What's considered the best Yamaha Acoustic?

[Synthscapes5000]

Just curious what the board thinks-- what is your Yamaha Creme-de-le-creme? Bonus points for a compelling justification!
thank you!

[Saul]

You will probably get quite a wide variety of answers for a question like that

I don't play that many Yamaha acoustics these days. I prefer other brands for various reasons. But sticking with the Yamaha theme I would probably lean towards the AC3R. It has been out for many years but I still like the combo of solid Sitka Spruce top with solid Rosewood back and sides.

The AC3R has a certain brightness without being too harsh and a good dynamic range. You can play with a very light touch and not lose anything. I am not a believer in the back and sides adding much to the overall tone of a guitar but I would say that in this particular case it probably adds some complex overtones into the mix.

And then I just like the look and feel of the guitar. I had one when they first came out. My brother-in-law has it now and he would never part with it.

[Mimasu]

Best Yamaha acoustic I own and have ever owned is my early 80'ies L25A with Brazilian Rosewood back & sides.

Also had some high end LL's but still think the L25A was better.

Since a few years there is the FG9 series and I played some of them. I must admit they beat my beloved L25A.

I think at the moment the FG9R is the best Yamaha acoustic around.


Leon

[Synthscapes5000]

Awesome - I'm checking these out. I like acoustics and I like yamaha musical equipment, but never had a higher end Yam acoustic. I do a mellower, darker tone on Acoustic, (Alice in Chains is the only popular comp), what Yama would you recommend for that vibe?

[Saul]

Awesome - I'm checking these out. I like acoustics and I like yamaha musical equipment, but never had a higher end Yam acoustic. I do a mellower, darker tone on Acoustic, (Alice in Chains is the only popular comp), what Yama would you recommend for that vibe?

As far as I know Jerry Cantrell plays or played Guild and Gibson acoustics, which coincidenely lines up nicely with this post because Yamaha now owns Guild Guitars or more precicely Córdoba Music of which Guild Guitars is a part of.

Jerry plays the Guild JF-55 which I think is no longer in production? And the Gibson Hummingbird.

I think you can get the same or similar sound with a Yamaha but a lot has to do with playing technique as much as it does the guitar used. Although you would probably want to stick with a Jumbo/Dreadnaught in order to get as close to the sound you want as possible.

There are a huge number of Yamaha guitar models you could go with but a lot depends on your budget. How much do you want to spend?

[Belvedere]

I have an LLX25C ARE, don't know if it is the best yamaha atm, sure is the best i've ever (poorly) played though.

[Synthscapes5000]

I wish I had the dough to try all these. Would you say that yamaha acoustics come off the line consistently or is there much variance between identical models?

[Saul]

I wish I had the dough to try all these. Would you say that yamaha acoustics come off the line consistently or is there much variance between identical models?

Mostly they are pretty consistent, especially the upper end of Yamaha's guitar range.

For the low to mid-range, as with any mass produced product there are some not so well finished that make it through quality control. It has become more noticeable over the last few years but on the whole Yamaha guitars are well made.

[Belvedere]

Mostly they are pretty consistent, especially the upper end of Yamaha's guitar range.

For the low to mid-range, as with any mass produced product there are some not so well finished that make it through quality control. It has become more noticeable over the last few years but on the whole Yamaha guitars are well made.

Yep, this is true.
I'd say high end yamahas are the most consistent in the group of major mass producers.

[Synthscapes5000]

Mostly they are pretty consistent, especially the upper end of Yamaha's guitar range.

For the low to mid-range, as with any mass produced product there are some not so well finished that make it through quality control. It has become more noticeable over the last few years but on the whole Yamaha guitars are well made.

Yep, this is true.
I'd say high end yamahas are the most consistent in the group of major mass producers.

I believe that. I know I'm asking broad and obviously debatable questions, but I'm just trying to get a generalized big picture. Anyway, is there a golden era of quality for Yamaha Acoustics?

[Saul]

I think they have always been good it is just that these days you cannot take quality for granted just because it has the 'Yamaha' name on the headstock. Ideally if you are buying an acoustic guitar you will try it before spending your cash.

Even two models of the same guitar can sound and feel different. Wood is an organic material and no two pieces are the same. Build methods can be precise but there are still marginal differences in how an acoustic guitar goes together.

There are many variables involved so a "hands-on" approach is always best.

However, if I were to pick a time when, probably most would agree was that "golden age" it would very likely bethe 1970's and into the early 1980's. The L series being top of the list.

[amwilburn]

Not sure this qualifies as best, but just tried the all solid FG5 II Red Label... and *wow*. Thicker than any Taylor I've tried at that price. A little lighter /not as bass heavy as a D28/D35 (but also half the price!)

Makes me wish we had the FG9R on hand to try!

Mark

[Saul]

Yamaha's Red Label guitars are superb! They are not the most aesthetically pleasing, no frills at all but in terms of sound and playability they are right up there with guitars costing three times as much