What is the size of the Yamaha APXT2?

The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size guitar, making it approximately three-quarters the scale of a standard full-sized acoustic guitar. This makes it ideal for travel and younger players.

Does the APXT2 have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the guitar features a built-in chromatic tuner as part of its System68 preamp. This allows for easy tuning without the need for external devices.

What tonewoods are used in the APXT2?

The guitar features a Spruce top and Meranti back and sides. This combination provides a clear, balanced, and versatile tone.

Is the Yamaha APXT2 an electric or acoustic guitar?

It is an electro-acoustic guitar. It can be played unplugged like a standard acoustic or plugged into an amplifier using its internal pickup system.

What finish is available for this model?

This specific version comes in an Old Violin Sunburst finish. It is also commonly available in Black.

How does the slim body affect the sound?

The slim APX-style body provides great comfort and reduces feedback when amplified. However, it provides less natural bass resonance compared to a deep-bodied dreadnought.

Is a gig bag included with the APXT2?

While specific retail bundles may vary, Yamaha typically packages the APXT2 with a dedicated soft gig bag due to its designation as a travel guitar.

What type of pickup system does it use?

The guitar uses the Yamaha System68 contact pickup. This is an active system designed specifically for the APX series to provide natural amplified tones.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its smaller scale and slim neck make it very accessible for beginners and those with smaller hands. The shorter scale length results in lower string tension, which is easier on the fingers.

How does the APXT2 compare to the Martin LX1E?

The APXT2 is generally more affordable and features a slimmer body profile similar to an electric guitar. The Martin LX1E is known for a more traditional acoustic punch but typically comes at a higher price point.

Can the APXT2 be used for live performances?

Yes, it is specifically designed for 'life on the road' and stage use. Its electronics and slim body make it easy to manage through a PA system with minimal feedback issues.

What is the scale length of the APXT2?

The APXT2 features a 3/4 scale length. This shorter distance between the nut and the bridge creates a more compact playing experience and a softer string feel.

Gear article

Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Electro Acoustic

The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size electro-acoustic guitar designed for portability and live performance. Based on the successful APX series, it features a spruce and meranti construction alongside a built-in pickup system with a tuner.

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Background and Design

The Yamaha APXT2 is the compact version of the world’s best-selling electro-acoustic guitar, the Yamaha APX series. It was developed to meet the needs of guitarists who require a smaller, travel-friendly instrument that maintains the stage-ready electronics and slim body profile of its full-sized predecessor. The 'Old Violin Sunburst' finish provides a classic aesthetic that contrasts with its modern, utilitarian design.

Construction and Tonewoods

The instrument is constructed with a spruce top and meranti back and sides. This combination is chosen for its balance of durability and tonal clarity. Spruce provides a bright, articulate response that helps the guitar cut through a mix, while meranti offers a robust structural base suitable for the rigours of travel. Despite its 3/4 scale and slim body depth, the guitar is engineered to deliver a dynamic acoustic response that reacts sensitively to the player’s technique.

Electronics and Hardware

A defining feature of the APXT2 is its integrated electronics system. It utilizes the System68 contact pickup, which is designed to capture the guitar's resonance for amplification. The preamp includes a built-in chromatic tuner, allowing for quick adjustments on stage or during travel. This active system ensures that the guitar can be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, PA system, or recording interface without the need for external microphones.

Playability and Sound

Due to its 3/4 scale length, the APXT2 offers a 'slinkier' feel with reduced string tension compared to a full-sized guitar. This makes it particularly comfortable for younger players, those with smaller hands, or fingerstyle guitarists. Sonically, the guitar delivers a clear and balanced tone. While it lacks the low-end depth of a jumbo or dreadnought body, it provides an impressively punchy midrange and crisp highs for such a compact frame.

Market Comparisons

The APXT2 occupies a competitive space in the travel guitar market. It is often compared to the Martin LX1E Little Martin and the Taylor Baby Taylor. While the Martin and Taylor models often focus on traditional acoustic resonance, the Yamaha APXT2 is specifically geared toward the performing musician, prioritizing its slim body comfort and built-in electronics. Other alternatives include the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Fender Newporter Player, though these are significantly larger instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the size of the Yamaha APXT2?: The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4 size guitar, making it approximately three-quarters the scale of a standard full-sized acoustic guitar. This makes it ideal for travel and younger players.
Does the APXT2 have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the guitar features a built-in chromatic tuner as part of its System68 preamp. This allows for easy tuning without the need for external devices.
What tonewoods are used in the APXT2?: The guitar features a Spruce top and Meranti back and sides. This combination provides a clear, balanced, and versatile tone.
Is the Yamaha APXT2 an electric or acoustic guitar?: It is an electro-acoustic guitar. It can be played unplugged like a standard acoustic or plugged into an amplifier using its internal pickup system.
What finish is available for this model?: This specific version comes in an Old Violin Sunburst finish. It is also commonly available in Black.
How does the slim body affect the sound?: The slim APX-style body provides great comfort and reduces feedback when amplified. However, it provides less natural bass resonance compared to a deep-bodied dreadnought.
Is a gig bag included with the APXT2?: While specific retail bundles may vary, Yamaha typically packages the APXT2 with a dedicated soft gig bag due to its designation as a travel guitar.
What type of pickup system does it use?: The guitar uses the Yamaha System68 contact pickup. This is an active system designed specifically for the APX series to provide natural amplified tones.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, its smaller scale and slim neck make it very accessible for beginners and those with smaller hands. The shorter scale length results in lower string tension, which is easier on the fingers.
How does the APXT2 compare to the Martin LX1E?: The APXT2 is generally more affordable and features a slimmer body profile similar to an electric guitar. The Martin LX1E is known for a more traditional acoustic punch but typically comes at a higher price point.
Can the APXT2 be used for live performances?: Yes, it is specifically designed for 'life on the road' and stage use. Its electronics and slim body make it easy to manage through a PA system with minimal feedback issues.
What is the scale length of the APXT2?: The APXT2 features a 3/4 scale length. This shorter distance between the nut and the bridge creates a more compact playing experience and a softer string feel.