What type of strings does the Yamaha CG122MS use?

The CG122MS is a classical guitar and uses nylon strings. Nylon strings are essential for achieving its specific mellow tone and are easier on the fingers than steel strings.

What is the benefit of a spruce top?

Spruce is a standard tonewood for classical guitars because it emits a rich, open, and bright tone. It is known for its clarity and ability to project sound effectively right from the first use.

How does the matte finish affect the guitar?

The matte finish gives the CG122MS an elegant, non-reflective appearance. Tonally, a thinner matte finish can allow the wood to resonate more naturally compared to a thick gloss finish.

What is nato wood, and why is it used?

Nato is often used for the back and sides of guitars to provide a deep and resonant sound similar to mahogany. It offers durability and tonal warmth at a more affordable price point.

What material is used for the fretboard?

The fretboard is made of rosewood. This wood is chosen for its smooth feel, durability, and its ability to enhance the sustain and brilliance of the music.

Is the CG122MS suitable for beginners?

Yes, while it offers features found in more expensive models, its price and playability make it an excellent choice for serious beginners. The nylon strings are particularly forgiving for those just starting out.

How does this model compare to the Yamaha CG142S?

The primary difference is the finish; the CG122MS features a matte finish, while the CG142S features a natural gloss finish. Both models share similar structural dimensions and spruce tops.

What kind of tuners are installed on the CG122MS?

The guitar features chrome hardware with white pearloid peg tuners. These provide a classic aesthetic and reliable tuning stability for the nylon strings.

Is this a full-size guitar?

Yes, the Yamaha CG122MS is a full-size classical guitar. It is designed for adults and older students who can comfortably handle a standard-sized instrument.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price range for the Yamaha CG122MS is approximately £279. This makes it a mid-tier option within the budget classical guitar market.

Does the CG122MS have a cutaway?

No, the CG122MS features a traditional non-cutaway body shape. This design maximises the internal air volume of the body to support a fuller, more resonant sound.

Can I use steel strings on the Yamaha CG122MS?

No, you should never put steel strings on a classical guitar like the CG122MS. The higher tension of steel strings can damage the bridge, top, and neck, which are specifically built for nylon strings.

Gear article

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha CG122MS is a full-size classical acoustic guitar designed to offer professional-grade features and aesthetics at an accessible price point. It features a solid spruce top and a matte finish, delivering a balanced, mid-range focused tone characteristic of traditional nylon-string instruments.

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Overview

The Yamaha CG122MS serves as a foundational model in Yamaha's CG (Classical Guitar) series. It is engineered to bridge the gap between entry-level student instruments and high-end concert models. By utilising a matte finish and specific tonewood selections, Yamaha provides a guitar that emphasises resonance and playability without the high cost associated with gloss-heavy finishes or rare exotic woods.

Design and Construction

The instrument is built around a spruce top, a wood choice prized in classical guitar manufacturing for its immediate responsiveness and 'open' tonal qualities. The back and sides are constructed from nato, which provides a sturdy structural foundation and contributes to the instrument's depth.

The hardware includes: * Bridge and Fretboard: Rosewood, selected to improve sustain and chordal clarity. * Tuners: Chrome hardware featuring white pearloid pegs for a traditional aesthetic. * Finish: A thin matte coating that allows the wood to vibrate more freely compared to thick gloss alternatives.

Tonal Character

The CG122MS is characterised by a bold and balanced sound profile. While it maintains the warm, mellow low-end expected of a nylon-string guitar, it features a slight emphasis on the mid-range. This 'punch' ensures that melodic lines stand out during solo performances. The spruce top contributes brilliance to the high frequencies, while the rosewood components help sustain notes, preventing the sound from becoming muddy.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

Priced around £279, the CG122MS sits in a competitive segment. Within the Yamaha range, it is a matte-finish alternative to the CG142S, which features a gloss finish. Compared to contemporary steel-string options like the Hartwood Sonata Grand Auditorium or the Tanglewood Northstar Pro, the CG122MS offers the specific tactile feel and wider nut width required for classical technique. While beginner-focused packs, such as the Gear4music Student Acoustic, provide a lower barrier to entry, the CG122MS is aimed at players seeking a more 'serious' instrument with better projection and material quality.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of strings does the Yamaha CG122MS use?: The CG122MS is a classical guitar and uses nylon strings. Nylon strings are essential for achieving its specific mellow tone and are easier on the fingers than steel strings.
What is the benefit of a spruce top?: Spruce is a standard tonewood for classical guitars because it emits a rich, open, and bright tone. It is known for its clarity and ability to project sound effectively right from the first use.
How does the matte finish affect the guitar?: The matte finish gives the CG122MS an elegant, non-reflective appearance. Tonally, a thinner matte finish can allow the wood to resonate more naturally compared to a thick gloss finish.
What is nato wood, and why is it used?: Nato is often used for the back and sides of guitars to provide a deep and resonant sound similar to mahogany. It offers durability and tonal warmth at a more affordable price point.
What material is used for the fretboard?: The fretboard is made of rosewood. This wood is chosen for its smooth feel, durability, and its ability to enhance the sustain and brilliance of the music.
Is the CG122MS suitable for beginners?: Yes, while it offers features found in more expensive models, its price and playability make it an excellent choice for serious beginners. The nylon strings are particularly forgiving for those just starting out.
How does this model compare to the Yamaha CG142S?: The primary difference is the finish; the CG122MS features a matte finish, while the CG142S features a natural gloss finish. Both models share similar structural dimensions and spruce tops.
What kind of tuners are installed on the CG122MS?: The guitar features chrome hardware with white pearloid peg tuners. These provide a classic aesthetic and reliable tuning stability for the nylon strings.
Is this a full-size guitar?: Yes, the Yamaha CG122MS is a full-size classical guitar. It is designed for adults and older students who can comfortably handle a standard-sized instrument.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for the Yamaha CG122MS is approximately £279. This makes it a mid-tier option within the budget classical guitar market.
Does the CG122MS have a cutaway?: No, the CG122MS features a traditional non-cutaway body shape. This design maximises the internal air volume of the body to support a fuller, more resonant sound.
Can I use steel strings on the Yamaha CG122MS?: No, you should never put steel strings on a classical guitar like the CG122MS. The higher tension of steel strings can damage the bridge, top, and neck, which are specifically built for nylon strings.