Yamaha APX500II Candy Apple Red Electro-Acoustic Guitar, (Used)

The Yamaha APX500II in Candy Apple Red is a stylish, comfortable and versatile electro-acoustic guitar designed for musicians who want the natural character of an acoustic instrument with the convenience of onboard amplification.

Part of Yamaha's highly regarded APX Series, the APX500II combines a slimline cutaway body with a spruce top, nato back and sides, comfortable neck profile and Yamaha's System 65 pickup and preamp system.

Its distinctive thin-body design makes it particularly appealing to guitarists who find traditional full-depth acoustic guitars uncomfortable. The slimmer body provides an accessible playing experience, while the single cutaway allows easier access to the upper frets.

The APX500II features a Yamaha System 65 preamp with an under-saddle piezo pickup, offering a three-band EQ, adjustable midrange frequency and built-in chromatic tuner. These controls provide excellent flexibility for live performance, rehearsals and recording.

Its eye-catching Candy Apple Red finish gives the instrument a bold contemporary appearance, making it an attractive choice for performers who want an acoustic guitar that stands out on stage.

The guitar's 25-inch scale length and 43mm nut width provide comfortable playing dimensions for both acoustic and electric guitarists.

This particular Yamaha APX500II is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 4.52 lbs (approximately 2.05kg) and is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

For guitarists seeking a reliable, lightweight electro-acoustic instrument with comfortable playability, expressive acoustic sound and practical onboard electronics, the Yamaha APX500II is an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Yamaha
Model	APX500II
Finish	Candy Apple Red
Instrument Type	Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Body Style	Slimline Cutaway
Top	Spruce
Electronics	Yamaha System 65
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Weight	4.52 lbs / 2.05kg
Case	No Case Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Yamaha APX500II Candy Apple Red is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The guitar features Yamaha's distinctive slimline APX body, an attractive Candy Apple Red finish and an elegant oval soundhole.

Its compact acoustic construction and onboard electronics make it particularly appealing for musicians seeking a practical instrument for rehearsals, recording and live performance.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for a closer assessment of its cosmetic condition.

Weight – 4.52 lbs

This particular Yamaha APX500II weighs 4.52 lbs (approximately 2.05kg).

Its lightweight construction is a significant attraction, especially for musicians who prefer a comfortable instrument for extended playing sessions.

Combined with the slimline body, the low weight makes the guitar particularly appealing to younger players, electric guitarists moving to acoustic instruments and performing musicians.

Case Not Included

This Yamaha APX500II is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

A suitably sized protective acoustic guitar case is recommended for storage and transportation.

What's Included

• Yamaha APX500II Candy Apple Red Electro-Acoustic Guitar

Not Included: Hardcase or gig bag.

Service & Setup

The Yamaha APX500II features an adjustable truss rod, acoustic bridge and traditional steel-string construction, allowing appropriate maintenance of neck relief and playing action. Regular attention to fret condition, nut slots, saddle height, tuning stability and string condition helps maintain comfortable playability. Its acoustic construction also benefits from appropriate storage and environmental care. As with all acoustic guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Yamaha APX500II Design: A popular slimline electro-acoustic guitar designed for comfortable stage performance.

• Candy Apple Red Finish: An attractive, eye-catching appearance.

• Spruce Top: Provides a clear, responsive acoustic sound.

• Nato Back & Sides: Complement the spruce top with warmth and tonal body.

• Slimline Cutaway Body: Comfortable dimensions and improved upper-fret access.

• Distinctive Oval Soundhole: A recognisable feature of Yamaha's APX Series.

• Nato Neck: Comfortable construction for chord playing and melodic guitar.

• Rosewood Fingerboard: Traditional acoustic guitar playing surface.

• 22 Frets: Extended playing range with convenient upper-fret access.

• 25-Inch Scale Length: A comfortable balance between acoustic and electric guitar dimensions.

• Yamaha System 65 Preamp: Flexible amplified acoustic tone.

• Under-Saddle Piezo Pickup: Captures string vibration for amplified performance.

• Three-Band EQ: Independent Low, Middle and High controls.

• Adjustable Midrange Frequency: Helps tailor the amplified sound to different environments.

• Built-In Chromatic Tuner: Convenient tuning without additional equipment.

• Chrome Die-Cast Tuners: Dependable tuning hardware.

• Lightweight Design: This example weighs just 4.52 lbs.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Why You'll Love It

The Yamaha APX500II combines comfortable playability, practical electronics and stylish design in an instrument that is particularly well suited to everyday musicians.

Its slimline body provides a more manageable playing experience than many conventional full-depth acoustic guitars, especially for players accustomed to electric guitars.

The spruce top offers a lively acoustic response, while the cutaway body gives convenient access to higher frets for melodic playing.

The onboard System 65 preamp is one of the guitar's strongest features, allowing players to shape their amplified sound without relying on additional external equipment.

With a three-band EQ, adjustable midrange frequency and built-in tuner, the APX500II is well equipped for rehearsals, live performances and recording sessions.

The Candy Apple Red finish provides a distinctive appearance, while its comfortable 4.52 lb weight makes it particularly appealing for extended playing.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Comfortable Slimline APX Body

The Yamaha APX500II features the distinctive slimline body design that has made the APX Series popular among performing guitarists. With a body depth of approximately 80–90mm, it offers a more compact playing experience than many traditional acoustic guitars. This makes it particularly comfortable for musicians transitioning from electric guitar, younger players and performers who prefer an instrument that sits closer to the body. The slimline design also provides a controlled acoustic response particularly suited to amplified performance.

Spruce Top Construction

The APX500II features a spruce top, providing a clear, responsive tonal foundation for acoustic playing. Spruce is widely used in acoustic guitar construction because of its natural clarity, dynamic response and ability to reproduce both delicate fingerpicking and stronger strumming. Combined with Yamaha's APX body design, the top helps produce a balanced acoustic sound with articulate midrange and treble frequencies.

Nato Back & Sides

The nato back and sides complement the spruce top, contributing warmth and body to the instrument's overall sound. This wood combination provides a practical foundation for a versatile electro-acoustic guitar, allowing the APX500II to accommodate everything from gentle fingerstyle arrangements to rhythmic chord accompaniment. The construction reflects Yamaha's approach to creating dependable acoustic instruments suitable for a wide range of musical applications.

Beautiful Candy Apple Red Finish

The Candy Apple Red finish gives this APX500II a distinctive appearance that contrasts beautifully with its traditional acoustic guitar shape. Its rich red colour creates a bold stage presence while retaining the elegant proportions of the APX body. Combined with the oval soundhole and slimline cutaway design, the finish makes this guitar particularly appealing to musicians seeking an acoustic instrument with a modern visual identity.

Yamaha System 65 Pickup & Preamp

The APX500II features Yamaha's System 65 electronics, combining an under-saddle piezo pickup with a versatile onboard preamp. This system allows the natural acoustic sound of the instrument to be amplified through a suitable acoustic guitar amplifier, PA system or recording interface. The preamp provides convenient access to volume and tonal adjustments, making it particularly useful for musicians who regularly perform live or record amplified acoustic guitar.

Three-Band Equaliser

The System 65 preamp includes Low, Middle and High EQ controls, allowing musicians to adjust the tonal balance of the amplified sound. The Low control provides adjustment of the bass frequencies, the Middle control shapes the midrange and the High control adjusts treble presence and articulation. Together, these controls make it possible to adapt the guitar's output to different amplifiers, venues and musical arrangements.

Adjustable Midrange Frequency

The AMF control allows players to adjust the centre frequency affected by the preamp's midrange equaliser. This provides greater tonal flexibility than a conventional fixed three-band EQ, helping musicians emphasise or reduce particular frequencies to suit their playing style. It is especially useful when adapting the instrument to different performance environments or managing frequencies that may contribute to acoustic feedback.

Built-In Chromatic Tuner

The Yamaha System 65 includes an integrated chromatic tuner, providing convenient tuning without requiring an additional pedal or handheld device. Its easy-to-read display makes it particularly useful during rehearsals and live performances, allowing musicians to check their tuning quickly between songs. The integrated design also helps keep the overall equipment setup simple and convenient.

Comfortable 25-Inch Scale Length

The APX500II features a 25-inch scale length, providing a comfortable playing experience for guitarists accustomed to both acoustic and electric instruments. The scale offers accessible fret spacing and a responsive feel, making it suitable for chord work, melodic playing and expressive string bending. Combined with the slimline body and cutaway design, it contributes to the guitar's approachable playing character.

Rosewood Fingerboard & 22 Frets

The rosewood fingerboard provides a familiar acoustic guitar playing surface, complemented by 22 frets for an extended range of notes. The cutaway body improves access to the higher register, making the guitar especially useful for musicians who incorporate melodic fills, lead passages and instrumental arrangements into their acoustic playing. Its comfortable neck dimensions also support relaxed chord transitions and longer playing sessions.

Designed for Live Performance

The APX500II's combination of slimline construction, onboard electronics and convenient controls makes it particularly well suited to live performance. Its body design offers comfortable handling on stage, while the System 65 preamp allows tonal adjustments to be made directly from the instrument. The built-in tuner provides additional convenience, making the APX500II a practical choice for solo performers, singer-songwriters and musicians playing regular acoustic sets.

Who Is It For?

Singer-Songwriters: Ideal for accompanying vocals, songwriting and acoustic performances.

Live Acoustic Guitarists: The System 65 preamp provides convenient amplified performance.

Electric Guitarists Exploring Acoustic: The slimline body offers a familiar, comfortable playing experience.

Folk & Pop Musicians: Suitable for strumming, fingerpicking and melodic arrangements.

Recording Musicians: Offers both natural acoustic sound and an amplified signal for recording.

Developing Guitarists: Comfortable dimensions and a built-in tuner make it approachable for regular practice.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Yamaha APX500II is particularly well suited to acoustic pop, folk, country, blues, singer-songwriter music, acoustic rock and contemporary worship music.

Its spruce top provides articulation for fingerstyle playing and chord accompaniment, while the built-in electronics make it practical for amplified performances.

The slimline body is especially useful for performers who regularly move between acoustic and electric guitars.

For recording, the APX500II can be captured acoustically using microphones or connected through its onboard pickup system to suitable recording equipment.

How It Compares

Yamaha APX500II vs Yamaha APX600

The Yamaha APX600 succeeded the APX500II, continuing the familiar slimline cutaway format with updated styling and refinements. Both models feature Yamaha's System 65 electronics and are designed with comfortable amplified performance in mind. The APX500II remains an appealing option for guitarists seeking the earlier APX design.

Yamaha APX500II vs Yamaha CPX500II

The Yamaha CPX500II uses a larger acoustic body, designed to provide a fuller natural acoustic response. The APX500II instead prioritises compact dimensions and stage-friendly handling. Guitarists seeking stronger unamplified projection may favour a CPX-style body, while performers who appreciate a slimline guitar may prefer the APX.

Yamaha APX500II vs Conventional Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

A traditional dreadnought generally features a deeper and larger body, providing a different acoustic playing experience. The APX500II offers a slimmer design with a cutaway and integrated electronics, making it particularly practical for stage use and guitarists who prefer more compact dimensions.

Yamaha APX Series Heritage

Yamaha introduced the APX Series in 1987, developing a range of electro-acoustic guitars designed with live performance and comfortable playability in mind.

The series became particularly popular among musicians seeking a practical alternative to traditional full-depth acoustic guitars, combining slimline bodies with onboard pickup systems.

Over the years, Yamaha refined the APX design with improved electronics, contemporary finishes and comfortable neck specifications.

The APX500II continued this tradition, offering a versatile electro-acoustic guitar with System 65 electronics and the instantly recognisable APX body shape.

Its combination of practical features and accessible playability has made the APX range a longstanding favourite among acoustic performers.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Electro-Acoustic Guitar
Brand	Yamaha
Model	APX500II
Series	APX
Finish	Candy Apple Red
Body Shape	APX Slimline Cutaway
Top Material	Spruce
Back Material	Nato
Sides Material	Nato
Neck Material	Nato
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Bridge Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	634mm / 25"
Number of Frets	22
Nut Width	43mm
Body Depth	80–90mm
Pickup	Under-Saddle Piezo
Preamp	Yamaha System 65
Preamp Controls	Volume, Low, Middle, High, AMF
Built-In Tuner	Chromatic
Output	¼" Instrument Jack
Tuning Machines	Chrome Die-Cast
Number of Strings	6
Weight	4.52 lbs / Approx. 2.05kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Case	Not Included

Power Requirements

The Yamaha APX500II features a battery-powered System 65 preamp, requiring two AA batteries for amplified performance and operation of the built-in tuner.

The guitar can be played acoustically without battery power.

For amplified use, connect the instrument to a compatible acoustic amplifier, PA system or recording interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Yamaha APX500II Candy Apple Red is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a comfortable, versatile electro-acoustic instrument with the reliability and practical features associated with Yamaha.

Its slimline body is particularly appealing for musicians accustomed to electric guitars, while the spruce top provides a clear, expressive acoustic sound.

The System 65 preamp is a major advantage, offering flexible EQ adjustment, midrange frequency control and a built-in tuner for straightforward amplified performance.

The distinctive Candy Apple Red finish adds visual appeal, while the instrument's 4.52 lb weight makes it exceptionally comfortable for extended playing sessions.

Presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and supplied without a case, this APX500II is an attractive option for musicians seeking a dependable acoustic instrument for everyday use and performance.

Best Suited For: Singer-songwriters, acoustic performers, developing guitarists and musicians transitioning from electric to acoustic guitar.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Entry-level acoustic guitars, basic beginner electro-acoustics and conventional acoustic instruments without onboard electronics.

Most Commonly Paired With: Yamaha acoustic amplifiers, acoustic DI boxes, capos, tuners and suitable acoustic guitar cases.

Our Tip: Begin with the System 65 EQ controls centred, then make small adjustments to suit the amplifier or PA system. The adjustable midrange frequency is particularly useful for refining the sound in different venues.

Showroom Advice: The APX500II's slimline body is one of its greatest attractions. Its comfortable proportions and lightweight design make it especially worth considering for players who find conventional full-depth acoustic guitars cumbersome.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Yamaha APX500II from Fair Deal Music offers an opportunity to enjoy a dependable electro-acoustic guitar at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition grading, clear specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 4.52 lbs and is supplied without a case.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electro-acoustic guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

As no case is included, appropriate protective packaging is particularly important during transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including Yamaha acoustic guitars, electro-acoustic instruments, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Yamaha APX500II.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Yamaha APX500II in?

This guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the guitar come with a case?

No. This example is supplied without a hardcase or gig bag.

How much does it weigh?

It weighs 4.52 lbs, approximately 2.05kg.

What colour is this Yamaha APX500II?

This example features a Candy Apple Red finish.

Is the Yamaha APX500II an electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes. It features an acoustic body with an integrated pickup and preamp system for amplified performance.

Does it have a solid spruce top?

The APX500II features a spruce top. Yamaha's original specification does not designate it as solid.

What are the back and sides made from?

The guitar features nato back and sides.

Is the APX500II a slimline guitar?

Yes. Its body depth measures approximately 80–90mm.

Does it have a cutaway?

Yes. The APX body features a cutaway for improved upper-fret access.

What is the scale length?

It has a 634mm (25-inch) scale length.

How many frets does it have?

The APX500II features 22 frets.

What electronics does it use?

It features Yamaha's System 65 pickup and preamp system.

Does it have a built-in tuner?

Yes. The System 65 includes a chromatic tuner.

Does it have a three-band EQ?

Yes. It includes Low, Middle and High EQ controls.

What does the AMF control do?

The AMF control adjusts the centre frequency affected by the midrange EQ.

Does it require batteries?

Yes. The System 65 preamp operates using two AA batteries.

Can it be played without an amplifier?

Yes. The APX500II can be played as a conventional acoustic guitar.

Is it suitable for live performance?

Yes. Its slimline body and onboard electronics make it particularly well suited to amplified acoustic performances.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its comfortable body dimensions and built-in tuner make it an approachable choice for developing guitarists.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. The guitar can be recorded acoustically using microphones or through its onboard pickup system.

How does it compare with the Yamaha APX600?

The APX600 continues the slimline APX design with later refinements, while the APX500II offers the earlier System 65-equipped format.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Yamaha?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.