It’s the instrument which has kickstarted thousands of guitarists’ careers and can fit into any genre. Out of the more than 2000 guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on “Compare” to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more. The RGX guitars were upgraded in 2003 with a 3D headstock sporting a 3+3 tuner layout and a piezo bridge option for acoustic-like tones. Famous endorsees of the RGX/RGZ guitars included Blues Saraceno and Ty Tabor of King’s X, who got his namesake RGX-TT and RGX-TTD6 signature models in 2000.
A sophisticated pickup/preamp system and built-in DSP allows players to plug headphones directly into the guitar for practicing in silence or use the line out to amplify the guitar through a sound system for live performance. The first Yamaha “Silent Guitar” models provided natural nylon-sting classical guitar tones, but more recently Yamaha has also offered steel-string versions of this revolutionary instrument. Lee Ritenour has used the SLG-100N “Silent Guitar” onstage and in the studio since 2003.
The most notable development was the introduction of several high-quality acoustic models made from solid materials. The FG-500 was Yamaha’s first steel-string acoustic model to feature a solid spruce top, eventually followed by the FG-1500 and FG-2000 models with solid spruce tops and solid jacaranda back and sides. Bob Seger’s main acoustic onstage during the Seventies was an FG-1500, and James Taylor often played an FG-2000 live and in the studio during this period as well. Revstar Element guitars feature chambered bodies designed to sculpt tone and reduce weight, providing a clear, full sound and comfortable playing experience. The Yamaha Pacifica line of electric guitars has been in production for around 30 years, and in the 21st Century it is still going strong. Renowned for their versatility, the Pacifica range starts with traditional-looking 012 and 112V instruments; perfect starter guitars for beginners looking to take learning seriously.
The RGX312 (1987–1988) is a double cutaway rock style guitar available in Red, Black, or White finish. I find the Yamaha PAC611HFM to be the best overall Yamaha electric guitar. It has excellent build quality, attractive design, and durability. The guitar’s sound is yamaha digital piano tough, expressive, powerful, bright, and full. That doesn’t mean you can’t play other genres on this guitar, but I still consider it more of a rock guitar than a blues guitar, for example. Ultimately, it all depends on your understanding of one genre or another.
Yamaha also developed their own RM Pro double-locking tremolo system for the RGX models. Some models even offered active pickups of Yamaha’s own design. To further prove their dedication to players’ needs, Yamaha opened the Yamaha Guitar Development facility in North Hollywood, California, in 1989. Yamaha’s first electric launched way back in 1966, and has since expanded to include many types of solid body guitars. The original SG line is still made today, and is accompanied by the Revstar and Pacifica series. Yamaha electric guitars are popular thanks to their quality craftsmanship, versatility, and affordability.
By the mid Sixties, the entire world had a fever called Beatlemania, and the only prescription was more guitars. The United States was particularly stricken, and domestic guitar companies struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for anything with six strings. To satisfy customers, particularly those on tight middle class budgets, retailers turned to Asian manufacturers to fill their shelves with affordable, low-cost instruments.
The SLG200S has barely any acoustic volume unless you’re plugging in which makes it a great option if you want to enjoy detailed acoustic tones without disturbing anyone. And you’ll get them here – with added reverb, chorus effects, tuner and EQ too. Line 6 is known for products that leverage groundbreaking digital technology. With a long history of firsts, Line 6 has a proven track record in defining new product categories for guitarists. The best-selling flagship Helix® family of amp and effects processors has achieved enormous success, receiving numerous accolades and awards along the way.
The result is superb versatility with condenser and ribbon mic options that shine in different applications and sound authentically organic for a guitar that would make a great option for the stage and home as a long-term investment. From its trailblazing APX range to more recent innovations with the TransAcoustic effects-loaded guitars, A.R.E (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treated woods and its CSF travel guitars, Yamaha is showing no sign of resting on its laurels. So that means there’s rich pickings when it comes to recommending our top picks from the Yamaha acoustic range. My overall impression of the guitar and its “voice” remained good. I’ve already mentioned many times that the Yamaha PAC012DLX is a budget guitar, but it sounds wonderful for its price rank.
The SG is Yamaha’s flagship electric, with a heritage stretching back to the ’60s and famous players like Carlos Santana. With custom shop parts, impeccable craftsmanship and alluring classic aesthetics, the SG can satisfy the most discerning of players. Yamaha Electric Guitars have been played on some of the world’s biggest stages.