GSWJ - JP Reviews the Yamaha LL 16 D Black
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- čas přidán 5. 02. 2023
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Love to all. - Hudba
I just bought one sight unseen online. It came today and it did not disappoint! It’s big and boomy and it’s so beautiful. First black acoustic for me. Love it!
Just bought a six month year old one.
Im glad I did. Its now my open mic guitar!
Yamaha makes such an incredible sounding instrument!!!! This guitar says it all!! Just beyond what a guitar sounds like!!
Well well! This was the one you were talking about to me today! Great to meet you and talking nerd stuff! Safe travels! 😊🤘🏻
Your passion is wonderful and inspiring. Thank you for these videos. I'll be a member soon.
Big Yamaha fan here. I have an LL6 in black and its a cannon as well. I love these guitars.
Played an LL6 at my Local L and M that blew every guitar in the room out of the water besides one D-18, ordered it in black which I normally wouldn’t do sight unseen but I trust Yamaha so much I’d be willing to bet it will be just as good or better as the one I played in store. Congrats on your purchase they are amazing.
Love these reviews!
Perfect guitar and such a great guitar demo! You sir are a great guitarist.
WOW! I think that is probably the best sounding guitar I ever heard - and that's even just through computer speakers. I want one! Thanks for the review.
Sounds awesome JP! Love Yamahas! 😎🎶
This, in natural color, is my dream guitar, one day I'll buy my Yamaha LL16D
Wow, great review and awesome playing. This guitar is now on my short list. Thanks, peace and love from the Philippines
Hi JP. After watching some of your videos I got hooked on Yamaha guitars. I first bought an A3ARE and though I liked it a lot it was a bit anaemic. I then tried the Smaller AC3ARE and it simply blew the dreadnought away which I thought was really strange given its smaller body. Next up was a nylon strung, then an LLTA Transacoustic that is one of the best sounding acoustics I’ve heard. A pure canon and then adding the Transacoustic effects you have something unique. The A3ARE got traded today in part exchange for an LSTA. Another canon like the AC3. I have 3 Taylors and they are superb guitars but the Yamahas give them a run for their money any day of the week for less than half the cost. The Taylor ES2 pickup is excellent when set up correctly and is better than the Yamaha pickups. If Yamaha get the pickups right they will be unbeatable.
I love my Yamaha LL-16D. It’s a natural top though. JP I even think I emailed you pics of it back about a year ago. Has a gorgeous back on it. Thanks for the video!
I love my black, LL16D ARE. Mine has a black Tusq nut, black Tusq bridge saddle, and black Tusq bridge pins. Great review, JP! You inspire me to play, as does this wonderful instrument!
Do the TUSQ bridge pins fit out of the box or did you have to do any sanding?
Awesome JP
Nice guitar JP thanks for the review...
I learned to play during the pandimic and its one of the most relaxing things to do. I have cases but never use them and have my guitars out an arm's length away at all times.
Watch your humidity.
Just stopped by GC and they had the LL16D in sunburst and it was amazing. I just ordered the black one.
Great review
Well to add to the “lore” in 1987 I walked into a guitar shop in Florida and they showed me a 1987 25th anniversary edition Takamine limited edition guitar that is painted white with gold trim. I took it home and still own it today. It is special especially plugged in where they put 6 transducers inside, two of which capture body tone. I will own it until I die. I am looking at this Yamaha or the inspired by Gibson J-45 as a companion to that one. I really appreciate your help with narrowing down the choices. I love that you seek alternatives to big names. I also own a G&L ASAT Special which costs way less than a Fender but I think is better.
😂😂😂 thank you for making me laugh 😂😂😂 you actually took the words out my mouth in the intro 👍🏻👊🏻😂
Love the channel John keep up the good work , when I first played my Yamaha I thought it sounded as good as a top end Martin if not better .
Amazing sound from the yamaha
Beautiful tone. There's a second-hand one of these in my local music store; guess who's going to be checking it out next time they go to buy new strings?
Great Review! Thanks
This guitar vibrates as you play it..its so responsive and resonate
I own a Yamaha FG365s dreadnought that I have had for 44 years recently I had the action lowered by a luthier who shaved the ebony bridge I got a bone nut fitted and a bone bridge and bell brass pins. The guitar resonates and sustains for ever its so loud and sounds beautiful .🤩👍
Great stuff from Yamaha John... Greetings from Poland! Thanx🔥🎸🍀🇵🇱👊
Pozdrawiam ze Szkocji
This guitar sounds excellent and for the price it's a steal! Great demo JP! ~Billy
A steal, a steal.... dont think do
John - You make every guitar sound fantastic. You and your talents are a gift from the almighty. Thank you for sharing the gifts God gave you. He has blessed you and we praise him.
That guitar should have Steinway on the headstock😮
Deep piano bass, mids and treble.
Thank you JP, these yamaha LL16 reviews swayed my decision on buying my LL6 A.R.E, and its absolutely blown me away. I cant afford the LL16 but after playing this i can say with 100% confidence that my next guitar will be a LL16 (In black)
I have a Taylor 214cek and thats been my gigging workhorse for 2 years its doing me very well. But after buying this as a backup, im blown away. Unplugged, i prefer the Yamaha hands down, even the neck right out of the box, ive not needed my guitar guy to touch it at all! ive not gigged plugged yet (i am tonight) but if it goes well this will at least play half my gigs if not become my main. Even if not ill replace the electrics and Then itll earn me enough money to buy the upgrade!
Always come to your channel for reviews even if it's out of curiosity your my go to!
Cheers for the content
🍻 🎸
Cosmic greetings back atcha!! Awesome review as usual…no more easy payments…lol
Mine just cleared customs in NY and is on the way. I hope it sounds as good as that one. This demo is making me very excited I didn't know you were doing this. Thanks for this Buddy. You kick ass.
Hi Mitch! Could you please let me know what you think of yours when you play it for a few days. Thanks so much in advance for a reply. 🌠🌅🌌☘️👍🏻
@@listairgin I'm planning an unboxing a studio video like I did for the LL16D. Maybe even a short doing a comparison of the LL16D and the LL56.
@@mitchmalloy3468 Thanks for the reply, have you already done a video for the LL16 D ?
@@listairgin Are you following me here? Yes..
@@listairgin czcams.com/video/cH4KilsR-zc/video.html
Sounds like a Grand Piano!
Awesome👍
John, I love your videos. I actually bought an Epiphone Texan on your recommendation. Love it. Play it everyday. This might one of your best videos. It’s true, it doesn’t matter where your talent level is…..just play. Btw, I’m going to own a Yamy LL16 D one of these days!
I have the less-ornamented LL-16, which is still a gorgeous instrument, and sounds great. I plan on replacing the tuners which don’t match the ones on my FSX5. Otherwise, I couldn’t be happier.
Got home from ordering a ll16m saw this video could totally relate as I've played a couple black acoustic guitar and had the same experience.
So rang up and changed my order to the ll16d in black 😂😅
I have seen quite a few painted guitars in my life and if there was any kind of chip/dent that revealed the wood under the varnish, the wood was always "natural". So it seems that manufacturers don't typically stain wood, but rather add some pigment to the coating. Right now I have a Canadian made black Godin before my eyes with a little chip at the back and certainly the wood wasn't stained there.
I believe the ARE (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) table processing helps with the sound as well , a great guitar
They are great guitars. I’ve got one in sunburst and it plays amazing! I’d love to play one in black to compare the sound.
I'm curious about the black one now too. Also curious about the difference between a LL16D and LL16.. i've got a LL-TA that is nothing short of amazing, but it makes me wonder how much better it could get
Bought an ll6 years ago..also vety loud and incredible for the price.
I found a LL6 M ARE on the used market. I should be receiving it next week. My FG830 is fantastic. I am sold on Yamaha.
I believe the reason that black guitar has the sound your talking about is the Rosewood coupled with the fact the finish on the top may be harder than regular finishes so the top would be stiffer and vibrate better and give better volume.
Interesting you say that about painted guitars. While I dont have the experience to really compare guitars on that level, I did notice that effect when Inused to make custom billiard cues. When Id test them before dyeing/finish, they would be noticeably dull. After putting in some dye and clear coat, it would come alive. It would sojnd crisper, and definitely resonate more. I think it likely help to focuse the sound through the sound hole, rather than escape through the pores of the wood.
I'm always thinking about buying this one because it's so fairly priced
I've had this guitar for two years, comparing it to the frend guitar LL16 natural. In my opinion and my frend my black have sound magical. I recommend !!!
Love mine I bought used with upgraded nut, saddle, Tuners and Black or clear pick guard can't tell. I have a friend with a nice D28 and always plays my Yamaha when he can. Call mine Johnny. Thanks for the Video. BTW I use Monel retro strings from Martin seems like a touch more definition.
Almost bought one of these on Reverb, but got a good deal on an Epi IBG Hummingbird in natural and went for it... also a nice guitar.
how do you like it??
Nice. 🖤🖤🖤
Just that opening made it worth a like. My D41 Ambertone sounds different than any other Martin I've ever played. It is special. I don't know how much of a factor the color is but it makes me weep.
thats a great guitar had it in sunburst
Dammmm I want that LL16D 🤯
God damn! I sounds kind of like a Martin ? And your playing is WOW!
I totally believed that story about colored guitars, especially after I got my sunburst Eastman E40OM-SB. I had this theory about the extra layers of paint and stain plus the weight of the abalone inlays, then, a year later, I bought an Eastman E8OM with a natural finish. Even though the E40OM-SB has an Adirondack top while the E8OM is Sitka, if you were blindfolded you would be hard pressed to tell which guitar was in your hands. And yet still, I play differently with the sunburst guitar. It just wants to rock. In my case, I now believe that the two guitars trigger different emotions. That Yamaha LL 16 D sounds incredible and proves that Japan knows how to build dreadnoughts with luscious bass and tone. Those strings look silver in the video. Do you mind if I ask what kind they are?
And what if he minds?
They're monel / nickel bronze / alluminum bronze.
The guitar sounds realy nice. And indeed a little different than the other yamahas you showed on the channel. Offcorse each guitar is different. Would be interesting to hear a second black one if it sounds the same. This one sound realy full and not boomy at all. Realy pleasing. Thanx keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands
Hey 👋 Jack your intro made laugh out loud 🤣 I'm thinking 🤔 about this guitar your the Man I go to when learning about guitars your knowledge is greatly appreciated . GOD Almighty bless you 🙌 .
I got my LL16D in natural. Love it. You also convinced me to get a Yamaha FG3. Enough! Lol
I do have an Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-45 ME EB. It is black and has a tone to die for. I agree the black makes a difference. Better than a long scale Epi AJ-500MNS I gladly moved on.
I've just got a Yamaha Transacoustic, Black with a cutaway, as black always sounds loudest. Love it.
What model numbers are cut away new to Yamaha...want one of those with 1.75 nut
FGC-TA@@ShawnGilbert1967
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments...yes I love Yamaha guitars however I have not owned or played this model....not sure if I can purchase in Australia.... cheers 🦘🦘😀
I have the FS 820 in black with cream binding, and I love her!
Incidentally, Harley riders often claim "black is the fastest colour", so you may be on to something?
Hello I commented before I have the LL16D in natural and the LL16-12 and for Christmas my wife got me a dDangelico Excel Tammany OM that has the auburn finish another nice guitar
First off awesome videos,second thank you I went on a mission to find and try this guitar and of course brought it home, these guitars are absolutely amazing, and last but not least my wife would like you to start reviewing some not so good guitars hahaha ( I got to play a Boucher today and wow amazing) keep up the good work
I’d like to see him review some lesser guitars too. Some Seagulls or even Yamaha FG series would be interesting.
Thanks JP, I enjoyed this video. Just for the fun of thinking up another theory, here’s one that a guitar maker could quickly debunk. Say you are building a guitar and selecting the wood. Some wood looks better and some sounds better. Which one will you use to put color on? Of course the wood that doesn’t look as good. Maybe those not as nice of looking wood pieces have a slightly better sound.
I don't believe that to be the case, because that would basically mean that "any slab of tone wood that is not as pretty as the others will automatically have better tone and/or resonance". Another point to consider is that while each species of HAND SELECTED tone wood certainly have very similar tonal characteristics, the fact remains that NO TWO examples will sound identical. I think JP may be onto something with his theory: that some kind of treatment or preparation has to be done to the wood in order to accept the paint so that it doesn't clog up the pores in the wood, thereby changing the tone somehow. As a lifelong highly seasoned guitarist myself ( both electric and especially acoustic ), this topic is a "thorn in my side" personally, because I have this thing about black guitars: I don't like them. And this is coming from an absolute tone monger: I love tone over appearance, I would much rather own a used fairly beat up guitar with great tone vs a brand new one that doesn't sing as well........except when it comes to black guitars, lol. But hey, that's the problem I have to deal with myself........to each his own. Besides: other than maybe a dud or two here and there, all of the LL 16D guitars have fantastic tone & projection. I have yet to find a review from anyone, including master luthiers who haven't heaped much praise onto the LL 16D. I'm so impressed, I plan on buying one for myself REAL soon...........just not a black one, lol.
I used to play an old (2006) cheap (£139) Black Washburn for teaching back in the day, and it got a lot of playing, so was well played in, but it was always louder than the natural finish washburns that I came across. I think the finish was thinner maybe.
I own several bursts guitars and I think you're onto something. My natural spruces sound different
I just got one of these and the thing is so neck heavy that it neck dives straight down no matter whether you are sitting, or playing with a strap. Needs to be supported ALL the time
Maybe you should do a little weight training, especially for your arms area! I'm a 6'1 guy, 235 lb, and i don't have any issue with that!😂😂
Woouw sound
I recently bought an LL16 TA which is an LL16 with the transacoustic fairies living inside. I could talk for days about it, but suffice to say, if you love guitar, just try one - you will not be disappointed!
The fret and bridge are listed as being ebony as well! My favourite kind of fretboard! Something I would only expect on higher priced guitars. This little guitar is definitely a ‘sleeper’
I have the black and natural. Natural has ebony fretboard but black has rosewood. At least mine does. Both were purchased new last year.
@@laikainspace1 thank you for the heads up
All of the LL 16 D's ( regardless of finish ) come with an ebony fingerboard and bridge. Oddly, none of them come with scalloped bracing, they are straight bars that are only tapered toward each end to fit under the kurfeling. ( Am I spelling "kurfeling" correctly? Probably not, lol. ) Some luthiers claim that UN-scalloped bracing on certain guitars using good, solid tone woods gives the instrument more punch in the mid's and high's. It definitely makes the instrument less prone to warping over the long haul. From what I've seen & heard from various guitarists & luthiers alike, they all give high praise to the LL 16 D in any finish. Lots of great tone, volume, even bling ( REAL abalone everywhere ) for the buck. All of this causes me to want one for myself.
I agree with the coloring idea. I’ve played some cheaper guitars and especially black ones sounded dead. Maybe those are just straight paint. Yours sounds amazing !
I love you. You are so much fun. I have an LL26 on order ( thanks to you) and I'm gnawing at the bit waiting for it. I got paid a year in advance for two guitar students ( thanks to the Catholic Church ). That's how I got the money for it. Oh ya, life it good. I've been a Martin fan my whole life but I have sold more than half of them due to short comings such as intonation. I am an avid bicyclist. I used to clip in but I've since realized that platform pedals and upright handle bars are no less slower than all this garbage they people. If you want to ride up hill and improve your time then get in better shape. Yamaha guitars don't put money into cheesy marketing ads and slick glossy magazines. They build great guitars and let them speak for themselves. Buying a Yamaha guitar instead of a Collings, Martin ect is like giving up my clip in pedals on my bike and realizing money doesn't necessarily get you a better guitar ( or get you up the hill faster ) It's like a sign of maturity. I can't wait for some of my folk and bluegrass buddies to hear and play it and say WTF!
Believe the LORE !😊😊😊😊
I wonder if the tone softens because of the paint coating. I guess the truth is...its magic.
Hi JP, as a lefty I'm "stuck" with a bog standard LL16L (for lefty, of course).. Your reviews helped me over the edge and buying a +1K guitar.. for basically a rank amateur. It's a real pity that Yamaha makes so few left-handed versions.. I'd love a 12 string Yamaha.. and this D model is simply divine to look at.. Checked through the comments, and seems like there's quite a few lefties out there buying Yamaha's.. Maybe.. just maybe.. they should be offering us more models and choice! Thanks again for your energizing review.
How does this beauty compare to the FGX5 that you reviewed recently and also highly recommended? @J.P. Cormier would you mind making a video on comparing those models? Did anyone else compare them?
I would also be very interested to hear
Thinking the same👍
I would also be interested in comparing the smaller body sizes (OM size) to the dreads in the same category, i.e. FSX5 vs FGX5 and LL16 vs LS16. Hopefully J.P. Cormier will read this :)
John, maybe recommend between this and the FGX5 for finger picking, Folk and bluegrass.
I really want one of these... and to be truthful I'd want one in black and one in sunburst... you know... for alternate tunings.. :)
I've been fooling around with guitars since 1967 and one thing that I have learned is that all this stuff we talk about is subjective. We create the world with our minds so my world is different to yours and vice versa. We need to stop splitting hairs and just play our guitars.Also I hate matte finishes. However your views on practice are spot on, playing our guitars shouldn't be a chore they should be something we do to wash away all the stress and troubles of our day. God bless you John you've re-ignited my passion for guitars and that's a big deal for a seventy year old man.
That one does sound great, but I could not get myself to buy a solid rosewood back and sides with a nice spruce top, and never get to see it.
The finish has to be like glass, meaning PERFECT, with black especially, everything shows up after clearcoats. I've sprayed Steinway pianos and other concert pianos in the past, you can't hide any flaws, everything becomes visible over time. So it makes sense that the tops may have a more perfect surface before lacquer, giving a different transfer tone and harmonics. FWIW
That’s a fascinating perspective. Especially as one would think it’s just the opposite. Like “this top looks bad so let’s paint it”. And today because of JPs video is the first time I’ve ever heard of this black is better thing. I’ve always wanted a black acoustic that’s good enough to tour with and I’ve been Burchette’s first endorser since he started but he will not make me a black one. I used to tour with my Olson but I stopped doing that and Washburn gave me their big Les paul looking plug in acoustic but it wasn’t actually an acoustic and therefore didn’t sound like an acoustic..
But it looked like a black les paul and that doesn’t suck. But this crushes it. Sounds great and looks great. :)
Yeah. The black color in the paint tames any shrillness out of the highs and the chemical viscosity of the improves the harness without interfering with vibration allowing more projection. It's science... If you want a should warmer sound, with a little more shimmer in the highs you can use really dark brown instead...
I believe the paint increases the stiffness and this way affects the resonance.
I have one...and I will never sell it...its an awesome acoustic...a truly awesome crafted acoustic
I had a black Guild same.
You should get your hands on an eastman dreadnought! Lovely guitars and an absolute bargain. I played a load of high end martins, all above 4000$ and was left a little unimpressed. Picked up an Eastman that was less than half the price and it blew my socks of. Really great sound, comfortable to play just a real joy. It seems people put a lot of value in the martin sound, but I've only ever played a handful of martins that had "that sound"
@JPCormier I'd love to hear your perspective on the LL16 vs the FG3 or FG5 red label. You have played so many I'd love to hear your comparison!
Thanks JP..you've made me appreciate my LL 16 even more than I thought possible. It was the first guitar that I bought as Lefty player, and even though I have a few more of other brands, none sound as good or as beautiful when played. Someone mentioned it should say Steinway on the head stock, and I agree. Like everyone who plays guitar, I never miss an opportunity to visit music stores when I can and to try out other brands, problem is I've realized none sound demonstrably better than the Yamaha. Great video! Cheers. M.
Do you have the LL16D or the normal LL16?
@@ShaneO-nm2hhJust the normal Yamaha LL16…I don’t know if they made a lefty in Black.
@@miker5502 ok awesome. Thanks for the reply. I just made the decision to purchase one online and ordered 5mins ago. My local store doesn’t have stock. So can’t play in hand. And had to purchase online. But have had a quick play on a LL16D a while back in a store and was really impressed. I’m guessing the only difference is the extra inlay around the binding? But wasn’t sure if there was a quality control difference between the LL16D & LL16.
@@ShaneO-nm2hh I know you'll be impressed when is arrives..punches way above it’s price point. Cheers Mike.
@@miker5502 that’s great to hear. Shows up tomorrow so pretty excited to start playing. My current acoustic has seen better days. I played the D model in-store and was completely amazed at the sound feel and quality, especially for the price. Went back a week later to purchase it and it was long sold. So been eager on one for a while now. I just purchased the standard model as the extra inlay doesn’t really excite me to much.
Heres a thought on the black guitar, Maybe the some of the sound waves are be being reflected back into the guitar and going through the clear coating of the other.
I bought a black Estaban a while ago same thing was a cannon.
I own one and FG5 , Yamaha is unmatched bang for the buck
Jean Larrivee also stated that they didn't want to make any more black guitars because of the amount of extra work involved in getting a perfect color/finish
I have the LL16/12. It is fantastic, beautiful sounding and LOUD. It makes me want to buy the black LL16D hoping that lightning will strike twice and I'll get one as nice as my 12 string. This is even after I bought a Yamaha AC5R, a nice instrument but not the LL16. I would not have minded if they showed of the back of the 5 piece neck. I keep playing this video figuring that you will make the sale to me for Sweetwater.
PS bought one, Loud as hell. A little brash in comparison to my other Yamaha though the brass bridge end pins may have contributed to the brightness. Don't let me put you off I do not regret it.I had my local luthier set it up and its fantastic.
So , you're off to Can. Tire tomorrow to pick up a couple cans of spray lacquer (black ) . You know , for Robins guitars .LOL
I've been hacking away on a FG335SB for 30 years and based on your reviews went out an got a LL16 - just blown away. Still like my FG but the LL16 is dynamite.......as Yamahas are....
In canada, that guitar comes with elixir phosphor bronze light strings(12-53)....
John is Canadian.
I just picked up an LL16D. Only thing I have to complain about is a mild "dead spot" 12th fret on the low e. just doesn't quite ring out like everywhere else on the guitar, but looking at getting bone or tusq nut and saddle / a high quality setup to really lock this thing in. It's incredible already i can't put it down can't wait for those little tweaks to really make it a forever piece in my collection
get a fret level
HI! Thanks for your videos!! What brand of strings do you use on this Yamaha? And in general, what strings do you recommend for a big, full-bodied sound? on my black Yamaha ll16d I noticed that the sound really changes a lot by changing the strings.
Bought the LL16 w mahogany sides and back about 4 years ago as a floor model for 600 bucks. Best damn 600 bucks ive ever spent!!
Seems like they're finally getting their due as I've stumbled across many videos expounding their virtues as of late. My only fear is that Yamaha will be jacking up prices as the secret gets out. The Trans acoustic version looks reeeeeal sweet....
great vid
I bought an LL16 some years ago
I have 4 Yamaha guitars now
I have an ailing Martin 00028 which is 4x the cost
binding issues are constant
sounds great bro
sonic / acoustic set up
please expand ??