YAMAHA GUITARS

In the world of guitars, Yamaha isn't exactly the first company that you think of. Known more for keyboards, digital pianos and synthesizers, Yamaha still makes some decent guitars which are more than reasonably priced. We're going to go over some of the guitars that this 40 year old company makes.
Yamaha started in 1966 long before the first synthesizer came out. But by the mid 80s they were making some of the best synthesizers on the market, including the classic Dx-7. But in spite of their reputation as a keyboard giant, the land of guitars was not very far away.
Yamaha guitars are not the fanciest looking models around but they do have a decent sound. The AES series includes the AES 420 through 920 series numbers, with the exception of the 820 which doesn't exist. No explanation is given for the missing number.
The Pacifica series, which has a somewhat sleeker look than the AES series, includes the PAC 012 through 812, again missing a couple of series numbers including, again, the 8 series. They must have something against that number. Yamaha was always very unoriginal when it came to naming instrument models, whether they were keyboards or guitars.
The Gigmaker series is one of Yamaha's newest additions. The look is very similar to the Pacifica series but that's where the similarities end. The Gigmaker series features 20-watt, 2-channel drive guitar amp, protective gig bag, Qwik Tune Digital chromatic tuner, guitar cable, instructional DVD, guitar strap, extra strings and guitar picks. It may not sound like a big deal for those who have purchased the bigger name brands but for the price, this isn't a bad guitar. The best part about this series is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Even if you drop it off of a building, they'll replace it free of charge.
One of the smaller series of guitars as far as how many are made, is the E series, which consists of only three models, the 112, 103 and 121. The guitars are actually very well made and come with not two, but three pickups. Two single coil and one humbucking pickup. Plus, they come with a vintage vibrato system and tremolo bar. And they don't cost a fortune.
Another small series of guitars is the RGX series. Consisting of the 320, 520 and XA2, these guitars feature two Yamaha humbucker pickups and the original Yamaha AES series bridge. The three position pickup switch is a nice touch.
The Archtop series of guitars, which have some really fat looking bodies include not one but seven different models. They come with three single bar coil pickups, duel three way selector switches and a chrome Bigsby tremolo. These are some nice sounding guitars. Rounding out their line of electric guitars is the Eterna. This guitar also comes with three pickups, two single coil and one humbucking.


Yamaha RGX-A2 Review:

Features : 8 Made in Korea. Dual seymour duncan p-90 pups. There are pull/push pots for coil splitting. Gold Carved Top with mahogany back (clear) Maple cap. Aged binding on body, headstock and neck. Grover 18:1 tuners. Pearl inlays on a rosewood fretboard. I'd guess medium jumbo frets. Neck is a good size for me and I do not have giant mitts. The shorter scale helps too. All in all high quality parts throughout. Case seems pretty standard.
Sound : 10 I bought this guitar to work on a bit of a new style (slide) but the action is so good and the p90s more aggressive than I had imagined...I'm thinking that this might make a great rock axe too. I play through a Marshall TSL 60 head and a Marshall 1936 2x12 cab. I use a Vox Tonelab for chorus/reverb and/or as a preamp.
The seymour duncan p90s are nice! The neck is quite a bit bassier than the bridge pup which is my favorite. The neck seems to sound better for non rock type cleans...The bridge is aggressive and sounds absolutely great distorted. They sound more like hums than singles.
I haven't fully put the Washburn through it's paces yet...but as I keep saying what suprised me right off the bat was how good this thing sounded with the classic Marshall distortion sound. The bridge in clean sounded very clear and hot. Great note definition. Guitar even sounds great unplugged.
Action, Fit, & Finish : 9 I had it shipped from Florida and the seller knew what he was doing. All the strings were detuned. Once tuned up? Great action, great fretwork, a few pinhead imperfections to the finish along the neck/body meet. (really pin head sized over spray of gold) Clear finish is poly and a tad thick but consistant throughout. Guitar was a showroom model...but no dents or dings and definately no rust.
Reliability/Durability : 9 The guitar seems pretty solid. The parts are quality. The finish is poly so the main positive attribute of poly is it's durability. I'd play out with it. I always bring a second guitar though...even if I do not use the 2nd...it's better to have it and not need it...then to need it and not have it.
Overall Rating : 10 Been playing for about 16 years. I own a Carvin DC127m, a warmoth parts-o-caster (think early VH days) a Marshall TSL 60 head with matching 2x12 cab, A Vox Tonelab and a beater acoustic.
I highly recommend this guitar. There isn't that much to a guitar...good build...good wood...good hardware...good pickups...good features. This is a guitar that has all of the above. Definately worth it if you are looking for a reliable p90 with some balls that won't cost you 2k. I got a great deal on a store closeout model but even at full retail there isn't too much to compete with it.