Yamaha CGS102 1/2 Size Classical Acoustic Guitar

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Perfect for younger players just starting out, this is a half-sized classical acoustic guitar that delivers the same beautiful tone of a full-sized Yamaha.

This is Yamaha's smallest instrument. Its 21 in. scale length and 3-3/4 in. deep body provide a perfect fit for the youngest musicians (ideal for student ages 3 - 7). This petite size is the most difficult to produce properly, and many inexpensive "toy" guitars fill this price range. But don't let them fool you - the CGS102 is a legitimate musical instrument, constructed with the beautiful tonal woods and meticulous details of a full-sized Yamaha guitar.

A correctly sized instrument is vital to learning. Nothing frustrates a young player more than trying to manage an instrument that's too large for growing hands and bodies. Yet, many small guitars are little more than toys that easily fall out of tune or produce inadequate tone. For a guitar to inspire a student to greatness, it must be made with the care and quality of a serious instrument.

Yamaha has discovered a way to condense their world-renowned classic guitars into perfectly proportioned 1/2 and 3/4 sized models that retain a wonderfully rich, full-size tone. These special instruments, along with one full-size model form the Yamaha CGS Series. Their reduced scale lengths and action settings ensure that small students enjoy a positive guitar experience and a seamless transition as they grow.

The Yamaha CGS approach incorporates a deep respect for the European guitar tradition. These instruments, built with the skill and durability that have characterized Yamaha guitars for over 30 years, meet the most stringent standards read more of conservatories and music schools throughout the world and overcome the daily handling of their enthusiastic students.

Choosing the Right Size
How do you determine the correct guitar size? One rule of thumb is to simply have a child stand next to a guitar. The top of the guitar's headstock should reach the student's waist. Next, have the child hold the instrument properly and, with the left hand, grasp the neck near the lowest frets. Without spreading the fingers, the hand should cover 3-4 frets, allowing a slight stretch for some chords. Nut widths (48 - 52 mm), and bridge spacing are graduated for proper spacing for young hands. Hardened stainless steel frets have been leveled and polished to create a uniform playing surface
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (77 ratings)
Submitted February 3, 2009 by a customer from comcast.net

"A wonderful little guitar."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
My favorite acoustic guitar to play that I've ever played, and I have played quite possibly hundreds of guitars. It's the one I take with me, and the one I play most at home. It's my little baby.

Sound
For it's size and price this guitar sounds wonderful, and it is one of the prettiest sounding guitars I have ever heard.

Features
The tuners feel a tad wobly at times, but hardly at all, and other than that it's perfect.

Ease of Use
THE EASIEST GUITAR EVER. It fits perfectly in my lap, it's super light weight (without feeling fragile), the short scale makes it super gentle on your fingers and you don't have to reach for low notes, it's very easy to tune, etc., etc., etc. Ease of use wise this guitar is PERFECT.

Quality
Like I said earlier the tuners are the only thing lacking at all, and they function perfectly, they just feel a little wobly. The guitar itself is way better than you would expect for the price. It's made out of nice, real, high quality wood. It holds up really well to being swung around in and out of car trunks, left in bad weather/climate conditions indoors and outdoors, and it doesn't mar easily when occasionly knocked into a chair or something (not that I have done those things, of course I haven't, never :}).

Value
A perfect guitar for the price, especially for someone who values convenience and portability. read more

Manufacturer Support
I gave it a ten because I don't know how good Yamaha's support is, but they're from Japan, so it's probably really good. Plus, why would you ever need support for this guitar?

The Wow Factor
It's very pretty, it has the cool old style headstock, and it's not so flashy that you're afraid to use it for fear of getting it dirty.

Musical Background:
Short-time Player with lots of technical knowledge, and a "good ear"

Musical Style:
Whatever I feel like playing at the moment.
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