Re: Yamaha SJ 180

: I've had my SJ-180 since it was bought new September 1983. Like other posts, it was my first guitar too, and for a relatively cheap guitar ($129 w/case) it has developed remarkable tone over the years!! From what I remember, the music store salesman recommended it for me because it was manufactured as a "student sized" model...easy to hold and easier to get around on than a full sized dreadnaught. Anyone who owns one knows well that it is smaller than a dread but still delivers a very round warm, slightly bright tone. This is just one of those perfectly conceived & manufactured instruments that come around once in a lifetime. I also own a Larrivee', a Taylor, & an old Alvarez, all worth over a grand each...but my my SJ-180 is the one I go for most often. It just feels perfect. I have over the years bought used ones for under $100 and given them as gifts to relatives who expressed interest in learning guitar. What else can I say, but kudos to Yamaha for this wonderfully unique instrument.

Familiar story. My older brother bought a new SJ180 in 82, messed with it for a while, and I paid little concern to it. But then many years later I cought the acoustic guitar bug, and my wife asked my brother what happened to that old guitar he had? He made a phone call and had the guitar in my wifes hands to give to me for Christmas. That was about 12 years ago. I was bent on learning to finger pick. I put a lot of hours into it for many years while studying and learning to play. In time I learned that my mass produced budget Yamaha SJ180 was as solid and played and sounded as good or better than most other guitars that I played around with in our local music stores through the years after that. I'll never sell my SJ180, and am extremely proud to own one.

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