Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $146
Standard/Professional
$100
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha CGS102". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Yamaha CGS102 is the perfect introduction to classical guitar for young musicians, featuring a 1/2 size design that makes it exceptionally manageable for smaller hands. This thoughtfully crafted instrument boasts a 535 mm scale length and a slimmer body, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for budding guitarists. The combination of a spruce top and meranti back and sides delivers a surprisingly full and balanced sound, while the genuine rosewood fretboard and bridge add a touch of quality to this entry-level guitar.
Ideal for school use or home practice, the CGS102 doesn't compromise on craftsmanship. Meranti is also used for the neck, enhancing durability and resonance. The rosewood fretboard is designed for smooth hand positioning, and chrome-plated machine heads offer reliable tuning stability. Whether you're nurturing a future virtuoso or simply looking for a reliable, beginner-friendly classical guitar, the Yamaha CGS102 stands out for its blend of quality materials and thoughtful design.
Key Features:
- Size: 1/2
- Top: Spruce
- Back and sides: Meranti
- Neck: Meranti
- Fretboard and bridge: Rosewood
- Scale: 535 mm (21.06")
- Nut width: 48 mm
- Chrome-plated machine heads
Product specs
| Available since | June 2004 |
| Cutaway | No |
| Top | Spruce |
| Back and Sides | Meranti |
| Pickup System | No |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Nut width in mm | 48,00 mm |
| Scale | 535 mm |
| Colour | Natural |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
| Hardcase | No |
FAQs
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Is the Yamaha CGS102 suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Yamaha CGS102 is ideal for beginners due to its smaller 1/2 size, making it easier for young players or those with smaller hands to handle and play comfortably.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha CGS102?
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The Yamaha CGS102 features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, a nato neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a warm and balanced sound with durable construction.
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Does the Yamaha CGS102 come with a case?
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No, the Yamaha CGS102 does not include a gig bag or hard case, so you may need to purchase one separately to protect the guitar during transport.
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What is the scale length of the Yamaha CGS102?
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The Yamaha CGS102 has a scale length of 535 mm, which is shorter than standard full-size classical guitars, making it more accessible for younger players or those with smaller hands.
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Does the Yamaha CGS102 have a cutaway design?
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No, the Yamaha CGS102 does not feature a cutaway design, maintaining the traditional classical guitar shape which enhances its resonance and tonal quality.
Videos
Henry Q
Yamaha CGS102A 1/2 Size Classical Guitar for Kids Review
Reviews
PROS
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Perfect size for young children, especially 6-8 years old
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Sounds great for its size and price range
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Durable, can withstand casual handling and environmental factors
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Easy to play, encouraging frequent use and practice
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Remains in tune better than expected for a nylon-string guitar
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Good balance between quality and economy
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Suitable for songwriting and alternative tunings
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Real instrument feel, not a toy
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Attractive design and craftsmanship for a beginner's guitar
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Portable and great for travel
CONS
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Intonation issues past first few frets
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Tuning stability varies, especially on B and G strings
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Inconsistent finish and stain quality on some units
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Fret ends may require filing for better playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CGS102.
Setup and maintenance
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New strings can improve sound; D'Addario Pro Arte EJ45s are popular for their consistency and affordability among classical guitarists.
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Signs to change strings include rough feel, poor tuning, and tarnished appearance; changing monthly if played 1-2 hours daily is typical.
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Factory setup may have a slightly higher action; adjusting at a local shop can improve barre chord playability.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some prefer experimenting with strings from brands like Augustine, La Bella, Savarez, and Knobloch for diverse tonal qualities.
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User experience
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Owners enjoy the rich tones and playability of the Yamaha CG102, even with stock strings, comparable to more expensive models.
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Build quality
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The guitar’s nato neck complements its body for durability, even surviving accidental knocks without visible damage.
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Comparisons
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The Cordoba Mini II offers fuller sound and smaller scale, while the Hohner HC03 provides solid construction but lacks the Yamaha’s lightweight feel.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
148
Sentimental
I've traveled all over with this guitar. Very portable, takes damges well. I've really beat the crap out of this thing, replaces the nylon strings with metal electric strings, cut the hole to fit a pickup, has a funky unique character to it that I love. Action's not amazing, mostly cause I'm playing it with the wrong strings but nonetheless, I recommend. I've written so many songs on this thing, tuned it to some god awful tunings but I always come back to it.
Artist usage
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