Introduction
Yamaha has been crafting high-quality musical instruments since 1887, earning a reputation for innovation, playability, and reliability across a diverse range of products. When it comes to acoustic and classical guitars, Yamaha is known for offering excellent value by blending traditional designs with modern advancements.
Finding the right acoustic-electric classical guitar is an important decision. The instrument must balance acoustic tone and projection with the flexibility of plugging in for amplified performances or recording scenarios. The Yamaha NCX1 aims to deliver this versatility in a thoughtfully constructed package.
The Yamaha NCX1 is an acoustic-electric nylon string classical guitar that combines a solid spruce top with nato back and sides. It features a comfortable cutaway body shape for easy upper fret access along with an advanced pickup and preamp system for amplified play. With its quality tonewood construction, smooth playability, and built-in electronics, the NCX1 strives to offer an adaptable instrument for intermediate to advanced classical guitarists.
Construction and Materials
The Yamaha NCX1 features a solid spruce top, nato back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This combination of tonewoods provides excellent sound, playability, and durability.
The solid spruce top is crucial for the NCX1’s rich and balanced acoustic tone. Spruce is a popular choice for classical guitar tops because of its strength, light weight, and resonance. It produces clear trebles, warm bass, and excellent projection ideal for nylon strings. The solid construction gives it superior volume and sustain over laminate tops.
Nato, also known as Eastern mahogany, is used for the back and sides. Nato is tonally similar to mahogany with a focused midrange, warm bass, and excellent resonance. It has a beautiful reddish-brown aesthetic. Importantly, nato is also durable and resistant to cracking. This makes the NCX1 suitable for frequent practice and performance use.
Finally, the NCX1 has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Rosewood has historically been the preferred wood for classical guitars thanks to its dense and oily texture that enhances playability. It has a bright and projecting tone that pairs nicely with the spruce top. The rosewood contributes to the NCX1’s smooth feel and excellent intonation.
Design and Playability
The Yamaha NCX1 features a design focused on playability and comfort. One of the key elements is the comfortable cutaway body shape, which provides easy access to the upper frets. This is ideal for classical guitarists who need to reach challenging passages and chord voicings higher up the neck.
The neck has a slim profile that enhances comfort and makes it easy to wrap your thumb around for fretting notes. Yamaha has crafted the neck dimensions for smooth, effortless playing. The slim nut width of 52mm facilitates intricate fingerstyle playing while still providing room for comfortable fretting.
Out of the box, the NCX1 exhibits excellent playability thanks to Yamaha’s expert setup. The action is optimized for fast yet comfortable playing, with the strings positioned close to the fretboard without buzzing. The intonation is accurately set up, resulting in chords and melodies sounding in tune as you move up the neck. This precision helps bring out the best in the NCX1’s musical performance.
Overall, the ergonomic design elements like the cutaway body and slim neck profile allow for extended and fatigue-free practice sessions. The accessible upper frets expand the creative possibilities as well. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced classical guitarist, the NCX1’s design promotes musical growth and exploration.
Electronics and Controls
The Yamaha NCX1 comes equipped with Yamaha’s SRTc pickup system, featuring an under-saddle piezo pickup and an internal microphone. The system is designed to accurately capture the nuances of the guitar’s natural acoustic tone.
The onboard preamp provides convenient control over the amplified sound. It features a 3-band EQ for shaping the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, allowing the player to dial in their ideal amplified tone. There are also built-in reverb effects with adjustable intensity to add ambience.
A handy built-in tuner makes keeping the NCX1 in tune quick and convenient. The tuner can be easily accessed with a button on the preamp control panel mounted inside the guitar.
In testing, the NCX1’s electronics and onboard preamp deliver excellent amplified tone comparable to its natural acoustic voice. The EQ controls are intuitive and make it easy to tweak the amplified sound based on the performance setting. The reverb adds pleasing ambience without overpowering the core nylon-string tone.
The preamp is powered by a 9V battery or optional AC power supply for consistent performance. The output jack provides a balanced XLR signal perfect for running directly into a PA system or mixer in live settings.
Overall, the NCX1’s advanced electronics package adds versatility and lets players amplify their sound with ease while retaining the authentic nylon-string tone. The onboard preamp and SRTc pickup system make this classical guitar suitable for stage performances, recording, or practice scenarios.
Sound Quality and Tone
The Yamaha NCX1 produces a rich, balanced, and responsive acoustic tone that any classical guitarist would appreciate. When strummed unplugged, the solid spruce top projects the sound clearly while the nato back and sides add warmth and resonance. Treble notes have articulation and clarity while the bass notes are full yet tight.
When plugged in, the advanced electronics and built-in pickup system do an excellent job of capturing the NCX1’s natural tone. The amplified sound retains the nuances of the acoustic properties thanks to the high-quality preamp and pickup. You can further shape the amplified tone using the onboard EQ controls for bass, midrange, and treble.
Compared to other popular acoustic-electric classical guitars in its price range, the NCX1 stands out for its balanced and authentic plugged-in sound. Models like the Cordoba C10 CE have a decent amplified tone but lack some of the resonance and articulation of the NCX1. Higher-end options like the Alhambra 7C WE offer slightly more dynamic range when amplified, but at a significantly higher cost. For its class, the NCX1 hits a sweet spot between price and amplified performance.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
The Yamaha NCX1 showcases excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail that make it stand out in its class. It starts with the choice of high-quality tonewoods, like the solid Sitka spruce top and nato back and sides. These woods are carefully selected and expertly bookmatched to produce a resonant and balanced tone.
The build quality is precise, with clean bindings and inlays that enhance the visual appeal. The neck joint is smoothly cut for seamless playability across the fingerboard. The fretwork is immaculate, with evenly leveled frets that complement the low action and fast neck profile.
The NCX1 is available in two classic finish options – a natural gloss finish that accentuates the wood grain, and a transparent gloss finish over figured maple that offers an elegant look. Both finishes are smooth to the touch and flawlessly applied.
With its solid construction and quality components, the NCX1 is built to last. The durable tonewoods and sturdy neck construction ensure it will stand up to years of playing while retaining its rich tone. The gloss finishes protect the woods and add to the guitar’s long-term playability.
Overall, the NCX1 exemplifies Yamaha’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. Each detail, from the wood selection to the fret dressing, comes together to create a reliable and resonant instrument. The attention to detail makes the NCX1 feel like a premium instrument at its accessible price point.
Value and Cost
The Yamaha NCX1 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of around $1,100 USD. This positions it as a mid-range model among nylon string acoustic-electric classical guitars. While not the most budget-friendly option, the NCX1 offers excellent value given the quality of materials, electronics, and workmanship.
Compared to other solid top acoustic-electric classical guitars like the Cordoba C10 or the La Patrie Concert, the NCX1 is very competitively priced. Most guitars with similar specs and features tend to retail for $1,200 and up. The NCX1 manages to deliver pro-level performance and versatility at a more accessible price point.
Considering the all-solid wood construction with a hand-selected solid Engelmann spruce top, comfortable cutaway design, and Yamaha’s SRTc pickup system, the NCX1 punches above its weight class. The attention to detail on the fit and finish is evident across the entire instrument.
For serious classical and nylon string fingerstyle players seeking amplified acoustic tone and playability, the NCX1 represents excellent value. It’s a professional-grade instrument that will reward players as their technique develops without breaking the bank.
The NCX1 is best suited for intermediate players looking to upgrade to a more nuanced instrument, as well as advanced guitarists who want excellent quality without paying premium prices. Players who utilize amplification will appreciate the built-in electronics that provide natural amplified tone.
Overall, the Yamaha NCX1 manages to deliver pro-level specs and performance at an accessible price point. For players seeking an acoustic-electric classical guitar that won’t compromise on materials or workmanship, it’s a fantastic value.
Pros and Cons
The Yamaha NCX1 offers many pros that make it a compelling choice for an acoustic-electric classical guitar. Some of the key pros include:
Rich, balanced tone – The solid spruce top produces a full, vibrant tone when played acoustically. The nato back and sides provide warmth and resonance.
Comfortable playability – The slim neck profile and cutaway body shape allow for easy fretting across the entire fingerboard. The action and intonation facilitate smooth playing.
Advanced electronics – The built-in preamp and pickup system accurately capture the NCX1’s acoustic tone when plugged in. The EQ controls allow tone shaping.
High-quality hardware – The rosewood bridge and fingerboard provide a smooth playing feel. Die-cast tuners keep the guitar in tune.
Flexible and versatile – The NCX1 works well for various genres and playing styles, from classical to folk fingerpicking. The cutaway expands its range.
Attention to detail – The NCX1 exhibits Yamaha’s meticulous craftsmanship through the intricate rosette and overall fit and finish.
However, there are some potential cons worth noting:
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Heavier weight – The NCX1 weighs around 2.2kg, heavier than some nylon-string guitars. This can cause fatigue over long practice sessions.
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Limited finish options – The NCX1 only comes in a natural finish or flamed maple finish. Those wanting more variety may be disappointed.
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Higher cost – With a retail price of $1,099, the NCX1 sits at the higher end for an acoustic-electric classical guitar. The price may deter some buyers.
Ideal User
The Yamaha NCX1 is an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced classical and nylon string guitar players who want the versatility of being able to play amplified.
Specifically, the NCX1 will appeal to:
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Classical guitarists who play in ensembles or orchestras and need to amplify their sound to balance with other instruments
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Nylon string fingerstyle players who do live performances or recording sessions and require plugged-in amplification
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Guitarists who play a diverse range of styles from classical to Latin and want an acoustic-electric nylon string guitar suitable for different genres
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Musicians seeking a quality instrument that can cover both unamplified practice and amplified performance scenarios
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Players looking to upgrade from a beginner classical guitar to a more advanced instrument
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Anyone needing a comfortable and highly playable nylon string guitar with easy access to upper frets
The Yamaha NCX1 hits a sweet spot between traditional classical guitars and steel string acoustic-electrics, making it a versatile choice. With its solid spruce top, quality electronics, and smooth playability, the NCX1 allows nylon string players to sound natural and authentic in amplified settings.
Conclusion
The Yamaha NCX1 is an excellent choice for players seeking a high-quality acoustic-electric classical guitar with versatile capabilities for a variety of performance settings. Based on its all-solid wood construction, advanced onboard electronics, and comfortable playability, the NCX1 delivers an exceptionally balanced and natural amplified tone that retains the nuance and warmth of the instrument.
While the guitar’s premium build does come at a higher price point, the features and craftsmanship justify the investment for serious players. Between its crisp and resonant acoustic voice and flexible plugged-in performance, the NCX1 is a standout option for those needing amplified classical guitar sound with authenticity.
For classical guitarists, fingerstyle players, or anyone needing a nylon-string electro-acoustic that excels at both acoustic and plugged-in scenarios, the Yamaha NCX1 warrants strong consideration. It meets the demands of today’s gigging nylon-string guitarist who wants the traditional playability of a high-end classical guitar complemented by stage-ready amplified tone and flexibility.