Yamaha SLG200N Review: Compact Nylon-String Gem

Table of Contents

Introduction

Yamaha first introduced their Silent Guitar (SLG) line in 2006, revolutionizing the world of portable and practice-friendly guitars. The "silent" concept refers to guitars with onboard preamp systems that allow them to be played through headphones without making any acoustic sound. This is perfect for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, late night practicing, and any setting where an acoustic guitar would be too loud.

The SLG series builds on Yamaha’s expertise in building high quality acoustic and classical style nylon string guitars. The SLG200N is one of their top choices for a portable nylon-string silent guitar, with a full 25" scale length and slim neck profile. It provides an authentic nylon string playing experience in a compact, lightweight, and noise-free package.

Some key benefits of the Yamaha SLG200N silent guitar include:

Headphone output for sound through headphones only
Onboard preamp and effects for acoustic-electric tones
MP3/Aux input to play along with music
Unplugged acoustic resonance when not using headphones
Lightweight and slim design for maximum portability
No acoustic sound to disturb others or yourself

For guitarists needing a practice-friendly nylon-string guitar, the Yamaha SLG200N is an excellent option to consider in their innovative SLG silent guitar lineup.

Yamaha SLG200N Features & Specs

The Yamaha SLG200N silent nylon-string guitar utilizes a laminate construction with a slim, ergonomic body shape designed for comfort and portability. The top, back, and sides are all made of laminate nylon composite material. This keeps the guitar lightweight at just under 3.5 lbs while still providing good resonance and acoustic tone.

The neck is constructed from nato wood and has a slim taper profile that measures 1 11/16" at the nut. This slim and fast feel makes it easy to play, especially for those with smaller hands. The 25" scale length provides tension comparable to a full-size classical guitar.

Hardware includes die-cast tuners for accurate and stable tuning, a nylon saddle, and rosewood bridge. The nut and saddle both help transfer string vibration for optimal acoustic resonance.

The heart of the SLG200N is the SRT Powered pickup and preamp system, which is discreetly mounted inside the guitar. This pickup captures the nuances of the nylon strings, with controls for tone shaping via a 3-band EQ. There’s also built-in reverb and chorus effects to add ambience and richness to the amplified tone.

For silent practice and play-alongs, the SLG200N has a stereo headphone jack and AUX input. Just plug in headphones to hear yourself play acoustically, or connect an MP3 player to jam along with your favorite songs. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries.

Sound & Performance

When played unplugged, the Yamaha SLG200N produces a warm, resonant tone thanks to its laminate nylon-string construction. While not as loud or bass-heavy as a full acoustic, the guitar still provides pleasing nylon string acoustics for more intimate playing situations.

Once plugged in through the SRT preamp system, the SLG200N really shines. The amplified tone is very accurate and balanced across the tonal spectrum. The SRT preamp allows you to shape the EQ and add chorus or reverb effects. This makes the SLG200N extremely versatile for playing live or recording directly into a mixer or audio interface.

The playability of the SLG200N is excellent. It features a slim, fast neck profile that makes it easy to fret notes and chord shapes. The neck width is comfortable as well. The action is set low but still buzz-free. Overall the feel is very playable while retaining the acoustic responsiveness.

That acoustic responsiveness also translates into excellent string dynamics. The nylon strings feel expressive and responsive to fingerstyle techniques. Notes bloom nicely and allow for solid control over dynamics when playing. The guitar is equally suited to strumming rhythms or intricate fingerpicking patterns.

Yamaha SLG200N vs Other Silent & Travel Guitars

The Yamaha SLG200N stands out compared to other popular portable and silent guitar options on the market. Let’s look at how it stacks up to some key alternatives.

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is one of the most popular mini acoustic-electric travel guitars. It’s incredibly lightweight at around 3 lbs, making it effortless to take anywhere. However, the scaled-down body and short scale length don’t allow for the same full acoustic resonance you get with the SLG200N. The Yamaha produces a richer, warmer nylon string tone thanks to its full 25" scale length neck.

Compared to other Yamaha SLG models like the SLG200S, the SLG200N features a nylon string construction versus steel strings. The nylon strings provide a softer, jazzier tone that excels for fingerstyle playing. The wider neck and lower action also facilitate complex chords and fingerpicking patterns. So for guitarists who prefer nylon strings, the SLG200N is the ideal fit.

The main tradeoff compared to a full size acoustic guitar is volume and projection. While the SLG200N produces a surprisingly resonant tone for its size, an all-wood acoustic with a larger body size will be louder when played unplugged. However, the SLG200N makes up for this with its preamp and electric capabilities. Overall, the Yamaha strikes an excellent balance of tone, playability and portability.

Who is the Yamaha SLG200N Best For?

The Yamaha SLG200N Silent Guitar is ideal for several types of guitarists and use cases. Its compact size and versatility make it a great choice in the following scenarios:

Travel and Portability

The SLG200N’s slim, lightweight design is perfect for guitarists who need a travel-friendly nylon string option. It easily fits in the overhead bin of an airplane or the trunk of a car. The included gig bag provides protection during transport. For maximum portability, the SLG200N can be powered by AA batteries so you don’t need to plug into an outlet. This allows for practicing and performing anywhere while on the go.

Silent Practice

One of the SLG200N’s key features is the silent playback through headphones. This makes the guitar an excellent choice for practicing without disturbing others, like in an apartment or dorm room. The aux input also allows you to jam along to songs through headphones for a full silent experience. No more noise complaints when you want to practice into the late hours!

Recording

The SLG200N works great as a nylon string option for recording direct to a computer or mobile device. The SRT preamp system provides studio-quality tones, effects, and EQ shaping right out of the guitar. Just plug into your recording interface for rich nylon string sounds, without needing mics. The SLG200N gives you an all-in-one solution for quality home recordings.

Small Performances

While not as loud as a full acoustic, the SLG200N can still be suitable for more intimate performances. Its amplified volume can fill small rooms when plugged into a PA system or acoustic amplifier. The nylon string sound projects beautifully for gigs like coffee shops, retirement homes, and other small venues.

Yamaha SLG200N Price & Value

The Yamaha SLG200N typically retails for around $400-500 brand new. Used models in good condition can often be found in the $250-350 range.

What’s included with the SLG200N? Most new models will come with a basic gig bag for protection during transport and storage. Some bundles may also include a 9v power adapter, though the guitar can be powered by AA batteries. An instrument cable is not included.

At its retail price point, the SLG200N provides excellent value considering its quality construction, versatile SRT preamp system, and full 25" scale neck. While not exactly cheap, this Yamaha silent nylon-string guitar costs significantly less than similar premium travel acoustic-electrics.

The all-laminate construction helps keep costs down compared to a solid wood body, though the tone and playability certainly don’t suffer as a result. When weighing the price versus performance and features, the SLG200N hits a sweet spot for those needing an affordable silent practice and travel guitar. It’s a worthy investment for serious players prioritizing portability and acoustic-electric flexibility.

User Reviews & Opinions

The Yamaha SLG200N Silent Guitar has received mostly positive reviews from owners. Many praise the full size and comfortable feel of the neck, as well as the warm, balanced tone from the nylon strings. The built-in reverb and other effects from the SRT preamp also receive positive marks for the versatility they add. As one reviewer on Musician’s Friend said:

"This is a great guitar. The neck width and string spacing make complex chording a breeze. The pickup and preamp give a nice warm tone."

Owners also like the silent practice capabilities through headphones, which make it easy to play without disturbing others. The headphone output provides clear, detailed sound for both practicing and recording direct to a DAW. One YouTube reviewer highlighted this feature:

"I was really impressed with how good this guitar sounds through headphones. The tone modeling effects make it very enjoyable to play silently."

Some users felt the unplugged acoustic volume could be louder, especially compared to a full size classical guitar. There were also remarks about the laminate construction being inferior to a solid wood body. As an owner on Guitar Center mentioned:

"Don’t expect the same rich acoustic tone you’d get from a high end classical. But for a silent practice guitar, it delivers very good nylon string sound."

Overall, most users agree the SLG200N is an excellent portable nylon string choice with great tone and playability. Here are some popular video reviews of the guitar in action:

Alternatives to the Yamaha SLG200N

The Yamaha SLG200N is certainly not the only option when it comes to portable and silent nylon-string guitars. Here are some alternatives worth considering:

Other Yamaha Silent Guitars

Yamaha makes several other models in their Silent Guitar (SLG) line that may better suit different needs and budgets:

Yamaha SLG200S – Very similar to the SLG200N but with a spruce top instead of nylon. Provides slightly more volume and resonance.
Yamaha SLG200NW – A nylon-string model with solid rosewood back and sides. Steps up in quality from the laminate SLG200N.
Yamaha SLG200S-NT – A spruce top model with a tobacco sunburst finish and built-in tuner. Great for performing.
Yamaha SLG200N-SKB – The SLG200N bundled with a hard case for maximum protection during travel.

Similar Nylon Travel Options

The SLG200N competes with other travel-friendly nylon string guitars like:

Cordoba Mini II M – Smaller scale length and body size. Easy for travel but limited volume.
Journey Instruments OF660CM – Carbon fiber construction makes it lightweight yet durable.
Kremona Sofia M1AE-N – Attractive thinline nylon-string acoustic-electric.
LaPatrie Etude – Affordable nylon-string option optimized for direct plug-in playability.

While the SLG200N stands out for its SRT preamp system, these provide alternative takes on portable classical guitar tone and playability.

Accessories

The Yamaha SLG200N is a versatile instrument that pairs well with various accessories to enhance your playing experience. Here are some of the top recommended accessories to consider:

Amps and Speakers

To amplify the SLG200N and really let its tone shine, a compact acoustic amp or powered PA speaker is ideal. Some good portable options include:

Fishman Loudbox Mini
Fender Acoustasonic 30
Roland Mobile Cube
HeadRush Gigboard

A small, lightweight amp gives you amplified tone anywhere without having to lug around heavy gear. Look for an amp with at least 60 watts of power and multiple channels so you can shape your tone.

Cables

You’ll want to have a spare 1/4" instrument cable on hand for hooking the SLG200N up to your amp or PA system. Pick a high-quality cable around 10-15 feet long from brands like:

D’Addario Planet Waves
Mogami Gold
Monster Cable

Avoid cheap cables that could cut out your signal. Spend a little more for durability and reliability.

Cases

For traveling with the SLG200N, a hardshell case offers the most protection and peace of mind. Gator and SKB make excellent hardshell options specifically for the SLG200N.

If you want to save money and weight, a padded gig bag from Yamaha or other brands can also work. Just be gentle and avoid tossing it around.

Other Accessories

Rechargeable AA battery pack so you don’t have to keep buying disposable batteries.
Humidifier for the case to keep the guitar from drying out.
Capo for different tunings and chord voicings.
Guitar stand for safe storage and display.

Choose accessories that match how you plan to use the SLG200N. With the right extra gear, you’ll get the most out of this versatile silent guitar.

Conclusion

The Yamaha SLG200N Silent Guitar offers an excellent blend of portability, playability, and acoustic nylon string tone in one compact package. After reviewing all of its features and capabilities, our final verdict is that this is a fantastic option for guitarists needing a highly portable nylon-string guitar for travel, silent practice, and more.

While it doesn’t have the same full resonant acoustic tone as a standard classical or flamenco guitar, the SLG200N provides surprisingly warm and pleasing nylon string tone through its SRT pickup system. The slim neck profile and comfortable body size also make this a very playable instrument that’s enjoyable to practice on. Add in the headphone jack for silent practice and built-in reverb/chorus effects, and you have a versatile guitar that can handle many musical scenarios.

We would recommend the Yamaha SLG200N for a few types of players in particular:

Traveling musicians who want a compact nylon-string guitar option
Guitarists living in apartments/dorms needing a silent practice guitar
Nylon string players looking for a portable guitar for small gigs or recording
Anyone needing a lightweight, comfortable nylon-string guitar for practice

With its relatively affordable price point, great quality construction, and wealth of useful features, the SLG200N delivers outstanding value. Overall, it’s a nylon-string guitar that we highly recommend players consider if portability and silent functionality are priorities. The SLG200N fills a great niche, and Yamaha has executed on the concept very well with this model.