With the prices of things so high these days, including guitars, I've turned my sights away from my previous brand preferences like Taylor, Martin and Rainsong looking for something more affordable with the hope of not sacrificing quality and sound. After trying several Yamaha models at my local Guitar Center, I was impressed enough to start researching them, which is how I came across this A5R - A Series. They reviews were all very positive and described the kind of guitar that I was looking for at a price that I could afford. I could make this review long by echoing all of the positives in the earlier reviews, but I won't; I'll simply say that I agree with all of them. What I will say is that I'm amazed t the quality and sound of this guitar, not to mention how beautiful it looks. Also, it comes with an impressive hard case to protect my investment. Bottom line, if you're looking for a guality guitar at a reasonable price, you'll want to check out this Yamaha A5R - A Series; it really is hard to put it down once you start playing it.

I am amazed by the unplugged and plugged in sound of this A5R guitar. Wonderful rounded depth and sparkling highs that rival my Martin D18 (actually some things sound better with the Yamaha), it easily sounds better than my Taylor 324, and sounds better than the 3 Gibson J-45's I played that left me disappointed (I understand the A5R has different tone woods). Build quality is top notch with a wow factor look and gloss. Playability out of the box works well for my mostly strumming playing style with a little finger style mixed in. Not much effort is required to produce a great rich balanced tone with each strum, and this guitar sounds very good when I dig in with harder strumming. I believe this is the best modern pickup system I have plugged into my Yamaha mixer with a cheap Live Wire DI, the Harbringer array system, and also played through my Yamaha wood cabinet 12" speakers. In my opinion this sounds better than the ES2 (which I can't stand), K&K, my old Cole Clark guitar (which had a good pickup system), and the two Fishman systems I have played through. The Yamaha electronics allow for many different variations with moving the bass, treble, and PU/mic blend simulation dials. Might be the first system I can't complain about when plugged in. The hard shell case is very nice and even comes with a rubber sound hole cover with the Yamaha logo. Yamaha just created a new guitar brand loyalist with this amazing piece of art that sports superb quality features for half the Price of the main 3 American brands (I love Martin guitars, but man, the A5R has a sound of its own). This Japanese crafted guitar is legit, and I am a proud owner with no regrets.

Bought this used from a GC store after a lot of research. There really is something to the ARE treatments - it is the MOST resonant acoustic I have ever played - but balanced at the same time. Not too boomy or mid with great high end. Seems to do it all great. I have a Yamaha LL16 which plays better than many Ts, Ms and Gs but always wanted a Japanese made Yamaha, Your choices are the A5 series or the LL upper series. The A5 series includes an incredible pickup system that is adjustable and sounds incredible through the PA. The workmanship is first rate (ebony fingerboard is amazing) and I was able to lower the action to slightly more than my electrics with no fret buzz. It does not have the panache of many Ts, Ms or Gs but the playability and sound are superior both with and without amplification. Take the extra $2k you would spend on other brands and treat your spouse to a nice vacation so they gets over you buying ANOTHER guitar. A BIG Domo Arigato to the craftsmen that designed and built this beautiful instrument!! You made the world a better place.

I use this guitar for jamming and recording at home, and it's the most expensive acoustic that I've ever bought. I was looking for a higher end acoustic, but didn't want to spend over 2k on one. Really glad I went with the A5R. It feels and sounds amazing. A very balanced tone. I did have it setup after receiving it from Guitar Center, and even the guy that set it up commented on how great it sounded. I'd put this up against any of the Martins that are at even a higher price point. Also, looks great too. Sort of an amber color. Totally recommend it.

The A3R made in China and A5R made in Japan are both amazing. I bought an A3R from GC in December 2020 and loved it. It has warm deep bass tones with chiming high notes. The neck string action was perfectly set up and measured 4/32" at last fret by soundhole. The A3R comes with a padded soft gig bag case. It is really very good for home storage, but a hardshell case would be better for traveling. Well, 6-months later in June 2021, I decided to upgrade and buy the A5R, which was about $430.00 more. Why did I do that when they are basically the same sounding amazing guitar? The A5R was advertised to have better workmanship from Japan, and a beautiful hardshell case. I found that the A3R and A5R sounded the same. However, where the cost difference comes from is the A5R has better-looking wood grain on the top soundboard and backside with tight straight grain lines and no wood disfigurements, such as wood knots, or streaks of wood patterns going across the grain, or wavey grains (straighter the grain, the better the tones). Even though with the ugly-looking wound grain on the AR3 it still sounded amazing and beautiful guitar. But, I am picky and I wanted the beautify unblemished wood grains, so I went shopping. I then bought Taylor acoustic guitar, seeking nice straight wood grand at 2.5 times the price of A5R. However, the Taylor wood grains were very ugly. I was told by Taylor corporation they call those marks in the wood are called "Bear Claw" markings. Nope, that is just ugly markings using a cheaper cut of wood, and I was not convinced their V-Bracing would stand up over time (stay with x-bracing or ladder bracing). I searched many other top-named brands, such as Martin and Gibsons snd found the same wood grain problems. I found out after many months of searching that the Yamaha A5R was the best buy for an all solid wood, straight grain acoustic guitar. It is well built, beautiful-looking, and amazing sounding. You will not regret getting one.

Love the sound and feel right out of the box. I would definitely recommend to friends. Blows my $2500.Martin away.