Last update 6/11/2023
Welcome to our Yamaha AC3R Acoustic Electric Guitar Review. This concert-sized marvel embodies the fusion of vintage aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering that makes for a harmonious blend of quality and tones. With its solid Sitka spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, this guitar packs a punch of rich, warm tones.
Table of contents
Adding to its allure is Yamaha’s innovative A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) wood torrefaction process, which is touted to make for greater stability and an attractively aged appearance. But that’s not all; the AC3R is also equipped with Yamaha’s SRT2 pickup system, ensuring its versatility in studio recordings, and is great for gigging.
What I Like About the Guitar
What truly sets the Yamaha AC3R apart is its unique blend of vintage aesthetics and state-of-the-art engineering. This guitar offers an astonishingly broad tonal range, producing rich, resonant lows and sparkling highs, thanks to its scalloped bracing and shorter backboard bracing. Yamaha’s design innovation allows for natural resonance and exceptional volume in the low-mid ranges.
The combination of high-quality wood and innovative processes is what makes this guitar sound so good. The solid Sitka spruce top, renowned for its properties, is treated with high heat through the A.R.E. process, making for increased stability and a very nice vintage appearance.
Furthermore, it’s the solid rosewood back and sides that contribute to warm and balanced tones right across the entire range from low to high. The Yamaha AC3R isn’t just a guitar that sounds great; it’s also a beauty to look at and a breeze to play.
Specs Overview
String Type: Steel
Number of Strings: 6
Body Shape: Concert
Back & Sides Wood: Solid Rosewood
Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
Finish: A.R.E. treated top
Color: Vintage Natural
Body Bracing: Scalloped bracing
Binding: Mahogany
Neck Wood: 3-piece Mahogany
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
Number of Frets: 20
Scale Length: 25.5″
Nut Width: 1.692″
Bridge Material: Ebony
Tuning Machines: Die-cast chrome
Electronics: SRT2 preamp with saddle pickup
Case Included: Hard case
The Yamaha AC3R Acoustic Electric Guitar in More Detail
Tone Quality
The solid Sitka spruce top provides the perfect balance between stiffness and flexibility that contributes to the guitar’s overall sweet tones.
The A.R.E. treatment of the Sitka spruce top enhances its stability and imparts a vintage hue, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of gigging and recording. The solid rosewood back and sides make for, in no small terms, the guitar’s warm, balanced tones.
The Body
The body of the AC3R is a concert-sized wonder. While “concert” may imply a smaller body, the dimensions of the guitar are anything but diminutive. Its design features a mahogany and rosewood-inlaid soundhole rosette and an ebony bridge and fingerboard. The back also sports a wood (likely Mahogany) center strip, which is very nice.
Guitar Setup
The guitar’s neck configuration, finish, and string spacing are identical to those of its dreadnought counterpart. The setup and playability make it easy to transition for electric-leaning players.
The Neck
The neck of the AC3R is constructed with a 3-piece mahogany design. It has a comfortable feel and excellent playability, allowing you to navigate the fretboard with ease.
The Top
The solid Sitka spruce top is the star of the show, delivering a crisp and resonant tone. The A.R.E. treatment enhances the top’s stability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of going on the road and gigging.
Back and Sides
Solid rosewood back and sides contribute to the guitar’s warm, balanced tones.
Soundhole
The guitar’s soundhole is adorned with a beautifully inlaid rosette, adding a touch of elegance to the vintage natural finish.
Scale Length
The AC3R boasts a 25.5-inch scale length, balancing playability and resonance.
SRT2 preamp with saddle pickup
SRT2 Preamp
The SRT2 preamp is a powerful tool that allows you to shape your sound to your liking. It features a three-band EQ, an anti-feedback filter, and a resonance control. You can also blend between a piezo pickup and a modeled acoustic guitar sound. The modeled sound is based on two classic microphones, the Neumann U67, and the Royer R-122. This gives you a wide range of tonal options to choose from.
Saddle Pickup
The AC3R is equipped with a saddle pickup, which is located under the bridge. This type of pickup is known for its natural, acoustic sound. The saddle pickup is also very feedback-resistant, which makes it a good choice for live performance.
Accessories
The Yamaha AC3R comes with a hard bag, which will help keep your guitar protected whether you’re heading to a gig or just want a safe place to store your guitar.
Pros
- Vintage-inspired aesthetics combined with modern engineering
- Exceptional tonal quality with resonant lows and highs
- The A.R.E. treatment enhances top stability and appearance
- Yamaha’s SRT2 pickup system is versatile and great for recording and live performances.
- Comfortable neck and string spacing for electric-leaning players
- High-quality tonewoods that make for an outstanding sound
Cons
- The vintage aesthetic may not appeal to all players
- The price range may not suit all budgets
Warranty
The specific warranty for the Yamaha AC3R warranty may vary depending on the region and retailer. It’s advisable to check with the seller for detailed warranty information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Yamaha AC3R Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a top-notch blend of vintage aesthetics and modern engineering. Its great for not only exceptional sound but also stunning to look at is a joy to play.
Yeah, the AC3R is a top-tier instrument worth every penny. Its tonal richness, comfortable playability, and versatile electronics make it a top choice for gigging and studio work.
If you’re searching for an acoustic-electric guitar that embodies the best of both vintage and modern worlds, the Yamaha AC3R is an excellent investment.
References
Yamaha Music: https://usa.yamaha.com/
Transparency disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that I believe are helpful and valuable, and we never let the potential for a commission influence our recommendations.
