What is the primary wood used for the Yamaha A5R top?

The Yamaha A5R features a solid Sitka Spruce top. This wood is treated with Yamaha's A.R.E. technology to enhance its resonance and provide a mature sound.

What does A.R.E. stand for in Yamaha guitars?

A.R.E. stands for Acoustic Resonance Enhancement. It is a patented wood reforming process that gives new wood the tonal characteristics of aged timber.

Which pre-amp system is installed in the A5R?

The guitar is equipped with the System71 pre-amp. This is paired with an SRT2 piezo pickup for high-quality amplified performance.

What type of tuners does the Yamaha A5R use?

The A5R comes fitted with Gotoh open gear tuning machines. These are known for their vintage aesthetic and professional-grade tuning stability.

Is the back and sides of the A5R solid or laminated?

The back and sides of the Yamaha A5R are made from solid Rosewood. This contributes to the instrument's rich harmonic content and projection.

How does the bracing on the A5R differ from previous models?

The A5R features a new scalloped bracing design. This specific layout is intended to increase the projection and volume of the low and mid-range frequencies.

What material is used for the nut on the A5R?

The guitar uses a high-grade TUSQ nut. TUSQ is a synthetic material designed to improve tonal consistency and sustain compared to traditional plastics.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Yamaha A5R Rosewood typically retails for approximately GBP 1599. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

What are the benefits of hand-rolled fingerboard edges?

Hand-rolled fingerboard edges provide a smoother feel and greater comfort for the fretting hand. This feature is often associated with premium, high-end instruments.

How are the electronics controlled on the A5R?

The System71 pre-amp is controlled via subtle knobs located on the top side of the guitar. This design avoids the use of large control cavities that can dampen acoustic resonance.

What finish is available for the A5R model described?

The model described comes in a Vintage Natural finish. This finish highlights the natural grain of the Sitka Spruce and Rosewood tonewoods.

Who is the Yamaha A5R most suitable for?

The A5R is designed for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts who need a reliable stage guitar. Its solid construction and advanced electronics make it ideal for life on the road.

Gear article

Yamaha A5R Rosewood Electro Acoustic

The Yamaha A5R is a professional-grade electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Rosewood back and sides. It is distinguished by Yamaha's Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) treatment and the advanced System71 pre-amp system, designed for high-performance durability and stage use.

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Background and Design

The Yamaha A5R Rosewood Electro Acoustic in Vintage Natural is a flagship model within the contemporary A-Series lineup. Developed to meet the needs of professional touring musicians, the A5 series represents a refined approach to traditional dreadnought and concert body shapes. A key differentiator for the A5R is its manufacturing origin, being crafted to high standards to ensure reliability and precision.

The instrument features a traditional look with modern ergonomic enhancements, such as hand-rolled fingerboard edges that improve playability during long sessions. The Vintage Natural finish provides a classic aesthetic that complements the high-grade tonewoods used in its construction.

Construction and Tonewoods

The A5R is built using a solid Sitka Spruce top paired with solid Rosewood back and sides. A significant technical feature is the inclusion of Yamaha's patented A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology. This chemical-free wood reforming process uses precise control of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure to manipulate the molecular properties of the wood, giving the guitar a 'played-in' tonal character from the first day.

Internally, the guitar utilises a brand new scalloped bracing design. This structural choice is specifically engineered to enhance low and mid-end projection, addressing common complaints regarding the acoustic volume and presence of traditional electro-acoustic models.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance, the A5R is equipped with the System71 pre-amp and SRT2 piezo pickup system. Unlike many electro-acoustics that feature large, invasive plastic control panels, the A5R uses subtle, elegant knobs mounted on the top side of the guitar to maintain structural integrity and a clean look.

The hardware specifications are equally professional, featuring Gotoh open gear tuning machines for stable and precise tuning. The nut and saddle are constructed from high-grade TUSQ, a synthetic material designed to transfer string vibration efficiently to the neck and top.

Sound Profile and Suitability

The combination of solid Rosewood and A.R.E. treated Spruce results in a sound characterised by deep lows, sparkling highs, and a balanced midrange. The scalloped bracing further emphasizes the bass response without sacrificing clarity. Due to its robust construction and high-quality electronics, the A5R is primarily suited for professional gigging musicians and recording artists who require a dependable workhorse.

While it shares the A-Series philosophy with other models, its premium hardware and solid-wood construction place it above entry-level alternatives, making it an ideal choice for players who have outgrown mid-tier instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary wood used for the Yamaha A5R top?: The Yamaha A5R features a solid Sitka Spruce top. This wood is treated with Yamaha's A.R.E. technology to enhance its resonance and provide a mature sound.
What does A.R.E. stand for in Yamaha guitars?: A.R.E. stands for Acoustic Resonance Enhancement. It is a patented wood reforming process that gives new wood the tonal characteristics of aged timber.
Which pre-amp system is installed in the A5R?: The guitar is equipped with the System71 pre-amp. This is paired with an SRT2 piezo pickup for high-quality amplified performance.
What type of tuners does the Yamaha A5R use?: The A5R comes fitted with Gotoh open gear tuning machines. These are known for their vintage aesthetic and professional-grade tuning stability.
Is the back and sides of the A5R solid or laminated?: The back and sides of the Yamaha A5R are made from solid Rosewood. This contributes to the instrument's rich harmonic content and projection.
How does the bracing on the A5R differ from previous models?: The A5R features a new scalloped bracing design. This specific layout is intended to increase the projection and volume of the low and mid-range frequencies.
What material is used for the nut on the A5R?: The guitar uses a high-grade TUSQ nut. TUSQ is a synthetic material designed to improve tonal consistency and sustain compared to traditional plastics.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Yamaha A5R Rosewood typically retails for approximately GBP 1599. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
What are the benefits of hand-rolled fingerboard edges?: Hand-rolled fingerboard edges provide a smoother feel and greater comfort for the fretting hand. This feature is often associated with premium, high-end instruments.
How are the electronics controlled on the A5R?: The System71 pre-amp is controlled via subtle knobs located on the top side of the guitar. This design avoids the use of large control cavities that can dampen acoustic resonance.
What finish is available for the A5R model described?: The model described comes in a Vintage Natural finish. This finish highlights the natural grain of the Sitka Spruce and Rosewood tonewoods.
Who is the Yamaha A5R most suitable for?: The A5R is designed for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts who need a reliable stage guitar. Its solid construction and advanced electronics make it ideal for life on the road.