New APX Line Revolutionizes Electric Acoustic Guitar Technology
(Press Release | Posted 2006-12-18)
The Yamaha APX electric acoustic line boasts a long history of quality and innovation, similar to the company's celebrated FG acoustic models. The APX series has supplied the industry with technological advancements like the first true stereo, hexaphonic pickup and thinline construction body shape.
Now, Yamaha's new APX Series (APX500, APX700 and the APX900) raises the bar for performance electric acoustics by offering a complete aesthetic refresh and adding the revolutionary new Acoustic Resonance Transducer (A.R.T.) pickup system, which captures the guitar's true natural acoustic tone while virtually eliminating feedback. A new preamp with a built-in tuner and frequency adjustable controls also add to the innovative and unparalleled sound quality of the new models.
"The new APX line offers an amazingly true-sounding acoustic tone," said Bryan Savage, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "The A.R.T. system represents a breakthrough for accurately reproducing the true resonance of an acoustic guitar, which is one of the most difficult sounds to amplify."
Electric acoustics have long vexed guitarists due to feedback and poor sound quality. To develop the A.R.T. system, Yamaha studied all of the methods for amplifying acoustic sounds and devised a better way.
"We brought in numerous artists, producers and sound gurus with a mission of finding and capturing that true acoustic sound," said Savage. "The results are stunning."
Many traditional piezo electric acoustics, using a ribbon transducer, produce a thin and synthetic sound that does not necessarily replicate the true acoustic sound. The new pickup system – available on the APX700 and the APX900 – features multiple proprietary contact microphones mounted on the underside of the sound board, which capture the guitar's true acoustic resonance.
Designed primarily for live performance, the APX line comes with a shallow body, which makes it easier to play, especially for women and smaller players. Yamaha has also radically updated the line's aesthetics. The APX line also includes a lefthanded and a twelve-string model.
"The completely overhauled APX line is great for guitarists who are looking for an acoustic that is comfortable to play and, more importantly, sounds like an acoustic guitar," said Savage. "The APX has a long history as a launch vehicle for advanced technology and now, we are able to continue that tradition at price points that represent a real value."
The APX500, APX700, APX700L, APX700-12 and APX900 performance acoustic-electric guitars are currently shipping.
For more information on the new APX line, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or email infostation@yamaha.com.
About Yamaha:
Yamaha Corporation of America manufactures a complete line of musical instruments, professional audio products, customer-driven support products and computer-based products targeted to both the amateur and professional markets.
