When it comes to cheap, student-level guitars, some people think that all classical guitars are made equal. They’re not.
Some people have the misconception that all cheap instruments are made in the same factory. This is only true for some brands. Better brands have their own workshops. This allows them to produce better quality instruments.
But be wary. A well-known brand may not necessarily produce a good guitar.
About 5 years ago, when I began my teaching business, I purchased a Samick guitar for around $350. Samick is one of the largest instruments makers in the world. At that point, I trusted the reputation of the Korean-based instrument maker. This was a mistake.
About 3 years later, the tuning machines stopped working. I went to Davis to get them replaced.
Recently, they stopped working again. This is because one of the tuner’s buttons tuners cracked, dislodging it. This can be seen in the picture above.
Granted, this second-instance could be attributed to the low quality of the tuning machines I bought from Davis. But upon further inspection I realized that the holes for the tuning machines were not drilled perfectly straight.
This manufacturing oversight, caused by Samick, creates undue stress in any installed tuning machine. This reduces the life expectancy of the tuning machines.
In comparison, my 10-year old, $100 Yamaha C-40 has never required any repairs of any kind. My 5 year-old $550 Yamaha CG151C is also in perfect working order.
I will never buy another guitar from Samick ever again. I find it incredulous that my 10-year old, $100 Yamaha C40 has required less repairs than my 5-year old $350 Samick.
Don't be misled by PR and heavy advertisement from the major guitar makers. Since the early
90's most USA guitar makeers are having their products made overseas – China/Far East and East European countries.
The Good News is that due to the state of the art machinery their products are getting better all the time.
My son is an engineer that travels overseas at least twice every year as part as his professional duties for his company
– machinery manufacturer in USA –
He tells me that he has visited factories where more than one "brand/lable" of guitars are made simultaniously.
Many are identical "twins" that come to USA with different labels.
One example: Jasmine (Takamine Co) products are a twin of "Montana" classical guitar products that are
made in Eastern Europe (Romania)
to the same specs. and with same machinery.
In the classical guitar market in the USA it is now a fact that any product selling for under $800.is made outside the USA.
Suggestion: Regardless of price and "brand" – two similar priced items may be very different in overall quality. A liitle-know label could be just as good or better that the heavily advertised "brands".and most likely at a lower cost.
Hi, I have an old Yamaha classical guitar model G-225 of which the tuning machine head is in need of replacement and I don’t know which to purchase, perhaps you can give a recommendation as to which to choose. Thank you
What’s your budget? To be safe, you could always approach Yamaha for the replacement parts. If you want to upgrade, I highly recommend Gotoh Premiums.
The G-225 should have a roller spacing of 35mm so most 35mm tuning machines should fit.
The positions of the holes will probably be different. So you may need to drill new holes and plug the old ones. It would be best if you could guitar a luthier to do it for you.