Yamaha LJ26

Spineycat · #1 07-13-2020, 03:40 PM

Hi everyone, first post from me. I’ve just ordered one of these and wondered what people’s thoughts were regarding the made in Japan Yamaha’s.

Lkristians · #2 07-13-2020, 03:44 PM

Welcome to the AGF! Stand by for some well educated opinions! Enjoy.

darylcrisp · #3 07-13-2020, 04:03 PM

after around 10 yrs of trying to locate one, I found/purchased a LS36 before winter this year. its beautiful, build quality is immaculate, it plays and sounds wonderful. I would call it a modern tone-which is exactly what I was looking for.

very well balanced across the entire string set. I am extremely well pleased.

I have owned acoustic models from Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Santa Cruz, Maton, Collings, Goodall, Mayes, Larrivee, PRS, Lakewood, Beneteau and there's probably one or two more I'm not remembering. Hands down, this LS36 has been one of the best instruments I've had in hand.

I think you will like your guitar really well, assuming you like a modern tone.

d

Dbone · #4 07-13-2020, 04:16 PM

I’m a fan. I own an LL56. Superb.

You made a very good decision.

Welcome

Wellington · #5 07-13-2020, 08:08 PM

I'm just a lowly LL16 owner, but if my LL16 can be as good as it is, the 26 and higher have got to be second to none.

jspe · #6 07-13-2020, 10:13 PM

Hi. Just got an LLx26c and this thing has got it all. I gave up an LL16 that was superb to get it. Wow...no regrets! Its a 2008, has the ARE, sweet deep balanced bell-like resonance and the most incredible electronics system called ART. These guys know their stuff.
I'd love to try the LJ26, what an elegant piece. Enjoy!

Spineycat · #7 07-14-2020, 02:02 AM

Thanks for the reply’s. I forgot to add , I’m a strummer rather than a finger picker. Is this still a good choice ?

singlechange · #8 08-12-2020, 06:16 PM

About three weeks ago, Guitar Center listed an used Yamaha LJ36 for $1999.00. The next day after I saw it, it was sold.
I found an article about a former Yamaha executive in U.S. who owns and plays a LJ26, so you are in good company.

Proclaimer888 · #9 08-12-2020, 06:22 PM

So, I would have pulled trigger on a LS26 but for a few issues. The LJ/LL/LS 26 will hold its own against any acoustic.....Please keep us up to date with purchase!!

Dbone · #10 08-12-2020, 06:27 PM

As I recently posted in another thread, these higher end yammies recently got a hefty price increase here in Canada. Still worth the dough in my view.

vld · #11 08-13-2020, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proclaimer888

So, I would have pulled trigger on a LS26 but for a few issues. The LJ/LL/LS 26 will hold its own against any acoustic.....Please keep us up to date with purchase!!

I am afraid this did not end well. If I remember correctly, there were some flaws (finish on sides of a fingerboard) so OP had to return the guitar.

I had better luck with my LJ36 - it is a magnificent instrument. But it was manufactured in 2016/01 and sold in 2020/06 (directly by Yamaha Europe). Which means it was stocked in UK for 4+ years? This can definitely cause problems...

Dbone · #12 08-13-2020, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vld

I am afraid this did not end well. If I remember correctly, there were some flaws (finish on sides of a fingerboard) so OP had to return the guitar.

I had better luck with my LJ36 - it is a magnificent instrument. But it was manufactured in 2016/01 and sold in 2020/06 (directly by Yamaha Europe). Which means it was stocked in UK for 4+ years? This can definitely cause problems...

Yeah, anything factory fresh at this level of instrument from Yamaha will be flawless. New old stock on any guitar is always a gamble.

Retired1 · #13 08-14-2020, 12:14 PM

I bought a 'like new' LL16M with hard shell case for $375 - guitar was new - still had plastic sheet on pickguard - it was 4 years old - must have been sitting in a warehouse - immaculate !!!

Retired1 · #14 08-14-2020, 12:22 PM

oops - duplicated

27R · #15 08-14-2020, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbone

As I recently posted in another thread, these higher end yammies recently got a hefty price increase here in Canada. Still worth the dough in my view.

According to Yamaha UK/Europe the L series is basically finished - hence the recent blowouts in the UK.

They are telling us that a good chunk of the people who work in the shop in Hamamatsu are about to retire and there aren’t enough trained replacements to continue with the high end stuff. Covid has hastened it all too.

Could be guff of course but seems reasonably plausible considering the hefty discounts.