Rough Price of a Yamaha Classical?

thegummy · August 2021

Can anyone give me a rough idea of the going price for a second-hand solid topped Yamaha classical? Basically the lowest end model that has a solid top.

I can't find any for sale to get an idea of the price. That surprised me, I thought there would be tons of people who bought one to try learning but then gave up. Maybe they don't know about solid tops so go for cheaper models, no idea.

Tannin · August 2021

I have two thoughts, both of them ill-informed guesswork. First, if in doubt, about three-quarters of new price is a fair guide to most second-hand items. Sellers tend to ask 80% of new, sometimes even more, but why would you pay that much? Most, I suspect, eventually accept a more realistic offer. (Some things with typically poor resale value sell for less, closer to 50%. These are not relevant here.)

Second, Yamaha make a huge range at every possible price point. Most people have no idea which model is which. (I certainly don't!) My guess is that a lot of people will be very vague about just where a particular Yamaha model fits into the range. (More so than with many other brands as a result of the huge available range. from ultra-cheap student models right through to hand-made virtuoso-level instruments - all branded "Yamaha".) As a result, I wouldn't be surprised to see some significant mispricing if you are buying and prepared to wait for a bargain.

^ All guesswork, so take with a bucket of salt.

Toms_Dad · August 2021

Classical guitars tend to hold their value much less well than electrics. This becomes more true the higher up the quality spectrum you get, unless you go right to the top of luthier guitars from a well respected maker. As such I think 2/3 of new for a really nice one is the most you should pay normally.

However now is not normal. Many people have taken up a new hobby during 2 lockdowns, and a lot seem to think that classical guitar is where you should start. I imagine that the market will eventually flood with lots of barely used examples as people realise it’s really hard to learn a musical instrument but, as far as I can see, it hasn’t happened yet.
A brief trawl for Yamaha guitars on eBay seems to confirm this. CG182 and 192 are the decent solid top ones, but the asking prices look quite high.

In addition, I think prices for new have risen a lot over the last year or two. This will inflate the prices for used as well as the differential is maintained.

You might consider broadening your search to include other reputable brands such as Admira, Cordoba, Manuel Rodriguez, Antonio Sanchez and Alhambra. This might give you more chance of finding something suitable quickly.

Tannin · August 2021

Thegummy, are you buying or selling?

thegummy · August 2021

Cheers for the great advice guys.

I'm hopefully buying but not quite just now so with any luck I'll benefit from the post lockdown sell-on (just hope enough people went a bit above the cheapest models).

I'm by no means a Yamaha loyalist, it's just that I have their lowest price solid top steel string which I bought after going in to the shop with a much higher budget but was so pleased with the £220 model. So appreciate the recommendations of some other brands to check.

DavidR · August 2021

The classical market is completely different to the electric and acoustic market. In recent years some of the dealers have stopped trading so people might be looking mainly at what is being stocked by the big guitar stores.

Personally I would suggest you take a look at some of the Spanish mass produced instruments like Alhambra. Even Ramirez, who you might think represent the top end of the market make excellent mid-range instruments.

You are right to go for a solid top. Most of the tone and volume from a classical guitar comes from the top.

drofluf · August 2021

@thegummy not quite a classical but I'm selling a Faith Lyra nylon string in the classifieds?

thegummy · August 2021

drofluf said:

@thegummy not quite a classical but I'm selling a Faith Lyra nylon string in the classifieds?

Cheers for the heads up, it does look great and a hybrid is actually more up my street than a straight up classical.

But sadly I can't afford anything right now and when I can I'm limited to lower end than that.

Will give you a shout if I get 5 numbers on the lottery

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Rough Price of a Yamaha Classical?

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