Yamaha APX600 Review & Demo (With Video)
The Yamaha APX600 is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar that features a slim body, making it a good choice for beginners. This guitar has been available for over 20 years now and has earned the reputation of being a solid, player-friendly instrument.
Acoustic-electric guitars are becoming increasingly popular. With affordable options like the APX600 on the market, gigging musicians have a lot to choose from. This is a detailed review of the APX600 and if you want to check out our video review and hear this guitar in action, you can do so with the link below:
We spent a lot of time playing around with this guitar so if you like this review and found it useful then please share it and subscribe to our channel!
Contents
Yamaha APX600
Verdict
The Yamaha APX600 is an affordable acoustic-electric guitar made from high-quality tonewoods. It delivers a responsive sound that comes to life when amplified. Due to the quality of the built-in electronics, you can use this guitar for live performances. For the given price, it’s a no-brainer for beginners and even advanced players looking for a backup option.
Pros
- Affordable guitar
- Comfortable thin design
- High-quality build
- System 65A Preamp with Piezo Pickup
- Balanced and clear sound
Cons
- Doesn’t measure up to a Dreadnaught
- When amplified, some EQ fiddling is a must
- Slightly boxy sound due to the slim body
Design
The Yamaha APX600 has a thin-line body, making it a comfortable option for players who prefer a more compact guitar. The body is made of a Sitka Spruce top which gives it a warm and balanced sound, the neck is made of nato wood, and has a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets.
Because the tuning machines are die-cast chrome, they are very smooth and reliable, ensuring good tuning stability. The guitar also has a cutaway design, which means it has a thinner profile that allows easy access to the upper frets, making it a very player-friendly option, especially for beginner guitarists.
Playability
With a slim and fast neck, this guitar is really easy to navigate. It’s a low-action guitar, meaning that you won’t strain your fingers as much. With the cutaway design, you can also play higher up on the fretboard without any difficulty. With the lightweight build, cutaway design, and thinner profile, this guitar sits really well and screams ease of use.
Build Quality
In terms of build quality, the APX600 sports some high-quality tonewoods, despite the low price tag. With a Sitka Spruce top and Nato back and sides, you can hardly argue for more. One of the main reasons why this guitar is so popular is probably because of the build quality. You get a balanced sound, a solid build, and a highly-playable acoustic-electric option, all in one guitar.
Electronics
The APX600 comes with a built-in pickup and System 65A preamp. It has a piezo pickup and a 3-band EQ with volume control, along with a built-in tuner which is always a nice addition. When plugged into an amp or PA system, the electronics produce a natural and clear sound, meaning that if you’re planning on gigging with this guitar, you can do so if you please.
Sound
The Yamaha APX600 has a very balanced and versatile sound. You get a bright and clear sound with so much warmth and depth. I believe the guitar can handle fingerpicking and strumming equally well and is very responsive to different playing styles. It is a great option for live performances since the System 65A pickup system reproduces the guitar’s natural sound accurately.
Price
The Yamaha APX600 is very affordable. For the given price and considering the quality you get, the value-for-price ratio is on point. It’s a great option for beginner guitarists looking for a solid guitar without breaking the bank. It’s also great for season players who want a backup option or something light and compact to travel with.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable guitar | Doesn’t measure up to a Dreadnaught which is understandable |
| Comfortable thin design | When amplified, some EQ fiddling is a must |
| High-quality build | Slightly boxy sound due to the slim body |
| System 65A Preamp with Piezo Pickup | |
| Balanced and clear sound |
Verdict
The bottom line, the APX600 lives up to its name and brings a lot of value to the table. With quality tonewoods, balanced sound, solid electronics, and player-friendly design, you get everything you need in an affordable guitar. Overall, it’s a great choice for beginner guitarists and even season players looking for a backup or travel option.
