I was bought a guitar of forgotten origin by my mum when I was 14. Once I started earning at 16, the local music shop, being Yamaha agents sold me a guitar, the denomination I can't recall but my son still has it. I played that guitar and learned on it for many years. I recall it with pride. Thin bellied, ply top with no electrics, it survived early folk club and festival outings and although my first big cost guitar was a Les Paul for my rock playing, the Yamaha was a constant folk attachment for years till my first Martin.

I still play a Yamaha. I like thin at the nut guitars and found the best compromise for a 12 string to be a Yamaha APX4-12. Bought it almost 20 years ago and it is often with me although rarely taken on stage. That's more to do with style than quality.

Bert Jansch was a hero of mine and when I buy a workaday guitar I do see what Yamaha are offering, mainly due to him. Mind you, my Rainsong will take some beating. I doubt I shall be buying for a while. ....