What does the 'LJ' in Yamaha LJ16 stand for?

LJ stands for 'Little Jumbo,' which refers to Yamaha's medium-jumbo body shape. It is designed to provide the volume and presence of a jumbo guitar with slightly more compact dimensions for comfort.

What is Yamaha ARE technology?

Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) is a wood-ageing process that uses temperature and pressure to alter the wood's molecular structure. This gives the new guitar the resonant characteristics of a vintage, well-played instrument.

Is the LJ16 ARE made of solid wood?

Yes, the Yamaha LJ16 ARE features all-solid construction. It uses a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood for the back and sides.

What type of pickup system does it use?

It uses the Yamaha SRT Zero-Impact pickup. This is a passive under-saddle system designed to have no visible controls on the body, preserving the guitar's acoustic resonance.

Does this guitar require a battery for the pickup?

No, the Zero-Impact pickup is a passive system. It does not require an internal battery, though you may need an external preamp or a high-quality DI box for the best signal strength when plugging into a PA.

What is the benefit of a 5-ply neck?

The 5-ply mahogany and rosewood neck design increases structural strength. This makes the neck more resistant to warping and improves overall tuning stability and sustain.

What wood is used for the fingerboard?

The fingerboard is made from solid ebony. Ebony is preferred for its durability, smooth feel, and bright tonal contribution.

How does Engelmann spruce differ from Sitka spruce?

Engelmann spruce is generally lighter and less stiff than Sitka spruce. This often results in a more responsive top that excels at lower volumes and fingerstyle playing.

What is the typical price for a Yamaha LJ16 ARE?

In the UK market, this model typically retails for approximately GBP 999, though prices can vary based on the specific finish and retailer.

Is the LJ16 ARE suitable for professional recording?

Yes, its all-solid wood construction and ARE treatment provide a rich tonal palette suitable for studio use, while the Zero-Impact pickup offers a clean signal for direct recording.

How does the LJ16 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The LJ16 is a full-sized, all-solid wood professional instrument. The APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar with laminate construction, intended for portability rather than maximum tonal depth.

What finish is available for this model?

The specific model described features a Sunburst finish, though the L-series is also produced in other traditional finishes like Natural.

Gear article

Yamaha LJ16 ARE Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha LJ16 ARE is a medium-jumbo electro-acoustic guitar featuring solid rosewood back and sides and a solid Engelmann spruce top treated with Yamaha's Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) technology. Released as part of a redesigned series to commemorate Yamaha's 40th anniversary, it combines traditional acoustic resonance with a discrete Zero-Impact pickup system for amplified performance.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Yamaha LJ16 ARE was introduced as part of a significant redesign of Yamaha's L-Series to mark the 40th anniversary of the line. The 'LJ' designation stands for 'Little Jumbo,' a body shape designed to offer a wide dynamic range and comfortable seated playability.

Construction features a premium solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. A notable design element is the 5-ply neck, crafted from layers of mahogany and rosewood. This multi-ply approach is intended to provide superior strength and tuning stability compared to standard one-piece necks while contributing to a richer tonal response.

Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE)

A defining feature of the LJ16 is the application of Yamaha's proprietary Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) technology. This is a non-chemical wood reforming process that uses precise control of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

By manipulating the molecular properties of the wood to match those of an instrument that has been played for many years, ARE aims to provide the LJ16 with a 'broken-in' sound immediately upon manufacture. This results in improved tonal sustain and a more responsive low-end vibration.

Sound and Character

The combination of the medium-jumbo body and solid tonewoods produces a well-balanced tone characterized by a powerful low-end and crisp highs. The use of solid rosewood for the back and sides provides a complex harmonic profile with a strong presence across the frequency spectrum.

The ebony fingerboard contributes to a fast, bright attack, while the solid Engelmann spruce top—known for being softer and more responsive than Sitka spruce—allows for high sensitivity to varying playing dynamics, from light fingerstyle to heavy strumming.

Electronics and Hardware

For live performance, the LJ16 ARE is equipped with Yamaha’s Zero-Impact pickup system. This is a passive under-saddle design that utilises individual piezoelectric elements for each string.

Crucially, the system is designed to be discrete; it does not require a large preamp hole cut into the side of the guitar, thereby preserving the structural integrity and natural resonance of the instrument. While it offers a high-quality signal for recording or PA connection, it maintains the traditional aesthetic of a purely acoustic guitar.

Market Comparison

Within the electro-acoustic market, the LJ16 ARE occupies a mid-to-high-tier position, typically retailing around GBP 999. It competes with other jumbo and large-bodied models such as the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E.

While alternatives like the Martin LX1E or Yamaha APXT2 focus on portability and smaller scales, the LJ16 is a full-sized professional instrument. Compared to premium offerings like the Taylor PS14ce, the Yamaha provides solid-wood construction and specialized wood ageing technology at a more accessible price point.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What does the 'LJ' in Yamaha LJ16 stand for?: LJ stands for 'Little Jumbo,' which refers to Yamaha's medium-jumbo body shape. It is designed to provide the volume and presence of a jumbo guitar with slightly more compact dimensions for comfort.
What is Yamaha ARE technology?: Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) is a wood-ageing process that uses temperature and pressure to alter the wood's molecular structure. This gives the new guitar the resonant characteristics of a vintage, well-played instrument.
Is the LJ16 ARE made of solid wood?: Yes, the Yamaha LJ16 ARE features all-solid construction. It uses a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood for the back and sides.
What type of pickup system does it use?: It uses the Yamaha SRT Zero-Impact pickup. This is a passive under-saddle system designed to have no visible controls on the body, preserving the guitar's acoustic resonance.
Does this guitar require a battery for the pickup?: No, the Zero-Impact pickup is a passive system. It does not require an internal battery, though you may need an external preamp or a high-quality DI box for the best signal strength when plugging into a PA.
What is the benefit of a 5-ply neck?: The 5-ply mahogany and rosewood neck design increases structural strength. This makes the neck more resistant to warping and improves overall tuning stability and sustain.
What wood is used for the fingerboard?: The fingerboard is made from solid ebony. Ebony is preferred for its durability, smooth feel, and bright tonal contribution.
How does Engelmann spruce differ from Sitka spruce?: Engelmann spruce is generally lighter and less stiff than Sitka spruce. This often results in a more responsive top that excels at lower volumes and fingerstyle playing.
What is the typical price for a Yamaha LJ16 ARE?: In the UK market, this model typically retails for approximately GBP 999, though prices can vary based on the specific finish and retailer.
Is the LJ16 ARE suitable for professional recording?: Yes, its all-solid wood construction and ARE treatment provide a rich tonal palette suitable for studio use, while the Zero-Impact pickup offers a clean signal for direct recording.
How does the LJ16 compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The LJ16 is a full-sized, all-solid wood professional instrument. The APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar with laminate construction, intended for portability rather than maximum tonal depth.
What finish is available for this model?: The specific model described features a Sunburst finish, though the L-series is also produced in other traditional finishes like Natural.