Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of crafting high quality classical and nylon string acoustic guitars. Founded in 1887, the company has become one of the most respected names in instruments. The Yamaha CG Series represents their lineup of classical guitars, aimed at students, beginners, and intermediate players.
The focus of this review is on the Yamaha CG142C model. This is an entry-level classical guitar with a full-size body and traditional nylon strings. It features a solid cedar top, nato back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard. The "C" in the model name indicates the solid cedar top, which helps provide a warm, mellow tone. The CG142C is designed to be an affordable option for new classical guitarists looking for good playability, quality construction, and authentic nylon string sound.
Construction and Materials
The Yamaha CG142C features a solid Western Red Cedar top, providing a warm, nuanced tone with excellent resonance across the tonal spectrum. Cedar is a popular choice for classical and fingerstyle guitars, offering a mellow sound compared to the brighter tone of spruce tops. The solid top construction allows the wood to vibrate and project freely.
The back, sides, and neck are made of nato wood. Nato has a similar appearance and tonal profile to mahogany, providing a balanced and well-rounded sound. While not as decorative as rosewood or other exotic tonewoods, nato helps keep the cost down while still delivering excellent performance.
The neck has a traditional classical profile with a 52mm nut width, making it comfortable for most hand sizes. The fretboard and bridge are rosewood, which has a smooth feel and bright tone. The gloss finish protects the woods while giving the CG142C an elegant aesthetic.
Overall, the materials and construction reflect Yamaha’s renowned build quality and attention to detail. While crafted with student and budget-minded players in mind, no corners have been cut that sacrifice sound or playability.
Sound and Tonal Characteristics
The Yamaha CG142C produces a wonderfully warm, mellow tone, thanks to its solid Western Red Cedar top. Cedar is prized by classical guitarists for its complex overtones and strong fundamentals across the tonal range. Compared to the brighter sound of spruce tops, the cedar top of the CG142C delivers a richer, more nuanced timbre.
The bass notes have a full-bodied resonance, with the midrange exhibiting a sweet, focused character. Treble tones ring out with clarity and presence. The cedar top allows the CG142C to achieve a balanced sound, with no frequencies dominating the mix.
In terms of projection, the CG142C has no trouble filling a room with its bold, commanding voice. Notes sustain beautifully, with a long, lingering decay. The guitar’s excellent resonance means that each note rings fully with shimmering harmonics.
The warm, textured sound of the Yamaha CG142C makes it a great choice for recording or amplification. The complex overtones come through nicely, with no harshness or brittle edges. Whether using the guitar in the studio or on stage, the CG142C’s dynamic tonal palette helps it stand out.
Playability and Feel
The Yamaha CG142C features a comfortable, beginner-friendly neck profile with a 52mm nut width – a nice compromise between wider classical necks and narrower steel-string acoustic profiles. This makes chord shapes and melodic playing accessible for those with smaller hands, while still retaining a classical feel.
The factory setup provides a very playable medium action, allowing clear notes without excessive pressure. The nylon strings have a lighter tension than steel, making bends and vibrato easier to achieve. Intonation and fretwork quality is excellent for a guitar in this price range, with no sharp fret ends to cause discomfort.
Overall, the CG142C offers a very comfortable and enjoyable playing experience suitable for new players. The well-crafted neck, quality fretwork, and balanced string tension allow hours of fatigue-free practice and playing. More advanced players may want a wider nut width for classical purist feel, but the CG142C hits a sweet spot for accessibility and classic nylon-string tone.
Yamaha CG142C vs CG182 Comparison
The Yamaha CG142C and CG182 are both entry-level classical guitar models in Yamaha’s CG series, but there are some key differences between them.
Construction
The most notable construction difference is the guitar top. The CG142C has a solid Western Red Cedar top, while the CG182 has a laminated Engelmann Spruce top. Solid wood tops are generally considered superior for their resonance and ability to "open up" over time. Laminates provide good stiffness and durability at a lower cost.
Both models have Nato (Eastern Mahogany) back and sides. The neck, fretboard and bridge are also both made of Nato.
Sound and Tone
Due to the different top woods, the CG142C and CG182 have contrasting tonal characteristics. The cedar top of the CG142C produces a warmer, darker, and more mellow tone. The spruce top of the CG182 yields a brighter and more projecting sound.
The cedar top emphasizes the midrange and bass frequencies. It’s a sweet, nuanced tone well-suited for classical and fingerstyle playing. The spruce top brings out more sparkling highs and tight lows, with a crisp tone perfect for flamenco and other percussive styles.
Playability and Feel
The CG142C and CG182 have similar playability, with comfortable neck shapes and decent action right out of the box. The CG142C may feel a bit more playable for smaller hands, while the CG182 accommodates larger hands better.
Some users report a "sticky" fretboard on the CG142C which can cause fingers to drag slightly. This doesn’t affect the CG182. The gloss finish on both models is less slick than a satin finish.
Pricing and Value
The CG142C typically costs $100-150 less than the CG182. Considering its solid wood top and comparable playability, the CG142C represents better value for money in most players’ opinions.
However, the CG182’s spruce top and slightly better construction do merit the extra cost for some buyers. Overall, the CG142C remains an exceptional buy in its price range.
Pros and Cons
The Yamaha CG142C offers excellent value and quality for its accessible price point. Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh:
Pros
- Warm, nuanced tone from the solid cedar top
- Easy playability right out of the box
- Quality construction and materials for the price
- Versatile for various styles like classical and fingerpicking
- Yamaha’s reputation for reliable, consistent instruments
Cons
- Limited tonal complexity compared to premium classical guitars
- The "sticky fingers" issue on some models due to the gloss finish
- Not ideal for aggressive strumming styles
- May lack projection for concert or ensemble playing
- Minimal ornamentation or decorative appointments
Overall, the CG142C punches above its weight in terms of sound, playability, and construction quality. The warm tone and comfortable feel make this a great choice for beginners and hobbyists. More advanced players may want additional tonal nuance, but will be impressed by the value.
Ideal Player and Uses
The Yamaha CG142C is an excellent choice for students and beginners looking to learn classical guitar. Its playability and comfortable neck make it ideal for starting out. The mellow, nuanced tone also lends itself well to classical and fingerstyle playing.
More advanced players can also appreciate the CG142C as a high quality practice instrument. Its cedar top produces a rich tone for detailed musicality. The wide dynamic range allows for expressive playing.
This guitar excels at classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle playing where note clarity and articulation are paramount. The cedar top’s warmth pairs nicely with nylon strings for rounded tones.
The CG142C can handle light strumming but is not ideal for aggressive rhythmic playing. The lighter bracing and construction are best suited for controlled fingerpicking rather than heavy strumming. Players who need maximum projection for heavy strumming may want to consider a spruce top model.
Overall, the Yamaha CG142C hits a sweet spot for students, hobbyists, and intermediate players focused on nuanced fingerstyle tones. Its quality and playability make it a pleasure to practice on for all skill levels.
Pricing and Availability
The Yamaha CG142C typically sells for around $150 to $200 at most major musical instrument retailers. This positions it as a very affordable entry-level classical guitar.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $329, though it’s rare to see it sell for that full price. Most authorized Yamaha dealers will offer it in the $150 to $200 range.
Some places where you can find the Yamaha CG142C for sale:
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Online retailers like Amazon, Musician’s Friend, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Reverb, and eBay. Amazon frequently has it on sale for under $200 with free shipping.
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Major chain stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash. Check their websites for local availability and any sales or discounts.
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Smaller local music stores and guitar shops. Support your community business if you can! Call around to check stock and negotiate pricing.
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Used/vintage guitar stores may also have it, often in great condition but heavily discounted. Shop used for the best deals.
The Yamaha CG142C is widely available thanks to Yamaha’s broad distribution network. Comparison shop online and locally to find the best price, but expect to pay around $150-200 for a brand new one.
Alternatives and Competition
The Yamaha CG142C competes in the entry-level classical guitar market against models from other major brands like Cordoba, Kremona, and La Patrie. Here are some comparable alternatives to consider in the same sub-$200 price range:
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Cordoba C5 – This spruce-topped nylon-string guitar has a lighter build and brighter sound compared to the warmer CG142C. The slimmer neck may suit smaller hands better. The Cordoba is known for easy playability right out of the box.
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Kremona Sofia Student – A cedar and mahogany classical guitar praised for its full-bodied tone. The wider neck and higher action may make it less ideal for beginners. The Kremona has a more hand-crafted Old World look.
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La Patrie Etude – This entry from the Godin family focuses on lightweight design. The cedar top and laminate back aim for a balanced warm tone. Shorter scale length makes it a nice option for smaller players.
The Yamaha stands out with its combination of warm, nuanced solid cedar tone and playability that belies its entry-level price tag. The construction quality and attention to detail give it an edge over most competitors. For those seeking an affordable classical guitar with pro-level Yamaha craftsmanship, the CG142C hits a sweet spot.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Keeping your classical guitar in top playing condition requires some basic care and maintenance. Here are some tips for taking care of your CG142C:
Humidity Control
Classical guitars are very sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Low humidity can cause the wood to crack while high humidity can cause swelling. Try to keep the humidity in the room where you store your guitar between 45-55%. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels. During dry winter months, use a humidifier. In humid summer months, use a dehumidifier if needed.
Cleaning
Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the strings, fretboard, and body of your guitar. Wipe down the strings after each use with a soft cotton cloth. Every few weeks, clean the fretboard using lemon oil or fretboard cleaner. Wipe the body with a dry microfiber cloth or use a very small amount of guitar polish. Avoid getting any liquids inside the soundhole.
Proper Storage
When not in use, store your guitar in a hard case or a stand designed for classical guitars. Never leave it leaning against a wall or furniture. Make sure the storage location is away from direct sunlight, heating vents, windows, or anything else that could expose it to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Storing in a closet or under a bed is ideal.
Following these basic care and maintenance practices will help keep your CG142C sounding, feeling, and playing its best for years to come. Let the guitar acclimate to room temperature and humidity for at least 20 minutes before playing whenever you take it out of storage. With proper care, this Yamaha classical guitar will provide many years of musical enjoyment.