Yamaki AY333B

I've had this gem since 1973. Like the other 333 models, it has that funny pick guard with the hook pointed towards the nut. Unlike the 333W, the inside is all cedar. The neck and sides and back are laminated in dark brown; front is light pine.

The 333"B" is a medium weight and I recall the neck adjustment guide said to tighten the allen screw until the strings just cleared the first fret. I found that if I backed off just a bit more I could play it loud or soft without any twang.

To get best performance from this instrument, always use medium weight strings.

I find Silk on Steel make it sound really sweet. Remember to change strings every 20 hours of play to keep it sounding it's best.

Great for playing folk and country but does not mind a good Rock and Roll beat. Whether you strum or pick, stay below the hole for great sound or play it 1/2 inch from the bridge to give it a banjo sound.

Like the other 333 models, it seems the low E string does not like to be played loud on the first 3-4 frets.


I tried copper alloy strings (don't remember the brand) on it once and it sounder better when using a pick. Unfortunately I could not play it loud so I went back to silk on steeel and threw the pick away.

It likes a good rubber backed capo up to about the 4th fret.

It came with instructions to adjust neck angle to your playing style. When adjusted close to frets, the action is great. I can play it for hours without thumb cramps.

Proportions are excellent. The bridge has about a 5 degree angle which helps keep the sound accurate even in the second octave. However, this makes it impractical for left had tuning....lefties beware.

I've never been a fan of bar chords, but by brother says it has very smooth action . . that's when I let him use it!

The small neck is great for smaller hands although my wife can't pay it well. I had to get her a kid's guitar.

After a few thousand hours of play, the bridge is a bit worn but still in good shape. I have had to build up the nut on the last 2 strings and the first fret is just about worn to the wood. I have a buddy in instrument repair who says he can fix it if I can bear to be without it for a week. It will be a worthwhile investment.

I always carry it in a case and loosen the strings it it is going to be in the cold. Let it warm up and play about 5 minutes before retuning and it can go on all night.

The varnish is excellent. I only managed to get one little ding in the face. A quick water wash and she shines just like new.

I don't use a pick so the pick guard has no scratches on it. My personal preference is that it sounds much better when played with a fingernail rather than even the softest pick.

made in Japan! can't find any support for it . . . good thing it does not need any customer support.

It is the only guitar I have ever owned. Ihave played seevral others when I travel without my baby but I just keep coming back to it.

I owuld not part with it for all the money in the world.