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Description
The Yamaha AES1500 is a standout choice for musicians seeking the warm tones and versatile playability of a semi-hollowbody electric guitar. This model combines classic aesthetics with modern functionality, making it a suitable option for a range of musical styles, from jazz to rock. Crafted with a laminated maple body and a centerblock, the AES1500 delivers not only an appealing resonance but also minimizes unwanted feedback, a common issue with hollow body guitars.
Equipped with dual DiMarzio Q100 pickups, this guitar provides a broad tonal palette, allowing players to shift seamlessly from smooth, mellow sounds to sharp, powerful tones. The pickups’ design ensures clarity and definition, catering to both lead and rhythm playing. The guitar's set neck construction offers excellent sustain and stability, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures a comfortable playing experience.
The Yamaha AES1500 also features a Bigsby B6G vibrato tailpiece, providing vintage-inspired pitch modulation with a smooth and reliable action. This iconic tremolo system adds character and expression to your playing, enhancing musical creativity.
Key Features:
- Laminated maple body with a centerblock for reduced feedback
- Dual DiMarzio Q100 pickups for versatile tonal options
- Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
- Rosewood fingerboard for a comfortable playing experience
- Bigsby B6G vibrato tailpiece for vintage-style pitch modulation
- Grover locking tuners for stable tuning and quick string changes
- Classic 'F' holes for a traditional semi-hollowbody appearance
Videos
Rich Severson
Yamaha AES1500 guitar demo w/ Rich Severson
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha AES1500.
Mods and upgrades
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The AES1500's DiMarzio pickups can be coil split to achieve both acoustic-like and Fender-type sounds, enhancing versatility.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners report the AES1500 as highly versatile, suitable for producing both Gibson and Fender tones, making it a preferred choice for various music styles.
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Features and functionality
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The AES1500 includes coil-splitting capabilities, allowing for a wider range of tones, from acoustic to classic electric sounds.
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Value and pricing
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One owner highlighted the AES1500 as the most versatile guitar they've owned, emphasizing its value for diverse tonal capabilities.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
105
This top of the line Yamaha archtop is a forgotten gem
This forgotten gem was a top of the line Yamaha japanese made archtop, so quality is immaculate. Sort of like a cross between a Gibson ES335 and a Gretsch, with P90 style Dimarzio pickups, got i't's very own sound going on.
Artist usage
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Troy Van Leeuwen used a modified red Yamaha AES1500 for songs in C on the Lullabies to Paralyze tour. Seen on the Catacombs Tour in 2025, he has added a Höfner H62/10-N tailpiece.
One of several Youtube videos where Frank Gambale is giving some lessons using the Yamaha AES1500
Amir uses a Yamaha AES1500 guitar, according to Yamaha's website.
Also, he praises this guitar in Twitter, in which he also mentions how this guitar was played on a lot of records.
Album Usage
The Yamaha AES1500 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.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha AES1500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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