What is the primary feature of the Yamaha APX700II-12?

The primary feature is the thinline cutaway body design paired with the proprietary ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) pickup system, designed for high-quality live performance.

How many strings does this model have?

This specific model is a 12-string guitar, offering a rich, choral sound by pairing standard strings with octave and unison courses.

What is the typical price for the APX700II-12 in Black?

The instrument typically retails for approximately £769 in the United Kingdom.

How does the ART pickup system differ from standard pickups?

The ART system is designed to capture the guitar's full body resonance and natural dynamics rather than just string vibration, resulting in a more faithful recreation of the acoustic tone.

Is the APX700II-12 suitable for stage use?

Yes, its thinline body is specifically designed to minimize feedback at higher volumes and provide better ergonomics for standing performers.

Which Yamaha series drives the styling of the 700 series?

The styling and specifications of the 700 series are driven by the higher-end Yamaha 1000-series guitars.

What is the difference between APX and CPX models in this range?

While both use ART pickups, the APX features a slimmer body for stage comfort, while the CPX has a larger body for increased unplugged resonance.

What color is this specific model?

The model described is finished in a Black gloss.

Does this guitar feature a cutaway?

Yes, it features the signature APX cutaway body, which allows for easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.

Is the ART pickup exclusive to certain models?

Yes, the manufacturer describes the ART pickup system as an exclusive feature of these specific electro-acoustic series.

Who is the intended user for the APX700II-12?

It is suited for guitarists who need the lush sound of a 12-string guitar in a live amplified setting without the bulk of a full-sized acoustic.

Can the ART system handle the dynamics of 12 strings?

Yes, it is specifically engineered to recreate the subtle differences in tone and dynamics, ensuring the character of the 12-string configuration is preserved.

Gear article

Yamaha APX700II-12 Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha APX700II-12 is a 12-string electro-acoustic guitar designed for performance, featuring a thin-line body and Yamaha's proprietary Acoustic Resonance Transducer (ART) pickup system. It serves as a middle-tier professional instrument that balances the cosmetic styling of the 1000-series with high-fidelity electronics optimized for natural resonance.

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Background and Design

The Yamaha APX series was originally introduced in the late 1980s to provide acoustic guitarists with a comfortable, slim-bodied instrument suitable for live performance. The APX700II-12 continues this legacy by offering a 12-string configuration within the thinline chassis. This specific model draws its aesthetic inspiration and specifications from the premium 1000-series, positioned as a versatile workhorse for touring musicians.

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 'quack', the ART system is designed to capture the guitar's full body resonance. By faithful recreation of natural tone and dynamics, the system ensures that the unique harmonic complexity of twelve strings is transmitted accurately to an amplifier or PA system.

Playability and Construction

The APX700II-12 features a cutaway design that allows easier access to the upper frets, which is often difficult on traditional 12-string dreadnoughts. The thinline body depth reduces feedback when playing at high volumes, a common issue for electro-acoustic instruments. While it maintains a smaller footprint, the construction is geared towards retaining the character of the wood and the specific nuances of the APX body shape.

Comparative Context

Within the Yamaha catalogue, the APX700II-12 sits alongside the CPX series. While both utilize the ART pickup system to recreate natural tones, the APX body is focused on stage comfort and mid-range clarity, whereas the CPX (Compass) series offers a larger body for more unplugged bass response. Compared to entry-level 12-strings, the 700II-12 offers professional-grade electronics and higher-tier hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary feature of the Yamaha APX700II-12?: The primary feature is the thinline cutaway body design paired with the proprietary ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) pickup system, designed for high-quality live performance.
How many strings does this model have?: This specific model is a 12-string guitar, offering a rich, choral sound by pairing standard strings with octave and unison courses.
What is the typical price for the APX700II-12 in Black?: The instrument typically retails for approximately £769 in the United Kingdom.
How does the ART pickup system differ from standard pickups?: The ART system is designed to capture the guitar's full body resonance and natural dynamics rather than just string vibration, resulting in a more faithful recreation of the acoustic tone.
Is the APX700II-12 suitable for stage use?: Yes, its thinline body is specifically designed to minimize feedback at higher volumes and provide better ergonomics for standing performers.
Which Yamaha series drives the styling of the 700 series?: The styling and specifications of the 700 series are driven by the higher-end Yamaha 1000-series guitars.
What is the difference between APX and CPX models in this range?: While both use ART pickups, the APX features a slimmer body for stage comfort, while the CPX has a larger body for increased unplugged resonance.
What color is this specific model?: The model described is finished in a Black gloss.
Does this guitar feature a cutaway?: Yes, it features the signature APX cutaway body, which allows for easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.
Is the ART pickup exclusive to certain models?: Yes, the manufacturer describes the ART pickup system as an exclusive feature of these specific electro-acoustic series.
Who is the intended user for the APX700II-12?: It is suited for guitarists who need the lush sound of a 12-string guitar in a live amplified setting without the bulk of a full-sized acoustic.
Can the ART system handle the dynamics of 12 strings?: Yes, it is specifically engineered to recreate the subtle differences in tone and dynamics, ensuring the character of the 12-string configuration is preserved.