NGD: Yamaha LL16 ARE

littlewing6283 · #1 02-04-2019, 06:02 PM

I have not bought an acoustic in a long time (for me) roughly 5 years or so. I sold one of my guitars last year and I’ve been sick with regret since. It was a Amber Martin Custom OM35 from MFG.

I gave my old gigging guitar (seagull s6)to my littler brother as he wanted to learn

Started playing out again and I needed an acoustic. I don’t want to take my Martins out so I was on the hunt.

I’ve dabbled in the Yamahas in the past and found the string spacing to be pretty tight and on the brighter end of things. Obviously that’s a very general statement.

I took a shot in the dark and ordered this sight unseen. Set up is dead on. I’m going install a bone saddle when it comes in

For what you get this oozes value.

-engleman spruce top
- rosewood back and sides solid
- abalone inlays
- wood binding
-electronics. Though I’m not too thrilled with the electronics.

This definitely punches above its weight class. I am still on the honeymoon phase but am extremely please.

Very resonant but not D28 boomy. Pretty hard to describe. I believe the braces are not scalloped. Tough to compare it as its own sound. Maybe a darker sounding j45 ? I sold my j45 years ago.

Maybe I need to stop selling guitars as I miss about 60 percent of them

Sorry for the long post but I’m a believer in the Yamaha line. Might get an LS16 so this has a friend

Tube Sound · #2 02-04-2019, 06:17 PM

Beautiful guitar. I think Yamaha really scores with their ARE guitars. I have one, an FG-180 and love it. Can hardly put it down. I have listened to an ARE with electronics and thought it was only fair at best but I don't have or like electronics in any of my acoustics. Enjoy your guitar and stop selling the good ones.

littlewing6283 · #3 02-04-2019, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tube Sound

Beautiful guitar. I think Yamaha really scores with their ARE guitars. I have one, an FG-180 and love it. Can hardly put it down. I have listened to an ARE with electronics and thought it was only fair at best but I don't have or like electronics in any of my acoustics. Enjoy your guitar and stop selling the good ones.

Whether is the ARE or the total specs I am impressed. I was set on getting something comparable to my s6 that I had and this has exceeded my expectations.

Yes I need to stop selling the good ones. When GAS strikes I get weak ahahahahaha

Jaden · #4 02-04-2019, 06:24 PM

Looks good, congratulations. About your OM-35 Custom, that one must have been a jaw dropping guitar.

Beakybird · #5 02-04-2019, 06:32 PM

Really nice guitar! Yamaha recommends a preamp for their pickup. Using a decent preamp with a virtual mic setting gets very good results.

If I were to get an LS guitar, I would opt for the LS16M with mahogany back and sides.

littlewing6283 · #6 02-04-2019, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beakybird

Really nice guitar! Yamaha recommends a preamp for their pickup. Using a decent preamp with a virtual mic setting gets very good results.

If I were to get an LS guitar, I would opt for the LS16M with mahogany back and sides.

Thanks for the tips.

Any specific reason going with the hog vs rosewood. I tend to prefer hogs myself. I was just curious

Beakybird · #7 02-04-2019, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlewing6283

Thanks for the tips.

Any specific reason going with the hog vs rosewood. I tend to prefer hogs myself. I was just curious

No reason, just to get a different sound, and I've heard great things about the LL16M, and it's a little less $$ too, I think.

LikeASir_ · #8 02-04-2019, 07:24 PM

Nice!

I'm planning on getting a LS6M or LS16M. Do you know if they come with a card case? The LS is basically a concert size where the LJ is like an OM right? Really confused with their sizing.

AeroUSA · #9 02-04-2019, 07:28 PM

Those pickups work great with Tone Dexter

littlewing6283 · #10 02-04-2019, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beakybird

No reason, just to get a different sound, and I've heard great things about the LL16M, and it's a little less $$ too, I think.

Ahhhh ic. Im also intrigued by the Hog LL but might be some overlap with the D18. If I find one at a good price though its going to get a chance

Quote:

Originally Posted by LikeASir_

Nice!

I'm planning on getting a LS6M or LS16M. Do you know if they come with a card case? The LS is basically a concert size where the LJ is like an OM right? Really confused with their sizing.

Did you mean hard case ? if so , no it comes with an acceptable gig bag though

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroUSA

Those pickups work great with Tone Dexter

Thanks ill check that out

Jaden · #11 02-04-2019, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LikeASir_

Nice!

I'm planning on getting a LS6M or LS16M. Do you know if they come with a card case? The LS is basically a concert size where the LJ is like an OM right? Really confused with their sizing.

Very basically so. The LL is the jumbo, the LS approximately a concert size with deep body, and the LJ is in the middle. If these Yamahas included a hard shell case I think it would be a little too close to home for the N American market. Gig bags keep overall costs down and don’t offend the competition considering what is being offered here at this price point.

sstaylor58 · #12 02-04-2019, 08:13 PM

Congratulations! Beautiful guitar. I just picked up an AC3R, and it too is a great Yamaha. Enjoy!

Cool555 · #13 02-04-2019, 11:47 PM

Congrats! If you like the tone of Mahogany more than Rosewood, go for the LS16M. I sold my LS16 because I have small hands. Btw, I prefer Hog tone to Rosewood too...

PerryE · #14 02-05-2019, 09:01 AM

Since I really like J45 I assumed I would prefer LL16M but when comparing them side by side it was clear the LL16R was more to my taste.

Beakybird · #15 02-05-2019, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PerryE

Since I really like J45 I assumed I would prefer LL16M but when comparing them side by side it was clear the LL16R was more to my taste.

Maybe there's a reason why Yamaha discontinued it. I never played one myself.