Product: Yamaha APX-5
Price Paid: 400 (sterling)
Submitted
02/27/2006
at
06:04am
by
Kevin O'Brien
Features
:
8
Taiwanese, 2001 model. 22 frets, solid (spruce) top. Three EQ sliders, volume knob and 'amf' (anti-feedback) control + LED battery indicator on discreet panel. Jack socket on bottom side of guitar.
Single cutaway, tobacco sunburst, oval soundhole.
No extras but I got a nice Hiscox hard case into the bargain. Whatever you do, buy a hard case!
Sound
:
9
Acoustic...
Not loud but very pleasing considering the size and price. In fact this is an advantage for practicing in an environment where anyone else may not want to hear you too much!!!
Electric
I play through a Digitech RP7 for a little flange then through my Marshall Country Club valve combo. I get sharp top end but found this can easily be rolled off. Bass can be slightly boomy, but again easily controlled.
No unwanted noise at all.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Factory set up was OK. I am of average ability but I always believe in spending a few quid on a decent setup - I have seen this transform the playability of an instrument. Discovered no flaws whatever. For some the Yamaha finish is a little too shiny, but it is done very very well. One small gripe - why not put a little leaflet in explaining the controls, how to keep it clean etc. I am amazed this was absent.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
400 quid was a big ask at the time of purchase for me. The guitar is used primarily for fun, so I suppose it's an indulgence at any price! However I think I got really good value. I've had no trouble and a lot of enjoyment. The tuning is pretty stable, the sounds are pleasing, and the neck is certainly traversible for someone of my fairly limited abilities. I was fortunate enough to be advised by a sales guy I've known for years, who is a lovely guy, a brilliant guitarist and whose word I trust. (Thanks Pete!). If you are not lucky enough to know a good retailer then take your time and do not allow yourself to be pushed into buying anything you are less than 100% happy with!
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
No need thank goodness.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
Have been playing on and off for 25 years. I have two Epiphone electrics, and a Hokada jumbo 6-string, my first ever guitar.
Nothing I wish I'd asked.
If stolen or lost I would certainly consider a similar guitar as a replacement - I think I'd have to pay a lot more money for a marginal improvement.
I like the size, the volume (relatively low, this suits me - and my wife!!). The shape (single cutaway) was good for me too.
A shame they couldnt have had a posher headstock. Nothing too fancy, but a bit of inlay, possibly some nicer machine heads would have been a nice touch. I assume this was for cost purposes
Product: Yamaha APX-5
Price Paid: 300 (#UK)
Submitted
10/18/2005
at
07:11am
by
Gary Salisbury
Features
:
9
Slimline electro acoustic cutaway with on-board EQ.
Sound
:
9
A lovely strumming guitar - nice mids and a sparkly top end. Lacks a bit of bass for fingerpicking and maybe for micing up, but sits in a mix perfectly. On-board EQ can be used to vary the plugged in sound to suit solo or band work - but sound nice enough flat. Has more bass plugged in, too.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
A lovely set up - Yamaha do seem to have that sussed. A nice tobacco sunburst finish. Price is kept down by a simple headstock with decal logo rather than inlay etc, but I like that.
Reliability/Durability
:
7
Tuning stability is excellent, and the finish hasn't marked to much, despite using a plectrum. Had some trouble with the electrics, though.
Customer Support
:
8
Local dealer sorted electrics
Overall Rating
:
9
Apart from the rumbling from the pick-up, this guitar plays and sounds excellent, and is well put together, stays in tune and sounds good plugged in too - I'd recommend one. Excellent value.
I prefer this to my more expensive APX8.
