Yamaha C40 vs C40II [2023 Review]

Yamaha Guitars has proven itself as an outstanding alternative for people wishing to purchase a beginner classical guitar. Yamaha describes the Yamaha C40 vs C40II as full-sized guitars which are intended for beginner use.

Both Yamaha C40 and C40II are beginner guitars and you should not be expecting anything more than that. They are intended for beginner guitar players and they are offered at really affordable prices.

If you are searching for a more advanced guitar, you might want to look into other options. However, if you are interested in these models and looking for a beginner guitar, keep reading our Yamaha C40 vs C40II review for more information below.

Winner of Yamaha C40 vs C40II: Yamaha C40II

If you are looking for a guitar for a younger player, the Yamaha C40II is a good option. It is the same guitar as the other one, a Yamaha C40, but it has a shorter scale length and a slimmer body. Essentially, kids will be more comfortable playing as they learn, which is a tremendous benefit.

Other than these, we can say that the C40II is a more durable guitar because of the materials used in the construction. For these reasons, the winner of this Yamaha C40 vs C40II  review is the Yamaha C40II.

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Yamaha C40 Review

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Features: The Yamaha C40 is one of the most affordable full-sized classical guitars available. This is one of the best guitars to help you start your musical journey.

It features a Spruce wood top and it has Meranti back and sides. The main problem is; that because the wood is laminate, the guitar’s projection will be less than that of a solid wood guitar. But that is a common issue with beginner guitars and you have to pay more to find something more quality.

The neck is composed of Nato with a rosewood fretboard, as is the case with most classical guitars. The tone of the Yamaha C40 will be sufficient for more beginners. The body is a good size and the neck is smooth.

Pros
  • 25 9/16″ scale length
  • Spruce top; Mahogany back and sides
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Nylon Strings
  • Gloss Finish
Cons
  • Laminated wood

Yamaha C40II Review

Features: The Yamaha C40II has a spruce top with laminated meranti back and sides. Ebonized rosewood is used for the bridge and fretboard, while nato is used for the wide and flat neck. These tonewoods are powerful and long-lasting, which means you will probably have a long time with this guitar.

Because nylon strings are easier to play than steel strings, novices will have a lot of fun playing them for the first time. It is not difficult to press them down onto the frets. The frets, on the other hand, are not as good as those on other low-cost classical guitars.

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The tone is adequate, but it is not as forceful as an all-solid wood. When you listen to the sound closely, you will hear that this guitar has a good tone, especially on the mid-tones. Some people even say that the sound quality of the Yamaha C40II can be a rival to many high-end guitars.

Pros
  • Meranti back & sides
  • Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
  • Gloss finish
Cons
  • Poor fret quality

Yamaha C40 vs C40II Comparison

The Yamaha C40II is the successor to the C40. Except for the tonewood and hardware, almost everything about the C40 is carried over to the C40II. The C40II is a more durable variant that is ideal for traveling, camping, or out-of-state visits.

The Yamaha C40 has a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a fingerboard and bridge made of Javanese rosewood. Mahogany has a unique emphasis on the mids and it is really fun to play it.

The Yamaha C40II, on the other hand, has a spruce top and rosewood fingerboard and bridge, but meranti back and sides. Meranti is extremely durable, strong, and long-lasting. The Yamaha C40II will not break easily, which makes it a better choice among these two.

Despite the low price tag of both of the guitars, they have amazing tone and playability. Other than that, the Yamaha C40 and Yamaha C40II look similar. If you have not seen them before, there is a good chance that you will have a hard time telling which one is which.

They are the same size, shape, and design. They do, however, differ in terms of the types of wood used in their constructions. As a result, the Yamaha C40 and Yamaha C40II have distinct acoustic properties.

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Both of the guitars’ tuning hardware and bridge are covered by a one-year limited warranty, while the top, back, neck, and sides are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. This is a nice assurance from Yamaha and it also indicates that they are very confident in their instruments.

These guitars are designed for right-handed players, although it is symmetrical and can be used by lefties. In addition to these, both guitars feature a fingerboard of 2-1/16-inches wide. 

You should get the C40 classical guitar if you want a fuller tone. Its back and sides are made of Indonesian Mahogany, which gives it a little better tone. On the other hand, if you want a beginner’s full-size classical guitar that can withstand damage and tough situations, the C40II is the one to buy.

Conclusion: Yamaha C40 vs C40II [2023 Review]

The Yamaha C-Series is a line of beginner guitars from Yamaha. They have been built with playability in mind so these guitars work the best with beginners. The Yamaha C40 and C40II are true classics among full-size classical guitars.

On the other hand, the C40II comes with a short scale and a small body for maximum comfort. Both guitars have an excellent build quality and a terrific tone. Even more, they have an affordable price range.

If you have been wondering how these guitars perform, we tried to compare them by providing their similarities and differences. We hope you liked our Yamaha C40 vs C40II review and it was helpful.

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