The GC71 was developed to meet the demands of the greatest classical guitarist of the 20th century. Pleased with its extended bass response and greater projection we were thrilled when the maestro showed complete satisfaction in this instrument as with all GC series guitars, only materials of the highest quality are destined for use in crafting the GC71. It's solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides are finished with an all natural shellac, hand applied in the traditional fashion, that improves the instrument's appearance and tone as it ages.

The thickness of the third string in a nylon set tends to limit its movement at the bridge and nut causing it to respond as if it were shorter than the other strings. Yamaha eliminates this common intonation problem with a special offset step cut into the saddle at the third string.

Top-shellac, back and sides-shellac. A guitar's finish has a very real effect on its sound. A fine guitar – with a properly applied finish – will sound better and better as time goes on.

Next to the woods themselves, the bracing of the guitar top is the most critical factor affecting the instrument's final sound. Although the basic design is still very close to the original pattern proposed by Torres in the 1880's, refinements and improvements have been made to ensure optimum tone and volume with modern strings and playing techniques.