Yamaha CX40 Full Size Electro Nylon Classical Guitar - Natural & D'Addario EJ45 Pro-Arte Normal Classical Guitar Strings

Just some perspective on my review. I am in my late 60's and have been gigging and singing with a variety of accoustic/electro accoustic guitars since my late teens. I have had a number of classical, and 6/12 string guitars of various qualities. My first classical guitars were BandM and Aria (now expensive) ..... I think over some 40 years plus of playing, I think I have developed a good musical ear and can appraise a guitar's quality and value pretty well. I currently own: a mid 1960's EKO 12S - still playeable with great sound, an Ovation E/Accoustic 12S, and my favourite, a 1976 Yamaha accoustic 6S - their first solid top of that type - plays and sounds terrific. Now to the CX40........ the finish quality is ok - not your best woods.... Tuned up accurately pretty quickly. Obviously a basic string set is included, and as previously reviewed, don't last long and quickly wear and buzz. The playing action is pretty good. Even with basic strings, the top strings sound fine, and bass strings excellent depth of tone..... Maybe before replacing strings with a decent set, it may be worth brassoing the frets to make them smooth - will see if it helps... When amplified, the sound quality is pure and natural.... best put thru an accoustic amp - I use a 50W Stagg amp which has basic functions - bass treble mid plus reverb - guitar and mike inputs plus input for CD player and headphones - about GBP70.... I rate this a good accoustic guitar amp..... So, having played the cx40 daily since I purchased it a couple of weeks ago, I would rate it a great value classical guitar with good tone , easy to play and suitable for beginner up to experienced guitarist.

The Yamaha CX40II has left an indelible mark on my musical journey, delivering an exceptional blend of craftsmanship, tonal richness, and versatility. This guitar has proven to be a musical companion that transcends boundaries.Pros:Exquisite Craftsmanship: The guitar's construction exudes quality and attention to detail. The full-size body offers a comfortable playing experience, and the nylon strings provide a gentle touch that's easy on the fingers.Rich, Warm Tones: The CX40II boasts a resonant and well-balanced sound profile. The nylon strings produce warm, mellow tones that are perfect for a wide range of musical styles, from classical to flamenco and beyond.Electro-Acoustic Brilliance: The addition of an onboard pickup and preamp system opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Whether plugged into an amplifier or recording equipment, the guitar's natural tones shine through with clarity and precision.Playability at Its Finest: The action on this guitar is just right, striking a balance between ease of play and articulation. The fretboard is smooth, allowing for effortless transitions and expressive playing.Versatile for All Skill Levels: From beginners to seasoned players, the CX40II accommodates a wide range of skill levels. It's forgiving enough for those just starting out, yet offers the depth and nuance that experienced players seek.Cons:Gig Bag Recommended: While the guitar's build is robust, investing in a good-quality gig bag or case is advisable for added protection, especially for those on the go.Electronics Require Care: The electronic components, like any, should be handled with care. Avoid subjecting the guitar to extreme temperatures or moisture to ensure the longevity of the pickup system.In summary, the Electro Nylon Classical Guitar by Yamaha has been an absolute revelation in my musical journey. Its craftsmanship, tonal quality, and electro-acoustic capabilities combine to create an instrument that transcends genres and skill levels. While a gig bag is advisable for protection, this guitar's overall performance is nothing short of extraordinary. If you're seeking a versatile, reliable companion for your musical endeavors, the Yamaha CX40II comes highly recommended.

This is an excellent guitar for beginner or experienced guitarists alike. Quality instrument, beautiful tone with a quality feel about it. Would highly recommend this instrument as it performs as well as a much more expensive guitar, for a reasonable price.

I used to play acoustic guitar & electric guitar, and I am not a professional guitar player, but I have been on stages occasionally and used to play in the church choir. This is my first classical guitar, so I am not at all an expert to compare the quality with other classical guitars. Before getting this guitar I used to learn classical guitar techniques in my acoustic guitar and when I switched to this classical guitar it took a while to get used to the flat and wider fret board compared to a Stratocaster style fret board. I was not sure about the quality of the strings that came along with the guitar, so I replaced it with D’Addario Pro-Arte nylon strings. The new strings turned out to be brighter and over a period of time (4~5 months) the tone of the guitar gradually changed and is very pleasant and balanced to my ear. Sometimes the notes will turn out a little bit dull, later I understood that it is the humidity difference that makes the tone change, I am very careless about keeping it covered to maintain the humidity, I want it to be lying around so that I can practice it whenever I feel to, but still the guitar do not have an troubles or crack on it on account of the humidity changes in the extremely fluctuating climate of Ireland. I couldn’t get a chance to test the electro stuff of this guitar as I never play on stages these days, but I have connected it to my GT-10 processor and tried out various presets (not connected to an amplifier, but listened through my headphone). The pickup seems to be ok for me, and I do not expect the pickup to behave like an electric guitar’s pickup. Overall, It is a good guitar for a serious classical guitar beginner.