After trying out literally a dozen intermediate classical guitars in the $300 to $500 range, without a double the Yamaha CG 162 C was the best looking, most comfortable, best built, and played beautifully. I asked the GC Technician to replace the factory strings with Savarez Alliance R540 normal tensions. The sound was full, bright, and sustained. I could not be more pleased with my purchase and I actually feel that the CG 162 C sounded as good, if not better than the more expensive Yamahas CG 182 and 192. Thanks to Yamaha for a great product at a great price for this novice classical guitar student.

This guitar was purchased new and received in sealed factory packaging. Upon careful tuning, the action was measured at over 7mm on the bass side and 6mm on the treble side. I have some decades' experience with all types of guitars, including classical. This is far too high for comfortable playing in higher positions, even with light-tension strings. It's a really pretty instrument and sounds very nice, but I'm not going to pay for a neck reset. I'll try to return it, or contact Yamaha's customer service.

I have been playing guitar for decades but have never owned a classical guitar. Over the years, I had been playing classical pieces on a steel string dreadnaught whenever I felt the need to play that style. Great for chops, not so good for sound. I liked the classical style as a break from the more 'pop' I generally play. Lately, I have been wanting to play classical more and more, so I thought I'd do it right.Since I knew I'd be buying via mail order, and since I have a good history with this brand, I chose Yamaha because they are always really good quality in my experience. Also, it fit the budget I wanted to stay within since this is really just for me and my own entertainment. I tried to get into a store to try one out but I couldn't find one locally. Nor ... MoreI have been playing guitar for decades but have never owned a classical guitar. Over the years, I had been playing classical pieces on a steel string dreadnaught whenever I felt the need to play that style. Great for chops, not so good for sound. I liked the classical style as a break from the more 'pop' I generally play. Lately, I have been wanting to play classical more and more, so I thought I'd do it right.Since I knew I'd be buying via mail order, and since I have a good history with this brand, I chose Yamaha because they are always really good quality in my experience. Also, it fit the budget I wanted to stay within since this is really just for me and my own entertainment. I tried to get into a store to try one out but I couldn't find one locally. Nor could I find any similar model Yamahas for that matter. I really wanted to compare the spruce top versus the cedar for feel and sound. All the reviews etc I had read suggested the spruce would be brighter and project better over the cedars warm, more filling sound. Given my style, I wanted the brightness and projection, so I chose spruce. Regardless, bought this sight unseen (and sound unheard) with my fingers crossed. I was not disappointed!Right out of the box it looked and felt fantastic! Not that this really matters but it was almost in tune too. I haven't done anything but play it and the action is pretty good. The nut seems just about right but the bridge might be a touch high for me. I will play for at least a month before I decide if I want to lower that any. The neck is straight and not twisted and the top is flat and not bowed any.All in all, I can't put it down! I just sounds so good and plays so nice. The tone is very well balanced. The sound seems to project evenly as well.I really have nothing bad to say about this guitar so far and I doubt I will. Yamaha is an excellent name in music.