Review: Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar – A Balanced Perspective
The Yamaha APXT2 is a 3/4-size acoustic-electric guitar designed for portability, playability, and affordability. Modeled after Yamaha’s highly popular APX500 series, the APXT2 seeks to deliver a compact yet capable option for beginners, travelers, and players with smaller hands. This review offers an objective assessment of its design, build quality, tonal characteristics, and electronics.
Design and Build Quality
The APXT2 features a thinline cutaway body, making it both lightweight and easy to handle. Its body is constructed with a spruce top and meranti back and sides, a typical combination in entry-level guitars for its cost-effectiveness and tonal neutrality. The neck is nato, and the fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood.
While the overall construction is solid for its price point, the guitar does exhibit some compromises. The finish is clean but relatively basic, and the tuners—though functional—may not hold tuning as securely over time as higher-end alternatives. Nonetheless, Yamaha’s factory setup is commendable; most units require minimal adjustment out of the box.
Playability
Due to its 3/4 size and short 22.835" scale length, the APXT2 is particularly accessible for younger players, individuals with smaller hands, or those seeking a travel-friendly instrument. The neck profile is comfortable, and string tension is lower than on full-size guitars, which can reduce finger fatigue. However, the smaller body does affect ergonomic balance when playing seated, especially for taller individuals.
Sound and Tonal Character
Acoustically, the APXT2 delivers a clear but modest volume, which is expected given its smaller body and thinner tonewoods. The tone is bright and focused, with midrange presence and relatively limited bass response. This tonal profile suits light strumming and fingerpicking but may lack depth for players seeking a fuller acoustic sound.
Plugged in, the guitar utilizes Yamaha’s ART-based pickup system and a simple onboard preamp with volume and tone controls. While it does not replicate the nuances of high-end acoustic-electric systems, it offers a usable amplified tone suitable for practice, home recording, or small performances. Feedback resistance is also decent due to the thinline body.
Conclusion
The Yamaha APXT2 is not intended to compete with full-size professional instruments. Rather, it fulfills its role as a compact, travel-friendly acoustic-electric guitar with surprising build quality and decent amplified performance for its class. It is particularly well-suited for beginners, younger students, or experienced players seeking a portable secondary guitar. Limitations in acoustic projection and tonal depth are trade-offs for size and convenience, but within its category, the APXT2 remains a strong contender.
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