As a 40+ yr pro, its exceedingly rare for me to purchase an acoustic guitar online, but I did with this.
This guitar rings more than expected, and the action is set up just right. Thanks to Sweetwater.
My rep, Paul Koen, is an asset at Sweetwater.
The pickup? Well, it's ok. It needs some processing TLC and a custom EQ setting to be able to perform in a live setting well.
I knew that with this type of pickup. Once set, it plays a bit like a Martin, and doesn't sound thin like SO many midrange guitars with thin faces to get more volume. I skip all those instruments.
Summary: A solid entry, good volume, good tones and rings.

It's a well crafted and handsome guitar. The neck is wonderful and it has a warm tone.

I couldn't be happier. Easy to play. Full rich sound makes me want to practice for hours. I love the guitar and the service and follow up by Kris was an added pleasant surprise. He was more than willing to take care of some of my smaller needs as well. True customer service and not just looking for the high ticket items.

very pleased

The description holds true, "Solid-top Acoustic-electric with a Big Voice". Excellent playing and sounding guitar for the price point.
Always consider a Yamaha!
BTW - Sweetwater is without a doubt, the best online retailer when it come to musical equipment. The sales staff are second to none!

I've owned a lot of guitars over the years. this guitar will sing. It plays well with different string types experiment with this guitar and it comes alive. No need to plug it in.

I've never been great at playing, but in my retirement years I decided that I would get serious about learning to play the guitar. I was gifted a very nice used Ibanez that is probably in the $250-$300 range new. I have been working with it, but I talked myself into my very own brand new instrument. One fellow I follow on YouTube recommended the FG800, but after researching the price I thought maybe I would go up to the next price point. I found the A1R in the affordable price range, and was drawn to a lot of very positive reviews.

Having said all that above - WOW! What a rich sound that this Yamaha makes. I realize that some of it may be because the strings are new, but even my ear can detect a noticeable improvement in the quality of the sound. It seems to resonate more than my lesser priced guitar.

I chose this color scheme because I wanted to have something that is different than the colors most everyone else have. I found no flaws in the workmanship, and it arrived nearly 100% in tune after a trip from Indiana to Wisconsin. I am impressed with the built in tuner; something that I did not realize was part of the electronic section.

I now need to spend quality time in learning to play this instrument. I sing at nursing homes, and I have "threatened" them that I will one day come with a guitar. There are so many older country songs that they love that are only four or five chords. If they don't like my playing, they will certainly admire my beautiful Yamaha.

Thank Nick for all your help in getting my up an running with all the gear for my studio.

Read More Show Less

Only cool when it's on sale otherwise took much.