I've had this guitar for a couple of years and love it. I got it so I could practice late at night and not disturb my wife. I play it through a Spark amp, so I have an unlimited amount of effects at my disposal. Your review was spot on.
I’ve owned one of these for about a year now and I gotta say I can’t get enough of it! It’s the One I leave by the couch and play everyday. Fun and easy to play and Light as a feather. Plug it into a amp or play through headphones and it sounds fantastic. I also love plugging it into my phone and playing along to jam tracks and nobody can hear but me. Crank it up and the fun never ends!
How does this sound compared to the acoustasonic, how does it feel? What shampoo and conditioner does this man use, these are the questions the public demands...
The electronics emulate the sound of Yamaha's highest-end acoustics, that's where you really need to experience it: through a quality pair of headphones on the modelling setting, it's just awesome.
In the near future, I see YAMAHA coming out with an electric and acoustic Air Guitar... for those who love to jam anywhere, any time and can't find room for a carring case when traveling. And an ear bud/head phone option so others won't be disturbed ( other than the player looking like he's having a grand maul seizure )
I have been playing out for over 25 years now. I've logged close to 9000 gigs. Yes I play a lot. I've had many many many different guitars. Back in December of 2019 I picked up a Yamaha silent guitar because I saw one used at a store and wondered what it actually sounded like. From the first strum I was absolutely blown away. How could something sound so good? At the time I was gigging with Taylor's for many years. I had tried some Godin and line 6 very close to this time. Just to see if anything compared to my Taylor's. Some I have custom electronics. Nothing compared. Until I picked up the Yamaha. I bought one days later. I thought I would never ever use it out for gigs. But decided to try a few. Unfortunately...for my Taylor's, I haven't stopped using it. And I much rather have a Taylor in my hands. Mainly for looks. But the sound played live from the Yamaha is unequaled by any guitar/electronic system on the market. Literally today I bought Fender acoustasonic which is right behind me as I type this. I tried it at a gig in Palm Beach Florida and it's just ok. Especially compared to the Yamaha. After a few songs on it I grabbed the Yamaha. I even messaged a friend who owns the Fender about how far superior the Yamaha is. I said "They put some voodoo in these Yamaha silent guitars". I now actually own two. And I've logged well over a 1000 gigs on them. I did add some padding to make the arm piece more comfortable. It really is sharp. Lots of complaints about that. One HUGE thing that was touched on quickly in this video is that there is no feedback. No body to the guitar gets not feedback. I can hold it in front of my speakers. I've literally done this to show people. It is a life saver at many gigs. I haven't dealt with any feedback in years! That's awesome. And in regards to the "mic" that he mentions in this video, there IS NO MIC. It says mic because it's a sample of a mic'd guitar. No actual mic. I personally leave my guitar blend around the 10 o'clock position. Mostly piezo with a bit of the mic. This thing can get bass heavy too but it's easy to roll off. But even all the way down it's still very prominent. I mostly have it cut some. Almost never straight up. And with the action lowered a bit they play like a dream. And always Elixirs! Phosphor bronze to be exact. I also bought an electric guitar bag that fits it great. Disassembling after ever gig is a pain. So it's permanently assembled. I'd gladly answer any questions you may have about them. Something else to add about this guitar. The string balance is also the best I've ever heard. It's not your ordinary piezo pickup. When you see it there is an individual area for each string. There is one review here somewhere that shows it. Yamaha designed this specifically for this guitar. I've had other high end guitars that cost a lot and the electronics systems are totally unbalanced. Usually the high E or low E are too loud or soft. And the G and or B are way too loud. This one is perfectly balanced. Makes for a way better playing experience.
After seeing this and your response to this video, I want ONE!!!!! I have a Taylor 415CE and a Yamaha. This guitar is starting to speak to me!!! Thanks for your insight. I do a lot of shows and I have been looking for something like this. Does this work well for Soloing as well? Thanks John
@@JohnJano it works great for almost anything. The only thing it doesn't do well is slapping/tapping on the body. Because there isn't one. Lol. A guitarist I play with uses his acoustic and loops beats. He taps on his guitar body to make the "drum" sounds. He can't do that on this guitar. That's all it can't do. I am actually going to add something right now to what I wrote here. Read the bottom.
@@fostervf16 Hey Adam, thanks for the reply! I bought one, and I love it!!! Like you said, action had to be changed, but this plays as close to the frets without buzz than any acoustic guitar I have ever owned!!!! Winner across the board!
When that guitar was first released, I remember thinking “how ridiculous” and foolishly never considered it. After hearing and seeing this video, I will most likely buy one. Would like to see Cooper demo the nylon string version as well.
I used to think the same. However, I got a nylon string last year. It plays well, and perfect for silent practice. It is also just a very good guitar if you want to play in a gig or something.
When these first came out what seems like 20 years ago. Everyone was playing one in the arena's and outdoors. The don't feed back. Most of them need to be tailored to your liking. Very affordable guitars
Ive had one for years, its the only way I record acoustic now. No room noise no furnace noise no dogs, I put 10g electric strings on it and it sounds GREAT!
I have the 200n to play Portuguese and Brazilian songs generally and it is a great solution, easy to carry, no feedback, built in tuner and effects. Totally silent and great looking on stage
I originally bought the older SLG110 a decade ago. Loved it. Now have SLG200 steel string AND nylon. Main reason? Convenience. They can do everything, and the onboard tuner and effects are great. The design is so lightweight and comfortable, that everything else starts to feel really heavy and cumbersome. The 200 has been around for about 7-8 years now, so I’d be expecting an upgraded version soon? One upgrade that would make it a show stopper would be the addition of at least one electric guitar pickup, wired through the onboard preamp? If that signal could also be blended to the under saddle pickup already installed, it would truly be an almost unbeatable guitar for practice and even stage performance. YAMAHA, PLEASE ADD A MINI HUMBUCKER OR TWO!!!!😎
I am starting to save for this how long do you thing Yamaha would take before they release a new one? P.S. this will be my second after my fs100c acoustic, I wanted something versatile as I have still not pledged loyalty to any particular side.
I have this guitar and love it, its under-rated. Because of its features it also is very friendly to record with. Maybe I missed what amp you plugged into for this video but this guitar works well in non-acoustic amps but sounds very acoustic in an acoustic amp. Its very versatile. I did replace the stock nut with bone to cure what I thought was some inconsistency across the strings and I'm happy with the mod. I've installed a small bluetooth receiver on mine into the Aux plug to play wireless music from my phone and use headphones. The output jack goes straight into my pedal board so from there is same as any other guitar. My family appreciates this guitar because when I'm learning something new and practice it over and over it doesn't drive my family crazy and they often don't know I'm playing it. This Yamaha silent steel string, the Godin Ultra A6 and Fender Acoustasonic all differ but they all compete with each other from acoustic perspective and it would be hard for me to sell any of the three.
@@shaneroberts9466 I ownt this Yamaha, and Godin A6 Ultra. Also, I bought Fender Acoustasonic Strat, and I return it next day. Godin and Yamaha are excellent guitars. I love it. I also change the saddle on my Yamaha. I put it bone. But I realize the sound is better with original Tusq saddle. Than I just trimed the original saddle and put it back. Much better than bone saddle. That is my opinion. All the best! 👍🎸
I have had one for a couple years now, absolutely phenomenal. I was using a piezo loaded electric for a while and bought Fishman Aura to get it sounding more like an acoustic which blew me away when I got it, used that for a couple of years then picked up this and the Aura has been in its box ever since. I modifdied mine with a Lollar floating mount gold foil with the poles at the primary natural harmonic node down past the fretboard (same harmonics as at 5th fret) and now I can go from full acoustic sounds to either blended or one of the best single coil electric sounds I've owned. Two jacks out of course. Give that a look over if you need to have quick access to electric and accoustic with a footswitch. And it looks aboslutely killer. My favourite guitar now.
I’ve had the nylon string version for years. It’s super useful. I often have to play nylon string through big PA systems and regular guitars are really prone to feedback, but the silent nylon shines in these situations. Saw Brian may uses one so if it’s good enough for him…
I got the nylon version a few months ago. I have to admit it has become severe competition to my Taylor and Martin. Why? It it so easy to play, comfortable and intimate. I can play it in the sofa with earphones while my wife watches tv. It has a warm full sound. The sound effects are inspiring and makes it fun to play. I recommend getting a acoustic amplifier with it.
The sound is very usefull considering the price. I have nylon string model and is perfect to play live things as Latin rhythm fusion with warm and sweet playing
Your playing, Cooper. Holy effin smokes. I just close my eyes, leaned back and actually forgot that i was listening to a review untill you started talking again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Cooper: great demo. I play the steel string version around 50% of the time, and a Fender Strat the other 50%. The Yamaha is a superb travel guitar yet produces excellent tone and effects.
I gig with one of these sometimes and it is absolutely amazing. I prefer it to an acoustasonic and even a T5 Taylor and they are much more expensive. The build in effects and tuner is fantastic and when you plug some really good inner ear monitors it sounds like you are playing a Martin in a large theatre. Great stuff. Great review as well that.
I think you missed the best feature which is the 3.5 input jack on the underside. This is my practice guitar. I have a pair of headphones in the out line and I use the 3.5 input line to play with backing tracks, or my favorite TH-cam lessons, etc.
Cooper, you made my day! About six years ago, June 2016, I purchased one of these along with the Yamaha THR10 Modeling Combo amp. You nailed it: These are not gimmick items. I'll admit, in the last six years, other instruments have seen a bit more use. Your amazing performance has me again reaching for my old friend. The title of this review asks: Is it worth it? As a guy who travels a lot and wants to keep a great sounding, unobtrusive, instrument in his hands, this simply can not be beat. Grab decent headphones which plug directly in and are powered by the Silent guitar, and your on your way! By the way, the THR10 is a superb little amp that is wonderful to perform with in a small setting. Really enjoyed your review. Thank you.
I have both the steel and the nylon versions, and the best thing about this series of guitars is the SRT technology. It's one of the best, if not the best, most natural plugged-in sound (when you turn the dial all the way to the mic emulation side). Yamaha basically does what I think is some kind of convolution with the string vibrations signal that gets picked up by the SRT system, and they used their own highest-end acoustic model's mic recordings to create the convolution reference file, and that's what gets applied to the signal. So the sound you hear from the mic emulation of the SRT technology is like a sonic snapshot of Yamaha's high-end acoustic guitar when it's miked.
I adore this guitar. I picked one up last year on my way to spend a week at a hotel and it is now my go to travel buddy. Using earphones direct is great but when paired with the Fender Mustang Micro it just soars.
Love my SLG200S had it for years. The only thing I don’t like is that it comes apart…sometimes those strap buttons can loosen just from the movement of the strap…then if you pick it up by that arm it pops loose…he’s right don’t need it but it does help give it a better feel while playing. Wish it was on permanent 🙃
I have the nylon version and really like it. The lack of a body does dampen the "acoustic feel" a bit when playing but it plays great, sounds good and ultra-portable.
I was digging this guitar but just decided at last moment to buy a used Mint Godin Grand Acoustic SA which has the 13 pin MIDI pickup and sounds so dope as a classical guitar. $999 was too good of a price to pass on and live by myself so do not worry about bothering anyone. Thanks for a great review of this guitar. .
Hi Cooper. Thanks for the nice review. I have the Nylon version since 6 years and use it for classical music, love songs, Jimi Hendrix and Flamenco. I have a very good clean amp and a small equalizer at home. Of course for Jimi Hendrix it is more „sort of“ playing. The sound is generally ok, at least better than what you would expect. As an engineer, I made some modifications. First I modified the armrest so I can play easier, more precise, without an additional reference point with the hand or finger. Second I started to develop a battery plug-in HiFi MEMS Loudspeaker 1kg, so I can attach it to the empty space of the silent guitar in case some friends want to hear what I play, campfires or girlfriend visit, so I do not need an external amp or headphones to show my skills 🤓(very similar to a normal acoustic or classical guitar). In this way my total carriage weight is not more than 4 kg for playing a few hours. 😋🥰. Also very convenient for airplane traveling. Hand luggage.
I just got one of these and i am blown away. This is no toy, this is a legit guitar. Plugged into an amp or headphones this thing sounds great. The blend control allows me to find just about any sound i really need. Im sure this doesnt appeal to everyone, but do try one first before you think its not for you. This is a VERY VERY useful guitar and it just may replace your standard acoustic onstage or even in the studio. Plays very well, theres enough vibration thru the guitar that it doesnt feel cheap. The electronics are like that of which is in the Transacoustic Yamaha guitars. Great reverb and chorus. I plan to add a midi pickup to mine. I own the steel string SLF200S version. I would never have thought this guitar would be this nice. Also read up, Brian May of Queen has been using one of these live for quite sometime now. ;-)
Oh and i saw someone who installed a floating humbucker on one of these. Theres many options for this guitar if ya brainstorm long enough. I love this thing. :-)
i think i just found my first guitar. i love acoustic guitar sound and love to play loud and not be heard. this is why i also bought digital piano as well and very very happy with it. plugging in headphones and other barely hear. i play a lot when my wife and kids are sleep.
I know this guitar will happily take electric strings (standard mix of gauges) with an 11 top - that's all I use. This way I have a light, compact, very portable guitar that I can practice my "electric stuff" on without that restrictive wound G string. When an 11 top "makes the work too hard" I tune down half a step like so many do. I don't get the rock/metal SOUND, but I get the feel I want. Extra - overall a beautiful feel IMO, only criticism I have is the placement of the output socket on the back 😐.... so I often use the headphone socket to the amp instead. 👍
Thank you for the great video, I really appreciate it. How do you power it when you are traveling? Meaning do you just run it off the battery power or do you actually plug it in to AC power as you are playing? I was trying to figure out how long the power will last as I am traveling with it. From several videos I have watched no one really talks about this aspect. Have you ever traveled on a plane with this guitar and if so is it a carry-on or do you check it in? If you carry-on the guitar does it fit in the over head? What case do you use to travel with...etc? I want to make sure it doesn't get damaged as I travel. Thank you in advance
I really love playing electric with headphones/monitors as it offers the "mic'd up" sound in real time. Really curious about this for the acoustic side of things
First time I played my 200S through headphones (Roy Harper stuff, mostly) I was smitten - enveloped myself for hours while exploring the combinations of settings. Me, 200S, Sony cans - sorted!
Helpful demo for the instrument i go to most often, beyond several choice Mattins. Frankly, my growing favorite. Question: are the pickups adjustible? Mine puts out over-powered bass on 5th and 6th strings (even with bass control all the way down) and relatively weak treble on the 1st and 2nd strings (with treble cranked up all the way).
Sounds like inconsistent pressure in the piezo across the bridge. Might be good to take it out, lightly file it flat, and carefully replace it for even pressure.
Cooper you are a great guitar player and I enjoy listening to you. However, it's hard to get an idea of how a guitar sounds when you demo it since you mostly only play riffs. It would be very helpful if you added some chords and a melody to your demos so we could get a better idea of how a guitar actually sounds.
I got the 200nw and I will say that these things sound significantly different with headphones. gotta be good ones, I use in ear monitors and the sound is extremely intimate. I've notched that, plugged in, without good tuning in the EQ it can sound very airy, which you don't really get with headphones. but you can make it sound really good either way if you know what you are doing. these have a very unique sound. so I wouldn't go into this expecting a 1 for 1 emulation of anything else- I don't think that it will replace any authentic acoustic guitar but can definitely be a nice compliment to anything else you play to bring in just a different sound that maybe not so easy to pick out why its different but very pleasing to the ear. I get much -much inspiration playing my nylon version. I have been on the fence for a while on getting the steel. I think I should just do it, I am very curious on what kind of harmonies I could put together with the 2. Having roommates, I limit my time playing my ibanez steel string cuz- noise. So this is why I am now considering this model again.
Hey Cooper! Thank you for the awesome and entertaining demo! Very interesting detailed explanation and vibrant musical demo! I enjoyed it much, spiked my interest in the instrument. I agree, would be a nice complement to have.
Nice playing and excellent review! I own a Yamaha silent "hybrid" nylon string in tobacco sunburst. Love it! No feedback. Sounds great for recording direct.
I like. I have a LLTA acoustic and it's great. I'd really like to hear what this sounds like with electric flat wounds on it and plugging into amp with effects.
I really wonder how hard it would be to modify one of these with the guts of a Line 6 Variax. This is exactly what I want, except with Variax electronics and a switch to bypass them into acoustic mode. Also, I want to hear this through some acoustic guitar IRs.
Can’t wait to offload mine. The only thing it’s possibly good for is laying down an “acoustic” track on a recording due to the onboard electronics, but overall is like playing a cardboard cutout of an actual guitar. Plucking notes that immediately die on the vine, unlike on a real instrument , is depressing.
Great playing Cooper! And the best review of this guitar! Wish the reverb and chorus could be blended like the Transacoustic, instead of the current “either or” setup…then would be even cooler! Moving to Phoenix very soon, so have started putting together my “Sonoran Desert”, zero % humidity arsenal. Recently bought a RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo. Next will be a metal resonator, then a Yamaha SLG,(and a “fedora”🤠)…
I have a nylon string "hybrid" version, and I love it as well. Just noting that if you use a pedalboard, you could really sculpt the sound. (I do not.) And no feedback.
Greetings all, I hope everyone's guitar journey is going well. - I wanted to chime in a bit about the nylon version I have (SLG200NW). I found it requires SUBSTANTIAL EQ'ing. Regarding the bass, it's obnoxiously boomy, and I find you need to cut out the 100 Hz range completely to be usable. After that, there's a lot of high frequency hiss, which I've confirmed other owners have experienced too. One needs to also cut those upper frequencies (3 kHz and up) to resolve that problem. But if you're able to remove those problem frequencies, it's pretty nice.
I've had both the steel string and nylon versions. The steel was so-so; however the nylon is fantastic and has a great tone. The only problem I had with the nylon was that the bridge had to be lowered nearly 1/8 inch to be playable.
Looks cool, but sounds kind of plinky and thin. Seems like it has neck dive, and the body is cutting into your forearm and side. If the "body" were made of one inch tubing, perhaps Copper, it would solve what I perceive as a number of "comfort" problems. I would like to see/hear a Nylon demoed. Thanks
I played one of these at my local music store, and really liked it. Played great, somewhat comfortable, I would have bought it, but the deal breaker for me, was that upper bout that sits against your chest, especially sitting down playing it. About 20 minutes of just sitting there playing it, I felt like someone kicked me in the chest when I was done. To bad, I really liked it, but Im not spending over $700 to have a bruised chest every time I sit down and play. Other then that, its a great guitar, just need to trim that curved upper bout that sticks out.
Late to the party a bit, but a question.... When you engage the tuner does it mute the main send? Two AA batteries? How long do they last? And is it compatible with Rechargeable batteries?
I think the nylon version sounds better than the steel. It’s comparing pears to apples, right? But the steel version doesn’t seem to have such a fan base as the nylon. I landed with the Acoustasonic instead of the steel string version this time.
How fat is the "body" of this guitar? Is it like reaching around the body of a full size acoustic with your right arm, or is it more like a solid body electric?
I've had this guitar for a couple of years and love it. I got it so I could practice late at night and not disturb my wife. I play it through a Spark amp, so I have an unlimited amount of effects at my disposal. Your review was spot on.
I’ve owned one of these for about a year now and I gotta say I can’t get enough of it! It’s the
One I leave by the couch and play everyday. Fun and easy to play and Light as a feather. Plug it into a amp or play through headphones and it sounds fantastic. I also love plugging it into my phone and playing along to jam tracks and nobody can hear but me. Crank it up and the fun never ends!
Hi, can it be plugged in to a normal Marshall valve amp? Would it Still sound good? Thanks.
How does this sound compared to the acoustasonic, how does it feel? What shampoo and conditioner does this man use, these are the questions the public demands...
Since Cooper admits to liking “mid century aesthetic”, I’m going with Herbal Essence shampoo, and NO conditioner!
I'd guess no colour, no bleach, and no heat styling is the secret. 😂
@@jed1166 I had the same thought when he said that, but in the Acoustasonic videos he clearly is using some kind of conditioner... Shiny
@@jed1166 Nothin wrong with Frank Lloyd Wright.
🤣
The electronics emulate the sound of Yamaha's highest-end acoustics, that's where you really need to experience it: through a quality pair of headphones on the modelling setting, it's just awesome.
In the near future, I see YAMAHA coming out with an electric and acoustic Air Guitar... for those who love to jam anywhere, any time and can't find room for a carring case when traveling. And an ear bud/head phone option so others won't be disturbed ( other than the player looking like he's having a grand maul seizure )
I have been playing out for over 25 years now. I've logged close to 9000 gigs. Yes I play a lot. I've had many many many different guitars. Back in December of 2019 I picked up a Yamaha silent guitar because I saw one used at a store and wondered what it actually sounded like. From the first strum I was absolutely blown away. How could something sound so good? At the time I was gigging with Taylor's for many years. I had tried some Godin and line 6 very close to this time. Just to see if anything compared to my Taylor's. Some I have custom electronics. Nothing compared. Until I picked up the Yamaha. I bought one days later. I thought I would never ever use it out for gigs. But decided to try a few. Unfortunately...for my Taylor's, I haven't stopped using it. And I much rather have a Taylor in my hands. Mainly for looks. But the sound played live from the Yamaha is unequaled by any guitar/electronic system on the market. Literally today I bought Fender acoustasonic which is right behind me as I type this. I tried it at a gig in Palm Beach Florida and it's just ok. Especially compared to the Yamaha. After a few songs on it I grabbed the Yamaha. I even messaged a friend who owns the Fender about how far superior the Yamaha is. I said "They put some voodoo in these Yamaha silent guitars". I now actually own two. And I've logged well over a 1000 gigs on them. I did add some padding to make the arm piece more comfortable. It really is sharp. Lots of complaints about that. One HUGE thing that was touched on quickly in this video is that there is no feedback. No body to the guitar gets not feedback. I can hold it in front of my speakers. I've literally done this to show people. It is a life saver at many gigs. I haven't dealt with any feedback in years! That's awesome.
And in regards to the "mic" that he mentions in this video, there IS NO MIC. It says mic because it's a sample of a mic'd guitar. No actual mic.
I personally leave my guitar blend around the 10 o'clock position. Mostly piezo with a bit of the mic. This thing can get bass heavy too but it's easy to roll off. But even all the way down it's still very prominent. I mostly have it cut some. Almost never straight up. And with the action lowered a bit they play like a dream. And always Elixirs! Phosphor bronze to be exact. I also bought an electric guitar bag that fits it great. Disassembling after ever gig is a pain. So it's permanently assembled.
I'd gladly answer any questions you may have about them.
Something else to add about this guitar. The string balance is also the best I've ever heard. It's not your ordinary piezo pickup. When you see it there is an individual area for each string. There is one review here somewhere that shows it. Yamaha designed this specifically for this guitar. I've had other high end guitars that cost a lot and the electronics systems are totally unbalanced. Usually the high E or low E are too loud or soft. And the G and or B are way too loud. This one is perfectly balanced. Makes for a way better playing experience.
After seeing this and your response to this video, I want ONE!!!!! I have a Taylor 415CE and a Yamaha. This guitar is starting to speak to me!!! Thanks for your insight. I do a lot of shows and I have been looking for something like this. Does this work well for Soloing as well? Thanks
John
@@JohnJano it works great for almost anything. The only thing it doesn't do well is slapping/tapping on the body. Because there isn't one. Lol. A guitarist I play with uses his acoustic and loops beats. He taps on his guitar body to make the "drum" sounds. He can't do that on this guitar. That's all it can't do. I am actually going to add something right now to what I wrote here. Read the bottom.
@@fostervf16 Hey Adam, thanks for the reply! I bought one, and I love it!!! Like you said, action had to be changed, but this plays as close to the frets without buzz than any acoustic guitar I have ever owned!!!! Winner across the board!
Can this guitar take a blues driver pedal?
👍👍👍...for your comment.
I liked the sound quality, but what really impressed me was how well you played it.
When that guitar was first released, I remember thinking “how ridiculous” and foolishly never considered it. After hearing and seeing this video, I will most likely buy one. Would like to see Cooper demo the nylon string version as well.
I used to think the same. However, I got a nylon string last year. It plays well, and perfect for silent practice. It is also just a very good guitar if you want to play in a gig or something.
When these first came out what seems like 20 years ago. Everyone was playing one in the arena's and outdoors. The don't feed back. Most of them need to be tailored to your liking. Very affordable guitars
Would love to hear the nylon version too.
Ive had one for years, its the only way I record acoustic now. No room noise no furnace noise no dogs, I put 10g electric strings on it and it sounds GREAT!
I have the 200n to play Portuguese and Brazilian songs generally and it is a great solution, easy to carry, no feedback, built in tuner and effects. Totally silent and great looking on stage
Same, the guy at my samba pagode group have a collection of guitars and always use this one
Got to be one of the best demos I've seen on this guitar! Fantastic playing!
I originally bought the older SLG110 a decade ago. Loved it. Now have SLG200 steel string AND nylon. Main reason? Convenience. They can do everything, and the onboard tuner and effects are great. The design is so lightweight and comfortable, that everything else starts to feel really heavy and cumbersome. The 200 has been around for about 7-8 years now, so I’d be expecting an upgraded version soon? One upgrade that would make it a show stopper would be the addition of at least one electric guitar pickup, wired through the onboard preamp? If that signal could also be blended to the under saddle pickup already installed, it would truly be an almost unbeatable guitar for practice and even stage performance. YAMAHA, PLEASE ADD A MINI HUMBUCKER OR TWO!!!!😎
I am starting to save for this how long do you thing Yamaha would take before they release a new one? P.S. this will be my second after my fs100c acoustic, I wanted something versatile as I have still not pledged loyalty to any particular side.
I have this guitar and love it, its under-rated. Because of its features it also is very friendly to record with. Maybe I missed what amp you plugged into for this video but this guitar works well in non-acoustic amps but sounds very acoustic in an acoustic amp. Its very versatile. I did replace the stock nut with bone to cure what I thought was some inconsistency across the strings and I'm happy with the mod. I've installed a small bluetooth receiver on mine into the Aux plug to play wireless music from my phone and use headphones. The output jack goes straight into my pedal board so from there is same as any other guitar. My family appreciates this guitar because when I'm learning something new and practice it over and over it doesn't drive my family crazy and they often don't know I'm playing it. This Yamaha silent steel string, the Godin Ultra A6 and Fender Acoustasonic all differ but they all compete with each other from acoustic perspective and it would be hard for me to sell any of the three.
actually I replaced the saddle with bone, not the nut!
Would it sound good plugged directly into a PA?
@@maxherron1376 yes, it's a good guitar. All the best regards to you 🙏
@@shaneroberts9466 I ownt this Yamaha, and Godin A6 Ultra. Also, I bought Fender Acoustasonic Strat, and I return it next day. Godin and Yamaha are excellent guitars. I love it. I also change the saddle on my Yamaha. I put it bone. But I realize the sound is better with original Tusq saddle. Than I just trimed the original saddle and put it back. Much better than bone saddle. That is my opinion.
All the best! 👍🎸
I have had one for a couple years now, absolutely phenomenal.
I was using a piezo loaded electric for a while and bought Fishman Aura to get it sounding more like an acoustic which blew me away when I got it, used that for a couple of years then picked up this and the Aura has been in its box ever since.
I modifdied mine with a Lollar floating mount gold foil with the poles at the primary natural harmonic node down past the fretboard (same harmonics as at 5th fret) and now I can go from full acoustic sounds to either blended or one of the best single coil electric sounds I've owned. Two jacks out of course.
Give that a look over if you need to have quick access to electric and accoustic with a footswitch.
And it looks aboslutely killer. My favourite guitar now.
That was a tasty jam he plays at 4:28
I’ve had the nylon string version for years. It’s super useful. I often have to play nylon string through big PA systems and regular guitars are really prone to feedback, but the silent nylon shines in these situations. Saw Brian may uses one so if it’s good enough for him…
I got the nylon version a few months ago. I have to admit it has become severe competition to my Taylor and Martin. Why? It it so easy to play, comfortable and intimate. I can play it in the sofa with earphones while my wife watches tv. It has a warm full sound. The sound effects are inspiring and makes it fun to play. I recommend getting a acoustic amplifier with it.
The sound is very usefull considering the price. I have nylon string model and is perfect to play live things as Latin rhythm fusion with warm and sweet playing
Yes demo this vs the nylon. Looks great sounds great. Great design.
Your playing, Cooper. Holy effin smokes. I just close my eyes, leaned back and actually forgot that i was listening to a review untill you started talking again. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Cooper: great demo. I play the steel string version around 50% of the time, and a Fender Strat the other 50%. The Yamaha is a superb travel guitar yet produces excellent tone and effects.
I bought one when going into lockdown, it is amazing. Really great practice guitar that doesn't annoy others.
I gig with one of these sometimes and it is absolutely amazing. I prefer it to an acoustasonic and even a T5 Taylor and they are much more expensive. The build in effects and tuner is fantastic and when you plug some really good inner ear monitors it sounds like you are playing a Martin in a large theatre. Great stuff. Great review as well that.
Great demo I own four of them I play out with them and record in the studio just love them I think your demonstration was excellent
I think you missed the best feature which is the 3.5 input jack on the underside. This is my practice guitar. I have a pair of headphones in the out line and I use the 3.5 input line to play with backing tracks, or my favorite TH-cam lessons, etc.
I’m not interested in buying one of these. I come here for the playing
Cooper, you made my day! About six years ago, June 2016, I purchased one of these along with the Yamaha THR10 Modeling Combo amp. You nailed it: These are not gimmick items. I'll admit, in the last six years, other instruments have seen a bit more use. Your amazing performance has me again reaching for my old friend. The title of this review asks: Is it worth it? As a guy who travels a lot and wants to keep a great sounding, unobtrusive, instrument in his hands, this simply can not be beat. Grab decent headphones which plug directly in and are powered by the Silent guitar, and your on your way! By the way, the THR10 is a superb little amp that is wonderful to perform with in a small setting.
Really enjoyed your review.
Thank you.
This is the first video that i've seen that you strummed the guitar in "Silent Mode"! Thank you!
Unique and beautiful tone. If I had money, I'd invest in that instrument. A lovely compliment to any standard guitars.
I have both the steel and the nylon versions, and the best thing about this series of guitars is the SRT technology. It's one of the best, if not the best, most natural plugged-in sound (when you turn the dial all the way to the mic emulation side). Yamaha basically does what I think is some kind of convolution with the string vibrations signal that gets picked up by the SRT system, and they used their own highest-end acoustic model's mic recordings to create the convolution reference file, and that's what gets applied to the signal. So the sound you hear from the mic emulation of the SRT technology is like a sonic snapshot of Yamaha's high-end acoustic guitar when it's miked.
I adore this guitar. I picked one up last year on my way to spend a week at a hotel and it is now my go to travel buddy. Using earphones direct is great but when paired with the Fender Mustang Micro it just soars.
Interesting. What effects/patches do you use with it? Electric ones?
I bought the classical nylon version in 2015. I play it everyday. Great for practice, I don't even plug in. Freedom to play.
Hell Yeah Cooper!!! Been wanting to see a better demo and man you don’t disappoint! Great work!
Love my SLG200S had it for years. The only thing I don’t like is that it comes apart…sometimes those strap buttons can loosen just from the movement of the strap…then if you pick it up by that arm it pops loose…he’s right don’t need it but it does help give it a better feel while playing. Wish it was on permanent 🙃
Drop of glue and change the gig ag?
Bag!
@@marcushaliwell7340 ah ya good idea! That would do it 🙃
LocTite
@@edwardstone9963 oh smart! Why didn’t I think of that? 🤦♂️
I have the nylon version and really like it. The lack of a body does dampen the "acoustic feel" a bit when playing but it plays great, sounds good and ultra-portable.
Does the mic pick up noise from tapping?
It should have an electric pickup as well. And a switch and a knob to blend the sounds. That would be a game changer.
Glad to finally hear one of these in use. Definitely one on my radar now.
I was digging this guitar but just decided at last moment to buy a used Mint Godin Grand Acoustic SA which has the 13 pin MIDI pickup and sounds so dope as a classical guitar. $999 was too good of a price to pass on and live by myself so do not worry about bothering anyone. Thanks for a great review of this guitar. .
Hi Cooper. Thanks for the nice review. I have the Nylon version since 6 years and use it for classical music, love songs, Jimi Hendrix and Flamenco. I have a very good clean amp and a small equalizer at home. Of course for Jimi Hendrix it is more „sort of“ playing. The sound is generally ok, at least better than what you would expect. As an engineer, I made some modifications. First I modified the armrest so I can play easier, more precise, without an additional reference point with the hand or finger. Second I started to develop a battery plug-in HiFi MEMS Loudspeaker 1kg, so I can attach it to the empty space of the silent guitar in case some friends want to hear what I play, campfires or girlfriend visit, so I do not need an external amp or headphones to show my skills 🤓(very similar to a normal acoustic or classical guitar). In this way my total carriage weight is not more than 4 kg for playing a few hours. 😋🥰. Also very convenient for airplane traveling. Hand luggage.
I just got one of these and i am blown away. This is no toy, this is a legit guitar. Plugged into an amp or headphones this thing sounds great. The blend control allows me to find just about any sound i really need. Im sure this doesnt appeal to everyone, but do try one first before you think its not for you. This is a VERY VERY useful guitar and it just may replace your standard acoustic onstage or even in the studio. Plays very well, theres enough vibration thru the guitar that it doesnt feel cheap. The electronics are like that of which is in the Transacoustic Yamaha guitars. Great reverb and chorus. I plan to add a midi pickup to mine. I own the steel string SLF200S version. I would never have thought this guitar would be this nice. Also read up, Brian May of Queen has been using one of these live for quite sometime now. ;-)
Oh and i saw someone who installed a floating humbucker on one of these. Theres many options for this guitar if ya brainstorm long enough. I love this thing. :-)
i think i just found my first guitar. i love acoustic guitar sound and love to play loud and not be heard. this is why i also bought digital piano as well and very very happy with it. plugging in headphones and other barely hear. i play a lot when my wife and kids are sleep.
This is literally made for the Japan home market where space being a luxury and loud neighbors being rare are things.
I don't think the statement this guitar makes is Subtle...
It's more like SHOCKING....I absolutely love it..
GREAT SOUND...Thanks for posting...
I know this guitar will happily take electric strings (standard mix of gauges) with an 11 top - that's all I use. This way I have a light, compact, very portable guitar that I can practice my "electric stuff" on without that restrictive wound G string. When an 11 top "makes the work too hard" I tune down half a step like so many do. I don't get the rock/metal SOUND, but I get the feel I want. Extra - overall a beautiful feel IMO, only criticism I have is the placement of the output socket on the back 😐.... so I often use the headphone socket to the amp instead. 👍
I like listening to Cooper's playing. You should do more demos! 😁
Oh my good looorrrd I was just thinking of getting a cheap guitar just to learn the basics and knowing this one exists just blew my mind
Did you end up getting it?
Hello,
This Guitar design is beautiful.
Can a percussive style guitarist use this Guitar?
your limit to string slap you cant make a beat on this because no top body this is good if youre in classical music or acoustic band setup.
Unbelievable talent man! This demo tells me absolutely nothing about how it would sound in my hands… lol
Great playing man ! holy cow that is a cool riff you got down
Thank you. Confirms my reluctance to buy this guitar.
Thank you for the great video, I really appreciate it. How do you power it when you are traveling? Meaning do you just run it off the battery power or do you actually plug it in to AC power as you are playing? I was trying to figure out how long the power will last as I am traveling with it. From several videos I have watched no one really talks about this aspect.
Have you ever traveled on a plane with this guitar and if so is it a carry-on or do you check it in? If you carry-on the guitar does it fit in the over head? What case do you use to travel with...etc? I want to make sure it doesn't get damaged as I travel.
Thank you in advance
I love mine, especially that neck.
Excellent review. I am interested in the nylon narrow nut version for jazz. Hope to see a review of it. Thanks.
Nice Joe Robinson vibes on the playing, awesome stuff
I really love playing electric with headphones/monitors as it offers the "mic'd up" sound in real time. Really curious about this for the acoustic side of things
First time I played my 200S through headphones (Roy Harper stuff, mostly) I was smitten - enveloped myself for hours while exploring the combinations of settings. Me, 200S, Sony cans - sorted!
Helpful demo for the instrument i go to most often, beyond several choice Mattins. Frankly, my growing favorite.
Question: are the pickups adjustible? Mine puts out over-powered bass on 5th and 6th strings (even with bass control all the way down) and relatively weak treble on the 1st and 2nd strings (with treble cranked up all the way).
Sounds like inconsistent pressure in the piezo across the bridge. Might be good to take it out, lightly file it flat, and carefully replace it for even pressure.
Cooper you are a great guitar player and I enjoy listening to you. However, it's hard to get an idea of how a guitar sounds when you demo it since you mostly only play riffs. It would be very helpful if you added some chords and a melody to your demos so we could get a better idea of how a guitar actually sounds.
I got the 200nw and I will say that these things sound significantly different with headphones. gotta be good ones, I use in ear monitors and the sound is extremely intimate. I've notched that, plugged in, without good tuning in the EQ it can sound very airy, which you don't really get with headphones. but you can make it sound really good either way if you know what you are doing.
these have a very unique sound. so I wouldn't go into this expecting a 1 for 1 emulation of anything else- I don't think that it will replace any authentic acoustic guitar but can definitely be a nice compliment to anything else you play to bring in just a different sound that maybe not so easy to pick out why its different but very pleasing to the ear. I get much -much inspiration playing my nylon version. I have been on the fence for a while on getting the steel. I think I should just do it, I am very curious on what kind of harmonies I could put together with the 2. Having roommates, I limit my time playing my ibanez steel string cuz- noise. So this is why I am now considering this model again.
Hey Cooper! Thank you for the awesome and entertaining demo! Very interesting detailed explanation and vibrant musical demo! I enjoyed it much, spiked my interest in the instrument. I agree, would be a nice complement to have.
Really dig your tone settings in this vid. Would you mind sharing ?
Excellent demo & vid. Thanks posting. A demo of the nylon version would be perfect.
Seriously considering one of these!
Nice demo and explanation. I'm considering one for use in my camper van. The only thing I was concerned about was neck dive - how well balanced is it?
Hey! You got some chops. Great playin!
Nice playing and excellent review! I own a Yamaha silent "hybrid" nylon string in tobacco sunburst. Love it! No feedback. Sounds great for recording direct.
Does the mic pick up tapping sounds?
Really cool sound
Wtf... How does it get that tone?? It sounds like the lovechild of an acoustic and electric guitar but with some compression... AMAZING
Good for a player like myself who always runs his acoustics through an amp and effects anyway, so I don't need the box for residents.
I like. I have a LLTA acoustic and it's great. I'd really like to hear what this sounds like with electric flat wounds on it and plugging into amp with effects.
It sounded fantastic
Hi! Would it be possible to do a comparison between the Taylors ad 27 and the ad27 top flame, please?
Yes, would you please also demo de Nylon version?
Damn Cooper🙇♂️
I really wonder how hard it would be to modify one of these with the guts of a Line 6 Variax. This is exactly what I want, except with Variax electronics and a switch to bypass them into acoustic mode. Also, I want to hear this through some acoustic guitar IRs.
Looks cool as h-
Can’t wait to offload mine. The only thing it’s possibly good for is laying down an “acoustic” track on a recording due to the onboard electronics, but overall is like playing a cardboard cutout of an actual guitar. Plucking notes that immediately die on the vine, unlike on a real instrument , is depressing.
Great playing Cooper! And the best review of this guitar! Wish the reverb and chorus could be blended like the Transacoustic, instead of the current “either or” setup…then would be even cooler! Moving to Phoenix very soon, so have started putting together my “Sonoran Desert”, zero % humidity arsenal. Recently bought a RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo. Next will be a metal resonator, then a Yamaha SLG,(and a “fedora”🤠)…
I have a nylon string "hybrid" version, and I love it as well. Just noting that if you use a pedalboard, you could really sculpt the sound. (I do not.) And no feedback.
I would really like to hear the nylon string version.
Greetings all, I hope everyone's guitar journey is going well. - I wanted to chime in a bit about the nylon version I have (SLG200NW). I found it requires SUBSTANTIAL EQ'ing. Regarding the bass, it's obnoxiously boomy, and I find you need to cut out the 100 Hz range completely to be usable. After that, there's a lot of high frequency hiss, which I've confirmed other owners have experienced too. One needs to also cut those upper frequencies (3 kHz and up) to resolve that problem. But if you're able to remove those problem frequencies, it's pretty nice.
I've had both the steel string and nylon versions. The steel was so-so; however the nylon is fantastic and has a great tone. The only problem I had with the nylon was that the bridge had to be lowered nearly 1/8 inch to be playable.
A total ditto!
So many have the nylon, I would like to hear it
what is the name of the song you've played? I liked it. nice demo cooper.
Which songs are you playing please tell it is so beautiful
Or you can tell what this kind of playing is called? Please reply
Looks cool, but sounds kind of plinky and thin. Seems like it has neck dive, and the body is cutting into your forearm and side. If the "body" were made of one inch tubing, perhaps Copper, it would solve what I perceive as a number of "comfort" problems. I would like to see/hear a Nylon demoed. Thanks
I’d like to see a demo of the nylon.
Great sound! Can you make a review of nylon version?
I played one of these at my local music store, and really liked it. Played great, somewhat comfortable, I would have bought it, but the deal breaker for me, was that upper bout that sits against your chest, especially sitting down playing it. About 20 minutes of just sitting there playing it, I felt like someone kicked me in the chest when I was done. To bad, I really liked it, but Im not spending over $700 to have a bruised chest every time I sit down and play. Other then that, its a great guitar, just need to trim that curved upper bout that sticks out.
You're just being a huge wuss.
I have the mahogany Traveler and love it. Curious how you think that compares to this?
Action adjustable? Truss rod? Do you sell the saddles for both of these?
I know my wife, neighbors and pets would certainly support me getting a silent guitar.
How does this guitar compare with the Fender Acoustasonic, especially the acoustic tones? This would also be an interesting shoot out video.
Late to the party a bit, but a question....
When you engage the tuner does it mute the main send?
Two AA batteries? How long do they last? And is it compatible with Rechargeable batteries?
Yes on the tuner question. AA batt's last quite a while.
Please do a demo on the nylon!
Seems Cooper can make any guitar sound amazing. I bet if you could put 6 strings on a fishing pole, he could make it sound like a million bucks!
I thought it sounded superb. I want one now. Before this video I had no idea I wanted one. But now I do. Dammit 😆😄
Such good playing
I think the nylon version sounds better than the steel. It’s comparing pears to apples, right? But the steel version doesn’t seem to have such a fan base as the nylon. I landed with the Acoustasonic instead of the steel string version this time.
I bought one, fabulous Guitar, however, it STOPPED working around 2 weeks in.😮😮😮
Dude playing it is very good. I thought he was gonna play sweet thing by Chaka
How fat is the "body" of this guitar? Is it like reaching around the body of a full size acoustic with your right arm, or is it more like a solid body electric?
I need this thing!