The Yamaha L Series Acoustics: A Complete Overview & Guide!

[@AcousticHunter]

One of the best acoustic serie quality/price, one day I'll own a LL16

[@themusiczoo]

we agree! Love the L Series

[@xoxxox5352]

I’m grateful to The Music Zoo for promoting these guitars. Unfortunately, most people in the US are unfamiliar with the L series from Yamaha. They are simply some of the best flat top, steel string acoustics that money can by, and I always try to inform people about them. While I own many high end Martins and Gibsons dating from the 1930s to present, I’d likely take my 1990s Yamaha LS500 to a desert island (if I could only take one guitar). I also own an LL400, which is also incredible. If you’re considering one of these guitars, you will be blown away at just how good they are. The problem is finding them anywhere in stock to play...they almost never show up in any brick and mortar stores.

[@themusiczoo]

truer words never spoken. The L Series is truly up there with the best, and you're right that they're rarely seen in the US but we go the extra mile to bring some over. Thanks so much!

[@Randy-sb2eb]

After much research I really want an L-series but none of the local music stores stock them. So I'm debating between just picking up one of Yamaha's FG-series which I also really like, or ordering online. I'm leaning toward ordering an L-series and having it shipped to me. I've read nothing but good reviews about them and love the sound of them, but I have a hesitation about buying a guitar sight unseen without actually having held it and played it.

[@xoxxox5352]

Sorry for this long rambling reply... You can’t go wrong with a decent FG, but the L series are a different animal. Obviously they cost a lot more, but they are generally lighter in weight, and the higher end models are handmade. I’m a fan of the LS shape and size, and it’s perfect for finger style and moderate strumming. I have owned an LL-16 from around 2010, and it was a great instrument, but it wasn’t in the same class as my LS-500 or LL-400. I’ve only played the one LL-16, so I don’t have a large sample size, but my guess is that the LS or LL 26 would be a significant increase in quality over the 16. Again, the 16 is a very nice guitar, but I almost feel like the difference between one of the high end FGs and a 16 doesn’t justify the price difference. I guess what I’m saying is if you find an FG that you really like, go for it over ordering an L series 6 or 16. But if you’re able to spend the money for a 26 or 36, yeah -you’ll be happy.

[@Randy-sb2eb]

@@xoxxox5352 I was trading in another guitar and I didn't get as much for it as I had hoped, that put a crimp on what I had to spend. The music store had 2 FG830s, my brother in law and I played them both and both agreed one was noticeably nicer playing than the other so I bought it. Similar to the LL6 in that they both have a solid spruce top and laminated rosewood back and sides. I had hoped to spring for the LL16 for the solid back and sides but it wasn't in my price range. Maybe someday I'll own a LL16. I doubt I'd ever spring for a 26, that's a pretty big price jump from the 16! You're up above a lot of the solid wood Martin models at that point.

[@2shoestoo]

I have the LL6 and it is a fine guitar yes not the best of the best but works for me just playing it at home. Burnt out after 67 yrs trying to keep up with the Jones’s trying to always have the best.

[@lhvent]

I feel the same way.

[@cargueone1971]

I currently own a 1973 FG200, a 1976 L5, and a 2023 Yamaha FG5. When shopping for a Black affordable acoustic guitar, I looked at a Epiphone J180, Taylor 217, and a LL16. Of course the Taylor sounded great. When I saw the Black LL6, I didn't expect much. However playing it, I fell in love. My intention was to get the LL16 because I thought that was the minimum I believed I was able to retain quality. Man I was pleasantly surprised with the LL6. I couldn't believe it when the music store sold it to me for less than 500 dollars. It's the least new expensive guitar I ever bought, yet I am blown away that it's an enjoyable, durable guitar i will use when I play at local small gigs, without the stress of scratching or worrying about the abuse of playing it alot will do to it. With the layered sides, i don't have to worry extremely about how the weather will do to it, when I leave it outside my case , ready to pick up when I want to play.

[@koine2002]

I just got myself an LS16M late last week. I was at the store trying out some 00, 000, and OM models. I had my eye on a red label, but they only stock the FSX3/5 but not the FS3/5. I don’t use pickups, so I don’t want to pay for them if there’s a version available without them (I just mic up if I need to amplify/record). I was almost ready to consider a used Taylor AD22, but the AD line is underwhelming to me. He pulled out an LS16M, and I fell in love with it. He (the store owner) recommended it over the Red Label (I hadn’t told him I wasn’t into it). I am just blown away at the quality for the price ($699 for a solid body!). So, kudos to Hugo Helmer Music for stocking plenty of L series guitars. The only thing I don’t like is the urea nut/saddle. I’ll be cutting new bone ones to install.

[@ДмитрийКрасовский-л8ш]

Здравствуйте, что по Вашему мнению будет предпочтительнее под вокал yamaha LL- 16m или FG-3, мне не нравится в LL- 16m наличие пассивного звучка, она в чистой акустике наверное хуже звучит?

[@koine2002]

@@ДмитрийКрасовский-л8ш I ran the pickup down through the hole in the bridge and taped it to a brace on the back. It did make a big difference. I plan on completely removing it (but keeping the end pin jack) and putting it in my FS800.

[@happytrails1963]

Just purchased an LL16D and it is very nice guitar that sounds pretty awesome and is beautiful. Also own FS830 was my first guitar. They do very fine job making these in china both guitars are flawless and play well.

[@AhrnNilsson]

Im looking to buy a new guitar and I'm choosing between the fg800 and a LL16 Rosewood. What's your opinion the LL16 is about twice expensive but all solid wood. I would like the 830 but it's almost same price as a LL16Rosewood so I guess the LL16 would be better. :D

[@happytrails1963]

@@AhrnNilsson Would say FG800 is terrific guitar and good value. Difficult to beat its so affordable and quality is really good even if wood is layered. When I bought an FS830 thought I would spend just a little more to inspire me to learn guitar. I think it worked as I've kept playing so very happy about that. If your budget allows for an LL16 its a better guitar, not twice as good but its a very nice affordable solid wood guitar. Quality on both guitars is really good no complaints. If its your first guitar its hard to go wrong with FG800. If you've been playing awhile the LL16 is a great upgrade. If you decide to save for an LL16 would suggest maybe considering saving just a little longer and get LL16D. Not wanting you to spend too much but the D version is so nice. Hope that helps 🙂

[@AhrnNilsson]

@@happytrails1963thank you for this information 👍

[@pankajjoshi2032]

Why didn't you play LL36 & LJ26 ?

[@deb8tn]

Yamaha's just don't get the love they deserve. I overlooked them my whole life till recently.

[@themusiczoo]

we're sayin!

[@lhvent]

I have an LL6M ARE that I got used. Such a great guitar.

[@mauricedumlao5871]

What is the binding from neck to head? Maple or plastic?

[@ДмитрийКрасовский-л8ш]

Здравствуйте, что по Вашему мнению будет предпочтительнее под вокал, yamaha LL- 16,16m или fg-3 лучше взять?

[@Proveittome]

Recent search told me the LJ6 is discontinued. This was posted 7 months ago but may have been filmed before LJ6 was discontinued. Shame as it was perfect size for me. Now they are commanding high price s.

[@MelodyMaker]

Can someone help me with the term "perfling"?

[@lhvent]

I just got an LS6 from you recently.

[@lhvent]

The sound of the LS6 Rosewood is so good. I am really happy.

[@themusiczoo]

@@lhvent we're so happy that you're happy!

[@philipdeppen3189]

I’ve played 6 different ll16 series acoustics including 2 ll16m guitars and all were way to bright sounding. I thought well maybe it’s the 80/20 string’s. Anyway they all resonated great for sure so I chanced purchasing one an ll16m and I totally regret it. Tried 6 sets of diligent strings including ghs vintage bronze and dr sunbeams and Martin monels and no matter what it’s just way to bright high frequencies and very brash sounding even after strings are broken in. For all you people that think these sound great sound have no clue what a good sounding spruce top is. I read raving reviews about these and what I gather I think most people only like these because they are loud but sit in front of one and listen after strings are broken in and you’ll hear it’s way to bright and brash sounding. Resonance ain’t shit if it doesn’t have a balanced voice between warmth and brightness and these definitely are not balanced just like most garbage Taylor’s. No depth just high frequency sparkle lso I sold the piece of junk. Unfortunately it’s hard to find a good sounding voice acoustic that resonates because when u try out new acoustics at shops the strings are never broken in to hear the acoustics true voice

[@jimmerritt1171]

You have some valid points for sure. I purchased a brand new LS-16R about ten years ago. I also tried different string gauges, brands, and metals to mellow out the tone with little success. I thought that it must be the newness, or the concert size, or the rosewood (vs mahogany) because none seemed to sync with it. I've come to live with it with light or medium/light 80/20's. I've since purchased several other OM's for a variety of tones. They all sound great with phosphor bronze. My question is why do these new LS-26 and LS-36 cost $2500-$3500 when mine cost $750? (mine is solid top Engelmann spruce, solid B&S Indian Rosewood). Is being made in Japan vs China worth that much? P.S. I don't agree with you on strings being broken-in any more than a day or two just to get stretched out and stay in tune. Actually, I love the ringing sound of new strings and usually replace them after about a month, but I'm just an OG playing on my couch for maybe an hour or so a day.

[@Wobbz9413]

So sad to hear you are tone deaf!

[@gorgiasxx]

Had a similar experience with an ll6 about 8 years ago. I hated the treble of it an sold it quite quickly. Tried different strings but nothing sounded better than the original Yamaha strings. Now bought a lightly used ll16 are and it sounds lovely. Perhaps the solid back and sides made the difference. This 2020 model I have now has really thin finish on it and feels a lot better than the ll6.

[@philipdeppen3189]

@@gorgiasxx well shortly after my comment I installed dr rare mediums and that made a decent difference but it was about 6 months ago the tone started to mellow out and have depth. This involved playing it everyday and it got bettter and better and better now it sounds great. The lows have great bass and the highs mellows out and has a good amount of warmth overall.

[@Playsinvain]

@@philipdeppen3189I’m confused. I thought you sold that piece of junk??

[@philipdeppen3189]

I’m having a hard time believing the ll16m has genuine Honduran mahogany back and sides instead of some cheaper African mahogany back and sides. Also why would you guys use rosewood for the bridge plate. Any guitar builder should know maple is more dense and durable and that’s why that’s the standard wood to use for bridge plates. Rosewood is to soft for the ball end of strings to rest against under tension. Not to mention after observing the inside of a few 1116 models is you guys are using wood stuff inside where the grains are going the wrong way for strength. What are you guys thinking you guy’s really think anyone that knows about how an acoustic guitar is supposed to be built is gonna take you guys seriously or are you guys intentionally marketing these for the noobs that don’t know any better. All I see is issues in the short run with these do to design flaws that are very important to be overlooked and put in consideration for consumers

[@2shoestoo]

Feel better now

[@Wobbz9413]

😅😅😅

[@philipdeppen3189]

@@2shoestoojust stating facts. Inside ones I’ve seen the wood strip that is inside right in the center of the back piece is designed to help prevent the back from splitting in the middle where the left piece and right piece join together. The grains going the same direction as the strip is not gonna do what it’s supposed to do. That’s why other manufacturers have the grains going the other way because it create strength to the middle of the back to help significantly with splitting. Basically it’s supposed to be quarter sawed not flat sawed Do u feel better lol.

[@HeliBenj]

Doesn’t sound like he does