Yamaha LL16 vs A3R

richpjr · #1 04-17-2015, 07:53 AM

I am curious about these two guitars in Rosewood. I got to play with an LL16 recently at a music store and was astonished at what a great sounding and feeling guitar it was at that price point. I have not yet been able to play an A3R. I am curious as to what your thoughts are on those who have or been able to play both. One has a cutout and one doesn't and obviously the pickup/preamp are vastly different. Which one do you like and why?

Matt McGriff · #2 04-17-2015, 09:25 AM

The other difference is the neck. The A Series have a 1 11/16" and the L Series has a 1 3/4" neck.

richpjr · #3 04-17-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt McGriff

The other difference is the neck. The A Series have a 1 11/16" and the L Series has a 1 3/4" neck.

Thanks for pointing that out. Like I said, haven't had a chance to play the A series yet so I didn't notice that in the specs.

Kip Carter · #4 04-17-2015, 09:55 AM

The A series is targeted more for the stage performer. I see the L's as being a more sedate tool while useful on stage would likely sit on ones knee vs being strapped round your neck running across the stage. The A's are ready to run with you while the L's would rather sit back and sing to you.

martingitdave · #5 04-17-2015, 10:16 AM

The A series are nice solid wood guitars with nice active stage pickup system. They are designed for the gigging performer. I think they have a very good acoustic sound. However, I much prefer the A3R (dread) acoustic tone to the concert shape. The LL16 is a more "refined" acoustic guitar which includes a passive pickup. If I were a gigging musician, I would choose the A. If I were just playing for myself, or at the occasional open mic, the LL would be the choice.

Matt McGriff · #6 04-17-2015, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip Carter

The A series is targeted more for the stage performer. I see the L's as being a more sedate tool while useful on stage would likely sit on ones knee vs being strapped round your neck running across the stage. The A's are ready to run with you while the L's would rather sit back and sing to you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vHU5wOyqKU

This is a great informational video on the L Series from the UK, with one of the Yamaha reps going over it in detail. One of his comments is that these new L Series guitars are optimal for cutting through the mix in an acoustic rock/folk band.

Kip, I know you have a LL-16-12, so I certainly defer to your opinion, but felt it was interesting that the comment from the Yamaha rep was the opposite of what you say above.

Kip Carter · #7 04-17-2015, 11:06 AM

Matt...

If I had my druthers ... going into a folk setting I would pick a LL series over an A... if I was going into a more rock / contemporary setting the A over the LL.

SFCRetired · #8 04-17-2015, 11:10 AM

that A3R is a dread and the LL is a jumbo, so it's kinda hard to compare them.

I agree with what Kip said

AndrewG · #9 04-17-2015, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFCRetired

that A3R is a dread and the LL is a jumbo, so it's kinda hard to compare them.

I agree with what Kip said

Maybe you're thinking of the LJ mini-jumbo? There's also the LS, (OM-ish in style but dread in body depth). Yamaha describe the LL as a "modified dreadnaught".

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ya...ml%3B802%3B511

YamaYairi · #10 04-17-2015, 01:23 PM

I played both. The A3R is very nice but the LL16R stomps all over it tone-wise.

skiltrip · #11 04-17-2015, 03:16 PM

I was going to post this question myself. Thanks to the OP for asking and thanks to the answerers for answering.
I really like the look and feel of the LL, and especially like the lack of side mounted controls. The passive pickup in the LL-16 sounds pretty sweet too. I like simple.

Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

Kip Carter · #12 04-17-2015, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamaYairi

I played both. The A3R is very nice but the LL16R stomps all over it tone-wise.

YY is correct... the AR3 is "taylored" (pun intended) to be plugged in and played more than played without amplification. That is where it shines. The LL16 shine best acoustically and will walk all over the AR3's in a head to head match-up and while they have a wonderful passive pickup that is convenient and works well it is no match for the plugged in ability of the AR3. They are different tools for different purposes.

richpjr · #13 04-17-2015, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiltrip

I was going to post this question myself. Thanks to the OP for asking and thanks to the answerers for answering.
I really like the look and feel of the LL, and especially like the lack of side mounted controls. The passive pickup in the LL-16 sounds pretty sweet too. I like simple.

Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

Yeah, I have been interested in both of these for a while simply due to the glowing reviews they get as far as great guitars for the price. Playing the LL16 confirmed it, but as mentioned I haven't been able to play the A3R. For my needs, the LL16 seems a much better match anyway.

SFCRetired · #14 04-17-2015, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewG

Maybe you're thinking of the LJ mini-jumbo? There's also the LS, (OM-ish in style but dread in body depth). Yamaha describe the LL as a "modified dreadnaught".

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ya...ml%3B802%3B511

This is what I based it on as I have also been considering these two guitars. The A6R actually is what I have been looking at. Am I wrong? I may be mistaken.

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music...uitars/l/ll16/

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/music.../a-series/a3r/

paulp1960 · #15 04-17-2015, 03:47 PM

I would have bought an L16 series rather than my A3 series guitar but I live in the UK and there are very few second hand L16 listings to be found.

I expect that the LL16 will sound better than the A3R.

To my ears the pickup system on the A3 series is just ok.

A3 series are still a nice well made guitar though.