Which Yamaha acoustic to buy?

[Stan the man]

Hi,

I want to buy a Yamaha electro-acoustic guitar, which needs to have a good sound plugged and unplugged. I want to record it using condenser mics (MXL 603), but the inbuilt pickup needs to sound descent as well.

There are a few options in my price range ($400-500): (As you can see I love black guitars)
Yamaha APX 5 ($399 / 399 euro)
Yamaha FGX423SC ($449 / 444 euro)
Yamaha CPX5BL ($499 but just 411 euro (I'm from Europe))

Prices are from music123.com and thomann.de

Any other options?
Any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Stan the man]

Okay, the CPX seems to be a mini-guitar, so now only the two remain, are there any differences between the APX5 and the FGX423?

 

[Stan the man]

....No replies mean that no-one knows? I'll go for the APX then, because it's cheaper. If anyone has better ideas, please reply..

 

[reshp1]

Not a Yamaha, but check out Carvin Cobalt series. They are absolutely the best value I've come across. I don't actively promote stuff normally, but this acoustic has blown me away (I have the C850). I was a bit hesitant to buy a guitar I'd never played or heard online, but I was not disappointed in the least.

 

[therage!]

For cheaper acoustics I'd check out the Ibanez AW series. I've got a buddy with one and was very impressed for that price range. Just a thought.

 

[mjrugg2002]

Hey Stan,

I purchased a Yamaha FG 435A back in early 90's, and It has an amazing, full , rich tone. It cost about $450 then, but was one of Yamaha's best sounding acoustics made. Have used it in some top notch studios, and engineers and producers can't believe the great warm tone.....

They do not make that model anymore, but you could probably find out a comparable model. good luck, Michael

 

[Stan the man]

Hey Stan,

I purchased a Yamaha FG 435A back in early 90's, and It has an amazing, full , rich tone. It cost about $450 then, but was one of Yamaha's best sounding acoustics made. Have used it in some top notch studios, and engineers and producers can't believe the great warm tone.....

They do not make that model anymore, but you could probably find out a comparable model. good luck, Michael

Well, I hesitate about the APX indead, because it's the 'thinline' series, does that mean the wood is thinner? HAs anyone got any experiences with the APX5?

Thanks,
Stan.

 

[Buck62]

Over the years I've bought two Yamaha acoustic guitars (... an FG335 and an old FG180) and I assure you that you can't beat Yamaha acoustic guitars in the value and tone you get for your money. If you put these old Yamaha's side-by-side with just about any old Martin acoustic (which costs like 10 times the price) you can't tell the difference between the two with your eyes closed... it's as simple as that. I know this because I've challenged Martin owners who have been astonished and amazed when they agreed to take the test and compare the two.

I would opt for trying to find an old FG160, FG180, or at least an FG335. You can find these guitars quite easily on Ebay and you can usually buy them for under $250 in really good (very playable) condition. Old Yamaha's are practically indestructable. Then I would have an LR Baggs Micro EQ system or a basic Fishman preamp system (with EQ) installed in one of these old models. You don't need a top-notch (read: expensive) system because the old Yamaha's sound great through just about anything.

I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. You'll have great tone both plugged and unplugged, and you'll still be way under $500.

 

[Stan the man]

Thanks for your replies! I'm now looking for some older FG series guitars...
Overall, I hear a lot of good things about the FG series, would that be better than buying an APX?

 

[dtb]

Over the years I've bought two Yamaha acoustic guitars (... an FG335 and an old FG180) and I assure you that you can't beat Yamaha acoustic guitars in the value and tone you get for your money. If you put these old Yamaha's side-by-side with just about any old Martin acoustic (which costs like 10 times the price) you can't tell the difference between the two with your eyes closed... it's as simple as that. I know this because I've challenged Martin owners who have been astonished and amazed when they agreed to take the test and compare the two.

I would opt for trying to find an old FG160, FG180, or at least an FG335. You can find these guitars quite easily on Ebay and you can usually buy them for under $250 in really good (very playable) condition. Old Yamaha's are practically indestructable. Then I would have an LR Baggs Micro EQ system or a basic Fishman preamp system (with EQ) installed in one of these old models. You don't need a top-notch (read: expensive) system because the old Yamaha's sound great through just about anything.

I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. You'll have great tone both plugged and unplugged, and you'll still be way under $500.

I'll stay away from this comparison.

One of my picking pals dabbles in used guitars, and he has the best luck with the Yammie acoustics. They are plentiful to find used, and are real easy to resell, because of their sound for the bucks. He is more of a vintage dealer, and likes the older models, but he recomemds then all the time.

and also, the "thinline" is referring to the overall body thickness, and not the thickness of the wood. They would be closer to the "thickness" of an electric guitar, rather than a full acoustic body.

 

[Buck62]

Thanks for your replies! I'm now looking for some older FG series guitars...
Overall, I hear a lot of good things about the FG series, would that be better than buying an APX?

Absolutely!

 

[darrin_h2000]

Compass series 15 is like driving a caddilac after driving a chevy. Apx series is a nice one too.

 

[Stan the man]

I'll stay away from this comparison.

One of my picking pals dabbles in used guitars, and he has the best luck with the Yammie acoustics. They are plentiful to find used, and are real easy to resell, because of their sound for the bucks. He is more of a vintage dealer, and likes the older models, but he recomemds then all the time.

and also, the "thinline" is referring to the overall body thickness, and not the thickness of the wood. They would be closer to the "thickness" of an electric guitar, rather than a full acoustic body.

Ah, thanks for clearing that up...
I guess the apx won't sound as 'loud' as the FG does, because of the thinner body?

It would be a great thing to handle if it's thinner.. or am I wrong at this?

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[amt7565]

I purchased the APX-5 black guitar for $499.00 last month. It's medium sized guitar and I am very pleased with it. It's got good sustain and smooth action.

I am happy.

 

[Stan the man]

I think I'm going to go for the APX after all, because a thinner body really appeals to me ...

 

[Buck62]

I think I'm going to go for the APX after all, because a thinner body really appeals to me ...

Still a good choice, but you'll kick yourself later because the tone isn't nearly as good as an old Yamaha dreadnaught.

Enjoy!

 

[steve350]

Are you going to play any of these guitars before you buy one?

 

[Stan the man]

Are you going to play any of these guitars before you buy one?

Yes, I'm probably going to go to the guitar shop by next week...
Just wanted some of your opinions about them