What does 'ARE' stand for in Yamaha guitars?

ARE stands for Acoustic Resonance Enhancement. It is a chemical-free wood-aging process that uses heat and pressure to give new wood the tonal properties of aged timber.

Is the Yamaha LL16 ARE a solid wood guitar?

Yes, the LL16 ARE features all-solid construction. This includes a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides.

What type of pickup system does the LL16 ARE use?

It uses a passive under-saddle piezo pickup. This system does not require a battery, though an external preamp is often recommended for live performance to control the signal.

What is the body shape of the LL16?

The LL16 uses Yamaha's 'Original Jumbo' body shape. This design is intended to provide a wide dynamic range and powerful low-end response.

How does the LL16 Black differ from the Natural version?

The primary difference is the aesthetic finish. The LL16-BK features a high-gloss black finish on the top, back, and sides, whereas the standard model shows the natural grain of the spruce and rosewood.

Why was the LL16 ARE re-designed?

It was re-designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Yamaha's L Series. The updates included the addition of ARE technology and a modified bracing pattern for improved tone.

What kind of spruce is used for the top?

The guitar features a Solid Engelmann Spruce top. Engelmann is generally known for having a slightly softer, more complex harmonic response compared to Sitka spruce.

Is a battery required for the LL16 ARE electronics?

No, a battery is not required because the piezo pickup is passive. This helps maintain the natural look of the guitar as there is no bulky battery compartment.

How does the neck construction differ from standard acoustics?

The LL16 features a 5-ply neck design made of mahogany and rosewood. This multi-layer construction is much more resistant to temperature and humidity changes than a single-piece neck.

Who is the Yamaha LL16 ARE designed for?

It is designed for intermediate to professional players who require an all-solid wood instrument for recording or live performance. Its high-spec construction makes it suitable for serious study and professional use.

What is the typical price for the Yamaha LL16 ARE Black?

The typical price for this model is approximately £1029, placing it in the premium tier of Yamaha's standard acoustic range.

Does the LL16 come with a case?

While specific retailer packages vary, the L Series 16 models traditionally include a high-quality Yamaha hard bag or semi-rigid case to protect the all-solid wood construction.

Gear article

Yamaha LL16 ARE Black

The Yamaha LL16 ARE is a premium steel-string electro-acoustic guitar featuring a solid Engelmann spruce top and a traditional original jumbo body shape. Re-designed to commemorate Yamaha's 40th anniversary of the L Series, it incorporates Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE) technology and a passive piezo pickup system.

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Overview and History

The Yamaha LL16 ARE forms part of the acclaimed L Series, which has served as a flagship for Yamaha’s acoustic craftsmanship for four decades. This specific iteration, including the black finish variant, was introduced as part of a significant re-design to celebrate the series' 40th anniversary. It represents a professional-tier instrument designed to offer high-quality tonewoods and construction techniques at a competitive price point.

Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE)

A defining feature of this model is the ARE treatment applied to the solid Engelmann spruce top. ARE is a proprietary wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha. By precisely controlling temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, the molecular properties of the wood are manipulated to mimic the acoustic characteristics of wood that has been aged for many years. This results in a 'played-in' sound from the moment the guitar is new.

Construction and Design

The LL16 ARE follows the 'Original Jumbo' body style, which provides a large internal volume for significant projection. The guitar features all-solid construction, pairing the ARE-treated Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides. To ensure stability and durability, the neck is typically constructed from a 5-ply mahogany and rosewood laminate, which resists warping and twisting over time.

Electronics and Hardware

Designed for both studio and stage use, the guitar is equipped with a passive under-saddle piezo pickup. Unlike active systems, this passive design does not require a battery or a large preamp hole cut into the side of the instrument, maintaining the guitar's aesthetic and structural integrity. The hardware is finished to professional standards, ensuring reliable tuning stability and intonation.

Market Position and Alternatives

Retailing at approximately £1029, the LL16 ARE occupies a middle-to-high ground in the acoustic market. While beginners might look toward entry-level options like the Gear4music Student Acoustic or the Tanglewood Northstar Pro NSP5 series, the LL16 is targeted at serious enthusiasts and performing musicians. In comparison to more affordable laminate-body guitars like the Hartwood Sonata or Artiste series, the LL16 offers superior resonance due to its all-solid wood construction and specialised ARE treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'ARE' stand for in Yamaha guitars?: ARE stands for Acoustic Resonance Enhancement. It is a chemical-free wood-aging process that uses heat and pressure to give new wood the tonal properties of aged timber.
Is the Yamaha LL16 ARE a solid wood guitar?: Yes, the LL16 ARE features all-solid construction. This includes a solid Engelmann spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides.
What type of pickup system does the LL16 ARE use?: It uses a passive under-saddle piezo pickup. This system does not require a battery, though an external preamp is often recommended for live performance to control the signal.
What is the body shape of the LL16?: The LL16 uses Yamaha's 'Original Jumbo' body shape. This design is intended to provide a wide dynamic range and powerful low-end response.
How does the LL16 Black differ from the Natural version?: The primary difference is the aesthetic finish. The LL16-BK features a high-gloss black finish on the top, back, and sides, whereas the standard model shows the natural grain of the spruce and rosewood.
Why was the LL16 ARE re-designed?: It was re-designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Yamaha's L Series. The updates included the addition of ARE technology and a modified bracing pattern for improved tone.
What kind of spruce is used for the top?: The guitar features a Solid Engelmann Spruce top. Engelmann is generally known for having a slightly softer, more complex harmonic response compared to Sitka spruce.
Is a battery required for the LL16 ARE electronics?: No, a battery is not required because the piezo pickup is passive. This helps maintain the natural look of the guitar as there is no bulky battery compartment.
How does the neck construction differ from standard acoustics?: The LL16 features a 5-ply neck design made of mahogany and rosewood. This multi-layer construction is much more resistant to temperature and humidity changes than a single-piece neck.
Who is the Yamaha LL16 ARE designed for?: It is designed for intermediate to professional players who require an all-solid wood instrument for recording or live performance. Its high-spec construction makes it suitable for serious study and professional use.
What is the typical price for the Yamaha LL16 ARE Black?: The typical price for this model is approximately £1029, placing it in the premium tier of Yamaha's standard acoustic range.
Does the LL16 come with a case?: While specific retailer packages vary, the L Series 16 models traditionally include a high-quality Yamaha hard bag or semi-rigid case to protect the all-solid wood construction.