New Yamaha AEX Series Thinline Guitars
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AEX 500N
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January 28, 1999Never content to follow the pack, Yamaha Corporation of America continues
its commitment to innovation by unveiling three new thinline guitars at
Winter NAMM: the AEX 500N, AEX 502, and AEX 520. Professionally appointed
but moderately priced, each AEX model offers a unique set of leading-edge
features, excellent tone, and retro styling equally suited to stage or
studio.
The AEX 500N is one of the freshest-and most creatively inspiring-guitars
to hit the scene in years, offering the unique combination of Nylon strings,
sleek 20-fret, 24 3/4-in. scale bolt-on neck, and a thin, single cutaway
hollow body with F-holes, designed with comfort and playability in mind.
The combination of Spruce top and Alder body provide both high styling
and vibrant, natural tone. Bringing that tone into full bloom is the Piezo
pickup system, mounted in the Rosewood bridge, which is mated to an easy
to use, active onboard preamp with 3-band graphic EQ. Other features include
easy access battery compartment (for the preamp), a conveniently located
wooden volume knob, a "classical style," angled, slotted headstock, Gold
tuners, and round position markers. The AEX 500N comes in either Black
or Natural finish.
Gary Cook, product manager, Yamaha Guitars, states: "Guitarists who demand
smooth action and sweet sound from their acoustic/electric Nylon string
guitar will love the AEX 500N." The AEX 500N will be available in January
1999.
From Swing to Rock and all points in between, the AEX502 semi-hollow
provides the right mix of distinct, crystal-clear tone, hip styling and
a comfortable, fast-action playing surface to cover all the bases. David
Brown, product specialist for Yamaha Guitars notes: "The unique features
found on the AEX502 give an excitingly new alternative to those seeking
a different-sounding guitar at a great price."
Features include a figured Maple veneer top, mated to a semi-hollow,
thinline Alder single cutaway body, 20-fret bolt-on 24 3/4-in. Maple neck
with Rosewood fingerboard, angled headstock, Gold Tuners (3-per-side),
Tune-o-Matic style bridge with stop tail-piece (which offers excellent
sustain), and round position markers. Finishes include Black, Orange Stain,
and Brown Sunburst. All hardware is Gold. The electronics are pure and
classic: A pair of Alnico single-coil P-90s-the pickups that helped define
the sound of Rock 'n' Roll-deliver a wide range of tones, from rich, full
warmth, to screaming, throaty mayhem; "dog-ear" pickup covers add just
the right dose of visual retro flair. Operation couldn't be simpler, thanks
to a three-way toggle switch (conveniently located on the upper shoulder)
and no-fuss Master Volume and Tone controls.
Experienced players and beginners alike will find this guitar easy to
manage both on stage and in the recording studio. "Guitarists will love
the classic tones of the new Yamaha AEX502," states Cook. "The soap bar
pickups and dog-ear covers provide a unique retro feel."
Boasting a pair of mini-humbucking pickups and unique body construction,
the third new model, the AEX520, delivers the goods across the sonic spectrum-from
crunch to clean.
Like the AEX502, the AEX520 is a semi-hollow electric with F-holes, a
20-fret, 24 3/4-in. scale bolt-on maple neck, durable Rosewood fingerboard,
Gold hardware, 3-per-side Gold tuners, slant headstock, and Tune-O-Matic
style bridge with stop tailpiece. It also shares the finish options (include
Black, Orange Stain, and Brown Sunburst) and simplified electronics (Master
Volume and Tone; 3-way pickup selector switch) of its stable-mate. But
this thoroughbred asserts its own musical personality as well, thanks
to the tonal possibilities offered by the unique combination of a Figured
Maple top, mated to an Alder body-plus the aforementioned mini-humbuckers,
beautifully appointed with Gold covers.
"The AEX520 has a huge sound, yet is able to produce glassy tones when
the volume is rolled back," Brown states. "The classic F-holes and classy
gold covers gives the Yamaha AEX520 a cool 'retro' look and feel!"
Like the other AEX guitars, the AEX520's slick action will inspire players
of all levels to maximum creativity in studio and on stage. "The new Yamaha
AEX520 is great for all styles of music." notes Cook. "More narrow string
spacing makes it really comfortable to play, while gold-plated mini-humbuckers
create a variety of tones." For more information,
visit Yamaha's web site at www.yamaha.com. |
