Overview
Yamaha CS40 Mk II Three-Quarter Size Classical Guitar - Natural Finish
Discover the ideal starting point for young, aspiring musicians with the Yamaha CS40 Mk II three-quarter size classical guitar. Perfectly crafted for comfort and playability, this instrument is designed for children aged 8-12 who might find a full-size guitar too large. Despite its compact dimensions, the CS40 Mk II delivers a wonderfully balanced and responsive tone, making it an encouraging first instrument. Its natural finish adds a touch of classic elegance.
- Three-Quarter Size Classical Guitar: Specifically designed for younger learners with a shorter 580mm scale length.
- Ideal Entry-Level Instrument: Encourages sustained learning with its comfortable and accessible design.
- Spruce Top: Contributes to a clear, resonant, and well-balanced sound.
- Genuine Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge: Offers a smooth playing experience and enhances the guitar's aesthetic.
Specs
Color/Finish
Control Interface
- String Strings Scale 580 mm (22 13/16")
Design/Architecture Detail
- Body Depth 80-84 mm (3 1/8"-3 1/4")
- Finger Board Width (Nut/Body) 48 mm (1 7/8")
Material
- Top Spruce
- Back Meranti
- Side/Rib Meranti
- Neck Nato
- Finger Board Rosewood
- Bridge Rosewood
CITES Information
| Covered by CITES | Yes |
| CITES Scientific Name of Wood or Woods Used | Dalbergia latifolia(Indonesia) |
| CITES Country or Countries of Wood Origin | Indonesia |
Questions & Answers
Question: Please can you tell me how the CS40 II and CGS103AII three-quarter size classical guitars compare? Which would you recommend for a 10 year old beginner?
Answer
Thank you for your interest in Yamaha guitars. The CGS103AII and CS40 II are very similar guitars, made to the same specification (with spruce top and meranti back and sides with a nato neck) but in different guitar workshops (which allows us to keep up with the high demand for our three-quarter size classical guitars across the world). The CS40 II tends to be the more popular in the European market, but essentially, both are great guitars.
However, for beginners aged around 7 and up, we'd strongly advise starting on a full-size classical guitar, such as the C40 II (available by itself in natural wood or black finish, or as part of a starter pack) - see the links below.
At ten years old, playing a full size classical is manageable and ensures the player becomes accustomed to playing a full size instrument.
Question: Can the CS40 Classical Guitar be played using a plectrum without causing damage to the nylon strings? If so, are nylon plectrums the best option?
Answer
Thank you for your interest in the CS40 Classical Guitar. Generally, classical guitars are played without plectrums - instead classical guitarists usually play with their fingers directly on the strings.
Using a nylon plectrum shouldn't cause any significant damage to the strings (which should be replaced relatively regularly in any case); however, be aware that classical guitars like the CS40 don't have a scratchplate/pickguard - and so there's an increased risk of a plectrum damaging the guitar's finish.
We'd usually recommend nylon plectrums (for both acoustic and classical guitar) unless you're after a specific guitar tone; Dunlop's Tortex range is very popular:
