guitar electric acoustic yamaha: picks for beginners and players

If you are shopping for a guitar electric acoustic yamaha model, you are really choosing between two things: the acoustic body that shapes your tone and a built-in pickup for plugging in at home or on stage. Yamaha covers both, from student-level models to premium solid-top guitars, so the right choice depends on your size, budget and where you play.

How we researched

This guide compares three Yamaha models that Amazon lists as acoustic-electric, plus the wider Yamaha lineup. We used Guitar World's roundup of Yamaha acoustics, Yamaha's own lineup page, a retailer's product description and a community product page. We also read Amazon listings for eight Yamaha models, including their star ratings, rating counts and price tiers. Owner feedback is thin: the community page shows two unverified comments for one model, so we treat it as an anecdote rather than a pattern. This guide compares products using manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and owner reviews; we did not test them hands-on.

Short answer

For most buyers who want a solid top and the option to plug in, the FGX800C is our top pick. It is a solid-top cutaway acoustic-electric, and the Amazon listing shows 4.7 stars on Amazon from 277 ratings. If you are a smaller player or want a lower price tier, the APXT2 is the alternative. It is a 3/4-size acoustic-electric in the $100–$300 tier, with 4.3 stars on Amazon from 831 ratings. This site may earn a commission if you buy through the Amazon links below, and the price you pay does not change.

At-a-glance table

Buying criteria, in order of weight

1. Top and tone. A solid top is the single biggest factor in sound. Guitar World notes that a solid spruce top is typically reserved for pricier acoustics and gives a better tone than a laminated top.
2. Plug-in capability. Check that the model is labelled acoustic-electric and that you can plug into an amp or PA without extra gear.
3. Size and playability. Body size and neck feel decide whether the guitar is comfortable for your hands and posture.
4. Price tier. Use the listed tier to narrow your options before you compare features.
5. Owner ratings. Rating counts show how much feedback sits behind a score. A score from a few hundred owners is more useful than one from a handful.

How we chose

We ranked criteria by how much they change what you hear and how the guitar feels to play. Our evidence comes from three tiers: Yamaha's own description of its lineup, Guitar World's published roundup of Yamaha acoustics, and Amazon listing data, including ratings and price tiers. The retailer page and the community page were used only for context and are flagged as such. No hands-on testing was done for this guide. We will update it when products or price tiers change.

FGX800C: best for a solid top that can plug in

The FGX800C suits players who want the sound of a solid top and a cutaway that gives access to the upper frets. Its Amazon listing describes it as a solid-top cutaway acoustic-electric guitar, and it shows 4.7 stars on Amazon from 277 ratings. The listing also says 50+ bought in the past month.

Guitar World's roundup covers the FG800 family and describes its solid spruce top and scalloped bracing as giving good projection and a warm, well-rounded tone. The back and sides use nato, a cheaper wood, which the reviewers say does not hurt the sound for a beginner. Check the listing to confirm the exact model details before you buy.

The drawback is price. It sits in the over $300 tier, and Guitar World says the FG800 does not have as much high-end sizzle as some pricier options.

APXT2: best for smaller players on a lower budget

The APXT2 suits players with smaller hands, younger players or anyone who wants an electric-acoustic in a lower price tier. Yamaha describes it as a 3/4-size version of its best-selling APX500 electric-acoustic guitar. Amazon shows 4.3 stars on Amazon from 831 ratings and lists it in the $100–$300 tier. A gig-bag bundle is also listed.

The drawback is size. A 3/4 body is smaller than a full-size guitar, so the volume and low end will be less than a full-size body. The excerpts we have do not list its scale length, so check the listing before you buy if you need an exact measurement.

APX600 BL: best for stage players who want a thin body

The APX600 BL suits gigging players who want a thin body that is comfortable to hold and easy to plug in. Yamaha describes its thin-body line as giving comfortable playability and suiting electric guitar players who want to plug in and play on stage. The Amazon listing shows 4.5 stars on Amazon from 1200 ratings and places it in the over $300 tier. The same model is also listed in other finishes.

The drawback is that a thin body sounds different from a full-depth acoustic. If acoustic tone matters most to you, listen to a few models before you choose. The price tier is also higher than the APXT2.

Owner feedback: what we can and cannot say

The only owner comments we found are two unverified community reviews for the FG9M on MUSICnGEAR. One calls it a professional-quality product that delivers its price, and the other calls it high quality at a reasonable price. Two comments are too few to show a pattern, so treat them as individual impressions. The Amazon rating counts are a stronger signal because they cover many more buyers.

How to choose

If you want the most solid-top sound and a cutaway for upper-fret access, pick the FGX800C and accept the over $300 price tier. If you are a smaller player or want to spend less, pick the APXT2 and check the body size before you buy. If you play live often and want a comfortable thin body, pick the APX600 BL and listen to it first, because its tone is different from a full-depth body.

FAQ

Is a Yamaha acoustic-electric good for beginners?

Yes, if you pick the right model. Guitar World names the F310 as a strong beginner choice, combining low cost with good build quality. For a plug-in option, the APXT2 sits in a lower price tier than the other picks in this guide.

What does acoustic-electric mean?

An acoustic-electric guitar has a built-in pickup and preamp, so you can plug it into an amp or PA. It still plays and sounds like an acoustic guitar when unplugged.

Are Yamaha acoustic guitars worth the money?

Guitar World says Yamaha acoustics deliver strong build quality and are typically good value for money. The price tier you choose should match how often you play and how much you want to spend.

Conclusion

For most buyers, the FGX800C is the best guitar electric acoustic yamaha choice when you want a solid top and a plug-in option. The APXT2 is the better fit if size and price matter more, and the APX600 BL suits stage players who want a thin, comfortable body. Match the model to where you play, check the listing details, and listen before you buy if you can.

Sources

• Guitar World: best Yamaha acoustic guitars
• Yamaha Asia-Oceania: acoustic guitars lineup
• Midwood Guitar Studio: Yamaha acoustic-electric guitars
• MUSICnGEAR: Yamaha FG9M