What level of player is the Yamaha C70 II designed for?

The Yamaha C70 II is primarily designed for beginners and intermediate players. It is an ideal first instrument for those starting their musical journey or hobbyists rekindling their interest in classical guitar.

What woods are used in the construction of the C70 II?

The guitar features a spruce top and meranti back and sides. This combination provides a balance of tonal clarity from the spruce and warmth from the meranti.

Does the Yamaha C70 II use steel or nylon strings?

The C70 II is a classical guitar and uses nylon strings. These strings are softer on the fingers and produce the traditional mellow tone associated with classical music.

What is the finish on the Yamaha C70 II?

The guitar features a Natural Gloss finish. This gives the wood a shiny, protective coating that enhances the appearance of the spruce and meranti.

How does the C70 II differ from the Yamaha C40 II?

While both share similar construction methods, the C70 II is considered a step-up model. It often features upgraded aesthetics, such as gold-plated tuners, compared to the silver-coloured hardware on the C40 II.

Is the C70 II suitable for flamenco music?

Yes, the spruce top provides enough versatility and responsiveness for flamenco styles. Its balanced tone supports both percussive attacks and melodic passages.

Can I use steel strings on a Yamaha C70 II?

No, you should never put steel strings on a classical guitar like the C70 II. The higher tension of steel strings can cause permanent damage to the bridge, top, and neck.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Yamaha C70 II typically retails for approximately GBP 180. This makes it a cost-effective choice for students seeking a quality brand-name instrument.

Is the Yamaha C70 II a full-size guitar?

Yes, the C70 II is a 4/4 or full-sized classical guitar. For younger children, Yamaha offers the CS40 II, which is a 3/4 size alternative.

What kind of tuners does the C70 II have?

The C70 II is equipped with traditional classical machine heads. These are often finished in a gold colour, distinguishing them from the basic chrome tuners on cheaper models.

What musical genres can be played on this guitar?

While designed for classical music, it is versatile enough for folk, pop, bossa nova, and jazz. Its mellow tone is suitable for any genre that benefits from nylon strings.

Does this guitar come with a case or accessories?

The standard C70 II is usually sold as a standalone instrument. However, some retailers may offer it in bundles similar to the C40II Standard Pack, which might include a gig bag or tuner.

Gear article

Yamaha C70 II Classical Guitar

The Yamaha C70 II is a full-sized nylon-string classical guitar designed specifically for student and intermediate players. Building upon the foundation of the world-renowned C40 series, it features a spruce top and meranti back and sides to deliver a balanced, mellow tone suitable for traditional and modern techniques.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Yamaha C series has long served as a global standard for entry-level classical guitars. The C70 II represents a refined iteration of this lineage, positioned as a step-up from the base C40 models while maintaining affordability. It is designed to provide beginners and hobbyists with a reliable instrument that facilitates proper fingerstyle technique and posture.

Constructed with a traditional classical silhouette, the instrument utilises tonewoods selected for their durability and acoustic properties. The natural gloss finish provides a professional aesthetic while protecting the wood from environmental changes.

Materials and Construction

The C70 II features a spruce top, a wood prized in lutherie for its versatility and clear projection. This is paired with meranti back and sides, a wood often compared to mahogany for its warm, mellow resonance.

Key structural features include: * Nylon Strings: Providing lower tension than steel strings, which is essential for developing finger strength without excessive fatigue. * Gold-Plated Hardware: Unlike the entry-level silver tuners found on most student models, the C70 II typically features upgraded gold-coloured machine heads for improved aesthetic appeal. * Scale and Playability: The guitar maintains standard classical dimensions, ensuring that students learn on a scale length that translates to high-end professional instruments.

Sound Profile

The combination of spruce and meranti produces a superbly balanced tone characterised by a recognisable mellow warmth. The spruce top ensures the guitar remains responsive to various playing dynamics, allowing for a range of styles including: * Traditional classical picking and arpeggios. * Flamenco-influenced percussive techniques. * Basic chordal accompaniment for folk or pop. * Modern fingerstyle techniques.

Market Comparison

Within the Yamaha ecosystem, the C70 II sits above the C40 II and its 3/4-scale counterpart, the CS40 II. While the C40 II is the most common entry point, the C70 II offers slightly more refined appointments, such as enhanced tuners and finish details.

When compared to external competitors like the Admira Java or the Admira Alba, the C70 II is noted for Yamaha's consistent quality control and structural stability. For younger players, alternatives like the Gear4Music 3/4 or 1/2 size packs are often preferred, but for adults and older teenagers, the full-size C70 II remains the standard recommendation for a first instrument.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What level of player is the Yamaha C70 II designed for?: The Yamaha C70 II is primarily designed for beginners and intermediate players. It is an ideal first instrument for those starting their musical journey or hobbyists rekindling their interest in classical guitar.
What woods are used in the construction of the C70 II?: The guitar features a spruce top and meranti back and sides. This combination provides a balance of tonal clarity from the spruce and warmth from the meranti.
Does the Yamaha C70 II use steel or nylon strings?: The C70 II is a classical guitar and uses nylon strings. These strings are softer on the fingers and produce the traditional mellow tone associated with classical music.
What is the finish on the Yamaha C70 II?: The guitar features a Natural Gloss finish. This gives the wood a shiny, protective coating that enhances the appearance of the spruce and meranti.
How does the C70 II differ from the Yamaha C40 II?: While both share similar construction methods, the C70 II is considered a step-up model. It often features upgraded aesthetics, such as gold-plated tuners, compared to the silver-coloured hardware on the C40 II.
Is the C70 II suitable for flamenco music?: Yes, the spruce top provides enough versatility and responsiveness for flamenco styles. Its balanced tone supports both percussive attacks and melodic passages.
Can I use steel strings on a Yamaha C70 II?: No, you should never put steel strings on a classical guitar like the C70 II. The higher tension of steel strings can cause permanent damage to the bridge, top, and neck.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Yamaha C70 II typically retails for approximately GBP 180. This makes it a cost-effective choice for students seeking a quality brand-name instrument.
Is the Yamaha C70 II a full-size guitar?: Yes, the C70 II is a 4/4 or full-sized classical guitar. For younger children, Yamaha offers the CS40 II, which is a 3/4 size alternative.
What kind of tuners does the C70 II have?: The C70 II is equipped with traditional classical machine heads. These are often finished in a gold colour, distinguishing them from the basic chrome tuners on cheaper models.
What musical genres can be played on this guitar?: While designed for classical music, it is versatile enough for folk, pop, bossa nova, and jazz. Its mellow tone is suitable for any genre that benefits from nylon strings.
Does this guitar come with a case or accessories?: The standard C70 II is usually sold as a standalone instrument. However, some retailers may offer it in bundles similar to the C40II Standard Pack, which might include a gig bag or tuner.