My Guitars Update - Yamaha APX-1200II TBL

No longer numbering these videos, but this is one of the guitars I've acquired since I stopped uploading videos at Easter. It's a 2013 Yamaha APX1200II in trans-black finish. Really lovely guitar.
Hi, I'm Martin Cliffe, I'm a Hong Kong-based musician and KZbinr. As well as music stuff, my channel is about my journey away from physical and mental clutter, and towards a more minimal and intentional lifestyle.
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Follow me on Facebook or Instagram @martincliffe. The Thinking Tree EP is available now at an online music store near you.

[@guitarman9922]

Does this one have a fairly skinny neck? I have pretty small hands and am use to playing electric but am getting more into acoustic.

[@MartinCliffe]

Yes. I’ve always thought the APX was designed for the electric guitar player. It’s very comfortable to play (I don’t have particularly big hands either)

[@kevinraimond7658]

Don't know if you would know the answer to this, but I have a $300 APX 500 and I am interested in an all wood APX1200. Is there a noticeable difference in the sound acoustically speaking?

[@MartinCliffe]

I’ve owned both, and yes, to me the 1200 definitely sounds a bit smoother and more refined. The plugged-in sound is much better, and it generally feels better made and finished (also on mine the action was lower) but it’s definitely also more pleasant to play acoustically. While the 500 is a great acoustic for the money, it always sounded a bit “boxy” to me. Hope that helps!

[@kevinraimond7658]

@@MartinCliffe yes on boxy for sure. Tried multiple guitars and this body style and size feels best. Thanks Martin. Very helpful.

[@ferpirata76]

Great review. I have one question that I hope you can please answer. I have an epiphone Hummingbird pro (new costs about 350 euros). Great guitar. Now I have the chance to get this Yamaha at a very good price. Do you think I should go for it? There should be a noticeable difference but I,m no expert and you know what happens with prices and guitars. I would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks a lot!

[@MartinCliffe]

Hey Fernando, thanks for watching! The Hummingbird is a very nice guitar, but very different from the APX if I remember correctly - much bigger body on the Epiphone. I've never tried the electrics on the Epiphone, only played it acoustically in store a couple of times. The Yamaha electrics are really great sounding and versatile. This is my favourite acoustic guitar. So if you can get one for a nice price (new they're 1400 euros or something, I think I paid more like 850-900 for mine, which was well worth it IMO) then I'd go for it!

[@ferpirata76]

@@MartinCliffe thanks a lot for your answer and best wishes from Spain! 🎸🎸

[@iancheyne2672]

Hello Martin. I've watched some of your other videos with great interest. I bought my CPX 1200 (series ll) in June 2016. It is the revised model with the compass logo on the headstock. The one you have there is the previous version. I very much like this guitar which is arguably one of the more successful of the CPX range, acoustically (I also have an original A3R which is excellent acoustically)...since Yamaha's marketing is based primarily on its amplified performance. Unfortunately the electrics on mine have failed completely and so far I've been unable to locate a replacement SRT unit. Thanks for the helpful video. Ian C.😎

[@MartinCliffe]

Hi Ian, thanks for the message. Sorry to hear about your troubles with the electrics. I presume they're the same as the APX series, but I'm not sure - I've never owned a CPX series guitar. The CPX does have the compass headstock (and simpler inlays), but the APX doesn't. I've certainly looked at the CPX-1200II as an option though, if I want a larger bodied guitar in the future.

[@iancheyne2672]

@@MartinCliffe Thanks for your reply Martin...and apologies...I'd read the video title as CPX, not APX. In answer to your question the CPX is deeper overall which gives the sound more body but it does sparkle at the top end. I also own an APX1000 which is the flamed maple body version of the APX series. The model 62 SRT system is identical throughout the APX,CPX and A3R and AC3R. I have an AC3R which doesn't get used much so I may cannibalise its SRT unit as a temporary measure. Thanks again. Ian C.😎

[@stivennolasco706]

Do you have a link for the tuners I just got one

[@MartinCliffe]

I'm pretty sure I put Grover Rotogrip 502G tuners on both of mine (www.thomann.de/intl/grover_rotogrip_502g_gold.htm). I swapped the stock ebony buttons onto them - they're a perfect fit. Enjoy the guitar!

[@CameronJohnson]

Sounds great man, good to see you back!

[@MartinCliffe]

Thanks! The recorded sound didn't come back quite as expected (I was just plugged in via my bass recording chain) but I managed to tweak it OK!

[@marigner]

What would you say about Duke Guitars or Breedlove in comparison to Yamaha ?

[@MartinCliffe]

Never heard of Duke guitars before. I understand Breedlove make good stuff. Not sure if I’ve ever played one though… don’t think they had much of a presence in Hong Kong, so not for at least 10 years.

[@davidpehrson3707]

It's really difficult to find any good demos of this guitar.🤷🏿‍♂️

[@MartinCliffe]

Agreed, and I'm not sure this one quite fills that need! LOL Planning to do a new feature on this one, probably coming to this channel in July or August.

[@saveriodeluca5702]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o56qiWB_hM-mjKc

[@rafaelmarques8121]

This guitar is made in Japan ?

[@MartinCliffe]

No, Yamaha moved almost all their high-end production to their own factories in China around 10-15 years ago I believe. This is a 2013 model.

[@MartinCliffe]

Further research suggests they moved production to Taiwan in the early 70's, and then to China in 2008. So a Japanese-made Yamaha acoustic guitar is a rare thing indeed.

[@mandikaproject4879]

I just have apx 500 and 600 🥺😂

[@MartinCliffe]

They're great guitars for the money, nothing to be sad about. Just the higher end models are built with better woods and a little more attention to detail.

[@TheJepster2010]

Is this made in China Martin?

[@MartinCliffe]

Yes, Yamaha shifted most if not all of their guitar making there from Japan some years ago I think. Drums too. It doesn't feel like a "Chinese guitar" though!

[@BARKINGattheMOON100]

@@MartinCliffe What exactly does a CHINESE made Guitar Feel like.???😂🤣😂

[@MartinCliffe]

All I meant by that comment was that for a lot of people, "Chinese guitar" equals "cheap guitar". And sure, a lot of mass-produced rubbish comes out of there. But there are some really skilled luthiers operating in China too.

[@impossible6329]

Too much Talk

[@MartinCliffe]

Im Possible so move on... nobody is making you watch it