Yamaha is a titanic company indeed. The company has manufactured a number of different products, including musical instruments like digital pianos and acoustic guitars. Now, if you are planning to get yourself an affordable and budget-friendly acoustic guitar, you can get confused in choosing between Yamaha’s two popular models, C40 and CG102. These two models are available in a similar price range of under two hundred dollars. They also look nearly identical. So, what are the differences between Yamaha C40 and Yamaha CG102? Let us find the answer below!
Similar Design
Both Yamaha C40 and Yamaha CG102 are classified as classical acoustic guitars. They each has a standard full-size body, featuring a 650 mm (25-9/16”) scale length. The body depth is 94-100 mm (3-11/16” – 3-15/16”), while the fingerboard width is 52 mm (2-1/16”). As you can see, both Yamaha C40 and Yamaha CG102 are pretty bulky. Nevertheless, they still have very good playability. Either of them can be a good starting point for beginners who want to get familiar with the measurements of a standard guitar body. Both Yamaha C40 and Yamaha CG102 are available in the natural wooden brown color, each with a gloss finish on the top surface. (See also : Yamaha C40 Vs C40II)
Different Materials
Although Yamaha C40 and Yamaha CG102 appear to be very identical to each other, they sound quite differently. This is because they are constructed of different materials. Yamaha C40 boasts a Spruce top that is paired with Indonesian Mahogany back and sides. Spruce and Mahogany are wood types that have been widely used and favored for guitars all over the world because their combination projects such a pleasantly warm and mellow tone. Every note can be projected accurately, with the midrange receiving a degree of presence boost. It sounds full and solid. In addition, Yamaha C40 also features a 19-fret fingerboard made of high-quality Javanese Rosewood.
On the other hand, Yamaha CG102 comes with a Spruce top that is paired with Nato back and sides. As a matter of fact, Nato is actually considered as a sub-type of Mahogany. Nato is generally cheaper than Mahogany. It sounds virtually similar, but people tend to consider its projection to be not as full and solid.
Yamaha C40 Vs CG102
| Yamaha C40 | Yamaha CG102 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha | Yamaha |
| Key features | - Constructed of Indonesian mahogany on the back and sides and spruce on the top | - Nylon Strings - Spruce Top w/Nato Back and Sides - Upgraded Tuners - Natural Color |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Decision
So, should you go with Yamaha C40 or Yamaha CG102? Honestly, these two models sound very similar to each other. However, you can choose Yamaha C40 for the real Indonesian Mahogany back and sides and high-quality Javanese Rosewood fingerboard.