Among guitars, there is hardly anything more fascinating than a twelve-stringed one. Of all the brands that exist in the market today, Yamaha stands out for its quality and workmanship.
I’m excited as ardent guitar lover to explore the world of 12-string Yamaha guitars, their peculiarities, history and why musicians prefer them.
12-String Yamaha Guitar Review: The Wonders of a Dozen Strings
Before we get into details about what Yamaha has to offer in this category let me tell you why a 12-string guitar is so special. Unlike normal six string guitars; this one comes with six double courses of strings.
These consists of two strings each that are tuned either an octave apart or unison. With such kind of design, a complex yet harmonious richer sound is produced by the guitar.
Hence it makes a perfect sonic texture that can fill any room and provide an opulent backdrop to any musical performance.
Yamaha’s Line-Up for 12-Stringers
There is quite an array of 12-stringed guitars available from Yamaha each with a different touch and appeal. Here are highlights about some models worth noting:
1) Yamaha LL16-12
LL16-12 belongs to L series which is known largely for its playability as well as superior sound quality.
On this particular guitar there are solid Engelmann spruce tops on Rosewood backs/sides that contribute towards its warm, rich tone.
On top of that, there is Yamaha’s A.R.E treatment that ages the wood faster; thus making it sound vintage from the time one purchases it.
Key Features:
- Solid Engelmann spruce top
- Rosewood back and sides
- A.R.E. treatment
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Die-cast gold tuners
2) Yamaha FG820-12
FG820-12 falls under Yamaha’s FG series which has been in existence for over half a century hence very popular among guitarists. The model is made to be easy on fingers and deliver balanced sound hence ideal for both strumming as well as finger picking. It comes with a solid spruce top plus mahogany backs/sides that provides bright and clear tones with lots of volume.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany back and sides
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Die-cast chrome tuners
- Traditional western body shape
3. Yamaha CPX700II-12
For those who are looking for an electric-acoustic option, CPX700II-12 will be perfect for them.
Since this instrument combines the soulful sounds of twelve stringed acoustics with built-in electronics, it is great for use in live performances.
It has a solid sitka spruce top along with nato back/sides together with Yamaha’s exclusive ART (Acoustic Resonance Transducer); thus providing natural dynamic sounds when amplified.
Main features:
- Laminated spruce top
- Nato back and sides
- ART pickup system
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Cutaway body design
Why Choose a 12-String Yamaha Guitar?
Thus, why could a Yamaha 12-string guitar be included in your collection? Here are some reasons:
Excellent Sound Quality
Yamaha is well-known for producing guitars with remarkable sound. Regardless of whether you are playing folk, rock or classical music, the rich harmonies generated by a Yamaha 12-string guitar will take your performance to another level.
Because of the quality tonewoods used and excellent workmanship put therein, you can be sure that each note rings out clearly with great resonance.
Playability
Even with the additional strings, Yamaha’s 12-string guitars come in forms that are friendly to beginners who find their guitars uncomfortable.
With slim neck profiles, smooth fretboards and carefully set-up actions; all these features make them attractive to even novices who have never played on any type of 12 string instrument before.
The detailed designing ensures that hours may be spent playing without pain.
Durability and Reliability
The credibility of Yamaha as a manufacturer of robust musical instruments is well justified.
This specificity will enable you as a player to enjoy playing this kind of guitar for many years since it is built tough enough for regular use and transportation.
In terms of material quality right up to the accuracy in making; they are designed for longevity hence years of satisfaction.
Versatility
A 12-string guitar adds a different flavour in music if played alone or together with others.
There are more notes available than those from less stringed models which cause richer tones that can go well with all sorts of musical genres.
Whether you want to strum chords or play easy melodies or develop intricate fingerpicking tunes; Yamaha’s 12-string instruments can do it all.
Caring for Your 12-String Yamaha Guitar
Your 12-string Yamaha guitar needs to be well looked after in order for it to stay in perfect condition. Below are a few tips:
Regular Maintenance
After playing the guitar, make sure that you always clean the strings and its body. Constant observation of wear and tear signs plus immediate rectification is necessary.
Humidity Control
Humidity changes often affect guitars hence their playability as well as sound can be affected by this. For significant seasonal fluctuations, use a humidifier on your guitar to keep humidity levels stable.
String Replacement
For proper maintenance of the sound quality and playability of a 12-stringed instrument, regular string changing is absolutely important.
You must change them frequently and consider trying different gauges and materials which best suit your playing style.
Professional Setup
At certain instances you need to take your guitar for setup by an expert. By adjusting the action, intonation among other things; this will ensure that it plays better than any other time once it leaves the shop.
Conclusion
A 12-string Yamaha guitar goes beyond being just another instrument; rather, it links one to a richer musical experience full of life.
Because they have exceptional sound quality, playability and are durable; these features make Yamaha’s 12-string guitars an excellent purchase for every guitarist out there.
Whether you are experienced musician or also someone new wanting to explore new sounds with music; this model of Yamaha guitars will definitely motivate you greatly if not more.
Therefore go ahead and pick one up today because when those strings hit in sync, magic begins with the heart pounding rhythm only played by a twelve string baby!
