07/08/2020
Rare Vintage Yamaha C-200 Classical Nylon Guitar. With Hardcase. Price: 8,500.00php.
Disclaimer: Little is known about this guitar. We will, however, try to provide some good inputs.
First thing about this guitar is the age.
I found a few of these beauties on some sites claiming that this is circa 1970. No support was however made as to that claim. There was also a wikipedia list, that claimed that the C-200a model was made in 1984. But that was a different model than this. This guitar is C200, not C200a. Lastly, the serial number (10925) employs the 5 - digit system which yamaha used around 1946-1968 (check Yamaha site).
There were serial number systems that indicates when the guitar is made (ie, 740901 meaning 1974, Sept, model no. 1) but that system used a 6 digit serial number, and not a 5 digit serial number system.
If we are to use those references, we can assume that this guitar is made between 1946 and 1968.
Next we go the body.
Top is Spruce (laminated, not solid) though this is little darker than other Spruce. Maybe due to its age. Back and sides are rosewood. There scratches as you can see on the photos. Fretboard also has some signs of usage. And theres guitar haze on its neck, back and sides (i read that this is due to moisture trapped under the lacquer finish, it gives that cloudy look).
There is no structural damage, and there is no bulge on the bridge despite using high tension strings. 12th fret is 3.5mm.
Now to the tone.
The high tension strings really gave it that very deep mellowy tone. The age of the wood also gave that added resonance.
This guitar is a very nice vintage beauty, overall.
