What is the body shape of the Yamaha FSX400?

The Yamaha FSX400 features a concert-style body. This shape is more compact than a standard dreadnought, resulting in a more focused sound and improved physical comfort for the player.

What type of wood is used for the top of the FSX400?

The guitar uses a spruce top. Spruce is a standard tonewood known for its strength and ability to provide a bright, clear, and articulate sound profile.

What electronics are included in the FSX400?

The guitar is equipped with the Yamaha System75 electronics. This includes an undersaddle piezo pickup and a side-mounted preamp with an EQ and tuner.

Does the FSX400 have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the System75 preamp features an integrated digital tuner. This allows players to tune the guitar quickly without the need for external devices.

What controls are available on the preamp?

The preamp includes volume control, a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble), and a phase switch. These controls allow for precise tonal shaping when plugged into an amplifier.

How does the phase switch help during a live performance?

The phase switch is used to prevent or reduce acoustic feedback. It works by reversing the polarity of the signal, which can cancel out certain frequencies that cause humming or howling at high volumes.

What is the scale length of the Yamaha FSX400?

The scale length is 25 inches (634 mm). This is slightly shorter than standard, which helps to reduce string tension and makes the guitar easier to play.

What finish is used on the FSX400?

It features an ultra-thin polyurethane finish in Smoky Black. The thinness of the coating is intentional, as it allows the wood to vibrate more freely for better resonance.

Are the tonewoods used in the FSX400 sustainable?

Yes, Yamaha specifies that the instrument is built using locally sourced tonewoods. This initiative helps reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing the instrument.

Does the FSX400 come with a pickguard?

No, the FSX400 is designed with a minimalist aesthetic and does not include a pickguard. This contributes to its clean and modern visual appearance.

What kind of sound can I expect from this guitar?

The FSX400 delivers a focused voice with a prominent midrange and clear treble response. It is less bass-heavy than larger models, making it ideal for cutting through a mix.

How does the FSX400 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The FSX400 is a full-sized concert guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4-sized travel guitar. The FSX400 offers more projection and a fuller sound, while the APXT2 is better for portability.

Gear article

Yamaha FSX400 Concert Electro Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha FSX400 is a concert-sized electro-acoustic guitar designed for stage performance and practice, featuring a modern minimalist aesthetic in a Smoky Black finish. It combines a spruce top with System75 electronics and locally sourced tonewoods to provide a focused, mid-range balanced sound.

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Overview and Construction

The Yamaha FSX400 is part of Yamaha's range of performance-oriented acoustic guitars, specifically built with a compact concert body. The construction features a spruce top supported by carefully designed internal bracing, which is intended to maximise the resonance of the soundboard. To further aid the instrument's projection, Yamaha applies an ultra-thin polyurethane finish that allows the wood to vibrate more freely than thicker coatings.

Sustainability is a key factor in its manufacturing, as the instrument is built using locally sourced tonewoods. This approach reduces the environmental footprint while maintaining the durability required for regular gigging and transport.

Design and Aesthetics

Moving away from traditional acoustic styling, the FSX400 adopts a sleek, modern 'Smoky Black' aesthetic. The design is notably minimalist, omitting standard features such as a pickguard or body binding to maintain a clean profile under stage lighting. The only significant visual accent is a crisp white soundhole inlay, which provides a high-contrast focal point against the dark finish.

Electronics and Stage Readiness

For live use, the guitar is equipped with Yamaha's System75 preamp and pickup system. This active setup provides the player with comprehensive control over their amplified tone. Key features include:

3-Band EQ: Dedicated sliders for Bass, Middle, and Treble frequencies.
Volume Control: Master output level adjustment.
Onboard Tuner: An integrated digital tuner for quick adjustments between songs.
Phase Switch: A utility to help reduce low-end acoustic feedback when playing through loud PA systems or monitors.

Playability and Sound Character

The FSX400 is characterised by a focused voice, emphasizing sweet mids and clear trebles. Because of its concert-style body, it avoids the boomy low-end often found in larger dreadnoughts, making it particularly suitable for fingerstyle playing or vocal accompaniment.

The playability is enhanced by a 634mm (25") scale length. This slightly shorter scale reduces string tension compared to standard full-scale acoustics, making fretting and bending easier for the player. The neck also features a slightly narrower profile to accommodate varied hand sizes and styles.

Market Comparison

In the entry-to-mid-level electro-acoustic market, the FSX400 competes with various alternatives. For those seeking a smaller travel-sized option, the Yamaha APXT2 or the Martin LX1E offer more portability. Players looking for traditional aesthetics or larger body styles might consider the Sigma DTC-28HE or the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon. However, the FSX400 occupies a specific niche by offering a full-performance electronics package and a contemporary concert body at a highly competitive price point near £239.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body shape of the Yamaha FSX400?: The Yamaha FSX400 features a concert-style body. This shape is more compact than a standard dreadnought, resulting in a more focused sound and improved physical comfort for the player.
What type of wood is used for the top of the FSX400?: The guitar uses a spruce top. Spruce is a standard tonewood known for its strength and ability to provide a bright, clear, and articulate sound profile.
What electronics are included in the FSX400?: The guitar is equipped with the Yamaha System75 electronics. This includes an undersaddle piezo pickup and a side-mounted preamp with an EQ and tuner.
Does the FSX400 have a built-in tuner?: Yes, the System75 preamp features an integrated digital tuner. This allows players to tune the guitar quickly without the need for external devices.
What controls are available on the preamp?: The preamp includes volume control, a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble), and a phase switch. These controls allow for precise tonal shaping when plugged into an amplifier.
How does the phase switch help during a live performance?: The phase switch is used to prevent or reduce acoustic feedback. It works by reversing the polarity of the signal, which can cancel out certain frequencies that cause humming or howling at high volumes.
What is the scale length of the Yamaha FSX400?: The scale length is 25 inches (634 mm). This is slightly shorter than standard, which helps to reduce string tension and makes the guitar easier to play.
What finish is used on the FSX400?: It features an ultra-thin polyurethane finish in Smoky Black. The thinness of the coating is intentional, as it allows the wood to vibrate more freely for better resonance.
Are the tonewoods used in the FSX400 sustainable?: Yes, Yamaha specifies that the instrument is built using locally sourced tonewoods. This initiative helps reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing the instrument.
Does the FSX400 come with a pickguard?: No, the FSX400 is designed with a minimalist aesthetic and does not include a pickguard. This contributes to its clean and modern visual appearance.
What kind of sound can I expect from this guitar?: The FSX400 delivers a focused voice with a prominent midrange and clear treble response. It is less bass-heavy than larger models, making it ideal for cutting through a mix.
How does the FSX400 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The FSX400 is a full-sized concert guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4-sized travel guitar. The FSX400 offers more projection and a fuller sound, while the APXT2 is better for portability.