Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $1,680
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha AC5M ARE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Embark on a musical journey with the Yamaha AC5M ARE, a gem in the world of acoustic-electric guitars. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in Japan, this concert-size beauty boasts an all-solid construction with mahogany back and sides, and a hand-selected Sitka spruce top. What sets the AC5M ARE apart is Yamaha's innovative A.R.E. wood-torrefaction technology, enhancing the guitar's stability and imparting a rich, aged hue to the wood, mirroring the character of a well-seasoned instrument.
The heart of the AC5M's exceptional sound lies in its SRT2 pickup system, a marvel of modern audio engineering, allowing for a natural, dynamic tone that captures the essence of the guitar's acoustic sound, ideal for both stage performances and studio recordings. The system's blend control offers the unique ability to mix the sounds from the under-bridge piezo pickup with Yamaha's proprietary preamp modeling, crafting a tone that's distinctly yours.
The guitar's build quality is nothing short of premium, featuring GOTOH open-gear tuners for precise tuning stability, and a comfortable neck profile that ensures playability even during extended sessions. Whether you're strumming chords at home, recording intricate parts in the studio, or captivating an audience on stage, the Yamaha AC5M ARE is a versatile companion that promises to elevate your musical expression.
Key Features:
- Concert-sized acoustic-electric guitar with traditional western cutaway
- All-solid construction with mahogany back and sides, and hand-selected Sitka spruce top
- Enhanced stability and vintage appearance thanks to A.R.E. wood-torrefaction technology
- SRT2 pickup system for natural, dynamic plugged-in tone, with blend control for custom sound shaping
- Premium build quality with GOTOH open-gear tuners, ensuring tuning stability
- Made in Japan, guaranteeing meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Concert Cutaway |
| Back & Sides Wood | Solid Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce with A.R.E. treatment |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped Bracing |
| Binding | Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | African Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Straight Taper |
| Radius | 15.75" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Snowflakes |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25.56" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Tusq/Tusq |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Gotoh chrome open gear |
| Electronics | System 71 SRT2 preamp with SRT piezo pickup |
| Strings | Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light, .012-.053 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the Yamaha AC5M ARE's body shape and how does it affect playability?
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The Yamaha AC5M ARE features a concert cutaway body shape, which offers a comfortable playing experience and easy access to higher frets, making it ideal for fingerstyle and lead playing.
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What kind of wood is used in the Yamaha AC5M ARE, and how does it influence the sound?
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The Yamaha AC5M ARE uses solid mahogany for the back and sides and solid Sitka spruce for the top, treated with A.R.E. This combination produces a warm, resonant tone with enhanced clarity and projection.
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Does the Yamaha AC5M ARE come with electronics for amplification?
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Yes, the Yamaha AC5M ARE is equipped with the System 71 SRT2 preamp and SRT piezo pickup, allowing for versatile amplified sound suitable for live performances.
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How does the A.R.E. treatment on the Yamaha AC5M ARE top wood affect the guitar's tone?
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The A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment on the solid Sitka spruce top enhances the wood's natural aging process, resulting in a more open and mature tone with improved resonance and sustain.
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What type of tuning machines does the Yamaha AC5M ARE use?
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The Yamaha AC5M ARE features Gotoh chrome open gear tuning machines, which provide smooth and accurate tuning stability.
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Is the Yamaha AC5M ARE suitable for professional use?
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Yes, with its high-quality construction, excellent electronics, and rich tonal characteristics, the Yamaha AC5M ARE is well-suited for both professional stage and studio use.
Videos
PMTVUK
Yamaha AC5M ARE Electro Acoustic Review - A Stunning Acoustic For Both Stage & Recording!
Reviews
PROS
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Rich, warm, and balanced tone that rivals high-end guitars
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Exceptional playability with low action and no dead notes
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Flawless finish and precise craftsmanship from Japanese builders
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Superior sound projection with astounding sustain
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High-quality materials and AAAA engineering
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Versatile electronics that deliver excellent sound
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Comes with a custom hardshell case
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ARE treatment enhances tone and reduces new guitar stiffness
CONS
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Out-of-the-box action may require adjustment for optimal playability
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High nut and saddle action can make initial play challenging
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Potential additional cost for professional setup adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha AC5M ARE.
Comparisons
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Owners express a preference for the AC5M over the AC5R, highlighting it as a personal taste choice between mahogany (AC5M) and rosewood (AC5R) for tonal quality.
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Yamaha MIJ (Made in Japan) guitars are regarded as a well-kept secret, offering an alternative to more popular brands like Taylor and Martin.
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Owners often compare the AC5M favorably against laminated Taylors, emphasizing the benefits of all-solid wood construction for tonal quality over time.
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User experience
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Yamaha's durability is praised, with an older model surviving military deployment without tuning issues, indicating robust build quality.
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Buyers are impressed by the AC5M, considering it an exceptional choice for a first acoustic guitar, suggesting high satisfaction among first-time buyers.
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Setup and maintenance
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Concerns about neck resets are mostly historical, related to old Yamahas with epoxy glue. Modern models use standard wood glue, making future repairs feasible.
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Build quality
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The Yamaha AC5M includes high-quality components like bone or Tusq nut/saddle and Gotoh tuners, enhancing its overall craftsmanship and performance.
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Use cases and applications
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Its sound quality and build make the AC5M a preferred choice for those seeking a "forever guitar," highlighting its potential longevity and emotional value.
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