Yamaha APX500iii Review Acoustic-Elec Guitar (Discontinued)

GEARANK

91 out of 100. Incorporating 400+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: $299.99

Manufacturer: Yamaha

https://www.gearank.com/gear/yamaha-apx500iii/

Yamaha APX600

The APX series newer model is the Yamaha APX600. The previously superseded Yamaha APX500III was a great fit for those of you looking for a cheap gigging or open mic guitar. The Yamaha APX600 continues the tradition by offering a slim, comfortable body design for easy playability. It has a built-in Yamaha System 65A preamp and tuner, which offer excellent amplified sound and control.

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Gearank High Notes

2017.08: Equal Highest Rated Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300
Tied With:Ibanez AW54CE
Ibanez AEG10II

The APX500iii appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $300 from August 2017 until August 2018.

This has been discontinued but you will find excellent alternatives in our guide to The Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars.

Overview – Yamaha APX500iii Review

Yamaha is known in guitar-playing circles as a manufacturer of so many different products (ranking 3rd on a recent list of top-selling brands), but a lesser-known fact about the company is that it actually began as an organ manufacturer. Though they’ve moved into other products, they’ve never forgotten their legacy, which is evident in the three interlocking tuning forks that make up their logo.

The Yamaha APX500III, while definitely an entry-level guitar, is a solid investment if you’re looking for a no-frills stage instrument. It continues to get high review ratings from experts who recommend it for its overall performance and value for money. It is equipped with a piezo pickup and an onboard preamp, both of which give you the flexibility needed to dial in a very usable acoustic tone. With its feedback-resistant thin profile body, the APX500III is meant for live performance and is able to handle higher volume levels when compared to conventional shapes.

On the flip side, this thinner body limits the guitar’s acoustic volume, making it less viable for unplugged jams. The use of laminated spruce and nato wood also doesn’t compare favorably to the more traditional spruce and mahogany pairing.

In summation, the Yamaha APX500III is a great fit for those of you looking for a cheap gigging or open mic guitar. If playing unplugged is an important consideration, then you may want to go with a different option.