Yamaha GC32C Classical - Natural Reviews

The GC32C is worth the price. After only two sessions with it, I feel like a better player. It allows me to focus on planning out my next move, rather than focusing on clamping my fretting hand down. Everything about the guitar screams "high quality", and it's worth the high cost of admission. Since buying this, I have not been able to put it down.

This guitar is simply amazing. From the PERFECT craftsmanship, to the silky smooth neck and ebony fingerboard, to the perfectly balanced tone, I can't imagine ever wanting more. I tried many in the $1500-$2500 range and this Yamaha smoked them all.

I'm OCD picky on instruments, and expect perfection in this price range. This Yamaha delivers.

I did first try the GC22, and it was gorgeous and worth every penny. After test running that for a week though, I just knew I had to jump to the Japanese made GC32 and I'm glad I did. The GC22 was a truly beautiful guitar, but you can somehow just feel the bump in craftsmanship on the Japanese model, especially in the neck / fretboard and frets. It seems the 32 has a little better finish than the 22, but I'd have to research to verify that.

Short of having a custom built guitar by a private Luthier for many thousands more, I just can't see how you can beat this Yamaha? It's literally perfect IMO.

If you can live with "Made in China" on the GC22 and don't want to spend the extra $700, maybe go with that model as it's just a gorgeous instrument as well. For me the jump was worth it. This really is an "heirloom" level guitar that I expect to last the rest of my life as well as those it gets passed on to. I couldn't be happier.

I have been playing guitar for 25+ years and recently decided to venture into classical guitar. I wanted something that wasn't extravagantly expensive but sounded exceptional and played well. This guitar is exactly that. I tried several others, and this guitar outplayed every one and sounded phenomenal. The resonance and overall sound quality were exactly what I was looking for.

Incredible guitar for the price. Much better than others I've tried in this price range. Made in Japan and the craftsmanship is a cut above the Chinese guitars in this price range. EXTREMELY great intonation and setup. Plays and sounds like a much more expensive instrument. I am satisfied with every aspect of this guitar, you won't be disappointed.

If you are looking for a true traditional classical guitar with solid tone woods, this is the best one you can buy for under $2000.

I expected to be doing a minor fret job or saddle/nut adjustment but this guitar came perfect.
Sound is amazing comparing to a friends single luthier $ guitar. It needed nothing.
I would have liked a hard shell case and the only reason for a 4 star review is the zipper case is a pain to do every time you want to play it.
I have mine on a stand but that brings concerns of the humidity swings we have in the southwestern desert.
The guitar itself is 6 stars but they need a real case. Even a humidifier case? Cordoba made in
China even has this. Cmon Yamaha luthier made in Japan....

I begrudedly write this, but here it goes. This guitar in my opinion is awesome. So loud and lots of sustain and sounds like a piano. However, I did a test with two people against 3 guitars, my Cordoba C5, Kremona Solea, and the Yamaha. Results, Kremona was clear sounding vs Yamaha and brighter. I for sure thought they would have at least would have been on the fence on both but no, the Solea. I did both test individually with different people. Doing the same 2 songs. My review: The Yamaha outlasted Kremona with a C chord demonstration. 18 second sustain vs Kremona 10/11. The loudness was very distinct. And many times after I switch the guitar out to play Kremona, the thing was still playing music! Very glossy, Clean, Signed by the luthier that did it. Noticeably heavier than the Cordoba and Kremona, but super easy to play. Maybe more for an orchestra or blended environment. Or for songs where sustain means a great deal. I sent it back, but will probably end up buying the GC42 after I master Asturias. Bottom Line: Lots of Boom, Lots of Sustain, and notes stick very close together to where it lacks clarity of direction. Easily a 5 star!

disclaimer: i'm not a serious guitarist; i'm a serious bassist who wanted a decent guitar: not laminate, not chinese, not a toy. i chose the yamaha GC32C on those criteria, and because i trust the yamaha brand.

the guitar is well-made and resonates beautifully; tapping on the body produces a distinct A note. frets are nicely dressed. the finish feels a bit thick; i can't help but think that the sound might be more nuanced and organic with a shellac or lacquer finish, but of course these things aren't inexpensive. i find myself reaching for this guitar several times a day, when an idea pops into my head, or just to noodle around, and i've found nothing to complain about. for a serious guitarist, this might be a practice instrument, but for me, it's just what i need. i'm very happy with the guitar; i deducted one star because the case is junk: instead of drawbolt latches, it has a zipper, which feels flimsy and destined for breakage. it's ok for your house, but if i was taking the guitar to gigs, i'd definitely invest in a better case.