Yamaha L-Series LL16 Review

Yamaha's LL6 (view on Amazon) is one of the Yamaha L Series guitars featuring all wood construction.   Combining the craftsmanship that Yamaha well know for the entry level guitars and premium woods this series is a very affordable group of guitars that produce great tone and are easy to play.  The LL-6  model is classified as a "Dreadnought" but really looks to be an over-sized orchestra model.  While guitars come in many shapes, the dreadnought is probably the most recognizable.  This model is one of my Yamaha favorites as it is a step of from the entry level guitars at a very affordable price. 

Yamaha LL-16 Features

Body Shape -  Original Jumbo.   Perfect for both country and rock and is a more traditional guitar shape with Yamaha own take on the shape.  This is a full-sized guitar if your looking for a smaller guitar with similar characteristics look at the LS-16.

Finish -  Comes in Natural, Black, Brown Sunburst, and dark tinted gloss finishes.

Solid Spruce Top -  Yamaha uses an A.R.E treated Englemann Spruce top.  Englemann spruce gives a slightly brighter tone and more volume.  

Back and Sides -  Solid Rosewood back and sides.  

Nut and Saddle -   Urea plastic.

Tuners - Die-cast sealed tuners.  

Neck - 5-Ply Neck.   3 parts mahogany and 2 padauk inserts.  

Advantages

Disadvantages

  • At just under $1000 good price point for all wood guitar.
  • Comes with SRT Zero Impact Pickup
  • Variety of Finishes to choose from
  • Great tone and volume.
  • While the plastic nut and Saddle do the job, some would argue not having bone or Tusq nut and saddle is a short coming for an all wood guitar.

Should you buy the Yamaha LL-16?

The Yamaha LL-16 provides a lot of tone for a decent price.  This guitar is perfect for players who are looking for a quality build using all wood materials.  The pick up is a nice addition so that you can use the instrument for plugging as well as an intimate setting.   The neck on this guitar is very easy to play and the ebony fingerboard is a nice touch.  As a side note, in playing guitar i noticed the finger board is a little bit wider than most acoustic guitars which can be a good thing if you like to have a little more room for fingering your chords.  However if you are used to a thinner neck or have smaller hands, it may feel a little awkward.    The other reason I like this guitar is the different finishes it comes with as well different options for the wood.   If you like the guitar but your just not into the tone of rosewood,  check out the LL-16M model.

Yamaha L-Series LL16 Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag - Natural
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Yamaha L-Series LL16 Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Gig Bag - Natural
  • A newly designed bracing pattern and a.R.E. Treatment create rich warmth and open resonance
  • Solid Engelmann Spruce top treated with a.R.E
  • Original Jumbo Body with solid rosewood back & sides
  • 5-ply neck with high comfort traditional neck profile
  • SRT Zero impact passive pickup

Not sure if the Yamaha LL16 is for you?  Check out our other Yamaha models and see how they compare.

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