What is the primary body style of the Yamaha APX700II?

The Yamaha APX700II features a thinline APX body, which is thinner than a traditional acoustic guitar to improve comfort and reduce feedback during live performances.

What kind of electronics are used in this model?

The guitar is equipped with the Yamaha System 64 A.R.T. (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) contact pickup system, designed for natural tone reproduction.

How does the neck profile compare to a standard acoustic?

It features a slim neck profile that is designed to feel more like an electric guitar, making it easier for electric players to transition to acoustic.

What is the benefit of the oval soundhole?

The oval-shaped soundhole is designed to thicken the lower-mid frequencies and provide a louder, more open low-end response compared to standard round soundholes.

Which musical genres is the APX700II suitable for?

This guitar is highly versatile and accommodates almost any genre, including pop, rock, blues, country, and folk.

Is the APX700II suitable for live stage use?

Yes, it is specifically described as being 'dying to be up on stage' due to its comfortable thinline design and advanced A.R.T. electronics.

How much does the Yamaha APX700II typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £729, placing it in the mid-to-high professional bracket for electro-acoustics.

Does the APX700II have a distinct tonal character?

Yes, it is known for its 'delicious' range of tones, featuring a dynamic nature that combines acoustic warmth with a punchy, electric-like feel.

How does this model compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The APX700II is a full-sized professional instrument, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel version of the same design concept.

What makes the A.R.T. technology different from standard pickups?

A.R.T. technology uses contact pickups to capture the resonance of the guitar's top, rather than just the strings, resulting in a more authentic acoustic sound when amplified.

Is the Yamaha APX700II available in different colours?

This specific reference details the 'Natural' finish, though other models in the series may come in different colours like Black or Sunburst.

Does this guitar suit beginners or professionals?

While its ease of play suits all levels, its price and high-quality System 64 electronics make it particularly attractive to passionate performers and professional gigging musicians.

Gear article

Yamaha APX700II Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha APX700II is a thinline electro-acoustic guitar designed to bridge the gap between electric playability and acoustic resonance. Featuring a slim neck profile and Yamaha's proprietary A.R.T. pickup technology, it is specifically engineered for live performance across diverse genres.

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Background and Design Philosophy

The Yamaha APX series was originally conceived to provide electric guitarists with a seamless transition to acoustic performance. The APX700II represents an evolution of this concept, focusing on a thinline body depth that reduces the bulk of traditional dreadnoughts while maintaining structural integrity and projection. The 'Natural' finish highlights the classic aesthetics of the instrument, positioning it as a professional-tier tool for the gigging musician.

Technical Specifications and Electronics

Central to the APX700II's performance is the System 64 A.R.T. (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) electronics. Unlike standard undersaddle piezo pickups that can produce a 'quacky' sound, the A.R.T. contact pickups are designed to capture the natural vibration of the guitar's top. This system ensures that the dynamic nuances of the player's style are translated accurately through an amplifier or PA system. The guitar also features a slim neck profile, which facilitates faster playing and reduces hand fatigue for those accustomed to electric instruments.

Acoustic Character and Soundhole Design

One of the most distinctive features of the APX700II is its oval-shaped soundhole. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it is engineered to thicken the lower-mid frequencies and produce a louder, more open low-end response. This helps compensate for the thinner body depth, ensuring a 'delicious' range of tones that remain balanced. The result is a sound that is punchy enough for rock and pop, yet delicate enough for folk and country styles.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to full-sized alternatives like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E Jumbo, the APX700II offers significantly better ergonomics and feedback resistance due to its smaller body. For players seeking a more travel-friendly or compact option, Yamaha's own APXT2 3/4 scale models serve as smaller siblings, while the Martin LX1E offers a different tonal palette in a 'Little Martin' format. The APX700II sits in a mid-range professional bracket, offering more advanced electronics than the Fender Newporter Player but at a significantly more accessible price point than high-end boutique models like the Taylor PS14ce.

Ideal Users and Applications

The APX700II is primarily suited for 'passionate performers' who require a reliable stage instrument. Its versatility allows it to accommodate a wide array of genres, including:

Pop and Rock: The slim neck and feedback-resistant body are ideal for high-volume stages.
Blues and Country: The mid-range focus provides clarity for lead lines and fingerpicking.
Folk: The open low-end supports rhythmic strumming without overpowering vocals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body style of the Yamaha APX700II?: The Yamaha APX700II features a thinline APX body, which is thinner than a traditional acoustic guitar to improve comfort and reduce feedback during live performances.
What kind of electronics are used in this model?: The guitar is equipped with the Yamaha System 64 A.R.T. (Acoustic Resonance Transducer) contact pickup system, designed for natural tone reproduction.
How does the neck profile compare to a standard acoustic?: It features a slim neck profile that is designed to feel more like an electric guitar, making it easier for electric players to transition to acoustic.
What is the benefit of the oval soundhole?: The oval-shaped soundhole is designed to thicken the lower-mid frequencies and provide a louder, more open low-end response compared to standard round soundholes.
Which musical genres is the APX700II suitable for?: This guitar is highly versatile and accommodates almost any genre, including pop, rock, blues, country, and folk.
Is the APX700II suitable for live stage use?: Yes, it is specifically described as being 'dying to be up on stage' due to its comfortable thinline design and advanced A.R.T. electronics.
How much does the Yamaha APX700II typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £729, placing it in the mid-to-high professional bracket for electro-acoustics.
Does the APX700II have a distinct tonal character?: Yes, it is known for its 'delicious' range of tones, featuring a dynamic nature that combines acoustic warmth with a punchy, electric-like feel.
How does this model compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The APX700II is a full-sized professional instrument, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel version of the same design concept.
What makes the A.R.T. technology different from standard pickups?: A.R.T. technology uses contact pickups to capture the resonance of the guitar's top, rather than just the strings, resulting in a more authentic acoustic sound when amplified.
Is the Yamaha APX700II available in different colours?: This specific reference details the 'Natural' finish, though other models in the series may come in different colours like Black or Sunburst.
Does this guitar suit beginners or professionals?: While its ease of play suits all levels, its price and high-quality System 64 electronics make it particularly attractive to passionate performers and professional gigging musicians.