Yamaki Western Guitar

Dear laughing at Yamaha guitars
I own two Yamaki guitars.Paid roughly $400.00 each.The 6 string
I bought new.The 12string I bought second hand.I am no guitar expert.
But I can tell you I'd be hard put to find anything better.I've tried
many Yamaha guitars and BCRich and found nothing to compare in sound and the
guitars work perfectly in every key.As good as any Martin guitar.I've
had the priviledge of playing Martin guitars too.Yamaki compares
easily to Martin guitars.Close to as good.It has been said to me that
Yamaki has lots of value.I'd like to know where I can find what the
value is.Does anyone know?Want to know more about my guitars send me
a note.I would still buy a Martin guitar tomorrow had I the $$.Both
guitars have a regestered trade mark inside the sound hole.Keep laugh-
ing at Yamaha and most of the other brands.
Sincerly Chris Thiessen

This Yamaki was purchased in 1955 with the date inside "since 1954" only says inside it's "singing sound by Yamaki" we are not aware where this instrument was made. It has a solid cedar top with a mahogany body Acoustic with neck wood unknown but is a dark color which could indicate maple or mahogany. The finish looks like a satin-varnish. The body style almost identical to a Martin Acoustic. There are 21 Frets. The tuners are locking but not the same as when purchased, not sure the type but were replaced in 1958. We have no more info about this instrument than this.

This Yamaki suits my "old country" music style perfectly. I have used this instrument in all types of weather inside and outside. Recently I have started using a Dean Markley pickup and a Peavey amp which only enhance the acoustic sound of this marvelous guitar. The sound of this guitar is deep, bright and clear with or without electrification. Others have Martin Acoustic, this Yamaki is as good if not better sounding with less time adjusting the tuning. There are no dislikes with this instrument.

This Yamaki has the same set up as when it was first purchased with excellant action. The pickup we use increases the acoustic sound dramatically without losing the acoustic sound. This instrument had a neck adjustment in 2003, this is the only adjustment made since purchase, 1955, there were no flaws. This guitar is in virtually the same shape as when purchased.

This guitar has withstood many years of live playing when I had my own band and played rythum in the 1950's to 60's, and now we are in the process of recording some of my own music, and I still use the Yamaki.We have done gig's without backups lately all the accessories are solid. I can always depend on my Yamaki.

I didn't need customer support as it never has needed repairs, only one small adjustment to the neck.

I have been playing for some 58+ years and if I lost this instrument there's nothing out there to replace it with unless it was a Yamaki. There is nothing to hate about this guitar and I have had it since I was 17 years old always babying the Yamaki so it is in excellant condition at 50 years old. It's can be compared to a Martin. The favourite feature is the "singing sound" and the ease to play it. I love it. I do not wish for anything else with this instrument. A music shop in 1998 offered me 2 top of the line Yamaha Acoustic guitars for my Yamaki, and I laughed at him. I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.

I have a yamaki guitar dated 1971 9 29. Paid 200$ cdn.
installed a fender acoustic lace sensor pickup. It is the best flat top I have ever had. best sound, looks good and can perform as well as a d28. made in Japan, non locking tuners, rosewood neck.

This was my first new guitar which I purchased in 1971 or 72. I didn't know much about guitars at the time, and tried all kinds but hated everything I came across at the teenage budget I had at the time (around $200). Then I came across a Yamaki. I played it for 30 seconds and was absolutely thrilled. Clean, bright, full sound, lots of sustain, a great neck--this instrument seemed to be in a whole new class from the others I tried. I bought it and thirty years later it's still my main acoustic, both for live and recording.

It has 21 frets, 20 if you discount the 0 fret at the nut (which is metal). Headstock is squared off Martin style; it's a two-piece laminate, as well as at the heel edge. The surface of the headstock is veneered with a darker wood. I replaced the original crappy tuners with Gotohs. The neck is relatively narrow, with great action. The top is solid spruce. It has a rosewood back and sides. The top is well battered but sound. When I bought it it had a cheesy adjustable bridge which I had replaced with a solie one. I added a Fishman active pickup a number of years later.

The sound is where this guitar shines. I get comments on the sound everywhere I play; now and then I try Martin or Guild and have a hard time finding one that I'd trade for this guitar. I'm serious! The sound is bright yet warm, clear, with great sustain and very lively and dynamic.

Judged by its overall construction this instrument looks cheap. The laminated neck and cheap plastic trim on the body are not impressive. The frets are well finished and the intonation is acceptable if not great. I don't understand how this instrument can sound so good, at least not by looking at it.

This instrument is a workhorse--it's been everywhere and it has never let me down. Oh yeah, one exception--I left it in my trunk on a hot day at a recording session (very bad idea) and when I came to get it the bridge was half-lifted off. I was almost physically ill when I saw that. But my guitar repair guy performed his usual magic and it's fully healed again.

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I don't think this instrument is replaceable; but if I did lose it I'd certainly scour the market for another one; I doubt I'd find one. This guitar is so special to me I can't bear the thought of losing it.

In honor of this instrument my Ebay name is Yamaki. Look me up some time and say hi!