Yamaha LL6 vs. LL16 vs. other suggestions
 

I was looking at maybe getting either the LL6 or LL16, but I was just wondering - is there really a noticeable difference in sound between the two (even though one has laminate back and sides)? Also, would the LL6 be a lot more stable with humidity and weather changes, or is the LL16 pretty stable as is for a rosewood guitar?

Also, I'm also only looking at these because they're priced well, sound great as far as Youtube can tell me, have a 25.5" scale length, a solid spruce top (engelmann too!), and a 1.75" nut width. I'm a mahogany lover, though, so if anyone can think of something in this price range with those specs and mahogany back and sides (dreadnoughts and OM's only please), I would love to have a few more suggestions.

Also, about rosewood - I've heard it's "slower" than mahogany. I like throwing in fast licks whenever appropriate, and I do play a little gypsy jazz occasionally, so would the "slowness" in attack and decay really be that noticeable? I'm not really a "deep, slow, overtone-rich fingerstyle" kinda guy, so if the notes are gonna sound like they're crashing into each other, that's no good.

Thanks.

I played the LL6 and LL16 side-by-side for a couple hours one day. The most noticeable difference was that the LL16 has a more piano-like musical tone and longer sustain than the LL6. Needless to say, I bought the LL16 and I'm glad I did. I would've kicked myself if I didn't, I'm sure of it. Adding a Colosi bone saddle took it to a whole new level. I brought it to my favorite guitar shop and passed it around and the guitar techs drooled over it's tone and playability. It raised a few eyebrows and caused a few jaws to drop. :)

If you play mostly fingerstyle you may consider the LS6 in the Yamaha line up. Same price range and neck profile as the LL6 but OM size, very comfortable to play and sounds great.

Could anyone comment on how these newer models compare to the older LL and LS 400 and 500 models?

I have found the LL6 and LL16 to be very rich in overtones. I think they sustain a lot, and the slowness in decay is very noticeable. I love my LL6,
but I would not recommend it to a mahogany lover at all.

i must agree...but if i'm to buy a spruce top guitar i would consider buying all solid one, it means LS16 which is quite affordable with regard to its quality, sound and design

I think you made the wise choice, although the LL6 is a nice sounding/playing guitar. I played a LL16 yesterday at a local shop and was very impressed.

For those of you who don't think this is the guitar for me as a mahogany lover (even if it does sound really good), what else would you recommend in this price range that does have mahogany back and sides?

I'd like to keep it under a grand. My dream guitar is a Larrivee L-03 (or L-05), but it's a little over what I'd be able to save up for in a reasonable amount of time. And I'm a bit too finicky to buy used.:D

@ Dr Overtones
Send a email to Jim @ Trinity Guitars. The L03 might be be near or within the one grand budget....

Definitely contact a Larrivee dealer for -03 pricing. I bought a new L-03 for well under a grand a few months ago.

Larrivee
 

You definitely need to take a look at Larrivee. I briefly had a LL16. Even though the nut is suppose to be 1.75 it didn't feel like it. It may have been because the neck was so thin, but I just didn't care for the feel of the neck. It did sound good and the pickup was awesome, but the feel wasn't there for me. Larrivee, on the other hand, feels great and (to me) sounds better.
kwh

YouTube comparative review Yamaha ll6 vs Yamaha ll16
 

I have been looking for some video comparing these two instruments on the tube, with no success....in the end I bought both of them along with time due to specific musical needs....it seems like I am not the only one who wonders what's the sonic difference between the ll6 and the ll16....so I made a review about it...even if it's an old thread I thought I would share...down here the link of the vid...hope you find it useful

https://youtu.be/uTVhBnK2LrE

Ciao, mekke

To me, the Larrivee OM's are the sweet spot in their lineup. Just as balanced and 90-95% as loud as the L's (and far more comfortable).

Another good options is the Eastman AC-OM1. They can be had for under 5 bills.

I really like the LS6 and LS16 but they don't compare in the tone or volume department of my Eastman E6OM. Normal street price of $799 and can be had for quite a bit less.

The Yamaha's above are heavier built than the Eastman stuff. They are high quality and durable (Yamahas always are) but heavier and less resonant too.

There are several other viable options too including Alvarez, Seagull, Blueridge and Guild GAD just to name a few.

One thing to consider in this comparison is the top wood. The Yamaha's use Engleman Spruce where the the Eastman is Sitka.

I have to agree with the others...

A Larrivee L03 will blow the pants off the Yamaha, of course, that's subjective but nevertheless, my opinion.

I've always felt the Yamaha LL16's and LL6's line sounded as if it was holding back something. Good guitars, but no Larrivee.

That's true but I stand on what I said about Yammy's being heavier built. Don't get me wrong, Yamaha's are great workhorses with above average tone - especially the 16 line. My AC522 is Englemann and it is incredibly powerful and toneful. Easily 20-25% louder than a comparable Taylor and far louder than the Yamaha all-solid dread - the LL16.

That doesn't mean the tone is better. For me it is, but as you know, different people have different tonal preferences. Of course the comparison to my AC522 is a bit unfair too, as it has a street price of 1100-1200.

There are a lot of good options out there in the 1k range. That's good for everybody.

Also very true. Tapered vs. scalloped bracing. I also agree the Yamaha's are a heavier build. But like you said, they are going for different tone.

I have a LL 16 I like to play and sing with it.My E 10D is a lot louder but I feel like my voice gets drowned out.If I had a stronger voice it might be different.I bet the Larivee sounds real nice.

The one thing that you will not notice that happens with a new LL16 that you don't see a lot of mention of is that do have a break in period even though they are built with ARE technology. I was a tad bit disheartened with mine after the first several days of hard play when all of a sudden she opened up big time.

Don't get me wrong. It sounded nice. Down right good, but when this took place it went from from a guitar that simply sounded good to one that move ya every time you played it.

Your choice of the LL16 is a fine one.

Exactly, Yamahas are very good guitars,
but a Larrivee is in another league.
Save your money and you wont need another guitar for a long while.
dave

Larrivee D-03 is around £1100 in the UK whereas a Yamaha LL16 can be had for £600.

That's a big price difference!

Great vid Mekke, thought both guitars sounded comparable up until you played fantastic Led Zepp 'Ramble On' intro where I think the 16 edged it, nice chops by the way.