What is the body style of the Yamaha APX600M?

The APX600M features a thinline body with a single cutaway. This design is intended to provide greater comfort for the player and easier access to the higher frets.

What does the 'M' in the model name stand for?

The 'M' stands for Matte, referring to the Natural Satin Matte finish of the guitar. This gives the instrument a smooth texture and a non-glossy appearance.

What is the scale length of this guitar?

The guitar has a 25-inch scale length. This is slightly shorter than standard dreadnought scales, contributing to a more comfortable playing feel and reduced string tension.

Does the APX600M include a built-in tuner?

Yes, it features an integrated digital tuner as part of its electronics package. This allows for quick and convenient tuning without the need for external devices.

What kind of electronics are used in this model?

It is equipped with a stage-focused pickup and preamp system. It includes volume control, a 3-band EQ, and a mid-frequency adjustment control.

Is the APX600M suitable for beginners?

Yes, its thinline body and narrow string spacing make it very approachable for new players. The design reduces the physical strain often associated with learning on larger acoustic guitars.

How does the sound differ from a traditional dreadnought?

Because of its thinner body, the APX600M has less low-end resonance than a dreadnought. It produces a brighter, more focused sound that is highly effective for live amplification.

Can the APX600M be played without an amplifier?

Yes, it is a fully functional acoustic guitar that can be played unplugged. However, it is designed to sound its best when used with the onboard pickup system.

What is the string spacing like on this guitar?

The APX600M features narrow string spacing. This makes it easier for players with smaller hands or those used to electric guitars to navigate the fretboard.

How does the APX600M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The APXT2 is a 3/4-sized travel version of the APX series, whereas the APX600M is a full-sized instrument with a 25-inch scale length. The APX600M offers a fuller tone and more standard fretboard dimensions.

What controls are available for tone shaping?

The guitar features a 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, High) and a Mid FQ control. These tools allow the player to precisely adjust the tonal balance to suit different rooms or mixes.

Why is this model considered 'stage-focused'?

The thinline design helps suppress acoustic feedback at high volumes, and the built-in preamp is specifically tuned for clear projection through PA systems and amplifiers.

Gear article

Yamaha APX600M Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha APX600M is a thinline electro-acoustic guitar within the renowned APX series, featuring a distinct matte natural finish and a 25-inch scale length. Designed for stage performance, it combines a slim body profile with integrated electronics and a single cutaway to enhance player comfort and accessibility.

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Overview and History

The Yamaha APX series was launched in the 1980s as a response to the growing demand for acoustic guitars that could perform effectively in high-volume stage environments. The APX600M represents a modern iteration of this lineage, maintaining the series' signature thinline body while introducing a satin matte aesthetic. This model is positioned as an accessible, performance-oriented instrument that bridges the gap between traditional acoustic resonance and the ergonomics of an electric guitar.

Design and Construction

The APX600M is defined by its thin-profile body and single cutaway, which allows players to reach the upper frets with minimal obstruction. A key feature of its construction is the 25" scale length and narrow string spacing, a combination intended to reduce string tension and make chord changes or lead lines easier for the player. The 'M' designation refers to the matte finish, providing a smooth, non-reflective surface that differs from the high-gloss alternatives in the APX range.

Electronics and Stage Features

Designed primarily for live use, the guitar is equipped with a stage-focused pickup system. The onboard control suite includes:

Volume Control: For output management.
3-Band EQ: Dedicated sliders for Low, Mid, and High frequencies.
Mid FQ: An adjustable mid-frequency control for precise tonal shaping.
Integrated Tuner: A built-in digital tuner for convenient pitch adjustments during performance.

Sound Character

Acoustically, the APX600M offers a focused and bright tone. Due to the thinline body depth, it emphasizes the mid and treble frequencies more than a traditional dreadnought, which reduces the risk of feedback when amplified. When plugged in, the System 65A electronics allow the user to dial in a natural acoustic character while retaining the clarity needed to cut through a full band mix.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is particularly suited for electric guitarists transitioning to acoustic, live performers who require comfort during long sets, and beginners who may find full-sized acoustic bodies cumbersome. Compared to smaller travel alternatives like the Yamaha APXT2 3/4 or the Martin LX1E Little Martin, the APX600M offers a full-scale playing experience. In contrast to larger instruments like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E, the APX600M sacrifices raw acoustic volume for superior ergonomic comfort and feedback control.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body style of the Yamaha APX600M?: The APX600M features a thinline body with a single cutaway. This design is intended to provide greater comfort for the player and easier access to the higher frets.
What does the 'M' in the model name stand for?: The 'M' stands for Matte, referring to the Natural Satin Matte finish of the guitar. This gives the instrument a smooth texture and a non-glossy appearance.
What is the scale length of this guitar?: The guitar has a 25-inch scale length. This is slightly shorter than standard dreadnought scales, contributing to a more comfortable playing feel and reduced string tension.
Does the APX600M include a built-in tuner?: Yes, it features an integrated digital tuner as part of its electronics package. This allows for quick and convenient tuning without the need for external devices.
What kind of electronics are used in this model?: It is equipped with a stage-focused pickup and preamp system. It includes volume control, a 3-band EQ, and a mid-frequency adjustment control.
Is the APX600M suitable for beginners?: Yes, its thinline body and narrow string spacing make it very approachable for new players. The design reduces the physical strain often associated with learning on larger acoustic guitars.
How does the sound differ from a traditional dreadnought?: Because of its thinner body, the APX600M has less low-end resonance than a dreadnought. It produces a brighter, more focused sound that is highly effective for live amplification.
Can the APX600M be played without an amplifier?: Yes, it is a fully functional acoustic guitar that can be played unplugged. However, it is designed to sound its best when used with the onboard pickup system.
What is the string spacing like on this guitar?: The APX600M features narrow string spacing. This makes it easier for players with smaller hands or those used to electric guitars to navigate the fretboard.
How does the APX600M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The APXT2 is a 3/4-sized travel version of the APX series, whereas the APX600M is a full-sized instrument with a 25-inch scale length. The APX600M offers a fuller tone and more standard fretboard dimensions.
What controls are available for tone shaping?: The guitar features a 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, High) and a Mid FQ control. These tools allow the player to precisely adjust the tonal balance to suit different rooms or mixes.
Why is this model considered 'stage-focused'?: The thinline design helps suppress acoustic feedback at high volumes, and the built-in preamp is specifically tuned for clear projection through PA systems and amplifiers.