Yamaha & EV 2023 Gig Rig

Well another year with the globe spun. I’ve been trying to get lighter and smaller rigs to travel with. Hear they are the Yamaha NCX3 and SLG200NW guitar with a Line6 HX Stomp to a EV Everse

So I’ve had my Yamaha NCX3 for just about 6 months I thought it was time to write a review. I have come to really appreciate the design and the electronics in this guitar as it allows me to use all of the gear that I own as well as others when I’m in situations where I may not have the gear that I’m used to.

That being said, this has to be the easiest guitar to gig with . It’s pretty much plug and play simplicity. While it may take a little bit of time to get used to having a 3 knob system for electronics mic blend, volume knob, and then treble adjust it’s definitely feature rich and not like any other guitar that I played that has active electronics in the nylon construction build with active electronics. Now that being said, I have to share that I personally use EV amplification for 95% of all my gigs using the EV Evovle 30m and Everse 8’s. When I’ve needed to I’ve used the Grace Design Felix2 or the Line 6 HX Stomp. But many times I just use a Rupert Neve RNDI straight to a EV Everse 8 and get the job done. I am a huge fan of Yamaha and the service they give after the sale as well. Not to mention the great service from Sweetwater as well.

My NCX3 came in excellent condition all set up and ready to play. I did do a little saddle adjusting and brought he action down to 2.4mm. I’ve tried a few different brands of strings but have landed on DAddario EJ45 and the guitar seems to respond well to the tension and feel of these strings. The guitar sounds great acoustically with these strings too. If I go to much higher in tension it seems to choke the tone/openness of the guitars vibrating top tone. I’ve played 5 hours on gigs with this guitar and my hands feel fine after my gig. The looks and craftsmanship are stellar. The build is sold and no flimsy trim or aesthetics. It comes with strap pins already installed. It sounds great to just play acoustically but the real magic is once you plug in. For years I’ve been eqing my live sound with expensive eq’s and racks of gear etc. This guitar is not like others I’ve used the “AtmosFeel” electronics which consist of a blend of three systems. A mic, UST, and body sensor are able to capture the guitars tone with out really needing outboard gear to sculpt a usable professional gigging tone. So for quick setup and easy travel as well as light this has become my go to live performance gigging guitar. I can even just plug in directly in to my EV’s and sound fantastic with no eq or high pass filter. Just add a bit of soft hall reverb on EV’s and I’m all set. Even the case is well designed which in my opinion is a type of hybrid hard case, combining the best of soft case design with a harder shell interior that really protects the guitar while transporting it from gig gig, as well as keeping it safe. It’s light light and looks great. I play a wide style of music from Flamenco, Latin, Jazz, World, music and this guitar covers them all. I did instal a glopador/ tap plate on mine so my right hand technique wound not damage the finish. I used a 3m clear sheet and cut it to fit. It’s a great workhorse guitar. I’ve ben gigging with it since I’ve received the guitar. Everybody that has played it or heard it loves it too. Thanks to all at Sweetwater Chris M x1328, Set Up, Photography and Shipping.

EV Everse and Yamaha NCX3 w Line 6

Line 6HX Stomp and Morning Star Engineering MC6

EV Evolve 30m with Everse

EZ gig rig

All packed

All set up with Grace Felix2

Yamaha SLG200NW w Grace Felix2

Yamaha SLG200NW w EV30m

Yamaha SLG200NW

Yamaha SLG200NW

Easy Gig Rigs

As I have gotten older, more experienced and easier to get tired I’ve learned a lot about gear and what works for me. I won’t compromise tone either. So what I have come to learn. If I don’t require body taps, glopes for my performance I’m using the Yamaha SLG200NW guitar.

Yamaha SLG200NW

if I do need body percussion then the Yamaha NCX3.

Yamaha NCX3

From there I plug into my simple pedalboard which gives me a high pass filter and eq with limiter and tuner it’s the Source Audio EQ2 with a Source Audio Tap/Temp Switch for the Tuner and Mute functionality, A Boss Reverb RV-6, Boss Loop Station RC-5 all housed in a Boss Pedalboard BCB-30X.

Simple Pedalboard

Now for amplification I am using 3 various stems depending on needs of clients. I can cover audiences from 50-500 with the gear I have. For 70% of the gigs I do I use the EV 30m I have been able to use this system with no problem for 250

EV 30m

I also like the QSC CP8 in Mono or Stereo and can cover 100-300 people with this setup

QSC CPS on Ultimate Support TS-110B Extra Tall Lift-Assist Speaker Stand with a K&M Speaker Tilt Adapter – Black

Then for intimate performances or where no AC is easy to access I use 1 Bose S1 Pro. I’ve also used a Bose S1 Pro as my monitor and preamp w reverb and then an additional speaker like the QSC CP 8.

2 Bose S1 Pro Speakers

I have other gear that I use when I add a mic like the DPA 4099 G to use with my Culpepper. The Grace Design FeliX 2 when I just use my guitar and preamp out to a Front Of House (FOH) set up

Grace Design Felix2

Grace Design FeliX 2 with EV30m

Grace Design Felix2

I also like the sound of a saturated preamp like Neve 511 or Chameleon Labs 7603 but this moves out of the easy set ups.

Chameleon Labs 7603 and TC Electronic MOne-XL

Neve 511 Preamp, 551 EQ, 545 Primary Source Enhancer.

Rupert Neve RNDI

For a DI nothing beats the Rupert Neve RNDI

I’ve tried lots of gear and guitars but for the daily giging nylon string guitarist this is what I’ve concluded in 2022 works best for me and I hope it helps you get you best Nylon Live Sound. I purchase my gear at Sweetwater Sound, American Musical and Russo’s Music Store.

Gig Rig Update

This my main gig rig packed up. Yamaha NCX3, EV 30M, Grace Felix2, Peterson Tuner, Neunaber Wet Reverb, DAddario Pedalboard Accessories, Ultimate Stand.

All set up

Pedalboard