With a solid Engelmann spruce top, rosewood body, multilayered mahogany/rosewood reinforced neck, and ebony fretboard, the Yamaha LS6 acoustic guitar can be judged an excellent deal on materials alone. Yet where this concert body really shines is on the strength of its handcrafted construction by expert Japanese luthiers. Every step in the creation of this excellent musical instrument, from tonewood selection to and-sanding the frets, is done in a small factory by master craftsmen.
Body top
Most manufacturers are using Sitka spruce tops for their high end models. In Yamaha's experience, Engelmann spruce (Canada) naturally suits the role for top woods better than any other. The overriding quality for body top material is an allowance for resonance and Engelmann spruce has this attribute in abundance. It is a light wood that is easy to work and enables a good tone response with a wide harmonic range. Visually Engelmann spruce is comfortable on the eye and its opaque light yellow tint is reminiscent of a mature acoustic instrument.
Back & side
Yamaha uses rosewood for both the back and sides on all the L series models. The rosewood blends extremely well with the Engelmann spruce top. It disperses resonance evenly and effortlessly.
Neck block
The neck block reinforces the neck joint. Yamaha has improved the conventional C block design by enlarging the surface area that is in contact with the top of the guitar. The block securely meets the underside of the top adding a real depth to the tone of the instrument.
A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement)
A.R.E. is an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha. Through precise controll of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, the molecular properties of the wood can be manipulated into a more acoustically ideal condition, similar to the molecular characteristics of woods in instruments that have been played for years.
New Designed Bracing Pattern
A modified non-scalloped bracing design retains the L series’ characteristic bright tone while enhancing low-end tone.
X-bracing maps out the vibration patterns of the guitar. Each of the eight braces has been carefully positioned in order to bring out the tone in a balanced fashion and find a natural harmony with the guitar's tone woods.
Multilayered reinforced neck (5-Ply Necks)
New 5-ply neck designs are constructed of rosewood and mahogany plies. The design integrates the neck, head, and body into a single unit creating a powerful, rich sound. This approach also creates a strong, stable neck that resists twisting and warping.
Traditionally, an acoustic guitar neck is carved from a single timber block. As the grain of the timber has to be angled at about 14 degrees to accommodate the headstock, it leaves itself vulnerable to excessive stress. To alleviate the potential of neck movement over time, Yamaha has introduced multilayered necks.
The LS6 model features a strip of rosewood set into the center of the mahogany neck. Rosewood has been chosen for its rigidity and the way it complements mahogany tonally.
Bridge
The unique larger bridge on the LS6 provides a more efficient transfer of the string vibrations to the body of the guitar, giving a tight, clear midrange and a full, balanced tone. Handcrafted with chamfered edges, the bridge design offers a perfect balance of tone, comfort, and style.
Yamaha has over thirty years experience of crafting quality steel string instruments by hand. Today's L series guitars are a testament to the decades of that extensive research and development work.
Tech Specs
| Color | Natural, Brown Sunburst | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Urethane | |
| Top | Solid Engelmann Spruce A.R.E. | |
| Back | Rosewood | |
| Side | Rosewood | |
| Neck | Mahogany & Rosewood 5ply | |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | |
| Body Depth | 100-120 mm (3 15/16"-4 3/4") | |
| Nut Width | 44mm (1 3/4") | |
| String Length | 650 mm (25 9/16") | |
| Body | Small Type | |
| Tuners | Die-cast Gold (TM-29G) | |
| Standard AccessOry | Yamaha Case | |
| Bridge | Rosewood | |
| Pickups | SRT Zero Impact Pickup | |
| Pick Guard | Tortoise | |