Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of producing high quality classical and nylon string acoustic guitars. Since the 1960s, they have offered affordable yet well-crafted classical models like the G series that have been popular choices for students and beginners.
The Yamaha CGX102 continues this tradition as an excellent classical guitar option for new players. It’s an accessible nylon-string acoustic-electric model with a solid spruce top and laminated nato back and sides.
The CGX102 is designed to appeal to a wide range of players. Beginners can benefit from its comfortable playability and built-in electronics. Intermediate players will appreciate the warm, balanced tone that belies its affordable price point. The compact body size also makes it a great choice for younger students and any player with smaller hands.
While not a professional-grade instrument, the Yamaha CGX102 punches above its weight across all the fundamentals – tone, playability, electronics and construction. It’s an ideal classical guitar for starting out or just playing recreationally. The addition of electronics expands its versatility for live performances or recording.
Body & Construction
The Yamaha CGX102 features a solid spruce top, which helps provide warmth, clarity, and projection to the tone. Spruce is a popular top wood choice for classical guitars.
The back and sides are made from laminated nato, which is an affordable alternative to rosewood or mahogany. Nato provides a balanced and well-rounded sound.
The body shape is traditional for a classical guitar, with a wider waist and intricate rosette design. It has a total length of 40 inches, with a lower bout width of 14 inches. The smaller body size makes it comfortable for younger players and those with smaller frames.
The overall build quality and craftsmanship is impressive for the price range. Attention has been paid to details like clean bindings and a high-gloss polyurethane finish. There are two finish options available – natural and brown sunburst.
The CGX102 feels solidly constructed and built to last. While the use of laminated woods helps keep costs down, it does not appear to hinder the sound or playability in any way. This is a well-made beginner classical guitar representing excellent value.
Neck, Fingerboard & Bridge
The Yamaha CGX102 features a mahogany neck with a slim C-shaped profile that fits comfortably in the hand. The neck has a 25.6" scale length and a 2" nut width, providing the proper classical feel and tension for nylon strings.
The rosewood fingerboard has a radius of 400mm, with smooth edges for comfort. The fretwork from the factory is very good, with no sharp ends to irritate fingers. The neck is stable and maintains its integrity even with changes in humidity and temperature.
The rosewood bridge provides a solid foundation for the strings and allows them to resonate cleanly. The string spacing at the bridge is 58mm, ideal for classical playing styles and techniques.
Overall, the neck and fingerboard offer a very playable feel that works well for beginners and those with smaller hands. The smooth finish and comfortable profile make it easy to navigate up and down the neck. The CGX102 provides an enjoyable playing experience right out of the box.
Electronics & Controls
The Yamaha CGX102 comes equipped with Yamaha’s System 68N preamp system, designed specifically for nylon-string classical guitars. It features a contact pickup that captures the nuances and warmth of the guitar’s natural acoustic tone.
The under-saddle pickup utilizes piezo crystals that convert vibrations into electrical signals. Its placement under the saddle provides a balanced and consistent response across all six strings. The pickup blends seamlessly with the guitar’s acoustic resonance for an amplified classical sound.
The preamp system includes a 3-band EQ for shaping your amplified tone. It has bass, midrange and treble controls with +/- 15dB of boost/cut. This allows you to dial in just the right tonal balance when plugging into an amplifier or PA system. There is also a built-in tuner for quick and accurate tuning on the go.
When plugged in, the CGX102 produces a very realistic and detailed nylon-string tone. The EQ provides a wide tonal palette, from warm and round to bright and articulate. The ample headroom allows for rich dynamics and responsiveness that classical players desire. The electronics also feature feedback elimination circuitry, enabling performance at louder stage volumes without feedback issues. Overall, the CGX102 sounds fantastic amplified while retaining the essence of an all-analog classical guitar.
Unplugged Sound & Tone
The Yamaha CGX102 delivers a balanced and articulate unplugged tone, thanks to its solid spruce top and nato back and sides. Despite its smaller classical body size, it projects very nicely when played acoustically. The volume is loud enough for solo practice sessions and smaller intimate performances.
The nylon strings have a warm, rounded sound with clear and defined articulation. Notes ring out with sustain and there is good separation between the bass, mids, and treble ranges. Classical guitarists will appreciate the authentic nylon-string tone.
The dynamic range allows for expressive playing styles, from gentle classical passages to vigorous strumming. The guitar is responsive across the tonal spectrum, with a clear voice in the higher registers.
For recording purposes, the CGX102 performs admirably when captured with high-quality microphones. The balanced tone ensures no frequencies are too overbearing. Overall, it’s an impressive unplugged classical guitar for the price.
Pricing & Value
The Yamaha CGX102 has a very affordable price point, typically ranging from $200 to $300 brand new. This positions it at the low end of the classical guitar market, making it one of the most budget-friendly nylon-string acoustic-electric models available.
When comparing to other beginner classical guitars in this price tier, the CGX102 stands out by including high-quality electronics and a solid spruce top. Most competitors in the sub-$300 range opt for laminate tops and lack built-in pickups, relying solely on the acoustic tone.
Given its features and construction, the Yamaha CGX102 provides excellent value for money. It can compete sonically with classical guitars double its price or more, while still being accessible to students and beginners. The budget pricing makes it a great choice as a first nylon-string instrument.
Some of the pros of the CGX102 are its easy playability, balanced acoustic tone, quality electronics, and incredible affordability. The main downsides are the use of cheaper tonewoods like nato, as well as limited finish options. There are no major flaws at this price point, however.
Overall, the Yamaha CGX102 classical acoustic-electric guitar punches well above its weight class. For beginner and intermediate players seeking their first nylon-string instrument, it offers professional features and quality at a fraction of the cost of high-end models.
Who It’s For
The Yamaha CGX102 is designed with the beginner and intermediate classical guitarist in mind. Its combination of playability, tone, and built-in electronics make it an excellent choice for those just starting out on the nylon-string classical guitar or players transitioning from steel-string acoustics.
This model is best suited for students and casual players who want the traditional sound and feel of a classical guitar without spending a lot of money. The slim neck and comfortable string spacing accommodate smaller hands, while the reduced body depth improves playability when seated.
The warm yet articulate tone of the CGX102 flatters classical and fingerstyle playing across various genres. It works well for Latin music, Flamenco, folk, jazz, and more. The cedar and nato tonewood construction provides a balanced and nuanced nylon-string tone.
While not a professional-grade concert classical guitar, the Yamaha CGX102 offers beginners and intermediate players an inspiring instrument to learn on. The built-in electronics also make it a great choice for amplifying your sound in small to medium performance settings. If you’re seeking your first nylon-string guitar or want to upgrade from a basic student model, the CGX102 deserves strong consideration.
Demo Video
To get a good sense of how the Yamaha CGX102 sounds and performs, it’s helpful to check out video demos.
Yamaha’s official demo video highlights the guitar’s acoustic and plugged-in tones across various musical styles:
For an independent look, here’s a great demo and review from guitarist Mary Spender:
Yamaha CGX102 Review & Demo by Mary Spender
Spender showcases the guitar’s playability, fingerstyle response, and amplified sound. Her demo includes classical pieces as well as pop arrangements, demonstrating the CGX102’s versatility.
Watching video demos is a great way to get a feel for the guitar’s sound and make an informed buying decision. Both the official and independent demos highlight the Yamaha CGX102’s quality construction, comfortable playability and great value.
Alternatives
Yamaha offers several other classical acoustic-electric models worth considering:
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Yamaha CG122MS – A step up with solid spruce and rosewood back/sides. Includes an improved SRT piezo pickup and 5-band EQ. Around $400.
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Yamaha CG192S – Higher-end model with solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides. SRT pickup, ART-based acoustic resonance and beautiful appointments. Around $1000.
Some comparable classical guitars from other brands:
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Cordoba C5 – Full-size spruce/rosewood classical guitar with Fishman Presys Blend pickup. Warm tone with great playability. Around $500.
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La Patrie Etude – All-solid cedar/rosewood construction with Godin Quantum 1 pickup. Handcrafted in Canada. Around $650.
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Alvarez Masterworks – High-end classical featuring solid German spruce and Indian rosewood. Custom preamp and pickup. Around $1200.
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Takamine C132S – Nylon-string acoustic-electric with solid cedar top and Takamine TK-40D preamp. Around $500.
The Yamaha CGX102 compares very favorably to others in its low price range under $300. For those willing to spend more, Yamaha and competitors offer all-solid wood options with upgraded electronics and appointments.
Conclusion
After reviewing the Yamaha CGX102, I’m ready to deliver my final verdict on this affordable nylon-string acoustic-electric classical guitar. I would rate the CGX102 4 out of 5 stars overall. It’s an excellent value guitar that punches above its weight class.
The pros of the CGX102 are its playability, versatile electronics, warm plugged-in and unplugged tone, and extremely affordable pricing. The slim neck and narrow nut make it comfortable for smaller hands, while the built-in tuner, EQ controls, and feedback-resistant pickup provide amplified versatility. It produces a balanced and nuanced classical guitar tone, both acoustically and plugged in. Most importantly, it delivers professional quality and performance at a budget-friendly price point under $300.
The only notable downsides are the use of laminated nato wood rather than solid tonewoods, and the limited finish options. However, these sacrifices keep the costs down without negatively impacting the tone or playability in a significant way. Given the price range, the wood and aesthetic choices are understandable.
In summary, the Yamaha CGX102 is an ideal classical guitar for beginner and intermediate players, delivering pro-level quality you can grow with. The electronics expand its versatility for live performances or recording. It’s an unbeatable value that makes classical guitar accessible for any player on a budget.