Yamaha CG192S Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Yamaha CG192S is an entry-level classical guitar model designed to be an affordable and enjoyable instrument for beginning and intermediate players. Part of Yamaha's CG Series, the CG192S features a classic combination of spruce and nato (Eastern mahogany) woods for the top and back/sides respectively.

This classical guitar model aims to deliver Yamaha's signature quality and playability at a budget-friendly price point. It utilizes traditional construction methods along with modern machining for consistency and reliability. The smaller body size makes the CG192S a comfortable guitar for new players while still producing rich classical tone.

Overall, the Yamaha CG192S offers students and hobbyists an accessible option to start their classical guitar journey. While not as nuanced as professional-grade instruments, it provides solid fundamentals to develop musical skills. The CG192S hits a sweet spot between cost and performance.

Construction and Materials

The Yamaha CG192S is constructed with solid Engelmann spruce for the top and Indian rosewood for the back and sides. This combination produces a balanced tone that is clear in the treble and warm in the bass, which is ideal for classical playing.

The neck is made from mahogany and topped with an Indian rosewood fretboard. Mahogany provides stability and sustain, while rosewood offers smooth playability. The CG192S has a traditional fan bracing pattern that provides rigidity while allowing the top to vibrate freely.

Some key specs on materials include:

• Top: Solid Engelmann spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid Indian rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard & Bridge: Indian Rosewood
• Bracing Pattern: Traditional fan bracing

The all-solid wood construction means each material can resonate fully for optimal acoustic projection. While laminate materials can deliver good sound too, solid woods generally provide richer and more complex tones. The combination of spruce, rosewood and mahogany produces a versatile classical guitar suitable for various playing styles and genres.

When selecting a classical guitar, it's important to consider the construction and materials used. The wood combination impacts the instrument's tone, resonance and projection. Solid woods like spruce and rosewood tend to provide better sound quality than laminates, though they also increase the price. The CG192S uses all solid woods for the top, back, sides and neck. This boosts the resonance and natural acoustic properties.

If you're looking for an affordable solid-top classical guitar, check out the Fender 0378300566. It features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides. The slim neck and comfortable body size make it accessible for beginners too. While it won't match the rich sound of the Yamaha CG192S, it provides great value at a budget-friendly price point. The solid top means you still get decent projection and tone. This is a great option for aspiring classical guitarists before investing in a more premium instrument.

Sound and Tone

The Yamaha CG192S produces a warm, balanced tone that is characteristic of high-quality classical guitars. The solid Engelmann spruce top contributes to a rich, nuanced sound with nice overtones in the treble registers. The rosewood back and sides further add complexity to the midrange frequencies, resulting in a nicely rounded tonality overall.

This is an instrument designed to provide an expressive, singing voice. Notes decay slowly and evenly. The dynamic range allows for subtle tonal shadings depending on attack. While no mass-produced guitar can rival the complexity of a luthier-made instrument, the CG192S comes admirably close considering its accessible price point. The tone projects well enough for practice and small ensemble playing.

The bass notes have adequate punch and definition. The midrange tones are clear and balanced. The treble has shimmer and sweetness without sounding overly brittle. It's a smooth, resonant sound that Flatpicking, strumming, and fingerstyle playing all work well on this guitar. From Baroque to modern classical repertoire, the CG192S can handle it all.

If you're looking for an affordable classical guitar that still delivers pro-level tone and playability, the Yamaha CG192S is an excellent option to consider. This nylon-string guitar combines traditional construction with modern manufacturing techniques to provide beautiful sound at a reasonable price point. The solid spruce and rosewood body produces a rich, nuanced voice with excellent resonance and sustain. It's a versatile instrument suitable for various playing styles and genres. For more great classical guitar options, check out the Fender 0373652558 model.

With its hand-selected tonewoods, comfortable neck profile, and easy playability, the Yamaha CG192S classical guitar hits a sweet spot between quality and affordability. Many budget classical guitars cut corners in their construction, using laminated woods and inferior hardware. But the CG192S delivers pro-level appointments like a solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides. It produces a wonderfully complex and resonant voice.

Playability

The Yamaha CG192S classical guitar offers excellent playability that makes it comfortable for both beginner and advanced players. The neck has a standard classical guitar width of 52mm at the nut, making it easy to fret chords and notes up the neck. The neck profile is C-shaped which fits nicely in the hand. The action on the CG192S is set low and buzz-free from the factory, making the strings easy to press down without excessive finger pressure. This allows for fluid, fast playing with minimal fatigue.

The CG192S is strung with nylon strings that have a soft feel compared to steel strings. The tension on the strings is set at a moderate level, avoiding the high tension that can strain the fingers on some classical guitars. The nylon strings have a warm, mellow tone when played that complements the resonance of the solid spruce top. Overall, the CG192S provides a very playable classical guitar experience suitable for learners and experienced players.

Hardware

The Yamaha CG192S features quality hardware that enables stable tuning and resonant tone. The tuning machines are durable sealed-gear machines that hold tune precisely through changes in humidity and temperature.

The rosewood bridge and nut provide a robust coupling between the strings and body for efficient energy transfer and projection. The compensated saddle is crafted from bone which transfers string vibrations smoothly into the top. Its shape is contoured to ensure accurate intonation across all six strings.

The hardware components work together to maximize the guitar's potential for resonance, sustain, and tonal clarity across the fretboard. The sealed tuning machines in particular make the CG192S a reliable choice for live performances and studio sessions where staying in tune is critical. While basic, the hardware gets the job done well and contributes to the guitar's impressive sound.

Electronics

The Yamaha CG192S comes equipped with Yamaha's System-53 pickup system. This is an integrated pickup and preamp located under the saddle that is designed to accurately capture the guitar's true acoustic tone and voice.

The pickup and preamp are controlled by a discrete volume control knob located on the lower bout. This allows for easy volume adjustment and output level control. The knob has a smooth taper for precise level setting.

For output, the CG192S uses a 1/4" output jack located just below the volume control. This jack allows you to easily connect to an amplifier, PA system, or recording interface for amplification and recording. The output signal is optimized for plug-and-play performance without the need for EQ or tone shaping.

Overall, the integrated electronics provide excellent amplified tone and make the CG192S stage-ready right out of the box. The controls are intuitively placed and simple to operate.

Pros

The Yamaha CG192S classical guitar brings several excellent features to the table for players looking for a quality nylon-string instrument.

• The solid Engelmann spruce top produces a full, rich tone that projects well. The wood is carefully selected and hand-carved for optimal resonance.

• The rosewood back and sides offer a balanced, warm sound. Rosewood is a traditional tonewood prized by classical players.

• The neck features a comfortable slim taper that makes playing easier, especially for those with smaller hands.

• The shorter 24.9" scale length reduces string tension, allowing for easier fretting and bending. This makes the CG192S a nice choice for beginners.

• The guitar stays in tune very well thanks to the quality tuners and nut. Players report minimal tuning issues.

• A passive piezo pickup allows for amplification while retaining the instrument's natural acoustic character.

• Attractive looks, with nice binding and rosette design. Yamaha's quality control ensures consistency.

• Available at an appealing price point given the solid wood construction and electronics. Good value for the components.

Cons

• The CG192S may not be the best choice for guitarists with larger hands, as the neck width is on the narrower side. Those with smaller hands may find it very comfortable and easy to play though.

• The dynamic range is not as wide as higher-end classical guitars. It can be more difficult to achieve a very soft, delicate tone. The loud tones project well, but the guitar slightly lacks in nuance at lower volumes.

• The satin finish can be prone to fingerprints and scratches showing up more easily over time. The guitar may require more frequent wiping down to keep it looking pristine.

• The hardware is good but not great. The tuners in particular may need replacing for very fine tuning stability over time. The nut and saddle are serviceable but upgrades could also improve intonation.

• It comes with nylon strings installed, which some players may want to swap out for a different string set that suits their style better. Experimenting with strings can help maximize the guitar's potential.

• There is no cutaway, which can limit access to higher notes on the fretboard. Those who frequently play up the neck may find this an inconvenience.

• As an entry-level classical guitar, the CG192S lacks some of the complex harmonics and refined resonance of more expensive instruments. The tone continues to open up over time but has a bit of a budget guitar character.

Alternatives

When looking for a quality classical guitar in the same price range as the Yamaha CG192S, here are some other models to consider:

Cordoba C5 - Made in Spain, the Cordoba C5 features a European spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides. It produces a balanced, warm tone perfect for playing both modern and traditional classical repertoire. The nylon strings are easy on the fingers. An excellent option in this price point.

La Patrie Etude - This classical guitar from Godin's La Patrie brand is handcrafted in Canada. The cedar top provides a mellow, darker tone. The shorter scale length makes it a nice choice for players with smaller hands. Overall an excellent value classical guitar.

Alvarez Masterworks - Alvarez is known for making affordable guitars that play like more expensive models. The Masterworks series delivers on that reputation. With a solid cedar or spruce top and rosewood back and sides, it offers full bodied projection and balanced tone. The slim neck profile provides smooth playability.

Yamaha C40 - For those on a tight budget, the Yamaha C40 is a great entry-level classical guitar. Despite the lower price point, it features a spruce top and meranti back and sides. The nylon strings are easy on the beginner's fingers. While it may not compare to more expensive models, the C40 gets the job done.

Summary

The Yamaha CG192S nylon string classical guitar provides a quality instrument for beginners and intermediate players on a budget. Its traditional fan bracing and Sitka spruce top produce a focused yet balanced tone that projects well. The rosewood fretboard and bridge are nice touches not always found at this price point.

The guitar's playability is quite good, with a comfortable neck profile and low action that make it easy to fret notes and play intricate passages. The onboard passive electronics give players the option to amplify without sacrificing acoustic tone.

Overall, the Yamaha CG192S is an excellent value for those looking to buy their first classical guitar or upgrade from a beginner model. While it may lack some projection and refinement compared to premium instruments, it provides impressive quality and playability considering the accessible price point. The CG192S is easy to recommend for new classical guitarists and for experienced players looking for an affordable second guitar for practice and travel.