Sell the Yamaha LS6 ARE for what? Beginner need help

[Arroww]

Hi to hall, I bought a Yamaha LS6 ARE 2 years ago I play it but something I don't like in its sound... like I feel too much middle and high range.

I don't have much time to play it so I am still an absolutely beginner, but when I play I would like to love the sound of the guitar.

So according to you is there a good guitar with this specs:
- price range 600-1000€ (i am writing from Italy)
- a much more equilibrate sound than LS6 ARE (I mean something that will have a little bit more bass range but not predominant)
- with all solid body
- without electronic, just a passive pickup or nothing (I love that yamaha has just a passive pickup)?

I was thinking a Guild OM 150 or D 150 in Italy I can buy it for 900€, or and Epiphone EJ-45 for 500€.

Do you think that I should evaluate also Yamaha LS16 ARE for the same price of the Guild? But a Yamaha LS16 Are will be much more different than LS6?

Please help me. Thank you

[TNO]

I don't think an OM will get you there, that's similar to what you have now (which is a very nice guitar). I wouldn't get too hung up on all solid. Yamaha's FG820/830 with a good setup would please your ear at a great price. That body size is much more comfortable to me than the Guild dreads, which are huge. A lot of the tone you get out of a guitar has to do with the player's touch.

Our recommendations won't count for much. Just go play a bunch of guitars until you find one you bond with.

[Nyghthawk]

It may be a stupid question but have you tried using different strings? That can make a big difference in how a guitar sounds.

Another guitar to consider is the Blueridge BR-140 (mahogany) or 160 (rosewood). A LOT more bass. These are dreadnaughts.

If you like the size of the 000/OM then the Blueridge BR-143 (mahogany) or 163 (rosewood). Both would give you a LITTLE more bass. These are OM's.

[paulp1960]

I think if you are an absolute beginner that's your problem not the Yamaha guitar. That size of Yamaha body usually produces a balanced sound from bass to treble.

[Oldguy64]

Before you spend a load of money on a new guitar, spend a bit and audition a few sets of strings.
Much of what you don't like can be changed by changing strings.
You want to "darken the tone"?
Try D'addario EXP16's. They are supposed to be the coated version of the EJ16.
But I've found them to be much warmer, and darker tone wise.
Martin Retros and D'addario Nickel Bronze are another good choice.

Also, consider tuning to A432 instead of A440.
I was thinking that it's a little difference, I probably won't even notice.
Well, it took a strident quality out of my high b and e.
And it sounds great.

Also, with only two years playing, and little actual time on the guitar, how do you know what
You don't like?
Seriously, before you drop €600 on a guitar, drop 40€ on a few sets of strings.
They can make a HuGE difference in sound.

[L20A]

If you want more bass in the guitar get a larger body, a Dred size.
The Guild D 150 would be a good choice.

[Arroww]

I agree with who say me that I should try to become a better player... anyway the sound I can hear by youtube player make me to consider to try another one.

I used different kind of string, now I have some Ernie Ball.

Do you think I could get more bass tone if I will change saddle and nut with bone ones?

And to get more bass I have just the Dread options?

If I will consider to buy just another one without sell this do you think is it better Epiphone AJ-45 ME (maybe i hope it could has a good sound like a Gibson J-45) or Yamaha FG series or Seagull S6?

I don't know Blueridge, is it a better level than those I mentioned?

[Nyghthawk]

The Aj-45 ME has gotten mixed reviews from what I have read (and heard on Youtube). They don't sound very much like an J-45 to me.

Has your Yamaha been set up professionally? Have you talked to someone at your local music store about how to get the sound you want out of the LS6? The L series Yamaha guitars get rave reviews. I have the FS700s which is the cheapest of the solid topped Yamahas and it doesn't sound too bright. I use Elixer Polyweb 12-52's.

[rwmct]

I think the Guild OM-140 and OM-150 are very good guitars for the money. But you can't know if you like them better unless you try them.

[AndrewG]

Try the LJ6 medium jumbo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EJO3vOgVdU

[DenverSteve]

I think you can certainly do better tonally by getting away from Ernie Ball strings - especially since you don't like the tone. Try some D'Addario's, Martins, Pearse.... then decide. I agree with the post about as a beginner try not to prematurely indict the guitar for not getting the tone you seek. What you hear on YouTube is likely processed and altered.

[Brucebubs]

Good advice from Oldguy64.
Try those strings and that tuning suggestion.

Another brand of strings to try is Plectrums made by Thomastik-Infeld.
Beautifully made, soft feel and lovely warm tone - but they are expensive.

[GHS]

when I had my Yamaha LS6 I found Elixers worked quite well, as did the stock saddle, bone replacement was too harsh. Great guitar,try some combos and see what happens first.

[roylor4]

Try different material types for picks. I can make a bright & jangly Rosewood/Spruce guitar sound mellow with the simple change of a pick type. I can do the same with the woody mellowness of a Spruce?mahogany guitar.

The variation in tones vary more TO MY EAR with pick changes than with strings, and I have tried many of both. Try some Dunlop Tortex and/or Ultex.

Also, keep in mind, thin picks produce a bright and jangly tone while thicker ones give a more subdued tone. Thicker picks de-accentuate the mids and trbles while giving a boost to the bass.

Try these cheap experiments before you trade or sell what is actually, IMO, a pretty decent guitar.

[Shadowfox]

Personally I would stay away from Gibson acoustics. They vary too much guitar to guitar. Try the options listed on here. In Italy you may want to see if you can try a Furch or Lakewood!