For nylon string guitar enthusiasts venturing into the world of guitar synthesizers, the quest for the perfect instrument can be challenging. Many seek a lightweight, ergonomic option that seamlessly integrates with hex pickup systems. Sharing his personal journey, one guitarist unveils a successful DIY project, transforming a Yamaha Silent Guitar into a dream nylon string synth guitar.
Initially, the guitarist explored commercially available options like the Godin Multiac Nylon SA. While functional, its weight and bulky design proved less than ideal. The Carvin NS1, perceived as similarly constructed with a heavy solid wood body, didn’t seem to offer a significant improvement in ergonomics. Recalling a positive experience with a Yamaha Silent Nylon guitar from years past, the author remembered its comfortable playability and feel. However, the stock electric sound and lack of hex output were drawbacks.
This sparked an innovative idea: to combine the best of both worlds by installing a hex pickup system into a Yamaha Silent Guitar. After thorough research, the guitarist acquired a Yamaha SG100N Silent Guitar and a complete Graphtech System, including Hexpander and Acoustiphonic boards. The subsequent installation process, while requiring dedicated effort, culminated in a remarkable transformation.
The modified Yamaha Silent Guitar, now equipped with the Graphtech hex pickup system, proved to be exceptionally compatible with the VG99 guitar processor. While primarily interested in pristine clean and acoustic guitar tones, the guitarist was surprised by the system’s adeptness at handling electric guitar models as well. A minor encounter with subsonic noise, reminiscent of experiences reported with the GR300 model, was observed on the VCO setting, but deemed less pronounced than anticipated.
Comparing the sonic characteristics, the author found the Graphtech system to be less harsh than the RMC pickups encountered previously. A key element in achieving a rich and warm sound palette involved blending the Yamaha Silent Guitar’s standard pickup with the hex pickup output in various patches. This blending technique significantly enhanced the overall sonic texture, adding depth and dimension.
Further refinements were undertaken to optimize the instrument. Seeking aesthetic and functional perfection, the guitarist replaced the original knobs and installed Gilbert Tuners, elevating the Yamaha Silent Guitar to its full potential. This DIY endeavor successfully realized the vision of an ideal nylon string hex out guitar, fulfilling the guitarist’s specific needs for playability, ergonomics, and synth integration. This project stands as a testament to the Yamaha Silent Guitar’s versatility and its potential as a platform for custom guitar synth modifications.
