
Yamaha CG122MCH Classic - Solid Cedar Top
The Yamaha CG122MCH is a very popular and well-regarded classical acoustic guitar, particularly for students and intermediate players.
Here's a detailed breakdown of its key features:
Body:
Body Shape: Traditional full-size classical guitar shape, without a cutaway.
Top Wood: Solid Western Red Cedar.
This is a significant feature for a guitar in this price range. Solid cedar tops are known for producing a warm, rich, and mellow tone with great responsiveness and projection, and they tend to "open up" and improve in sound over time. Back & Sides Wood: Nato.
This tonewood is similar in characteristics to mahogany, offering a balanced and warm sound, and contributes to the guitar's overall resonance. Bracing: Features a new bracing pattern (compared to older CG models) designed by Yamaha to deliver excellent response and rich resonance, and a bridge plate that efficiently transfers string vibration to the top.
Finish: Matte finish (Natural).
This thin, non-glossy finish allows the wood to resonate more freely, contributing to improved tone and a comfortable feel. It also tends to show fewer fingerprints than a gloss finish.
Neck & Fingerboard:
Neck Material: Nato.
It utilizes a 3-ply laminate design for improved durability against neck warp and twisting, offering greater stability over time and allowing for lower string action. Neck Profile: Classical guitar neck profile, which is typically wider and flatter than steel-string acoustic or electric guitar necks.
This wider spacing is ideal for classical fingerstyle techniques. Neck Finish: Matte finish on the back of the neck, which allows the left hand to move smoothly while also providing a secure grip.
Scale Length: 650mm (approximately 25.6 inches), a standard full-size classical guitar scale length.
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood.
Rosewood is a durable and smooth material that adds warmth to the guitar's tone. Nut Width: 52mm (2.05"), which is the traditional wide nut width for classical guitars, providing ample space for fingerpicking.
Frets: 19 frets.
Low String Action: Yamaha specifically designs this model with lower string action for increased playability, making it easier for beginners and those transitioning to nylon strings.
Hardware:
Tuning Machines: Chrome open-gear classical style tuners (e.g., Yamaha RM-1252X), often with white or pearloid buttons, providing a traditional look and reliable tuning stability.
Bridge: Rosewood, with a classic tie-block design for nylon strings.
Nut & Saddle Material: Urea (a durable synthetic material), though some players may choose to upgrade these to bone for slight improvements in sustain and tone.
Other Features:
Strings: Comes with Yamaha S10 Medium Tension nylon strings.
Acoustic Only: The Yamaha CG122MCH is a purely acoustic guitar and does not feature a built-in pickup or preamp.
Case/Gig Bag: The guitar typically does not come with a case or gig bag and these would need to be purchased separately.
The Yamaha CG122MCH is highly praised for its solid cedar top, which offers a rich and mature tone that often exceeds expectations for its price point.
Model: | CG122MCH |
Manufacturer: | Yamaha |