Yamaha AES800 and AES500 Guitars
January 29, 1998
Two new members of Yamaha Corporation of America's acclaimed guitar family-models AES800 and AES500-will be unveiled at the Winter NAMM show. Though the body shape of these two new guitars is proportionally similar to the company's popular acoustic/electric AES1500 model, the AES800 and AES500 have slightly smaller dimensions and the increased sustain and overall resonance of solid body construction. Yamaha has met the demand for more moderately priced electric options while remaining true to the mix of tradition and technology that inspired its innovative acoustic/electric guitar series.
"Yamaha is out to find its true electric guitar voice," states Jay Piccirillo, product specialist, Guitar Department, Yamaha Corporation of America. "These are great, functional guitars, housed in a body that is timeless. These guitars will definitely be identified as a Yamaha."
Both models have Rosewood fingerboards, Maple necks featuring dot inlay, and a recessed 4 bolt neck joint. Chrome die-cast tuners complete the headstock.
With the AES800's DiMarzio Q-100 hum canceling "soap bar" pickups, guitarists add 90s flair to the innovations of early rockers. The AES800 has Master Volume and Master Tone knobs as well as a unique five-position pickup selector switch and a Phase control knob that allows manual, gradual control of the phasing between pickups. Its Chrome Tune-O-Matic bridge features Yamaha's original 6 part tailpiece. The AES800 is crafted in Mahogany and offered in Brown Sunburst and Cherry Red. Suggested retail price is $1099.
The AES500 is made from Alder wood and, with a suggested retail price of $649, is viable for any guitarist ready to expand their arsenal. It features a single bar bridge, two chrome-covered Yamaha Humbuckers, and a control system accented by a three-position toggle switch and Master Volume and Master Tone knobs. The model is available in four finishes: Gloss Black, Gold, Cream White and Silver. For more information on the Yamaha AES800 or AES500 guitars, please write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Department, P.O. Box 6600 Buena Park, CA 90620-6600; call (714) 522-9011; or visit the Yamaha Guitar Department web site at www.yamahaguitars.com. | 
