Yamaha A3R Review – A-Series Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar

Yamaha_A3R_Guitar_Close_Up

Brand/Model: Yamaha A3R

Number of Strings: 6

Hand Orientation: Right

Body Material: Rosewood/Spruce top

Neck Material: Mahogany

Fretboard Material: Rosewood

Price Range: Under $1000

Our Rating: 8.8/10

Yamaha A3R A-Series Guitar Review

Yamaha A3r A series guitar

You mightn’t have heard of the A series yet. That’s because it’s new and dedicated to high quality and fine guitars. When Yamaha’s great minds came together, they created a line that offers functional and beautiful instruments that offers the best of everything.

What you’re left with is the top of the line of the A series, the Yamaha AR3.

Both the A1 and A3 series offers acoustic electric guitars with cutaways in dreadnought or concert bodies. To top it off, each series also offers mahogany and rosewood bodies. But, the A3R has something the A1 guitars don’t – Yamaha’s System 63 SRT Preamp.

The SRT preamp is especially fascinating to note. During testing, Yamaha recorded the acoustics of the guitar at several studios with classic microphones.

The sonic signature recorded helped to create the modeling algorithms for the preamp system.

While it’s beyond awesome sauce, we’ll get into more in the Q&A. As for the body, it has a dreadnought shape with a Venetian cutaway. Solid rosewood guitars are hard to come by because they can be heavy.

But, when Yamaha is trying to recreate life, not just tone, incredible personality and resonance is expected with solid tone woods that give it the breath of life.

Beginner players or newbies will find handling this guitar a breeze.

It’s pre-strung with low action. Despite some occasional fret buzz, you can still slip and slide on the mahogany neck with perfect intonation, so the action isn’t “that” low.

If you’re seriously considering spending close to under 1000 bucks, then keep on strumming through this review! We’ve got more!

Pros
  • Price
  • Solid rosewood body
  • System 63 SRT Preamp
  • Semi-open Pore Finish
  • Low action
Cons
  • Price

Yamaha A3R Guitar Reviews

Yamaha A3r Guitar in sunburst color

The Yamaha A3R Acoustic Electric Guitar is loved by all. Sure, there have been some defective products out there, but when it comes to a perfect guitar with perfect setup, the performance is above par.

The best thing about the price of this guitar is that you can buy it as a guitar-only purchase, with a case, or as an entire bundle.

For under 1000 bucks, it’s worth the hype.

The buyers really love the sustain and full sound of this guitar.

There’s not a single, valid complaint when it comes to intonation and audio impact from a well-playing musician.

While some have said in a non-direct manner that it’s not the best instrument for beginners, we disagree.

Any challenges you’ll find will certainly be overcome with learning to play on this Yamaha – guaranteed!

Yamaha A-Series A3R Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Soft Case, Vintage Natural
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top with scalloped bracing for a louder, richer acoustic sound
  • Yamaha's new SRT2 system allows you to blend between microphone models and the piezo pickup to find your perfect tone
  • High comfort satin mahogany neck with a slim taper profile

Alternative Acoustic Electric Guitars to Consider

If you’re spending this kind of money, you’re going to want to know all of the Yamaha’s competing options. For one, you have the Martin Road Series DRS1 guitar.

The name Martin should say everything for you. It’s made out of Sapele and richlite tonewoods with Fishman Sonitone electronics. Martin even throws in a hardshell case too. Find out more on the Martin Road DRS1 in our full review!

When you’re looking to drop a grand on a guitar, you can’t help but come across Taylor. While our recommendation here isn’t the Taylor 414ce Grand Auditorium that we wrote about here, it is the more affordable Taylor, the 200 series 214CE Grand Auditorium.

It has solid spruce back and sides. It’s a beauty to behold with its genuine African ebony neck. For a few hundred bucks more, the Taylor 214CE Deluxe Grand Auditorium is a sight and a sound! However, the extra dollar signs come in with the Deluxe upgrades. Care to find out what they are? Check it out here!

Yamaha A3R A-Series FAQ

What does SRT stand for?

It means Studio’s Response Technology. It’s the most impressive feature of the preamp system.

How does the SRT System work?

Each string has individual piezo elements that’s picked up by the SRT pickup. It’s then run through the on-board preamp. The Blend knob allows you to mix the sound from the pickup with the preamp with one of the six mic algorithms built-in. What you end up with is a lot of flexibility to modify your sound.

What is the Focus and Wide Controls?

Once you’ve chosen your mic model, you can modify the sound for a more closed-microphone sound with the Focus setting. With the wide setting, it’s more of an open-mic sound from about 4-5 feet away.

Does the SRT System still have a Pickup Shaping System?

It does. The bass, treble, and middle preamp controls allows you to shape the pickup’s sound.

Does the Yamaha A3R have a Built-in Tuner?

There is a very nice chromatic tuner that’s built-in. It will also effectively mute the sound output when the tuner is activated for silent tuning.

What is the ARF Feature?

This is the Automatic Feedback Reduction control that detects and eliminates unwanted feedback with the push of a button.

What are the Color Options of the Yamaha Guitar?

It comes in Natural and Vintage Sunburst.

What’s Included in the Yamaha A3R Bundle?

The bundle comes with the guitar, amp, and case.

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Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need:

If you buy the guitar solo, you’re going to need to start from square one with everything you’ll need to get amplified, stay protected, and be prepared.

However, if you opt for the entire bundle, you’ll be set. But, if you think you can get the extra equipment for less than the bundle price, be our guest. Check out our guide on the most popular guitar accessories to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Standout Features on the A-Series A3R Guitar

  • High quality
  • Perfect intonation
  • Top of the line

Our Verdict on Yamaha’s A3R Acoustic Electric Guitar

To strum it up, the Yamaha A3R A-Series Guitar has been said to be as good as a Taylor and a Martin. The sound is pure and authentic with options galore. Fittingly, options seem to be the name of the game for the A Series guitars! Are you ready to choose?

Further Reading: