Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (29)
$1,199.99
Reverb
4.0 (5)
$1,013.84 1 available Used
Thomann
4.6 (14)
$1,165.00 $1,145.00 $20.00 · All time low

Average Price: $1,120

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha ll 16-12 a.r.e nt". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the Yamaha LL 16-12 A.R.E NT, a masterfully crafted 12-string acoustic guitar that's a testament to Yamaha's dedication to superior sound and playability. Designed for musicians who crave rich harmony and exquisite tonal quality, this guitar boasts a hand-selected solid Engelmann spruce top paired with solid rosewood back and sides, ensuring a robust and sonorous acoustic experience. The innovative A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment adds a timeless, aged quality to your sound, mimicking the tone of well-loved vintage instruments.

The LL 16-12 is as much about comfort as it is about sound. The 5-ply mahogany/rosewood neck features a refined, slimmer shape and a smooth-playing ebony fretboard, promising hours of effortless performance. With Yamaha's SRT Zero Impact pickup, each string is captured with pristine clarity, delivering an authentic, plugged-in sound that's perfect for both stage and studio.

Whether you're crafting new melodies or revisiting old classics, the Yamaha LL 16-12 A.R.E NT offers an unparalleled blend of tradition and innovation. Its non-scalloped bracing enhances the low-end richness, creating a full-bodied sound that resonates beautifully.

Key Features:

  • Hand-selected solid Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides
  • A.R.E. process for vintage-inspired, aged tone
  • 5-ply mahogany/rosewood neck with a redesigned, comfortable profile
  • Non-scalloped bracing for enhanced low-end response
  • Passive SRT Zero Impact pickup with individual piezo elements for each string

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model LL16-12 Jumbo Acoustic Guitar
Finish Natural
Year 2010s
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Jumbo
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Yamaha LL16-12's top and how does it affect the sound?

The Yamaha LL16-12 features a solid spruce top, which provides a bright and clear tone with excellent projection, making it ideal for a wide range of playing styles.

Is the Yamaha LL16-12 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Yamaha LL16-12's jumbo body shape and solid wood construction offer rich overtones and sustain, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

How many strings does the Yamaha LL16-12 have, and what are they made of?

The Yamaha LL16-12 is a 12-string acoustic guitar with steel strings, which contribute to its full, resonant sound.

Does the Yamaha LL16-12 come with a built-in pickup system?

No, the Yamaha LL16-12 does not have a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic instrument.

What materials are used for the back and sides of the Yamaha LL16-12?

The back and sides of the Yamaha LL16-12 are made from rosewood, which enhances the guitar's depth and richness in tone.

Cliff Smith Guitar Lessons

Cliff Smith Guitar Lessons

12 String Acoustic Guitar Shootout! Taylor, Yamaha, Breedlove, Auden!

Video thumbnail for 12 String Acoustic Guitar Shootout! Taylor, Yamaha, Breedlove, Auden! by Cliff Smith Guitar Lessons

12 String Acoustic Guitar Shootout! Taylor, Yamaha, Breedlove, Auden!

Cliff Smith Guitar Lessons

Cliff Smith Guitar Lessons

Video thumbnail for Yamaha LL16 12are by accordoTV

Yamaha LL16 12are

accordoTV

accordoTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding craftsmanship with solid wood construction

  • Spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides enhance sound quality

  • Compared favorably with higher-end brands, like Taylor and Martin

  • Includes a passive pickup for versatile use

  • Elegant 12-string shimmer with good volume

  • Gold-plated tuners ensure stable tuning

  • High-quality tone and playability

  • Abalone rosette adds a touch of visual elegance

  • Ebony fingerboard and 5-piece neck improve durability and feel

CONS

  • Requires an external preamp for electric use

  • Some units may not include the advertised pickup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha ll 16-12 a.r.e nt.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha LL-16 is described as having a wide bottom, similar to a sloped shoulder dreadnought rather than a traditional jumbo.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express astonishment at the guitar's sound quality, emphasizing its incredible value, especially when purchased used.

    Source
  • An owner who previously had an LL-16-12 shares positive experiences, indicating satisfaction across different models within Yamaha's L series.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Yamaha LL-16-12 less remarkable compared to the Taylor 150e in terms of playability and sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Changing the nut and saddle to bone and replacing the pins with Tusq significantly enhances sound quality.

    Source
  • Ebony bridge pins are considered for further tonal enhancements, suggesting a preference for materials that improve sustain and clarity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The LL-16 is often compared to the LL-TA, with the latter having built-in trans-acoustic features for added versatility.

    Source
  • The Yamaha LL-16-12 is noted to have a very narrow nut and string spacing, making it suitable for players with small hands compared to other 12-string models like the Martin HD12-28.

    Source
  • The Yamaha LL-16-12 is compared to the Martin HD12-28, suggesting they sound similar and are both spruce/rosewood short scale dreadnought 12-strings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users suggest the LL-16 suits a variety of styles, noting its dreadnought-like body provides a balanced sound.

    Source
  • For those not deeply committed to 12-strings, the Yamaha is recommended as a quality, budget-friendly option compared to higher-priced models like the Gibson J-45 12 string.

    Source

Build quality

  • The LL-16 features all solid rosewood back and sides, offering a rich and resonant tone that enhances its acoustic depth.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners found deals like a restock offer at $809.99, which is particularly appealing given the guitar's high-quality materials.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users plan to switch to medium strings and replace the saddle with a bone alternative, indicating these adjustments optimize playability and sound.

    Source

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