YAMAHA NCX5

PRICE: £1,786 (inc soft case) ORIGIN: Japan TYPE: Classical cutaway nylonstring electro with 12-fret neck joint TOP: Solid European spruce BACK/SIDES: Solid walnut MAX RIM DEPTH: 100mm MAX BODYWIDTH: 380mm NECK: African mahogany SCALE LENGTH: 650mm (25.6”) TUNERS: Classical style 3-a-side with black rollers, gold-plated with black marble-like buttons NUT/WIDTH: Bone/52.3mm FINGERBOARD: Ebony, flat, no position markers except side dots at 5th and 7th frets FRETS: 19, medium/small BRIDGE/SPACING: Stained walnut with ebony topped tieblock/58.5mm ELECTRICS: Yamaha Atmosfeel with under-saddle, contact sensor (top) and internal mic. Preamp with master volume, mic blend and treble EQ quick-release battery holder end-jack/strap button WEIGHT (kg/lb): 1.99/4.38 OPTIONS: See NTX5 RANGE OPTIONS: The all-solid NCX3 (£940) is also available with a cedar top at the same price. The start-up NCX1 with solid Sitka spruce top and more traditional under-saddle pickup (with 3-band EQ and tuner) costs £423; again it’s available with solid cedar top. Back are sides here are laminate and the NCX1FM (£518) uses flame maple as opposed to nato or okume LEFT-HANDERS: No FINISHES: Natural (as reviewed) – gloss with satin neck and headstock face

PROS Great contemporary design; superb build; easy-to-use, efficient preamp/pickup system

CONS Voicing is a little thicksounding, needs more ‘snap’ for some players; NCX3 has similar specs and is much less expensive