What is the body depth of the APX700II-12?

The APX700II-12 features a thin-line body design. This profile is specifically engineered to reduce feedback during live performances and provide a more comfortable feel for players used to electric guitars.

Is the top of the guitar solid wood?

Yes, the Yamaha APX700II-12 features a solid spruce top. Solid wood tops are preferred for their superior resonance and the way their tone improves over time compared to laminated tops.

What is the ART pickup system?

The ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) system uses multilayer contact pickups to capture the vibration of the top. It is designed to provide a more natural, dynamic sound than traditional undersaddle piezo pickups.

Does this guitar have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the onboard System 64 preamp includes a built-in chromatic tuner. This allows the player to tune the 12 strings quickly and accurately without needing external devices.

What type of wood is used for the back and sides?

The back and sides are constructed from nato. Nato is often referred to as 'Eastern Mahogany' and provides a similar resonant warmth that balances the bright character of the spruce top.

How does the cutaway benefit the player?

The cutaway profile allows for easier access to the higher frets. This is particularly useful for lead playing or technical skills that require reaching the upper register of the instrument.

What strings are recommended for this model?

While it comes with standard factory strings, high-quality alternatives like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String (10-47 gauge) are commonly used to ensure longevity and consistent tone.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While 12-string guitars are more challenging to play than 6-strings due to finger pressure, the APX slim body and comfortable neck make it one of the more accessible 12-string options for learners.

How does this compare to the Yamaha FG820II 12-string?

The FG820II has a larger traditional dreadnought body which offers more acoustic volume. The APX700II-12 is designed more for stage use with its slim body and more advanced ART pickup system.

What power source does the preamp require?

The System 64 preamp typically requires AA batteries rather than the standard 9V. This design choice by Yamaha aims to provide a more stable power supply and easier battery replacement.

Can the APX700II-12 be used for genres other than folk?

Yes, its versatile tonality makes it suitable for a wide range of genres including pop, rock, and country. The electronics allow it to sit well in a full band mix without excessive feedback.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Yamaha APX700II-12 is generally priced around £745. This places it in the mid-to-high range of electro-acoustic 12-string guitars.

Gear article

Yamaha APX700II-12 Electro Acoustic 12-String Guitar

The Yamaha APX700II-12 is a professional-grade 12-string electro-acoustic guitar designed for performance, featuring styling inspired by Yamaha's flagship 1000 series. It is distinguished by its thin-line APX body profile and the proprietary Acoustic Resonance Transducer (ART) pickup system, which is engineered to capture the instrument's natural resonance during live amplification.

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Background and Design

The Yamaha APX700II-12 serves as the 12-string iteration of one of Yamaha's most enduring acoustic-electric designs. The APX series was originally conceived to provide electric guitarists with a comfortable transition to acoustic instruments, achieved through a slimmer body depth and a more accessible neck profile. The 'II' designation represents a refined generation of the model, incorporating aesthetic and structural improvements borrowed from the premium 1000 series.

The guitar features a solid spruce top, which is known for its clarity and projection, paired with nato back and sides. This combination provides a stable and resonant platform suitable for the increased tension of twelve strings. The cutaway profile is a functional inclusion intended for musicians who perform technical passages at the higher end of the fretboard.

The ART Pickup System

A defining feature of the APX700II-12 is the exclusive Acoustic Resonance Transducer (ART) pickup system. Unlike standard undersaddle piezo pickups that can produce a harsh or 'quacky' sound, the ART system uses contact transducers mounted directly to the underside of the soundboard.

This design allows the built-in preamp to faithfully replicate the natural acoustic voice of the instrument. It is specifically calibrated to capture the rich dynamics and harmonic complexity of a 12-string arrangement, ensuring that the guitar’s true persona is transmitted through an amplifier or PA system during gigging scenarios.

Fender CD-140SCE-12 Dreadnought 12-String Electro Acoustic Natural

Tonality and Sound Character

The sonic profile of the APX700II-12 is characterized by a balance of warmth and brightness. The solid spruce top provides a versatile tonality that responds well to various playing styles, from aggressive strumming to delicate fingerpicking.

The use of nato for the back and sides contributes a resonant, rich warmth that complements the spruce's top-end sparkle. Because it is a 12-string model, it naturally produces a chorused, 'orchestral' effect, though the APX body shape ensures the low-mid frequencies remain controlled rather than becoming boisterous or muddy.

Market Comparison

Within the 12-string market, the APX700II-12 sits as a performance-oriented alternative to traditional dreadnoughts. For instance, the Fender CD-140SCE-12 or the Yamaha FG820II 12-String offer larger body depths which may provide more unplugged volume but lack the ergonomic thin-line design of the APX.

Compared to retro-styled options like the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon or the Fender Villager, the APX700II-12 offers a more contemporary, sleek aesthetic. For those seeking unique visual flair, the Danelectro Vintage 12-String provides a solid-body electric alternative, whereas the Yamaha remains firmly rooted in the electro-acoustic tradition with high-fidelity ART electronics.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body depth of the APX700II-12?: The APX700II-12 features a thin-line body design. This profile is specifically engineered to reduce feedback during live performances and provide a more comfortable feel for players used to electric guitars.
Is the top of the guitar solid wood?: Yes, the Yamaha APX700II-12 features a solid spruce top. Solid wood tops are preferred for their superior resonance and the way their tone improves over time compared to laminated tops.
What is the ART pickup system?: The ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) system uses multilayer contact pickups to capture the vibration of the top. It is designed to provide a more natural, dynamic sound than traditional undersaddle piezo pickups.
Does this guitar have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the onboard System 64 preamp includes a built-in chromatic tuner. This allows the player to tune the 12 strings quickly and accurately without needing external devices.
What type of wood is used for the back and sides?: The back and sides are constructed from nato. Nato is often referred to as 'Eastern Mahogany' and provides a similar resonant warmth that balances the bright character of the spruce top.
How does the cutaway benefit the player?: The cutaway profile allows for easier access to the higher frets. This is particularly useful for lead playing or technical skills that require reaching the upper register of the instrument.
What strings are recommended for this model?: While it comes with standard factory strings, high-quality alternatives like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String (10-47 gauge) are commonly used to ensure longevity and consistent tone.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While 12-string guitars are more challenging to play than 6-strings due to finger pressure, the APX slim body and comfortable neck make it one of the more accessible 12-string options for learners.
How does this compare to the Yamaha FG820II 12-string?: The FG820II has a larger traditional dreadnought body which offers more acoustic volume. The APX700II-12 is designed more for stage use with its slim body and more advanced ART pickup system.
What power source does the preamp require?: The System 64 preamp typically requires AA batteries rather than the standard 9V. This design choice by Yamaha aims to provide a more stable power supply and easier battery replacement.
Can the APX700II-12 be used for genres other than folk?: Yes, its versatile tonality makes it suitable for a wide range of genres including pop, rock, and country. The electronics allow it to sit well in a full band mix without excessive feedback.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Yamaha APX700II-12 is generally priced around £745. This places it in the mid-to-high range of electro-acoustic 12-string guitars.