New Yamaha AEX Series Thinline Guitars

AEX 500N

January 28, 1999 -- Never 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.