Yamaha AC3M Are Concert Acoustic Electric Guitar - Vintage Natural

Pretty awesome mid-priced guitar. Finish was gorgeous and flawless. I needed to shave the saddle a bit to get the action more playable. I've yet to plug it into my amp yet, but I expect great things there as well. Since then it's been a joy to play. Highly recommend this guitar on both appearance and sound. The case is great quality and a nice bonus.

I have an Ibanez acoustic electric and a Shecter acoustic that seemed adequate for their respective purposes, but not so much!Both are above average but this solid hardwood a/e routs these two shamelessly. I was surprised that this concert guitar depth was equal to a pure acoustic concert depth. Normally there's a depth compromise with an acoustic electric but not here. There is an overall piano type warmth and musicality to this instrument. I previously owned a Taylor 214ce and find this to be it's equal with a tonal continuity that I'd consider better. I have also been impressed with the setup of it. Very easy fingering, no fret buzz or sharp fret edges. Couldn't be happier nor will you be if you buy it. Excellent got and finish with beautiful wood grains.

An absolutely outstanding guitar. Immaculately made and finished, from high quality woods and components. It sounds beautiful acoustically, with the mahogany back and sides giving it a warm, even tone across the whole spectrum, and it also records incredibly well using the high quality and very flexible built-in preamp. Playability is excellent, with a slightly narrower than usual neck, and a more electric guitar style low action and feel.It also comes with a very heavy duty semi-rigid soft case. For around £700 this is an absolute bargain and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

A Fine Instrument

Overall:LOVE this guitar! It projects well acoustically and the electronics in it are very versatile. You can really dial in a nice natural sound. I had to file the saddle down a bit to get the action to my tastes, but that isn't uncommon for acoustics right out of the box. It plays like a dream now. Due to the smaller body style, the guitar isn't real heavy in the bass department. if you're looking for a bigger bass then go with the dreadnought model. This model has a nice thin neck that is easy to get around on and it feels great in your hands. It intonates well all the way up the neck and the notes ring crystal clear. I'd definitely buy it again. I liked it so much that I now own the dreadnought model as well. The construction quality is easily on par with ... MoreOverall:LOVE this guitar! It projects well acoustically and the electronics in it are very versatile. You can really dial in a nice natural sound. I had to file the saddle down a bit to get the action to my tastes, but that isn't uncommon for acoustics right out of the box. It plays like a dream now. Due to the smaller body style, the guitar isn't real heavy in the bass department. if you're looking for a bigger bass then go with the dreadnought model. This model has a nice thin neck that is easy to get around on and it feels great in your hands. It intonates well all the way up the neck and the notes ring crystal clear. I'd definitely buy it again. I liked it so much that I now own the dreadnought model as well. The construction quality is easily on par with guitars priced 2 to 3 times as high.

Compact Powerhouse

Overall:I debated A LOT, amongst about 8 different Yamaha's & one Taylor (214ce). While it's nearly impossible to play these particular models in advance - you're rely on YouTube for the most part. Alamo music has the best acoustic reviews by a mile, and we're instrumental in aiding my selection. Once I arrived at the AC-category Yamaha's, next up was the harrowing decision of "mahogany or rosewood"??? Mahogany won out for both the look AND the warmer sound. It didn't disappoint.

Don't Bypass This Just Because It's Not a Martin Or Taylor

Yamaha factory setup is a "one size fits all". if you are a heavy strummer, then perhaps you will be happy out of the box with the appropriate neck relief and saddle height. The correct setup for me was to straighten the neck and shave the saddle height for finger style playing with a lighter touch, easier chording and acoustic leads. Intonation was spot on and frets were smooth.If you are not a fan of the piezo "quack" sound, the SRT tech is FANTASTIC! You get a wonderful sound without the bother of having to use a processor and / or microphones and struggle with placement, feedback and maintaining distance (or using a compressor). You can also mix the sound for some of the piezo "cut through" depending on whether playing solo or with other instruments.I ... MoreYamaha factory setup is a "one size fits all". if you are a heavy strummer, then perhaps you will be happy out of the box with the appropriate neck relief and saddle height. The correct setup for me was to straighten the neck and shave the saddle height for finger style playing with a lighter touch, easier chording and acoustic leads. Intonation was spot on and frets were smooth.If you are not a fan of the piezo "quack" sound, the SRT tech is FANTASTIC! You get a wonderful sound without the bother of having to use a processor and / or microphones and struggle with placement, feedback and maintaining distance (or using a compressor). You can also mix the sound for some of the piezo "cut through" depending on whether playing solo or with other instruments.I realize that some will not consider this as it does not carry the status of a Martin or Taylor (I admit I had that thought also) but that would be a mistake. Yamaha has delivered a quality instrument!

I would by this product again, and again, and again!

I have started playing guitar four-five months ago, started with an old dreadnought Washburn guitar. Once I started getting the hang of it I started looking for a better guitar, I thought a better guitar would help me getting more excited and committed to practicing. So I went and bought an APX600 first, fell in love with how much better it was to play the guitar - sound and feel. A month later I went to a guitar center to checkout the AC3M and the AC3R, unfortunately they did not have the AC3M, but they did have the AC1M and the AC3R. After trying them both, I felt I liked the sound of the AC1M better so I ordered the AC3M (same as the AC1M except solid back and sides). While at GC I did try a few Taylors, awesome guitars no doubt, however, on my little experience, ... MoreI have started playing guitar four-five months ago, started with an old dreadnought Washburn guitar. Once I started getting the hang of it I started looking for a better guitar, I thought a better guitar would help me getting more excited and committed to practicing. So I went and bought an APX600 first, fell in love with how much better it was to play the guitar - sound and feel. A month later I went to a guitar center to checkout the AC3M and the AC3R, unfortunately they did not have the AC3M, but they did have the AC1M and the AC3R. After trying them both, I felt I liked the sound of the AC1M better so I ordered the AC3M (same as the AC1M except solid back and sides). While at GC I did try a few Taylors, awesome guitars no doubt, however, on my little experience, I could not justify on build and sound the big difference in price between the Yamaha all solid and the Taylor all solid. In a nutshell, I am in love with the AC3M and would definitely buy again.

Superb guitar for not a lot of money

This is an excellent example of value. This guitar has a solid Mahogany body and a Sitka spruce top for exceptional clarity , volume and resonance. How Yamaha can build such a high level of quality that requires hundreds of dollars more from the other makers is impressive. Such an articulate and easy playing guitar with resonance that goes for days. All in all a beautiful and wonderful sounding guitar with superb electronics quality make this one of the best values under 1000.00 dollars that exists today..

The best acoustic electric.

I play all the time. Excellent plugged in and acoustically. Super cool and effective preamp! I super dig this preamp! Very quiet plugged in even with an ultra high gain pedal into an Orange Dark Terror. Very excellent high gain tone! More normal and mellow styles are produced equally well. Acoustic or amplified the tone is very excellent. This is a very high quality guitar in the Yamaha tradition. Every aspect of this guitar is better than anticipated. Beauty and quality blended.

Yamaha AC3M ARE - Tobacco Brown Sunburst

I'd previously purchased the AC3R & totally fallen in love with it. Wanted a similar guitar, but with a more subtle sound. Why not the AC3M? The perfect complement. These guitars hit well above their weight. Find me another acoustic guitar at this price point that is even close to these & I'll be astounded. You could easily pay 2-3 times more for a guitar with a "M" or "T" on the headstock & wouldn't notice the difference. Beautiful, easy to play fretboard. The clarity and tone you'd expect from a Mahogany guitar. The sound is subtle,and smooth compared to the brightness of the AC3R. Tobacco burst finish is impeccable.I cannot fault this guitar in any way, shape or form. A bargain.Do yourself a favour & go and "test drive" one in store. You won't be disappointed.