Yamaha C40 BL

Yamaha have done it again! An incredibly budget-priced guitar with an outstanding build quality and tone.

The black gloss design is very elegant and makes the guitar look quite expensive. The fingerboard is wide which makes playing individual strings much easier - the only issue is that smaller hands might find it slightly difficult to work their way around the fretboard and a standard acoustic capo is unlikely to be large enough to fit here (even the G7 series).

The sound is a delight, as evidenced from Thomann's excellent sound samples. As with all of my new instruments, I intend to quickly restring with some premium strings (as you never know how long the strings were on the instrument in the factory or warehouse!) I have purchased D'Addario Pro Arte strings to try out and may update this review once any effects of this change have been observed.


If you are looking for a classical guitar <£200, you'd be hard pressed to beat this. A wonderful sounding instrument and a joy to play. Very highly recommended!

The Yamaha C40 BL has been an absolute delight to learn on. While I may be new to this instrument, I can already appreciate the quality and craftsmanship that Yamaha has put into this beginner-friendly model.

First off, let's talk about its playability. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers, which is a relief for a beginner like me who's still building up calluses. Yet, they still produce a warm and inviting tone that makes practicing enjoyable. The action, or the distance between the strings and the fretboard, feels just right, making it easier to press down on the strings and produce clear notes without too much effort.

The size and shape of the Yamaha C40 BL also make it comfortable to hold and play. It's not too bulky or heavy, so I can practice for extended periods without feeling fatigued. Plus, the classical guitar design with a wider neck makes it easier to navigate and learn chords.

In terms of build quality, I've been impressed by how solid and sturdy the Yamaha C40 BL feels. It doesn't feel like a cheap beginner's guitar; rather, it feels like an instrument that will grow with me as I progress in my musical journey. The matte black finish gives it a sleek and modern look that I really appreciate, too.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with my choice to start learning on the Yamaha C40 BL. It's an affordable yet high-quality instrument that's perfect for beginners like me. I can't wait to continue my guitar journey with this reliable companion by my side.