Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

[Usurper666]

Just curious if anyone here has any experience with Yamaha electric guitars. I’ve been looking into the AES series because God (AKA Chris Poland) is using them and I was impressed by what I saw:

Duncan Pickups (the real deal, not Duncan Designed)

Set neck construction with mahogany neck and body

Built in Yamaha’s own factory, NOT built by Samick!

Yamaha stresses a high QC standard

Around $500 for the mid-line model.

I’m seriously considering picking one up just for the hell of it. If the quality is great and the price is right why not?? Probably better than anything Gibson is churning out these days. Any opinions??

Cheers,

CJ

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Yamaha makes great guitars. I own three of them and have also considered picking up one of the AES guitars. I played one, and really, I just blown away by the quality! The fretboard was silky, the finish was very professional looking...didn't even plug it in and I wanted to take it home! Money is an issue though, so is owning too many guitars...

But yeah, I'd definantly recommend buying one.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

i played the frank gambale model and the mike stern model and both were outstanding but way too overpriced simply because of the 'name value' ... if the regular models are of similar quality and a reasonable price, (and if you like how the feel and sound!!!) i'd have no hesitation about recommending them

good luck
t4d

 

[Mkf411]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Yamaha makes nice guitars. I'd try to go with one made in their Taiwan factory if possible. They have been there a long time and make good quality.

I think the ones you're talking about are made in Korea. That's what I remember from the one I tried. It was about $500. However, if Yamaha has a factory in Korea, it should be good.

They do look sweet and play nice with the Duncans. I'd get one just for the heck of it.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

i played the frank gambale model and the mike stern model and both were outstanding but way too overpriced simply because of the 'name value' ... if the regular models are of similar quality and a reasonable price, (and if you like how the feel and sound!!!) i'd have no hesitation about recommending them

I purchased the Mike Stern Signature production guitar, the one w/out the SD pickups or the Tele-style controls and it's still a smoking guitar. The thing can take a licking and keep on ticking! I've been so bad to it and it still works!

 

[InstituteOfNoise]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

I just bought an AES620 for my daughter on a consideration deal price from Yamaha. Yamaha did this one absolutely right. The 400 and 800 series are a bit off the mark. Everything about this guitar should have cost more. Set neck, Mahogany, Duncan JB in the bridge, Yamaha Alnico II (?) designed neck pup, not too wide neck, but chunky C shape. I believe Sam Ash is gonna carry them store wide and not just online now. Street price is around $500. Like a Paul meets a PRS. It sounds as solid as it looks!

Big recommendation! Buy the hard shell case from Yamaha, since the body is slighly different sized than a Paul, it will be harder to find a matching case, unless you prefer a gig bag. This info from my contact at Yamaha.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

I like some of them, I wouldn't mind having an older SG like Carlos and I really like the SGV line.

 

[Jonny R]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

The other guitarist in my band has one - nice guitar. I'd buy one at that price.

 

[Ez74]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Yamaha makes really quality guitars. I've got a yamaha RGX820Z that is a great guitar for the cash... Duncans (JB/'59), Piezo, locking tuners, flamed maple top. It listed for over 1K and when it got discontinued i got it for $300.

WIth yamaha i'd go the used route... their resale doesnt seem to be as high as other brands and you could pickup a great guitar at a really good price

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

I like Yamaha. Most of my experience is with their acoustics, but the electrics I have test-driven were nice axes. Besides, Rik Emmett has endorsed them for years...

www.rikemmett.com

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

My mate has a Pacifica 112 that is awesome. Pretty good neck and feels solid.

 

[Mkf411]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

I like some of them, I wouldn't mind having an older SG like Carlos and I really like the SGV line.

I have a Yamaha SGV-800. I paid like $200 for it new and it's a quality guitar. It's fun to play. I really like the floating trem and the P-90 like pick-ups.

 

[Usurper666]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Thanks for all the replies! I’m keeping an eye out for a used AES400 or AES640. I’m sure I can find either one at a really good price and upgrade the pickups and/or hardware as needed.

Cheers,

CJ

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Yamaha has great quality. I agree with a Taiwan made guitar. Had an RGX-211, 1 HB, 1 SC, regret selling it. Floyd-type bridge. Never went out of tune. Amazing action, shredders guitar. Wish I'd put a custom in the bridge and a hot stack in the neck.

 

[Lu_B]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

I think Yamaha offer great value for money, I have 3 at the moment a DW7 dreadnought that has mellowed to a lovely tone, an APX-5 a quite recent addition and a black 80's SG that is beat up as hell but still rocks.

I did have an excellent Pacifica 303-12 string until last week but had to go as I have too many guitars and not enough time to play!

 

[Thurisarz]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

We have some cheap Pacific models at school, they suck IMO

But i tried this one at the local store yesterday and damn, i could try my Gibby SG for that! :32:

 

[Jonny R]

Re: Yamaha Guitars, opinions??

Most school guitars suck after a couple of months.

I think it's the Coke, mucus, and dandruff residue that accumulates on them that does it...