Introduction
The Yamaha LL16D ARE is an exciting new offering in the brand’s acclaimed LL series of premium acoustic guitars. This jumbo-bodied acoustic-electric model boasts all-solid wood construction, state-of-the-art A.R.E. wood treatment, and Yamaha’s meticulous attention to detail.
With its resonant solid Engelmann spruce top, rich solid rosewood back and sides, and gorgeous appointments, the LL16D promises exquisite tone and playability. It’s a serious instrument aimed at discerning players who want the ultimate in acoustic sound and performance.
In this in-depth review, we’ll provide a close look at the LL16D ARE’s build quality, sound, playability, and overall value. We’ll help you determine if this top-tier acoustic-electric is a worthy addition for guitarists seeking the perfect jumbo acoustic to round out their collection.
Yamaha LL Series Overview
Yamaha first introduced the LL Series in the 1970s, establishing it as one of their flagship lines of handcrafted acoustic guitars. The LL Series guitars are built in Japan using traditional construction methods and premium tonewoods. Over the years, the LL lineup has included popular models like the LL6, LL11, and LL26 which have been used by many professional guitarists.
The Yamaha LL16D ARE is part of the current generation LL16 series. This series also includes the standard LL16 featuring a solid Engelmann spruce top and the LL16 Deluxe which upgrades to Adirondack spruce. The LL16D ARE reviewed here sits in between the other two models in terms of features and pricing.
Compared to the standard LL16, the LL16D ARE upgrades to Yamaha’s A.R.E. wood torrefaction technology on the Engelmann spruce top. This proprietary treatment process ages and dries the wood to replicate the tonal qualities of highly aged tonewood. The LL16D also comes equipped with higher-end Gotoh 510 tuning machines versus the diecast tuners on the LL16. These upgrades help give the LL16D a more refined, vintage-inspired tone and appeal.
Overall, the Yamaha LL16D ARE occupies an attractive middle ground in the LL16 series lineup. It provides many of the same premium build qualities as the higher-end LL16 Deluxe but at a more accessible price point through its use of Engelmann rather than Adirondack spruce. This makes it a compelling option for players seeking an all-solid wood handcrafted instrument from Yamaha’s renowned LL series.
Body & Construction
The Yamaha LL16D ARE features a jumbo body shape, which produces a loud and deep tone thanks to its large size and dimensions. It measures 20" across the lower bout, 16" across the upper bout, and 4 5/8" deep. This gives it a big, booming voice that projects well.
For the top, Yamaha chose solid Engelmann spruce, which is known for its excellent resonance and balanced tone. It’s paired with solid Indian rosewood back and sides, which add warmth and richness to the sound. Yamaha treats the spruce top with their A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) technology, which ages and dries the wood to create a more mature, seasoned tone.
In terms of build quality, the LL16D is impeccably crafted, as we’ve come to expect from Yamaha’s high-end L Series. Attention to detail is evident, from the tight grain matching of the tonewoods to the clean binding and purfling. The guitar feels solid and durable, built to last for many years.
The LL16D comes in two classic finishes – a gloss natural finish that accentuates the woods’ grain patterns, and an understated vintage black finish. Both allow the top’s wood grain to shine through clearly.
Neck & Fretboard
The LL16D ARE features a 5-ply mahogany and rosewood neck with a slim taper profile that measures 1-11/16" at the nut and 2-1/4" at the 14th fret. This slim and low-profile neck design enhances playability and makes it very comfortable to wrap your thumb around for chording.
The fretboard is made from premium ebony wood and has a 12" radius with 20 frets and abalone and mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays. The ebony fretboard offers a smooth feel and provides excellent note definition.
Overall playability on the LL16D is fantastic. It has a very comfortable and fast neck that allows for easy transitions up and down the fretboard. The string action is set low from the factory but can be adjusted to preference. The neck relief and string height allow for buzz-free playing with very little adjustment needed. Fretwork from the factory is impeccable as well.
Electronics & Hardware
The Yamaha LL16D ARE comes equipped with Yamaha’s SRT Zero Impact pickup system, which utilizes a passive undersaddle piezo pickup designed to capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and dynamics. There are no preamps or onboard electronics, helping maintain the integrity of the instrument’s pure acoustic sound.
Volume is controlled via the volume knob on the output jack, allowing you to easily adjust output level. No tone controls are included, as the intention is to provide the most accurate reproduction of the LL16D’s inherent acoustic tone.
The guitar features premium Gotoh SG381 tuning machines, ensuring stable and accurate tuning. The pins and bridge are also from Gotoh, providing a solid connection to the top and smooth, buzz-free string vibration. Overall the hardware complements the guitar beautifully without detracting from its handcrafted appeal.
Sound & Tone
The Yamaha LL16D ARE produces a rich, resonant, and well-balanced acoustic tone that projects beautifully. The solid Engelmann spruce top and rosewood back and sides generate a lush sound with sparkling highs, warm lows, and pleasing overtones when strummed or picked.
When played unplugged, the LL16D sounds fantastic for genres like fingerstyle, folk, country, and light rock. The jumbo body produces plenty of volume while the A.R.E. treatment adds vintage-like character to the tone. Single notes ring out with sustain and clarity. Chords have nice separation and definition across all six strings. The bass response is also impressive, providing a pleasing thump without muddiness.
Plugging in the LL16D through an acoustic amplifier or PA system, the guitar maintains its great tone thanks to the SRT Zero Impact passive pickup. The amplified sound has excellent balance across the frequency spectrum and rich harmonics. Since it’s a passive system, the guitar’s natural acoustic sound shines through very nicely. The LL16D works well for live gigs or recording scenarios where amplification is needed. Feedback is also minimal thanks to the pickup’s design.
Overall, the Yamaha LL16D ARE delivers exceptional acoustic and amplified tone that makes playing this guitar a highly enjoyable experience across many musical genres and playing situations. The premium tonewoods and quality craftsmanship really pay off in the LL16D’s outstanding sound.
Competitor Comparison
The Yamaha LL16D ARE competes directly with other high-end jumbo acoustic-electric guitars in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range. Some key competitors include:
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Taylor 414ce: This Taylor acoustic-electric has a Grand Auditorium body style, solid Sitka spruce top, layered rosewood back/sides, and Taylor’s ES2 pickup system. Compared to the LL16D, the 414ce has a slightly smaller body and a brighter, more articulate tone. The Yamaha has a richer, deeper voice.
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Martin D-18E Retro: The retro-inspired D-18E features a solid Sitka spruce top with vintage-style scalloped bracing, mahogany back/sides, and Fishman F1 pickup. It produces a balanced, vintage-flavored tone. The LL16D offers more low-end punch and projection.
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Guild D-55: Guild’s rosewood jumbo flaunts an all solid wood construction with Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back/sides. It has a deep, booming voice perfect for heavy strumming. The Yamaha is more versatile for various styles, with its A.R.E treatment and SRT pickup.
The Yamaha LL16D ARE stands out with its resonant Engelmann spruce top, A.R.E wood torrefaction treatment for enhanced tone, and premium ebony fretboard. The passive SRT pickup faithfully amplifies its acoustic character. Overall, the LL16D provides an exceptional blend of rich, nuanced tone and refined playability.
Pricing
The Yamaha LL16D ARE has an MSRP of $1,999, though street prices are typically around $1,500. This positions it firmly in the premium price range for an acoustic guitar.
New examples can be regularly found from authorized Yamaha dealers for $1,400-$1,600. This represents a decent discount from the list price, while still keeping the LL16D ARE in the upper mid-range bracket.
On the used market, prices for the LL16D ARE vary quite a bit depending on condition. Well maintained examples with minimal wear and tear generally sell for $1,000-$1,300. Heavily played models with more cosmetic flaws might sell for $800-$1,000.
Older discontinued color variants like the limited edition navy blue LL16D ARE can fetch higher prices in the realm of $1,400-$1,600 used.
Overall the pricing is reflective of a professional grade instrument using high quality solid tonewoods and appointments. Players seeking maximum value for money may wish to consider the standard LL16 or other competitors. However the LL16D ARE remains a worthwhile investment for those wanting the best possible specs, tone and playability in a premium Yamaha acoustic.
Who is it For?
The Yamaha LL16D ARE is best suited for intermediate to advanced level players who have experience with high-end acoustic guitars. While beginners may be tempted by the LL16D’s premium appointment and rich sound, it requires a skilled player to truly bring out its full potential.
In terms of musical styles, the Yamaha LL16D works very well for fingerstyle playing, light to medium strumming, and even flatpicking. The balanced tone, ample projection, and crisp note definition make it a versatile choice for various genres from folk and country to rock and pop. The LL16D is an especially good fit for solo performers and singer-songwriters.
The primary buyers for the Yamaha LL16D ARE are likely to be serious hobbyists, working musicians, and performing artists. The use of solid tonewoods and meticulous hand-crafted construction means this is not an entry-level instrument – rather it is built to the standards demanded by seasoned players who rely on their gear for recording and live performance. While it carries a premium price tag, the LL16D’s superb quality and tone provide great value for professionals and discerning amateurs alike. Overall, it’s for players who appreciate top-notch craftsmanship and seek the rich, nuanced sound that only all-solid wood instruments can deliver.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha LL16D ARE is an excellent choice for experienced acoustic guitarists seeking premium tone and top-notch craftsmanship. Its all-solid wood construction paired with Yamaha’s A.R.E technology results in rich, resonant tone perfect for fingerstyle playing or light strumming.
The LL16D’s superb build quality, comfortable neck and ebony fretboard also make it a joy to play. While the price tag is on the higher side, you get what you pay for – a pro-level instrument that will satisfy even the most discerning players.
For working musicians, touring artists or serious hobbyists who play a lot of acoustic guitar, the Yamaha LL16D ARE is easy to recommend. Players who rely on their acoustic tone will appreciate the warmth and nuance of this guitar.
That said, the premium pricing may make it overkill for casual players or beginners. And the lack of cutaway limits upper fret access. But for those seeking the ultimate jumbo acoustic-electric, the LL16D ARE delivers in spades. Its exquisite craftsmanship and projecting tone make it a guitar you’ll treasure for life.