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Pricing and availability

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Description

Crafted for the discerning musician, the Yamaha CJ-818SB is a steel-string acoustic guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. This guitar is designed to deliver a rich, resonant sound that appeals to both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists. With its solid spruce top, the CJ-818SB ensures exceptional tonal clarity and dynamic range, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

The back and sides of the guitar are constructed from high-quality rosewood, contributing to its warm and full-bodied sound. Its dreadnought body shape offers a balanced tone with strong low-end presence, perfect for both fingerpicking and strumming. The neck is made from mahogany, providing a comfortable grip and smooth playability, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures durability and a pleasant tactile experience.

Whether you’re playing in an intimate setting or on a larger stage, the Yamaha CJ-818SB delivers consistent performance with its scalloped bracing, enhancing the guitar's resonance and projection. The natural finish enhances the aesthetic appeal, allowing the wood's natural beauty to shine through.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity
  • Rosewood back and sides for a warm, rich sound
  • Dreadnought body shape for balanced tone
  • Mahogany neck for comfortable playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for durability
  • Scalloped bracing for improved resonance and projection
State of Occurrence

State of Occurrence

Yamaha CJ-818SB Overview - Can a Vintage 'Budget' Guitar Sound Good?

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CJ-818SB Overview - Can a Vintage 'Budget' Guitar Sound Good? by State of Occurrence

Yamaha CJ-818SB Overview - Can a Vintage 'Budget' Guitar Sound Good?

State of Occurrence

State of Occurrence

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha CJ-818SB.

Comparisons

  • This model was Dave Matthews' primary guitar in the early '90s, and he recorded the "Remember Two Things" album with it before switching for live performances.

    Source
  • A user compared the Yamaha CJ-818SB favorably against other affordable guitars, highlighting its superior playability and sound for its price range.

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Build quality

  • Features an all-mahogany body with a cedar top, which is noted for its fragrance and contributes to the guitar’s distinctive tonal qualities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have purchased similar models between $300 and $600, with the price variation dependent on condition and setup quality.

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User experience

  • One long-term owner has used this guitar as their main acoustic since purchasing it used in 1987, highlighting its durability and enduring appeal.

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  • A 36-year-old Yamaha CJ-818SB plays remarkably well with no reported durability issues, indicating impressive longevity and reliability.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One owner switched to smaller gauge strings for easier playability, enhancing comfort without compromising sound quality.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Dave Matthews uses Yamaha CJ-818SB

Dave Matthews

Guitarist, Singer

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via YouTube

On this exhibition, Matthews is seen playing this guitar (through a mic).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Yamaha Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Community setups

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    tomc91
    tomc91

    Gear IQ 200