Introduction
Yamaha’s L-Series acoustic guitars have a long history of quality craftsmanship and great tone. The L-Series lineup includes everything from entry-level models to premium professional guitars. The LS6 ARE concert-size acoustic-electric sits towards the top of the L-Series, with its solid Engelmann spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and Yamaha’s A.R.E. wood torrefaction technology.
The LS6 ARE is designed for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and acoustic ensembles who need a compact, articulate, and responsive instrument. Its concert-size body provides excellent comfort and playability, while the solid tonewoods and A.R.E. technology give it a mature, resonant voice. If you’re looking for a professional-grade acoustic with studio-quality amplified tone, the LS6 ARE is an excellent choice to consider in the L-Series family.
Body and Design
The Yamaha LS6 ARE features a compact concert-size body shape with dimensions of 15 3/4" (width) x 4 5/8" (depth) x 19 1/2" (length). This makes the LS6 an ideal choice for players seeking the comfort and playability of a small-bodied acoustic.
The top of the LS6 is solid Engelmann spruce, a premium tonewood prized for its articulate highs, balanced midrange, and light bracing that allows the top to vibrate freely. Engelmann spruce responds extremely well to fingerstyle playing, allowing dynamic techniques to be expressed.
The back and sides are rosewood, which produces clear, deep lows and bell-like highs. The rosewood body contributes to the LS6’s excellent projection and balanced tone across the tonal spectrum.
The neck is mahogany for stability and sustain. It has a comfortable slim taper profile and silky satin finish for effortless playability up and down the rosewood fretboard. The fretboard radius measures 16" for smooth chord changes and fretting.
Sound and Tone
The Yamaha LS6 ARE produces a bright and articulate tone that really allows each individual note to ring out with excellent clarity and definition. There is precise note separation when playing complex fingerstyle passages or chord melodies, allowing you to hear each voice across the fretboard.
The LS6 has a very balanced tonal response across the frequency spectrum. The solid Engelmann spruce top provides shimmer and sparkle in the highs, nicely balanced with the rosewood back and sides which bring warmth and depth to the low end and midrange. The result is a very even tone without overly dominant highs, lows or mids.
The responsiveness of the LS6 allows it to be played dynamically, with excellent projection and volume when digging in more aggressively. At the same time, the guitar retains impressive touch sensitivity to allow for delicate fingerpicking and light strumming. This dynamic range allows guitarists to shape their tone through their playing technique.
Overall the LS6’s bright yet balanced tone, with excellent dynamics and projection, make it very well-suited to fingerstyle playing. The clarity allows complex passages to shine through without getting muddy. It’s also an excellent guitar for accompanying vocals, with enough sparkle to cut through a mix. The LS6 is able to fill a room unamplified as a solo instrument or provide rhythmic backing in an ensemble setting.
Electronics and Amplification
The Yamaha LS6 ARE comes equipped with Yamaha’s Zero Impact passive pickup system, designed to capture the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and dynamics when plugged in. This under-saddle piezo pickup uses individual piezo transducers for each string to accurately sense string vibrations.
The onboard preamp provides volume, bass and treble controls for shaping your amplified tone. There is also an anti-feedback control to prevent pesky feedback issues on stage, as well as an onboard tuner. Overall, the Zero Impact system aims to provide a transparent, feedback-resistant amplified tone without coloring the LS6’s inherent acoustic voice.
When plugged in, the LS6 ARE retains its bright, balanced tone and excellent note separation. The onboard preamp gives you control over the low end response and high-end brilliance to dial in your ideal amplified sound. The anti-feedback system allows you to push volume levels on stage while mitigating feedback issues. This makes the LS6 ARE well-suited for solo singer-songwriter gigs and acoustic ensemble playing.
The Zero Impact pickup also excels in the recording studio. You can capture clean, detailed tracks by plugging directly into your audio interface or mixing board. The LS6 will sit nicely in a mix without muddying up the low end. For more advanced tone shaping during recording, you can pair the LS6 with an external preamp or acoustic DI box.
Playability and Feel
The Yamaha LS6 ARE features a comfortable and playable neck profile. The neck has a slim taper that feels great in the hand, providing easy access to the higher frets.
The action on the LS6 comes set up low and fast from the factory. This allows for easy fretting and facilitates complex chording and lead playing. The action can be further adjusted to suit individual playing styles, but the factory setup provides a nice starting point.
Overall, the LS6 offers excellent playing comfort. The compact concert body size and slim neck make it an accessible guitar for most players. Whether seated or standing, the LS6 feels natural and ergonomic. The smooth neck and low action create little resistance, allowing you to play for extended periods without fatigue.
The LS6’s playability lends itself well to various techniques like fingerpicking, flatpicking, and strumming. The responsive feel and low action let your fingers move freely across the strings. For those who like to play rhythm, lead, or hybrid styles, the LS6 delivers on all fronts. Even when played aggressively, it handles fast runs and complex chording smoothly.
Craftsmanship
The Yamaha LS6 ARE demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and build quality, as expected from Yamaha’s high-end L-Series guitars which are all made in Japan.
Attention to detail is evident across every aspect of the LS6’s construction, from the precise fretwork along the rosewood fretboard to the beautiful rosette inlay around the soundhole. Each guitar goes through Yamaha’s rigorous quality control process to ensure proper setup and playability right out of the box.
The all-solid tonewood body exhibits excellent fit and finish, with tight seam joins and clean binding work along the top and back. The smooth satin finish allows the natural beauty of the Engelmann spruce and rosewood to shine through while being protected from scratches and dings.
Overall, the LS6 oozes quality in its design, materials, and workmanship. From the smallest details to the full package, this guitar gives buyers confidence in investing in a professional-grade instrument built to last for many years of playing. For those seeking top-tier craftsmanship in a concert-size acoustic, the LS6 delivers.
Comparisons
The Yamaha LS6 ARE stands up well when compared to other models in Yamaha’s L-Series lineup and competitor concert-size acoustic-electric guitars.
Yamaha LS6 vs Other L-Series Models
The LS6 has a smaller concert-size body than the flagship LS16 dreadnought model. As a result, the LS6 offers a more balanced midrange tone and enhanced comfort for fingerstyle playing. However, the larger LS16 produces deeper bass tones. Both models share high-end features like solid Engelmann spruce tops and rosewood back and sides. The LS6 provides a more affordable option in the L-Series lineup while retaining many of the same premium tonewoods and electronics.
Yamaha LS6 vs Similar Sized Martin and Taylor Guitars
The LS6 compares well to concert-size models from top brands like Martin and Taylor. The Martin 000X1AE offers a similar bright and articulate tone with solid spruce and mahogany construction. However, the LS6’s A.R.E technology provides more resonance and vintage tone. The Taylor 324ce has a layered rosewood body for balanced mids and smooth highs. The LS6 matches this musicality with A.R.E aging and Zero Impact electronics. Overall, the LS6 provides an excellent combination of premium tonewoods, innovative features, and accessible pricing.
Accessories
The Yamaha LS6 ARE comes with a high quality padded hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage. The case features plush interior lining and securely holds the instrument in place.
Some recommended accessories to enhance your playing experience with the LS6 include:
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Guitar strap – A comfortable strap can make playing the LS6 while standing easier. Leather and suede straps provide a secure grip.
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Guitar picks – Quality guitar picks in various thicknesses allow you to tailor your attack on the LS6. Celluloid, Delrin, and other pick materials each have unique tonal properties.
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Humidifier – Using a humidifier inside the guitar case helps maintain optimal humidity levels for the solid wood construction. This prevents cracking or warping of the tonewoods.
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Tuner – A clip-on chromatic tuner is useful for quick tuning and intonation checks, especially during live performance.
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Capo – A capo allows quick key changes and alternate voicings. High quality capos like the Shubb Deluxe maintain tuning stability.
Pairing the LS6 with a few choice accessories can further unlock its potential as a versatile stage and studio instrument. Carefully consider how each add-on complements your playing style.
Pricing
The Yamaha LS6 ARE has a street price ranging from $1,299 to $1,499 at most major music gear retailers. This positions it in the upper mid-range bracket for a concert-size acoustic-electric guitar.
At this price point, the LS6 offers excellent value for players looking for premium tonewoods, quality craftsmanship, and stage-ready electronics. The all-solid wood construction with Engelmann spruce and rosewood paired with Yamaha’s specialized A.R.E. torrefaction treatment makes the LS6 a guitar that will reward players with better tone as it ages. These materials and processes are found on guitars costing well over $2,000.
The LS6 also includes Yamaha’s Zero Impact passive pickup system, giving players natural amplified acoustic tone and feedback control without the need for installing an aftermarket pickup. When you factor in the attention to detail and quality control that comes with the LS6 being made in Japan, it stands out as a fantastic value proposition for intermediate to advanced players.
At around $1,300-$1,500, the LS6 hits a sweet spot for serious hobbyists, working musicians, and collectors looking for a lifetime acoustic guitar that will only sound better over time. Players wanting top-tier woods and electronics without paying for ornamentation or bling will find excellent value in the LS6 ARE.
Conclusion
The Yamaha LS6 ARE is an excellent concert-size acoustic-electric guitar that offers fantastic playability, build quality, and amplified tone. Its compact body size makes it comfortable for fingerstyle techniques and long practice sessions, while still providing balanced acoustic projection. The solid Engelmann spruce top and A.R.E torrefaction technology give the LS6 a bright, articulate voice with great note separation.
The onboard Zero Impact pickup system delivers the LS6’s natural acoustic tone when plugged in, with simple but effective tone shaping controls. While it may lack some deep bass response compared to larger bodied guitars, the LS6 provides the clarity, dynamics, and balanced tone that discerning players seek in a premium concert acoustic.
Overall, the LS6 receives top marks for its design, tonewoods, electronics, and playability. It’s an easy recommendation for fingerstyle guitarists, singer-songwriters, studio musicians, and anyone wanting a high-quality, compact acoustic. The Yamaha LS6 ARE represents a superb value at its price point, and is an excellent choice for those seeking the ultimate concert-size acoustic-electric.