh® tuners ensure stable and precise tuning, enhancing the overall playing experience.
This guitar is perfect for players who want quality plugged performance
The electronics in the NTX5 give the player a lot of tone control. This makes the model great for players who perform lots of plugged shows.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha NTX5
Pros
- It has a 3-way Pickup/ Mic Blend Control. This allows players to blend the under saddle pickup and microphone, giving them control over the guitar’s amplified sound and allowing for a more personalized tone.
- The NTX5 is designed to minimize feedback, making it suitable for live performances even at higher volumes.
- The NTX5 features an elegant rosette and a natural satin finish, giving it a refined and classic appearance.
Cons
- The depth of the body is a bit shallower than the typical classical guitar, leading to a different resonance and lower volume.
Yamaha NCX3C – $1049
The Yamaha NCX3C is a versatile and meticulously crafted classical guitar designed for players seeking a professional-grade instrument with exceptional sound and playability.
Key Features
Solid Cedar Top
The NCX3C features a solid cedar top, a choice of tonewood known for its warm and resonant qualities. This top wood contributes to a rich, full-bodied tone with excellent sustain.
A.R.E. Treatment
Yamaha’s Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) process is applied to the top wood, enhancing its tonal properties and providing the guitar with a more mature, vintage-like sound.
Cutaway Design
The NCX3C features a Venetian cutaway, allowing easy access to the higher frets.
Onboard Electronics
The NCX3C has Yamaha’s System61 electronics, featuring an under-saddle piezo pickup and an ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) contact sensor.
Hardshell Case Included
Yamaha provides a hardshell case with the NCX3C, ensuring safe transportation and protection for the instrument.
This guitar is perfect for players who want quality plugged performance
Similar to the NTX5C, this model also excels at plugged performance. But this one offers a warmer, more mellowed tone.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha NCX3C
Pros
- High-quality gold-plated tuning machines enhance tuning stability while also adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
- Yamaha’s System61 electronics system provides a natural, transparent, amplified sound suitable for stage performances.
- It offers a wide tonal range, allowing players to easily explore various musical genres and playing styles.
Cons
- The narrow waist and slightly shallower body compared to traditional classical guitar lead to a different feel and projection from a full-sized, deeper-bodied classical guitar.
YAMAHA NCX5 Classical guitar – $2000
The Yamaha NCX5 is a sophisticated and expertly crafted classical guitar designed for musicians who demand a high-caliber instrument with outstanding sound quality and playing comfort.
Key Features
Solid Spruce Top
The NCX5 boasts a solid spruce top, renowned for its bright, clear tone and dynamic range. This top wood choice ensures a crisp, articulate sound for expressive playing.
A.R.E. Treatment
Like the NCX3C, the NCX5 benefits from Yamaha’s Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) technology. This process enriches the spruce top, giving the guitar a more developed, aged sound, often sought after by professionals.
Sleek Cutaway Design
The NCX5 features a Venetian cutaway design, providing effortless access to the upper frets and facilitating advanced playing techniques.
Advanced Onboard Electronics
This guitar is equipped with Yamaha’s advanced System63 electronics. This setup includes an under-saddle piezo pickup and multiple sensors that capture the guitar’s natural acoustic sound for amplified performance without losing quality.
Luxurious Hardshell Case
Yamaha includes a premium hardshell case with the NCX5, ensuring the guitar’s safety during transport and storage.
Plugged Performance
The NCX5 excels in amplified settings, delivering a clear and resonant sound. Its electronics system is designed to accurately reproduce the guitar’s natural acoustic tone when plugged in.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha NCX5
Pros:
- High-quality hardware ensures stability in tuning and adds a refined look.
- System63 electronics provide a faithful and transparent amplification of the guitar’s natural sound.
- It is versatile in tonal range and caters to various genres and styles, much like the NCX3C, but with a distinct spruce top character.
Cons:
- While offering clarity, the spruce top may lack the warmth some players prefer in a classical guitar.
- The sleek design, while ergonomic, may feel different to players accustomed to traditional, bulkier classical guitars.
Yamaha classical guitars are more than just musical instruments; they are a testament to a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. From entry-level instruments to high-end concert-grade models, Yamaha consistently delivers quality and reliability. With their exceptional tonal quality, comfortable playability, and wide range of options, Yamaha’s classical guitars remain a top choice for musicians worldwide.
These guitars are just from Yamaha. Have you checked out some of the best classical guitars?
How do tonewoods differ from each other?
Different tonewoods used in classical guitars can significantly impact the instrument’s sound. Here, we’ll compare several common tonewoods and discuss how they affect the sound of classical guitars:
Spruce
Spruce is one of the most popular top woods for classical guitars. It’s known for its bright and articulate sound with a strong projection. Spruce often has a clear, focused tone with a good balance of treble and bass.
Cedar
Cedar is another popular choice for the top wood. It tends to produce a warm, mellow, and sweet tone. Cedar-topped classical guitars have a more pronounced midrange and are often favored by fingerstyle players for their responsiveness.
Mahogany
Mahogany is often used for the back and sides. It produces a warm and dry sound, with a strong emphasis on the midrange frequencies. Compared to other tonewoods, mahogany can yield a more focused and concise sound.
Rosewood
Rosewood is commonly used for the back and sides of guitars. It’s known for its rich, lush, and complex sound, with pronounced bass and sparkling treble. Rosewood adds depth and resonance to the guitar’s tone.
Maple
Maple is occasionally used for the back and sides. It provides a bright, clear, and well-defined sound. Maple can add clarity and sustain to the guitar’s tone, making it suitable for certain playing styles.
Walnut
Walnut is used for the back and sides, offering a balanced tone. It typically falls between mahogany’s warm tone and maple’s bright tone, making it versatile and adaptable to various musical genres.
Ovangkol
Ovangkol, a less common tonewood, offers a warm and articulate sound. It provides a balanced response across the frequency spectrum and can deliver strong bass and clear treble notes.
Yamaha Classical Guitars FAQ
- The Best 8 Cheap Bass Guitars - February 6, 2025
- Top 10 Best Budget Bass Guitars for Beginners - February 6, 2025
- Best 5 String Bass Guitars For Every Price Point - February 6, 2025
