« Yamaha AES 620 »

Purchased for $650 (Canadian including 15% tax) at a local music store. Had been looking for another guitar for about a year but didn't find anything that fit my budget. The way this guitar played was almost effortless. I would have been very sad if I didn't buy it.

Once I picked up the guitar I couldn't put it down. I've had guitars around most of my life but its been years since the last time I couldn't put down a guitar. Guitars at much higher prices did not feel or sound as good as this guitar. The appearance of the guitar is also quite nice and not overly flashy.

I dislike the placement of the pickup switch as I'm used to my old Fender strat and have a tendency to hit the switch by accident. Also the volume and tone knobs may look good without any markings on them, I can't just look at them and figure out which way I want to move them.

Well built. No glaring flaws.

If you are looking for a great value then this is the guitar. Good features, nice sound and appearance and at a price that is very reasonable. I would recommend this guitar to serious beginners as well as long time players who are stuck on a budget. Even those who could afford more ... I'd suggest trying out this guitar.

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