Hey there, guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of acoustic guitars, specifically taking a close look at the Yamaha CPX500 OVS from the renowned Compass series. If you're in the market for a versatile, reliable, and great-sounding acoustic-electric guitar, you've definitely come to the right place. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your musical journey, understanding the features and capabilities of this instrument is crucial. So, let's get started and explore what makes the Yamaha CPX500 OVS a standout choice for guitarists of all levels.

Overview of the Yamaha Compass Series

The Yamaha Compass series is designed to offer musicians a blend of aesthetic appeal, playability, and sonic versatility. Known for their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, Yamaha has created a line of guitars that cater to a wide range of musical styles and preferences. The CPX500 OVS, in particular, stands out due to its distinctive design and exceptional performance capabilities. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a companion that resonates with your musical expression. The Compass series aims to provide a balanced tone, ensuring that every note you play is clear and vibrant, whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies. The CPX500 OVS embodies this philosophy, making it a popular choice among guitarists seeking a reliable and inspiring instrument.

Design and Construction

The design and construction of the Yamaha CPX500 OVS are key to its exceptional sound and playability. The guitar features a medium jumbo cutaway body, which not only looks stylish but also provides excellent access to the higher frets. This is especially beneficial for guitarists who enjoy playing solos or complex chord voicings. The top of the guitar is made from spruce, a tonewood known for its bright and balanced sound. Spruce tops are highly responsive, allowing the guitar to project sound clearly and evenly. The back and sides are crafted from nato, a wood that offers a warm and resonant tone, complementing the brightness of the spruce top. The combination of these tonewoods creates a rich and full sound that is suitable for a variety of musical genres. The guitar's overall construction is robust and durable, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use, whether you're playing at home, in the studio, or on stage. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the guitar's design, from the meticulously crafted bracing pattern to the smooth and comfortable neck profile.

Sound Quality and Tone

When it comes to sound quality and tone, the Yamaha CPX500 OVS truly shines. The combination of spruce and nato tonewoods delivers a balanced and versatile sound that can handle a wide range of musical styles. The spruce top provides clarity and projection, while the nato back and sides add warmth and resonance. This results in a sound that is both articulate and full-bodied, making it ideal for strumming, fingerpicking, and lead playing. The medium jumbo body size enhances the guitar's volume and projection, ensuring that it can be heard clearly in any setting. Whether you're playing solo or with a band, the CPX500 OVS delivers a rich and dynamic sound that will impress both you and your audience. The guitar's tone is also highly responsive to different playing techniques, allowing you to easily shape your sound and express your musical ideas. From delicate fingerstyle passages to powerful strumming chords, the CPX500 OVS offers a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the Yamaha CPX500 OVS a notable instrument. Knowing these details will give you a clearer picture of what this guitar brings to the table.

Top, Back, and Sides

The Yamaha CPX500 OVS features a spruce top, which is known for its bright and balanced sound. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops because it offers excellent clarity and projection. The back and sides are made of nato, a tonewood that provides warmth and resonance, complementing the spruce top. This combination of tonewoods results in a versatile sound that is suitable for a variety of musical styles. The spruce top ensures that the guitar has a clear and articulate tone, while the nato back and sides add depth and richness to the overall sound. Together, these tonewoods create a balanced and dynamic sonic profile that is both pleasing to the ear and inspiring to play.

Neck and Fingerboard

The neck of the Yamaha CPX500 OVS is crafted from nato, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience. The fingerboard is made of rosewood, a tonewood known for its smooth texture and warm sound. Rosewood fingerboards are highly regarded for their playability and contribute to the guitar's overall tonal richness. The neck profile is designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes, making it easy to play chords and navigate the fretboard. The combination of a nato neck and rosewood fingerboard ensures that the guitar feels great in your hands and allows you to play for extended periods without fatigue. The smooth and responsive fingerboard makes it easy to execute bends, slides, and vibrato, adding to the guitar's expressive capabilities.

Electronics

The Yamaha CPX500 OVS is equipped with a reliable System 66 preamp and under-saddle pickup. This electronic system allows you to plug the guitar into an amplifier or PA system, making it ideal for live performances and recording. The System 66 preamp features a 3-band EQ, which allows you to adjust the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to your liking. This gives you precise control over your sound and ensures that you can dial in the perfect tone for any situation. The under-saddle pickup accurately captures the guitar's natural sound, delivering a clear and balanced amplified tone. Whether you're playing in a small coffee shop or a large concert hall, the CPX500 OVS's electronics will ensure that your guitar sounds its best. The preamp also includes a built-in tuner, making it easy to keep your guitar in tune on the fly.

Finish

The OVS in the name stands for Old Violin Sunburst, which refers to the guitar's finish. The finish not only looks great but also protects the wood from moisture and scratches. The sunburst finish gives the guitar a classic and timeless appearance, making it a visually appealing instrument. The finish is applied evenly and smoothly, enhancing the guitar's overall aesthetic appeal. The gloss finish also helps to enhance the guitar's resonance and projection, contributing to its overall sound quality. The Old Violin Sunburst finish is a popular choice among guitarists who appreciate the look of vintage instruments.

Playability and Comfort

When evaluating a guitar, playability and comfort are paramount. The Yamaha CPX500 OVS is designed with the player in mind, offering a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.

Neck Profile and Action

The neck profile of the Yamaha CPX500 OVS is designed to be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. The neck is not too thick and not too thin, striking a balance that makes it easy to play chords and lead lines. The action, which refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, is set at a comfortable level, allowing you to play without excessive effort. This is especially important for beginners who are still developing their finger strength. The combination of a comfortable neck profile and well-adjusted action makes the CPX500 OVS a joy to play, even for extended periods. The smooth and responsive fingerboard allows you to execute bends, slides, and vibrato with ease, adding to the guitar's expressive capabilities.

Body Size and Shape

The medium jumbo body size of the Yamaha CPX500 OVS provides a comfortable playing experience, whether you're sitting or standing. The body is large enough to produce a full and resonant sound, but not so large that it feels unwieldy. The cutaway design allows easy access to the higher frets, making it easier to play solos and complex chord voicings. The guitar's overall shape is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably against your body, reducing fatigue and allowing you to play for longer periods. The CPX500 OVS is also relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport to gigs and rehearsals. The combination of a comfortable body size and shape makes the CPX500 OVS a versatile instrument that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's weigh the pros and cons of the Yamaha CPX500 OVS.

Pros

• Versatile Sound: The combination of spruce and nato tonewoods delivers a balanced and versatile sound that is suitable for a variety of musical styles.
• Comfortable Playability: The comfortable neck profile and well-adjusted action make the guitar easy to play, even for beginners.
• Reliable Electronics: The System 66 preamp and under-saddle pickup provide a clear and balanced amplified tone.
• Stylish Finish: The Old Violin Sunburst finish gives the guitar a classic and timeless appearance.
• Durable Construction: The guitar is built to withstand the rigors of regular use, making it a reliable instrument for both home and stage.

Cons

• Nato Back and Sides: While nato provides warmth and resonance, some players may prefer the sound of solid wood back and sides.
• Electronics: While the System 66 preamp is reliable, some players may prefer more advanced electronic options.

Final Thoughts

The Yamaha CPX500 OVS is a fantastic acoustic-electric guitar that offers a blend of quality, playability, and value. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this guitar has something to offer. Its versatile sound, comfortable playability, and reliable electronics make it a great choice for a wide range of musical styles and playing situations. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the CPX500 OVS delivers a solid performance that is sure to impress. If you're looking for a reliable and inspiring acoustic-electric guitar, the Yamaha CPX500 OVS is definitely worth considering. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your musical journey begin!