This one's a keeper. I've played the steel string version but I like this nylon stringed version much better. Because it's very tonal, it's great for performing with, Lee Ritenauer uses one. Very clean when plugged into a good amp. The main thing is no feedback, very natural sounding, comfortable to play, looks like no other. It also has an input with a volume control for connecting with a music source like a CD player, computer or Ipod to jam with. The black nylon soft case is very well made and well thought out with lots of useful compartments. Overall...well done Yamaha.

Sound
Very impressed with overall sound. Bought it used and had problems with low output and 60 cycle hum. Turns out it was a bad under saddle transducer. Replaced it and it is now amazing. Very quiet, notes are very well articulated, and the reverb channels 1 and 2 work surprisingly well. Very natural sounding, no piezo "quack" common with other under saddle transducers and absolutely no feedback at all. String balance is very good, warm, natural, and a lot of sustain even on the dry channel. Very musical when going into an amp and very plush sounding when plugged into headphones.

Features
Purchased used so the headphones were missing. Just fine the way it is. It does not need a built in tuner. Works nicely with the DC converter. There's even an anchoring tab on the back to secure the converter's cable. Nice touch.

Ease… read more of Use
Very easy to use. If you need instructions, then you probably shouldn't be playing this guitar. With the basic controls, lots of variation of tones available. Much more comfortable than a standard classical guitar. The neck is well shaped, the frets well dressed, and the overall feel is very playable due in part to its light weight and ergonomic lower bout. Be warned, this guitar's preamp will go through a lot of 9 volt batteries especially if you use the DSP reverb channels. I just keep it plugged in to the dc converter.

Quality
Since it was purchased used, it seemed to have held up fairly well considering the previous owner traveled with it a lot. I'm not a big fan of new Asian made guitars but the build of this Yamaha is quite good for a mass produced instrument. The fit and finish are impressive as is the electronics. As with anything, the guitar should last for decades with care. Because it's nylon stringed, there won't be that much wear on the frets and the nylon strings are very easy on the mahogany neck.

Value
I think this guitar is worth every penny. I haven't heard other travel-type guitars but I'm very pleased with this Yamaha. I don't really think of it as a practice or travel guitar but instead a really exceptionally sounding amplified nylon string guitar that can be taken on trips.

Manufacturer Support
Yamaha had no real answers to the low output problem and the 60 cycle hum. They suggested authorized guitar repair shops in my area but that would be costly. I contacted B-Band Inc., the makers of the pick up system and they were the ones who recommended replacing the under saddle transducer pick up. It took about 15 minutes to install and it was the solution to the problem. The B-Band customer support was very helpful. BTW it was $39.00 for the replacement pick up.

The Wow Factor
It doesn't look like anything out on the market currently. Very 'artsy" with its outline frame, natural maple futuristic body and classic rosewood fingerboard and headstock shape. A nice styling touch is that Yamaha tastefully, did not plaster their name on the headstock. A lot of guitar companies put together really good looking guitars only to cheapen the appearance with a really tacky or ugly logo or brand name lettering. Yamaha instead has a little circular decal of their "triple tuning fork icon", which they also use on their motorcycles.

Musical Background:
hobbyist/musician

Musical Style:
rock, blues, jazz, Brazilian jazz read less