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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
Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Yamaha AES1500 guitar demo w/ Rich Severson

Video thumbnail for Yamaha AES1500 guitar demo w/ Rich Severson by Rich Severson

Yamaha AES1500 guitar demo w/ Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA AES-1500 試奏動画 by paprica music

YAMAHA AES-1500 試奏動画

paprica music

paprica music

Video thumbnail for Струнодер 3.0 - Yamaha AES-1500 Japan by volksemen2

Струнодер 3.0 - Yamaha AES-1500 Japan

volksemen2

volksemen2

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA AES-1500 by Jerry Cochran

YAMAHA AES-1500

Jerry Cochran

Jerry Cochran

Video thumbnail for Beautiful Love on Yamaha AES 1500 by Tiny Oak

Beautiful Love on Yamaha AES 1500

Tiny Oak

Tiny Oak

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

  • The AES1500's DiMarzio pickups can be coil split to achieve both acoustic-like and Fender-type sounds, enhancing versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners report the AES1500 as highly versatile, suitable for producing both Gibson and Fender tones, making it a preferred choice for various music styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The AES1500 includes coil-splitting capabilities, allowing for a wider range of tones, from acoustic to classic electric sounds.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner highlighted the AES1500 as the most versatile guitar they've owned, emphasizing its value for diverse tonal capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • The AES1500 is praised for its playability and versatility, with users noting its ability to produce a range of tones fitting both acoustic and electric styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
marcos_pt

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.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

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See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Yamaha AES1500

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Red

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.

See how Jesse Hughes uses Yamaha AES1500

Jesse Hughes

Singer, Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar Jesse Hughes uses this Instrument.

See how Frank Gambale uses Yamaha AES1500

Frank Gambale

Guitarist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via YouTube

One of several Youtube videos where Frank Gambale is giving some lessons using the Yamaha AES1500

See how Dave Catching uses Yamaha AES1500

Dave Catching

Guitarist, Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6.37 onwards in this rig rundown Dave talks about his AES1500.

See how Amir Derakh uses Yamaha AES1500

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Romero Lubambo uses Yamaha AES1500

Romero Lubambo

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Toninho Horta plays with some friends in New York, at Cachaça, on August 6, 2007. Romero is playing a Yamaha AEX1500.

Album Usage

The Yamaha AES1500 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha AES1500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Teisco EV-2T
Teisco EV-2T Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha AES-AD6
Yamaha AES-AD6 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha AES-RS7
Yamaha AES-RS7 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Mosrite Fuzzrite
Mosrite Fuzzrite Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Gorilla GG-10
Gorilla GG-10 Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Zinky Smokey
Zinky Smokey Mini Guitar Amplifiers
1
Yamaha AEX1500
Yamaha AEX1500 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha Magicstomp
Yamaha Magicstomp Multi Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

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marcos_pt

marcos_pt

Gear IQ 105

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