What is the main difference between the APX500 and the APX600?

The APX600 features an improved bracing pattern designed to enhance bass response compared to its predecessor. It also utilizes a refined oval soundhole to improve the lower-mid frequency output.

What tonewoods are used in the construction of the APX600?

The guitar features a spruce top and nato back and sides. The fingerboard is constructed from rosewood, which adds warmth to the overall tone.

Is the Yamaha APX600 a full-sized guitar?

Yes, it is a full-scale guitar, but it features a 'thin-line' body depth. This makes it shallower than a standard dreadnought acoustic, prioritizing comfort and stage ergonomics.

What pickup system is installed in the APX600?

The instrument is equipped with an SRT piezo pickup and a SYSTEM65 preamp. This system is designed specifically for stage performance and dynamic tone shaping.

How does the oval soundhole affect the sound?

The APX oval soundhole is engineered to thicken the lower-mid response. This design helps the thin-bodied guitar produce a more substantial and resonant sound.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the APX600 is highly recommended for beginners due to its comfortable thin body and easy playability. The built-in tuner in the SYSTEM65 preamp also assists new players in keeping the instrument in tune.

Does the Yamaha APX600 require a battery?

Yes, because it features an active SYSTEM65 preamp, a battery is required to power the electronics for amplification and the onboard tuner. The battery compartment is usually easily accessible on the side of the guitar.

How does the APX600 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The APX600 is a full-sized thin-line guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 scale travel version. The APXT2 is smaller and more portable, but the APX600 offers a fuller sound and standard scale length.

Can the APX600 be used for various playing styles?

The combination of spruce and nato makes the APX600 versatile enough for strumming, fingerpicking, and lead playing. Its balanced tone works well across folk, pop, and rock genres.

What is the typical price for a Yamaha APX600?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £299. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific finish options.

What does the 'Natural' designation refer to?

The 'Natural' designation refers to the finish of the spruce top, which is left with a clear coat to show the light, organic grain of the wood rather than being painted a solid colour.

How does the thin body affect the acoustic volume?

While the thin body is quieter unplugged than a jumbo or dreadnought guitar, the APX600 is specifically braced to maximize its acoustic resonance. It is primarily designed to sound its best when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Gear article

Yamaha APX600 Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha APX600 is a thin-line electro-acoustic guitar designed for performance comfort and stage use. Succeeding the popular APX500 series, it features an upgraded bracing pattern and specialized electronics to deliver a balanced acoustic-electric tone in a compact format.

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Overview and Design

The Yamaha APX600 represents an evolution of the APX500, one of the world's most successful electro-acoustic models. It is defined by its thin-line body profile, which is significantly shallower than a standard dreadnought, making it more accessible for electric guitarists or players with smaller frames. The body is constructed using a spruce top paired with nato back and sides, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood to provide additional warmth and depth to the overall resonance.

Technical Innovations

A primary focus of the APX600 design is the optimization of low-end frequencies, which can sometimes be lacking in thin-bodied guitars. Yamaha introduced a new bracing pattern specifically designed to increase bass response. Furthermore, the distinctive APX oval soundhole has been retained and refined to thicken the lower-mid frequency response, resulting in a more robust and full-bodied sound when played acoustically.

Electronics and Stage Performance

Designed as a stage-focused instrument, the APX600 is equipped with the Yamaha SYSTEM65 preamp and an SRT piezo pickup. This combination allows for dynamic live performances with extensive tone-shaping capabilities. The preamp system typically includes controls for volume, a three-band equaliser, and an integrated tuner, ensuring the player can maintain pitch and adjust their sound signature directly from the instrument.

Sound Character and Playability

The sound of the APX600 is characterised by its balance and clarity. The spruce and nato construction offers a bright, versatile tone suitable for various musical genres. Due to its reduced body depth and narrow string spacing, the guitar offers high levels of comfort, particularly for long performances or for those who find traditional acoustic bodies cumbersome. The rosewood fingerboard adds a layer of smoothness to the feel and a touch of harmonic complexity to the sustain.

Market Context and Alternatives

Occupying the entry-to-mid-level price bracket at approximately £299, the APX600 competes with a variety of travel and stage acoustics. For those seeking a more compact 3/4 size, Yamaha offers the APXT2. Players looking for a more traditional, larger body might consider the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E. In the same category of contemporary stage acoustics, the Fender Newporter Player serves as a notable alternative, while higher-end professional needs are met by instruments like the Taylor PS14ce.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the APX500 and the APX600?: The APX600 features an improved bracing pattern designed to enhance bass response compared to its predecessor. It also utilizes a refined oval soundhole to improve the lower-mid frequency output.
What tonewoods are used in the construction of the APX600?: The guitar features a spruce top and nato back and sides. The fingerboard is constructed from rosewood, which adds warmth to the overall tone.
Is the Yamaha APX600 a full-sized guitar?: Yes, it is a full-scale guitar, but it features a 'thin-line' body depth. This makes it shallower than a standard dreadnought acoustic, prioritizing comfort and stage ergonomics.
What pickup system is installed in the APX600?: The instrument is equipped with an SRT piezo pickup and a SYSTEM65 preamp. This system is designed specifically for stage performance and dynamic tone shaping.
How does the oval soundhole affect the sound?: The APX oval soundhole is engineered to thicken the lower-mid response. This design helps the thin-bodied guitar produce a more substantial and resonant sound.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, the APX600 is highly recommended for beginners due to its comfortable thin body and easy playability. The built-in tuner in the SYSTEM65 preamp also assists new players in keeping the instrument in tune.
Does the Yamaha APX600 require a battery?: Yes, because it features an active SYSTEM65 preamp, a battery is required to power the electronics for amplification and the onboard tuner. The battery compartment is usually easily accessible on the side of the guitar.
How does the APX600 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The APX600 is a full-sized thin-line guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 scale travel version. The APXT2 is smaller and more portable, but the APX600 offers a fuller sound and standard scale length.
Can the APX600 be used for various playing styles?: The combination of spruce and nato makes the APX600 versatile enough for strumming, fingerpicking, and lead playing. Its balanced tone works well across folk, pop, and rock genres.
What is the typical price for a Yamaha APX600?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £299. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific finish options.
What does the 'Natural' designation refer to?: The 'Natural' designation refers to the finish of the spruce top, which is left with a clear coat to show the light, organic grain of the wood rather than being painted a solid colour.
How does the thin body affect the acoustic volume?: While the thin body is quieter unplugged than a jumbo or dreadnought guitar, the APX600 is specifically braced to maximize its acoustic resonance. It is primarily designed to sound its best when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.