Yamaha AEX520

Purchased from Music Plaza in Singapore. It cost me $549 Singapore Dollars. (About $323US dollars) I purchased this one as it was such a bargain. It had what I needed - 2 mini humbuckers and it was a semi acoustic. I had been looking for a 335 type guitar and thought I'd give this a try. I am glad I did. Read on...........

First thing that appealled to me about this single cutaway semi, was the finish, Orange stain. Also When I picked this up and played it acoustically off the peg, it just oozed quality in terms of feel and acoustic sound. Plugged in, the neck pick-up sounded warm and full. Just a perfect electric jazz tone. Then I cranked up the gain flipped over to the bridge pick up and this babe just gave the most awesome blues sound, bags of sustain. Tested through a Yamaha DG 60 Combo. (brillant little amp)

I use this guitar for jazz and blues only. There is a version of it (AEX 502) which has P90 style pick ups. That is also very nice. It was a tough decision but the 520 I felt had a better jazz tone. I have however read lots of review and the 502 has got 5 stars every time so I guess I should have bought that one too !!! (Not enough spare cash though).


The neck is very fast too. I seriously recommend you check out this guitar if you are on a budget and looking for a high class instrument. I owned a Yamaha SG 1000 in the 80's and it was good so I knew Yamaha were respectable.


I cannot find one fault with this instrument. Listen its a Yamaha. Yamaha dont churn out junk. Go to even the cheaper Yamaha electrics PAC 112 and you'll see what I mean.

Solid Alder body and maple top. Rosewood fingerboard. The whole instrument feels like something which should cost over 1000 dollars.

Buy this guitar and you will not regret it. It can do all you need. Jazz, Blues, Rock you name it.



This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com