Yamaha C40 classical guitar review

[@programmedwrong3795]

This guy is cool!

[@plooopymops]

@Jayce Antonio Twat

[@plooopymops]

@Rerun Bubba Spudskin Get tee fuck with yer pishy pishy!

[@JoseVGavila]

7 years later I arrive here as I am today looking for a used C40. Thanks for your advice. Wish me luck!!!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Indeed, best of luck in your search Jose.!

[@h1ph0p10]

same here :)

[@JoseVGavila]

@@JohnCouplandguitar Well, it was a nice find and now I have a C40 to learn with it

[@akipachoekie]

I wish i have a father like you, such a friendly person. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@muratiskl8923]

Mario Van Der Zijden wery cute person ilke dobby

[@francescopiotto9510]

AHAAHAH usually fathers are not so friendly to their children :D it's a natural law :D

[@marksystemed4678]

This guy does seem very friendly, however I find Dutch people to be the friendliest people in Europe. Going back 25 years or so I was on a tram in Holland and asked somebody which station I had to stop at to get to such and such a place. She actually missed her stop to make sure I stop at the right place! Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and Danish people are very friendly in Europe. Some countries in Europe, you ask someone the time or a direction, they think you are going to rob them.lol!

[@Oliver-uh5ze]

@@marksystemed4678 "Some countries in Europe you ask the time or a direction, people think you're going to rob them" yeah one country comes to mind, Poland. Lived there for 3.5 years. Well not all of them, but definitely some of them are really xenophobic!

[@marksystemed4678]

@@Oliver-uh5ze Oh dear, it's a shame really.

[@agro0]

I really like watching your reviews. you are such a humble person :)

[@aras1588]

Fortunate for me that I was searching for this model in particular or I wouldn't have stumbled upon this review. Alot of wisdom on classical guitars in general that I wasn't expecting. What a find- thanks!

[@Mulberry2000]

i have this guitar and its brilliant, i have had it for 10 years

[@nicouekuete8842]

No way!!!!

[@marcusaureliusfanboy]

does the lack of truss rod or the action getting higher ever affects the playing experience?

[@samanrathnayake8169]

The sound is getting better with the time.

[@joshuachelliah46]

How is the action.. it should have warped by now.. I have am Alhmbra 5p ... its action has changed.. hence looking for a good guitar

[@martyh8830]

I ended up purchasing a Yamaha C40, and quite pleased with it. It's my go to guitar for camping trips, barbecues and miscellaneous outings. A very nice guitar, indeed

[@johnvehikite4023]

An actual honest review by somebody that isn't trying to sell me the guitar. Thank you so much!

[@deldia]

Nylon strung guitars are grossly underrated by many (not all). You can often surpass a steel strung guitar in excitement with various flamenco/classical techniques.

[@shiroumxm2052]

what¿¿ literally is the opposite..steel strings gruitar is almost ignored here in México and latin américa

[@MorningNapalm]

I just bought one of these yesterday and am impatiently waiting for it to arrive. I look so much forward to getting it.

[@konstantineguruli]

John, Thank you for a great review. Thank you for pencil advice and thank you for the usual great humor! I hope you are doing well.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Konstantine, you too!

[@aniquinstark4347]

You sold me. I've been having a bunch of issues with my electric guitar lately and decided I needed to buy a cheap classical to play with while I deal with warranty service. This looks like a great value at just $140 from Amazon.

[@alansturgess1324]

I bought one of these and keep it available in case one of my granddaughters wants to learn guitar. Your comments are spot on, this is an excellent instrument for not a lot of money.

[@aaronflinner6431]

Loved that review. Thank you. I just ordered this model and I'm waiting for it to arrive. Very excited.

[@MrNakki]

Love your reviews. And the accent makes me really miss home. You're so calm and very good at explaining.

[@wizardoftoys]

Mr Coupland, We Thank You for a REALLY FINE video! It were very informative and friendly! ( Hope the neighbor's cat kept His Guts!) CHEERS

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thank you very much!

[@konstantineguruli]

Wow! Great sound! Thank you, John! I can't play acoustic guitar because my fingers hurt too much and it's great to gear that Yamaha C40 has a great sound. Thanks

[@derphonix6775]

But with Nylon strings its easy and in only one week your fingers dont hurt anymore

[@konstantineguruli]

@@derphonix6775 But calluses stay, right?

[@derphonix6775]

@@konstantineguruli not for to long but honestly yes

[@konstantineguruli]

@@derphonix6775 Thank you

[@bencohen-murison7025]

I laughed with the bit about the cat! Thanks for the help.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My pleasure!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+gennarino carunchio The guitar is very lightly constructed so I would use normal tension. Once a guitar bellies there is no going back.

[@GibsonLesPaul2273]

I bought one second hand and the very slight bridge belly and sink at the fretboard end is enough to make the action very high. You would get away with this on acoustic some of mine have it but the action is still very low but it seems on classical its fatal. I dont know why they dont just put a metal plate inside classical and acoustics and solve the problem once and for all, theres got to be a way to design things so the tension from strings over the decades doesnt warp anything.

[@jirapatthaenphromrat2910]

+GibsonLesPaul2273 I am very new to guitar. So can you pls explain what guitar belly?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

When an acoustic or classical guitar gets old, the front of the guitar, between the bridge and the tail can start to bulge. This causes the action or height of the strings from the finger board to increase. This can also force the area under the strings to dip downwards. In extreme cases the guitar becomes unplayable.

[@treethetraveller]

I have been looking for a review on this guitar and I am glad to have come across yours. Loving the insights! Subbed, love from India 💜

[@treethetraveller]

Cat next door😂😂😂

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Blessings

[@SallyTally420]

I have this guitar, have had it for over 6 years. My first and favorite

[@floydofnova2743]

This guy needs more views very wholesome

[@pandasticus]

I got one of these myself today, glad to see I didn't make a bad decision. You forgot to mention one thing, it smells really good!

[@92stefanovic]

Hi a friend of mine told me the C40 deteriorates over time, is it your case after all these months? Is there any flaw to it since

[@elliot2919]

I love the way he lifts his eyebrows when he does his intro

[@egrono1]

Great video. Well recorded. Great sound from an inexpensive instrument. I’ve subscribed to your channel.

[@giftedplanksify]

I knicked mine yesterday at the goodwill store for only 10dollars was and still feels in tune all4 strings, thanks!

[@bgilley8199]

I would suggest looking for an older G-60a Nippon Gakki model, they can be found pretty cheap but the sound and build quality is much better. These are still nice starter classicals though, nothing wrong with it as a starter guitar.

[@FenderTele-ec7iu]

I paid £10 for mines, and i have 2 cats, so plenty of free strings

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

Very helpful. In US dollars, by the way, the C-40 currently costs about $140.

[@derphonix6775]

In € it currently costs about 130€

[@mattbruh2328]

Crazy how after so many years it kept its original price if not even more, as of now 139€ on amazon

[@fionamacneill7859]

Tis great to hear someone from the old country. Currently in Mexico.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You are far travelled Fiona but good to hear from you.

[@GordonnLeeWhitingTheStudioek]

Brilliant review. Thank you.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@ElmerEscoto]

Haha! The neighbours' cat should watch out!

[@Sel817]

He reminds me of Gargamel... The wizard from the Smurfs 😊

[@Chimp_No_1]

Nice to see you again John.

[@fishermanryan]

Just the first few seconds you started playing were absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the review, not sure if I want to get it due to the intonation further up the neck being poor.

[@steveclark9934]

This guitar is amazing! for it's price range coming from an owner of primarily Ibanez electric guitars since early 90's that are two to four times the cost this was my first venture into classical nylon string guitars in 2014 glad to have made the purchase stays in tune sounds great and built like a rock.

[@steveclark9934]

Oh also I tried a Cordoba? nylon string classical guitar in the the same price range the same year and it was awful absolutely horrible

[@drsirdiealot2812]

This guy still gets the girls...!! Awesome Sir ! you are super awesome !

[@stipsazg]

You are great, sir!

[@parrotbrand2782]

Nice review. Great playing. I have this guitar for 3 years now. Decent quality and great price. It is extremely light. The back of the guitar seems very thin. Unlike other guitars that use mahogany or rosewood, it uses a tropical wood called meranti. The grain is unique but because of its budget nature, the wood is very thin and projects poorly. The tone is ok though. But this is nitpicking for such an inexpensive model. I can bring it everywhere and it has been robust so far. I am reluctant to upgrade because this guitar does the job just fine.

[@coolbluetoo]

Really enjoy your reviews!

[@kyotosal]

Thank you for nice review. You make the guitar sing.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@pnutdraws]

Wow the way you review stuff is great sir ,you remind me of my grandad he's nomore but anyway is this a good beginners acoustic guitar? 🙂

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Peanut, Yes this is a good starter's guitar although it is a classical guitar, Yamaha's acoustic guitar is the F310 and has steel strings rather than nylon. The C40 is suitable for folk, country and classical styles, a good all rounder.

[@pnutdraws]

John Coupland woah thnkyou for replying sir! :D im planning on getting the yanaha f310 :)

[@williammolina9792]

Hello. I would like to know, Howe heigh is the strings height from the 12 fret, on this guitar.??

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Sorry William but I no longer have the guitar. The action was avaerage for a classical, quite playable.

[@phobia6661]

Very informative, entairning and funny video, BTW, Catgut is a type of cord[1] that is prepared from the natural fibre found in the walls of animal intestines.[2] Catgut makers usually use sheep or goat intestines, but occasionally use the intestines of cattle,[3] hogs, horses, mules, or donkeys.[4] Despite the name, catgut manufacturers do not use cat intestines. But loved the joke about neighbourhood cat :p

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Aditya Hatkar It died a few days ago. Now I feel guilty for making fun of it!

[@Harimau-b9r]

I just bought it for my boy and send him to the music course

[@lakshminaganathan]

Great review. I have got short fingers and a complete beginner.could you please help me choose between Yamaha c40 and fender esc105

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You would be best going for the Fender ESC 105 as it has a narrower neck.

[@lakshminaganathan]

Thank you Sir for the response

[@lakshminaganathan]

Sorry sir i still have not mine.could you please let me know if fender esc 105 is way too heavier than yamaha c40. I would need to carry the guitar for music lessons.i tried in my local stores for checking how heavy it is , but the nearby stores dont retail them anymore and only option is to buy online.

[@craigholdefer5640]

Very soothing guitar review. I will check out warrior videos thank you sir

[@whenyoutryyourbest]

Lovely review! Thank you for that! Plus your accent is really pleasant! :D

[@theblytonian3906]

Question I'm sure you'll have a definitive answer for John, or erudite opinion if not. I've just picked up an inexpensive Yamaha C40 (new). Yamaha websites spec the default fitted strings as "medium". Looking to my first string change, with no truss rod should I stick with *normal tension* D'Addario EJ45N, or would *light tension* EJ-43 Pro Arte still be OK with no neck relief adjustment mech?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

A truss rod is like a life-belt or a parachute, it is something you hope you will never use. If a guitar has enough seasoned wood in the neck then adjustments are not required regardless of string tensions. Using a lower tensioned string set should be fine. If there is any neck movement later on then replace them with a set of high tension until the neck is back to where it should be.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@JohnCouplandguitar Belated thanks 'me ole china plate'. After trying the current OEM medium strings OOTB, I decided to stick with normal tension and bought a set of D'Addario Pro-Arté EJ45s. The Yamaha OEM (?) fitment strings are OK though, so I'll use them until they indicate signs of being tired. After the hands on, I can't see any point *for me* going lower tension. Current model BTW for those who haven't easy access to the second hand market, is the C40//02. Although understandably still contracted to "C40" in vernacular pretty much everywhere, it superseded the C40. Same design AFAICT, but *different body woods* and cosmetic *stainings* . Now, instead of laminated Indonesian Mahogany for the body sides and back, Yamaha have switched to laminated Meranti. Still a high gloss finish, but the sides and back are a medium brown instead of reddish brown stain, the top urethane stain is significantly darker, and the (still) Nato neck is finished in a cocoa stain matt finish which better matches the colour of the back and sides, and is very smooth to fret with. And it is a "matt" rather than satin. The headstock facing remains the same colour as in the example you're holding, and the simple but stylish universal Yamaha symbol has been returned to it after an absence in some examples. Probably the most impressive feature overall to me, was the finished feel of the fretwork overall, the profile and smoothness of the neck. The relief on mine was true as was the fingerboard, the neck straight and action though high relative to what I'm used to playing, as I'd expect of a Classical guitar. All no frills, but impressive at the price point of this guitar. Machine heads are plain looking, but operate smoothly at (presumably) 14:1 ratio, and hold tune perfectly. Mine had indications in and on the box that it was the model destined for UK market export/, so likely identical to what is currently being sold into that market in 2019. It's up to my intended purpose, certainly won't be the weak link in its role. With that, for the money, I'm delighted with it.

[@josejcastaneda5826]

I have a bad gas. I like steel string guitars as well as nylon strings. Therefore, my gas is more terrible and much more expensive. I am looking for a travel size guitar that won’t be affected if I leave in the trunk. Any suggestions?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

For a steel strung guitar the Washburn Rover is very nice and has a good case. My next video will be a review of a Thomann 3/4 classical travel guitar. It's a beauty but comes without a case. As for GAS, I sold two guitars last month and I feel a bad attack coming on.

[@VEHICROS]

In fact I just bought a Lucida Requinto, and since not a single review existed, I posted one last night, Its nice, and A lot of fun to play however the scale is a little bit too small. SO, Question is,, IS there or do you know of a Very High quality 3/4 scale Classical guitar, or which one would you choose?????

[@wjchivers]

I love your videos John, thanks for posting them. I have owned a Yamaha G60A since 1972 and still play it often! One question, jokes aside, is catgut really made from cats? Or is it from sheep, goats, cows etc? So much easier to catch than cats... Cheers, Bill

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You are correct William. I am not sure how the material got its name. I guess you had to be there.

[@asjvaidya612]

No the catgut are made of sheep intestines, same material used for suturing wounds

[@tusharmohan2468]

It has some bulge and action is slight high at 12 th fret. I have to visit the luthier for the setup next week. Should I loosen the strings?will the bulge go away?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Tushar Mohan Once a bulge has developed there is no way to reverse it that I know of. If you are using the correct type of string there is no need to loosen them.

[@juandelacruz5247]

Hi Sir! Great video! I'm planning to buy a classical guitar. I'm wondering whether to buy yamaha c40 or cordoba cp100. I'm quite inclined to buy the cp100 since it has truss rod, and I'm expecting to use it for a long time so I want a truss rod in the guitar. However, many videos including yours say that yamaha c40 is really good. They basically both have similar price range. Cordoba cp100 is in satin finish. What do you think sir? Your help is very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I have not played the Cordoba but the satin means that it will be more comfortable to play. As for truss rods, remember that they do not always work. This is usually down to a particularly stubborn piece of wood rather than faulty installation. If you can find them in a local store then it is always best to try before you buy. Guitars of the same model can sometimes vary in sound and feel so it is a false economy to try to save a few pounds on the internet, better to pay a little more and get one which satisfies your personal taste.

[@juandelacruz5247]

Thank you for the wise advice! I'll keep it in mind.

[@oceanblue1886]

Great video, thank you sir!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@VEHICROS]

OK ther Mister Expert Man,, Which would you choose, The Yamaha CS40 or the Yamaha CGS103A? I just did a review on the Lucida LG-RQ its a very nice guitar, but just a little too small for fast playing. So I am returning it and back at square one.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

As far as I can tell it is a choice between dark orange and bright yellow, personally I prefer the orange one. Why Yamaha feel the need for two different 3/4 size guitar at roughly the same price is a mystery. Perhaps one model is no longer being produced although they are still in the shops? Part of the modern industry is that Brands will shop around the various factories in order to keep their costs down. A new model does not necessarily mean a better model, it may just be cheaper to make.

[@VEHICROS]

That makes perfect sense, and perhaps hints at how little control they have over what is being made (made for them), which leaves as you say, Choice of finishes, or design/construction variations that only seeing in person would reveal.

[@VEHICROS]

Or more so, it could just mean Yamaha is presented with numerous guitars, therefore they present the public with several models.

[@francescopiotto9510]

after two days of use, the paint on the fretboards is already coloring my fingers !!!! bad quality?

[@ctripps1224]

Hey love your videos, can you do a video or suggest a superb flamingo guitar? And can the Yamaha C40 be considered decent for the Flamingo style?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

The Alhambra 7F at around £1250 is a good un. The necks on flamencos tend to have a flatter back than a conventional classical and you are not going to get that on the Yamaha. The main difference is however easy to achieve, you just need a lower saddle so that there is a bit of rattle off the strings.

[@ctripps1224]

John Coupland Cool, thanks, anything more affordable? Also I enjoyed watching you give witness to how you found your faith and Jesus in your life.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Try this Manuel Rodriguez MR7C Model 7 Caballero Guitar £149. It is to be found at the Ivor Mairants musicentre www.ivormairants dot co dot uk I used to work there and although smaller than most it is the best guitar store in Europe. Every guitar is checked before being displayed or sold and the suppliers send their very best examples to them. (Ivor won Britain's best guitarist award 22 years on the trot in pre-Beatle days.) As for Jesus, ever faithful, ever true.

[@ctripps1224]

John Coupland thanks John, I live in the USA actually

[@RainaAbin]

hi john, should i go for C40 or F310, i usually play country music, pop and some blues, please suggest, my hands are small although.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Raina Abin Sounds like the F310 would be the best for your styles of music. Blessings John

[@ghaniha7118]

Thank you Sir.you are a beautiful man. Please i want to choose between c40 and c70 what is the differance between them and are ther a differance in sound or not???

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You can compare the sound on the Thomann web site. (They are a retailer based in Germany. ) The sound and the materials seem to be exactly the same but the wood grain on the C70 looks more attractive. If a better appearance makes you pick up the guitar more often then it is worth the extra money.

[@ghaniha7118]

Thank you so much . Really ,,your answer benefits me so so much.

[@mwsroe]

Hi thanks for the video there's some interesting info on there. I have just received my lovely new cordoba c5-ce🙂. But a bit worried because it has a belly of about 5mm starting at the bridge leading up and down. Also it appears that the bridge is slightly bent. Ive been practicing on a Yamaha FC720S for 2years so I'm a newbie. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 👍

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

A slight bellying is nothing to be alarmed over but it could be a sign that high tension strings should be avoided. Getting the best sound out of a guitar is a balancing act between strength and responsiveness. The old 70s Eko Ranger did not sound all that great but was built like a tank. At the other extreme some high end classicals are designed to last a mere 3 years but sound absolutely fabulous.

[@mwsroe]

Thanks for your reassurance, I purchased over tinternet so I was a bit dubious. And fretting (pun intended) unnecessarily. Thanks again for your time. Keeeep Dancin 👊🏻

[@tequilashot7372]

good sir what is better for an intermediate player this or Fender ESC105 ? this all i can aford and all my music shop has. can you help me?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I would choose the Yamaha.

[@tequilashot7372]

thank you

[@pspjerry]

What classical songs were you playing in this video? Also what classical guitarr would you reccomend for somone who played guitarr for less than a year? I brought the cheapest guitarr I could find as my first guitarr but i doesnt sound very good, so I wanna buy new better one later

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

At around 1:00 I play one of my own compositions, 'Dance of the Pied Wagtail, which comes from my album, 'Birdsong after midnight,' which I recorded under the pen name Harpaxe. Available from CDbaby, Amazon, I-tunes etc. Any other bits I played were just improvised. Fender and Yamaha are the obvious choices in terms of quality and for a bit more then Hofner and Takamine make some good stuff. Try and buy from a real store as opposed to on line if possible. That way you can hear and feel what you are getting for your money.

[@jobeious]

Hey great review!! 👍

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@guitarnewbie2305]

John, you're funny and your video very informative. Thank you!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My pleasure GN.

[@mikesrecords0]

How can I tell if the guitar I just bought is a Yamaha c40 or a c40ii. The label says c40 but my receipt says c40ii. The pictures I have seen on the internet seem to show each type as either yellowish or red-ish. Does the c40ii label say "c40" on it or c40ii? Thanks.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Stock tickets in shops can get mixed up. The ticket says one thing but the computer says another. Whether the C40ii is an improvement on the older model is debatable. Sometimes the phrase, 'New improved version,' translates as, 'It is cheaper to make so the company gets a bigger profit.'

[@mikesrecords0]

Also the C40 has Mahogany back and sides, not Meranti. Although these both are laminated, a couple web sites suggest that the c40 may have a slightly more mello sound with more midrange warmth, whereas the c40ii might be more durable due to a change in the bracing. Either way, I am quite happy with what I have.

[@allaboymm]

You are so cool, nice review.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Alberto.

[@VEHICROS]

Once again I call on the Wise Master of Music,,, So , ready to make a purchase and still wondering if the Cordoba 3/4 scale is a better guitar than the Yamaha CGS103 ? The Cordoba is only $30 and comes with a gig-bag.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Generally speaking you get what you pay for but if you are buying over the Net would it be possible to buy both and then return one?

[@VEHICROS]

Currently I have a Cordoba C5-CET, and an Alvarez AC65CE, sometimes one feels better than the other, and I cannot justify owning 2 full size guitars, Id like one high quality full size, and 1 shorter scale for messing around. returning a guitar to an ebay seller can be a headache.

[@eduardogaona8240]

Hi, John. Happy new year! I'd like to ask for you help. Which guitar do you recommend to play Silvio Rodriguez's songs. My intention is to play in public. Thanks a lot for your answer. Blessings!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

It depends on your budget but I would be looking at Yamaha, Takamine and Ibanez as the contenders.

[@naifalharbi6279]

For beginners and great sound do you recommend for Yamaha C40 or Fender ESC105 Please?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Naif Alharbi In the videos I am playing a new Fender but an old Yamaha so the Yamaha has matured and therefore sounds the deeper of the two. A new one would probably sound very similar to the Fender. The real difference is in the width of the neck, the Fender having a narrow neck like a steel string acoustic while the Yamaha has a wide classical style neck. The narrow neck makes it easier to strum the guitar but the advantage of the bigger neck is that it is easier to pick out individual notes in complex pieces. If you intend to play classical style then you should choose the Yamaha but if you are mainly going to strum and sing then the Fender would be best. Most guitarists eventually end up with several guitars to cover the different styles of music they like.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

what would you say is the best classical for around £200 ,please,good video.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Takamine GC1 or GC1E, Yamaha CG122MC and the Ibanez GA6CE are all decent guitars.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

thank you,will sub

[@wtfusheeple5383]

i cant find the takamine GC1E,is this the right name,thanks,im checking them all out

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Sorry, my mistake. Try GC1 and GC1CE.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

cheers john

[@francescopiotto9510]

this is a 4/4 adult guitare? i have the same, it looks like the neck is not so long, it arrives to the 12th frets, is it normal? i thought they should arrive to 14-16 frets?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

The 12th fret join is normal for classical guitars. Most acoustics join at the 14th but a few parlor guitars do join at the 12th.

[@francescopiotto9510]

@@JohnCouplandguitar thank youuuuuuuuuuuu

[@tusharmohan2468]

Can I convert it to left handed the grooves diameter are almost same for all strings will there be any difference in tone or action? Please help

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Tushar Mohan Yes it is easy to convert a classical. Remove and reverse the saddle so that the high end is still under your 6th (thickest) string. The slots in the nut may be fine as they are but if you do need to make them wider then remember to file them parallel to the guitar's head and not to the neck. There will not be any great difference to the sound of the guitar.

[@PoliticalJunkie-dr5ek]

I noticed that you have an input jack to plug in an amp. Does that come with the guitar?

[@johncoupland9700]

No, I added that myself.

[@PoliticalJunkie-dr5ek]

@@johncoupland9700 Thanks for the quick reply. I will have my luthier do tha to my Yamaha Flamenco CG172SF (also entry level budget guitar) but sounds great since it is after all , a Yamaha! Hopefuly I find a kit just like that becuase it looks really neat. I do not like the ones mounted on the bridge or guitar body. You have a great looking and unique C40!

[@accentontheoff]

Thank you for the review! Just wondering which country this particular guitar is made in. Specifically the one you reviewed, since that is a reference point. Thanks again.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I think it was Indonesian although, like most of the guitars in my videos, it was just passing by so it is not here to check.

[@accentontheoff]

John Coupland Thanks for the reply!

[@ahmedsherif5354]

Hello sir.. can you tell me please which one is better yamaha c40 or suzuki scg-s2...

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

On the last Suzuki I played the distance from the nut to the 1st fret was too great. I had to remove the nut and take 3 mm off the fingerboard. I would go for the Yamaha.

[@ahmedsherif5354]

@@JohnCouplandguitar thank you sir

[@RB-hj9iq]

Likely one of the best reviews I have seen. Hope that next door cat made it...

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Sad to announce that Hissing Sid shook off his mortal coil some time ago and got replaced by a Jack Russel terrier.

[@RB-hj9iq]

Ah. Hope it sounded good on your guitar! 😉

[@tusharmohan2468]

Sir one more questionhow much belly bulge is acceptable? Because I have a lefty acoustic guitar with solid spruce top?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Tushar Mohan As the belly goes up so the saddle must come down. Therefore the belly can rise as much as the saddle can be lowered in order to give an acceptable action.

[@Pmjs]

I used to have a Classical Guitar I was taught how to pick each string but not how to strum.

[@VEHICROS]

So which is a better choice, the Fender ESC-80 or the Yamaha CGS103AII

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

If you go to the Thomann web site (It is in Germany so it is .de) you can hear sound samples of both guitars in the 3/4 size classical guitar section. To my ear the Yamaha sounds better although in all fairness I should mention that 30 years ago Yamaha gave me a Swiss Army knife which I still use so I might be biased.

[@VEHICROS]

Thank you for the Tip, that website is Amazing, and yes , There was a time and perhaps still is when I felt Yamaha was the best, after all their logo is not only 1, but 3 Tuning forks.

[@alessandrogarzelli7039]

Hi John. Being a guitar for beginners, do you think that it could support hard tension strings?

[@puniipao2917]

John.. can you tell the size of the neck C40 and Fender Esc 105 which one is smaller or thinner or are they same?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

The C40 is 52 mm and the Fender 48 mm at the nut. I think the scale length is the same.

[@puniipao2917]

@@JohnCouplandguitar thank you John for the answer.... is this guitar really 4/4 full size,,, i still fell its 3/4 or half size with the picture,

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

@@puniipao2917 The Fender is 3/4 and the Yamaha 4/4.

[@CheesyCola1]

Great video! I'm an electric guy, but I want to buy a classical guitar for improving my fingerpicking. So i guess I'm a classical newbie. Would you still recommend this guitar?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Cheesy Cola It is probably the best starter there is.

[@CheesyCola1]

John Coupland Thanks! I ordered one along with a Höfner HC404. I'm testing them both.

[@normanbuffett4642]

Hi John, informative and entertaining as usual. Why do classical guitars use slotted headstock?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Norman McDonald Hi Norman, Partly because of the greater diameter of the machine head rollers. They are larger than those on steel strung instruments because of the amount of stretch in the softer strings. t|he other reason is tradition. All modern classical guitars are clones of one made by the Rodriguez family in the 19th century. They achieved the perfect design which has yet to be bettered.

[@mehdighourchian7276]

John do you think that would be a good idea to play a pop song with a pick by this guitar? Does it work?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Mahdi Ghourchian Yes it works just fine. The only thing to watch is that you do not scratch the wood with your pick. You may want to add a see through scratch plate or golpi to the guitar.

[@amezcuaist]

I tried to make a guitar once out of plywood. In total ignorance as it happens. When I put strings on it --It Bent .Straight away . End of project .

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My first guitars were built like battleships and I then made each one lighter until one collapsed. Number 7 I think. That let me know that No.6 was the ideal weight. Even though I knew it was inevitable it was still a disappointment.

[@mountfairweather]

The cool Uncle I never had 😎

[@cuauhtemocacosta2429]

I GOT MY GUITAR YAMAHA C 45 . HY FROM MÉXICO

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

And hello from Scotland.

[@danielronsoistudio1248]

nice guitar

[@mehilul]

yamaha c40 with daddario strings is better than model double top guitars cca 3000$

[@CaScannerNut1963]

How does this guitar sound out of the box? How long can I use regular strings?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

A new one will sound brighter especially in the bass. As for strings I change the trebles once a year and the bass strings 2 or 3 times a year. Remember that you cannot put steel strings on a classical as their higher tension will cause the guitar body to collapse, warp the neck and tear off the bridge!

[@MrRAC420]

I am a beginner I bought this one few days back.....mine doesn't sound like this at all....

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My guitar has matured so it sounds deeper than a new one plus I have been playing for 50 years.

[@revanthmahankali409]

change the strings!

[@SurajSandhu]

Mr Hudson!!

[@حيدرمحمدعبدالزهرة]

What a nice person

[@derappena1556]

Whats the different between this and cx40?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Hi Derap, the X model has a pick up fitted.

[@derappena1556]

@@JohnCouplandguitar ouh, thank you sir

[@anupammishra8478]

Sir,What is classical guitar which you have used in your comments... Isn't the accoustic guitar..Or some thing different from other Western guitars..

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

The guitar used is a Yamaha C40 classical guitar with a pick up that I added myself.

[@ronintraveller415]

Hi SIR do i get a c40. or a marlin acoustic ?

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Marlins are O.K. but the C40 is the better choice as the nylon strings are easier on your fingers. After a year playing on nylon you can then move on to a steel string acoustic. Do not be tempted to put steel strings on the C40, it will collapse!

[@ronintraveller415]

thankyou Sir ! subbed

[@Stratboy999]

Pretty decent for a starter.

[@paulkovacs7454]

This is original model?Because i saw,you can amply the guitar..

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

+Kovacs Paul. I added an Ovation pick up to the guitar but as it is non standard I did not mention it in the review.

[@bbbggg3593]

Thanks john. Are you Scottish ? i like the accent

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Yes I am Scottish, although my family came over in 1066 as part of the Norman conquest. Just goes to show that everyone is an immigrant.

[@maincharacter1405]

John Coupland omg stop killing me please, you are amazing