New Flamenco Guitars Added to Yamaha's Lineup

CG17SF (Click for a close-up)

Yamaha Guitars has unveiled two new Flamenco nylon string models at Summer NAMM: the fully acoustic CG171SF and the electro-acoustic CGX171SF.

"Yamaha has a long tradition of apprenticeship with the Masters in Spain," notes David Bergstrom, director of marketing, Yamaha Pro Audio & Combo Division. "It's the reason we make such fine classical guitars at all price points, from student models to concert Handcrafteds. We have now applied that expertise to a Flamenco model."

Except for the electronics, both guitars are identical. Materials include white Sycamore backs and sides with a solid Spruce top. White Sycamore offers many of the acoustical properties of Cypress, the traditional Flamenco wood, while keeping the guitar's price within easy reach.

The Nato neck and Rosewood fingerboard boast very low action that should be especially appealing to traditional Flamenco players, as well as jazz players looking to expand their sonic horizons. Both instruments feature a bright sound with a strong attack--a voice that should appeal to nylon string players who crave a more defined sound.

The CG171SF carries an MSRP of $499, with an August delivery. The CGX171SF will be available in October at an MSRP of $849.