When it comes to electro-acoustic guitars, versatility and playability are key. Whether you’re performing live, recording at home, or writing songs on the couch, you want a guitar that feels good in your hands and delivers balanced tone in every situation. The Yamaha APX600M aims to hit that sweet spot with a slim, thinline body, smooth neck, and reliable onboard electronics.
Part of Yamaha’s respected APX series, this guitar offers a blend of comfort, amplified performance, and classic acoustic warmth. But how does it hold up in everyday use? Let’s find out.
Thin-body electro-acoustic design for comfort
Spruce top for clear acoustic tone
Meranti back and sides for warm resonance
Slim, easy-to-play neck profile
Laurel fingerboard with smooth feel
Yamaha System 68 preamp and undersaddle pickup
Built-in volume and tone controls
Die-cast tuners for stable tuning
Cutaway body for upper-fret access
The APX600M has a standout slim profile that makes it significantly more comfortable than traditional dreadnought guitars, especially for players who find larger bodies unwieldy. Its spruce top and meranti back and sides give it a balanced tonal foundation, while the gloss finish looks classic and refined.
Yamaha’s craftsmanship really shines here: the neck is smooth and easy to grip, the fretwork is clean, and the overall build quality feels solid for a guitar at this price point.
One of the APX600M’s biggest strengths is how comfortable it feels in your hands. The slim body sits easily against your torso when sitting or standing, and the neck profile is beginner-friendly without feeling too basic for intermediate players.
Whether you’re strumming open chords or exploring notes higher up the neck, the action feels well-set and inviting. The cutaway design also makes accessing upper frets effortless.
Unplugged, the APX600M has a balanced tone with clear highs and punchy midrange. It doesn’t deliver the deep, booming bass of larger bodies, but it’s well suited to fingerpicking and rhythmic strumming alike.
Plugged in, the Yamaha System 68 electronics capture a natural representation of the acoustic sound. Through an acoustic amp or PA, it offers smooth volume control, responsive tone shaping, and reliable performance without unwanted feedback. It’s not the most feature-packed system Yamaha makes, but it gets the job done reliably for live performance or recording.
The onboard preamp and undersaddle pickup work well together to deliver a clear, balanced amplified tone. You get easy access to volume and tone controls right on the guitar, which is handy when you need quick adjustments on stage.
While advanced players might miss features like a built-in tuner or multi-band EQ, the simplicity here is part of the appeal – it’s straightforward and effective without being overwhelming.
This guitar feels built to last. The tuners hold pitch well, the neck stays stable through regular playing, and the thin body is less prone to bumps and scrapes than larger, heavier acoustics. It’s a reliable choice whether you’re rehearsing, performing, or casually playing at home.
It’s also a great option if you gig regularly, as the slim profile and cutaway make it quick to dial into a comfortable playing position after setup.
At around £330, the Yamaha APX600M sits in a competitive part of the electro-acoustic market. You’re getting Yamaha’s solid build quality, comfortable design, and a reliable pickup system – all of which make it excellent value if you want a stage-ready guitar without huge expenditure.
For intermediate players, gigging musicians, or anyone who wants a comfortable acoustic-electric that’s fun to play unplugged and plugged in, it’s a strong choice.
Yes – the onboard electronics and slim, comfortable body make it a good choice for amplified gigs.
Often not included – check the specific seller listing.
Yes – the slim, accessible neck profile makes it beginner-friendly.
It’s balanced and clear, though it lacks the deep bass of larger dreadnought bodies.
If you want a comfortable, versatile electro-acoustic guitar that sounds good both unplugged and amplified, the Yamaha APX600M is a fantastic option. Its slim body, easy playability, and reliable electronics make it especially well-suited to live performers and intermediate players who want a practical and musical instrument without overspending.
It may not satisfy purists who crave deep dreadnought resonance or advanced preamp features, but for most players seeking comfort, style, and reliable amplified performance, it delivers everything you need.
Looking for an electro-acoustic guitar that’s comfortable to play and sounds great both unplugged and plugged in?
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