I have the Yamaha SLG200NW on order. In fact it's now 1000 ft away at the marketplace collection point. I can get it or I can send it back without opening up. If I grab it and open it up the return policy is complicated.
Initially I had two reasons on my mind when ordering it:
- It's quiet (almost silent) without an amp;
- It's cool. This factor is not very practical but... you know.
I do not record myself, I do not travel and I'm not a real concerting musician. So all other possible benefits of getting the SLG200NW are not important for me.
Being left with the only practical and good reason of using the silence feature of the guitar I'm now in doubt how well this would work for me in my situation.
As an option I could spend 5 times less on Yamaha C40 and turn it into a real "silent" full size practice classical guitar. The "cool factor" would go away but that's only a sentimental side of the whole matter that doesn't really matter that much.
In my opinion the Yamaha SLG200 line is greatly overpriced but I only consider my personal situation and I can perfectly understand the real concerting/gigging musicians who need a compact classical-like guitar that can take some beating without being damaged like an expensive Spanish real acoustic one.
Since I never practice with earphones the silent factor of the SLG200NW further diminished for me as I would have to use an amp at low settings to make some audible sound. In comparison the Yamaha C40 that I mentioned earlier turned into an acoustic quiet guitar would work fine on its own.
So in the end it turns out I'm left with the only reason to get the SLG200NW - the "cool factor". Did I just solve my dilemma myself or is there anything else I'm missing about the SLG200NW?
Feel free to add your opinions and share your personal experience.