The Yamaha SLG200s – Silent Guitar

Let me introduce you to the Yamaha SLG200S acoustic/electric guitar, a true gem for practicing musicians. This natural acoustic possesses a unique quality that sets it apart from traditional guitars: it allows you to play without disturbing a soul.

Perfect for late-night strumming sessions or moments when you simply want some quiet solitude. Slip on a pair of headphones, and you’ll be transported to a world of studio-grade acoustic tones and captivating effects.

Prepare for your audience’s jaws to drop in disbelief as they witness the captivating sounds emanating from this unconventional instrument. While your friends struggle with feedback issues from their outdated electric guitars, you can confidently stride forward into the future, armed with the Yamaha SLG200S.

It’s a silent guitar revolution that is sure to leave a lasting impression. In this article, I’ll discuss some key features of this guitar. Let’s start with the most unconventional part of this guitar, the body.

Before diving in, you can take a look at our review of the best classical guitar brands of 2023!

Body

When you lay eyes on the Yamaha SLG200S guitar, it’s clear that every detail has been carefully crafted. The body of this beauty is made from mahogany, a wood known for its warm and rich tones. It feels solid yet comfortable in your hands, thanks to the combination of rosewood and maple frame.

Measuring a depth of 85mm (3 11/32″) and a total length of 978mm (38 1/2″), this silent guitar strikes the perfect balance between size and playability. It’s not too bulky, making it easy to hold and maneuver. With a width of 356mm (14″), it fits snugly against your body, ensuring a comfortable playing experience for hours on end.

The glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication to the silent guitar’s appearance, while the mahogany neck feels smooth and sturdy. The glossy sheen enhances its aesthetic appeal and adds a touch of elegance. Made from mahogany, the neck offers durability and a smooth feel, making it a pleasure to navigate the fretboard.

You’ll also appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of a practical and stylish black pickguard in its design. The attention to detail is evident throughout, showcasing Yamaha’s commitment to excellence. From the body resonating mahogany to the ergonomic dimensions, this instrument not only looks stunning but also feels incredible to play. 

Fingerboard

When you run your fingers along the fingerboard of the Yamaha SLG200S guitar, it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this fingerboard is made from gorgeous rosewood, known for its smooth texture and vibrant tonal properties. As your fingertips glide effortlessly across the frets, you can feel the precision and artistry that went into its creation.

With a comfortable radius of R400mm (15 3/4″), this fingerboard offers a natural and ergonomic playing experience. It effortlessly accommodates your playing style, allowing for fluid movements and easy chord transitions. The string spacing of 11.0mm provides the perfect balance, giving you enough room for accurate finger placement without feeling crowded.

The SLG200S boasts a scale length of 634mm (25″), providing a familiar and comfortable playing experience that guitarists of all levels will appreciate. Whether you’re strumming or fingerpicking, this silent guitar feels just right in your hands.

The fingerboard’s matte finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances playability by offering a smooth and friction-free surface. Combined with the sleek and comfortable neck finish, it invites you to dive into hours of enjoyable playing.

Nut and Strings

Intonation problems are common, especially in guitars that try to feature both acoustic and electric possibilities. Fortunately, the Yamaha SLG200S doesn’t have this particular issue and solves the problem with great understanding. The nut, made from high-quality urea material, ensures the strings sit securely in place. This promotes impeccable intonation and a well-balanced playing feel, allowing you to achieve precise notes and chords with ease. 

Let’s not forget about the choice of strings. Whether I go for the Yamaha FS50BT or D’Addario XT strings, the quality and performance are outstanding. They perfectly complement the silent guitar’s tonal characteristics and provide excellent playability. The strings feel great under my fingers, and their longevity means I spend more time playing and less time changing strings.

Electronics

Let me tell you about the incredible electronic features of this silent guitar that have truly enhanced my playing experience. First off, the RM1242N-4 tuners have been a game-changer for me. They provide precise tuning and reliable performance, ensuring that my guitar always sounds its best. No more worries about being out of tune during performances or practice sessions.

Now, let’s talk about the SRT POWERED electronics. Oh, what a difference they make! With this system, I have complete control over my sound. The array of controls, including Power, Volume, AUX, Vol, Bass, Treble, and Smooth Control Effects, allows me to fine-tune my tone to perfection. The addition of Reverb1, Reverb2, and Chorus effects has opened up a whole new world of sonic possibilities. I can create lush, ambient textures or add a touch of sparkle to my playing. It’s like having a whole pedalboard at my fingertips.

The SLG200S also offers a range of connection options that have made my musical journey even more exciting. The Line OUT, AUX IN, Phone Input, and DC-IN connections have allowed me to integrate my slient guitar into various setups. Whether I’m recording in the studio, performing on stage, or jamming with friends, the versatility of these connections has made it seamless and effortless.

Pros of the Yamaha SLG200S

1. Exceptional Playability: The Yamaha SLG200S offers outstanding playability with its comfortable scale length, ergonomic body design, and smooth fingerboard.

2. Versatile Sound Options: With the SRT POWERED electronics and a range of control options, this guitar provides a diverse palette of sounds. From adjusting the volume and tone to adding reverb and chorus effects, you can easily shape your desired tone for any musical style or genre.

3. Silent Practice Capability: The SLG200S shines when it comes to silent practice. By plugging in your headphones, you can enjoy a studio-quality conventional acoustic guitars sound without disturbing others.

Cons of the Yamaha SLG200S

Limited Acoustic Volume: The SLG200S, while offering a superb silent practice experience, has reduced acoustic volume compared to a traditional acoustic guitar. This can be a drawback if you’re looking for a guitar with robust acoustic projection for live performances or situations where amplified sound is not available.

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Sharif Leen

A life without music is impossible for me. I prefer my life with the color of music. I enjoy writing about musical instruments, their technical aspects, and music theory. Hoping it will benefit people who are looking for technical music knowledge.

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