Yamaha GC32S Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Yamaha GC32S is an expertly crafted nylon-string classical guitar perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Constructed with a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and smooth satin finish, it produces a rich, warm, resonant tone ideal for playing both classical compositions and other fingerstyle genres. Weighing in at just under 3.5 pounds, the GC32S is lightweight enough for extended practice sessions while still feeling sturdy and reliable. Its slim neck and narrower string spacing make intricate fingering comfortable even during longer performances. While not as ornamental as premium classical models, the GC32S delivers impressive playability and tone at an accessible price point. For developing classical guitarists ready to upgrade from a beginner's instrument, as well as fingerstyle players seeking an affordable nylon-string option, the Yamaha GC32S is an excellent choice combining quality craftsmanship with intermediate-friendly playability.

Construction

The Yamaha GC32S classical guitar features high-quality construction using solid spruce for the top and mahogany back and sides. The spruce top provides clarity and projection, while the mahogany body adds warmth and brightness to the tone.

The GC32S showcases excellent craftsmanship, with clean bindings, inlays, and finishes. The guitar has a glossy natural finish that allows the wood grain to shine through beautifully. Attention to detail is evident in the precise rosette design and symmetrical wood grain patterns.

The neck has a smooth satin finish and the fretwork is immaculate with no sharp edges. The nut and saddle are made from quality synthetic bone material. Overall, the materials and workmanship used in the GC32S are indicative of Yamaha's reputation for building beautifully constructed classical guitars.

Like the Yamaha GC32S, the Grote MG-404 is another well-constructed classical guitar. It features a solid cedar top with mahogany back and sides. The cedar provides a mellow tone while the mahogany adds depth and richness. The MG-404 has a hand-carved headstock and rosette, showcasing excellent craftsmanship and attention to aesthetic details. The guitar has a smooth gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain patterns. The neck is made of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It has a dual-action truss rod for optimal neck stability. The fretwork on the MG-404 is very good with neatly finished ends. Overall, the materials and construction of the Grote MG-404 make it a good choice for intermediate and advanced classical guitar players looking for a well-made instrument.

When comparing the construction quality of the Yamaha GC32S and Grote MG-404, a few differences stand out. The Yamaha uses solid spruce for the top while the Grote has a solid cedar top. Spruce generally provides a brighter, louder tone while cedar has a more mellow sound. The GC32S features mahogany back and sides, while the MG-404 has mahogany neck, back and sides. Both models exhibit excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Yamaha may have a slight edge when it comes to fit and finish with its clean bindings and glossy finish. The Grote compensates with hand-carved elements adding custom flair. Overall, both are well-constructed classical guitars suitable for serious students and experienced players.

Sound

The GC32S produces a rich, warm classical guitar sound thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides construction. The spruce top provides clarity and projection, allowing the complex tones to cut through an ensemble or recital hall. Meanwhile, the mahogany back and sides add depth and low-end, resulting in a very balanced and rounded tone.

This is an instrument built for nylon strings, with a nut width of 52mm to allow for comfortable fingering and voicings. The playability makes it easy to control dynamics and articulation. Notes bloom with sustain when allowed to ring, or can be played staccato with crisp attack. Fingerstyle techniques come through with intricacy and nuance.

The mahogany neck projects the fundamental tones from the body, resulting in excellent intonation up and down the fretboard. At higher positions, the notes remain focused without thinning out. The GC32S has impressive tonal consistency across all registers, catering to solo classical repertoire as well as accompaniment duties.

Overall, the GC32S achieves the sought-after classical guitar sound - warm and rich, yet with enough crispness and clarity. The solid spruce and mahogany body is finely tuned to bring out the lyrical quality of nylon strings. The tone is well-suited for both ensemble playing and solo work. Students and experienced players alike will appreciate the dynamic range and responsiveness.

Some players may prefer the brighter, more projecting tone of a cedar top classical guitar like the Squier SA-150N. The cedar produces more overtones and harmonic content compared to spruce. However, the spruce and mahogany GC32S offers a more traditional classical guitar voice. It captures the Spanish heritage of the instrument. The rich low-end and focused mids create a very resonant and full-bodied sound.

The fan bracing contributes to the balanced GC32S tone. Fan bracing patterns originated in Spanish luthier shops like Torres and are standard in today's classical guitars. The braces provide rigidity under the tension of the strings while allowing the top to vibrate freely. The soundboard can respond naturally to the player's touch and attack. This nuanced resonance makes musical phrasing a joy.

The GC32S is an exemplary classical guitar for students learning their first solos or concertos. The playability lends itself well to establishing proper technique. The tone is also inspiring for more advanced players looking to expand their musicality and repertoire. This is a high-quality classical guitar embodying the traditions of the genre.

Playability

The GC32S features a comfortable C shape neck profile that provides a nice rounded contour for the left hand. This makes it easy to grip and allows for smooth movement up and down the neck during solos and chord changes.

The action on the GC32S is set low and comfortable right out of the box. The strings sit close to the fretboard, making them easy to press down without excessive finger effort. This allows for clean fretting and helps reduce hand fatigue during longer practice or playing sessions.

The fretwork on the GC32S is well-done, with smoothly finished medium-sized frets. The ends of the frets are carefully rounded and polished, eliminating sharp edges that can scratch or irritate fingers. There are no high frets or uneven spots across the fretboard. Overall, the frets promote comfortable, snag-free playing.

Hardware

The Yamaha GC32S features high-quality hardware that enables stable tuning and great playability. The guitar has chrome tuning machines with pearloid buttons. These machines allow for smooth and accurate tuning adjustments. The nut and bridge are both made of rosewood. The rosewood nut promotes great string vibration and resonance. The rosewood bridge allows for precise intonation while providing a strong and stable platform for the strings. Some key benefits of the GC32S's hardware include:

• Chrome tuning machines enable easy and accurate tuning adjustments. The pearloid buttons add a touch of elegance.

• The rosewood nut promotes string vibration and resonance for excellent tone. Rosewood is known for its tonal properties.

• The rosewood bridge provides a rigid base for the strings. This allows for rock-solid intonation across the fretboard.

Overall, the hardware components on the Yamaha GC32S are high-quality and tailored for great playability. The tuning machines, nut, and bridge all enable excellent sound, stable tuning, and precise intonation.

Electronics

The Yamaha GC32S features passive electronics that allow the guitar's natural acoustic tone to shine through. It does not have any built-in pickups, preamps, or controls. This gives the guitar a pure, uncolored sound that many players prefer.

Some guitarists may want the versatility of onboard electronics for plugging into an amplifier or sound system. But purists argue that passive electronics get out of the way and let the guitar's true voice be heard. There are also aftermarket pickups that can be installed if electronics are desired down the road.

Overall, the lack of electronics enhances the GC32S's acoustic resonance and dynamic range. It's ideal for practice, recording, and playing unamplified. Those needing amplification can explore soundhole pickups, but may lose some tonal nuance. Passive electronics complement the all-solid wood construction to produce exceptional tone.

Comfort

The Yamaha GC32S classical guitar offers excellent comfort and playability thanks to its ergonomic design and carefully balanced weight. At just under 3.5 lbs, it strikes a nice balance between being lightweight enough for extended practice sessions, yet hefty enough to produce full, rich tones.

The smooth satin finish on the nato neck allows for fast, comfortable movement up and down the fingerboard. The neck has a traditional width and contour that most players will find very accommodating. Those with smaller hands may want to try the 3/4 size version of this model.

The body shape provides a comfortable arm and chest rest thanks to its contoured edges. The slightly arched back places the strings at an ideal height above the fretboard, reducing hand fatigue. The GC32S sits comfortably on either the left or right leg when playing in a classical position.

Overall, Yamaha has designed the GC32S for playability and comfort, allowing the musician to focus on the music rather than struggling with an instrument. The comfortable weight, smooth neck, and ergonomic body make this a pleasure to play for extended periods.

Great Value for the Price

The Yamaha GC32S offers excellent value for a nylon string classical guitar in this price range. At around $400, it provides very good build quality, sound, and playability for the price.

While not the cheapest classical guitar available, the GC32S is significantly less expensive than many other handmade classical guitars that can cost over $1000. Yet it still delivers a rich tone and comfortable playability that belies its modest price tag.

The solid spruce top and nato back and sides produce a surprisingly full and resonant sound. This kind of tone and sustain is usually found on more expensive instruments. The excellent factory setup provides very playable action right out of the box.

Considering the construction materials and attention to detail, the GC32S delivers impressive quality and musicality. The value to performance ratio makes this an excellent choice as a first classical guitar or a step up from a beginner instrument.

Overall, the Yamaha GC32S represents one of the best values on the market for an affordable nylon string guitar with professional-level tone and playability. The quality stands up well against other guitars costing significantly more.

Alternatives

When shopping for a nylon string classical guitar, the Yamaha GC32S is certainly a top contender, but it's not the only option on the market. Here are some other classical guitars to consider before making your final purchase decision:

Cordoba C7

The Cordoba C7 is a handmade Spanish guitar known for its deep, rich sound. It has a solid Canadian cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides. The neck has a wider nut width, making it comfortable for fingerstyle playing. The aesthetics and attention to detail on the C7 are impeccable. At around $800, it's priced a little higher than the Yamaha GC32S.

Kremona Sofia

From Bulgaria, the Kremona Sofia series offers handmade guitars with beautiful decorative elements. Models range from around $500 to $800. They have a European spruce top with either rosewood or mahogany back and sides. The Sofia has a well-balanced warm, bright sound. The playability is very comfortable right out of the box.

La Patrie Etude

The La Patrie Etude is a great beginner classical guitar with solid construction and sound. It has a laminated spruce top with mahogany back, sides, and neck. Models start around $300. The neck is slim and comfortable. While not at the same level as the Yamaha, the Etude punches above its price point. It's an excellent choice for student guitarists.

Alhambra 5P

From Spain, the Alhambra 5P provides all solid wood construction at an affordable price, around $400. It has a solid German spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides. The craftsmanship and sound rival more expensive models. The neck is fast and smooth. The Alhambra 5P offers amazing value for those looking to spend a little less.

Summary

Overall, the Yamaha GC32S is a high quality classical guitar that excels in many areas but does have some downsides.

On the positive side, the GC32S produces a rich, warm classical guitar sound thanks to its solid spruce top and quality build. It's very playable right out of the box, with low action and a comfortable neck profile. The craftsmanship and hardware are excellent for a guitar in this price range.

However, the GC32S does fall a bit short when it comes to projection and volume. It has a smaller voice than some other classical guitars, even at higher price points. The electronics and piezo pickup also leave something to be desired.

In summary, the Yamaha GC32S is an excellent choice for beginners or intermediate players looking for an affordable, playable classical guitar with great tone. More advanced players may want to consider options with better projection and electronics. Overall, it's a quality instrument that punches above its weight class.