Yamaha

Yamaha CGS103AII Student Series - Classical Guitar - Natural

4.6 (1072 reviews)

Yamaha's 3/4-size classical guitar gives young and smaller-framed students a properly scaled instrument with a spruce top and nylon strings.

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Overview

The Yamaha CGS103AII is a purpose-built student classical guitar scaled to 3/4 size, making it physically accessible for children and smaller players who would struggle with the wider neck and longer reach of a full-size instrument. The spruce top is a meaningful specification at this price point — spruce is the most common tonewood for classical guitar soundboards because of its balanced frequency response and ability to project clearly, giving students accurate tonal feedback as they develop their technique. The meranti back and sides, nato neck, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge round out a material selection that balances durability with playability.

Strung with nylon strings as standard for classical guitars, the CGS103AII is comfortable for beginners who haven't yet built up finger calluses. The natural finish keeps the aesthetic clean and traditional. Yamaha's student series benefits from the same factory quality control as their higher-tier instruments, which means the frets are well-seated, the neck is straight, and the action is set at a height that won't discourage a new player. For music teachers and parents looking for a first classical guitar that plays and sounds like a genuine instrument, the CGS103AII is a dependable starting point.

Key Features

Spruce Top

Meranti Back & Sides

Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge

Natural Finish

Specifications

Top
Spruce
Back & Sides
Meranti
Neck
Nato
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Bridge
Rosewood
Strings
Nylon
Size
3/4
Finish
Natural
Brand
Yamaha
Model
CGS103AII

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 3/4 scale length is properly proportioned for younger and smaller-framed beginners
  • Spruce top delivers bright, responsive tone that rewards developing technique
  • Nylon strings are easier on untrained fingertips compared to steel-string guitars
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge provide a smooth playing surface and reliable intonation
  • Yamaha's consistent quality control means reliable tuning stability and build quality at the student price point

👎 Cons

  • 3/4 size will be outgrown as the student matures physically, requiring an eventual upgrade to full-size
  • No case or gig bag included in the purchase
  • Meranti back and sides produce a less resonant tone compared to rosewood or mahogany found on higher-end models
  • Limited projection and volume compared to full-size classical guitars

Frequently Asked Questions

The 3/4 scale is typically recommended for children ages 8–11 or smaller-framed players who find a full-size classical guitar uncomfortable to hold and fret.
It comes strung with nylon strings, which are standard for classical guitars and are gentler on beginner fingertips than steel strings.
The top is solid spruce, which is a traditional tonewood valued for its bright, responsive sound and good projection — an important quality feature even in a student-level instrument.
While classical guitars are traditionally played fingerstyle, you can use a pick. However, nylon strings respond differently to picks than steel strings, producing a softer, rounder attack.
No, a case or gig bag is not included and should be purchased separately to protect the guitar during storage and transport.