RE: Yamaha CG171 Review

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Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

Take it easy man.. dont go boning everything that doesnt move

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 0:21:25

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Rui Martins
Take it easy man.. dont go boning everything that doesnt move

Too late. I've already done my two Yamahas, my Prudencio Saez negra (They used Tusq on a $1200 guitar?) and my OM.

That's what happens when you get decent tools and bulk-discounted components.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 0:32:20

BarkellWH

Posts: 3458
Joined: Jul. 12 2009
From: Washington, DC

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

quote:

Yeah, I probably will just bone the saddle... I play with and without capo, so, the I will probably NOT bone!!!

Hey, Kalo,

I am assuming that english is not your first language. Nevertheless, one can either interpret the above lines as something to do with the guitar, or something to do with sexual activity. Forgive me, but I could not help myself.

Cheers,

Bill

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And the epitaph drear, "A fool lies here,
Who tried to hustle the East."

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 1:51:45

estebanana

Posts: 9351
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

In my opinion one should always bone the saddle. Boning out of the saddle can get the nut too low.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 2:50:42

KMMI77

Posts: 1821
Joined: Jul. 26 2009

[Deleted]

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at May 27 2013 10:29:08

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 3:10:43

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Come down guys, I mis communicated what I was trying to say

But, look what I noticed on the top!

It looks like a crack....

Attachment (1)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 4:22:29

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Braces might hurt the bone. The only exception is when we're talking about giving bone to the head because we put the nuts right where the neck begins.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 12:13:33

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

@Kalo

Dont bone that crack man, thats not the answer for everything in life. Return the guitar for a proper inflatable sex doll or another guitar

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 12:17:18

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

Dont bone that crack man, thats not the answer for everything in life. Return the guitar for a proper inflatable sex doll or another guitar

Forget about boning

It looks cracked, correct???

I don't know how I didn't notice it from the start....

I guess, I will have to return it

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 13:37:12

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Trade it for a guitar with an e-bone-y fretboard

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 14:09:02

mezzo

Posts: 1409
Joined: Feb. 18 2010
From: .fr

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

quote:

It looks cracked, correct???

I don't think it's a crack. Pay attention to the reflections on the top. If lets say a bright reflection remains linear while crossing that mark, it's ok. If it breaks from that linearity, then something is going wrong.
Also pass your finger over it, if there's something wrong you'll feel it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 14:32:04

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Why didnt I think of that?

You should totally finger that crack!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 14:38:22

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

I don't think it's a crack. Pay attention to the reflections on the top. If lets say a bright reflection remains linear while crossing that mark, it's ok. If it breaks from that linearity, then something is going wrong.
Also pass your finger over it, if there's something wrong you'll feel it.

Well, i did pass my finger and it doesn't feel as smooth...I am going to take it to my luthier today...

quote:

Why didnt I think of that? You should totally finger that crack!

Rui,

You know I can take a joke and I have a pretty good sense of humor!

When, typing, I didn't read my post and it came out WRONG!!!!! Everyone had their laugh and wise cracks..

I have to admit it was funny and I must say a little embrassing for me!

But your comments are getting old

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 15:19:38

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Wise cracks...

Ahaha... I was just looking for the possible variations on a theme, it wasnt about laughing at your mistake.

The guitar is such a sexy instrument, there's no escape even if you keep the plastic parts.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 15:28:46

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kalo
Well, i did pass my finger and it doesn't feel as smooth...I am going to take it to my luthier today...

See if your luthier or technician agrees that it is a crack.

It's worth mentioning that cracks in the wood can result from low humidity. It's a danger that occurs more often in Fall and Winter months because folks will turn on the heaters and dry-up the air in a home.

Yamahas are rather sturdy instruments but they can suffer humidity effects like any other guitar. I keep all my guitars on wall hangers and so I have two gauges on opposite sides of the room that monitor humidity. A small room humidifier is also in one corner of the room. I try to keep my room's relative humidity between 40-45%.

Controlling humidity is easier (and probably cheaper) when you keep your instrument in a case. I just like to have my instruments within an arm's grasp whenever inspiration strikes me.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 15:41:25

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

See if your luthier or technician agrees that it is a crack.

It's worth mentioning that cracks in the wood can result from low humidity. It's a danger that occurs more often in Fall and Winter months because folks will turn on the heaters and dry-up the air in a home.

Yamahas are rather sturdy instruments but they can suffer humidity effects like any other guitar. I keep all my guitars on wall hangers and so I have two gauges on opposite sides of the room that monitor humidity. A small room humidifier is also in one corner of the room. I try to keep my room's relative humidity between 40-45%.

Controlling humidity is easier (and probably cheaper) when you keep your instrument in a case. I just like to have my instruments within an arm's grasp whenever inspiration strikes me.

Thanks Guitar Vlog!!!

The guitar was shipped from New York all the way to Arizona...Different weather climate for sure!!! It was also shipped without a case!

Well, if it is a crack, I can return!

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 15:54:15

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Hmm.. I have a guitar on its way from Valencia. From what Ive checked, the relative humidity over there is about the same that it is over here but...

Maybe it is a good idea to wait a few days before applying the golpeador in case the guitar cracks...?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 16:09:57

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kalo
The guitar was shipped from New York all the way to Arizona...Different weather climate for sure!!!

A luthier in Arizona once told me a story of how a classical guitar imploded in his living room one summer due to the dry air. He and his friend heard a loud bang. They rushed into the room and found the guitar, which had been left on a stand, folded into itself.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 16:12:56

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

A luthier in Arizona once told me a story of how a classical guitar imploded in his living room one summer due to the dry air. He and his friend heard a loud bang. They rushed into the room and found the guitar, which had been left on a stand, folded into itself.

I believe it! In Arizona it can get up to 115 degree in the summer time!!! During the Summer time it feels like a dry oven!!!

Right now we are experiencing 48 degrees at night and 70 degrees in day time...

quote:

Hmm.. I have a guitar on its way from Valencia. From what Ive checked, the relative humidity over there is about the same that it is over here but...

Maybe it is a good idea to wait a few days before applying the golpeador in case the guitar cracks...?

Hmmm, I don't know!! If the weather is the same, I don't think you would have a problem..

I am just curious why your guitar doesn't have a golpeador installed already?? Is it a classical guitar?

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 16:26:51

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Its the Alhambra 4F model. It comes with the golpeador but I bought it separately. Its only 5€ more and I get the chance to cut it and apply it. Maybe they would charge 60€ more if it already came with one, at least Iam aware of stores that do that and they even give the guitars a new model name "xFG", the G stands for Golpeador

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 16:39:31

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

Its the Alhambra 4F model. It comes with the golpeador but I bought it separately. Its only 5€ more and I get the chance to cut it and apply it. Maybe they would charge 60€ more if it already came with one, at least Iam aware of stores that do that and they even give the guitars a new model name "xFG", the G stands for Golpeador

Alhambra is a decent guitar!!! I wish I could of tried one! GC doesn't have any to try

They only have Cordoba and the Yamaha CG172 matted finish...

I think Alhambra also has a D shape neck correct????

Well, let us know how you like the guitar when it arrives!

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:00:57

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

To me the greatest advantage over the yamaha is the ebony fretboard, I really hate rosewood fingerboards in any kind of instrument, its such a "thirsty" wood.. looks and feels like crap too...

The other thing is consistency.. they know what they're doing. The 4F model was designed by Luis Julia if Iam not mistaken, he is now with Paco Castillo guitars.

The 3 year warranty is also a good thing and Pilar always answers any questions you might have. You might want to get a refund on your guitar and check the Alhambras, Ive only played extensively their 7P and 7C models but it was enough for me to trust that the 4F will be a solid guitar for flamenco practice.

I also thought about Francisco Bros. but after some research I got the feeling that they're a bit "shady".. I might be wrong but afterall I dont want to have second thoughts on the back of my head, all I want is a solid quality instrument to bang on without getting into luthier made guitars.

Check Elie's videos with the 4F:

http://www.youtube.com/user/GuitarristaAD

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:11:35

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Man, you were quick..

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-YAMAHA-CG171SF-CLASSICAL-GUITAR-108374588-i2881534.gc

jajaja

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:17:34

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

I checked some USD prices and it seems to be around $600.

How much did you pay for the yamaha?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:25:21

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

Man, you were quick.. http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-YAMAHA-CG171SF-CLASSICAL-GUITAR-108374588-i2881534.gc
jajaja

Hey Rui,

I haven't returned it yet

this isn't my yahama! I am getting ready to go to the luthier...

quote:

I checked some USD prices and it seems to be around $600.
How much did you pay for the yamaha?

Wow, so used they go $600.00...

Yamaha, I paid $246.00 with tax and shipping...

Seems, like you are getting a cool guitar!!!

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:28:59

Sr. Martins

Posts: 3077
Joined: Apr. 4 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Not used, new with shipping ($35).

Iam paying the equivalent of $445 with shipping but I think thats to be expected because Iam in Portugal. The yamaha over here gets even more expensive than the 4F (in some stores). I guess the yamaha is not a good choice here in europe.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:35:10

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

quote:

Not used, new with shipping ($35).

Iam paying the equivalent of $445 with shipping but I think thats to be expected because Iam in Portugal. The yamaha over here gets even more expensive than the 4F (in some stores). I guess the yamaha is not a good choice here in europe.

$445.00 plus shipping is DECENT!!!! I think you will be happy with the guitar!!!
Well, I am heading the the repair dude and if he tells me there is a CRACK, I am going to return and look for something else...

I am leaving now

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 17:38:04

Kalo

Posts: 400
Joined: Jan. 25 2011

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

UPDATE: Just got back from visiting my repair guys, Gary and Bill!

Both guys inspected my guitar checked the body under a special light for what I thougth might have been a crack on top! And, it's NOT a CRACK, just the seam, YEAH

The neck is straight and both said I shouldn't go any lower on the action! I agree it is pretty low!!!

Both guys couldn't believe the GREAT condition this guitar is in for second hand and said that Yamaha makes a good guitars for the money!

Okay, so, I am just upgrading the saddle, and replacing the strings!

The bad part is I have to wait 7 to 10 business day to get the guitar back

Back to playing the takamine until then

Kalo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 19:23:07

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Sr. Martins)

Congrats! What's another 7 days.....

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 19:30:05

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Yamaha CG171 Review (in reply to Kalo)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kalo
The bad part is I have to wait 7 to 10 business day to get the guitar back

That's not too bad.

My technician (back before I did my own setups) would do the whole thing in front of me while I waited. It was a small shop and was easily managed by two people. Waiting was not a chore since I was welcome to chat about the set-up procedure or play lots of expensive guitars for an hour or so. I preferred to chat.

An ideal guitar set-up process should have the player present. That way, the technician can have the player test the guitar and determine if a little fine tuning is needed.

Seeing set-ups done in person was very helpful in my learning process. I began to understand what I could do myself, what I could do if I invested in the right tools, and what I should leave to a complete professional.

As a precaution, since I now understand that you live in Arizona, consider investing in an inexpensive hygrometer for your practice room and an good leak-proof in-case guitar humidifier. The hygrometer may at least let you know if it's safe for you to leave your guitar outside of its case for very long periods.

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Upgraded Yamaha CG171SF
The Guitar Student Journal

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 16 2013 19:51:51