Not A Ukulele Reviews - Yamaha APX T2 Electro Acoustic Guitar

[@JR-ot4im]

One simply cannot beat the quality of Yamaha for the money. This little guitar absolutely changed my musical life, and this is not hyperbole. For years, I struggled to play guitars because I happen to be short in stature, with short fingers, but I am not small framed and my fingers are stocky. Trying to stretch short fingers to fret chords, but also having non-skinny digits also makes it a challenge not to mute or buzz strings on almost every smaller scale (the only ones that used to be available were generally meant for children) guitar I've tried, and now with age, I also have rheumatoid arthritis working against me, so all of these challenges made playing guitar not only nearly impossible and unenjoyable but also physically painful..until this one. I read about it and drove to the nearest music shop and as soon as I held it in my hands, I knew this was made for me. Since getting this APXT2 in March, I've tried and purchased several other smaller scale guitars and, despite having some more expensive models (including my Baby Taylor), this is the one I reach for most often. Even my husband tends to play this one more often than his own full sized Taylor. The only reason it's not my only guitar is because of the pickups; I hope someday they will make a fully acoustic one so it can be a true travel guitar that can be played outdoors without too much concern for moisture or precipitation, which is an issue where I live. I'm so glad you did a review on this little fella...mine is in black, but I have been eyeing that red for a while and may just have to get one.

[@doglifehub]

Thanks for this comment. It's made me want to try one out

[@carmela1111]

Oh wow I've been struggling for years because I'm also very small and have small hands. This comment helped so much! Thank you!

[@alevaccari472]

could you explain better this part: "pickups; I hope someday they will make a fully acoustic one so it can be a true travel guitar that can be played outdoors without too much concern for moisture or precipitation, which is an issue where I live. " i don't understand the issue

[@shanus11]

love this! I'm fairly new to playing, bought a cheap amazon acoustic to learn, it's fine but hard to fret and i have really short fingers for a guy so learning barres and harder chords etc demotivated me, I got a yamaha pacifica electric and it was a million times easier to play and i got barres immediately. been considering a 3/4 guitar for a while and saw this one was going cheap £150 (also red burst) so made an impulse purchase. seeing this comment has got me hyped that playing will be just that little bit easier from my fingers lol

[@Asheanae]

​@@shanus11 put bone nut, saddle, and pins on it. Makes the acoustic sound 1000% better.

[@blindmind31]

Good review. I bought mine about a year and a half ago. Before I played classical guitar only. I wanted to try acoustic with steel strings but I found dreadnogh too uncomfortable. This one is perfect. It sounds correct for its size, especially plugged. I even understand the choice of AA batteries as they are easy to find in the shops everywhere and as I use the rechargeables it is economical and ecological . I have changed mine just once. What I do not like is the display of the tuner hard to read on the sun. The gig bag could be better for travel guitar.

[@duncansmith5734]

I've never really come across a bad Yamaha instrument. Sure, some are better than others, but I've never found a bad one. Their little Storia III guitar is sublime for the price. These APX T2 models are currently on offer at £179 (in all four colours) from one of the big online retailers, which seems a bargain. Shame Yamaha don't make ukes. The closest they get is the GL-1 guitarlele, which doubles as a handy travel guitar. While not even a stringed instrument, the Yamaha Reface YC mini combo organ is an absolute blast.

[@Fyrstar]

Great review, I like your style of communicating and this is one of the few vids that actually play this little beast unplugged, definitely deserves more views for sure. Liked and Subscribed.

[@cazhowe737]

I have this one after I had problems holding my jumbo guitar because of shoulder problems which is why I started playing ukuleles so it’s great to see your review of this …love these mid week reviews of smaller guitar’s…. Than you for doing all reviews ! I’ll go and buy you a ☕️

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you so much!

[@frankhinckley3756]

Thanks for the review. Just got mine last week and I love it. Didn’t know you’d be reviewing it so I took a chance. Seeing your awesome review made me realize I made the right choice. Same with my ukes. I won’t buy anything until I’ve seen your review on it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad I could help!

[@bev6683]

Thanks for this review Baz without your reviews I would not have gone for a guitar I love my ukes 👍 but I have always wanted too learn guitar You have made this possible for me I've got one today and it's so small and easy for me to hold as I'm disabled and find guitars too heavy for me Now I'm so excited to learn So big thank you So grateful for your reviews 💕

[@GotAUkulele]

Really nice aren’t they? Good choice!

[@bev6683]

A great choice 👍thanks again Baz

[@gethinap]

Interesting timing as I bought a Yamaha CSF trans acoustic last week

[@GotAUkulele]

Enjoy!

[@rainsilversplash4376]

Shouldn't be surprising that it sounds bright and thin. It has a kind of 40's parlor guitar profile, much like the Jim Dandy, but it is a thinline. I had been trying without success to find an old Harmony or Kay in good condition, and had been considering a Jim Dandy, but in the end, decided on the APXT2. I just ordered it, and expect to see it before the end of the week.

[@Misfitheathen]

I actually have 2 of these. After destroying my shoulders I can no longer play a full size (so decided that was good reason to get into ukuleles) but missed guitar play so I got one of these and was impressed enough to get a second.

[@GotAUkulele]

I think they are great!

[@tweed0929]

What a lovely guitar. Gonna add this little gem to accompany my FS820.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah, nice little thing

[@richardboss3358]

I was looking to get a Kala Batitone, the one with the solid spruce top, cutaway and Fishman electronics as I wanted something electric acoustic so I could run it through my looper, something which I was unable to do with my Kala Ziricote Baritone, which I love. Sadly I was disappointed by the sound of the Kala, maybe it was the cutaway body but it didn't sound as good as the Ziricote acoustically, and I didn't really like it plugged in. I was in one of those guitar rooms and thankfully I spotted this little Yamaha. I plugged it in to one of the shops smaller Fishman acoustic amps and I thought it sounded amazing! And it was only $369 (AUD) as compared to $689 for the Kala. I don't think acoustically it is anything extraordinary, but I actually like the fact it isn't loud as I tend to practice quietly anyway as I'm not very good and am self conscious. But it absolutely comes alive when plugged in. I don't care it is a laminate instrument as I often take it to the foreshore when I walk my dogs and strum away quietly while they look for fish. From what I understand a laminate instrument is more stable so I think a travel guitar being laminate is a good thing.

[@vivianhall5259]

Great review! I absolutely love my APX.

[@GotAUkulele]

Great to hear!

[@PoulHansenDK]

I find it a bit difficult to sit with it because of the size and the cut away. It has a tendency to move to the his right(as all small bodied instruments) I think it is best with a guitar support or a strap. In the video you can see that it balances on his thigh on the outermost peak of the cutaway. He is right about the amplified sound. It does sound even better when amplified, even through the small(travel?)Yamaha THR 5A

[@GotAUkulele]

I guess you are right - though this is mainly a ukulele channel - compared to those - easy!

[@SuperGrimify]

I know you don't rate these like the ukes, but what are your opinions on this one over the jim dandy? Which do you prefer?

[@GotAUkulele]

This one, but they are very different things to my mind. The Dandy is an old time blues box - with an old kind of cowboy sound which is a positive in itself - this is more direct and more 'regular guitar' - this is more comfortable to hold and play, though is more expensive. Horses for courses

[@psych336]

I hadn’t seen this model from Yamaha before. Reminds me a lot of an Ibanez acoustic in the looks. If someone described it to me I wouldn’t think it would be for me but after watching this I would totally buy one. Sitting around noodling in the garden sounds nice. Thanks for sharing, love the small guitar reviews.

[@GotAUkulele]

I've really fallen for it!

[@richardsnow7299]

Love these reviews thanks Barry

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you Richard!

[@timhooper8617]

This is my go-to guitar at uke club. I bought mine second-hand from a dealer a couple of years ago, and it's still my favourite 6 stringer. Cheers!

[@GotAUkulele]

I fell for it instantly!

[@richardkitchen6550]

Hi Tim - since my move to Staffs I have also taken up guitar to supplement my collection of ukes. Going away on hols in the next few days and don't want to take the PRS with me and so have have just bought one of these APX T2's - it will fit in the car more easily alongside bags and the dog! Loving it already. Best wishes Richard Kitchen

[@karineg7500]

j'aime bien ces avis sur les petites guitares.Ayant de soucis de coude et d'epaule je cherche pour en acheter une Je vais attendre les autres avis sur les futures parlors a venir...merci

[@GotAUkulele]

Merci! Avec plaisir! J'ai encore deux ou trois instruments pour faire une video

[@lindamarx1256]

Nice little guitar! Stupid noob question: If you don't need the pickup, can it be turned off and ignored?

[@GotAUkulele]

Absolutely - has no bearing on the acoustic instrument. Don't even need to put batteries in it if you don't want.

[@sammonaco5400]

I have the Yamaha APX400 and I love that guitar and I just purchased this APXT2 its fantastic I needed a travel guitar when we travel I miss playing my guitar its got a good sound even when I plug it into my amp I seen other travel guitars but this one has it all I think I'll be keeping this for a long time.this is not a toy I put a set of LaBella strings 9to 48 on it its so comfortable to play thank you for the review you helped me make my choice.

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad it helped!

[@hantress]

Great video! Do you need to plug it in for better sound or it can be played unplugged? Thanks so much!

[@GotAUkulele]

No need - sounds great acoustic too.

[@Asheanae]

I have the APXT2, and if you put bone nut, saddle, and pins on it, then the acoustic sound really comes up to standard! I would HIGHLY advise it.

[@drpkmurphy]

I really like this guitar as well. The size and the sound…. The price is not bad for a guitar. 😂you may convince me to pick one up yet…. Great review… thanks ….DOC

[@GotAUkulele]

Go for it!

[@mikebell1980]

I have two Yamaha acoustics, a six and a twelve. Quality is fantastic for the money.

[@GotAUkulele]

They are - in the guitar world they are 'if you know you know' kind of guitars. See a lot of them in studios for good reason

[@philosophy4242]

I'm considering the Luna Safari Peace over the Yamaha. In the video you compared the Yamaha to the Jim Dandy?? The Jim Dandy is huge in comparison??

[@GotAUkulele]

Not really huge - bigger than the Yamaha - but the Yamaha is tiny! The JD is a very small guitar in the scheme of things

[@bluerxstandard]

Im in a wheelchair and just got this guitar because after years of playing the larger models my chording wrist had it. RMI Repetitive movement Injury. The wrong angle on my chording hand.. Don't be a victim. Make sure your form is correct.. Love this guitar.

[@GotAUkulele]

Enjoy!

[@diegobejarano261]

Excuse me, Mr Barry, this is not a comment/question about guitars, but ukes... Recently I found a brand of ukes in the US which claims for the benefits of having a radiused fretboard-frets-saddle&nut on ukuleles because of comfort and playability, which was just what I was asking in my mind these days because I´m an advanced beginner, and find hard to obtain "all" the sound of my cheap but good ukulele maybe due to poor fretting and barring? They talk about 12 inch radius approx. have you ever made a review on a radiused neck ukulele? thanks a lot

[@GotAUkulele]

There’s a few ukes out there with radius boards but in the minority. They do add some comfort but I don’t consider them essential - bear in mind some of the most revered and oldest uke brands on the planet like Kamaka don’t radius their boards

[@SRBurchNC]

So between this and the Jim Dandy - which would be your pick?

[@GotAUkulele]

oooh - impossible to answer - love them both for different reasons. If pushed - the JD is just so damn fun!

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

I have APXs: a six and a twelve, they sound great with age

[@GotAUkulele]

Superb instruments

[@markattardo]

Are my eyes playing tricks on me or is the string spacing uneven at the bridge? Gotta say that one is tempting anyway!

[@GotAUkulele]

Nope - spacing is even

[@Xcorgi]

I know this is a little pricey for its size but regardless of price would you recommend the Jim Dandy or this Yamaha if they were the same price?

[@GotAUkulele]

As guitars go I wouldn't say it was pricey - don't think it's fair to compare the two though - very different instruments in feel and sound. I like them both for what they are

[@Xcorgi]

@@GotAUkulele Thank you 🙏 always for your brutally unbiased yet truthful opinion. I’m pretty much torn between these 2 acoustics and I could still actually almost decided on a coin toss. I guess that’s not a bad conundrum to have though.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@Xcorgi The Dandy has a much more old time feel - thinner tone, but kind of what you'd want from a 'blues box' - the Yamaha is more finessed and studio sounding - both have their place. Bear in mind the Dandy is also body joined at a lower fret which gives a very different feel to the play too.

[@mobfire97]

Good afternoon! I have a question, did you play without an amplifier? Is it also possible to play a sad melody on it?

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes, without an amplifier - not entirely sure what the second question means?

[@GShockWatchFan.]

What about Yamaha GR2? Is it wider than APXT2?

[@GotAUkulele]

Not played one, sorry

[@cazhowe737]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you!!

[@Xcorgi]

If this and the Gretsch Jim Dandy were the same price, which would you say was the best between the two or which would you recommend over the other?

[@GotAUkulele]

I wouldn't - two very different things - very different sounds - one in is a pinch stage performer, one is a blues box

[@Xcorgi]

@@GotAUkulele Fair enough. Thanks 🙏 so much for you feedback. Since I don’t really play out anymore and since the Gretsch was the only one you said you “adored”, I just ordered the Jim Dandy along with the Deltalux pickup that I’ll install myself. The Gretsch Gin Ricky is the same guitar with the pickup already installed but since the only color they sell it in is all black, I’m getting the sunburst Dandy then modifying it.

[@billyaitken7461]

She’s a looker alright 😍👍. The bridge would have to be the same piece as the full size? From a production/ cost of parts it’d be obvious to just use the full size bridge. As a ‘Uke players 6 string’ it’s pretty damned fine…….if you want the depth of a dreadnought, go buy a dreadnought😊👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes - certainly re-used the bridges from the full size one.

[@gavintobin4912]

What would it be like I wonder if Yamaha made it as a Baritone Uke?

[@GotAUkulele]

If only! Yamaha make GREAT instruments - to date I think they have only made guitarlele’s - wish them made ukes!

[@noroyalbloodline3983]

I am a beginner and I just got it but how do you turn on the tuner, Is there a power button? Or is it suppose to just turn on once you put the batteries in

[@GotAUkulele]

When batteries are in - turns on when you plug a cable in

[@ShuTheRipper]

Is the neck on this as thin as the original apx?

[@GotAUkulele]

APX nut width is 43mm I think. This is 41mm

[@tommorrisey3999]

Had it a solid back and sides and a Mi-Si pickup, my interest would be piqued.

[@GotAUkulele]

Suspect that would have more than doubled the asking price

[@loriamora6202]

what type strings you suggest ?

[@GotAUkulele]

Sorry - never recommend strings - whatever guitar string brand you like would be suggestion

[@loriamora6202]

@@GotAUkulele ...i mean gauge weight ?

[@GotAUkulele]

@@loriamora6202 12's

[@bqktwcommentary]

How is the action?

[@GotAUkulele]

Fine - but action isn't instrument specific - down to setup. You can have great action on a cheap uke and terrible action on a high end one if it's not set up properly

[@bqktwcommentary]

@@GotAUkulele so you're on the APXT2 The action on the fretboard is good right out of the box? Or did you have to lower it? Thx for doing this

[@GotAUkulele]

@@bqktwcommentary Yes, and it was fine - but as I say that does not mean every example out of the box will be the same. That's not how it works.

[@bqktwcommentary]

@@GotAUkulele ahh ... ok thx much appreciated

[@nelsonnichols922]

Yamaha makes the best budget guitars hands down. if you're going to get a cheap guitar, get a Yamaha.

[@GotAUkulele]

They make some very fine high end ones too

[@Wobbz9413]

They make some absolute winners higher up the price range too. In my opinion, one of the best large production volume guitar brands on the planet. My LL16D is a gorgeous instrument better than some guitars three times its price!

[@The2Frank]

🎉👍

[@stevecarrero4120]

Sounds like a 12 string. 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - certainly zingy in tone

[@jimmyjimmy951]

👍🇦🇺

[@MarkHadleyUK]

I like your playing and watched this and a few other reviews on KZbin before ordering it. But It is awful. I didn't expect much without plugging in, but the line in sound is poor too. My £90 Martin Smith guitar sounds better. I already have a Yamaha electro- acoustic classical and it is gorgeous sounding, but this was just terrible. Sending it back. 😢

[@GotAUkulele]

Respectfully disagree - I have some very nice acoustic and bought a bunch for these small guitar reviews. I kept this one. For a reason. As for Martin Smith - sorry - some of the worst instruments I have EVER seen in my 50 years.

[@MarkHadleyUK]

@@GotAUkulele yep, the Martin Smith guitar is pretty basic, just a cheap starter guitar off Amazon. That's the point, still sounded better than the APX2. BTW, I don't just moan about everything or dislike Yamaha. Also, I appreciate it is not your fault I'm so disappointed tonight. My Yamaha NTX1 electro-acoustic classical is wonderful and needs almost no processing in my DAW. So I was expecting better. To anyone that reads this, just bear in mind that's not everybody thinks the APX2 is good, keep the packaging just in case...

[@GotAUkulele]

@@MarkHadleyUK Fair enough - all reviews and opinions on instruments are subjective. I am just saying that having seen a TONNE of instruments, i chose to keep this one. I think it's a cracker. But equally respect that not everyone will agree.