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
Looking forward to learning some Gypsy/Flamenco.
Does anyone know where to find these tuners? Yamaha doesn't make part for the G-55 anymore.
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.
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