What body style is the Yamaha AC1M?

The AC1M features a concert body shape with a cutaway. This design is slightly smaller and more comfortable for many players than a standard dreadnought, while the cutaway allows for better access to higher frets.

What wood is used for the guitar's top?

The guitar uses a solid Sitka spruce top. Solid wood tops are preferred for their ability to vibrate more freely and improve in tone as the instrument ages compared to laminated tops.

Is the Yamaha AC1M suitable for touring?

Yes, Yamaha has specifically designed this model for busy touring artists and working musicians. It is built with high-quality standards intended to withstand the demands of life on the road and regular gigging.

Does the AC1M have a built-in tuner?

The AC1M comes equipped with a built-in preamp system. This system includes controls to dial in the tone and manage the output of the under-saddle pickup for live performances.

What finish is available for this model?

This specific version of the AC1M is finished in a Tobacco Brown Sunburst. This provides a classic, vintage aesthetic that highlights the wood grain under a dark, graduated stain.

How does the AC1M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The AC1M is a full-sized professional concert guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The AC1M offers a fuller sound and a solid wood top, which the smaller APXT2 lacks.

What is the primary tonewood for the back and sides?

The back and sides of the AC1M are constructed from mahogany. Mahogany is known for providing a warm, woody midrange that complements the brightness of the spruce top.

Can the AC1M be played without an amplifier?

Yes, as an electro-acoustic, it functions perfectly as a standard acoustic guitar. The solid Sitka spruce top ensures a bright, crisp, and gorgeous natural sound even when unplugged.

What type of pickup does the AC1M use?

It features an under-saddle piezo pickup. This type of pickup is standard for electro-acoustics because it effectively captures string vibrations and is less prone to feedback at high volumes.

Who is the Yamaha AC1M designed for?

It is designed for guitarists who demand high performance and versatility across any genre. It is particularly well-suited for 'working musicians' who perform on local circuits or tour internationally.

How does the AC1M compare to a Martin LX1E?

The Martin LX1E is a compact, 'Little Martin' travel guitar, whereas the AC1M is a full-sized concert instrument. The AC1M will generally offer more projection and a wider dynamic range due to its larger body size.

What is the typical price for a new Yamaha AC1M?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £648. This positions it as a mid-range instrument that offers professional features like a solid top and integrated electronics at an accessible price.

Gear article

Yamaha AC1M Mahogany Electro Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha AC1M is a concert-sized electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Designed for both professional and touring musicians, it integrates a built-in preamp and under-saddle pickup system to facilitate performance in live environments.

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Overview

The Yamaha AC1M Mahogany is part of a series designed to meet the demands of working musicians who require a reliable, versatile instrument. Finished in a Tobacco Brown Sunburst, this guitar utilises a concert-style body with a cutaway, providing easier access to the upper frets compared to traditional dreadnought designs. It is marketed as a 'new breed' of electro-acoustic that balances traditional craftsmanship with modern electronics.

Construction and Design

The instrument is constructed with a solid Sitka spruce top, a choice known for providing a bright and crisp tonal foundation. The back and sides are made from mahogany, which contributes to the guitar's structural integrity and resonance. Yamaha emphasises durability in this model, pitching it as an instrument built for the rigours of the road and frequent touring. The concert body size offers a more compact alternative to larger jumbo or dreadnought models, such as the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon.

Electronics and Sound

Equipped for amplified performance, the AC1M features an under-saddle piezo pickup and an onboard preamp system. The controls are designed to be simple yet powerful, allowing players to dial in their sound quickly during a gig. The electronics are engineered to retain the natural charisma and charm of the acoustic strings when plugged into a PA system or amplifier. Unplugged, the combination of spruce and mahogany delivers a dynamic, natural sound suitable for various genres.

Market Position and Comparison

At a price point of approximately £648, the AC1M sits in a competitive mid-range market. It serves as a full-sized alternative to travel guitars like the Yamaha APXT2 or the Martin LX1E Little Martin. While it lacks the premium price tag of high-end instruments like the Taylor Presentation PS14ce, it offers the 'solid top' construction desired by serious players, putting it in a similar class to the Sigma DTC-28HE or the Fender Newporter Player.

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Frequently asked questions

What body style is the Yamaha AC1M?: The AC1M features a concert body shape with a cutaway. This design is slightly smaller and more comfortable for many players than a standard dreadnought, while the cutaway allows for better access to higher frets.
What wood is used for the guitar's top?: The guitar uses a solid Sitka spruce top. Solid wood tops are preferred for their ability to vibrate more freely and improve in tone as the instrument ages compared to laminated tops.
Is the Yamaha AC1M suitable for touring?: Yes, Yamaha has specifically designed this model for busy touring artists and working musicians. It is built with high-quality standards intended to withstand the demands of life on the road and regular gigging.
Does the AC1M have a built-in tuner?: The AC1M comes equipped with a built-in preamp system. This system includes controls to dial in the tone and manage the output of the under-saddle pickup for live performances.
What finish is available for this model?: This specific version of the AC1M is finished in a Tobacco Brown Sunburst. This provides a classic, vintage aesthetic that highlights the wood grain under a dark, graduated stain.
How does the AC1M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The AC1M is a full-sized professional concert guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar. The AC1M offers a fuller sound and a solid wood top, which the smaller APXT2 lacks.
What is the primary tonewood for the back and sides?: The back and sides of the AC1M are constructed from mahogany. Mahogany is known for providing a warm, woody midrange that complements the brightness of the spruce top.
Can the AC1M be played without an amplifier?: Yes, as an electro-acoustic, it functions perfectly as a standard acoustic guitar. The solid Sitka spruce top ensures a bright, crisp, and gorgeous natural sound even when unplugged.
What type of pickup does the AC1M use?: It features an under-saddle piezo pickup. This type of pickup is standard for electro-acoustics because it effectively captures string vibrations and is less prone to feedback at high volumes.
Who is the Yamaha AC1M designed for?: It is designed for guitarists who demand high performance and versatility across any genre. It is particularly well-suited for 'working musicians' who perform on local circuits or tour internationally.
How does the AC1M compare to a Martin LX1E?: The Martin LX1E is a compact, 'Little Martin' travel guitar, whereas the AC1M is a full-sized concert instrument. The AC1M will generally offer more projection and a wider dynamic range due to its larger body size.
What is the typical price for a new Yamaha AC1M?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £648. This positions it as a mid-range instrument that offers professional features like a solid top and integrated electronics at an accessible price.