Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of producing high quality classical and nylon string guitars. The company first gained recognition in the 1960s and 70s for its top-of-the-line concert guitars used by famous artists like Christopher Parkening and Laurindo Almeida.
In the 1990s, Yamaha introduced its NX series – a line of nylon-string guitars designed to appeal to a more modern audience while retaining the traditional qualities valued by classical players. The NTX1 is one of the most popular models in the NX range.
The NTX1 is a nylon-string electro-acoustic that combines classic Yamaha craftsmanship with modern appointments like a cutaway body and built-in pickup system. It’s aimed at nylon string guitarists who want the versatility of plugging in, while maintaining the comfortable playability of a traditional classical guitar. The NTX1 is well-suited for classical and flamenco players who do occasional gigging or recording. It provides the familiar warm, bright tone of nylon strings both acoustically and amplified.
Body Shape and Construction
The Yamaha NTX1 features a concert or auditorium style body shape with a compact but comfortable size. It has overall dimensions of 19 5/8" wide x 4 5/8" deep x 2 3/4" thick.
The NTX1 has a solid Sitka spruce top which gives it a bright and open tone. Sitka spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops due to its strength, lightness and resonant qualities. The back and sides are made from nato, which is tonally similar to mahogany with a slightly brighter sound.
Nato is an economical wood that provides a balanced tonal response at an accessible price point. It pairs nicely with the spruce top to deliver a rich low end with crisp highs.
The NTX1 comes in three standard finish options – natural, black, and tobacco sunburst. The natural finish showcases the solid spruce top and lets the wood grains shine through beautifully. The black finish gives it a more understated and classic look. And the sunburst offers an elegant vintage aesthetic.
Neck and Fingerboard
The Yamaha NTX1 features a nato neck and fingerboard that offer comfortable playability. Nato is a dense, durable hardwood that provides a stable neck that resists warping.
The NTX1 has a 650mm (25.6 inch) scale length, which is typical for nylon string guitars in this class. The shorter scale helps reduce string tension compared to steel-string acoustics, making it easier on the hands during longer practice or playing sessions.
The fingerboard is made of walnut, which pairs nicely with the warmth of the nato neck. It has a comfortable 400mm radius that contours gently to the hand. Nut width comes in at 52mm, which provides ample room for fingerstyle playing while still playable for those with smaller hands. The neck has a "C" profile shape that fits nicely in the hand. Overall the neck and fingerboard offer a very comfortable and playable feel.
Electronics and Hardware
The Yamaha NTX1 comes equipped with Yamaha’s proprietary A.R.T. (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) pickup system, which is designed specifically for nylon string instruments. It features a custom undersaddle piezo pickup that captures the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and resonance.
The onboard preamp and EQ give you control over your amplified nylon string sound. It has a simple 3-band EQ, volume knob, and built-in tuner. The EQ lets you shape the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to suit your needs. Many reviewers praise the preamp for providing a very natural amplified nylon string tone without excessive piezo quackiness.
The tuning machines on the NTX1 are sealed die-cast tuners with an 18:1 tuning ratio for smooth and accurate tuning stability. They hold the nylon strings securely in tune even during aggressive strumming or tremolo techniques. The chrome tuner buttons have a classic look.
Overall, the electronics and hardware on the Yamaha NTX1 are designed specifically for nylon string instruments, providing a natural plugged-in sound and reliable performance. The preamp gives you tonal shaping control while the tuners keep it in tune through demanding playing techniques.
Sound & Tone
The Yamaha NTX1 produces a rich, warm unplugged acoustic tone thanks to its all-solid wood construction. The solid Sitka spruce top responds beautifully to fingerstyle playing, with crisp and balanced highs, pronounced midrange, and tight low end. Strumming also brings out a nicely balanced tone across the frequency spectrum.
When plugged in, the NTX1 maintains its great acoustic tone while gaining added volume and projection. The onboard ART-based pickup and preamp system accurately captures the guitar’s natural sound. Running through an acoustic amplifier or PA system, the NTX1 has enough punch to hold its own even in loud band mixes. The preamp’s 3-band EQ gives you further tonal control, allowing you to shape the lows, mids, and highs as needed for the venue.
The smooth playability of the NTX1 also lends itself well to expressive techniques like rolls, rasgueados, and tremolo. These flamenco-inspired methods sound rich and nuanced through the guitar. Overall, whether amplified or acoustic, fingerstyle or strumming, the NTX1 is tonally versatile for classical, Latin, and flamenco applications.
Playability
The Yamaha NTX1 features a comfortable and easy-playing neck profile that makes it a joy to play for extended periods. The neck has a classical width at the nut of 52mm, tapering to 62mm at the 12th fret. This provides ample room for fingerstyle techniques while still feeling intimate and familiar.
The neck is crafted from nato wood and has a rounded "C" shape profile. It strikes a nice balance between contemporary and traditional classical neck contours. The satin finish on the back of the neck also enhances the smooth, slick feel.
The action on the NTX1 is set low and comfortable right out of the box. String height at the 12th fret measures about 2.5mm on the treble and 3mm on the bass side, although this can be further adjusted. Combined with the radiused fretboard, the accessible action makes various techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and wide vibrato comfortable to execute.
One significant advantage of the NTX1’s cutaway body shape is the unfettered access it provides to the upper frets. Even though the scale length is a typical 650mm for nylon strings, the heel-less joint and sloping shoulder allow easy playability all the way up to the 19th fret. This extended range facilitates advanced chord voicings and soloing.
Overall, the exemplary neck profile, optimized action, and cutaway design of the Yamaha NTX1 make it an exceptionally playable and ergonomic nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar. Both students and experienced players will find it comfortable for long practice or stage sessions.
Build Quality
The Yamaha NTX1 demonstrates excellent build quality and attention to detail throughout its construction. The fit and finish on this guitar are clean and precise, with no visible flaws in the woodwork.
The hardware is high-quality, with sealed chrome tuners that provide stable and accurate tuning. The tuners are smooth to turn and feel substantial. The nut and saddle are both made from a durable plastic material, which helps reduce string breakage at the slots while providing precise string spacing.
The NTX1 comes equipped with a tortoiseshell pickguard, giving it a classic vibe. The pickguard features clean routing for the onboard electronics and controls. The back of the guitar has a simple mahogany-colored X-bracing pattern under the gloss finish.
Two strap buttons are installed at the optimal positions on the lower bout and at the base of the neck heel for balanced strapping. The buttons are sturdy and have a vintage-style design.
Overall, the NTX1 demonstrates that Yamaha pays close attention to all the small details in their guitar manufacturing process. Both visually and functionally, this is a well-built instrument that feels like it will stand the test of time. The hardware performs smoothly, and the fit and finish are indicative of Yamaha’s reputation for quality and consistency.
Vs. Other Yamaha Models
The Yamaha NTX1 stands out from other guitars in Yamaha’s NX series lineup, which includes the NTX3, NTX5, and NTX700 models. Compared to the NTX3 and NTX5, the NTX1 offers a similar concert-style body shape and acoustic-electric hybrid design, but utilizes more affordable woods and components to reach a lower price point. The NTX700 represents the top of the NX line, with higher-end tonewoods and electronics resulting in a richer amplified sound.
The main contrast between the NTX1 and a traditional classical guitar is the addition of the onboard piezo pickup and preamp system. While traditional classical guitars rely solely on the natural acoustic sound, the NTX1 allows for both unplugged and amplified performance. The preamp gives you tone-shaping controls and feedback resistance that a standard classical guitar lacks. However, some purists may still prefer the organic tone and playing feel of an all-wood classical over the NTX1’s hybrid design.
Ideal Uses
The Yamaha NTX1 is optimized for classical and flamenco playing styles where the warm, rich nylon string tone shines. The cedar top and nato back/sides produce excellent resonance and projection for unplugged practicing or playing light gigs where amplification isn’t needed. The cutaway body style provides easy access to the upper frets for playing complex classical pieces that utilize the full fretboard range.
When amplification is required, the Yamaha NTX1 works very well for live performances thanks to the built-in ART-based pickup and preamp system. The undersaddle piezo pickup accurately captures the guitar’s natural tone, which can then be shaped with the 2-band EQ to dial in the perfect sound. This makes the NTX1 a great choice for nylon string players who want the flexibility of plugging in without sacrificing authentic acoustic tone.
The Yamaha NTX1 is also a superb choice for recording applications, whether miking the guitar or plugging directly into an audio interface. The rich nylon string sound records beautifully, and the onboard preamp gives you control over the EQ and dynamics going into your DAW. The NTX1 delivers excellent amplified tone in the studio while still retaining the organic, unplugged sound that makes nylon strings so appealing.
Overall, the versatile NTX1 excels in a wide variety of classical, flamenco and fingerstyle playing scenarios – from practice sessions at home to live amplified gigs on stage. It’s an extremely well-rounded nylon string acoustic-electric.
Pros & Cons
The Yamaha NTX1 has many great strengths that make it a versatile and high-quality nylon string acoustic-electric guitar. Here are some of the key pros:
Rich, Warm Unplugged Tone: The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and Nato back and sides produces a beautifully balanced acoustic tone. The nylon strings have a warm, bright character perfect for classical and Latin styles.
Great Playability: The NTX1 features a comfortable neck profile and string action height that makes it very easy and enjoyable to play. The smooth walnut fingerboard enhances the playability even further.
Useful Preamp System: The built-in ART-based preamp and tuner provides excellent amplified tone and makes the NTX1 stage-ready for live performances. The tone shaping EQ helps dial in your sound.
Quality Construction: As expected with Yamaha, the NTX1 exhibits great attention to detail and craftsmanship. It’s built to last thanks to quality components.
Feedback Resistance: The preamp system helps minimize feedback issues which can be a problem for amplified nylon string guitars. This allows you to push the volume without squealing.
Lightweight Comfort: The NTX1 has a nice lightweight body that makes it comfortable to play for extended periods. The ergonomic design helps maintain this comfort.
In terms of cons, there aren’t many major weaknesses or flaws worth pointing out. A couple minor critiques would be:
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Limited Color Options: The NTX1 only comes in three color finishes – natural, black, and tobacco sunburst. Some players may want more variety.
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Plastic Nut/Saddle: The use of a plastic nut and saddle instead of bone is seen by some as a downgrade, though it may help keep costs down. The material doesn’t affect playability or tone significantly.
Overall the pros greatly outweigh the cons with the Yamaha NTX1. It’s a high quality, versatile nylon string acoustic-electric guitar with few noticeable shortcomings.