Introduction
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar represents a major innovation in acoustic guitar technology. As the name suggests, it allows players to enjoy the rich tone of an acoustic guitar without generating any external sound. This makes it an ideal instrument for practice, home recording, and stage performances where an acoustic guitar needs amplification.
Yamaha first introduced the revolutionary concept of a silent, acoustic-electric guitar in 2007 with the SLG200N nylon-string model. This guitar had a built-in pickup and preamp system that could send its signal directly to headphones for quiet practice sessions. In 2016, Yamaha expanded on this innovation by releasing the SLG200S – a silent version of their iconic FG steel-string acoustic guitar.
The SLG200S retains the same slim, comfortable body shape of a traditional FG, but with some important modifications that allow it to function as a silent guitar. It has a detachable frame that securely holds the guitar’s body, providing sound isolation so no external acoustic sound is generated. The guitar has an advanced Yamaha SRT Powered Pickup system hidden inside the body, which faithfully reproduces the warm, resonant tone of the solid spruce top.
With its innovative silent guitar technology, excellent acoustic tone reproduction, and outstanding playability, the SLG200S provides an unmatched experience for practice, personal recording, and amplified live performances. Its ability to offer rich acoustic sound without noise makes it a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of players and applications.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar features a unique and modern design that sets it apart from traditional acoustic guitars. Its detachable frame allows for easy transport and storage in its included gig bag or optional hardshell case.
Despite its transportable nature, the SLG200S does not compromise on build quality. It has a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, similar to that of high-end acoustic guitars. The use of these tonewoods allows for a balanced and rich acoustic tone.
The overall construction of the SLG200S is very robust. The detachable frame connects securely to the body and feels sturdy. The hardware, including the tuners and bridge, are precisely installed and allow for great tuning stability and intonation.
Attention is also paid to the smaller details. The fretwork is immaculate with smoothly finished frets. The nut and saddle are cut from quality bone. The guitar feels solidly put together and gives confidence that it will hold up well over years of use.
The SLG200S is available in three attractive finish options:
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Natural – Showcases the beautiful grain patterns of the spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
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Tobacco Sunburst – A vintage-inspired finish with a tobacco brown center that bursts into orange hues towards the edges.
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Translucent Black – A sleek, modern black finish that allows the wood’s grain to show through subtly.
All three finishes are smoothly applied and complement the modern design of the SLG200S Silent Guitar. The variety of finishes allows players to choose the look that best represents their personal style.
Playability and Comfort
The Yamaha SLG200S features a slim, comfortable neck profile that makes fretting effortless. The neck has a modern C-shape that fits nicely in the hand. The rosewood fretboard is smooth and fast, allowing for fluid lead playing across the entire fingerboard.
One of the highlights of this guitar is the very low action and string height. Even when strung with light gauge acoustic strings, the strings sit close to the fretboard, promoting easy bending, vibrato, and quick chord changes. The action can be further adjusted to suit your playing style thanks to the truss rod in the neck.
When seated or standing with the SLG200S, the instrument feels incredibly well-balanced. The body shape and detachable frame design places the weight directly on your shoulders, avoiding neck dive issues. At just under 3.5kg, the Yamaha SLG200S is a very lightweight silent guitar, making it comfortable for extended practice sessions and performances. The smooth neck and effortless playability allow you to focus on your technique rather than struggling with a poorly set up instrument.
Electronics and Sound
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar comes equipped with Yamaha’s patented SRT Powered Pickup System. This advanced system uses multiple sensors to capture the nuances and resonance of an acoustic guitar. It provides a rich, detailed reproduction of the guitar’s true acoustic tone.
The SRT Powered Pickup has several controls and features:
- Volume control to adjust the overall output level
- 3-band EQ for shaping the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies
- Reverb effect with adjustable depth to add space and ambience
- Chorus effect with adjustable speed and depth for added texture and movement
There is also a built-in tuner for quick and accurate tuning. An aux input allows you to plug in an external audio source like a smartphone or MP3 player to jam along with backing tracks.
One of the key features that makes the SLG200S a true "silent" guitar is the headphone output. This allows you to plug in headphones to hear the guitar’s amplified sound, without disturbing others. The headphone output features its own volume control as well.
Overall, the Yamaha SRT pickup system combined with the built-in effects and headphone out provides acoustic players with a versatile system for practice, recording, or live performance. The realistic acoustic tone makes the SLG200S feel like you’re playing an unplugged acoustic, but with the added flexibility of amplification and headphone monitoring.
Versatility
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of playing styles, genres, and performance scenarios. Its steel-string construction provides a bright and articulate tone that works very well for strumming, fingerpicking, flatpicking, and other techniques common in rock, pop, folk, country, blues, and more.
Many players appreciate the SLG200S for studio use. It captures the nuanced sound of an acoustic guitar thanks to the Yamaha SRT pickup system. This makes it an ideal choice for recording artists who want to track high-quality acoustic guitar parts in the studio. The built-in tuner and direct headphone output also make it very convenient to use in recording sessions.
Live performers can benefit from the SLG200S as well. Its detachable body makes it easy to transport from gig to gig. And since it’s an acoustic-electric, it can be amplified through a PA system or guitar amp to provide volume for live shows. The SLG200S delivers a realistic acoustic tone in a live setting, unlike piezo-equipped guitars which can sound harsh when amplified.
Compared to the nylon-string SLG200N model, the steel-string SLG200S has a brighter, more defined tone with strong fundamentals and overtones. The SLG200N has a warmer, rounder sound that excels for classical and Latin styles. So the choice comes down to tone preference and what styles you intend to play most. Both models share the same silent guitar technology and high build quality.
In summary, the versatile SLG200S works for all playing styles, excels in the studio and on stage, and complements its nylon-string sibling as part of Yamaha’s silent guitar lineup. This versatility makes it a Swiss Army Knife guitar that can capably handle any musical scenario.
Accessories
The Yamaha SLG200S comes with a few useful accessories right out of the box. Most notably, it includes a lightweight gig bag that provides basic protection and makes transporting the guitar easy and convenient. The padded gig bag has backpack straps, allowing you to securely carry the guitar on your back while keeping your hands free.
For players wanting more heavy-duty protection, Yamaha offers an optional hard case for the SLG200S. The sturdy hardshell case features plush interior lining to keep the guitar safe from bumps, dings, and scratches. The included neck support securely holds the guitar in place during transport. While adding some weight and bulk, the hard case is a smart choice for frequent travelers or those taking the SLG200S to crowded venues.
Beyond the included gig bag and optional hardshell case, the SLG200S works with many standard acoustic guitar accessories. For example, you can outfit it with a strap for more comfortable standing play. There are also several mounts and stands available that allow you to place the guitar in an optimal playing position when seated. Since the SLG200S has a standard 1/4" output, it’s easy to connect to any guitar effects pedals or amps you might already own.
User Experiences and Reviews
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users regarding its sound quality and playability. Many describe the tone as very realistic and acoustic-like, with rich and detailed sound across the frequency spectrum. Even when played unplugged, the guitar still produces a pleasant muted acoustic sound thanks to the SRT pickup system.
Players praise the smooth and comfortable feel of the SLG200S. The slim neck profile and low action facilitate intricate fretting and fast playing, while still retaining the familiar acoustic playing dynamics. Whether fingerpicking intricate melodies or strumming full chords, the SLG200S provides a responsive and nuanced playing experience.
For home practice and recording, users highlight the invaluable benefit of the silent operation. You can play for hours on end without disturbing housemates or neighbors. Recording artists in particular appreciate capturing clean, studio-quality acoustic guitar tones at home.
Many traveling musicians have adopted the SLG200S as their go-to gigging and busking guitar. Its compact size when disassembled and great amplified sound make it ideal for playing on the go. The battery life is sufficient for most live performance needs.
Overall, real-world experiences with the Yamaha SLG200S showcase its merits as a versatile, great-sounding, and portable silent acoustic guitar suitable for practice, personal recording, and live performance settings. For any player needing an acoustic guitar solution with silent capabilities, the SLG200S represents an excellent option.
Pros and Cons
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar has numerous advantages that make it an excellent choice for a variety of players and scenarios. Here are some of the key pros of this instrument:
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Silent practice capabilities – The SLG200S allows for quiet practice sessions without disturbing others, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or musicians with limited space. The headphone jack facilitates completely silent practice.
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Realistic acoustic tone – Yamaha’s SRT pickup system accurately reproduces the nuances of an acoustic guitar, providing rich overtones and resonance. The guitar sounds just like a traditional acoustic when plugged in.
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Portability and transportability – The detachable frame enables easy transport and storage of the SLG200S. The included gig bag further enhances portability.
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Versatility – The guitar works well for fingerstyle, strumming, and other techniques. It can be used in the studio, on stage, or for practice. The SLG200S handles many musical genres with ease.
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Onboard tuner – The built-in tuner allows for quick and simple tuning without other tools.
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Aux input – The aux input facilitates jamming along with backing tracks or external devices.
However, there are some potential limitations to consider:
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Lack of true acoustic resonance – Without an amp, the SLG200S lacks the full-bodied projection of a traditional acoustic guitar. The sound is focused through the headphones or amplifier.
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Limited tonal variety – While very realistic, the SRT pickup doesn’t fully capture the complex, dynamic range of an all-acoustic guitar.
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Battery dependency – The onboard electronics require battery power, adding a periodic maintenance need. Rechargeable batteries help offset this drawback.
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Not as loud unplugged – Unamplified volume is lower than a traditional acoustic guitar, limiting unamplified practice potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions about the Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar:
How does the sound compare to a traditional acoustic guitar?
The Yamaha SRT pickup system aims to reproduce the nuances and tone of an acoustic guitar. While not identical, it captures the resonance and character quite well. The built-in reverb and chorus effects also help create a realistic acoustic guitar sound.
Can you use headphones for completely silent practice?
Yes, the headphone output allows you to plug in headphones or earbuds for completely silent practice sessions. This is perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone who doesn’t want to disturb others.
What is the benefit over a standard acoustic-electric guitar?
The main advantage is the ability to play quietly without an amplifier. The SLG200S produces very little natural acoustic sound compared to a traditional acoustic-electric. This allows you to practice late at night or on the go without disturbing others.
How long does the battery last?
The battery life is approximately 15 hours depending on usage. Turning off the effects when not needed can help extend battery life. The battery is easily removable when it needs to be replaced.
Is the SLG200S suitable for live performances?
While designed primarily for silent practice, the SLG200S can be used for live performances by connecting to an amplifier or PA system. The amplified sound projects well for small to medium venues. Larger venues may require a microphone in addition to the pickup.
What accessories are available?
Yamaha offers optional accessories like a hard case, guitar stand, straps, and more. The included gig bag provides basic protection for transport and storage.
Conclusion
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar is an excellent instrument for a range of players, especially those looking for a versatile and portable acoustic-electric guitar. Its unique design allows for silent practice, while the high-quality electronics and Yamaha SRT pickup system provide a rich, realistic acoustic tone when amplified.
This guitar shines for apartment dwellers, traveling musicians, or anyone needing a quiet practice option. The lightweight build and included gig bag make transportation easy. The SLG200S works well for recording artists in need of studio-quality acoustic guitar tones. It’s also a top choice for performers requiring an amplified acoustic guitar for live shows of all genres.
The Yamaha SLG200S Silent Guitar hits the sweet spot between acoustic playability and electric convenience. For players needing flexibility, portability, and great tone, it’s an easy recommendation. The thoughtful design and reliable performance make this a worthy addition for guitarists of all levels looking to upgrade their practice and performing experience.