1980s Yamaha G-55-1 Classical Guitar




I bought this old Yamaha in-shop the other day and while it could be a late-70s model, the intonated saddle says it's probably an 80s model. It's Taiwanese-made and came in with a good straight neck and only needing a good setup and tuner lube to get it going again at full proficiency.

Yamahas, as I've mentioned before, are almost always very practical and well-thought-out instruments. Despite being all-laminate in the body (cedar lam top, maple lam sides/back), it has a full, warm sound that works for both classical picking and flamenco thrumming. This has to do with the tolerances Yamaha chose for its laminate: they generally choose very thin materials with stiffer, taller bracing -- that makes a responsive instrument with controlled bass. The laminate makes it great for a beginner (or as a campfire guitar) as it's very stable as well and deals well with being manhandled.





I never understood why Yamaha painted their boards black in 1920s-30s fashion, but so be it!


Yes, the rosette is real -- as is all the binding and purfling.


The intonated G-string slot is nice to have if you plan on using regular nylon strings.









A standard-issue original "hippie case" is included with the guit!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I have the same guitar, it's about 37 years old. Just got it back from family, unfortunately hasn't been treated well but in the same condition as yours.
Looking forward to learning some Gypsy/Flamenco.
Unknown said…
I have a G-55 that I bought for my lady back in the early 70s. It is a sweet sounding guitar. Unfortunately, one row of tuners needs replacement. The nylon rollers are slipping on the steel shaft resulting in misaligned holes. I have been unable to find replacement rollers that fit properly. I want to keep the original keys and holder because they look and fit great.

Does anyone know where to find these tuners? Yamaha doesn't make part for the G-55 anymore.
Unknown said…
I found some at guitar center that fit just fine. Mine had worn out also.
Unknown said…
I have the same guitar, i learned to play classical style in this guitar and have had it for 40 years. It is invaluable to me and still a great playing instrument.
Unknown said…
Andrew, Took your Guitar Center advice. Found Ping P2623 tuners. $27, functions perfectly, gold color with pearl shaped knobs match the guitar nicely. Don't miss the original "bat wing" knobs anymore. Thanks!
Gavin Currie said…
I used this guitar model to first start learning/playing in 1973/74 :)
Mark E said…
I salvaged one of these gems around 3 years ago. Gave it a good cleaning and strung it with high quality nylon strings and although it is battered and has been mistreated along the years, it still plays beautifully albeit being all laminate - very solid construction. It is very sweet sounding with good projection and has mellowed well with age. It has a straight neck and brilliant action. I own 8 guitars and this guitar is one of my favourites and gets picked up very often. I simply love this guitar......
warhead said…
I picked mine up at a Salvation Army auction for $125. I love it! it sounds amazing and its in great shape. Still has all original parts too. Sweet guitar.
Unknown said…
I got one of these tough guitars second hand in perth w.a. in 1977 and its the only thing i still have from those days except my brother's slide rule and a hippy bag my sister got in syria. One roller is cracked but i still can tune it up . You wont beleive it but i have never replaced the strings . I didnt play much for about 20 years but it got me over the line winning my fiance's heart with neil young songs the maid and southern man. I just bought another antique yammy for my daughter this week.
Steve B. said…
Someone is asking $175 for what they call a vintage Yamaha G-55-1. Is that a reasonable price?
Anonymous said…
Purchased mine for $40.00. This is an amazing guitar and you can't beat the price!
tinkerer said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
tinkerer said…
Does anyone know the difference between the G-55-1 and a G-55A? I'm looking in replace a missing saddle on a Yamaha G-55A, so I appreciate if you can share some of the pictures and information on this saddle and the measurement specs for it. What would be a good nylon string that goes with this?
Emu said…
I just got one for $5!
Can u believe that ! At a Salvation Army in 2021!
Only looking it up now that I am home!
It actually had $10 on it.
rolfo said…
i play a G 55 1 since about 4 years. its about 50 years old and i love the sound. a girlfriend of mine in st.märgen, germany, in the black forest has lent it to me. and it has had a birthday gig with about 100 guests. it was allowed to play in accompany with an 1000 € takamine steelstring. we played eric claptons wonderful tonight. i'm so proud to give this lovely sounding old yamaha guitar such an audience. it has earned it so much. it had got new tuners, fixed upside down, long years ago. and i only lowered the bridge by myself as far as possible and play labella-strings. because no actionnoise, good basses an sweet trebles.
it has become my muse. it suprises me sometimes with long sustaines.i love it. and i hear, this old simple guitar knows it and kisses me with sweet sounds. rolfo
Unknown said…
I got one too. A G~55~1 that is. I'm 71yrs old I bought it new in the early 70s. It been around 50yrs. Johnny Cash's song (I've been everywhere man) That's my G55 and more! It just sounds better and better with age. LIKE ME! Girls like scared faces, having your own bridge with 6 strings with lots of frets and tuning nut to control you notes! Amen! My girl of 50yrs looks 😍 and sounds awesome! I have 5 guitars top brands, But old G55 is the girl I come home to every time!
Unknown said…
I also have same guitar bt now my string got broke bt can someone tell me which tension strings are suitable for me as i do strumming on the guitar a lot.