Yamaha AE500

Features unimportant - read below!

Sound was decent before I ran into problems - read below

OK here is the deal with these guitars - please disregard previous post by myself (jammers5AThotmail.com)

These guitars were allegedly mothballed by Yamaha after realizing the quality sucked from the Indonesian factory they were built in. I say apparently because I am going by what I heard, not what I know as fact. Here's what I do know - i could not keep mine in tune and turns out the intonation was way out and there was no way to fix it. I only found out when i traded it in and they tried to adjust it - I told them why I wanted to trade it in - luckily it was still under warranty and they shipped it back to the factory under warranty. I am only writing this because I received an email from someone wanting to know more info about mine as he was going to bid on one on Ebay. My advice to him is the same as I give to you all now STAY AWAY! I thought I got a great deal at the time and loved the sound, but it was a pice of junk!!!

Piece of junk

I wish there were no problems with this guitar and I would have my hollow body electric but alas it was not to be....maybe a Gretsch is in my future????

I just bought an AE 500 Yamaha. It's the black model, this guitar has a very good look.Perhaps it's a little heavy, when you took it the first time that's a surprise! But, for the price, it seems to be a very good instrument. I play Blues as fourty years ago but that's my first archtop.I bought it for the look and the price (249 ???), but the sound is very good too, maybe is too loud in the bass.

I picked up this tobacco sunburst arch-top a few weeks ago. It has 22 frets, rosewood neck, yamaha f-hole, two sets of factory humbuckers with respective volume/tone controls, factory tuners and three-way selector switch. The guitar is attractive and I think that Yamaha does a really good job with their necks, which is why I bought this over a similarly priced Samick. Beyond that, it is a pretty basic thin semi-hollow archtop guitar.

I play classic rock, folk, country rock and a little jazz. I bought this guitar because my other is a strat and I wanted a fatter more versatile rock sound. This guitar fits the bill. I have a pretty simple set up--Laney 50 watt amp and a Toneworks modeling/signal processor. I occasionally use danelectro distortion. I usually use light or "classic" tube sounding distortion or a light chorus. This guitar sound very good and gives the sounds I need. The sound is full and crunchy when need be but it also sounds good clean.

The set up was fine for the most part. Intonation was good, pickups sound spot on to me.

The only flaws are that the volume controls and input jacks seems cheap to me and will probably have to be replaced and some point. They don't always hold their "true" position (if you turn them hard, you can feel them "give") and I have had to tighten them myself. Even with that, I handle with care.

The body and the neck of the guitar are quite sturdy and nice and seem like they will last. I would have no problem gigging with this as my main guitar.

Haven't had any problems or contact with Yamaha.

I have been playing for over 20 years. I mostly play acoustic, but also have a stratocaster. I have been apprehensive about buying a cheaper archtop, but this guitar has relieved my anxiety. Granted it isn't a $1000 guitar and its components show it, but the neck plays wonderfully, it sounds good, and I would say that is a very good value.

I brought this guitar from a local music store chain as a result of an ad promotion for this 40th. anniversary promo. As I own two other Yamahas I wished to add an arch-top to round things out (no pun intended.) I liked the Tune-o-matic bridge, neck and H/H pickup configeration but most of all I liked the style -- a very nice-looking instrument.

I did not like the quality of the tuners (make unknown) or the original factory strings.

I play mainly jazz and blues these days. I usually use a Fender Frontman amp for practice and Fender Vibalux or twin reverb when doing benefit shows. Unfortunately, I never get to use the 500 in public as I could not get one that was playable. The one I did have for about a week exhibited unbalanced bass/treble volume (far too much bass) and when corrected the sound was much better.

As previously mentioned, pickups were not adjusted properly. As well, the input jack retaining nut and assembly was very loose and had to be re-tightened. The initial action was too low and a great deal of twanging and buzzing resulted from the combination of the low action and fairly high frets. No finish flaws were noticeable.

The guitar is heavy for an archtop and would appear to be built to last. I am unable to comment on other reliability/durability features as I was not able to obtain a playable guitar.

The first AE500 I received had the neck so badly warped that I immediately returned it to the retailer and the shop's luthier attempted a neck adjustment on the spot. He gave up and requested the store to order another guitar as this was beyond repair. The second guitar was set up by the same luthier and delivered to my home. It was necessary to re-tune at least 3 - 4 times per day and after a couple of days it would not stay in tune and then when tuned, the intonation was terrible. At this point I contacted Yamaha direct and they requested the guitar be sent back to them for examination by their technicians. After about one month of waiting and not hearing from Yamaha, I contacted them and was advised that the guitar was not repairable as the neck was severely warped and the heel was cracked on the inside. Since then, the dealer and Yamaha have been trying to get me a 500 but as they are no longer manufactured, no luck. A second branch of the same retailer advised they had received one from another area (as a return) and their luthier was unable to turn this one into a decent instrument as well. So, three up, three down.

I've been playing for 50 years. Currently own a Gretch Silver Classic, Yamaha RGX 121D, Yamaha AP4 and a Dean bass. I would still like to get an AE500 that I could actually play to really assess how good it is as an inexpensive arch-top. I am unable to confirm this; however, this is what I have picked up via the grapevine re: this issue -- the guitars I briefly had were manufactured in Indonesia. They were/are also made in Korea. Rumor has it that the Indonesian products did not meet Yamaha's specifications and they were wharehoused and eventually sold in lot deals to various dealers. The Korean instruments are apparently much better made and do not exhibit the problems I have covered. Something to bear in mind in the event someone is looking at purchasing one of these which may still be awaiting a buyer or a used instrument.

Yamaha AE500 Tobacco burst, didn???t fancy black but it has same features as the other reviewers here so won???t bore you with the details. I got an Allen Key and a cheap guitar lead with it as well as an instruction manual
I love that F hole design

I play original rockabilly jazz Surf and pop I love huge Semi acoustic guitars better than solid body instruments as they sound better (I think anyway)
The pick ups are very over powered so I dropped their height and now I get the nice jazz sound I wanted (not Ted Nugent)
I still have to knock the volume pots back to get the right sound as the pickups are real powerful I will play with the adjustable poles on the humbuckers when I get a chance, I play thru a Fender 90watt Deluxe 112 combo and use a little Reverb as well as a pedal Tuner a Boss Digital delay and Tremolo pedal
The sound is very rich and powerful thanks to those pick ups
This guitar will fit in to any musical style, my only niggle is the pickups are too powerful for this style of guitar
The sound is quite dark on the neck pick up and in between settings
The bridge pick up can squeal like a hungry angry baby at the drop of a hat!
Plus its totally hollow apart from the block under the bridge so it can really feed back at loud volume levels-but this isnt a problem for me or the band

I ordered this guitar over the phone from a very reparable music shop and it arrived the next day with out a blemish on the finish and believe it or not it was almost in tune!
But It has got a slight scratch on the scratch plate that I didn???t notice till I pulled off the protective clear plastic cover, but it shows that???s working properly, No rattles or buzzes, I was very surprised as this is my first ever internet/mail order guitar purchase I usually go and try before I buy but this model got such a good review in a well known guitar publication I though Id go for it plus it was a fantastic price
I changed the 9 gauge strings that came with the guitar the day that I got it and strung it with 12's the neck never moved or bowed or anything truly excellent build quality
Plus the heavier strings made the guitar more vocally unplugged than before

I brought the guitar to replace my old Gretsch Nashville 6120 reissue, As soon as I picked it up it felt solid (for a semi) I???ve used on solo performances with out a back up it also acts as spare to my TVL SA503 on stage even thou I use both during a show its just as capable of delivering Hot Rockabilly licks as well as stunning jazz licks but with out the Bigsby
very dependable guitar I will change the strap buttons with locking units when the cash flow allows this guitar is Built to last

I brought a Yamaha TVL SA503 also to replace my Gretsch and was blown away by its build quality and sound but missed the thickness of a proper semi when playing Jazz tunes, Don???t get me wrong the TVL can do it all as well-But I was so impressed with that guitar I though I would try out a dedicated jazz box in the shape of the AE500
and again I am very happy with this instrument as well to the point where I keep the rest in their cases and use these two guitars and my Washburn J12SN acoustic only
I would buy this guitar again if it was stolen I love the fact that I can pick it up and play it unplugged ok its not a true acoustic but its handy for working out solos/chords inspirational moments late at night with out waking the neighbours
The pickups are very over powered which is annoying I don't really hate anything about it!
I own a couple of nice Telecasters a Gretsch Nashville a Burns steer a Tokai Love rock gold top a couple of nice basses from the 80's a Yamaha TVL SA503 I honestly cant see me buying anymore guitars after these two Yamaha's

Great finish! Boby style new to me, bridge Ok, tuners I want to replace as if they seem to be a very high ratio that requires alot of retuning each day, neck great but simular to my US strat delux, the #1 string is very close to the edge of the fret board. Like the necks shape as it seems to have much more meat on the inside of my hand to grab on to.
I will sell it or fix it, the price was great and it will give me the sound I want but I must start with replacing the tuners then hopefully the pick-ups can stay.

I use a Marshall and record alot on computer. I can get all the great sounds my Strat cannot do. Better sustain for sure and light action with easy note bends, pulls etc.

Great for store bought

As I said. I have to change at least the tuners.

do not know

I have had maybe 30 guitars and have 4 now.
I never bought this guitar, It was a gift.
I think I can really use this guitar at work, I just want it toi stay in tune!

I bought this guitar January 2007, so I assume it was built in 2006. This guitar has the features you would expect from an archtop guitar, two humbuckers controlled by a 3-way toggle.The f-hole design is unique and attractive.

I really like the sound of this guitar. I am running it through a Peavey Rockmaster preamp with a classic 50-50 pwr amp into an early nineties Marshall 1936 cabinet. This guitar has nice rich & full clean sounds from both pickups, and produces nice tones with mild amounts of overdrive. Great for jazz and blues.

The guitar was set up fairly well from the factory, very similar to most other Yamaha's I have played. The action is low - I will probably have it brough up a tad when I bring it in for set up, but that is just my personal preference. The neck is very nice as well and plays with ease. As it is, it is quite easy to play and would make a great set up for a new guitar player. The finish on the guitar is very nice, with two very minor imperfections, which for the price, I contemplated not even mentioning here, but hey, nothing is perfect!. It's a quality instrument at entry-level pricing!

I have owned Yamaha acoustics in the past, and they are solid, reliable, instruments. I have often said the early 90's sold top FG450's were the best bang for the buck acoustics on the market, hands down. I am starting to think these archtops are a smilarly good value too!The finish on this guitar looks like it is durable, and the overall feel of it makes me think it will be a dependable guitar. If I were playing onstage I would definatley bring this along with me, as a matter of fact I would love to test drive it in a live setting.

The warranty on the top back and sides is a limited lifetime warranty and all other componenents (electronics, tuners, etc) is one year. That's great coverage for a guitar I paid only $350 for! I rate it 10 because of the warranty - I have never had to deal with Yamaha as I have never had a problem.

I bought this guitar on an "After Christmas blowout" at the local music shop. MSRP on this guitar was $750CDN. I got it for $350, PLUS I got a free Yamaha PSR-175 keyboard (valued at $219 CND)PLUS Yamaha is sending me a hardshell case, a t-shirt, some guitar picks and a poster too as part of their 40th anniversary! Tell me I never got a deal! This is guitar #6 for me and my first archtop,and I didn't have a lot of money to spend at the time. The real kicker here is this guitar sounds and plays like a $1000 guitar! I am quite please overall, so if you are contemplating an archtop but don't have a lot of funds, go to your nearest Yamaha dealer and try it out - you will be pleasantly suprised!

I already have a Strat Plus for over 15 years, I simply wanted a Jazz Box. Went to the music shop with in mind getting an Epiphone or eventually an Ibanez AF105, the owner, (a friend) said try this YAMAHA AE500.
WOW, what a beautiful surprise for almost half the price of the Epiphone. Got it with a very nice case for 435?, Dark Sunburst.
At the Music shop, we tried it on a small test, straight amplifier, the sound was totally different from the Epiphone and from the AF105.
I liked this AE500 by far..
At home, i went crazy about this guitar when I played it on my own amplifier. Now the whole issue "might be" that I am playing on a Roland JAZZ-Chorus JC-160.
I am using the Low input reverb/channel, volume on 3
the guitar is selecting the neck Hamb. with guitar volume on 7, tone full at 10.
I simply cannot explain how smooth , jazzy, full richness, low+high frequency coverage I am getting..

Easy, nice, fits to my arms. I was much more excited compared to when I first got my Strato.

The finish is veru neat, all keys are in metal no plastic whatsoever.
I usually pay lot of attention to my stuff, My 15 years Start looks brand new, this one would last for yeeears..

Absolutely no idea.

I was extremely impressed, most of all cause I just compared it to two other guitars that are supposed to be a bit "higher quality" than it.
But this AE500 has the sound I want.

This is brand new 2006 model made in Indonesia that I reviewed for Christian Musician Magazine.

Construction Set Neck Scale Length 24 3/4" = 628mm Fingerboard Rosewood Radius 13 3/4" = 350mm Frets 22 Body Maple Neck Mahogany Bridge Yamaha Original, AES Bridge Pickups Yamaha Humbuckers Pickup Switch 3-Position Controls Front/Rear Volume, Front/Rear Tone Colors Black, Brown Sunburst

I have played many other archtops mostly clones and was extremely impressed with the AE500 especially for the price. I used a few amps (Peavey Bravo 1-12, 25 alltube, Trimmed & Burned 5watt alltube boutique amp and Trayner SS amp) all sounded exellent with this guitar. All styles but extreme metal were played effortlessly. At this price the pickups could be the first area you may want to look to improve, but the current setup is quite good.

Yamaha is outstanding here, they simply know how to produce an excellent product. You will hard pressed to find anything better at this price, the AE500 looks and feels like a guitar well over a $1000. The binding, frets, finish et al are fabulous....sorry for all the superlatives but they are true.

I think you can take this guitar anywhere. The sound and quality appears to be able to satisfy anyone on a realistic budget who wants a solid archtop. Yamaha is way underated compared with other major brands.

No direct experience with service as I have never needed them. I think the warranty is 5 years. The marketing folks are great folks and really care about their customers. As I said earlier Yamaha gear is excellent, you will not be disappointed buying any of their products.

I have been playing for over 30 years professionally (10 yrs) and for fun the other times. Having owned many guitars (gibson, fender, musicman, epi, carvin, warmoth, many clones) over the years, I really enjoy playing the AE500 since is also sounds good unplugged. I love the overall look and feel. At some point I may try new pickups so see if there is more sound achievable out of this already great guitar. I would buy another if anything happened to this one. It comes with nice hardcase, for the money there is nothing else I have found that compares. Archtops are insanely expensive for anything of quality. Yamaha is on to something here!