yamaha C40 classical guitar review. Best guitar in the world! For beginners.

I am not a great fan of Yamaha electric guitars even though I do not dispute they make some fine models at all price ranges but their acoustics and nylon strung instruments are remarkable at the budget end of the market. Really remarkable! The C40 is the best guitar in the world pound for pound in my opinion even though the competition out there is tough. Yamaha do incredible budget steel string acoustics too so check them out.
The C40 is a truly great cheap guitar. Even though I have more expensive ones I play this one the most. Its such a good workhorse and will never let you down. I hope my demo illustrates how it can be used for all level of pieces and situations.
To do the demo I used a Panasonic SD700 camcorder, a Blue Yeti mic (brilliant mic) and played direct into Acid 4 software. Edited video in Powerdirector 9.

[@kevinpeat3721]

Thank you Mike. As a result of this I bought one I'm delighted with it. Fantastic playing and recording. Terrific tone.

[@DougHinVA]

The fellow can actually play and I recognized the pieces. I had a luthier built high-quality all solid woods guitar once from a luthier to Lindy Fralin and Marija Temo... and I have kept a Cordoba Fusion 12 Orchestra. A C40 older Yamaha can sometimes be found and shipped to cost you maybe $40-60 and that is cheap for a well-made factory guitar. A luthier-built solid woods guitar will be easily $2500-3000 new. See? And you can always sell off a Yamaha C40 and get all or most all of your money back fast...

[@Izznum]

Ive searching for so long for someone who actually plays asturias on this guitar!!thanks for your review 🤭🤭

[@elenamiteva992]

I am thinking to buy it. This video helped me a lot about my decision.

[@niki4ko]

Hey, I've just bought C70 and it's fantastic :). I went for C40, but I've tried both guitars. Couple of things I liked more in C70 - the wood of the back side of the fingerboard was a bit rough, which is very good when you play longer and get sweaty, the tuning machines were better (from gold, very easy to work with), it was more comfortable for playing and the sound is just amaizing (for the price).I told to my self: "It's only one life, f**k the 45 euro difference" :)..and I am in love now :))

[@parrotbrand2782]

I had this yamaha c40 for a few years now. I thought that I should upgrade. Recently I bought myself a solid cedar top, solid mahogany back and sides classical. I played each for a few songs and recorded them. I listened to the recordings using my headphones trying to tell which is which. I would love to say my more pricey all solid guitar was better but honestly I can't. They sounded so similar. Either my all solid wood guitar was absolutely crap or this C40 is actually pretty darn good. I must say that I was quite disappointed with my other guitar. I was expecting more. The strings were similar. I used a bone saddle for my C40 (it came with a plastic saddle). And I had a Tusq saddle for my all solid wood guitar. If you are considering this guitar, no need to think further. This is probably Yamaha's best product for the price

[@JDVillamizar]

+Parrot Brand I also have a Yamaha C40 and I love it. I upgraded to a solid cedar top but mine absolutely sounds better than the C40. I bought a Manuel Rodriguez Caballero 11 (favorite guitar I have) would definitely recommend it, I still use the C40 a lot but now it's mostly my camping guitar :-)

[@parrotbrand2782]

I know C40 is just a student guitar. I think the full solid guitar i bought was just crap. too much vanish. The sound is rather muted

[@jtoobacc18239]

what brand & model?

[@JDVillamizar]

Manuel Rodriguez Caballero 11, awesome guitar imo.

[@udi112]

the big difference in classical guitar is the the machine heads and top wood. good machine heads can be up to a 200$

[@jamesphizacklea475]

the aspect ratio nearly killed me

[@casual9142]

Yoda sup

[@joines92]

This truly is a good guitar. I got one for christmas about 8 years ago, and I have never changed the strings or had it serviced in any way (shame on me), and it still sounds great! Great for both beginners and intermediates in my opinion. I am never getting rid if this guitar!

[@isaaruiz6061]

kuk0st hows the action on this guitar??

[@RichardRodriguez-cx1jc]

Bought one after watching the review. Thank you thank you thank you. I've been playing it for almost three hours and am very happy with the purchase. Once again thank you

[@rickw.7756]

Mike, I dream of playing so well! Just taking up guitar and re-focusing on classical. There are so many guitars out there that I feel rescued by your review of the Yamaha C40. Totally buying one!

[@bonhamrock]

Great review. Always lovely to hear the classical guitar played well. Many thanks!

[@johnlay3040]

I totally agree with you. It's the best student guitar. You can use that guitar up to grade 6 without any problem. I have got one myself and I have several concert guitars to compare it against. I have never felt frustrated playing it even after playing my concert guitars. That's how good it is.

[@iamM4SK]

Great review! Just picked up one myself at my local music store for 120 and it’s the best 120$ I’ve ever spent. Thanks to you!

[@druchumley4571]

This is the workhorse of classical guitars. Sounds good, plays well and if your grandkid knocks it over, you won't bust a spring.

[@fishermanryan]

That song at 4:10 sounds like two guitars, very cool!

[@stuffandthangs2595]

Blue Moon.

[@davidjones500]

This was the 2nd Classical Guitar I bought ... I've just sold it to a friend because I thought it was superfluous due to the purchase of my Ramírez R1 ... Now I want it back!! :(

[@Jim-iw1yd]

Great review, short and too the point and indeed the guitar sounds great, very good playing too.

[@NallDave]

Thankyou. I just bought one of these guitars and I am very impressed. Top value.

[@bigvin1970]

Really nice review .. I've had this guitar for years and it has been lovely to play . Thank you

[@DeanGl]

YAY! This is my guitar!

[@beaverge]

Purchased the guitar months ago and have not been disappointed especially since it cost $140.00 US currency

[@jjw2795]

I wouldn't call it best in the world, but your review is definitely proof that they are good. I love the sound, I love the plain, basic look to it (and I'm serious, it looks like a guitar rather than a rainbow like some guitars...). High quality strings would make the sound even better, and the neck looks really wide, perfect for my 8.5 inch hands.

[@samljer]

best in the world "for beginners" read the whole line. and id say it is. especially at the market price of what.. 120$?

[@LaitoChen]

A solidly built guitar for a beginner a the cost of dirt......what guitar competes with it

[@psychkoala]

Prince Blake When it comes to lower-end to medium-priced acoustics Yamaha rules. I've never had one that was less than good, and the best one I had (one of the 70's FG's) was fantastic.

[@Stonefieldmedia]

Thank you so much for the review Mike! I was looking for a second guitar that was a dedicated classical/nylon string style. Sounds amazing and beautifully played. I'll pick this guitar up tomorrow!

[@arfurlife]

many thanks to you too fella, glad you liked it.

[@arfurlife]

cheers fella. You wont regret getting it. Yamaha have got cheap classicals truly nailed and the more you pay the better they get too as you progress up the models. I love their cheap steel string acoustics too, they are equally good.

[@MrGraham001]

Had one for years and never upgraded,spot on sir,cuts the mustard.

[@MemoriesRR]

Yamaha makes good stuff. Can't go wrong with Yamaha. I only have one in my collection right now but pick them up at the guitar store whenever I see a new model.👍

[@EvanBradfordDavis]

Great Job! Awesome Review, super helpful, I've been playing rock and blues my whole life but lately really am getting into classical and jazz, so I've been looking for an inexpensive classical guitar that I can dig in and work on some classical pieces on. This looks like a good one to start with. I just want something that will stay in tune and doesn't have a lot of intonation issues.

[@allencbts]

Many thanks Mike, I'd been agonising over which to buy. I quite agree - Yamaha are solidly built. Your review is extremely helpful. Best of luck. Allen

[@arfurlife]

hey thanks for that, we all thrive on encouragement! happy playing.

[@K0L1NS]

i have one (i'm begginer). it's really good and easy to play with good noise and size.

[@mattressgiant240]

I saw another review on this guitar were after hearing the sound, I was very disappointed. However, I'm glad I saw your video; the guitar sounds great. I'll be purchasing one thanks to your review.

[@JamaisMEC]

Yamaha electric basses are, by and large, wonderful instruments. Like you, I appreciate their acoustics more than their electrics.

[@arfurlife]

cheers Coty. Yeah the yeti mic is amazing. i had it on stereo setting on a fairly low gain as it is sensitive. But boy its so so quiet, no hiss or background noise at all, and such quality. Unbelievable for the price.

[@silvernaturemusic599]

Although u mentioned it " No reverb " But it sounds like reverb added , Its sound quality is so rich and warm

[@gtrflwr]

this is so helpful, thanks for this review/performance/opinion! you play very well, and i look forward to learning similar pieces in the future... on top of the bossa nova-style chords i'm trying to master on my steel string beast at the moment (ouch). this sounds like a much better option for it :). kudos!

[@51MontyPython]

Very nice playing. I wish most demos were at least this good.

[@RockySunshin8]

Very nice! Blue Moon was very good! I appreciate the hard work that went in to this vid! I'm trying to find a good Classical Guitar, but I don't know anything about them...this vid will help!....Oh, one more thing. I looked it up on Amazon and it's $149.99 here in the US.

[@GarySchiltz]

This was one of the reviews that convinced me to buy this least expensive of Yamaha classical guitars. I wonder if "Mike Paradiso" will ever read my (or anyone's) comment? He seems to be one of those all too common "KZbin Ghosts" who make a few really nice videos (in this case only one, and as I write this, over 11 years ago). Then never release another video, never reply to a comment or acknowledge a complement, and give no other contact information on their channel. Mike, I hope you just decided video production isn't for you, and nothing bad has happened to you to explain your absence.

[@Aucksim]

SOLD! Thanks for the thorough review.

[@MrEricgal]

Loved your playing. Brilliant.

[@SuperYTmaniac1]

Like you know everything in the world when you have a new product in your hand!!!!

[@arfurlife]

yeah I am a huge fan of their bass guitars, they are really really good for the price. yamaha are so good at the budget end of the market.

[@anthonyclegg1511]

Good for seasoned players. 🎸💓.

[@gallionlion6388]

wow i loved the way u played blue moon

[@nikosz66]

Yes,the produced sound is really impressive!

[@jptavas]

Thanks. This was very helpful. Nice playing too :)

[@TheGenbaez]

Mike, thank you for your review. It is very helpful as I am debating if I should get another Yamaha FG700S or a classical guitar. I came across the Yamaha C40 and your review has help me to determine the quality of the box is not far from the FG700S with nylon strings. Thank you.

[@arfurlife]

hey great question! This guitar is £100 in the Uk. For me, to get a guitar which is truly noticibly better I need another £2500 at least or more. The C40 does not have a great sound but it is really comfortable and easy to play. I just cant afford a truly expensive guitar so if I have say £900 spare I'd buy a mic, software or something else. I dont play recitals so for me this will do nicely until I win the lottery or marry into wealth. Then, bring on the Ramirez. I have an Aria AC35Ce i like.

[@arfurlife]

the tune is called Lagrima...meaning 'tears' by f Tarrega.

[@maincharacter1405]

you're a beast! good job playing the guitar

[@arfurlife]

I would not say it has a thin neck. its quite thick, but I do think its very easy to play for a nylon string guitar. It is set up very nicely with a low action. Its not the choice if you prefer a more acoustic feel .

[@arfurlife]

I have an Aria electro classical, a C40, a Tanglewood acoustic, a warwick rock bass guitar and a Sammick SG electric copy. All cheap but great.

[@susanna8612]

Yes it looks thick but sound is very nice. Maybe have to go to the store to try. Thanks

[@arfurlife]

Yes I agree. The C70 is better but it is a bit more money too. But both guitars are amazing for their cost. Enjoy your guitar!

[@Sunshine-Light]

Brilliant guitar playing...well done

[@mikespielburg]

its obviously a laminate at this price, but my point was to say, dont let this put you off. For such a cheap guitar its still an absolute winner and will definately put you on and not let you down untill the day you can afford a bit more for a decent solid top.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

you should do some tutorials on classical,i subbed thinking you would have some tution videos on classical,be great if you did .

[@jgrossma]

As a beginner guitar, C40 is GREAT. Tuners are functional, frets are good, intonated saddle, dot side markers and good setup. Out of the box, this is ready to go and at its price level, this one beats anything else I've tried (and I've tried MANY). I will add that the strings it comes with are terrible and will need to be replaced shortly (cost

[@isaaruiz6061]

jgrossma hows the action on this guitr??

[@jgrossma]

Its low at both nut and bridge sides. Low enough that its super easy to play and you won't need to adjust it (I didn't. . .and I usually do). Honestly, I've played guitars that cost literally 10-50x what this one does that weren't set up as nicely. I'll see if I can dig mine out and give you the exact numbers, but from memory this was dead on 4mm/3mm at 12th fret for strings 6 and 1.

[@arfurlife]

anything they do on an acoustic guitar you can do on a classical for sure, it will just sound differnt a bit like electric piano versus a normal one. Personally I find I can t do elctric guitar stuff on a classical due to the string bending and stuff like that. After this c40 I am equally impressed with the f310 yamaha guitar. This is acoustic steel strung. Its a contender for best cheapy ever too. Get that one, thats my advice to you if you re not going electric. Check out reviews. Its a gem

[@arfurlife]

sorry for the late reply. Tittles in order are. lagrima by Tarrega, blue Moon by ? and Asturias by Albeniz. Best place to get the music is Amazon but try a torrent search and I ll bet you find them.

[@SvetozarIvanov]

Thanks for the review, I am about to buy a classical guitar as I am beginning to learn classical guitar. I initially was about to buy C40 as I watched few reviews and I agree, for the price possibly I can't find better one, but I have watched two videos with C80 which looks very similar but has nato sides and back, and to be honest its sound is much richer compared to C40. the difference is about £50. Could you share your opinion Thanks in advance

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

Truly..ANY of the Yamaha models up to the limit you have set. Its all up to how much you want to spend. I prefer any of the Yamaha s to any of the the other great makes around such as Admira ( which are good) and Martinez which are also good. But honestly in my humble opinion none can beat the Yamahas.

[@sicopr2003]

Good review, i agreed with you this is a great guitar.My c40 is more than 10 years with me.I have had a more expensive guitar but the Yamaha sound better.By the way what mic is that?Would like to have one like yours.

[@arfurlife]

no doubt about it in my opinion, for singing songs get the steel string model its equally good in its own right as the c40, an absolute brilliant guitar that will not let you down. Wish I had one to review. C40 would not be as good for singing songs to. I think most people would give you the same advice. Good luck.

[@SuperYTmaniac1]

I just heard your - The Loner.....Super awesome:):)loved it man!!! you are an amazing guitar player:):)

[@arfurlife]

thanks very much. I wish I had time to do a few more now.

[@arfurlife]

Thanks . Really wish I did work for yamaha now! The C80 is awsome too for a few quid more.

[@ruelguitar2k]

nice. my guitar is yamaha cg100a, it's very similar to c40 but i don't recommend it for serious guitarist, it's the only guitar i can afford right now but pretty good for beginners.

[@arfurlife]

thanks fella, the mic is a cheap Blue Yeti. About £90 on Amazon and the absolute bargain of the century. Its USB only though and I wish I d got the pro model at £200 as it has an XLR connection too.

[@ronhaslam38]

Agree! Most important!

[@AtticusStount]

I own one, an d doubt I'll sell it. This vid proves you can potentially take this to the studio and it sounds as good as a guitar 10 times the price (or at least nobody will know till you tell them).

[@memoglz]

THAT´S MY GUITAR, AND WHAT CAN I SAY... IT IS THE BEST BEGGINER ACOUSTIC GUITAR YOU CAN GET, I STILL USE IT AND I LOVE THE SOUND

[@ishaiperelman3137]

Very good review!

[@arfurlife]

the tunes are: Lagrima, by Tarrega, Blue moon, by ? and Asturias by Albeniz.

[@cesaraugustop]

Beautiful...many thanks for sharing...

[@martinguajardo6771]

Can you please post the titles of the songs you played? I especially enjoyed the third piece.

[@nathanhill4599]

Great review thank you.

[@tonytlly]

Please let me know what the name of the last piece you played... It was epic!

[@gogabogdanovic]

Strings on c40 are yamaha string, and best suite that guitar. I try d addario pro arte, la bella (worst) and Savarez. Savarez is the best but wear too quickly. Top is laminated and very unsuitable for acoustic guitar, buy something with solid top, especially when you start.

[@ollezimmerman]

Great info! What is the last piece you played called?

[@niki4ko]

Great collection!

[@cotybear93]

Excellent review! thank you! I also have that mic so it's very helpful. What gain settings and what mode do you have it on?

[@arfurlife]

songs are lagrima ( Tarrega) Blue Moon, and Leyenda

[@shailendranathgospelguitar]

Excellent Pc

[@snipperacoustics]

Very nice Mike, thanks.

[@AtticusStount]

I have the CX, which is the amplifiable version. I attest to the quality.

[@shiroumxm2052]

I have this, and I can tell it´s a very good guitar., The problem i found is the color of the fingerboard faded

[@StillTypical]

Good for guitars?

[@shiroumxm2052]

@@StillTypical what¿¿

[@StillTypical]

@@shiroumxm2052 auto correct aha sorry. Is it good for begineers?

[@shiroumxm2052]

@@StillTypical yeah it´s perfect fo beginners, strings height are not too much, fretboard is comfortable and notes are precise

[@Anteksanteri]

This guitar has fairly predictable and balanced tone compared to a lot of the cheap models, which promotes proper technique. It also offers decent playability for the price. I want to sell mine because I am good and knowledgeable enough notice the difference a great guitar makes, but this will serve most beginners for probably the first 1000 hours of playing depending on the rate of improvement.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

good honest advice ! how did you make that reverb sound ? thanks.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

great playing

[@niki4ko]

Yes, I complitely agree with you. The sound of both guitars is very good! Thans a lot! I do it :). What kind of guitar do you have?

[@SvetozarIvanov]

Also in your review you mentioned that the C40 there are no buzzing frets but all the videos I have watched with C40 the was always some buzzing even in your video while you were plying, this is one of the things that is shifting me to the more expensive C80 as I didn't heard such problems although there are only two or three videos. There are no reviews on C80 do you know why? Is it a new model? I can't put the link but if you type Yamaha C80 and look the videos of Marcos Salazar. Thanks in adv

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

Many thanks, much appreciated.

[@arfurlife]

Thanks Judith

[@carachitsharma]

The review coverage is wide enough to cover all aspects! 😀

[@vek0vek0]

Thanks ,great review. Do it come with hard tension strings or normal tension ?And do you buy hard vs. normal tension strings if you break a string and want to change the factory ones but still preserve the original sounding? Thanks

[@Tank0923]

Thank you

[@arfurlife]

last piece is leyenda or asturias by albeniz.

[@antonioeustaquiolara]

Thanks Mike You help me .