Yamaha LD-10

All solid-wood, handcrafted guitar. Spruce top with rosewood back & sides. Rosewood fingerboard & bridge. Very understated abalone inlays, gloss finish, Yamaha's version of Grover tuners, bound fretboard. Beautifully constructed, as good as any Martin or Taylor.

Rings like the proverbial bell! If I had to compare it to anything, I'd have to go the the Martin D-28, though slightly crisper. It's rich and full, and I actually prefer it's sound to my vintage D-35 (don't shoot me, I love the Martin). Once I bought it as a gigging alternative to my D-35, I now find myself using it in practice as well. I think it sounds better with mediums rather than lights, but avoid DR's, they suck!

Fit & finish are completely beyond reproach. If you can find a building flaw on this guitar, you deserve a medal. The bookmatched back is as perfect as a natural product like wood could be. The action was kind of mediocre when I first got it (used), but that could be the fault of the previous owner. Once I set it up properly, it plays like butter! The action is fast & light, more like a medium (rather than low) action electric. Frets are smooth & polished as found. The overall look, sound and play of this guitar would make you think it cost three or four times what it did.

Mine is currently 19 years old, and it's nearly perfect in every possible way. This is a testament to the previous owner's care, as well as my care, but also the original build quality. There's not a loose brace, not a delaminated binding, not a loose bridge, not a slipping tuner, to be found. I don't play it every day, as I have several guitars, but it gets played a few hours every week, and still shows like a nearly new guitar. I would use it without a backup (and do) without hesitation.

I bought it used, and it had a slight bow to the neck that couldn't be adjusted out using only the truss rod. My luthier opined that the previous owner had maxed out the truss rod inappropriately, leading to a permanent bow in the neck. He had to steam the neck to get the wood to relax so we could do a proper setup. Supposedly, Yamahas handcrafted guitars have a lifetime warranty, but I think that's only to the original owner, so I never contacted them.

I have a 1974 Martin D-35, a 1970 Gibson Hummingbird, a 1971 Yamaha FG180 Nippon Gakki, along with a couple of other guitars. I've been playing since 1966 and have performed in several bands, one of which had a national hit in the 70's. Yamaha's guitar, especially their handcrafted line, have got to be the most underrated guitars on earth. If you are considering a Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, or anything else in the $1500-2500 range, you owe it to yourself to look as one of Yamaha's handcrafted guitars. Not only will you get fantastic sound and action, but a build quality second to none, all at a lower price, especially if you buy used. I've since bought three more Yamahas, including another handcrafted.

I've had this guitar for about 10 years, just upgraded for a Taylor but I couldn't bare parting with it. It records great, especially if you want a bass chunky sound. Very full range. The best thing about this guitar in you are playing acoustic only is that IT IS LOUD! I resonates big time.

big sound, full range, a bit low end

It a trasher acoustic.. beat the hell out of it.. it love you more. Mine could use the action reset.

the more dings the better it seems to be

n/a

a solid medium quality guitar. like everything it depends on your thing, but I hope to pass this guitar down to my kids.

Made in Taiwan sometime between 1990 and 1996, she is solid as a rock. Dreadnaught body style, no cutaway, 20 frets, spruce top with a nice natural woodgrain, you can't even see where the top was butterfly cut unless you look close up. Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, she meets all of the classic requirements for a decent guitar. Who ever owned her before me installed a fishman pickup inside the body which plugs in via the strap peg on the tail end. She also came with an external Fishman Model G acoustic pre-amp and solid guitar case. I have named her "Heather" : )

I play pop/rock/folk on this one, and use it to riff around on when practicing choppy metal power chord stuff. It has allot of volume when strummed, and still projects well on quiter stuff even though my finger-picking style is very light. There's something about it that sounds unique, I find that on open chords with only a few fretted notes (e.g. Em, Cmaj7) it has a very nice ringing sound. There is a nice envenness when switching between open chords and barred chords. It also sounds good when practicing scales and the occasional blues-lead, including bends.

I loved the feel of this guitar the first time I picked it up, and she still plays exactly the same as she did on the first day without a single adjustment. And believe me, she's been throught the wringer. She's got tons of dings and scratches from the abuse I've put her through. Every thing from the tuners to the nut, pickguard, saddle, bridge, and strap pegs are still in solid shape. I find the finish a little too "glossy" for my taste, mainly on the sides and neck; I've always felt that the glossier finish makes her look cheaper and accentuates all of the dings I've put in her.

I have played her at a million house parties, campfires, and intimate church services. It has traveled with me to 14 countries in North America, Western Europe, and East Africa. It's been to the desert in Egypt, to the Scottish highlands, and has survived many Canadian winters. She's only been played onstage a handfull of times, and really needs the external pre-amp to get any juice out of the pick-up when plugged in. I'm shopping for a second guitar with more modern electronics for stage situations, but I will never part with the trusty old LD-10 for all other situations.

I have never had to deal with Yamaha regarding my LD-10, but was disapointed that I couldn't find any information about this guitar on their website. I did take it to the shop where I purchased it to have the internal pickup re-fastened because it came loose and was shaking around inside the body, but I didn't even ask for a set-up job because there's absolutely nothing wrong with the action or intonation on it even after all it's been through.

I am predominately a singer in a 70s-style prog-rock unit where I use a Godin LGXT signature series electric that has a piezo built in for acoustic sounds when necessary. I had previously learned how to play on an entry level Ovation copy that has been inherited by my girlfriend, but picked up the Yamaha LD-10 when I wanted a better guitar to write with and bone up on my acoustic technique. Although I don't thinks it's a great stage guitar by today's standards, it is a real workhorse and is a perfect intermediate guitar for any other non-professional situation.

Yamaha dreadnought style, solid white spruce top. Abalone bound body in Martin D-41 style. Laminated Indian rosewood back and sides, African mahogany neck. Scalloped bracing. 14/20-fret bound Indian rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. Bound peghead with rosewood veneer and gold plated tuners. Nut and saddle of urea. Scale lenght 650mm and body depth 100-125mm. Made in Taiwan from 1990 to 1996.

The LD-10 is a professional guitar, which basically means it comes up to a standard that professionals expect. Now it does not sound the same as a Santa Cruz or a Martin D-41 or even a Taylor, but guitars at this level don't sound better, they just sound different. I love the sound of the LD-10, so much so that I have 2 of them.

All pretty much perfect, I needed to re-adjust to suit my playing style, but finish and everything is is great.

Solid guitar, laminated back and sides makes this a work horse.

It's a thing of wood which is a good 17 years on. Not really warranty type of stuff.

Been playing 30 years. Own 2 LD-10s, a Yamaki, hernandis classical, Di Giorgio classical, Ibanez PGM 30 electric and a Ibanez AFS 77 hollowbody. If some-one was to steal my LD-10, I'd have my other one. That's why I have 2. If you see one of these going secondhand, believe me, as everybody else has mentioned, buy it.

This guitar was bought NEW with the intention of learning the basics from Flatop picking champion Gary Cook of Colorado fame. After about ten lessons this new guitar went back in its carrying case hand has remained there because of my lack of time.

Brass tuners, Dean Markley Bridge Saddle Pickup, Ernie Ball Gig Strap, and SKB four lock carrying case.

Mahogany and rosewood neck and body. Serial J1-268 Model LD-10.

The sound is awesome and rich.

Actions very nice. Pickup was after factory new when purchased.

Stands up to professional playing.

N/A

Hate to part with it but do not have time to play.
paulschultz at schultzrealtygroup dot com.

Asking best offer. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance.
Pictures on request.

Bought new in 1992, Japan made, purchased NJ, USA. 20 fret bound rosewood neck. Solid spruce top has aged unevenly at the book match. Treble side darker. No electrics. Will add soon, probably LR Baggs dual set up, ribbon saddle pick up and condenser mic. Body is beautiful rosewood sides and back, laminated, not solid, I think. Contrast of satin neck finish and gloss body is unique. Yamaha sealed gold tuners, never a problem.

Sound is full and even. Can be muddy through a PA if not set up right. The sound is definately improving with age. Have played Martins, Taylors, Levirees, none of which outplay the LD-10. Heard Patty Larkin play Olsons live and was shocked how close the sound was. Neck can get buzzy in open tunings.

Brand new action was great. Have had to stay on the neck with the seasons, but it adjusts and holds like a champ. Supposedly hand fiited in Japan and it show. Was head and shoulders above others in its price range when new. Gloss finish shows dings like a light. The feel of the guitar is very comfortable in your arms. After many years of playing this guitar others feel awkward to hold. Body has graceful modified dreadnought shape. Sloped shoulders and tighter waist make for a guitar that is pleasingly different.

Durable unit that will hold up to live playing. I've used it for gigs for years without trouble. Would love to find another. Strap button a little weak.

Never needed it.

PLaying for 30 years. Play folk, fingerstyle, blues. LD-10 suits them all. Great sound, not too treble or too bassy. Very powerful sound that makes it hard to justify the cash some makers want for not much more than a name. If I lost it I would have to find another just so I knew I had a super guitar to compare future units to.

A really tasty piece of solid spruce on the top, i think i'm lucky here as some people have had uneven colour changes over the years, but mines aged beautifully. Made in Japan, bought in 92, mahogany back and sides, nicely applied binding and finishing touches, Yamaha's own version of Groover machines. Yamaha's version of a dreadnought shape, all very simple but work-man like.

WOW... This is where this guitar really embarrasses some expensive competitors, just turn your back on a Gibson/Taylor owner, strike an open chord and wait for the reaction. The sound is strong, even, sweet but not syrupy, with definition. Quite simply, when i bought it it sounded like a Takemine and over the years is developing an aditional Martin'esque quality, that makes you look forward to what the next ten years will bring.

This guitar sounds amazing, it sounded good 12 years ago, but now its unbeatable by anything even three times the price, if you could buy one of course, these have become virtually impossible to find here in the UK... if you see one, nab it!

Fantastic the day it was bought, nothing has required any fiddling since. It even copes with the fact that i detune at least a semitone when i play blues stuff, which is a lot of the time.

This is a trusty friend that has never let me down, some times i play hard, but she never complains and continues to deliver consistantly beautiful sounds.

Never had the need.

Been playing for over twenty years, (That's gonna make your fingers ache...Arf! Arf!). This guitar originally replaced a 70's Gibson Heritage, twelve years ago. And to be honest, has more than filled it's shoes. I love this guitar and if by chance you happen to find one, just buy it, you won't be sorry. Your friend who remortgaged his house to buy a Taylor might be... but you won't!

Guitar made in '92 I think - I bought it new in '93. Solid spruce top, not sure about the back and sides. it's not what I would call a typical dreadnought shape as it has a slightly more swept waist but it's still a good looking guitar. Mahogany 20 fret neck, satin/ matte finished, with bound fingerboard and a simple "spade" headstock. Gold yamaha badged sealed tuners. The body and soundhole have a shell inlay of some sort round the edge and a gloss finish.

It's a simple acoustic with no electrics or cutaway so there are not that many "features" to talk about really!

Sounds fantastic. A really rich, satisfying tone that has matured nicely over the 10 years I've had the guitar. I finger pick and use a flat pick and it works well for both - I play mostly folk and celtic music. Pretty loud and you can pick hard with out it wimping out on you.

Pretty good for chordal accompaniments as well, but you have to be quite precise, its not always that forgiving of my crap technique. I suppose this is one area where I might want a different guitar with a "dryer" sound maybe? Still, I don't belive there is any such thing as one guitar that is great at all styles of playing.

Good action from day 1. It was set up and had a fret dress 4 or 5 years ago and could do with another one soon to tidy up some fret wear. Still, action is really good and it plays great.

The finish at new was really good - Its now covered in dings from 10 years of playing! One thing I don't like though is the gloss finish which really shows up scratches and chips - it turns white where it's been banged. Also, where the top has been matched the colour has not faded evenly over the years so the treble half of the top is now a darker colour than the base side. This has no impact on the sound and playability but looks a bit strange - adds a bit of character in a away I suppose...

Very solidly built. Would play it live without hesitation. It has survived 10 years of abuse in pub sessions and student houses and is still solid as a rock.

Never had to call them - see reliability above.

Fantastic guitar all round. Simply and solidly put together with a remarkable sound for the money. I would buy one again without hesitation and I keep my eyes out for them in shops, the free adds etc. as I would happily own a second.

Made in late 1980's in Japan I believe.
Solid Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back,sides and fingerboard
Gold tuners with abalone binding. The only guitar that I have found that compares is the Takamine Supernatural AN10.

Play mostly folk style music but enjoy playing all styles and this guitar has it! The guitar produces amazing rich tones that fill any room.

The action is great rarely needs any adjusting even with the crazy New England weather. The top is incredible nice strong grain and the rosewood back is gorgeous. The only change I made was I added a bone saddle.

I wish I had another one in case anything ever happened to this one.

N/A

This is an incredible instrument and I would buy another one if they still made them. I have compared this guitar to many others and have only found one that even compares. If it were lost or stolen I would buy the Takamine AN10 with the same woods etc.

I beleive mine was made in japan,its got 20 frets,ebony fretboard,gold hardware,yamaha tuners,i dont know what kind of wood its made of(i dont know what any of my guitars are made of)probobly maple,its got some really nice binding,a good finish(not to thin not to thick),i think it has medium frets.It has two strap buttons like every acoustic should.Came with a hardshell case.Doesnt have a pickup.

I play alternative music and blues and rock,this guitar must have been made for me its really sweet.When I first got this guitar it was just amazing how good it sounded.But me and a friend swapped acoustics for a while,he left town and the guitar sat in his house for three months with no heat in -30 to 40 below weather so the neck has warped .It still plays pretty good considering that has happened to it.It has a nice sound its really good its got warmth and brightness .you can really play hard with this guitar and it still sounds good.I give it a nine(that is refering to when I first got it,which was third hand).

Dont know what the guitar was like from the factory,the action was excellent,no fret buzz what so ever.It had nicks on it and the bridge has a crack but be reminded it was 3rd hand.I dont know if the crack on the bridge was there when i got it.

This guitar will withstand quite a bit,i've seen many Yamaha acoustics take a real beating(mine is one example).I would gig without a backup.The strap buttons are solid.This finish seems good enough it has had a bit of rain on it over the 3 years i've had it.I traded a real crappy fender Jaguar for this guitar and now that I got the good end of the deal.

Couldn't tell you,ive never had to deal with them

I will Give this guitar a 8.9 - 9.2 ,its a real nice guitar.

PICKED THIS UP IN 1992 FROM A DAMAGED INSTRUMENT SHOP IN D.C.

HAS A WHITE SPRUCE TOP, ROSEWOOD BACK, SIDES AND FINGERBORD, SATIN FINISHED MAHOGONY NECK, GOLD HARDWARE AND C,B,C BINDING EVERYWHERE.

NO ELECTRONICS, PREVIOUS REVIEWER REVIEWED THE LD-10E.

THIS IS THE NEAR BEST SOUNDING ACOUSTIC I EVER PICKED UP. MARTIN/GIBSON/TAYLOR SNOBS CAN DISH OUT ALL THE CASH THEY WANT, I'VE PLAYED THEM ALL AND HAVE NOT HEARD A SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH DIFFERENCE TO SUPPORT THE PRICE. I'VE PUT PEOPLE IN AWE WITH THE SOUND OF THIS GUITAR. I HAD PLAYED EVERY OTHER GUITAR IN THE SHOP AND FINALLY SAW THIS ONE. WHEN I TOOK IT DOWN FROM THE WALL THE SALESMAN SAID " OH NO NOT MY BABY!" "I'VE BEEN HOPING NOONE WOULD NOTICE IT." SEEMS HE HAD BEEN PLAYING THIS ONE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS, AND DIDN'T WANT TO SEE IT GO. HE THEN SAID "PLAY ONE CHORD, YOU'LL BE SOLD.". AND NO JOKE I PLAYED A Gmin3 AND FELT THE HAIRS ON MY NECK RAISE. THIS THING FILLS A ROOM WITH SOUND. ABSOLUTELY ALIVE.

SOMEBODY DROPPED IT AT ANOTHER MUSIC STORE SO IT HAD A CRACK IN THE FINISH. NOT YAMAHAS FAULT THOUGH. OTHER THAN THAT, NOT VERY NICE ABALONY PURFLING AROUND THE BODY AND SOUNDHOLE, BARELY EVEN NOTICEABLE, NO SHINE.

THIS THING LIVED WITH ME FOR 10 MONTHS IN A TENT, THROUGH ALL IMAGINABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS WAS EVEN STORED IN THE BACK OF A CANVAS-BACKED TRUCK FOR ONE ADDITIONAL MONTH. AND IT ONLY HAD TO HAVE THE FRETS REPLACED DUE TO OXIDATION. THE NECK NEVER WARPED THE FINISH DIDN'T DULL. IT SITS NOW IN MY BEDROOM AS IF IT NEVER HAPPENED. IT HAS BEEN DROPPED, HAS FALLEN DOWN ON ITS FACE ETC...ETC... AND DOESN'T EVEN SEEM TO GO OUT OF TUNE.

NO REASON TO DEAL WITH THEM. DAMN THINGS BUILT SOLID AS A METAL SLAB.

I WOULD BUY ONE AGAIN, EVEN AT FULL PRICE. UNFORTUNATELY THEY DON'T MAKE THEM ANYMORE. A GREAT SNAG AT A USED INSTRUMENT STORE OR PAWN SHOP THOUGH. I'D REPLACE THE PLASTIC PARTS (SADDLE A AND NUT ETC...) WITH BRASS OR BONE TO MAKE GREAT EVEN BETTER THOUGH.

Solid top electric-acoustic, made in Taiwan in 1987. See first review for details. DO NOT buy this guitar for its electric components. Probably one of the worst electrical set ups I've had to suffer through. Poor sound translation, and cuts out all the time. If I have to plug in I do it with after market stuff and don't even bother with what comes with the guitar.. it's CRAP. Do yourself a favour if you have one and rip out all the garbage they tried to ruin a perfectly good acoustic with. I rate this five out of ten cause the acoustic half gets full marks and the electric half none.

Having said that, on the acoustic level this is one of the finest axes I've laid ears on. One strum in open E will stroke the rear end of your cerebellum for what seems like hours. Deep, full bodied sound that makes guitars twice the price sound like nails on a black board. I can hear alot of you Martin apostles shaking your heads, but trust me, and give one of these a shot. Pure freaking velvet. If I could, I'd give this puppy an 11 on this score.

No flaws acoustically in the action or initial set up when I picked this baby up in '88, except for the septic material they call electrical components. They were worthless out of the box. Hence the 5.

No complaints so far ... 12 years and counting of daily enjoyment and occasional gigs. Again, on the electic end ... FORRGETTABBOOODIT. Full marks on the acoustic end. If they'd left this an acoustic, they'd be faring much better on this scoring thing.

Don't know never needed it. Maybe I should call them and tear a strip out of them for the electrical stuff.

Would buy this puppy again in a heart beat, but ask them to spare me the electrical stuff before it rolled out of the factory/store. A stunning sounding acoustic from ... who? Yamaha? Yes, Yamaha. Electrical notwithstanding, well finished, durable guitar that's easy to play and easier to listen to. A pleasure to own as an acoustic. 8 of 10 as you can get around the poor electrical, but never a poor guitar, which this isn't.