NAMM: Yamaha Adds to AES Guitar Line

AES720

AES920

Yamaha Guitars expands on the AES Series with the Winter NAMM introduction of three new models, developed in conjunction with Yamaha Guitar Development, Yamaha's U.S. custom shop and artist center. Available in March, the Yamaha AES420, AES720 and AES920 electrics join the line.

The AES420 (MSRP $599) is an introduction to the Yamaha AES line. It features a solid Mahogany body and set Mahogany neck with a Rosewood fingerboard. Electronics include Yamaha pickups, master volume and tone knobs, plus a 3-way toggle EQ switch. Other design elements include dot inlays, die-cast tuners and chrome hardware. Color options include black or red metallic.

The AES720 (MSRP $999) has a solid body and a fast, set-in neck constructed of Mahogany, plus a Rosewood fingerboard. Onboard electronics include Grover tuners, DiMarzio custom neck and bridge pickups with separate volume controls, a master tone control and 3-way EQ switch. The appearance of the AES720 is what sets it apart from other models in the line--metallic finishes with a unique black center, high-tech black anodized hardware and a distinctive AES bridge and tailpiece.

The AES920 (MSRP $1,999) blends the vintage with the modern, with a solid Maple body, African Mahogany top and quilted Maple body veneer. The set-in, 24 3/4-in. scale African Mahogany neck features a Rosewood fingerboard with Abalone dot inlays and white position markers. A Yamaha original bridge and AES tailpiece, nickel hardware, die-cast tuners and the choice of Natural or warm Honeyburst top finishes complete the look. The electronics of the AES920 consist of Duncan '59 neck and bridge pickups with nickel plated covers and separate volume controls, plus master tone and a 3-way EQ toggle switch.