Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of producing high-quality classical guitars, dating back to the 1960s when they started manufacturing instruments in Japan. The Yamaha CG series exemplifies their commitment to making affordable yet professional-grade nylon string guitars.
The Yamaha CG162C is an intermediate-level classical guitar that provides excellent value as a step up from entry-level student models. It features a solid cedar top paired with ovangkol back and sides – an upgrade from the all-laminate construction of Yamaha’s most affordable options. The solid cedar top allows the CG162C to produce a warm, nuanced tone that belies its accessible price point.
Overall, the Yamaha CG162C offers advancing classical guitarists an opportunity to get the sound and playability of a solid-top instrument without breaking the bank. For players looking to upgrade from a beginner guitar, the CG162C provides a quality nylon string instrument that can keep up with growth and progress for years to come.
Yamaha CG162C Specifications
The Yamaha CG162C features a traditional fan-braced nylon string classical guitar body shape with a full concert size. It has an overall length of 40 inches, with a body width of 10 1/2 inches at the lower bout and 14 inches at the upper bout.
For the top wood, Yamaha chose solid cedar for its warm, balanced tone that responds well to playing dynamics. The back and sides are ovangkol, which provides a rosewood-like tone with good bass and treble projection.
The neck is made from nato wood, providing stability and affordability. The fingerboard and bridge are rosewood, which is a common and suitable material for classical guitars.
The CG162C has a nut width of 2 1/8 inches and a 25.6 inch scale length, keeping with standard dimensions for classical guitar necks. This allows comfortable playing in the first position and further up the neck.
Chrome enclosed tuning machines help keep the CG162C in tune. Other hardware includes a synthetic bone nut and compensated saddle for improved intonation. A single strap button is installed on the heel for attaching a guitar strap.
Sound Profile
The solid cedar top of the Yamaha CG162C produces a warm, balanced tone that is characteristic of cedar as a tonewood. The CG162C projects well for a classical guitar in this price range, with enough volume and sustain to carry melodies in both solo and ensemble settings.
The cedar top brings out articulate treble notes with a pleasant, rounded attack. There’s enough brightness to bring out the clarity of individual notes, without becoming overly sharp or brittle sounding. The bass notes have a focused, punchy response as well thanks to the ovangkol back and sides.
Overall the tonal balance emphasizes the midrange, with the cedar providing enough warmth and the ovangkol adding definition. Notes decay smoothly and evenly across the tonal spectrum. The CG162C responds well dynamically to lighter and harder playing styles. The tone remains balanced whether fingerpicking individual notes or strumming full chords.
Sustain is adequate, if not outstanding. The resonance of the cedar top allows melodies to ring clearly with a minimal need for artificial enhancement from reverb or effects. The focused bass adds rhythmic interest for accompaniment. While not as sustain-rich as an all-solid wood guitar, the CG162C has enough projection for solo playing as well as blending nicely in ensemble settings.
Playability
The Yamaha CG162C is a very playable classical guitar, especially for fingerstyle techniques. The neck has a comfortable C-shaped profile that should accommodate most hand sizes. It’s not overly thick but substantial enough to really dig into.
The string spacing at the nut is 52mm, standard for a classical guitar. This allows for easy fingering of chords and scales without feeling too cramped. The action out of the box is set medium-low, which promotes clean articulation and lets you really feel the strings under your fingers.
When playing fingerstyle, the CG162C is very responsive. Notes ring out clearly and there’s a good balance across the frequency range. The solid cedar top provides nice sustain without being overly dominant. You can really hear the resonance of each individual string.
Tone-wise, the cedar and ovangkol combination produces balanced warmth with clarity in the mids and treble. Fingerstyle techniques like rasgueado and tremolo come through with nuance. The dynamic range is also notable, allowing you to play with delicate musicality.
Overall the Yamaha CG162C is a pleasure to play. The neck feels natural, the action is beginner-friendly, and the resonance lends itself nicely to fingerstyle repertoire. It’s easy to get lost for hours playing this guitar.
Build Quality
The Yamaha CG162C showcases excellent craftsmanship and build quality for its price point. The fit and finish across the guitar is impressive, with clean bindings and a smooth gloss finish on the body. There are no visible glue spots or messy joints, even when inspecting the interior bracing and kerfing.
The fretwork is tidy, with level frets and no sharp edges that can cause discomfort. The fret ends are carefully rounded off for a professional feel. While not as immaculate as high-end classical guitars, the CG162C certainly exceeds expectations for its class.
Close inspection reveals no obvious shortcuts or signs of cost-cutting in the construction. Yamaha has paid attention to important details, like the carefully cut nut and compensated saddle. The headstock shape is classically elegant, with a three-on-a-side open gear tuner layout.
In terms of durability, the all-solid wood construction bodes well for the long-term structural integrity of the CG162C. It should easily last many years with proper care and maintenance. While not built to heirloom standards, this Yamaha classical guitar offers excellent longevity given its very reasonable price point.
Overall, the craftsmanship is impressive for an intermediate instrument. The CG162C delivers on its value proposition by combining quality materials with detailed and consistent workmanship.
Yamaha CG162C vs Other Models
The Yamaha CG162C sits in an interesting spot in Yamaha’s classical guitar lineup. It’s priced between the entry-level CG122MS and the higher-end CG192C models. Let’s take a look at how it compares.
The CG122MS features laminated woods rather than solid tonewoods. This helps keep costs down but can impact sound projection and dynamics. The all-laminate construction may be noticeable coming from a solid-top model like the CG162C. However, the CG122MS remains a very playable instrument for the price.
The CG192C steps things up with a solid Engelmann spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides. Spruce is known for its crisp, articulate tone which contrasts the warmer sound of cedar. However, spruce tops require more playing time to open up and reach their full potential. At around $700, the CG192C is a significant jump in price from the CG162C.
When looking at tonewoods and specifications, the CG162C hits a nice sweet spot. The solid cedar top offers excellent warmth and projection. Ovangkol back and sides provide plentiful volume and bass punch without getting too boomy. At around $400, it’s a noticeable upgrade from the CG122MS without the premium price of the CG192C. Overall, the Yamaha CG162C is an excellent value classical guitar for intermediate players.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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The solid cedar top produces a warm, balanced tone with good projection and dynamics. The cedar is responsive and articulate.
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Ovangkol back and sides offer a rosewood-like tone with punchy lows and clear trebles. Provides a balanced tonal profile.
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Playability is comfortable right out of the box. The neck has an easy playing feel and the action is set to a reasonable height.
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As an intermediate model, the CG162C offers excellent value with its solid wood construction and quality components.
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The guitar is well-made overall, with good attention to detail in the build quality and hardware.
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Yamaha has a proven track record for quality control and value in this price range.
Cons:
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The styling is fairly plain and traditional. Those wanting a more ornate classical guitar may need to look at other options.
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The ovangkol may be brighter sounding than mahogany or rosewood for some player’s preferences.
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It may require a professional setup and upgraded strings to reach its full potential.
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No cutaway or electronics like some other classical guitars in this range.
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The nato neck wood is functional but not as premium as mahogany or cedar.
Who Is the CG162C Best For?
The Yamaha CG162C is an ideal fit for several types of classical guitar players:
Advancing Students
This model provides a quality step-up option for students moving past their first beginner classical guitar. The solid cedar top offers better resonance and projection compared to laminate top starter models, allowing advancing players to develop their dynamic range. The full-size body promotes proper classical technique. Overall, the CG162C gives students an affordable way to upgrade their instrument as their skills improve.
Fingerstyle Players
With its warm, balanced tone and comfortable playability, the CG162C is a great choice for fingerstyle repertoire and solo classical guitar playing. The cedar and ovangkol woods provide articulation and clarity in the treble ranges, while still offering solid bass notes – important traits for fingerstyle techniques like arpeggios and counterpoint lines. The nylon strings have a smooth feel, and the wider classical neck promotes proper left-hand form.
Ensemble/Orchestra Use
This Yamaha model can readily hold its own in classroom, quartet, or orchestra settings. It has the projection to be heard alongside other instruments, and the balanced tone profile to blend well. The onboard electronics give the option to amplify the CG162C in larger groups. The focused ovangkol back and sides prevent the guitar from getting too boomy when played alongside lower instruments. For classical guitarists playing in ensembles, the CG162C is an affordable way to get quality sound and playability without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Yamaha CG162C offers an excellent value proposition for intermediate classical guitarists looking to upgrade from their entry-level model. With its solid cedar top and ovangkol back and sides, it delivers a warm, balanced tone perfect for solo playing and ensemble work. The construction quality and playability make it a comfortable and durable guitar that will serve advancing students well.
For those seeking the best pricing on a new Yamaha CG162C, we recommend checking both local music stores and online retailers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center, as discounts can vary. Used models in good condition can also sometimes be found on sites like Reverb.com for even greater savings. Overall, the Yamaha CG162C earns our recommendation as a high-quality classical guitar with professional level features at an accessible price point.
Related Gear
When purchasing the Yamaha CG162C, it’s also worth considering some additional accessories to enhance your playing experience:
Strings
The CG162C comes strung with Yamaha’s CG Series Classical Guitar Strings, which provide a balanced tone. However, many players prefer to experiment with other string brands like D’Addario, Savarez, or Hannabach to further customize the sound. Look for nylon treble strings paired with wound nylon bass strings in a typical tension range of 28-43 lbs.
Case
While the CG162C includes a gig bag, upgrading to a hardshell case is recommended for better protection, especially during transport. Cases like the Cordoba Protege or the Gator Journeyman provide a secure fit for a full-size classical guitar. Make sure the interior is lined with a soft material to prevent scratching the instrument.
Footstool
Using a footstool when you play classical guitar allows you to hold the instrument at the proper elevated angle. The K&M 15080-000-55 Guitar Footstool is an affordable option with adjustable height and tilt. For more versatility, the Kyser Quick Adjust Guitar Foot Rest lets you change the angle on the fly.
Humidifier
The solid wood construction of the Yamaha CG162C can be vulnerable to cracking in overly dry environments. A humidifier like the Planet Waves Guitar Humidifier maintains 45-55% relative humidity inside your guitar case to prevent damage. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer.
Polish Cloth
Over time, you’ll want to clean and polish the CG162C’s finish to prevent dirt buildup. A microfiber polish cloth with a gentle cleaner like the Dunlop 65 Guitar Polish and Cleaning Kit helps restore shine without damaging the wood. Take care not to get liquids directly on the guitar.
Pickguard
Some players install an adhesive pickguard on the CG162C’s top to protect the finish from pick scratches over years of play. Options like the L.R. Baggs 00-BG-C Lyracord Pickguard provide protection without dampening resonance.
Electronic Tuner
A clip-on tuner like the Snark SN5X or D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner ensures you can accurately tune the CG162C while eliminating the need for a bulky tuner on your music stand. Choose a tuner with a display that’s easy to read on stage.
With a few optional accessories, you can personalize the playing experience and prolong the life of your Yamaha CG162C classical guitar. Focus on items that match your playing style and needs.