I finally played a Yamaha Transacoustic model — a few thoughts...

[stormin1155]

I had a FS-TA in my shop for a setup last week. It was my first experience with a Transacoustic. My reaction to it was almost exactly the same as the OP, although I didn't have any non-TA models to compare it to. The construction, fit, and finish was typical Yamaha excellent, but the dry tone was not at all impressive.... a bit thin and lackluster. The effects sounded good, and made the guitar sound better, but there was something artificial about the sound.

I can understand the attraction, but it didn't trigger any GAS for me.

[vld]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Yeah, that's it for me. Just pull it off the wall and start playing - anywhere you can carry the guitar. No extra stuff needed.

Same for me. Plus there was almost no price difference compared to standard LL16 (LL-TA is a bit on heavy side with the actuator inside) and it seemed like a lot of fun.

And I liked that transparent pickguard

[JimmyVic]

I have an LS-TA on a one week trial. I'm kind of impressed, but worry a bit about the durability of the TA innards. Anyone have relatively longer term experience?
I know they haven't been around all that long.
Also LS vs LL impressions?

[nickv6]

What about the LAG hyvibe guitars? Same sort of thing I think
Nick

[GuitarLuva]

Originally Posted by JimmyVic

I have an LS-TA on a one week trial. I'm kind of impressed, but worry a bit about the durability of the TA innards. Anyone have relatively longer term experience?
I know they haven't been around all that long.
Also LS vs LL impressions?

I can't remember exactly how long I've had my LL-TA for but it's been quite a while for sure (ballpark of 2 years). It's gotten a lot of playing time since I bought it. I like it best with D'addario Nickel bronze bluegrass gauge strings. The guitar has held up well and it's the one I've been grabbing to go to a friend's house or camping trip or just taking out in the backyard while the kids are playing. I think the guitar sounds great with and without the Transacoustic engaged and for the price it brings a lot to the table. Is it my best or favorite guitar? No, but it does get a lot of playing time and I'm glad I have one and can't see me ever parting with it.

[Hambone70]

Anyone had a chance to compare the Yamaha Transacoustics with a guitar fitted with the Hyvibe system, perhaps an Emerald? Thanks in anticipation!

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by Hambone70

Anyone had a chance to compare the Yamaha Transacoustics with a guitar fitted with the Hyvibe system, perhaps an Emerald? Thanks in anticipation!

I had a TA as well as an Eastman OM with a HyVibe. See this post:
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=617871