Yamaha C-250, C-250A, G-250, G-220, GC-10C and CG-180SA, CG-192 sound demo and comparison by Neil Ta

[@LilyRoseMyrtleAndMarigold08]

This afternoon, I saw an old guitar case at a thrift shop. Inside was a Yamaha G-220A in perfect condition - late 1960's-early 70's I think. I tuned it, played Romanza, and was even more surprised at the tone and projection. The balance between the booming bass and clarity and volume of the high notes is really great. Glad to say it's home with me now. Thank you for the thorough comparison! I'm even more appreciative to have found it.

[@NeilTaMusic]

Glad to hear you’ve found my video helpful

[@guitarricktrue]

ou opened my eyes, probably one of the most useful videos I've seen here on UA-cam. I had my eye on the CG182s, but I should take a look at other models from now on, if I could I would buy your G-220A, thanks for the video, I appreciate that!

[@NeilTaMusic]

Thanks for the kind words. The CG182S is a great guitar, almost indistinguishable from the 192. We call it the teacher’s guitar, because it has a decent sound and you’re not afraid it may get (accidentally) damaged by students. I still have one for that same purpose.
The 220 is a wonderful guitar, it was produced for the local Japanese market. Depending on the production year and the batch number you may be able to get one with full solid timber. The 220 was replaced by a the 240, 245, 250 and 255 which were the export models.
Best wishes.

[@snotbeard6397]

Thank you Neil this has bee extremely helpful I have a G250 made in Taiwan which I love I parted with a Ramirez 1A to keep my G250. This is by far the best discussion of Yamaha G series and others that I have seen in 10 years of looking on the Internet for information. Thank you again!

[@smirnoffsmash6283]

Great channel. Love as much info on these 1970s Japanese Guitars as we can get!

[@persiaguitar]

While there are general tendencies regarding the tonal qualities of different woods used in guitar construction, it's important to note that individual preferences can vary greatly among guitarists. Some may indeed prefer the warm and resonant qualities of rosewood for accompanying singing, while others may find that mahogany guitars suit their vocal accompaniment needs just fine.
In the end, the choice of wood for a guitar's sides and back is just one factor among many that contribute to its overall sound and playability. Factors such as the guitar's construction quality, setup, and the player's technique all play significant roles in determining how suitable a guitar is for singing and playing.

[@NeilTaMusic]

Well said. It’s a matter of preference and on the intended purpose among all the good points you’ve mentioned above. Ultimately, the common elements of what makes a good guitar is ease of playability ie whether it’s setup up properly to suit a player’s technique and allows the him/her to express themselves. That’s the one thing every player wants when they bring me their guitars to customise.

[@DaBinChe]

I got a CG192C brand new and it sounds ok but not great at first. It did sound much better than the NTX1 I had. I noticed the cg192c was very resonate, at an arm length away if I make certain sounds (like coughing) the guitar would resonate. Once the strings stretched out and I put on a bone saddle it sounds great now. The high E rings.

[@TPITEOTG]

Thank you so much, right to the point! I was having really hard time finding which one is better, "C" or "G", G-250 or G-251, and so on. Especially explanation (finally, I got it!!!) of why Mahogany "is good for recording studio" and why Rosewood is good for accompaniment.
Chinese companies such as "V-Glorify" and "Sharp Angel" recently started using really solid wood with super thin (less than 0.5mm!) veneer on top, "sandwich" from two layers only. I have such "solid" Cedar top guitar, it is really solid red cedar, with super thin Douglas Fir veneer on top. Not sure if it is "great", but for sure "cheap" and 100x better than "plywood"...
I found G-55-1 recently which has neck designed in Japan and sent to Taiwan for assembly ;)
However, I have 20+ Ukuleles, solid tops almost all, and I'd say solid top Ukulele outperforms laminates, I can hear sound difference instantly, including well known brands such as Kala, laminate top Ukuleles sound like from under-water, from-bottle, killed frequencies and sustain. And Enya makes great sounding Ukuleles from carbon now, and acoustic guitars too.

[@NeilTaMusic]

Yes generally solid top give you more detailed sound and harmonics or overtones. It all depends on what you use the guitar for. When going down to the beach I grab my laminate guitar, when playing for an acoustic concert I use a solid spruce top for a large audience and a cedar top for small audience. Ultimately, like yourself, collect as many guitars as possible and die happy ;)

[@mde9395]

Great stuff Neil. Yes sir, some of the finest guitars out there!

[@NeilTaMusic]

Thank you very much. There are lots of good guitars out there. Finding them is part of the passion.

[@theowest4540]

Brilliant video Niel. Thank you. I have a Yamaha G220A in excellent condition and what a beautiful instrument. And now thanks to you I have more information on this amazing instrument.

[@NeilTaMusic]

Thank you so much.

[@apollohill6733]

Thank you Neil,
You opening up my eyes.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Boy I learned alot, I have the CG 182C now I do not want it ha ha. The high E on it does not ring out much but I have not changed the strings yet on it, bought it 2nd hand. Excellent comparison you are the best Thank you

[@NeilTaMusic]

Thanks Linda. Try carbon strings on your CG182C. It’s a cedar top.

[@lindamorgan2678]

@@NeilTaMusic Thanks for your reply I did not know you were kind enough to reply until now when I came to revisit this video and noticed I already left a comment. All the best to you amazing videos and guitars that you display and I am so thankful.

[@NeilTaMusic]

@@lindamorgan2678 thanks very much Linda. Best wishes to you.

[@gustavoceregatti4398]

Olá Neil. O melhor e mais nobre som para mim é o do GD 10C , as diferenças entre o som das madeiras é muito evidente: os laminados, apesar de "gritarem" mais alto, não tem essa nobreza.
Quanto ao som do 180SA, ele é pequeno mesmo. Eu tenho um aqui no Brasil. Obrigado

[@luissegura6499]

Thanks

[@TomeRodrigo]

Nice video. I have Yamaha G250 S. Any idea what could that mean? I don't have a nails yet, so I can't play it properly (bought in a charity shop for £200 just recently), but it sounds very nice so far, even pretty loud. But better I will find out when my nails grow. Any advice will by appreciated. Thanks.

[@decx0326]

I got given a G-250A, and its a bit beaten up but it's got such an amazing tone. I know very little about classical guitars, but I'm trying to learn more. If anyone has any info on the G-250A I would love to hear it!

[@jnpshell3628]

Hi Neil, I love to know which of the above models are double layer and 3 layers? Thank you....

[@bradstock]

Hey Neil, I’m really curious what your favorite vintage Japanese laminate top classical guitars are. This video opened my eyes up to the fact that a great laminate top guitar can sound as good (or better than) some solid top guitars.

[@NeilTaMusic]

Hi Bradstock, it all depends. One of my all time favourite laminate top guitars is the Matsuoka M-20 or No.20 pre 1975. Or the Matsouka No.100 pre 1970. And many more 😀

[@bradstock]

@@NeilTaMusic fascinating, thanks for sharing your experience. I didn’t realize that Matsuoka made any laminate top guitars. I recently got a Kurosawa No. 1, and I was surprised to see that it also appears to be a laminate top.

[@NeilTaMusic]

@@bradstock I think I’ve mentioned the reasons why they went with the laminate rather than solid. I think I said it in several of my videos. If not I must make a video on it. Thanks for following my channel.

[@bradstock]

@@NeilTaMusic thanks for the reply. I think I’ve watched all of your videos (some of them twice or three times!). I know about the high-quality laminates which Japan developed, and that there were problems with early export shipments of Japanese solid top guitars which cracked etc. due to differences in humidity in other countries. I am just surprised that luthiers like Sumio Kurosawa (who seemed to focus on concert guitars and do less exporting than the larger brands) used laminates.

[@NeilTaMusic]

@@bradstock yes you got it right. It comes down to a matter of taste. Solid top guitars have a wider frequencies production, laminate have less high frequencies and broader basses. The average listener won’t hear or can’t tell the difference. And when it comes to classical guitars most people have no clue. When I strum a nylon string guitar for a big audience I grab my laminate guitars as they are louder than solid tops being thinner. When I play classical pieces I’ll use my solid tops. There’s no better or worse. It all depends on what you use it for. Ultimately it comes down to 3 questions: 1. Does it serve my specific purpose/gig, 2. Can the audience hear the difference, 3. Will I be satisfied with play the chosen guitar for the event (my gut feeling). The mistake most people pick a guitar to suit every purpose, a do-it-all guitar. There’s no such thing for the same reasons we have a spoon, a fork and a knife.

[@joelleon2585]

I love yamaha c250 the guitar rosette is beautifull ❤❤❤.
How much ?



[@VladReal]

Hello Neil, how are you doing? I appreciate your knowledge and opinion in videos and all and I'd need to ask you a question if you are so kind. I just bought a Kazuo Yairi H10 model. His take on Hauser. Didn't receive it yet. You sure have a lot to share about this model. Please do. Does it sound any close to Hausers? Any of them or to your ear? Is it a highest level on? What is the right name for the Japanese spruce? I see like Eze and others. I'm lost in this. Thanks a lot for your work you answer this or not! You are important in our guitar lovers/players community.

[@wonderlandrockopera]

I just picked up a very old Yamaha classical. It has the 2 color top from rare wood from a mountain in Japan where the wood grew very slow at the top. Do you know about this.

[@zachariaskvarnstrom5110]

Hi! Im curious to ask about the yamaha G 150 A (Nippon Gakki Made in Japan) which I bought many years ago. It was made in 1975 according to it's serial number. I now it is laminate. How does it compare to the G 250 in this video? Or say if you would not have modified it?

[@tammanaq]

Great and helpful video, thanks! I have a question you might have the answer to. I have a Yamaha G240 (made in Taiwan). It has a 8 digit serial number which states 00401285. I read it as 0 = 1970 or 1980, 04 = april, 01 = 1th, 285 = unit number. But I'm unsure if my guitar is from 1970 or 1980. Do you know if the G240 was produced in 1970? And do you know if the back and sides could be brazilian rosewood? Regards

[@berndtwagner9184]

Hello maestro, thank you so much !
I am from germany and would like to aske you , can you give me your advise for a classik guitar round about 2800 Euro?

[@kanetrain979]

G255SA any info 😅 thanks so much (a is the series number? what's the difference a,b,c)

[@user-lj1xu5qy7z]

У меня yamaha cg 182 s. Производства Китай. Звучит отлично ,она превзошла мои ожидания в разы. Были сомнения в её долговечности. К моей радости , она как новенькая , хоть ей лет 15. Плохо ,что гитарист я любитель ,не соответствую такой гитаре.

[@rageengage8868]

Hello Neil,
I'm considering buying G231 (Taiwan) and selling my G-55A (Japan). Do you think it is good idea? Is G231 better in terms of sound and overall value than G-55A?
Thanks!

[@NeilTaMusic]

It depends on the manufacturing year. The G-55A is an entry model just above the G-50. The G-231 is a good guitar, most likely to be a laminate top as well depending on the year. You’ve gotta compare the sound. There’s no right or wrong answer as wood mature differently and will give you a variety of tone as they mature.

[@y-bk45nguyennhatduy61]

Hello Neil, should i buy g250 or spend more money to take c300, need your advice, thank you

[@NeilTaMusic]

It depends on 4 things: 1) your ears 2) the feel of the guitar 3) the production year 4) the location where the guitar was made. If you are interested in buying my guitars I can tell you more. If you are in Melbourne or Australia, you are welcome to come see me.

[@bigfishjohnny]

What is the song you're playing at 22:00?

[@NeilTaMusic]

That piece is called Romance by a very popular composer, he calls himself Anonymous

[@bigfishjohnny]

@NeilTaMusic thanks! I know I've heard it but just couldn't find it. Now I need to learn it

[@permanentwave]

Would u recommend the Nippon model which one please ?

[@viana8524]

Hi! I have a CS180SA "60830040"... Can you help me finding the year? Regards

[@permanentwave]

So which of these in your opinion has best sound and feel please ?

[@HuyVu-vi4ut]

Can you modify the cg180s and compare the sound before an then?

[@NeilTaMusic]

Yes I can. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@rageengage8868]

Hello Neil,
I have G-55A (Made in Japan, early 70s). What can you say about it? How is it compared to these G series guitars?
Thanks!

[@NeilTaMusic]

That's the second entry model after the G-50. During pending in the year they could be good. I convert most of those to electric classical guitar as they are laminated and more feedback-resistant. If you are looking for a more traditional guitar start with a G-100, the G-180 even better and so on.

[@nanabhe1]

Hello Neil, i want to know about Shinano LG 30 Classical guitar i will buy it ,help me please ( from thailabnd)

[@NeilTaMusic]

You mean the SC-30? If yes I can make a video for you.
You can have a look at the video I have done for the SC-25, the SC-30 is much better and has a more solid tone.

[@nanabhe1]

@@NeilTaMusic thank yoiu sir, i mean model LG-30 in label shinano i want to buy it but i don"t know detail
sir

[@Craig77775]

Hi neil i bought a vintage yamaha g 100, but it sounds like plastic or how do i know if the wood is dried, tone color of it seems weird, even i replaced its strings

[@bka24141]

It is just a bad guitar, i’m afraid. If you have changed the strings but it still sounds bad, just forget it.

[@edwinaponte4395]

How this guitar can compare whit yamaha g60-a

[@NeilTaMusic]

Edwin which guitar are you talking about?
The G-60-A is an entry model, slightly better than the G-50 and the G-55. Depending on the production year, the higher the model number and the more expensive the guitar is.

[@edwinaponte4395]

Ok even that g60a sound beautiful I will like to fine the top yamaha

[@jameswarner8038]

Shame they didnt make lefties

[@NeilTaMusic]

James, they are both lefties and righties. The classical guitar is symmetrical so it’s very easy to convert them to lefties. I’ve done hundreds of them.

[@jameswarner8038]

@@NeilTaMusic are the saddles angled?

[@NeilTaMusic]

@@jameswarner8038 the saddles are not angled, the nut is upside down

[@jameswarner8038]

@@NeilTaMusic Ok thanks for the info

[@billlegakis9155]

What can you tell me about the G235II ?

[@armandolopez8726]

Is the c250 saddle and nut bone? What would you rate the c250 on a scale from 1-10?

[@armandolopez8726]

Brazilian rose wood on the back and side on the c250?

[@ramitoviajero5802]

Hello Neil, I have a Yamaha CG180sa made in Taiwan , the serial number of this guitar is 70806685, could you please tell me if it is a good guitar according to the production year and your knowledge? Thank you very much!

[@NeilTaMusic]

Hi Ramito, the 180 and the 190 are top of the range in the Yamaha line up when it come to intermediate level. Most shops only stock models up to 190 only with the higher number being the better model. The 180 and 190 are referred to as “teachers’ guitar”. I used and still use a 180 model for teaching and for taking on the road as it’s good enough a guitar to teach not not too expensive in case it get damaged. The 180 and 190 are more solid and heavier compared to other brands such as Martinez, Cordoba and Esteve, so they can take a beating. It depends on your skills and level, and what you intend to use it for. The Japanese versions are better than the Taiwanese. The same goes with the Grand Concert series.
Good luck.

[@ramitoviajero5802]

@@NeilTaMusic thank you very much for your complete reply! I am a beginner and I play at home, I wanted to know more about this guitar since there is not very much information on the internet about this model, and in Brazil which is where I live, the model CG 180SA is as strange as finding water in the dessert. Well, I am very pleased because according to your words, it is a very good intermediate guitar. Thank you! All the best!