Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (15)
$649.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (28)
$649.99
Amazon
4.4 (118)
$649.99
Reverb
4.0 (7)
$599.99 New
$491.27 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (10)
$649.99
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$579.99
Gear4Music
£629.00

Average Price: $610

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Yamaha AC1M". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Yamaha AC1M acoustic-electric guitar is a harmonious blend of classic craftsmanship and modern technology, crafted for the discerning musician seeking both aesthetic appeal and reliable performance. Its concert-sized body with a cutaway design not only enhances its vintage allure but also provides easy access to the upper frets, making it a versatile choice for both rhythm and lead playing.

The AC1M is distinguished by its SRT piezo pickup system, offering a true-to-life acoustic tone when amplified. This innovative system, paired with a 3-band EQ and built-in tuner, ensures your sound remains customizable and consistent, whether you're on stage or in the studio. The solid Sitka spruce top, paired with mahogany back and sides, delivers a warm, balanced tone with rich low-midrange frequencies, making it an ideal companion for singer-songwriters and acoustic performers.

The hand-rolled fingerboard edges and mahogany neck offer a 'played-in' feel, ensuring comfort during those long practice sessions or extended gigs. Scalloped X-bracing allows the top to resonate freely, unlocking the guitar's full tonal potential with impressive projection and sustain. With its robust build quality, the AC1M is ready to withstand the demands of frequent travel and performance.

Key Features:

  • Concert-sized body with cutaway for upper fret access
  • Solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • SRT piezo pickup system for natural acoustic sound
  • 3-band EQ, built-in tuner, and volume control
  • Hand-rolled fingerboard edges for comfort
  • Scalloped X-bracing for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Durable construction for reliable performance on the road

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Concert
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Scalloped
Binding Mahogany
Neck Wood 3-piece Mahogany
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut/Saddle Material Urea/Urea
Bridge Material Rosewood
Tuning Machines Die-cast chrome
Electronics System 72 SRT preamp with undersaddle pickup
Strings Elixir, .011-.052
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Yamaha AC1M's construction?

The Yamaha AC1M features a solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped bracing, and the back and sides are made of mahogany, providing a warm and balanced tone.

Is the Yamaha AC1M suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha AC1M is equipped with the System 72 SRT preamp and an undersaddle pickup, making it well-suited for live performances with reliable plugged-in sound quality.

How does the Yamaha AC1M's neck feel for playing?

The Yamaha AC1M has a 3-piece mahogany neck with a 15.75" radius, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of strings come with the Yamaha AC1M?

The Yamaha AC1M comes with Elixir strings, gauged at .011-.052, known for their longevity and bright tone.

Does the Yamaha AC1M come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Yamaha AC1M does not come with a case or gig bag; it is sold separately.

Is the Yamaha AC1M suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the concert body shape and solid Sitka spruce top of the Yamaha AC1M provide excellent articulation and balance, making it suitable for fingerstyle playing.

Austin Bazaar

Austin Bazaar

Yamaha AC1M Acoustic-Electric Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M Acoustic-Electric Guitar Demo by Austin Bazaar

Yamaha AC1M Acoustic-Electric Guitar Demo

Austin Bazaar

Austin Bazaar

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know by Sam Ash Music

Yamaha AC1M Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for NEW YAMAHA AC1M GUITAR REVIEW BY JARVIS WONG by The Guitar Spa Singapore

NEW YAMAHA AC1M GUITAR REVIEW BY JARVIS WONG

The Guitar Spa Singapore

The Guitar Spa Singapore

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M / 2017 model by Musikcentralen

Yamaha AC1M / 2017 model

Musikcentralen

Musikcentralen

Video thumbnail for test Yamaha AC1M ( guitar Phúc Taka) by Guitar Phúc Taka

test Yamaha AC1M ( guitar Phúc Taka)

Guitar Phúc Taka

Guitar Phúc Taka

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M Electro Acoustic Guitar demo by A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

Yamaha AC1M Electro Acoustic Guitar demo

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M ( Vintage Natural ) by Test By Phyoe

Yamaha AC1M ( Vintage Natural )

Test By Phyoe

Test By Phyoe

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M Concert Acoustic Electric Guitar Overview by Sam Ash Music

Yamaha AC1M Concert Acoustic Electric Guitar Overview

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M TONE REVIEW | Tobacco Brown Sunburst by The Highlander

Yamaha AC1M TONE REVIEW | Tobacco Brown Sunburst

The Highlander

The Highlander

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AC1M Acoustic Guitar Review : Maybe Its Amazing Gift For Yamaha by Musical Instrument

Yamaha AC1M Acoustic Guitar Review : Maybe Its Amazing Gift For Yamaha

Musical Instrument

Musical Instrument

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality, both acoustically and plugged in

  • SRT pickup system superior to many competitors

  • Beautiful construction with neat and appealing finish

  • Comfortable neck and smooth playability

  • Smaller body with deeper depth enhances sound projection

  • Built-in tuner and AA battery system are convenient

  • Well-constructed bracing adds to durability and sound quality

  • Good value for money, performs like higher-end guitars

  • Balanced sound suitable for various playing styles

  • Lightweight yet sturdy, great for gigging

CONS

  • Some fret edges can be sharp, requiring slight finishing

  • Action may be high out of the box, needing adjustment

  • Electronics might be weaker for some users, depending on setup

  • Lack of locking tuners can be an inconvenience

  • Occasional issues with setup, like unsecured internal cables

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha AC1M.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have removed the pickguard for aesthetics and added gold Grover tuners for an upgraded look.

    Source
  • Replacing the saddle with bone or TUSQ is recommended for improved plugged-in performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A long-term owner reported that the built-in tuner stopped working after nine years of use.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite corrosion in the battery compartment due to poor maintenance, the guitar still performs well after over a decade.

    Source
  • Some users find the satin neck finish uncomfortable, affecting playability and personal preference.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha AC1M is favored over the Seagull S6 for its feel, even when the latter was in perfect condition.

    Source
  • One owner prefers their A3 dreadnaught over high-end brands like Larrivée and Martin, praising its neck texture, acoustic sound, and gig performance.

    Source
  • A player compared the Yamaha AC1M favorably to more popular brands like Martin, praising its tonal quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AC1M excels in loud band environments, indicating a strong performance when amplified and mixed with other instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user bought a Yamaha AC1M for $200, finding its sound comparable to guitars priced around $1,000.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha AC1M Acoustic Review - A Top Notch Guitar | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

The Yamaha AC1M surprises with its robust features and impressive tone, rivaling higher-end models while remaining budget-friendly. Its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany body ensure resonant, clear sound, both acoustically and amplified. Though its design is generic, the guitar excels in playability and requires no setup out of the box. Perfect for players seeking quality without the high price.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jonah_lake

The 2017 version is amazing

After trying guitars in all the music shops in Gothenburg I settled for this one. Plugged in it sounds better tan most three or four times the price. I have used it on big and small gigs.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Barry Johnson uses Yamaha AC1M

Barry Johnson

Guitarist

Joyce Manor

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Barry Johson appears to be using Yamaha AC1M.

Album Usage

The Yamaha AC1M has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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