Yamaha Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha have an enviable worldwide reputation as a manufacturer of quality guitars. In our workshops we have been amazed at just how good their 20 and 30 year old instruments sound, and how well they have survived. Their quality control is, and always has been, one of the best in the industry.
Most acoustic guitarists are familiar with the quality of Yamaha's entry-level instruments. What is less well known, however, is just how well their handcrafted acoustics compare with other brands. We have been particularly impressed with their progress since the start of the new millenium.
Yamaha act as a benchmark for quality. Make sure you come and try them when choosing your next guitar!
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Entry-level Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha's top-selling ranges of acoustic (and also electric) guitars are built in their factories in Taiwan and Indonesia. There are three basic body sizes: Dreadnought, Country Jumbo and Semi Jumbo.
Yamaha Entry-Level Guitars - Dimensions
| Models |
Body Shape |
Nut Width |
Scale Length |
Body Depth |
| DW / DWX Series |
Dreadnought |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-125mm
4″-5″ |
DW Series
(12-String models) |
Dreadnought |
46mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-125mm
4″-5″ |
| F / FX Series |
Dreadnought* |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
633.6mm
24 3/16″ |
96-116mm
3 3/4″-4 9/16″ |
| FG / FGX Series |
Dreadnought* |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-118mm
4 1/16″-4 5/8″ |
FG Series
(12-String models) |
Dreadnought* |
46mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-118mm
4 1/16″-4 5/8″ |
| FS340 |
Semi Jumbo |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
633.6mm
24 3/16″ |
86-116mm
3 3/8″-4 3/16″ |
| FS413S |
Semi Jumbo |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
633.6mm
24 3/16″ |
90-110mm
3 9/16″-4 5/16″ |
| CJ12 |
Country Jumbo |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-125mm
4″-5″ |
| JR1 |
Dreadnought
(3/4 Scale) |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
540mm
21 1/4″ |
80-90mm
3 1/8″-3 9/16″ |
The next table shows the woods and available finishes for the entry level models that, in our experience, are the most popular. Click on a wood to learn more about its tonal properties. If you cannot find a specific model you're interested in, please contact us as we will almost certainly be able to order it for you.
Yamaha Entry-Level Guitars - Models, Tonewoods & Finishes
| Series |
Model |
Top |
Back / Sides |
Finishes |
| JR Series |
JR1 |
Spruce |
Meranti |
Natural (Matte) |
| F Series |
F310 |
Spruce |
Meranti |
Natural (Gloss), Tobacco Brown Sunburst |
| FS Series |
FS340 |
Spruce |
Meranti |
Natural (Gloss) |
| FS413S |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
| FG Series |
FG403S
(black binding) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss), Natural (Matte) |
FG413S
(black+white binding) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss), Sand Burst |
FGX413SC
(E/A, C/W) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
FG413SL
(Left Handed) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
FG413S-12
(12-String) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
FGX413SC-12
(12-String, E/A, C/W) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
| FG502 |
Solid Spruce |
Solid Mahogany |
Natural (Matte) |
| FG502M |
Solid Mahogany |
Solid Mahogany |
Natural (Matte) |
| DW Series |
DW6 |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
| DW8 |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss), Vintage Red Sunburst, Black |
DWX8C
(E/A, C/W) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss), Black, Oriental Blue Burst. |
DW8L
(Left Handed) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss), Vintage Red Sunburst, Black |
DW8-12
(12-String) |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Natural (Gloss) |
| DW10 |
Solid Spruce |
Rosewood |
Natural (Gloss) |
| DW20 |
Solid Spruce |
Rosewood |
Natural (Gloss) |
| CJ Series |
CJ12 |
Spruce |
Agathis |
Violin Sunburst |
| CJX12SA |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
Black |
N.B. E/A = Electro-Acoustic, C/W = Cutaway
Every guitar that comes out of the Yamaha factory is subject to the same strict quality control procedure, renowned for being one of the best in the world... along with the Sheehans set-up and guarantee, it means you can be sure of getting a quality instrument every time.
Click here to shop for Yamaha acoustic guitars in our online store.
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Yamaha Hand-Crafted Acoustic Guitars
Yamaha's hand-crafted range of guitars are made in Japan, in a small workshop close to the company's headquarters. With the exception of the LL11 and LA8 models, which have laminated back and sides, solid timbers are used throughout to create instruments that resonate and project sound superbly, and are certain to improve with age. The quality of craftsmanship is stunning, especially considering that these are among the most affordable hand-crafted solid-bodied instruments available today.
There are three basic body sizes: the 'LL' shape (also featured on the LA range), similar to the traditional dreadnought shape but with a more elegant, rounded appearance, the 'LS' small body shape, with a shallower soundbox and narrower waist, and the 'Country Jumbo'.
Yamaha Hand-Crafted Acoustic Guitars - Dimensions
| Models |
Body Shape |
Nut Width |
Scale Length |
Body Depth |
| LA8 |
LL (LA) Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
95-115mm
3 3/4″-4 1/2″ |
| LL11, LL11E |
LL (LA) Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-125mm
4″-5″ |
| LL400, LL500 |
LL (LA) Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
90-110mm
3 9/16″-4 5/16″ |
| LLX400, LLX500 |
LL (LA) Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
95-115mm
3 3/4″-4 1/2″ |
| LS400, LS500 |
LS Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
90-110mm
3 9/16″-4 5/16″ |
| LSX400, LSX500C |
LS Shape |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
90-110mm
3 9/16″-4 5/16″ |
| CJ32, CJX32 |
Country Jumbo |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
100-118mm
4 1/16″-4 8/5″ |
The next table shows the tonewoods and available finishes for each model. Click on a wood to learn about its tonal properties.
Click here to shop for Yamaha acoustic guitars in our online store.
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Dedicated Electro-Acoustic Guitars
In addition to the models listed above, Yamaha also produce a range of purpose built electro-acoustics, ideal for stage use. The guitars are built around three different body shapes - 'APX', 'CPX' and 'FPX'.
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APX Series
The APX series guitars feature a narrow waist, cutaway and shallow body. The look and feel is in many ways similar to that of an electric guitar; consequently they are a popular choice with electric guitarists who like to use an acoustic from time to time.
Because of the shallow body of the APX series, they don't have a particularly strong sound when unplugged, but the electronics are superb and used in conjunction with a good acoustic amp, they produce a great electrified tone. Several models now come with a dual pickup system, incorporating a built in condenser microphone for a more natural sound.
Left: APX5A - Sand Burst finish
Yamaha APX Series Guitars - Dimensions
| Type |
Standard |
12-String |
Nylon String |
| Neck Width at nut |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
46mm
1 13/16″ |
48mm
1 15/16″ |
| Body Depth |
80-90mm
3 1/8″-3 9/16″ |
80-90mm
3 1/8″-3 9/16″ |
80-90mm
3 1/8″-3 9/16″ |
| Scale Length |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
Yamaha APX Series Guitars - Models, Woods & Finishes
| Model |
Top |
Back / Sides |
Dual Pickup |
Finishes |
| APX5A |
Spruce |
Nato |
No |
Natural (Gloss), Black, Sand Burst, Translucent Blue Burst |
APX5LA
(Left Handed) |
Spruce |
Nato |
No |
Natural (Gloss) |
APX5-12A
(12-String) |
Spruce |
Nato |
No |
Black, Sand Burst |
APX5NA
(Nylon String) |
Spruce |
Nato |
Yes |
Natural |
| APX7A |
Solid Spruce |
Nato |
No |
Natural (Gloss), Oriental Blue Burst, Amber, Translucent Green Burst |
| APX9C |
Solid Spruce |
Sycamore |
Yes |
Black Cherry, Dusk Sun Red, Yellow Natural Satin |
APX9NA
(Nylon String) |
Solid Cedar |
Rosewood |
Yes |
Natural (Gloss) |
APXT1*
(Travel Guitar) |
Spruce |
Agathis |
No |
Violin Sunburst |
*The APXT1 is a "travel guitar", with body depth 50mm / 1 15/16″ and scale length 600mm / 23 5/8″
Click here to shop for Yamaha acoustic guitars in our online store.
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CPX (Compass) Series
With a larger, rounded body shape, and a deeper soundbox than their APX cousins, the CPX series produce a much fuller unplugged sound than their APX counterparts, while retaining the high quality pickups and cutaway design that make the latter such popular stage guitars.
All CPX series guitars come with ther own high quality lightweight hard case and, with the exception of the CPX5, all models come with a dual pickup system, with a built in condenser mic, giving a much more natural feel to the sound.
Left: CPX8-12 12-string
Yamaha CPX Series Guitars - Dimensions
| Type |
Standard Models |
12-String Models |
| Neck Width at nut |
43mm
1 11/16″ |
46mm
1 13/16″ |
| Body Depth |
95-115mm
3 3/4″-4 1/2″ |
95-115mm
3 3/4″-4 1/2″ |
| Scale Length |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
To see our current stock of Yamaha Guitars, please click here.
Click here to shop for Yamaha acoustic guitars in our online store.
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FPX Series
With their wider necks, and small (but deep) body size, the FPX Series guitars are designed specifically around the needs of fingerstyle guitarists.
A slotted headstock gives a more traditional appearance, similar to old 'parlour' guitars, and the dual pickup, incorporating a built in condenser mic, ensures a great 'natural' feel to the electrified sound.
Yamaha FPX Series Guitars - Dimensions
| Neck Width at Nut |
48mm
1 7/8″ |
| Body Depth |
90-110mm
3 9/16″-4 5/16″ |
| Scale Length |
650mm
25 9/16″ |
Yamaha FPX Series Guitars - Models, Woods & Finishes
| Model |
Top |
Back / Sides |
Dual Pickup |
Finish |
| FPX300 |
Solid Cedar |
Ovangkol |
Yes |
Natural (Gloss) |
FPX300N
(Nylon String) |
Solid Cedar |
Ovangkol |
Yes |
Natural (Gloss) |
Click here to shop for Yamaha acoustic guitars in our online store.
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