Yamaha CPX1200II review

  • £1189
The CPX1200II features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides.

MusicRadar Verdict

Great looks, great tone, well-priced - what's not to like?

Pros

  • +

    Classy looks; build quality; both acoustic and amplified tone.

Cons

  • -

    Nothing.

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Boasting a full 15mm extra width, the CPX has much more of a traditional acoustic guitar body size than its stablemate the APX1200II.

The thin gloss finish is particularly noticeable in this translucent black colour with the soundboard's grain being discernible to the eye and touch.

High-gloss black many not be everyone's idea of an acoustic but the mahogany trimmings give the guitar a very stylish look, augmented by the diamond-shaped mahogany fretboard inlays and large ebony tuner buttons. Close inspection reveals high standards of fretwork, build quality, finish and presentation.

Sounds

Unplugged, the CPX is the full-fat version of the APX. The overall timbre has more 'meat' to it and the lower registers have real fullness.

No doubt due to its body size, the CPX offers a good deal of sustain and responds to dynamics articulately - it offers a well-rounded, versatile sound. Plugged in, the CPX produces a warm tone: bright 'snap' and 'zing' are very present but softer, mellower tones are easy to dial in.

In short, the CPX it a show-stealing instrument that appears to have it all: good looks, high standards of craftsmanship and a versatile, capable amplified and acoustic output.

Steve Harvey is senior content producer for Pro Sound News and also contributes to other Future brands. He has worked in the pro audio industry — as a touring musician as well as in live production, installed sound, and equipment sales and marketing — since November 1980.