Yamaha makes ther best value for money acoustics out there. But what about their top-selling budet electric-acoustic? It’s a pass for some players…
Yamaha APX600
Summary
Pros
-Small body size paired with cutaway improves playability
-Great electronics
-Great plugged-in sounds
-Thin neck near the headstock
-Shorter string spacing
-Solid tuners
-With the right setup, playability can be improved even more
-3 band EQ ensures versatile plugged in sounds
-Onboard tuner
-Build and finish quality is great
Cons
-Setup on this my copy was only ok (action was too high, I had to adjust the truss rod)
-Doesn’t sound good unplugged
-Boxed and raddling unplugged sound
-All laminated woods
-Not as easy to play as some people think (me)
I was expecting smooth playing acoustic with good plugged-in and acoustic tones. It’s fun to play, it sounds great when plugged-in, but acoustic tones are only ok.
Check Today’s Price:
Specifications
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Thinline Cutaway |
| Scale Length | 634 mm (25″) |
| Nut Width | 43 mm (1 11/16”) |
| Top Material | Laminated Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Laminated Tonewood |
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood |
| Nut & Saddle | Urea |
| Electronics | Yamaha System 65A Preamp |
| Tuners | Die-Cast Chrome |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Finish | Gloss |
| Strings | Yamaha FS50BT |
A Budget-Friendly Acoustic-Electric That Shines (When Plugged In)
Some guitars are meant to be heard unplugged, filling a room with rich, natural resonance. The Yamaha APX600 is not one of those guitars. But if you’re looking for an affordable acoustic-electric that sounds great plugged in, with a comfy, slim body that’s easy to hold, then this might just be your new best friend.
Let’s see what it’s all about!
I recommend checking these articles as well:
- Yamaha FG830 Review
- Yamaha FG800 Review
- 5 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars
- 5 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
- 5 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500
Who Is This Guitar For?
- Players who mostly plug in – This is where the APX600 truly shines.
- Small-handed players – The slim neck near the headstock and shorter string spacing make it easier to play.
- Those who prefer a smaller body – The thinline design is lightweight and comfortable.
- Chords & fingerpickers – Works well for rhythm players who don’t need blazing lead access.
- Performers on a budget – A great affordable option for gigging musicians who need a solid plugged-in tone.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- If you want a rich, full unplugged sound – This guitar sounds thin when not plugged in.
- If you want a slim neck all the way down – The neck thickens as you move toward the body.
- If you mostly play unplugged, there are better-sounding acoustics at this price.
Build & Hardware
Yamaha kept things budget-friendly, meaning all laminated woods—no solid top here. But they did include some great electronics to make up for it.
- Laminated Sitka Spruce Top – Looks nice, but doesn’t offer the resonance of a solid wood top.
- Laminated “Tonewood” Body – A mystery mix of woods, but hey, it works.
- Nato Neck & Rosewood Fingerboard – The neck plays smoothly but has a slightly plastic feel.
- Urea Nut & Saddle – Not premium, but expected at this price.
- Yamaha System 65A Preamp – A highlight of this guitar, featuring a 3-band EQ, volume knob, and built-in tuner.
- Surprisingly Good Tuning Stability – Stayed in tune better than the FG800 & FG830.
Build Quality Rating: 3.5/5
Playability
If you’ve got small hands, you’ll likely love this guitar. If you’re expecting a super-slim neck all the way through… well, not so much.
- Easy for normal chords – Thanks to the slim neck near the headstock.
- Barre chords are tougher – The action on my copy was a bit high out of the box.
- Neck gets thicker as you move down – Some players might not love this.
- Cutaway design helps with upper fret access – A nice bonus.
- Shorter scale length (25″) – Strings feel comfortable without excessive tension.
- Setup was okay, but needed work – Action was a bit too high for my taste.
- Didn’t make me want to grab it and play as much as the FG800 or FG830.
With a proper setup, this guitar could feel much better to play. But out of the box, it wasn’t as inspiring as other Yamahas I’ve tried.
Playability Rating: 3.8/5
Sound
Plugged-in sound? Fantastic. Unplugged sound? Meh.
- Well-balanced, natural tones when plugged in – Tested with Positive Grid Spark 40, and it sounded excellent.
- Great versatility – The 3-band EQ lets you tweak your tone easily.
- Unplugged sound is thin and boxy – Not terrible, but not something you’d brag about.
- Low volume unplugged – Not the best for playing without an amp.
- Can rattle a bit with heavy strumming – This is common with thinner-body guitars.
If you’re plugging in most of the time, you’ll be happy. But if you’re mostly playing unplugged, there are better choices.
Sound Rating: 3.6/5
Check The Sound Demo:
Value for Money
The value depends entirely on how you use this guitar:
- If you play mostly plugged in? 4.5/5 – Great electronics for the price.
- If you mostly play unplugged? 2.5/5 – There are better options.
Overall, it’s a good deal if you know what you’re getting—a budget-friendly acoustic-electric that delivers where it counts (plugged in) and cuts corners elsewhere.
Value for Money Rating: 3.5/5
How the sound of APX600 compares to 2 other budget Yamaha’s:
Verdict
The Yamaha APX600 is a solid choice for plugged-in playing but falls short unplugged. If you’re looking for an acoustic-electric that’s easy to handle and sounds great through an amp, this is a great pick.
If you’re after deep, natural unplugged tones, you might want to look elsewhere.
Overall Rating: 3.6/5
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact thinline body with cutaway – Comfortable to play.
- Great electronics – One of the best in this price range.
- Fantastic plugged-in tones – Works well for live performances.
- Slim neck near the headstock – Easier for small hands.
- Shorter string spacing – Makes chords easier to play.
- Solid tuning stability – Stays in tune better than FG800 & FG830.
- 3-band EQ + onboard tuner – Great for shaping your sound.
Cons:
- Setup was just okay – My copy needed adjustments (action too high).
- Unplugged sound is weak – Thin, boxy, and low in volume.
- All laminated woods – No solid top means less resonance.
- Not as easy to play as expected – Neck thickens as you move down.
If you mainly play plugged-in, the APX600 is an affordable and reliable choice. Just don’t expect magic when it’s unplugged.
