Yamaha AC5R Acoustic Electric Guitar Review
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- Опубліковано 11 лип 2018
- Looking for an acoustic electric cutaway that's perfect for stage and home? The Yamaha AC5R acoustic electric guitar will meet all the needs of a professional and /or hobbyist. Our own Chris McKee is going to fill you in on this gorgeous instrument and let also give you a chance to hear its glorious tone! Play A Note, Change Your Life!
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I have listened to about 70 or 80 of Alamo Music's videos, all of the brands' cutaways, the AC5R Acoustic Electric absolutely floods my soul. This is the one for me.
Did you buy one?
the budget Yamaha guitars are simply the best, and their high end guitars are constructed with the same skill and attention to detail but with top notch materials and the price is half of every other high end maker so it's a win-win
Max do you own any Yamaha Guitars?
Their 6 series Pacificas are amazing value for money, and most of the Revstars are too...
You're spot on with the quality of their Japanese models, really pro level and excellent build quality.
I have a bit of a thing for Japanese guitars and especially the Yamahas. They also tend to have poor resale value here in South Africa, so you can get them for way less than eBay prices!
There's actually an A5R that's tempting at the moment. 😅❤😅
Enjoy the weekend and happy jamming. 👊😎🎸
Yamaha == best value for the money
That’s why I bought a Yamaha Stratoliner motorcycle.
Chris has got _so_ much better at presenting over the years. Far more relaxed these days. Good on him!
I just picked one of these up and it is AMAZING. The fit and finish are a 10/10, no exaggeration. Every single thing on the guitar is perfect, even the sticker inside the body is absolutely perfect. Its stunningly beautiful and sounds great. You really can't picture how beautiful it is until you see it. Easy to play, came with a perfect setup too. The only thing I would say is its maybe not the best for hard strummers. You might do better with the dreadnaught mahogany for that if that's what you need.
Why is it not good for hard strumming? I'm thinking if this guitar but mainly play rhythm
@@samin2012 typically larger acoustics like yamaha's a5r dreadnought style guitar are better for strumming because the body is larger, more wood to vibrate producing larger strummed chords sounds, and more resonant and overtones for strumming chords. when strumming hard with smaller body acoustics the chords won't sound as good and sound really compressed. but apparently the ac5r is much deeper like a dreadnought so its very loud and good for strumming too. some reviewers say its louder than some dreadnoughts. I think it's versatile and can do both fingerstyle and strumming but im on the fence too between the ac5r and the a5r.
@@KibatsuMusic yeah I played both in a guitar shop and found AC5R sound more cleaner than the larger A5R. 🤷♂️🤷♂️
@@samin2012 well obviously, concert body size have more articulate sound which is good for finger picking , while dread shape sound is louder and better for strumming
I have a Yamaha ac5r and a Taylor 316ce I play the Yamaha much more this guitar just feels good it's mid tone is very good especially for song writers
Just got one. Thing is awesome! I held off for the past year partly because I wanted to try it first and I couldn’t find anyone with it in store. Took a chance and this thing Is so smooth. Neck is fantastic. Action is great. Sounds so good
Gret playing and great review👍🏻 Thanks!
I recently purchased a Yamaha LL16D..and omg..the craftsmanship..fit n finish..and the amazing tone blew me away..you will not be disappointed on A..F..L..LL...series yamahas...THE BEST VALUE FOR $$$ OUT THERE HANDS DOWN
I love this guitar so much that I still lookup videos about it and I’ve owned mine for a few years now. ❤️
Just got one second hand and had it set up...plays and sounds better than many ahead of it in price. It may be one of the most balanced guitars I have played. I prefer it to my higher end Martins.
I've had mine for two years and it's one of many high end acoustic's I have that I use consistently, love it!!!!!!!
Great review, great playing!.
cheers for the download on choosing the right guitar, much appreciared.
Just ordered this guitar. Alamo has very impressive customer service. Seems obvious they love their job.
Excellent, informative review...thank you, Chris! Save a few more bucks and perhaps this guitar will, one day, reside right here in my home! I own a Yamaha dread - LL6 - and it is my go-to guitar. Excellent craftsmanship, rich sound, stays in tune flawlessly. Can't say enough about it! Am now looking for a guitar with a body size like this one. The sound draws me in. Thanks, again!!!
I have an AC3R and it is superb.
I had to come back and hear that lovely tone again.
This punches well above its weight big time.
I would love to see a shoot out, against solid rosewood and spruce similar sized Taylor's, Martin's, Furch, etc.
I think that the Yamaha here, will surprise a lot of people.
There's a reason you haven't seen those comparisons and it because they already know what the result would be. The Yamaha ac5r is as good as many of the very top rated acoustics money can buy and better than most. Facts!!
@@jzznup8664 yep. You obviously know guitars. Anyone who values tone and playability, loves Yamaha acoustics. And these ac5s and the LL16s etc. Are just mindblowingly good guitars. I have two LL16s and would love an AC5.
I have a Yamaha fg830 (dread size, layered rosewood back and sides) and love it. My next guitar will be this exact one. I love rosewood, would like a smaller body than the fg, and a cutaway.
Awesome!!! The articulation is spectacular.
Say no more. Take my money!!!! I’ll get mine soon.
You're appreciated!
it is a perfect guitar for fingerstyle
I bought this guitar this year. Gorgeous tone and craftsmanship! I lowered the action a bit now it’s perfect!
I have buy one Ac3r few days ago and is awesome guitar. I imagine how that guitar is amazing. I just want put one bone saddle and nut in my ac3r.
I'm not crazy about the lesser expensive Yamaha's, however, this one reminds me of the Yamaha's of the 70's. Really, really, beautiful tone! Thanks for the review!
If you've watched any Yamaha China factory tours, ALL of their guitars even the cheap $200 ones have hand set dovetail joints. I didn't know that & it floored me! And I thought only high end Martins & Gibsons had that!
@@stevevaughan787 Wow! Thanks for that info! May have to look into the new Yamahas again!
ALL the Yamaha models are value for money! And the FG series, although inexpensive, have solid sitka tops and are beautifully crafted. Nice guitars, by any standard.
Hi, what's the first song you ve played? It s amazing!
I played an A5R and I wanted it so badly, maybe one day!
Great Demo. I have been buying and selling used acoustic guitars for years now. 3 mths ago I traded two very nice guitars for a mint
AC5R. I thought it would be a quick turn around sale. Was I wrong! I’ve fallen head over heels and have stopped buying and selling.
This is the one, better than any others I’ve played. I just want to play it everyday. The base is just right and sounds even better in drop “D”.
The deep rosewood is mesmerizing and fit and finish amazing. I recommend trying one...but they are hard to find.
PS: mine is not for sale😀😀
You're so right about the drop D I almost didn't buy this because of the pickguard but even that is grown on me now I had to sell a Taylor so I could get one of these and a friend of mine told me I was completely nuts until he heard it and played it and this thing blows me away every time I play it and the pickup is amazing to
I’ve heard that they are getting harder to find and the wait list is long. I spoke to a Guitar Shop owner today who is a Yamaha dealer. He won’t carry one because he suggest most people won’t spend the $1600 Canadian for one. They would rather spend it on a Taylor or Martin.
Go figger. 😕
Real wood binding. Not plastic. Hand made
I made the mistake of picking up one of these and strumming it on my lunch break the other day at the music store and now I'm scrambling to put together the dough to buy one. I simply gotta have it. one of the best sounding acoustics I've ever played.
Did you end up buying one? I love mine
Great in depth review. My research of specs state that the Fretboard and Bridge are Ebony.
Amazing finger style song!
Such a gorgeous tone! Can you give us a sense of the size of this one versus the Yamaha FS versus the Taylor Grand Concert?
We have a Taylor Concert Guitar at home. This Thing looks smaller.
I wish you showed what the pickups sound like and demonstrated the electronics! That's an important feature!
Are the sound examples only recorded through the mic ?
Any recommendations on best strings for this guitar? I think it comes with Elixir 80/20 nanoweb and have heard that PBs sound better and give more low end.
2 years later Light or Medium Phosphor Bronze Elixers
At 3:05 you said it has Rosewood bridge & fingerboard. Actually the A1's have that. The A3's & A5's have ebony and looking at the video closeup that's what it looks like. Just thought you'd want everyone to know that correction.
You're right Steven ebony Bridge also
I would love this with a 1 and 3/4 nut with or larger
10/16/2021: Great Review. I own the Yamaha A5R cutaway and it sounds great, per very loud with light strumming, warm deep lows, and bright trebles, and a beautiful tight-fitting hard-shell case. The difference between acoustics in the high-end price range is the AR5 has tight straight wood grains and just sounds better. By the way, I tried two (2) Taylors at $2,500.00 and they did not sound as good, and both had horrible markings in the wavy wood grains that looks like scratch marks. I contacted Taylor and they call those marks "Bear Claws." I call it cheap grain wood. And, I am not convinced the "V" bracing is stable and the top will not crack in time. In my opinion, the Yamaha is far superior to many top-end guitars. The big-name companies advertise a lot and brand name marketing sells guitars. But, the quality may not be there.
Wise words! But I have high hopes that this is coming to an end in the near future. Look at Gibson's new beginner series for example. It is getting absolutely picked apart on the internet, because it is just straight up a bad deal at the given price.
A new generation of players is rising who are not emotionally connected to those big brands anymore and collect way more information before they make a buying decision.
Bear claw appears on high grade AAA spruce tonewood. Some manufacturers claim it’s better but really it’s only a defect/ flaw but can sometimes look quite cool. Zero impact on tone.
I love mine.
Got mine around a month ago. It sounds beautiful! Felt the action was a bit higher than I expected, but I have only owned electric and classical guitars before, this is my first acoustic.
You may consider having the action adjusted! It makes a world of difference!
@@AlamoMusic This weekend I finally went and got the setup done. The difference is night and day; the luthier mentioned that there were a lot of intonation problems that were probably caused by the bridge being placed around 1/16" too close to the fretboard, plus the high action (4mm on the 12th fret, low E). Not only is the playability much smoother, the resonance is also louder.
Hopefully it's not a general issue and I just got a bad unit, but now that it's fixed I love this thing
My guitar tuning is one step down from standart tuning, so E = D and use 0.12 string, i imagine it would sound sweet in this guitar
I tuned it down to open C and DADGAD with the stock setup with light strings and its virtually no buzz.
beautuful guitar and playig
Love the amazing grace. Praise the Lord
It is beautiful guitar but i think sound wise not much different than my fg850 (not electric)
Hi, and thank you for these reviews! Can you tell me what are main differences between Yamahas :
A5M a.r.e A5R a.r.e and AC5M a.r.e AC5R a.r.e ?
I'm struggling which one to choose....thanks i advance.
Nice presentation/demo of the acoustic sound of this guitar, but as this is an acoustic/electric guitar with a newly developed pickup/preamp system that is supposed to sound better than conventional piezo systems, it is very strange and disappointing that this isn't demonstrated at all in the video..
Spot on!
Hi, can you guys also do a AC5R vs AC5M a/b comparison like what you did with the A3?
I'd like to see/hear this comparison too! I just bought the AC5M yesterday. It absolutely blew me away. I own a Santa Cruz OM Grand, a Martin 2018 D-41 Reimagined and a 2012 Martin Custom Shop D-45 with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides and Italian Alpine spruce top. This Yamaha AC5M can stand toe-to-toe with these guitars sonically. Its sound is HUGE! The Yam has sustain for days and depth and warmth that belies the fact that it is a $1,300 mahogany body guitar. It is very responsive to a light touch or you can really dig in without overdriving it. It takes whatever you have to offer as a player.
So far I'm not a huge fan of the pickup system, but I haven't really tinkered with it yet, so time will tell about that.
As for the playability...it is power steering! The neck is so comfortable I could play it for days on end. I am obsessed with this guitar! A agree with TheHappynot about the pick guard. I hate it! UG-LEEEEE!! Would like to see either no pick guard (I play finger style) or the clear one that Yamaha puts on some of its other models.
To those of you sitting on the fence about trying one of these Yamaha AC5 Series guitars, do yourselves a favor and go to your local dealer and try them out. Do the comparison with the Taylors and Martins. You'll be blown away like I was! You'll just have to take one home with you. BTW just ignore the name on the headstock. It's all about the tone, response, sustain, sweetness and playability. It beats the Taylors hands-down. These Japanese-made models are fantastic!
@@lindyloulie80 hi dear, i don't know if is better to buy ac5r or ac5m... what i should do?
@@lindyloulie80 i want the same drugs you are takin
Sounds goood!
Ive ordered one of these I can't wait to get it!
Elena GuitarChic Just curious if you’ve gotten your guitar. And what’s your opinion at this point. I ask because I’m very close to ordering one myself. Thanks in advance.
@@qrptedmac yes I bought this guitar and can't tell you how happy I'm. It's a stunning looking guitar and the sound is out of this world. The resonance is insane. I can tell you I rate this guitar to the level of Martin d42 (which I also own), that's how good it is. Better than my Taylor's and gibson hands down.
The size of the guitar is also a plus. It's a concert size but this a fat guitar and so the bass sound is insane. I so love this guitar. If you can buy one. The only thing you'll regret is not buying it earlier!!! Good luck in your search and happy playing :-)
Elena GuitarChic Thank you. I’m sold ha ha. If you’re ever in NW Ohio we can jam. Lol. Thx again.
@@qrptedmac definitely :-). All the best x
@@ellyguitarchic5069 Mine is arriving on Tuesday.
In your personal opinion, this one or Martin GPC 11E?
I have the AC1M. I tried to remove my end pin but I couldn't get it out. Do you have any suggestions?
Ebony bridge and fingerboard!
Is this a non gloss top or natural satin or whatever
What’s your take on this vs. A5R dread?
A Taylor or Martin with those specs would be a gazillion dollars
Chris,
This guitar or the FSX5? Full package, playability, unplugged tone, electronics, etc? I need a smaller body guitar as my right shoulder just bothers me now when playing my dread or even GA sized guitars. Thanks.
+1
Tonal difference between fsx5 and ac5r?
I just ordered one from SWEETWATER, thanks for the recommendation! 👊🏼
How about the a5r ?
maybe yamaha is the only brand that will accompany with you from beginning to end
I sold my $3000.00 Taylor and bought the AC5R used in mint condition online from Guitar Center for $900.
What is the song at 5:36?
How would you compare this to the Taylor 314ce? Which would you pick between the two?
I've had the AC3R & that Chinese build is phenomenal! The Japan built since it's all custom shop should be beyond that. Get the 3 or 5 series & you can't go wrong. Plus the SRT pickup is also fantastic!
I returned my 314 to get the a3r. Saved a grand, got a better pick up system and more bass response. Can't go wrong with yamaha.
I can confirm that. The mic modeling in the Yamaha is superior to the Taylor ES2 system, and I've owned 5 Taylor's in the past so I know their tone. Also try the Martin Aura system old or new version & that's an amazing tone also!
what is the song played plz ?
what string does it have
Amazing guitar, last month I've bought ac3r chinese version
How are you liking the ac3 Frank? I saw one in a Guitar Center 2 days ago and loved it on first impression.
Is there a taylor model thats on par with this?
what is rhe name of the first picking he is playing????
Good video-p
what is the difference between ac5r and the a5r they both look same and sound the same i tryd them both out they sound wonderful but it left me confused so i thought i come here and ask you for profesional advice which one should i or you go for
The A5R is a dreadnought size guitar. the AC5R is a smaller body size.
Sounds very good! I wonder what the fretboard radius is? Also, minor point, "African Mahogany" is considered a specific species, and is not "sapele". Both are considered of the mahogany family, and both are African - hence the near ubiquitous confusion on the subject.
african moghany may be "sapele" its a posibility
Fretboard radius is almost 16 inches. Go to Yamaha website and check out all the specs.
How does AC5M compare to this rosewood model?
It is basically age old mahogany vs rosewood debate. This one has better bass and treble while AC5M has stronger mid as it should be
I'm curious about the difference between the Chinese produced Ac3r and the Japanese produced ac5r because they appear to be essentially the same specs.
Esentially the same specs. The AC5R comes with a hard case and the quality is a bit higher. It is hand made in Japan.
Is there much of a tone or playability "feel" difference? Obviously on paper they look the same. But trying to determine if it is worth the extra $500. No shops in my area carry the 5.
Yes! both in hand the AC5R sounds and plays superior. We have both models in the shop and I could probably tell blindfolded. - Chris McKee
from other videos I've gathered, the Japan Custom Shop hand selects the woods that go into their guitars. So it's not just someone pulling off a stack of wood that a grader person plopped down on their bench. I'm guessing the Custom Shop takes their time with these.
The 5 series also comes with tusq nut and saddle as opposed to urea on the 3 series and below which is plastic.
How would you guys rate this against an Taylor 214ce plus ?
the only thing the Taylor 214 better is it has a Taylor on it, so you can brag around
Really interested in this model, but one BIG concern / question: looking inside the sound hole there's a huge exposed circuit board for the electronics. How is that going to hold up to humidifying the guitar? Will humidity easily corrode it? Are preamps from other manufacturers more sealed than this, or is such exposure standard?
David Internicola that exposed circuit board is a standard. A lot of guitars have this.
@Ralph Reilly what about when you put a guitar humidifier in the sound hole? That's my concern
What is the best guitar you have ever played
Which one is better FSX5 or AC5R
AC is higher in the foodcain
So do you rate this over the Taylor 214ce deluxe?
helllllll yeahhhh
You would have to move past the 314 to get this rosewood/spruce all solid same size guitar and Taylor's line up.
And it will not be mostly hand built, although that is not a bad thing in Taylor's case.
And Taylor's are great no doubt, but for something comparable it will cost at least a $1000 or more, more.
I am thinking Taylor will have a brighter sound , less full soulful bass, in general.
But one of the best hard cases, better low setup out the box, possibly better intonation, easier to adjust neck, the Taylor name, American built by an extremely modern factory, that consistently has among the best in quality and workmanship. and attention to detail and the business.
@@Tigerex966 Thanks... I chose among some mid-range guitars and finally took a Taylor 224 ce. It looks nice with all koa and sounds amazing.. Although it is built in Mexico 😂. If I weren't a student I would have bought an m48 cp man dat guitar so cleaaannn😭
@@jimmiefu8998 yamaha japon>>>>>>> taylor mexico
Just played one yesterday and it felt, sounded and looked fantastic. Better than the Taylors and Martins they had in stock. I was looking at the FGX5 and FSX5, but I think this is the one for me. Not interested in the electronics. I wonder if there is one without electronics? Anyone know? The Fingerboard is Ebony...at least I am 90% sure.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I didn’t like the sound too much :/ I currently play a 7 string mayones bartitone as my main guitar for most stuff. I want an acoustic but don’t know which one to pick. Please help me.
Love the guitar, but the end of Chris's playing made me sad!!! It was in a minor key!
Haha he's gotta mix things up sometimes!
The proof of a good guitar buy is its sound that can last a lifetime. Period.
how much does it coest
lloyd warren $1400 USD
Which size sir is better for strumming , concert or dreadnought?
dread bigger bolder tone
@@sugarlife485 agreed, dread would ve better. Still i strum on my AC5R and its fine too.
this or the koa yamaha cutaway? I think its the ac4kii i think they are even similar price
I know this is old. But Rosewood is always the better tonewood. It's the god of guitar woods.
How does this guitar compare against Yamaha FSX5
Red Label series has more tradional warm sound and louder. A Series have modern sound and more sweetness. Depend on your reference and taste, both are very good choice for what they are designed to do.
@@phanhuyduc2395 thank you
how does the ac3r compare to this
AC5R is a lot of guitar. I've literally retired and sold most of my collection because this is it.
I wish Yamaha would use a classier logo instead of plain ole' block letters.
Do you guys have tabs available for the demo music that is being played in these videos? They have a very nice sound.
Hey Ryan, thanks for watching and the kind words. I don't have tabs available at this time. A project I'm working on. - Chris McKee
I would love tabs or tutorials of the music you play.....they are great
I'd be interested in having the tabs too.
5:12
I have this incredible guitar it's an ebony bridge and board not rosewood .....
I like Yamaha acoustic guitars a lot. But... As a personal rule... There are lots of things you can do to improve a guitar’s sound. But you can’t fix ugly!
Just get a new pickguard, some love the shape others do not, I would get a custom wood one done with enlay, in a more modest shape.
@@Tigerex966 I’ll just stay with the L-Series.
@@quietwyatt4045 great choice
That pickgguard is beautiful, shut up.
Not a fan of the pick guard shape. Would much prefer a standard black one.
Yamaha LL16
Why don't companies produce acoustic cutaway guitars? I love the shape but do not need the pickup and electrics. This would be perfect if it was a pure acoustic.
I thought they had ebony boards? He says rosewood
I’m thinking of getting a Taylor 214ce Koa Deluxe. Would this one be better?
I like the sound of Taylors, but I wouldn't put a laminated (plywood) back and sides up against solid rosewood of the Yamaha. Check out the bracing for the Taylor. I'm not sure it has internal bracing in the back. The Yamaha is built like a tank. When I first got my AC5r, I thought the sound was a bit subdued compared with my Martin. In front of a mic though, the Yamaha comes alive. Bass, mids and highs all work together to produce an exceptional sound. It's my favorite studio guitar at this point.
Greg T cool! I never knew Yamaha made musical instruments. I thought they made motorcycles. I didn’t Ike their motorcycle and opted for a Suzuki instead. might try out their instruments but not sure which one to pick. I’m currently looking at a Taylor 414ce-R v class now. I found out it’s made of solid wood and stuff. there aren’t many reviews of it on the web or UA-cam. And they don’t carry those in my local stores so I’m asking around if it’s good. I like the bolt neck on of the Taylor’s. This will be my first acoustic.
@@silverdragon0000120 Yamaha is a great music company. They've been around since the 19th century. Their keyboards are great. I use one of their arrangers. That Taylor should be a winner, but with any guitar in that price range, make sure you play it first and like the sound and feel of the neck. They are all unique because no combination of wood will produce the same sounds.
@@silverdragon0000120 The 414ce-R looks like a great guitar, gets great reviews; but it's almost twice the price of the Yamaha AC5R. If money is no object, try them both. If you could use the $1,200 you'll save buying the Yamaha for something else, well...
Taylor 214ce was super disappointing IMO, but I just am not crazy about the sound of Koa. And I'm not a big Taylor fan in general. I did like a 317 V class grand Pacific however. I'm just a Martin guy though. I can play 10 Martin's, and will typically really like 8. I can play 10 Taylor's, and may only like 2 or 3.
i have a confusion!!! the specs say GOTOH TUNNERS, but reallity say YAMAHA TUNNERS mmmmm is there any explication??????????'
Hmmm not sure why it says that but it does have Gotoh tuners!
@@AlamoMusic but in your opinion.... are they good yamaha tunners????
They're very good! Definitely would recommend!
@@AlamoMusic I was investigating and it seems to me that the yamaha tunners were made by gotoh
The Japanese have done it again
Well said.
5:12 5:36 7:00 7:54
It is ebony fingerboard
This is what I 'd like..... except in Mahogany...... beautiful guitar
They make it in a mahogany version. AC5M
@@Averitt13 Yep....Had one on order last year took way too long to arrive, I bought a Yamaha LS-16M.... beautiful guitar
Ill sell my taylor to have that yamaha.
Nice review, thanks! Just bought the AC5R, and i own the CPX 1000 TBL, but the AC5R is just mindblowing . Yamaha is extremly underated and i have no idea why. Watch this guty playing the chinese model AC3M ua-cam.com/video/03WyrzP92Xo/v-deo.html
Fingerboard an bridge are made of ebony, saddle and nut are bone.
Put bluegrass strings on and thank me later