Yamaha's A.R.T. System Delivers True Acoustic Amplified Sound On L-Series 16 Handcrafted Models

Apr 10, 2009

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The acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars of the Yamaha L Series are handmade by accomplished luthiers to create a gorgeous tone. Already available on Yamaha's top-of-the-line 26 and 36 L Series models, the critically acclaimed A.R.T. acoustic guitar amplification system faithfully reproduces acoustic guitar tones while minimizing feedback, and is now available on the new LLX16 dreadnaught type acoustic-electric guitar. Now, this handcrafted all solid acoustic-electric guitar features the most natural-sounding pickup system on the market and is perfect for recording and performing.

"For years, our customers have been clamoring for an LL16 acoustic-electric model, and now it comes with the highly-praised A.R.T. system," said Dennis Webster, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "With all-solid wood and a refined pedigree, this guitar is a winner, through and through."

The LLX16 features a solid Engelmann Spruce top with solid Rosewood back and sides. The three-ply neck consists of Mahogany and Rosewood. The heralded three-way A.R.T. preamp system features two proprietary, multi-layer transducer contact pickups precisely placed underneath the bridge along with two other sub-pickups, placed on the bass and treble sides of the saddle.

Known as System60 on the L Series, this A.R.T. preamp features separate controls for the main pickups and the two bass and treble sub pickups, which feed into a master volume control. The tastefully appointed System60 pickup consists of just four knobs on the body side, which minimizes the impact on body resonance, and features push-lock knobs that depress into the guitar's body when not in use.

Celebrating its 40th year of selling top-quality acoustic, electric and bass guitars in the United States in 2009, Yamaha was one of the first companies to bring quality Asian construction to the worldwide market. The venerable FG acoustic, introduced in the 1960s with the famous Red Label, is the world's top-selling guitar model of all time. In 2008, Yamaha became the top-selling acoustic and acoustic-electric guitar brand in the United States, determined by sales volume and number of units sold, with the APX500 rising to the top slot in acoustic-electric models. In the last year, moreover, Yamaha has quadrupled L series model sales.