Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,000
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Yamaha LS16 ARE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 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 LS16 ARE acoustic guitar is a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, tradition, and modern innovation. Designed for musicians who crave both superior sound and comfort, this guitar is a part of Yamaha's esteemed L Series, renowned for its exceptional build quality. At its core, the LS16 ARE boasts a solid Engelmann spruce top paired with solid rosewood back and sides, delivering a rich, well-rounded tone with remarkable projection. This intricate combination of tonewoods ensures that your sound matures beautifully over time.
What sets the LS16 ARE apart is Yamaha's Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) technology. This proprietary process molecularly ages the wood, emulating the acoustic properties of guitars that have been played and cherished for years. The result is a guitar that sounds as if it has already lived a lifetime of performances, right out of the box.
The LS16 ARE is fitted with a 5-ply mahogany and rosewood neck, which is designed for stability and smooth playability. The neck's profile has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate modern playing styles, ensuring comfort for both intricate fingerstyle techniques and robust strumming sessions. Complementing this is the passive SRT Zero Impact Pickup system, which captures the true essence of the guitar's acoustic sound without compromising its elegant appearance.
For musicians in search of a guitar that delivers both sonic excellence and aesthetic allure, the Yamaha LS16 ARE is a compelling choice.
Key Features:
- Solid Engelmann spruce top with solid rosewood back and sides
- Yamaha's A.R.E. technology for matured tonal quality
- 5-ply mahogany and rosewood neck for enhanced playability
- Passive SRT Zero Impact Pickup with individual piezoelectric elements per string
- Medium jumbo body size ideal for comfortable playing
- High gloss finish with gold-colored machine heads
- Polyurethane lacquer for added durability
- Scale length: 650 mm; Nut width: 44 mm
- Soft bag included for easy transport
Product specs
| Available since | April 2014 |
| Model | Small |
| Top | Spruce, Solid |
| Back And Sides | Rosewood, Solid |
| Cutaway | No |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Nut width in mm | 44,00 mm |
| Pickup System | Yes |
| Colour | Natural |
| Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | Yes |
FAQs
-
What type of wood is used for the top of the Yamaha LS16 ARE?
-
The Yamaha LS16 ARE features a solid Engelmann spruce top, known for its bright and responsive tonal qualities, making it ideal for a variety of playing styles.
-
Does the Yamaha LS16 ARE come with a pickup system?
-
Yes, the Yamaha LS16 ARE includes a built-in pickup system, allowing you to easily amplify your sound for live performances or recording.
-
What is the nut width of the Yamaha LS16 ARE, and how does it affect playability?
-
The nut width of the Yamaha LS16 ARE is 44mm (1-3/4"), providing a comfortable feel for fingerstyle playing and chord transitions.
-
Is the Yamaha LS16 ARE suitable for players who prefer a smaller guitar body?
-
Yes, the Yamaha LS16 ARE features a small body type, offering a comfortable playing experience for those who prefer a more compact guitar.
-
What kind of bracing does the Yamaha LS16 ARE use?
-
The Yamaha LS16 ARE uses a non-scalloped bracing design, which enhances the guitar's structural integrity and contributes to its balanced sound projection.
Videos
Kraft Music
Yamaha LS16 ARE Handcrafted Acoustic Guitar Demo
Reviews
PROS
-
Offers excellent sound quality and volume rivaling more expensive models.
-
Easier playability compared to some high-end models like Martin D18.
-
Superb build quality with high-class woods and beautiful aesthetics.
-
Features a passive pickup system that enhances natural sound.
-
Versatile for various playing styles: fingerstyle, strumming, or flatpicking.
-
Comfortable smaller body size enhances playability.
-
Excellent intonation and sustain, even at higher frets.
-
Active harmonics and sub-harmonics impress even seasoned guitarists.
-
Comes with a well-padded soft case for protection.
-
Delivers a rich, balanced sound with impressive projection for its size.
CONS
-
The white nut can be an aesthetic mismatch.
-
Requires adjustment of plastic parts for optimal sound quality.
-
Some minor blemishes and scratches observed on delivery.
-
Soft case may not offer as much protection as a hard case.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha LS16 ARE.
Comparisons
-
Some players prefer the tonal quality of the LS6 with laminate sides/back over the all-solid LS16, noting potential for the latter to open up over time.
Source -
The LS16's 44mm nut width is noted for comfortable fingerpicking, but may require adjustment for players used to narrower nuts.
Source -
The LS16 ARE's loudness and finish are compared favorably to the LL16M ARE, though tonal differences are subtle to some owners.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners recommend changing the nut and filing the bridge to improve playability, making the guitar easier to play.
Source
User experience
Build quality
-
The LS16 ARE's fit and finish are reported to be pristine, especially notable for an $800 guitar.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The guitar features a torrified solid Engelmann Spruce top, contributing to its unexpectedly loud volume for a smaller body size.
Source
Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
More Yamaha Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-