Yamaha APX600 Electro-Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Quick Product Summary

The Yamaha APX600 MKII electro-acoustic guitar is designed for players who want acoustic tone in a slim, comfortable and highly stage-friendly format. Its distinctive APX thin-line cutaway body sits closer to the player than a traditional full-depth acoustic, making it an excellent choice for live performers, singer-songwriters and electric guitarists looking for an acoustic that feels immediately manageable.

A 634mm scale length, 43mm nut width and easy upper-fret access give the APX600 an approachable playing feel, while Yamaha's SRT piezo pickup and SYSTEM65 preamp provide the connectivity and tonal control required for gigs, rehearsals, recording and amplified practice.

The result is a modern electro-acoustic that prioritises comfort, practical amplification and reliable Yamaha design without unnecessary complication.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Yamaha
Model	APX600 MKII
Product Type	Electro-acoustic guitar
Body Style	APX thin-line cutaway
Top	Spruce
Scale Length	634mm / 25"
Nut Width	43mm
Electronics	Yamaha SYSTEM65 with SRT piezo pickup
Main Appeal	Slim body with stage-ready electronics
Best For	Live performance, singer-songwriters, electric guitarists and contemporary acoustic playing

What's In The Box?

• Yamaha APX600 MKII electro-acoustic guitar

Why Choose The Yamaha APX600 MKII?

Slim APX Body For Greater Playing Comfort

One of the biggest advantages of the APX design is its shallow body depth. At approximately 80–90mm, it feels noticeably less bulky than a traditional dreadnought and allows the guitar to sit closer to your body whether you're playing seated or standing.

An Easy Transition From Electric Guitar

The 634mm scale length and 43mm nut width help create a familiar, accessible feel for players accustomed to electric guitars. Combined with the cutaway body, the APX600 makes chords, melodic playing and movement into the upper register feel natural.

Designed Around Amplified Performance

The APX600 isn't simply an acoustic guitar with a pickup added afterwards. Its design has long centred on stage use, making it particularly well suited to musicians who expect to plug directly into an acoustic amplifier, PA system, mixer or recording equipment.

Practical Onboard Tone Control

Yamaha's SYSTEM65 preamp gives you volume plus bass, middle and treble EQ, together with adjustable mid-frequency control. That gives you useful control over your amplified tone before the signal even reaches the mixing desk.

Built-In Tuner

An integrated tuner makes quick tuning checks straightforward during rehearsals and gigs, reducing the need for an additional clip-on tuner when you're already plugged in.

Yamaha APX600 MKII vs Popular Alternatives

Yamaha APX600 MKII vs Yamaha CPX600

The Yamaha CPX600 uses a larger body and is the stronger choice for players wanting greater traditional acoustic projection. The APX600 is better suited to musicians prioritising a slimmer feel, reduced body depth and stage-friendly comfort.

Yamaha APX600 MKII vs Yamaha APX700II

The APX700II moves further up Yamaha's APX family with a solid spruce top and upgraded electronics. It makes sense for players prepared to spend more for a more premium specification, while the APX600 remains a strong-value choice for everyday gigging and amplified acoustic playing.

Yamaha APX600 MKII vs Ibanez AEG50

The Ibanez AEG50 follows a similar thin-body electro-acoustic philosophy and is another option worth considering for electric guitarists moving into acoustic playing. The Yamaha stands out with its familiar APX format and practical SYSTEM65 EQ layout.

Yamaha APX600 MKII vs Fender CC-60SCE

The Fender CC-60SCE follows a more traditional concert-style acoustic approach and will appeal to players who place greater emphasis on conventional unplugged acoustic response. The Yamaha is better suited to those who specifically want a shallow body and a performance-focused electro-acoustic design.

Who Is The Yamaha APX600 MKII For?

The APX600 MKII is particularly well suited to:

• Singer-songwriters performing through a PA
• Electric guitarists buying their first electro-acoustic
• Gigging guitarists switching between electric and acoustic instruments
• Players who find full-depth acoustics uncomfortable
• Contemporary acoustic players who use the upper register
• Home musicians wanting both unplugged practice and amplified capability
• Worship, function and cover-band guitarists
• Players looking for a comfortable Yamaha electro-acoustic without moving into premium price territory

If maximum unplugged bass response and acoustic projection are your main priorities, a larger-bodied acoustic may be a better fit. If comfort, amplification and playability matter more, the APX format is particularly strong.

Suitable Genres And Applications

The Yamaha APX600 MKII works particularly well for pop, acoustic rock, indie, folk, contemporary country, singer-songwriter music, worship and live cover performances.

Its controlled body dimensions also make it useful in full-band arrangements where a large, bass-heavy acoustic can sometimes occupy too much space in a mix. The onboard EQ allows further adjustment when working with different PA systems, amplifiers and venues.

It is equally useful at home. You can practise acoustically without connecting any equipment, then plug into an acoustic amplifier, audio interface or PA when you need more volume or want to record.

Why Choose A Thin-Body Electro-Acoustic Guitar?

A thin-body electro-acoustic is primarily about balancing comfort and amplified performance.

Larger acoustic guitars naturally move more air and can offer greater unplugged volume, but many players don't need maximum acoustic projection once a pickup and PA system become part of the setup. A shallow body is easier to hold, particularly during longer performances, while still retaining the familiar response and character of an acoustic guitar.

For players who spend most of their time plugged in, the APX600's design makes a great deal of practical sense.

Looking for advice on choosing the right electro-acoustic guitar, acoustic amplifier or live setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Yamaha introduced the APX concept in 1987, developing a style of electro-acoustic guitar specifically around the requirements of musicians performing at stage volume.

The distinctive thin body, cutaway design and oval soundhole helped differentiate the APX from conventional acoustic guitars. Rather than focusing purely on maximum unplugged projection, Yamaha concentrated on playability, comfort and amplified performance.

Later APX600 development retained that philosophy while introducing a 634mm scale length, narrower string spacing and revised non-scalloped X-type bracing.

That heritage explains why the APX remains so recognisable today. It is an acoustic design aimed squarely at players who expect their guitar to work just as comfortably through a PA as it does around the house.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Body Shape	APX thin-line cutaway
Scale Length	634mm / 25"
Body Length	490mm
Total Length	1022mm
Body Width	384mm
Body Depth	80–90mm
Nut Width	43mm
String Spacing	10mm
Top Material	Spruce
Back Material	Locally sourced tonewood
Side Material	Locally sourced tonewood
Neck Material	Locally sourced tonewood
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	R400mm
Bridge	Rosewood
Nut Material	Urea
Saddle Material	Urea
Bridge Pins	Black ABS with white dot
Tuners	Die-cast chrome TM29T
Body Binding	Ivory and black
Soundhole Inlay	ABS and abalone
Body Finish	Gloss
Bracing	Non-scalloped X-type
Pickup	Yamaha SRT piezo
Preamp	Yamaha SYSTEM65
Controls	Volume, 3-band EQ, Mid Frequency, tuner
Output	Line Out
Standard String Gauges	.012 / .016 / .024 / .032 / .042 / .053

Specification Note

Fair Deal Music uses the Yamaha APX600 MKII product name supplied for this listing. Yamaha's current technical documentation identifies the corresponding platform as APX600, so the specifications above follow the verified APX600 specification rather than introducing unsupported MKII-specific differences.

Power Requirements

The Yamaha SYSTEM65 electronics require 2 x AA batteries.

Battery power is required for the onboard pickup system, preamp, EQ and tuner when using the guitar amplified.

The guitar can still be played acoustically without batteries.

A standard 1/4-inch instrument connection allows the APX600 MKII to connect to compatible acoustic amplifiers, PA systems, DI boxes, mixers and audio interfaces.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

Acoustic Guitar Amplifier

Pair the APX600 with a dedicated acoustic amplifier when you want a portable rehearsal, home or small-gig setup with controls specifically voiced for acoustic instruments.

PA System or DI Box

For live performance, the guitar can form part of a conventional PA setup. A suitable DI box or acoustic preamp can provide additional signal control where required.

Audio Interface

The onboard output can connect to a suitable audio interface for recording demos, songwriting sessions and direct acoustic tracks.

Protective Case or Gig Bag

A suitable case or padded gig bag is a worthwhile addition if the guitar will regularly travel between rehearsals, lessons and performances.

Quality Instrument Cable

A reliable instrument cable is essential for getting the best from the APX600's onboard electronics and avoiding unnecessary noise or intermittent connections on stage.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Yamaha APX600 remains a particularly easy electro-acoustic to recommend when comfort and amplified performance are high on the shopping list. Its shallow body is much less cumbersome than many traditional acoustics, while the SYSTEM65 electronics provide the practical controls needed for real-world stage use.

Best suited for: Live players, singer-songwriters, electric guitarists moving into acoustic and musicians who prefer a slim-body instrument.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level acoustic guitars or basic acoustics without built-in electronics.

Most commonly paired with: An acoustic amplifier or PA setup, quality instrument cable and suitable protective case or gig bag.

Our tip: If most of your acoustic playing will be amplified, don't choose purely on unplugged volume. Comfort, pickup performance and how easily the guitar fits into your live setup can be far more important.

Showroom feedback: The APX body shape consistently makes sense for players who find conventional full-depth acoustics cumbersome. Electric guitarists in particular tend to feel at home with its compact dimensions and stage-oriented design.

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.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps customers choose instruments and equipment based on what genuinely suits their needs. Whether you're buying your first electro-acoustic, preparing for live performances or upgrading an existing guitar, we're here to offer practical advice before and after your purchase.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience
• A large Birmingham showroom
• Extensive experience with guitars, amplification and live-performance equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yamaha APX600 MKII suitable as a first electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes. Its slim body and accessible dimensions make it especially appealing to developing players who find larger acoustic guitars uncomfortable. The onboard electronics also mean you won't immediately need to upgrade when you start performing or recording.

Can I use the Yamaha APX600 MKII for recording?

Yes. You can record the guitar acoustically with microphones, use its direct pickup output with a suitable audio interface, or combine both methods. A microphone generally captures more of the guitar's natural acoustic character, while the pickup provides a convenient direct signal.

How does the adjustable Mid Frequency control help on stage?

It allows you to select which area of the midrange is affected by the mid EQ control. This is useful when trying to reduce boxiness, improve clarity or find a better place for the guitar within a full-band mix.

Will a thin-body acoustic feed back less on stage?

Its compact body can make an instrument easier to manage in amplified situations, but feedback depends on several factors including stage volume, monitor position, EQ and speaker placement. Good gain structure and sensible positioning remain important with any electro-acoustic guitar.

What string gauge does the Yamaha APX600 use?

The standard specification uses a .012–.053 acoustic string set. Players can choose different gauges according to preference, although changing significantly from the factory gauge can alter tension and may require setup adjustment.

Can I plug the APX600 MKII into a normal electric guitar amplifier?

It will produce sound through a conventional electric guitar amplifier, but an acoustic amplifier, PA system or suitable full-range setup will usually reproduce the instrument more naturally because electric guitar amplifiers intentionally colour the signal.

Is the Yamaha APX600 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes. The comfortable body and responsive playing feel work well for contemporary fingerstyle and singer-songwriter techniques. Players who specifically want a very wide fingerstyle nut may prefer a more traditionally proportioned acoustic, as the APX uses a 43mm nut.

How often should the batteries be replaced?

Battery life depends on usage. Keeping fresh AA batteries available is sensible for live work, and unplugging the instrument when it isn't being amplified helps avoid unnecessary battery drain.