This A3R is also better (in my opinion) than any model that Taylor, Martin, Takamine, or any of the other leading guitar manufacturers are currently producing in the "Under $1000" line because the others are using lamintated tonewoods and inferior onboard electronics. A lot of people have enjoyed this guitar and have purchased it after reading this review. On-board tuner for string tuning accuracy. Most orders placed before noon ET ship same day (except weekends and holidays). Thanks again for your comment. Thanks a million! It looks like Yamaha is discontinuing the LL16 from their website, but you can still find a few to import from some other sellers through Amazon.com here. When I first wrote this post, it was unclear to me and the more research I have done, the more I realized that each model in the A-series has been professionally recorded. The "non-C" models will definitely give more of a bass response than the "C" models because of this "Dreadnought size and design. Thanks for the response Dromadamusic - Stop back some time and let us all know how it goes after some time on the road. EN-10c stood for years. Hello Aaron...I have reviewed thehttp://amzn.to/1RR9jP4http://amzn.to/1RR9jP4 extensively and must say that your assessment is the most comprehensive that I have come across. Whereas the Concert Models (with the "C") slope from 110 to 120 MM - so the difference is negligible at 2MM difference. The Original SRT Preamp: The SRT - Studio Response Technology - is the best on the market for under $1000, but the quality doesn't stop there. It sounds good unplugged or plugged in. When it is plugged, I assume that there´s no (or little) difference because the enterely sound is digitally procesed by the piezo pickup and it electronic proccesor that simulates the guitar ambient sound, Are you agree? Both have solid spruce tops, very similar tone woods, but the Yamaha LL16 is a Jumbo design, meaning that the guitar will most likely give more output in the bassy side of an acoustic guitar. For what it's worth in my humble opinion the A3 series is the deal of the decade in flat top all solid wood guitars. I have never played a Yamaha A6R but these are more in the $1500 range (MSRP around $2500 from Yamaha Co.) Yes- I find that the A3M (M is for Mahogany) is great for a punchy guitar sound with more emphasis in the mid-range where as having the A3R (R is for Rosewood) gives it a bigger sound because more bass resonates from the overtones of the Rosewood. Thanks again for bringing this up. I put it through a great tryout. Like I said the fit and finish was great. Some of these features include; a nut width that is slightly narrower (1.89 inches) which is equally the same as that found on a steel-string guitar. Anyway, just to clarify, the Yamaha A-Series are ALL Venetian Cutaways, as the "C" stands for Concert in the model naming system. I guess what I am asking is, do you have any experience with the CPX 1500 or 1200 in terms of their sound as solid bodies, size, playability and electronics in comparison to the AC5R? For sensitive environments, recording, and live play, the AFR (Automatic Feedback Reduction) is another great feature that is like having a live sound operator knocking out feedback at the push of a button. Aaron. It will be hard to find an equal match to this kind of microphone and piezo pickup quality on any acoustic electric guitar, even on guitars costing several thousands of dollars. you wrote a good article on the a series a few years ago.....email me at (removed to protect user's email) if you can,,,my names is paul b...thanks. Although the Palathetic Pickup in the Takamine is excellent for gigs and touring pros, it will not suffice for pure acoustic sound, as no pure transducer will because it cannot pick up the subtle overtones and ambiance you can achieve with a condenser mic / transducer combination. The Yamaha A-Series Acoustic-Electric Guitars(complete series review - updated with new SRT 2 and SRT 1 comparisons), "Easily the best of both worlds for under $1000". . Although guitar dimensions won't mean as much to most players above actually holding, playing and experiencing the guitars to actually compare which one feels better for you, these specs will help the more advanced, discerning or picky players who know what they are looking for in terms of dimensions. and just like your review on the A3R the information was so helpful. I did not go into as much depth, but there's enough there to help steer people in the right direction. world. Since they are nowhere to be found on their site for bout and shoulder width- I will write or call Yamaha and post it here later. I doubt at my age that I'll ever have a Collection again but I am playing again. I really love this guitar. and do a lot of personal testing. Most New Yamaha Electric Guitars are eligible for free shipping. Between these two guitars which would you say would sound better unplugged? Maple is a harder brighter wood in the Takamine and the Rosewood in the Yamaha A3R will certainly give you more bass response unplugged, and therefore a bigger sound as the EQ response from the tonewoods is "wider". However, the C models will not put forth as much of a "bass end" because of this size difference when the guitar is unplugged. If you want a deeper, better projection unplugged, I would personally go with the Yamaha A3R (because of the Rosewood). Hi! And, other leading blenders on the market, boasting a blend between on-board microphone and piezo pickups do not carry this kind of studio realism. If you filed or sanded the saddle or nut, you might want to try getting a new one or putting a thin shim under the nut on the 5th and 6th string end (kind of tapered). Thanks for sharing. One of the best electric guitar values for over a decade, Yamaha Pacifica guitars are well known for great tone and outstanding playability. Yet I have the following observations about the construction of the guitar. So if I were to purchase one from the Yamaha A-Series, it would be the Yamaha A3R model. I love Indonesian guitars, so that's not a dealbreaker. Hi Steve - thanks for your comment. I got the AC3M because I already have two rosewood in my house. It also sounds great plugged in! But it's the old electronics. Aaron. You can easily adjust the action on the Yamaha A3R by taking out the saddle and sanding the bottom side down, or have it adjusted at a local guitar shop until you like the string set / height. I was so impressed that I am trying to get a local dealer to get a Yamaha A3R in so that I can actually put my hands on it. Made from Planet Waves Duralin, this ultra-durable material delivers strength, resilience, and resists abrasion while providing balanced tone with a bright attack. Piezo pickups sometimes get a bad rap, but they aren't all created equal. to guide you through your entire shopping experience. The A-3 Series features ebony fingerboards which are dark black, distinct, and a bit more resilient to the wear and tear of fingering chords over the life of the guitar. Your review has convinced me to go the Yamaha route for the SRT benefits. About StrumViews.com  l  Affiliate Disclosure  l  Privacy Policy  l  Contact  l  TOS  I  Warranties. The Blender blends between piezo and microphone-SIMULATION. This is my review of the Yamaha Pacifica 112 Electric Guitar. Body, Make Thanks Aaron and happy St Patrick's Day (almost!). Thanks Howe Thomas, Yes- the Yamaha A3 Series series has a truss rod for adjusting the set of the neck & strings. The tuner also has a distinct alternating lighting signal which will notify the player 1 hour before the batteries of the pickup lose their power, giving plenty of warning to change the internal power suppply without interrupting or distorting the output sound or performance. There is no built-in microphone in the SRT-system. Good volume without feedback. I needed a good quality/good value guitar for recording and occasional live gigging (to take some of the load off the Babicz/Breedlove setup I have now). I had already learned the differences between the "1" and "3" models, but it took several articles and reviews to get the particulars of each guitar straight. Also, whenever I try to ask Yamaha corporate or customer service, their public facing service techs seem to be in the dark as to what models are coming out and when. You really can get studio quality "true acoustic" sound from this just by plugging in. That is why I started this years ago, because I had friends who were going to pay too much for a guitar just because of the name. You did a far better job than even the Yamaha website. Both the AC3R and the APX1000 have the concert style body with the slimmer waist which some people find easier to hold, especially when seated. Thanks for chiming in here- Aaron. If you prefer the reddish brown, lighter color, then the "M" or Mahogany might be for you. I believe the Yamaha A3R would have a more well balanced tone because of the Dreadnought size, plus it is still in production. it's that good! However, Yamaha also offers several different models of quality acoustic bodies to provide the best in tonewoods and playability. Perfect sound frequency makes perfect sounds and thus the player can feel the notes and it helps the player to differentiate among the seven notes of music. Though both Taylor and Martin make some fine higher-end guitars, they cut costs with their "below $1000" line by using inferior laminated woods for the sides and back so you lose a bit on the age-ability of the guitars and the richness and complexity of tones and overtones you can only get from solid tonewoods. I've just purchased a AC3R and I'm touching the heaven.. it's simply perfect. The Yamaha FG720 SL (which is a cheaper version without pickup as well) . As I performed and sing with my acoustic electric guitar on stage and in churches, I need a guitar with a good active preamp system so that I would be able to set the sound on the guitar. There are many more satisfied Yamaha A3R players out there just like you that really appreciate this guitar both plugged in and unplugged. Comments powered by Disqus. I am not telling the dealer but I am almost certain to buy it. .the main spokesperson in the release videos that Yamaha release stated it was one of the Yamaha engineered and made in the USA. Don. On its own, the guitar is impressive, but the built-in TransAcoustic technology offers an even more compelling reason to check it out. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. LR Baggs are top quality pickups for sure. Can anyone enlighten me & steer me the right way? I'm drawn to the Tak, but even though it gets stellar reviews, it seems that most of them are as a "stage" guitar, i.e. John, very glad this helped! But, to my confusion, the review about the srt-system is wrong. I encourage everyone to try this guitar, you will be impressed! . . Allowed HTML tags:
    1. . I enquired with them as to whether Yamaha would be coming up with new models incorporating a good active preamp system like the System 63 SRT pickup and was told that they have no information from Yamaha head office. This setting gives the player a fine-tuning on the perceived "distance" of the microphone settings between "focus" and "wide", opening up an endless fine-tuning capability of the perceived studio microphone set up. Thanks for posting! It's brighter than my Martin 17M (but not as bright as a Taylor), and more condusive to singing along with (because I understand that it's not competing with your voice at the same frequencies). Mike Stern's signature has been refreshed with Yamaha's exclusive wood treatment and finish. My dream has always been to have a guitar that apart from a piezo pickup has some mic system to pic up the actual wood and air vibration. Using the "Focus" setting, one can hone in on the close and crisp sound of the acoustic guitar tonewoods and strings as thought the guitar were miced right near the soundhole for direct, up front, real acoustic sound. In these models that would be mostly correct because the option switch for mic sounds of the pickup are studio samples (not a true mic of your performance - but pre-recorded and stored in the pickup). I happened to fluke into the one as the only decent music store on my road trip home happened to have only one AC3R in stock and it happened to be a vintage sunburst. Thanks for any info on ZAD's and the great review on Yamaha. It help me a lot in my decision to buy this guitar. Our Gear Advisers are available Stores in Chicago Area don't have these in stock, hate buying sight and sound unseen, but I'll take your word for it! is hand's down the best value A/E under $1000, Takamine EF341SC vs Yamaha A3R for ease of playability. The CPX series that use the ART pickup technologies do not have microphone modeling or condenser mics in their pickup at all. However, the product bundle only costs a mere $1 more and you get a lot of accessories with it (about $80 worth). I played the A3R about a month ago and went in yesterday thinking I was playing it again to find out I was playing the A1R. On another note the A3R takes well to being tuned in other keys like open a and f. Differences between Lamintated and Solid Sides and Back. Yamaha NTX1200R has great playability that is embraced by both steel-string and electric guitarists giving it a classical move. So if you want the real deal, fork out the extra $200 or so and get an A1. If you prefer the richer, darker brown color, then the "R" or Rosewood might be for you. I currently play Babicz & Breedlove A/E's ...... which come equipped with very nice Fishman and L.R. If you like the mid-range sound you want to go with the AC3M - the M stands for Mahogany, and the AC3R for a deeper, richer sound - the R stands for Rosewood. The irony is that I haven't been able to physically hold or play a Yamaha A series guitar as all of the vendors in my area do not stock them regularly, although they can special order it within 5 days or I can order it online on my own. Subscriptions, CA That reduces your personal risk to virtually zero! I think when it comes to this kind of fine comparison for finer technical playability and feel- measurements might give a clue to begin your comparison, but the only way to know would be to personally play and touch them side by side. The idea for this reviews site actually came out of. I'm curious as to the string height others have their A series guitars set at. I went through some bad ones in college and wasted money on pickups that didn't hack it, before I knew anything about pickup technology. (Complete Comparison table of all A series models below - (A1R, A1M,  AC1R,  AC1M, A3R, A3M, AC3R, AC3M)After researching this guitar thoroughly, much of the online information surrounding this guitar is incomplete or incorrect, even on the Yamaha USA website - so I called them to get the straight facts - Yamaha USA. You brought up the fact that the SRT system (Studio Response Technology) in the Yamaha A series guitars is a modeled, recorded sound, which was hard to figure out during my research. It was a lot of work, believe me! The Royer R-122 - a ribbon style microphone is great for rounding out and smoothing the tones for Jazz and Blues playing - this microphone model gives a warmer, wider and smooth tone response for the more mellow acoustic sweetness, Mahogany sounds more punchy in the mid-range and treble or higher ranges, lacking a bit in the bass projection. Choosing a guitar is a difficult process thanks to the wealth of quality options available on the market today. What I would recommend is buying one off of Amazon.com here, and then if you have issues, just return it and get another. Call or Chat for expert advice and to hear the latest deals. With the accuracy of the on-board tuner, you can tune each string with ease and precision even in the middle of a performance. From your review it sounds like the Fender Acoustasonic 90 or the Marshall Acoustic AS50D would be great fits for my needs and budget. I am from India. Hi Aaron, where can I buy Yamaha A3R made in USA? Thanks for the great detailed review of the Yamaha A series and thanks in advance for any recommendations you might have for an amp. Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Black Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a great and convenient guitar for beginners or students. Aaron from Strumviews. Fender Player Stratocaster. Victor, Thanks for your comment! I had a set of Elixirs installed before leaving the store so that might account for some difference in its sound. I will be trying both of those amps if my dealer has them and will definitely post back here with my experiences. If you get a chance, come on back and let us know how he is enjoying it! (Studio Response Technology). Transparancy Act, The shipping company will call you to schedule your delivery date and time, Someone will need to be home to receive the package, Be sure you have measured your entryway and have help available to carry the item in. I looked at Amazon.com for this great model and they have no reviews over there to help give people a more rounded view of the guitar from other perspectives. Compressed meaning either less width or possibly flatter or tapered in thickness. Over all I am happy with the sound plugged in. The A-1 Series features Rosewood fingerboards which is a bit lighter in color, a bit cheaper than ebony and a bit less resistant to wear and tear. Unplugged, the Yamaha sounded at least as good if not better (just imagine the comparison plugged in). ***THIS PART OF THE REVIEW HAS BEEN UPDATED***: THE NEW SRT 2 Preamp vs. Now through your review I have learned that the new SRT system is actually mic simulation and not an actual mic in conjunction with the piezo pickup. The local store(small town) had several A series on hand so I played all of them for 5 mins each. Hey Chronoslomo - Thanks for the kind words! You can read more technical aspects about the LR Baggs Antem-SL here or. Aaron, Thank you so much for all the helpful information. It has Yamaha’s typical nice even tone. When you blend over to the mic, and choose the different mic modeling, it is, indeed, a micro-processor that has all of the authentic sounds modeled and stored digitally within the pickup. I totally agree that there is one that is right for each player and I might add each playing condition! Do you or anyone out there know the dimensions (i.e. It is no problem to sand it down and form it like it is meant to be by sanding it only in the middle region on the edge of a table for example. The battery box started rattling. Best bang for the buck for what has come out in the last several years! Thanks in advance!! After playing many, many guitars at local music stores I played the A3R (after reading all of the reviews). This is what makes Yamaha one of the best low end guitar producers around. 3- The aesthetics of the SRT2 are simplified with 4 smoth knobs versus the big preamp & digital display body showing on the SRT original. Considered Epiphone Masterbilt DR 500MCE? Are both the SRT and the SRT 2 system the same. Part of Yamaha's A-Series line of Yamaha acoustic-electric guitars, the AC1R Cutaway Concert features a stunning, fresh look, amazing playability and the cutting-edge S.R.T. When he and I sat down and I pointed out the cheap tuners and flimsy craftsmanship when compared to a Larrivee in the same store- his jaw about hit the floor- and nonetheless he did not go with the mass produced Gibson. The Yamaha NTX models (NTX1, NTX3 and NTX5) were designed to make it easy for electric and steel-string acoustic guitar players to add the warmth and … Nylon strings were introduced after World War 2. I am not sure what you have available in Singapore, but there are a lot of great guitars in the $1,000 to $2500 range, and the purpose of this website is to focus more on guitars in the $200 to $1500 range, because once you get into the professional lines above $1500, you really get into some very fine preferences that mostly appeal to more accomplished players. Yamaha LL16D ARE Review. With 1 push of the A.F.R. Keep Strummin! Thanks for taking the time to give us your thoughts on the Yamaha A3R series and other guitars. Having fine tuned control of the bass, mid, and treble outputs of the guitar frequencies give the more advanced player the ability to emmulate different frequencies to suit any plying style or gig. Thanks again for so much unbiased information! New guitarists seeking an affordable acoustic-electric guitar to start practicing on can check out the Yamaha FGX820C. Thousands of people read these reviews and very few send a thank you note for all the research I put into these. It's not really an issue for me as I don't play up there very often, but it definitely makes the guitar look like exactly what it is ...... a "mid-level" guitar. YOU GUYS NEED TO PLAY THIS GUITAR (YAMAHA AC3M) SIMPLY AWESOME MORE INTIMATE AND JUST SOUNDS PERFECT!!! When in my decision to buy this guitar comes in a left hand version sounded... Options available on the Yamaha without problem similar, but the built-in TransAcoustic technology an... 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