Yamaha L Series Club II

geetaruke · #1 02-28-2017, 08:47 AM

Continuing a thread started here -

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=308129

geetaruke · #2 02-28-2017, 08:50 AM

I've fallen head over heels for my LS16 and the rest of guitars are getting a bit neglected. I'd say it holds it own in many comparisons with guitars double and possibly triple its price. My brother has offered me his 3 series Taylor but it just doesn't sound as good to me.

TwoMartinMan · #3 02-28-2017, 09:02 AM

I just picked up a beautiful, dead mint condition LL16 ARE a couple of days ago. Craigslist deal for $200. Pix to follow.

geetaruke · #4 02-28-2017, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoMartinMan

I just picked up a beautiful, dead mint condition LL16 ARE a couple of days ago. Craigslist deal for $200. Pix to follow.

Wow, great find. Congrats.

JBCROTTY · #5 02-28-2017, 09:41 AM

I picked up an LS16R (rosewood) in mid-December. I was looking for something a bit smaller than my dreds with rosewood to contrast my large guitars. Count me as a fan. Great guitar - good size, well appointed, sounds great and plays easy. I bought it new listed as B-Stock and the only issue I could find was a bit of a squiggly line in the wood grain on the top - no physical or acoustic problems at all.

I'm no expert on tone nor do I have lots of experience with high-end guitars but I know a good sounding guitar when I hear one and this series is a solid offering at a good price point for those looking for a playable, great sounding, well-appointed guitar.

This is a current listing in the AGF classifieds for an LS16M (Mahogany). I don't know the poster, cannot vouch for him or her, and have no affiliation to the posting, but seems like a good deal for a solid guitar in this series:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=459992

And to the poster who got the mint LS on CL for $200 - that is a smokin' deal.

geetaruke · #6 02-28-2017, 09:48 AM

Ya, if I didn't nab mine recently, I'd be on the one that's up in the classifieds. Kinda surprised it's still there. Someone is gonna get a sweet guitar for a sweet price.

TwoMartinMan · #7 02-28-2017, 07:19 PM

Here's some pix of my newly acquired LL16 ARE. She's a keeper. Best $200 deal I ever got. Gotta love Craigslist.

jordans0nly · #8 02-28-2017, 07:49 PM

Wish they had an 1 11/16th nut. Always thought they sounded amazing.

SJ200 · #9 02-28-2017, 08:01 PM

I played a few different L16s at a shop in Pasadena that were stunning. Had no idea Yamaha offered anything in that league of tone and neck quality.

Most Yamaha dealers carry only their cheaper lines so that's the rep they have.

geetaruke · #10 03-01-2017, 12:54 PM

Thanks for the pics TwoMartinMan. Looks sweet.

Larry K · #11 03-01-2017, 02:30 PM

I have a LL 16 I bought new in 2009 and love it.

InTune · #12 03-02-2017, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoMartinMan

I just picked up a beautiful, dead mint condition LL16 ARE a couple of days ago. Craigslist deal for $200. Pix to follow.

Wow! With 20 Gs worth of high end Martins in your sig this Yamaha must really be something!! How does it compare to, idk, your d35?

Definitely count me in the L series club! I like be mine!

TwoMartinMan · #13 03-02-2017, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InTune

Wow! With 20 Gs worth of high end Martins in your sig this Yamaha must really be something!! How does it compare to, idk, your d35?

Definitely count me in the L series club! I like be mine!

As a matter of fact, my photos are of the LL16 hanging between my Martin HD-35 and my Martin D-41. So, it's in good company.
Obviously I'm pretty much a Martin guy. But ultimately I appreciate a good guitar, period. I enjoy and appreciate how guitars sound different from each other... not that they are better or worse, but different... enjoyed for what they are. And Yamaha makes great guitars at great price points. This LL16, with it's proprietary straight bracing pattern is unique and sounds great. And I enjoy having the 1 3/4" nut width. It's beautifully crafted. Actually, it sounds close to my D-35, which happens to be an exceptional D-35. Excellent note separation, volume and sustain. A beautifully, rich voice. I had tried a few L series Yamahas in stores and have been on the lookout to add a nice one to my collection. When this one came up for only $200 I grabbed it quick. Glad I did. A lucky deal. I am now having the plastic nut and saddle replaced with bone. Should make it even better.

dgt178 · #14 03-03-2017, 03:36 PM

....$200???.....my goodness....the CASE is practically worth that.....what a steal.......here's an LL16 ARE in the 12-string version.....

MrErikJ · #15 03-03-2017, 03:46 PM

I have been eyeballing the Alvarez MFA70 and the Yamaha LS16R for sometime now. Both are beautiful guitars (slightly partial to the extra abalone on the Alvarez) but I've struggled to find good audio examples of either (much less play them in stores) and have continued to stalk both as my next potential purchase.

Alvarez & Yamaha are, in my opinion, the gold standard of Chinese made guitars, so I don't think I'd lose either way. The one or two clips I've heard of the Alvarez, it seems slightly more resonant and rich in overtones and the LS16 is more "direct." However, I haven't played one myself. Any thoughts on the LS16s tones for fingerstyle?

I suppose the tones I chase are always harmonically rich ones, sorta inspired by James Taylor's later, Olson, playing years. Lush and resonant with sparkle and a reasonable bass.