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Much has been discussed about this inexpensive flamenco guitar. i have owned two of them and have played 6 or 7. Several years ago I tried four of them at a "big box" music store. I bought what I thought was the best one. Over the years I have added a bone saddle, played with action adjustments, but the big change came from "porting", a 1'1/2 inch hole on the upper bout. Strings made a difference also; these guitars tend to have a rather muted treble. Savarez corum/Alliance HT strings made it much brighter. This guitar is now easy to play and has a quick response and is just fine in all respects. It is not of luthier quality, but makes a great camping, sofa, and roughing around instrument. If you have dogs are little kids around this is a safe guitar for perilous environments. The finish and and structural integrity seem bomb proof. I have some really fine guitars, but this little Yamaha gets lots of play.
RE: Revisiting the Yamaha CG171SF (in reply to etta)
I have had three of them. The best one had an ebony fretboard and was made in Taiwan. I did the same, added a bone saddle, adjusted the action down and installed better quality tuning machines. It was a great "leave out on the stand" guitar. Got tired of it and sold it. Had another made in china w/rosewood 'board and this one although bought rather inexpensively was not very good. Sold it real quick. The last one was the newer 172SF and this one was a total dog. Was the only guitar I had for a short time and when another decent guitar came my way, was very happy to unload it. I have found them to be quite inconsistent but if you can find a good one they can serve a beginner well and as you mention make a great "beater".
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