Open Box Yamaha CG162S Spruce Top Classical Guitar Level 2 Natural 197881260279

I have been playing guitar for decades but have never owned a classical guitar. Over the years, I had been playing classical pieces on a steel string dreadnaught whenever I felt the need to play that style. Great for chops, not so good for sound. I liked the classical style as a break from the more 'pop' I generally play. Lately, I have been wanting to play classical more and more, so I thought I'd do it right. Since I knew I'd be buying via mail order, and since I have a good history with this brand, I chose Yamaha because they are always really good quality in my experience. Also, it fit the budget I wanted to stay within since this is really just for me and my own entertainment. I tried to get into a store to try one out but I couldn't find one locally. Nor could I find any similar model Yamahas for that matter. I really wanted to compare the spruce top versus the cedar for feel and sound. All the reviews etc I had read suggested the spruce would be brighter and project better over the cedars warm, more filling sound. Given my style, I wanted the brightness and projection, so I chose spruce. Regardless, bought this sight unseen (and sound unheard) with my fingers crossed. I was not disappointed! Right out of the box it looked and felt fantastic! Not that this really matters but it was almost in tune too. I haven't done anything but play it and the action is pretty good. The nut seems just about right but the bridge might be a touch high for me. I will play for at least a month before I decide if I want to lower that any. The neck is straight and not twisted and the top is flat and not bowed any. All in all, I can't put it down! I just sounds so good and plays so nice. The tone is very well balanced. The sound seems to project evenly as well. I really have nothing bad to say about this guitar so far and I doubt I will. Yamaha is an excellent name in music.

I have never had a bad Yamaha experience. They seem to me to be exceptionally consistent in good quality. This little beauty is a great value and no exception to my experience. It does not sound like a concert instrument. However, this guitar is a solid choice for students. It is also great choice for anyone who does not want to ruin their higher-end instrument travelling or playing rasgueado etc. The action is good. Frets do not buzz, and they all ring. Tuners stay in place. Plus, this guitar can take a moderate amount of punishment without really showing. For about six months, I have been using a padded gig bag to tote this guitar all over town. It still looks new, except on the top where my playing sometimes gets a little animated. More importantly, it still plays like new.