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Yamaha G-55A (1966-1973), Vintage Classical Guitar, Made in Japan - $129 (Mt. Vernon, Baltimore)
condition:
good
make / manufacturer:
Yamaha
model name / number:
G-55A
size / dimensions:
standard classical guitar
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Acoustic Guitar Made in Japan
$129 OBO
CHARACTER
The familiar bell-like tone of the classical guitar is here in this sit on the couch, in the back yard, in a park, road ready, play anytime kind of guitar. It’s fun. And given what technology has done with modern strings there's even more projection available. The guitar has a smooth, warm voice characteristic of nylon strings, as well as a balanced bass.
YAMAHA AND THE G-55A
This old warrior has stood the test of time, as do so many of the reputable, ever-lasting, inevitable Yamaha G-Series classicals. This model is notable for being crafted in Yamaha's renowned Nippon Gakki factory, which is often associated with higher quality as compared to later models made in Taiwan.
Why is the series distinguished and always to be found? To their credit, they are over-built, with a slightly longer scale than normal, which increases string tension and so volume and projection. The longer scale was not just a whim – it was a late 1950s development in guitar production by Spanish luthier José Ramirez II, so that the intimate guitar might project better in concert halls. At the beginning of the 1960s, Yamaha and other producers had brought Spanish luthiers to Japan to learn the new construction techniques.
Then this enormous series of guitars brought the technique all the way into the 80s so that about two decades of production bear the excellent results. So Yamaha's G-Series was highly successful. Carefully graduated, the series featured low cost beginner models up to high quality solid top instruments. This flood of well-made, sturdy instruments is recycling constantly today.
Which brings us to this guitar. The G-55A bears about 20 years of Yamaha post-WWII luthier experience from numerous series of classical guitar production. Many sold as both beginner classical guitars, but also to serve the enormous waves of the folk and folk-rock movement, both thriving when this guitar was made.
CONDITION
The instrument is in Good used condition. The neck is straight and intonation is good. Action is less than 5/32” at the twelfth fret. Tuners were lubricated with slide grease and work. The tuning posts are intact and not cracked. Play on this guitar is fluid, easy and unimpeded. The guitar is strung with a new set of D'Addario strings.
The guitar has the usual low-level surface noise of a vintage guitar with small marks, nicks and scratches, but nothing serious. There are no cracks in the tone woods. The heel is firmly set with no breaks showing in the seams. The bridge is fully engaged without any lift. The robust build is notable.
ABOUT THE ANCHORS
Recently I’ve taken to using Rosewood string bead anchors (as shown below the bridge in numerous images). They’re easier to use than fussing with traditional string tying, but more importantly the string does not double back on itself lifting the string away from the guitar body.
So bead anchors allow for a steeper string angle breaking over the saddle, while protecting the string block from the metal wrap of lower strings. That greater angle means more tension and so increases volume of sound. If string beads are not wanted, the bridge still functions exactly the same for tied strings.
ABOUT THE LISTING
A guitar case is not provided. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about this or other guitars listed. Terms are cash payment only. Thanks for looking.
[classical guitar, acoustic guitar, Yamaha guitar, folk guitar]