I know...but honestly the chorus effect on it convinced me. It does sound like a 12 string and honestly could be a really good use for the guitar, especially for players who can't afford to get another instrument.
@@rolland890 Yeah that is fair though I took him not mentioning the sound quality of the guitar without the effects to mean that it sounded normal for an acoustic of the price.
Yamaha has stepped up their game with their acoustics Y'all, I own an FG TA and without the effects, it's just as good or better than any $1K+ guitars. I own many acoustic guitars and the Yammy gets played a lot, with and without the TransAcoustic option turned on. I wouldn't have believed it until I heard it for myself... I'm going to buy a LL TA next, which is the Dreadnaught size of the L-Series line, he's playing the concert/audit size L-Series (LS-TA).
Jeremy C Barnhart see the thing about that one is that has a more noticable pickup which kinda ruins the whole "magical" feel of having fx out of nowhere
I've had 12 top Martins and 3 top Taylor's over the years. I got one of these today and had the saddle changed out for a bone and bone pins. This guitar alone is easily equal to any of my prior guitars. But the hall effect is completely intoxicating and addicting I can't turn it off. I no longer play just a few songs. I'll play for hours. This is one home run by Yamaha
Agree Lee. I looked at many Martins and Taylor’s. Ended up with this beauty. Funny part is I didn’t even know it had the built in effects I was just in love with look and sound of the acoustic as is. The built in effects just put this over the top. For the price, it’s more than you could ever want.
@@rafamericano The amazing luthier I have access to did indeed improve the shear output of the lower registers considerably adding the bone saddle and pins. I use exclusively Martin's coated light gauge strings and the sustain is insanely long. The hall reverb is flat out addicting.
@@RyanAnthony1987 My Taylors / Breedlove haven't left their cases since I got a LL-TA. People need to stop sleeping on Yamaha because they've heard a $150 pawnshop special
I could definitely argue both sides of the 'futuristic enhancement vs gimmick/losing heart of acoustics' battle but the great thing is that you can just CHOOSE when you want whichever option! If you can't be bothered bringing cords, go for it. If you want raw, then flick it off. easy :)
Michael Sean Yeah music is art. There is no right or wrong. If you want to mix digital with analogue or if you want the tone wet or dry it doesn't matter. It's about finding what you want in the song you're creating. This is just another tool for creating. :)
People used to say the same thing about reverb, distortion, or even electric instruments like the electric guitar, or the Fender Rhodes piano. They said this about organs when those were first introduced. If you went back a couple centuries, some even said the acoustic guitar was just a gimmick. There are people out there who still say these things today about all that I mentioned too. People always have had such unfounded biases, and for whatever reason feel threatened by new things that pose no threat to anyone. Like how most people used to literally be afraid of gay people, and although that's no longer true in general, it is true today about transgender people, even to the point where they are murdered for being different. If there is any loss of heart at all, it's coming from those who live in such absurd fear, and those who are even weaker still who promote such biases even unto the point of violence and war. Yea, that's a _touch_ dramatic I admit, lols. But it makes the point too clear for any reasonable individual to ignore. As long as no one is getting hurt by something, it's wisest to embrace diversity.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 way to bring cancerous 'diversity' religion in to a music discussion. no, people aren't 'scared' of trans people. no one cares if you think you are a man or a woman or whatever , just get on with your lives. people are just sick of the alphabet cult ideology, constantly forced false narratives like 'diversity is strength', which is objectively isn't, based on all available data.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 " As long as no one is getting hurt by something, it's wisest to embrace diversity."... hurt, like children being given life-destroying puberty blockers, and cancer-causing hormones? or discrimination in job hiring, based purely on genitals and skin colour? stop spreading the your regressive cancer on a music channel or regular, sane people.
@@rroman3891 Buddy, I didn't figure this would be so negative. Really, bringing an acoustic guitar to a camping trip, even around a fire, isn't going to completely destroy it. Proper care is needed all the time. If you're doing that, it wouldn't mind that trip in the least, and you'd have a great instrument to play there. Really, loosen up some, guy. Enjoy some things.
I‘ve had the LS-TA since 2018 and I can honestly say this guitar totally multiplied my passion for playing acoustics. It connects the chords as if you’ve had a lush piano sustain pedal, and it just fills you up with inspiration to play more and more. I love it. ❤️
@@rogerdalton6728 I've played it live many times and the pickup sounds great. The FX are working the same when it's plugged in which is convenient. I mostly use the hall reverb, (small amount) and sometimes a hint of chorus - as it gives it that shininess you have when you put new strings on.
I played it for an hour at a guitar store. I fell in love right away. Everything about it sounded great and felt great. The touch was perfect, action not too high, not too low. The effects were just perfect and even without the effects, the guitar sounded much better than the other baby Taylor and Little Martin guitars next to it. I tended to overlook Yamaha guitars, but after playing with this one for just about an hour, I really changed my mind.
The whole point is the great sounds without the hassle of all the cords and the lugging of amps. Definitely worth it if you want to play without using the effects. Its the same great pure, direct sounding guitar.
"... great sounds without the hassle of all the cords and the lugging of amps". That's what my hope was, but i'm not getting that ability to transfer the sound to the stage witout loss of quality from this video.
@@partner348 you can still plug it into an amp and have the effects if youd like. Not sure if you were asking a question or commenting on the crappy audio. Lol
I mean, of course it sounds "fake" and "gimmicky" but that absolutely doesn't mean bad. I think it's a lovely thing, and the chorus in particular is as close to a 12-string as I've seen that effect get.
How does it sound fake or gimmicky? I mean, if you want to say that, then adding effects on a pedal board or in the studio are also fake. As for gimmicky, that's just an opinion, and I could say the same thing again: if this is gimmicky, then effects on a pedal board and in the studio are gimmicky. In fact, that is *exactly* what people used to say about them back in the day, and some still do. You could say the same about gain and reverb in an amp.
you can't expect it to sound like a 50 w dedicated amp you know, for something this portable id say it is acceptable. His skills definitely adds on to it
I learned about this guitar from watching this video, then watched a bunch of other reviews and purchased it online without having played it. I wanted a nice second acoustic in the house for when I'm having my daughter or another guitarist over. Also I figured this could be nice for those "entertaining at the campfire" type situations. But being pretty much (and atypically, I guess) a "one guitar kind of guy" I honestly did not expect this to become my go-to acoustic, dethroning my beloved R. Taylor custom shop in the process. But still, that is what happened. And it's not because the Yamaha sounds or plays better. I sincerely doubt that - to my ears and fingers at least, thus highly subjective - a better sounding and playing guitar exists in the world than my prized R. Taylor. But the Yamaha sounds _very_ good in it's own right, it plays really well, the build quaity and workmanship leaves absolutely nothing to be desired - and (especially in the sunburst edition) it is a real looker. So it easily ticked all the boxes I needed for a "second guitar". But the Transacoustic feature really makes a difference. In all fairness, no youtube video I heard does justice to it. In real life, the effects blend so naturally with the original sound of the guitar, especially at more moderate settings, and the fact that it does not "emit" from a single point source but radiates from the entire body of the guitar is something you just have to experience. As the player, but also through the reactions of the people that listen to you play. But still I would argue it is not the sound by itself that makes me pick up this guitar 9 times out of 10 when I play these days. It is the effect that it has on me as a player. I turn it on and it's like I was riding my bike on a road that is slightly uphill, and suddenly it changes so that it's slightly downhill. Everything I play becomes a bit easier, I automatically start to pay more attention to my phrasing and articulation. I get more creative when writing my own tunes, had songs coming back to me that I literally hadn't played in years (not to say decades). I have even given myself goosebumps a few times while playing, something I get all the time when listening to music but rarely, if ever, when playing myself. Sure, when I mike the R. Taylor up just right, and apply some studio level effects to the signal path, the sound I get can't be beaten (again, to my ears at least). But most of my playing happens either on the couch or at the proverbial campfire, and in these settings the added "inspiration" is VERY addictive.
I bought it based on this vid and other reviews too without having played it. I agree on every point. The effects are enchanting. Sometimes I almost get emotional playing it, haha, and it really motivates me. Not one day has passed where I haven’t picked it up. Did you adjust the setup / action? The factory action feels kinda high. Also what strings do you prefer on it, I’ve been experimenting a little but I like best the ones that came with it. I now wish I got it in sunburst haha
you should check out ToneWood Amps. It uses technology that is similar to the Yamaha guitar, except tonewood is a module that you attach to an existing guitar with a magnetic brace. If you already have a pickup in the Taylor, then you can use a tonewood to get some effects on it. If you dont have a pickup, then you can get a bundle that tonewood sells that includes the amp and a soundhole pickup for your guitar.
Probably the most accurate review of this guitar I’ve come across. I have an FG TA model - bit less expensive with solid top but laminate back and sides. It’s my go to couch guitar - and I say that not to minimize it in anyway. I have some beautiful guitars- a Martin, Taylor and Eastman- but it is this Yamaha TA that gets the most attention at the house because of the very reasons stated in this review- creativity and fun abounds when you switch on the TA effects. Buy one. Play it. Get lost musically in it. Repeat.
I think this should be though of more as like a songwriting tool. A dry acoustic can be a little uninspiring sometimes. This seems like it would be a good fit for songwriters coming up with ideas.
Agreed. I use an external effects device (Tonewood), and having reverb/delay/chorus/tremolo/etc available on an acoustic guitar opens up a lot of possibilities. When you play an instrument for a long time, having more sounds to play around with helps on the creative front and opens up new veins to mine.
If money is no object. At the very least, you are spending money you could be keeping, or applying elsewhere. Not an argument against buying it, per se . . . but you can't realistically say 'it makes no difference' because they're not giving it away free.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 obviously if your buying that guitar it's because you're interested in that feature......I think he was simply saying you don't have to have it on all the time. You can turn it off if you want to just enjoy the normal acoustics. Assuming the guitar also sounds good without the effects.
Any device effect that puts meaningful expression in the hands of the musician, real-time, is a progression of the art and not merely a gimmick. It doesn't matter if guitarists were looking for it before the fact; when they have found something expressive they won't let it go.
I now play with a tonewood, and I feel the same way. There's no downside. Am I dependent on it now? Probably. But reverb sounds cool, and that won't change. So who cares? If I had a big resonant sound chamber as a music room, I'd forgo the need for rechargeable batteries and play in there. I don't have that room, so it's rechargeable batteries for me.
This reminds me of a guitar that I saw some years ago (‘60s-‘70s) which had a hollow neck so that a set of strings could run inside from the head to the base of the soundbox. These strings were tuned to vibrate sympathetically with each note of the scale (same principle as the sitar.) There was also a lever to dampen them if the player wanted a normal guitar sound. The designer-maker was demonstrating it at some sort of festival in Northern California. I’ve forgotten his name and I have never seen a guitar like that since.
I think it is a tool for variety. It is good when it's on. It is good when it's off so it's player's choice. We left the "pure acoustic" guitar when we added a jack in the butt end and plugged it into an amp. We change strings for a different sound, we try different tunings... why not other tools?
Hi Paul, I've had this guitar for a number of years. It's lovely and lots of fun, especially for finger picking. The reverb makes my little room feel like a hall. I don't usually turn it up to max or it sounds a bit over the top. Just a touch is enough!
Necessity isn't really what I care about when it comes to music. Does it sound good? Yes! Is it fun to play guitars with effects? Yep! Thats all I need to know
Does it sound good? no is it fun to play guitars with effects? Yep! but sparingly to work effectively. Acoustic instruments are designed to produce a natural reverberant sound that's what they do. Chorus ? that was hammered in the 80's where it should remain!
@@melkerclaesson6570 To be fair Paul does say towards the end that it's fun and that that will make it a worthwhile product for some people. I think he was just talking through the different ways of thinking about it, but he seems to be saying that if it floats your boat then fill your boots!
Played one of these when they where brand new, was jamming out at my local music store in the Acoustic room & I legit had like 5 dudes standing around me in disbelief how good the guitar sounded. They obviously had no idea what the transacoustics was. So all this volume, bass, reverb and chorus oozing from the guitar was pretty astonishing to them
At the beginning it is hard to imagine that this is the real sound of the guitar, it really looks like sorcery ! But I find the result nice, the guitar is pretty and it remains practical! It's cool to present unusual instruments, nice video!
I really like the idea of having some reverb or delay and chorus in an acoustic guitar. It very well could change how not only street musicians perform but the singer songwriter that performs in a coffee shop or bistro or even a professional musician. No pedals to lug around, cables to untangle...some dreams do come true! 😉
Argiel Sasil Not really. A guy on a street corner is super exposed and vulnerable, performance-wise. Without effects the guitar playing has to just be great on its own. Reverb covers up a lot of sloppiness and just generally makes things sound a bit better automatically so there's obviously the ability for it to elevate the playing of acoustic players who aren't lugging around an amp and pedal board every time they jam. And, as the previous commentator said, there's nothing inherently wrong about that.
@@iy42 There's another thing: a guy is playing nearby but he's not very good at it. I'd rather there be some effects to mask the blunders if I have to listen to it
This is NOT A gimmick. Who cares if we're spoiling ourselves. That thing sounds like an acoustic run through effects perfectly in a studio. I'm a guy who has played more on stage alone with my acoustic than any other way. This thing has limitless possibilities for guys like me. Imagine having those sounds available at a campsite, beach, backporch or simply singing to a woman. This is a must have.
Technology is never harmful to music. Have you listenened to The Cars? They used to say during interviews that they always bought the lastests innovations even if they used them very briefly. They sound fresh even today.
@@prosnake2005 Yes...I'm a child of the 80's. Loved The Cars. I actually went to Summer Camp with Rick's son. I didn't know that but now that you mention it..you're right. They always did have a tech infused sound. Cool factoid! Thanks.
I don’t understand. Usually people who sing on stage they put a reverb on all sound. How will it sound that a guitar has an effect and your voice doesn’t? I mean it’s good for finger style but your voice may be kinda lost under sounded guitar?
@@RobM1606 I never "needed" any of my gear, but if that mentality prevailed I'd still be playing a Rogue strat through the bundled 10 watt combo. Spending money on musical gear is never a waste if it inspires you to play more and try new things.
Dude... the guitar work is absolutely stunning, the effects are outstanding, and every video I've ever seen of yours shows how truly passionate you are about your craft. I hope you never stop making these.
@@brendanshepherd4386 My absolute favorite is Tommy Emmanuel. And old school Don Ross. But also Sungha Jung, Kent Nishimura, Andy McKee (check out the song 'Rylynn"), Luca Stricagnoli, Alexandr Misko, Ulli Boeggerhausen, Alip Ba Ta, Mike Dawes, Gabriella Quevedo ... and many more ;) Choose wisely, haha. Nah, all great ones, depending on what style you prefer and what everyone is superb at. Tommy, Sungha and Andy are my personal top 3 in this order - extra plus, they compose many songs themselves, which is different skill on itself. Enjoy them all, they are great guitarists :)
@@geetjuhhisdebeste I love Tommy Emmanuel too. Thanks also from me for the list. If I may add Molly Tuttle to the list. Her bluegrass playing blows me away. All the best
Slick move, “Leave a comment underneath the LIKE button...” subliminal. Well played. I do think it sounds badass and liked the video. You win again Paul!
The fact that you said when you are recording you ALWAYS add a little bit of reverb pretty much sells it. Plus there's delay, chorus, it's a pretty versatile thing to have when sitting by a campfire without dragging along a whole effects chain and amp. Definitely one of the coolest inventions in guitars lately.
I like it. You can get that “playing in the shower” sound but on the back deck or the beach which has absolutely no reverb. It is inspiring to have a little reverb.
That looks like a great extension of the core concept of an acoustic guitar. It is portable, the effect comes straight out of the soundbox and it is very complementary to the songs that acoustic guitars play really well already.
i have this guitar, bought it when it was first released to retailers and i got my local stores first one. I love this guitar and it was one 9f my best buys, i do have a martin that i played even more than this. I still pick up this guitar and play when i just want to play sime warm ans calming music. I to reccomend this Yamaha trans-acoustic guitar.
I have the base model around $650 when I bought it and frankly I was pretty impressed overall with the guitar. The action was excellent, the sound was great even without effects. With the effects it just makes playing that much more enjoyable. Which to me is the biggest thing the guitar just sounds so good that it makes playing that much more enjoyable. I have a lot of guitar players in my family and there hasn't been one who's played it and went "meh" and I'm talking a family of current and former professional musicians. I just about have to get out a prybar to get it back from them. I mean I can literally set it down, walk out of the room and come back to find somebody playing it. When you have a room full of guitars that range in price from $400 - $12,000 and everyone gravitates towards a $650 Yamaha I think that says a lot.
I think that definitely enhanced the sound. I get it when people say “why fix it if it ain’t broke?” But we also have to accept the fact that change will come and some for the worse and some for the better. If something like this makes you feel good then it’s worth it in my book.
An artist should never be ashamed of the tools they want to use to tell their story. Use what you can to express your sound the way you hear it in your head. The unaltered acoustic is lovely - but not necessarily required or holy. But yeah, obviously on the practical side a professional wouldn't need it because there are better ways to get that sound in that context assuming access to those tools. Sounds great though Edit: CHRIST it's a $1100+
@@phutureproof False. Art is a free zone of expression and nobody holds the keys to the gates and therefore none can gatekeep. Go make your own album with your unaltered singing voice. Literally. Go make art instead of trying to shame people in exactly opposing spirit to what I said. Be better.
Funny story about this guitar, saw it on a wall at a local shop, picked it up and played for a few minutes and just loved how it played, the sound and projection of it, besides looking like a great acoustic guitar. I saw the price and thought yeah, it definitely warrants the price. Only later I found out the TA system and what it does and that was a big welcome surprise! Long story short I would’ve got it even if it didn’t have the effects!
I had that idea 6 years ago - built a small amp with a surface transducer to resonate the body of my acoustic. It does need to be done digitally though - I had a terrible time avoiding feedback.
We sold a ton of these to Singer/Songwriters and Troubadours etc in the store i worked in, it's ideal for the player who works weddings, birthdays and resturants. You just show up with your guitar and can avoid the dry/stale sound of inhouse old pa systems, the effects works just as good if you plug it in and no extra gear is needed. It blew my mind when the national Yamaha dealer visited with 3 Yamaha JPN reps who sat us down and said try this.
Maybe...even hopefully, but I don't really see the sound being reproduced through a chord in the case of this particular ware, as it is coming from the sound hole. Miked maybe, but that just reintroduces all the old issues that acoustics present. Just have to get one from GC if they have them and try it with the 90 day return policy, or any store with at least a wees worth of return policy should be enough to know, I guess. Or, I may cull it in the store. Exciting idea though.
@@partner348 The onboard effects works through the endpin jack aswell, it's basicly a pickup+preamp with reverb/chorus then. You can ofc turn down the levels of both effects and only use the pickup if you prefer.
I've got the LL-TA (very similar to this one) for over a year now. It' really awesome. I enjoy playing accoustic so much more since I've got it. It just feels so much more smooth.
I have the larger guitar like this and I absolutely love it/ the only thing is set the timer: because it’s easy to get lost in the music vortex, and lose ALL track of time.😊🎉
I think this is a huge step forward for just getting more effects that we use all the time and sounds that we want to hear especially for people who have limited recording budgets will have limited resources on pedals and post editing stuff like that.but they still want to use these effects are buskers for instance would love to have less gear to carry around. Giving them more time and energy focusing on the parts of their performance that they want to and need instead of all the extra bells and whistles. I think more options is always better. if people choose to use these things instead of hard practicing and getting better at each note they're constantly practicing with the reverb on so they don't hear they're missing notes Etc. then that's on the player to actually hard practice without the effects Etc to make themselves better if they choose not to do that that's really on the person not the instrument.
Seems quite an interesting concept. When I play my friend’s Gibson songwriter deluxe it sounds so good the way it is, that it is hard to imagine adding these electronics to such a lovely instrument. Maybe makes more sense for a less expensive guitar?
When I play and people ask what kind of guitar were you playing it sounds great then I feel I have used the right amount of effects. If they ask what chorus pedal are you using I feel I’ve gone to far. Paul your playing and teaching is great .thank you.
Paul: "It's definitely not for professionals or studio musicians" Me, a crappy guitarist who only plays on the couch for fun: "Well I guess I don't need this then."
I'm a professional performer for over 40 years. From working private parties, to bars, clubs, auditoriums, theatres, festivals, etc... Getting paid as little as $50 to as much as $2,000 per engagement. Depending upon the situation, about $350 on average. I'm interested in this guitar. I'll be testing one as soon as I can get into a music store.
@@MultiAxisDiscipline do you use a drum machine or a backing track of some kind?My story is similar to yours but I've never used anything more than an amp and PA
@@jojomama4787 When playing solo gigs, I have tried using a drum machine about 20 years ago, it was a Boss DR-5. It was an experiment that I did not continue. Didn't feel right, or maybe I just didn't reach a skill level with it to feel comfortable. Never tried using backing tracks. I felt too restricted to playing exactly along, and it removed any possible spontaneity that I might want to explore. I use a looper for some material, at some times. It's a bit restrictive, but not hardly as much as the drum machine, or backing tracks. I play keys, bass, harmonica, and guitars, so I can arrange some "somewhat spontaneous" accompaniment from various sources, angles. Oh, I also use a Bigfoot stomp pedal for a bit of low end thump, and an old, metal bodied tambourine is on the floor ready for my left foot as well, and that's all in real time of course. But for about half of my solo gigs, it's totally unelectrified, non amplified, no PA. Just my voice and acoustic instruments. When playing in combos, bands, and theatre shows, I'm a band member, and front man at times, so it's a much more satisfying result, usually.
Still Kickin' Band Georgian Bay look into the Tone Wood amp. It’s the greatest guitar invention I didn’t know I needed. It provides me with constant inspiration.
I was thinking, and as he eluded to, you're exactly the person that needs -- well, might WANT this -- this, especially if money is no object. For me, it would cut down on a lot of aggravation if I could get this sound out of it on stage, which I am doubting.
Way back in the early 1990's I saw Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell and John Mc Laughlin in a very intimate setting (they were in town for that Friday Night In San Francisco super trio) demoing a little gadget (no batteries required) that clipped onto their acoustic guitars and it added a reverb to the acoustic sound. Very similar to this. It didn't take off and I can't remember what that product was called. I remember John Mc Laughlin making everyone laugh by saying that it "gives you that bathroom sound, anywhere".
I've still got an Aspri mechanical reverb. Don't use it much as it is a bit of a process to install, and uninstall. It does mess up the intonation of the guitar a small amount as well, but it can sound pretty interesting.
I have a Tonewood Amp.. that can do this to any of my acoustic guitars, except for the ones with F holes! It is pretty and helps you to get creative! Nice video man!
I’ve never been more impressed by the sound of a guitar until I’ve played one of those Yamaha TransAcoustics. Made me feel like I was playing in a live stadium
I'm not a musician, and Im watching on my phone, but that sounds incredible. Will rewatch this at my desk with some decent cans, just to check. But wow.
add more for softer songs, less for louder type songs, chorus for certain songs and bonus.... you can always turn it down or off if it doesn't suit the song.
My wife and i walked into a guitar store in New Zealand today looking for a new acoustic to take on our travels and the guys at the store let her play every guitar in the place and i asked the guys what this trans acoustic guitar is hanging in the corner.... Thats a whole other story they said. So long story short she played it for an hour or so and then we took it home. Its such a wonderful thing when you are totally surprised by a guitar you never saw coming....the effects are lovely to hear in person and fill a room with colour and life. Its not so loud you cant sing over it and it still sounds great when played over an acoustic amplifier. We love it!
This could be used for people performing in small room venues. As you said it's not meant for large events, but somewhere that you wouldnt need to use an amp.
I did not find this true to what I heard Paul playing with it. The guitar will sound exactly how the player plays it, and how the balance, and depth of effects are proportioned.
True, but he soaked the effects. It really doesn't make sense to use the effects as heavily as he is in this example. If you just run the reverb at 10-20% you get a fuller / richer sound that you can definitely sing on top of
I don't mind being conservative with my guitar takes, but this time I'm wholeheartedly in favor. If you like these effects added to recordings, why wouldn't you wanna hear them live while you're playing yourself? Isn't actually hearing some cool sounds some of the best parts of playing the guitar?
I've had mine for two years plus and I wouldn't be without it - the great thing is you don't need an amp. Paul was using a lot of reverb which I never use but I do really like playing with the chorus on and yes it does sound like a 12 string. That said after 2 years mine is playing beautifully just acoustically ❤️
I would add that my main guitar for over 30 years has been a Takamini enc40, a beautiful guitar great sound and well built but i have to say that the Yamaha is better. Build quality etc is far superior and i think if the Yamaha had a Martin name on the headstock it would have cost me the thick end of 3k instead of just shy of a grand
@@MattH-wg7ou It's comical. I've told a fellow guitar enthusiast about my LL-TA and he completely dismissed it because he has seen some of the pawn store $100 Yamahas. I have a handful of "high end" acoustics that the LL-TA blows out of the water, but try conveying that to someone who thinks all Yamaha guitars are garbage
This is like what the Tonewood Amp was going for but for an external unit. This is pretty cool for a guitar. You should check out the Tonewood if you have not already, a lot more settings on there.
I own 2... love them both! When plugged in they blow people away and my band loves the sound! I might add that these guitars play very very well and are a top quality instrument. They run about $1000 with the case... get one...you will not be able to put it down...and the best part is how it inspires you to write also!!
Got one in Sunburst just because of this video. Looks and sounds absolutely INCREDIBLE! It’s so great in person this video almost does the guitar no justice. But as always, great vid 👍
My bandmate got one of those built in-fx guitars. Good choice for him, he's a youth worker and often plays alone just to accompany himself and small groups of people. No need for a PA system and it sounds good. I'm in a similar occupation part time, but since I got several thousands invested in pedals and closer to twenty guitars, I don't feel like I need one of those... I usually just bring a small amp or just go full acoustic. My friend is happy though, he's more of a singer than a guitarist, so he isn't very enthusiastic about practising and that guitar can make simple things sound fantastic. Only downside is that those eat up batteries more than a simple preamp. But there certainly is good uses for guitars like that.
I have owned an LL-TA for about 6 months. The most expensive guitar I have ever owned, and I am delighted with it. I like the versatility of being able to play dry or with a mix of the effects, depending whether I am accompanying myself or someone else. I jus wish it wasn't quite so heavy to carry......
This is exactly like when people started selling acoustic guitars with microphones inside. They have their uses but a company will still sell the same guittar to a purist, without the microphone. This guitar has it's uses. I would likely use it whenever I'm not on stage or in a studio. Which is all the time, in my case. Yes. I would love to have one of these!
Well reverb for recordings are because you’ll want to simulate a different room than the actual recording is done in. So having reverb in the acoustic is just like that simulation of a different room than you’re actually playing in. Sitting outside makes the reverb pleasant. Playing in a large concert hall makes the reverb ridiculous. So it’s totally up to where you’d primarily use the guitar 🎸
The acoustic guitar is perhaps the most personal of instruments. Its sound, often considered too quite for orchestrated pieces, is perfect for playing, using either only your hands or a pick, capo, perhaps a slide. It is almost as much pet as it is instrument. As your skills as a player progress, so does the sound of the guitar. It is a truly remarkable journey. I agree, it can never be replaced.
This is the Tonewood amp idea, that moves/fits with the guitar. Interesting it’s the same effects - hall, plate, chorus and Tone wood has a great Leslie, tremolo, autowah, and more
Previous commenter is correct. However it's worth checking out The Beginning by Gary Go. This is is what hit my mind when he started playing that part.
In my opinion, it's a nice feature, sound is quite good. This "gimmick" will not "replace" anything, as you asked at the end, because you can still choose to play it dry. So, for me, it's a nice addition and would love to see (hear) this more in future. Now I'm interested on how this actually works.
That is the most amazing thing I have ever heard. I have the Yamaha Silent guitar, which is my favorite instrument of all. THIS is just crazy. Like you said, what kind of sorcery is this? lol I will own one of these. As soon as I can go back to work and earn the money to buy it...
Just keep practicing and trying new things, breaking up monotony as much as possible. Patiently drill at least 90 Minutes Per Day, with the focus upon building greater and greater ease, simplicity, vocabulary, clarity, accuracy, and timing. In about six to eighteen months, if you patiently stick to it, you'll be astounded at your growth. The Slower you go, the Faster you'll grow. Every guitarist goes through this.
And to give you another bit of a boost, that noodling he was doing around the 5 minute mark was the E Minor Harmonic. Find that modal pattern across the entire fretboard, DRILL that into your cerebellum, and you'll probably start to freak yourself out a bit at how good your playing *magically* somehow sounds in only a couple of months.
I’ve played both this and the dreadnought version of this guitar at guitar center and trust me, in person they sound incredible. It does not sound cheap or gimmicky at all. The sound fills the room and it tricks you into thinking that sound is coming elsewhere than just from the sound hole of the guitar it’s really wild! Honestly this would be a super neat guitar to have in your collection, it immediately triggers a burst inspiration and creativity when you hear the sound it puts out.
I love the guitar itself: the woods, colour and especially the shape. Yamaha make some great high quality guitars and have always produced something that is very different to the 'norm' (I was trying to find an Ovation nylon string but couldn't find one so I bought one of the first APX-6N in the 80's - because I needed a nylon sound guitar with a p/up.. this was completely different to a traditional classical guitar: the body was a different shape, slightly shallow in depth, neck joint at 14th fret, fretboard radiused with electronics... any played so comfortably.. my only 'gripe' was that there wasn't a cut-away version available) Sorry to drabble on... great vid! Keep up the great work Paul. P.s. I don't think many other manufacturers will do the same thing.
I had one of these in my home for a few weeks. I've never played acoustic so much. I couldn't put it down. It is 100% the guitar I would buy if and when I buy an acoustic. Only question is which model Transacoustic it would be.
I believe that this new Yamaha guitar design is a really cool innovation that will stick around for a long time and also be a fore front to other guitar makers. As Paul demonstrates, it offers some beautiful enhanced sounds and can be played totally with any other electronics plugged in to it to achieve these amazing sounds, . I already own a Yamaha A3M, which I love, but this Yamaha LS-TA offers another set of dimensions to escape to one sitting of your creativity, that you don't need to plug it into an amp to get the effects heard. You can play it anywhere without dragging along any other gadgets to get that beautiful set of sounds somewhere in your Zen garden. Thank you much Paul for showing us this guitar.
I got one of those over a year ago (the jumbo one), I love it!! Although, I usually don't turn the effects up all the way. Also, it was like $1000 for a Rosewood guitar! With effects! Hard to beat I would say. (And built in pickup). All I need now is to sound as good as Paul! LOL. I signed up for NEXT LEVEL, so hopefully someday. Keep up the great work Paul!
I have one of these and I never thought I would use the effects... I was so wrong. Great playing, great feeling instrument and the effects are really just a bonus.
@@thdremily My thoughts exactly. Maybe they saw the potential market for a guitar with those effects built in after seeing the success of the TWA. Though with the TWA you can adapt to pretty much ANY acoustic guitar which means you get the specific core sound of that guitar but slightly amplified and with effects. And I believe it's much more usable in a recording scenario with it's range of settings and preferences. I feel like I'm advertising it ahaha but that's how I feel...
RUclips recommended this to me AGAIN, and I was like "wait a moment... this is already liked. I already commented? I don't remember... but hey, I got to feel like I experienced it for the first time twice~
I have the LS-TA and the CG-TA. They are fantastic. The LS-TA is my first steel-string since high school, I have only played classical, and usually can't play steels. I have no trouble with this one.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Paul: *Gets new studio*
Also Paul: Starts filming outside
EpicMarshm4llow best yet
Greenscreen for sure
It’s to emphasize it’s not plugged in... subtle, eh?
Happy earth day!! 😀😀
Lmao
I was surprised. It didn't sound cheesy, it sounded pretty good.
I know...but honestly the chorus effect on it convinced me. It does sound like a 12 string and honestly could be a really good use for the guitar, especially for players who can't afford to get another instrument.
@@karateman302 exactly, it really did scream practicality - although, to be fair, I didn't check the price 😂
@@rolland890 Yeah that is fair though I took him not mentioning the sound quality of the guitar without the effects to mean that it sounded normal for an acoustic of the price.
Yamaha has stepped up their game with their acoustics Y'all, I own an FG TA and without the effects, it's just as good or better than any $1K+ guitars. I own many acoustic guitars and the Yammy gets played a lot, with and without the TransAcoustic option turned on. I wouldn't have believed it until I heard it for myself... I'm going to buy a LL TA next, which is the Dreadnaught size of the L-Series line, he's playing the concert/audit size L-Series (LS-TA).
@@DerekCosgrove I don't think they've stepped up their acoustic guitars, because they've *always been* great.
This could be a game changer for street musicians
Checkout the KEPMA ACOUSTIFLEX GO.
I'll be ordering mine in a few weeks.
Excellent.
(Better than Tonewood, IMO)
I doubt it.
good point
Jeremy C Barnhart see the thing about that one is that has a more noticable pickup which kinda ruins the whole "magical" feel of having fx out of nowhere
When was the last time you saw a professional street musician who wasn't connected up to an amp?
I've had 12 top Martins and 3 top Taylor's over the years. I got one of these today and had the saddle changed out for a bone and bone pins. This guitar alone is easily equal to any of my prior guitars. But the hall effect is completely intoxicating and addicting I can't turn it off. I no longer play just a few songs. I'll play for hours. This is one home run by Yamaha
Agree Lee. I looked at many Martins and Taylor’s. Ended up with this beauty. Funny part is I didn’t even know it had the built in effects I was just in love with look and sound of the acoustic as is. The built in effects just put this over the top. For the price, it’s more than you could ever want.
Did the saddle and pin replacement have a big effect on the tone?
I totaly agree man!
@@rafamericano The amazing luthier I have access to did indeed improve the shear output of the lower registers considerably adding the bone saddle and pins. I use exclusively Martin's coated light gauge strings and the sustain is insanely long. The hall reverb is flat out addicting.
@@RyanAnthony1987 My Taylors / Breedlove haven't left their cases since I got a LL-TA. People need to stop sleeping on Yamaha because they've heard a $150 pawnshop special
I could definitely argue both sides of the 'futuristic enhancement vs gimmick/losing heart of acoustics' battle but the great thing is that you can just CHOOSE when you want whichever option! If you can't be bothered bringing cords, go for it. If you want raw, then flick it off. easy :)
My thoughts exactly!
Michael Sean Yeah music is art. There is no right or wrong. If you want to mix digital with analogue or if you want the tone wet or dry it doesn't matter. It's about finding what you want in the song you're creating. This is just another tool for creating. :)
People used to say the same thing about reverb, distortion, or even electric instruments like the electric guitar, or the Fender Rhodes piano. They said this about organs when those were first introduced. If you went back a couple centuries, some even said the acoustic guitar was just a gimmick. There are people out there who still say these things today about all that I mentioned too.
People always have had such unfounded biases, and for whatever reason feel threatened by new things that pose no threat to anyone. Like how most people used to literally be afraid of gay people, and although that's no longer true in general, it is true today about transgender people, even to the point where they are murdered for being different.
If there is any loss of heart at all, it's coming from those who live in such absurd fear, and those who are even weaker still who promote such biases even unto the point of violence and war. Yea, that's a _touch_ dramatic I admit, lols. But it makes the point too clear for any reasonable individual to ignore.
As long as no one is getting hurt by something, it's wisest to embrace diversity.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 way to bring cancerous 'diversity' religion in to a music discussion. no, people aren't 'scared' of trans people. no one cares if you think you are a man or a woman or whatever , just get on with your lives. people are just sick of the alphabet cult ideology, constantly forced false narratives like 'diversity is strength', which is objectively isn't, based on all available data.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 " As long as no one is getting hurt by something, it's wisest to embrace diversity."... hurt, like children being given life-destroying puberty blockers, and cancer-causing hormones? or discrimination in job hiring, based purely on genitals and skin colour? stop spreading the your regressive cancer on a music channel or regular, sane people.
Pretty cool that you can have these effects around the campfire without lugging around a gang of equipment.
@@rroman3891 Ah come on, I didn't mean IN a campfire, just at one. Even a $1000 guitar deserves a camping trip.
@@rroman3891 Buddy, I didn't figure this would be so negative. Really, bringing an acoustic guitar to a camping trip, even around a fire, isn't going to completely destroy it. Proper care is needed all the time. If you're doing that, it wouldn't mind that trip in the least, and you'd have a great instrument to play there. Really, loosen up some, guy. Enjoy some things.
fuck yeh mike tell him!
pretty sure a camping trip isn't a camping trip without a guitar
@@youdisgustme919 Just took a 25 year old $100 fender acoustic to a campfire. 3 days. Wish I had these effects there.
I‘ve had the LS-TA since 2018 and I can honestly say this guitar totally multiplied my passion for playing acoustics. It connects the chords as if you’ve had a lush piano sustain pedal, and it just fills you up with inspiration to play more and more. I love it. ❤️
Cooper - Guitar Songs Masters I agree, I picked it up in a guitar store and couldn’t believe it. (Never heard of internal reverbs before)
Do you use mostly the reverb or the chorus? And how does it sound plugged?
@@rogerdalton6728 I've played it live many times and the pickup sounds great. The FX are working the same when it's plugged in which is convenient. I mostly use the hall reverb, (small amount) and sometimes a hint of chorus - as it gives it that shininess you have when you put new strings on.
I have the nylon string version - I love it, but I'm not a fan of the chorus effect, it sounds very artificial. The reverb is lovely though.
Same here ^^
I played it for an hour at a guitar store. I fell in love right away. Everything about it sounded great and felt great. The touch was perfect, action not too high, not too low. The effects were just perfect and even without the effects, the guitar sounded much better than the other baby Taylor and Little Martin guitars next to it. I tended to overlook Yamaha guitars, but after playing with this one for just about an hour, I really changed my mind.
Guitar name please 🙏
What was the price of this guitar?
@@ashishashish6360YAMAHA LS-TA
@@ashishashish6360 Yamaha LL-TA
The whole point is the great sounds without the hassle of all the cords and the lugging of amps. Definitely worth it if you want to play without using the effects. Its the same great pure, direct sounding guitar.
"... great sounds without the hassle of all the cords and the lugging of amps". That's what my hope was, but i'm not getting that ability to transfer the sound to the stage witout loss of quality from this video.
@@partner348 you can still plug it into an amp and have the effects if youd like. Not sure if you were asking a question or commenting on the crappy audio. Lol
I mean, of course it sounds "fake" and "gimmicky" but that absolutely doesn't mean bad. I think it's a lovely thing, and the chorus in particular is as close to a 12-string as I've seen that effect get.
In the same sense that those effects sound fake and gimmicky in production/mixing. I think Yamaha nailed it.
I DEMAND A HUGE SPRING INSIDE THE GUITAR TO GET THAT JUICY REAL TONE NOW
lol
How does it sound fake or gimmicky? I mean, if you want to say that, then adding effects on a pedal board or in the studio are also fake. As for gimmicky, that's just an opinion, and I could say the same thing again: if this is gimmicky, then effects on a pedal board and in the studio are gimmicky. In fact, that is *exactly* what people used to say about them back in the day, and some still do. You could say the same about gain and reverb in an amp.
you can't expect it to sound like a 50 w dedicated amp you know, for something this portable id say it is acceptable. His skills definitely adds on to it
Yes, that chorus actually sounds nice!
Can’t wait to see people play Wonderwall with reverb during parties
I want to get this modification added to my 12 string so I can play wonderwall at parties
😂😂😂
$20 and I'll play wonderwall anywhere. 😂
please for the love of hendrix... no more wonderwall
Like you get invited to parties
I learned about this guitar from watching this video, then watched a bunch of other reviews and purchased it online without having played it. I wanted a nice second acoustic in the house for when I'm having my daughter or another guitarist over. Also I figured this could be nice for those "entertaining at the campfire" type situations. But being pretty much (and atypically, I guess) a "one guitar kind of guy" I honestly did not expect this to become my go-to acoustic, dethroning my beloved R. Taylor custom shop in the process.
But still, that is what happened. And it's not because the Yamaha sounds or plays better. I sincerely doubt that - to my ears and fingers at least, thus highly subjective - a better sounding and playing guitar exists in the world than my prized R. Taylor. But the Yamaha sounds _very_ good in it's own right, it plays really well, the build quaity and workmanship leaves absolutely nothing to be desired - and (especially in the sunburst edition) it is a real looker. So it easily ticked all the boxes I needed for a "second guitar".
But the Transacoustic feature really makes a difference. In all fairness, no youtube video I heard does justice to it. In real life, the effects blend so naturally with the original sound of the guitar, especially at more moderate settings, and the fact that it does not "emit" from a single point source but radiates from the entire body of the guitar is something you just have to experience. As the player, but also through the reactions of the people that listen to you play.
But still I would argue it is not the sound by itself that makes me pick up this guitar 9 times out of 10 when I play these days. It is the effect that it has on me as a player. I turn it on and it's like I was riding my bike on a road that is slightly uphill, and suddenly it changes so that it's slightly downhill. Everything I play becomes a bit easier, I automatically start to pay more attention to my phrasing and articulation. I get more creative when writing my own tunes, had songs coming back to me that I literally hadn't played in years (not to say decades). I have even given myself goosebumps a few times while playing, something I get all the time when listening to music but rarely, if ever, when playing myself.
Sure, when I mike the R. Taylor up just right, and apply some studio level effects to the signal path, the sound I get can't be beaten (again, to my ears at least). But most of my playing happens either on the couch or at the proverbial campfire, and in these settings the added "inspiration" is VERY addictive.
I bought it based on this vid and other reviews too without having played it. I agree on every point. The effects are enchanting. Sometimes I almost get emotional playing it, haha, and it really motivates me. Not one day has passed where I haven’t picked it up.
Did you adjust the setup / action? The factory action feels kinda high. Also what strings do you prefer on it, I’ve been experimenting a little but I like best the ones that came with it.
I now wish I got it in sunburst haha
That's a lovely review - thank you. I would love one of these.
It stings when you give them the money, but when I get a box from Yamaha I forget about the price pretty quickly.
you should check out ToneWood Amps. It uses technology that is similar to the Yamaha guitar, except tonewood is a module that you attach to an existing guitar with a magnetic brace. If you already have a pickup in the Taylor, then you can use a tonewood to get some effects on it. If you dont have a pickup, then you can get a bundle that tonewood sells that includes the amp and a soundhole pickup for your guitar.
Probably the most accurate review of this guitar I’ve come across. I have an FG TA model - bit less expensive with solid top but laminate back and sides. It’s my go to couch guitar - and I say that not to minimize it in anyway. I have some beautiful guitars- a Martin, Taylor and Eastman- but it is this Yamaha TA that gets the most attention at the house because of the very reasons stated in this review- creativity and fun abounds when you switch on the TA effects. Buy one. Play it. Get lost musically in it. Repeat.
I think this should be though of more as like a songwriting tool. A dry acoustic can be a little uninspiring sometimes. This seems like it would be a good fit for songwriters coming up with ideas.
Well tought. Agreed.
Agreed. I use an external effects device (Tonewood), and having reverb/delay/chorus/tremolo/etc available on an acoustic guitar opens up a lot of possibilities. When you play an instrument for a long time, having more sounds to play around with helps on the creative front and opens up new veins to mine.
Hey try writing by playing an electric guitar acoustically. I LOVE it
@@jadotmoosman4136 EXACTLY. I have a TWA also, it is an inspiration machine!
Went looking for a comment that said this, so I could just like it.
It can be turned off - If the guitar in itself is good, the extra isn’t a negative even if you don’t like it. But I quite liked some of it at least
Thats soo true I actually like it a lot
@@vladymartinez1232 I tried it, it's awesome
Exactly
If money is no object. At the very least, you are spending money you could be keeping, or applying elsewhere. Not an argument against buying it, per se . . . but you can't realistically say 'it makes no difference' because they're not giving it away free.
@@davidkulmaczewski4911 obviously if your buying that guitar it's because you're interested in that feature......I think he was simply saying you don't have to have it on all the time. You can turn it off if you want to just enjoy the normal acoustics. Assuming the guitar also sounds good without the effects.
Any device effect that puts meaningful expression in the hands of the musician, real-time, is a progression of the art and not merely a gimmick. It doesn't matter if guitarists were looking for it before the fact; when they have found something expressive they won't let it go.
Well said. 👍
Your response sums it up nicely!
Well said indeed.
It only a matter of time some mysician is inspired by this and creates something beautiful and new with this.
I now play with a tonewood, and I feel the same way. There's no downside. Am I dependent on it now? Probably. But reverb sounds cool, and that won't change. So who cares? If I had a big resonant sound chamber as a music room, I'd forgo the need for rechargeable batteries and play in there. I don't have that room, so it's rechargeable batteries for me.
This reminds me of a guitar that I saw some years ago (‘60s-‘70s) which had a hollow neck so that a set of strings could run inside from the head to the base of the soundbox. These strings were tuned to vibrate sympathetically with each note of the scale (same principle as the sitar.) There was also a lever to dampen them if the player wanted a normal guitar sound. The designer-maker was demonstrating it at some sort of festival in Northern California. I’ve forgotten his name and I have never seen a guitar like that since.
probably Fred Carlson and his Sympitars -- www.fredcarlsoncreativeluthier.com/collections/139584
I think it is a tool for variety. It is good when it's on. It is good when it's off so it's player's choice. We left the "pure acoustic" guitar when we added a jack in the butt end and plugged it into an amp. We change strings for a different sound, we try different tunings... why not other tools?
Hi Paul, I've had this guitar for a number of years. It's lovely and lots of fun, especially for finger picking. The reverb makes my little room feel like a hall. I don't usually turn it up to max or it sounds a bit over the top. Just a touch is enough!
Necessity isn't really what I care about when it comes to music. Does it sound good? Yes! Is it fun to play guitars with effects? Yep! Thats all I need to know
Dommenik check out Tone Wood Amps. They invented this technology and it is the greatest invention I never knew I needed.
Does it sound good? no is it fun to play guitars with effects? Yep! but sparingly to work effectively. Acoustic instruments are designed to produce a natural reverberant sound that's what they do. Chorus ? that was hammered in the 80's where it should remain!
@@melkerclaesson6570 To be fair Paul does say towards the end that it's fun and that that will make it a worthwhile product for some people. I think he was just talking through the different ways of thinking about it, but he seems to be saying that if it floats your boat then fill your boots!
Played one of these when they where brand new, was jamming out at my local music store in the Acoustic room & I legit had like 5 dudes standing around me in disbelief how good the guitar sounded.
They obviously had no idea what the transacoustics was. So all this volume, bass, reverb and chorus oozing from the guitar was pretty astonishing to them
At the beginning it is hard to imagine that this is the real sound of the guitar, it really looks like sorcery ! But I find the result nice, the guitar is pretty and it remains practical!
It's cool to present unusual instruments, nice video!
I played one like this at guitar center it's amazing i recommend 100%
It would be nice to be able to refit / upgrade an acoustic with this system.
@@MrVirgilVox www.tonewoodamp.com/
Seems like sorcery through video, but you need to hear it in real life to truly understand
I really like the idea of having some reverb or delay and chorus in an acoustic guitar. It very well could change how not only street musicians perform but the singer songwriter that performs in a coffee shop or bistro or even a professional musician. No pedals to lug around, cables to untangle...some dreams do come true! 😉
If it's fun, if it inspires you to practice and acquire more skill, hurray!. If it's a shortcut to cover lack of skill... well, maybe that's OK too
@@pappyfiddle how can that be a shortcut to having the skill? Does it take skill to add a chorus or reverb? You are out of topic
Argiel Sasil Not really. A guy on a street corner is super exposed and vulnerable, performance-wise. Without effects the guitar playing has to just be great on its own. Reverb covers up a lot of sloppiness and just generally makes things sound a bit better automatically so there's obviously the ability for it to elevate the playing of acoustic players who aren't lugging around an amp and pedal board every time they jam. And, as the previous commentator said, there's nothing inherently wrong about that.
@@iy42 There's another thing: a guy is playing nearby but he's not very good at it. I'd rather there be some effects to mask the blunders if I have to listen to it
This is NOT A gimmick. Who cares if we're spoiling ourselves. That thing sounds like an acoustic run through effects perfectly in a studio. I'm a guy who has played more on stage alone with my acoustic than any other way. This thing has limitless possibilities for guys like me.
Imagine having those sounds available at a campsite, beach, backporch or simply singing to a woman. This is a must have.
Technology is never harmful to music. Have you listenened to The Cars? They used to say during interviews that they always bought the lastests innovations even if they used them very briefly. They sound fresh even today.
@@prosnake2005 Yes...I'm a child of the 80's. Loved The Cars. I actually went to Summer Camp with Rick's son. I didn't know that but now that you mention it..you're right. They always did have a tech infused sound. Cool factoid! Thanks.
I don’t understand. Usually people who sing on stage they put a reverb on all sound. How will it sound that a guitar has an effect and your voice doesn’t? I mean it’s good for finger style but your voice may be kinda lost under sounded guitar?
If you need all that shit to sound good on the beach, with your woman etc, you need to chill out or practice a bit more.
@@RobM1606 I never "needed" any of my gear, but if that mentality prevailed I'd still be playing a Rogue strat through the bundled 10 watt combo.
Spending money on musical gear is never a waste if it inspires you to play more and try new things.
I don't know if this is the future of acoustic guitar, but it is a great way to mess with new players. "Dude, you havent learned reverb yet?!?"
It's all in your pick attack
You win
🤣🤣🤣
Dude... the guitar work is absolutely stunning, the effects are outstanding, and every video I've ever seen of yours shows how truly passionate you are about your craft. I hope you never stop making these.
This might sound odd, but out of all guitarists I’ve ever listened to this guy has the best style. Every little riff he plays is fantastic.
Yes, this is odd. ;) There are many finger-style guitarists with way better skills and technique. But he is good and cool too, no offence
@@geetjuhhisdebeste I want to hear these other players.
@@brendanshepherd4386 My absolute favorite is Tommy Emmanuel. And old school Don Ross. But also Sungha Jung, Kent Nishimura, Andy McKee (check out the song 'Rylynn"), Luca Stricagnoli, Alexandr Misko, Ulli Boeggerhausen, Alip Ba Ta, Mike Dawes, Gabriella Quevedo ... and many more ;)
Choose wisely, haha. Nah, all great ones, depending on what style you prefer and what everyone is superb at.
Tommy, Sungha and Andy are my personal top 3 in this order - extra plus, they compose many songs themselves, which is different skill on itself.
Enjoy them all, they are great guitarists :)
@@geetjuhhisdebeste I have a lot of music to look up. Thanks!
@@geetjuhhisdebeste I love Tommy Emmanuel too. Thanks also from me for the list. If I may add Molly Tuttle to the list. Her bluegrass playing blows me away. All the best
Slick move, “Leave a comment underneath the LIKE button...” subliminal. Well played. I do think it sounds badass and liked the video. You win again Paul!
The fact that you said when you are recording you ALWAYS add a little bit of reverb pretty much sells it. Plus there's delay, chorus, it's a pretty versatile thing to have when sitting by a campfire without dragging along a whole effects chain and amp. Definitely one of the coolest inventions in guitars lately.
No delay on it, but the reverb and chorus are pretty sweet to have
I like it. You can get that “playing in the shower” sound but on the back deck or the beach which has absolutely no reverb. It is inspiring to have a little reverb.
That looks like a great extension of the core concept of an acoustic guitar. It is portable, the effect comes straight out of the soundbox and it is very complementary to the songs that acoustic guitars play really well already.
i have this guitar, bought it when it was first released to retailers and i got my local stores first one. I love this guitar and it was one 9f my best buys, i do have a martin that i played even more than this. I still pick up this guitar and play when i just want to play sime warm ans calming music. I to reccomend this Yamaha trans-acoustic guitar.
I have the base model around $650 when I bought it and frankly I was pretty impressed overall with the guitar. The action was excellent, the sound was great even without effects. With the effects it just makes playing that much more enjoyable. Which to me is the biggest thing the guitar just sounds so good that it makes playing that much more enjoyable. I have a lot of guitar players in my family and there hasn't been one who's played it and went "meh" and I'm talking a family of current and former professional musicians. I just about have to get out a prybar to get it back from them.
I mean I can literally set it down, walk out of the room and come back to find somebody playing it. When you have a room full of guitars that range in price from $400 - $12,000 and everyone gravitates towards a $650 Yamaha I think that says a lot.
Greetings,
Did you purchase the base model online, and if so, what's the website ? Appreciate the feedback, Lorenzo
I honestly have to admit that Paul, your garden is beautiful man
Thank you Razvan... it's good step up from the previous place!
@@PaulDavids oh my god did you just really reply? I can't breath man. You inspired me to play guitar
I agree. I want that garden.
Can we get a garden tour?
@@razvandascal1867 You made me laugh! 😅❤
I think that definitely enhanced the sound. I get it when people say “why fix it if it ain’t broke?” But we also have to accept the fact that change will come and some for the worse and some for the better. If something like this makes you feel good then it’s worth it in my book.
An artist should never be ashamed of the tools they want to use to tell their story. Use what you can to express your sound the way you hear it in your head.
The unaltered acoustic is lovely - but not necessarily required or holy.
But yeah, obviously on the practical side a professional wouldn't need it because there are better ways to get that sound in that context assuming access to those tools.
Sounds great though
Edit: CHRIST it's a $1100+
An artist should never be ashamed of the tools - unless its autotune
@@phutureproof False. Art is a free zone of expression and nobody holds the keys to the gates and therefore none can gatekeep. Go make your own album with your unaltered singing voice. Literally. Go make art instead of trying to shame people in exactly opposing spirit to what I said. Be better.
Funny story about this guitar, saw it on a wall at a local shop, picked it up and played for a few minutes and just loved how it played, the sound and projection of it, besides looking like a great acoustic guitar. I saw the price and thought yeah, it definitely warrants the price. Only later I found out the TA system and what it does and that was a big welcome surprise! Long story short I would’ve got it even if it didn’t have the effects!
I had that idea 6 years ago - built a small amp with a surface transducer to resonate the body of my acoustic. It does need to be done digitally though - I had a terrible time avoiding feedback.
We sold a ton of these to Singer/Songwriters and Troubadours etc in the store i worked in, it's ideal for the player who works weddings, birthdays and resturants. You just show up with your guitar and can avoid the dry/stale sound of inhouse old pa systems, the effects works just as good if you plug it in and no extra gear is needed. It blew my mind when the national Yamaha dealer visited with 3 Yamaha JPN reps who sat us down and said try this.
Sunedosa
Yeah would be great for outdoor weddings, etc. sounds cool.
Maybe...even hopefully, but I don't really see the sound being reproduced through a chord in the case of this particular ware, as it is coming from the sound hole. Miked maybe, but that just reintroduces all the old issues that acoustics present. Just have to get one from GC if they have them and try it with the 90 day return policy, or any store with at least a wees worth of return policy should be enough to know, I guess. Or, I may cull it in the store. Exciting idea though.
@@partner348 The onboard effects works through the endpin jack aswell, it's basicly a pickup+preamp with reverb/chorus then. You can ofc turn down the levels of both effects and only use the pickup if you prefer.
I've got the LL-TA (very similar to this one) for over a year now. It' really awesome. I enjoy playing accoustic so much more since I've got it. It just feels so much more smooth.
I’ve tried this guitar in store. It is pretty mind boggling.
I have the larger guitar like this and I absolutely love it/ the only thing is set the timer: because it’s easy to get lost in the music vortex, and lose ALL track of time.😊🎉
Damn paul, you sure did made those fairies and giants fall a sleep there in the forest with those acoustic skills. Great playing paul.
I think this is a huge step forward for just getting more effects that we use all the time and sounds that we want to hear especially for people who have limited recording budgets will have limited resources on pedals and post editing stuff like that.but they still want to use these effects are buskers for instance would love to have less gear to carry around. Giving them more time and energy focusing on the parts of their performance that they want to and need instead of all the extra bells and whistles. I think more options is always better. if people choose to use these things instead of hard practicing and getting better at each note they're constantly practicing with the reverb on so they don't hear they're missing notes Etc. then that's on the player to actually hard practice without the effects Etc to make themselves better if they choose not to do that that's really on the person not the instrument.
Seems quite an interesting concept. When I play my friend’s Gibson songwriter deluxe it sounds so good the way it is, that it is hard to imagine adding these electronics to such a lovely instrument. Maybe makes more sense for a less expensive guitar?
Honestly I enjoy the cinematography and aesthetics of these videos just as much as the playing, 10/10!!!!
When I play and people ask what kind of guitar were you playing it sounds great then I feel I have used the right amount of effects. If they ask what chorus pedal are you using I feel I’ve gone to far. Paul your playing and teaching is great .thank you.
Totally agree man, love the quality of Pauls videos, I share a 50/50 love with his playing and attention to cinematography. Class.
Paul: "It's definitely not for professionals or studio musicians"
Me, a crappy guitarist who only plays on the couch for fun: "Well I guess I don't need this then."
I'm a professional performer for over 40 years. From working private parties, to bars, clubs, auditoriums, theatres, festivals, etc... Getting paid as little as $50 to as much as $2,000 per engagement. Depending upon the situation, about $350 on average.
I'm interested in this guitar. I'll be testing one as soon as I can get into a music store.
@@MultiAxisDiscipline do you use a drum machine or a backing track of some kind?My story is similar to yours but I've never used anything more than an amp and PA
@@jojomama4787 When playing solo gigs, I have tried using a drum machine about 20 years ago, it was a Boss DR-5. It was an experiment that I did not continue. Didn't feel right, or maybe I just didn't reach a skill level with it to feel comfortable.
Never tried using backing tracks. I felt too restricted to playing exactly along, and it removed any possible spontaneity that I might want to explore.
I use a looper for some material, at some times. It's a bit restrictive, but not hardly as much as the drum machine, or backing tracks. I play keys, bass, harmonica, and guitars, so I can arrange some "somewhat spontaneous" accompaniment from various sources, angles. Oh, I also use a Bigfoot stomp pedal for a bit of low end thump, and an old, metal bodied tambourine is on the floor ready for my left foot as well, and that's all in real time of course.
But for about half of my solo gigs, it's totally unelectrified, non amplified, no PA. Just my voice and acoustic instruments.
When playing in combos, bands, and theatre shows, I'm a band member, and front man at times, so it's a much more satisfying result, usually.
Still Kickin' Band Georgian Bay look into the Tone Wood amp. It’s the greatest guitar invention I didn’t know I needed. It provides me with constant inspiration.
I was thinking, and as he eluded to, you're exactly the person that needs -- well, might WANT this -- this, especially if money is no object. For me, it would cut down on a lot of aggravation if I could get this sound out of it on stage, which I am doubting.
Way back in the early 1990's I saw Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell and John Mc Laughlin in a very intimate setting (they were in town for that Friday Night In San Francisco super trio) demoing a little gadget (no batteries required) that clipped onto their acoustic guitars and it added a reverb to the acoustic sound. Very similar to this. It didn't take off and I can't remember what that product was called. I remember John Mc Laughlin making everyone laugh by saying that it "gives you that bathroom sound, anywhere".
Still available - it's the Aspri mechanical reverb. I still have one from early 90s. They now make 2 versions - one for steel, one for nylon
@@smashmash That is so cool that they're still around!
It's Jon McLaughlin which happens to be my name too. I'm a ghost online because the first million search results come up as him. 😜
I've still got an Aspri mechanical reverb. Don't use it much as it is a bit of a process to install, and uninstall. It does mess up the intonation of the guitar a small amount as well, but it can sound pretty interesting.
I have a Tonewood Amp.. that can do this to any of my acoustic guitars, except for the ones with F holes!
It is pretty and helps you to get creative!
Nice video man!
I’ve never been more impressed by the sound of a guitar until I’ve played one of those Yamaha TransAcoustics. Made me feel like I was playing in a live stadium
I'm not a musician, and Im watching on my phone, but that sounds incredible.
Will rewatch this at my desk with some decent cans, just to check. But wow.
add more for softer songs, less for louder type songs, chorus for certain songs and bonus.... you can always turn it down or off if it doesn't suit the song.
My wife and i walked into a guitar store in New Zealand today looking for a new acoustic to take on our travels and the guys at the store let her play every guitar in the place and i asked the guys what this trans acoustic guitar is hanging in the corner.... Thats a whole other story they said. So long story short she played it for an hour or so and then we took it home. Its such a wonderful thing when you are totally surprised by a guitar you never saw coming....the effects are lovely to hear in person and fill a room with colour and life. Its not so loud you cant sing over it and it still sounds great when played over an acoustic amplifier. We love it!
This could be used for people performing in small room venues. As you said it's not meant for large events, but somewhere that you wouldnt need to use an amp.
It makes every intro your playing sound like a Metallica song.
Aaaannndd you just ruined it for me lmao
I did not find this true to what I heard Paul playing with it. The guitar will sound exactly how the player plays it, and how the balance, and depth of effects are proportioned.
Need a choker that does the same for vocals otherwise they are going to sound very dry esp outside
True, but he soaked the effects. It really doesn't make sense to use the effects as heavily as he is in this example.
If you just run the reverb at 10-20% you get a fuller / richer sound that you can definitely sing on top of
"It's not always bad to add something good into your life"
So scandinavian! I'm going to adopt this motto.
I don't mind being conservative with my guitar takes, but this time I'm wholeheartedly in favor. If you like these effects added to recordings, why wouldn't you wanna hear them live while you're playing yourself? Isn't actually hearing some cool sounds some of the best parts of playing the guitar?
I've had mine for two years plus and I wouldn't be without it - the great thing is you don't need an amp.
Paul was using a lot of reverb which I never use but I do really like playing with the chorus on and yes it does sound like a 12 string.
That said after 2 years mine is playing beautifully just acoustically ❤️
I would add that my main guitar for over 30 years has been a Takamini enc40, a beautiful guitar great sound and well built but i have to say that the Yamaha is better. Build quality etc is far superior and i think if the Yamaha had a Martin name on the headstock it would have cost me the thick end of 3k instead of just shy of a grand
People sleep on Yamaha at their own loss. They make some great instruments.
@@MattH-wg7ou It's comical. I've told a fellow guitar enthusiast about my LL-TA and he completely dismissed it because he has seen some of the pawn store $100 Yamahas. I have a handful of "high end" acoustics that the LL-TA blows out of the water, but try conveying that to someone who thinks all Yamaha guitars are garbage
This is like what the Tonewood Amp was going for but for an external unit. This is pretty cool for a guitar. You should check out the Tonewood if you have not already, a lot more settings on there.
I have and recommend !!! I feel very happy with this acoustic guitar, even without using the transacoustic function, the sound is very good!
I own 2... love them both! When plugged in they blow people away and my band loves the sound! I might add that these guitars play very very well and are a top quality instrument. They run about $1000 with the case... get one...you will not be able to put it down...and the best part is how it inspires you to write also!!
Reid Scott Music where’s the best place to buy one?
I think it sounds gorgeous. Similar to the Tone Wood Amp tech, but sounds like the next incarnation. Love it.
1:10 Does anyone else hear Saruman's army approaching?
Got one in Sunburst just because of this video. Looks and sounds absolutely INCREDIBLE! It’s so great in person this video almost does the guitar no justice. But as always, great vid 👍
My bandmate got one of those built in-fx guitars. Good choice for him, he's a youth worker and often plays alone just to accompany himself and small groups of people. No need for a PA system and it sounds good. I'm in a similar occupation part time, but since I got several thousands invested in pedals and closer to twenty guitars, I don't feel like I need one of those... I usually just bring a small amp or just go full acoustic.
My friend is happy though, he's more of a singer than a guitarist, so he isn't very enthusiastic about practising and that guitar can make simple things sound fantastic. Only downside is that those eat up batteries more than a simple preamp. But there certainly is good uses for guitars like that.
i like the fact that Paul’s content hasn’t changed with/without quarantine. we’re all still homesitting loners
Here too. I usually live an isolated life. Not so bad really.
Michael Littlewood I hope you’re OK ,Do you chat with anyone you know online?
@@lesliebrown6378 No not really. Do you? Thank you for asking. Peace
I have kids ,I enjoy pottering around ,
I have owned an LL-TA for about 6 months. The most expensive guitar I have ever owned, and I am delighted with it. I like the versatility of being able to play dry or with a mix of the effects, depending whether I am accompanying myself or someone else.
I jus wish it wasn't quite so heavy to carry......
Man, I wish they had come up with this in mid 80's when I begun playing guitar.
1:54 Death Cab for Cutie's Title and Registration there? It was lovely
This is exactly like when people started selling acoustic guitars with microphones inside. They have their uses but a company will still sell the same guittar to a purist, without the microphone. This guitar has it's uses. I would likely use it whenever I'm not on stage or in a studio. Which is all the time, in my case. Yes. I would love to have one of these!
Well reverb for recordings are because you’ll want to simulate a different room than the actual recording is done in. So having reverb in the acoustic is just like that simulation of a different room than you’re actually playing in. Sitting outside makes the reverb pleasant. Playing in a large concert hall makes the reverb ridiculous. So it’s totally up to where you’d primarily use the guitar 🎸
It makes sense in any place with bad acoustics and no microphone. You can add effects elsewhere if you have a mic plugged into a sound system.
The acoustic guitar is perhaps the most personal of instruments. Its sound, often considered too quite for orchestrated pieces, is perfect for playing, using either only your hands or a pick, capo, perhaps a slide. It is almost as much pet as it is instrument.
As your skills as a player progress, so does the sound of the guitar. It is a truly remarkable journey.
I agree, it can never be replaced.
This is the Tonewood amp idea, that moves/fits with the guitar. Interesting it’s the same effects - hall, plate, chorus and Tone wood has a great Leslie, tremolo, autowah, and more
Me and a friend both bought a tonewood amp both stopped working within 4 months
Yeah... The Yamaha Transacoustic series has been around for some time too, I don't know who did it first tho...
@@PaulDavids I understand Yamaha does something similar with their acoustic pianos.
I had the Tonewood...hated it...the effect was too soft....and a hassle..
Yamaha put the transacoustic stuff on pianos first a number of years ago.
I picture a traveller on a corner with a full hat and smiling audience.
2:00 i want to know how to play this please, it’s so clean and emotional tone ♥️♥️
Go check his vid called "How to turn same old chords into smthg beautiful" and you'll learn it ;-)
Previous commenter is correct. However it's worth checking out The Beginning by Gary Go. This is is what hit my mind when he started playing that part.
This is why I came to the comments. Left satisfied. Off to my Yamaha. Cheers!
Sounds kinda Radiohead-ish to me, like something off of In Rainbows.
@@travistotle I agree
I have the red FS-TA and I LOVE it! Sure makes it easy to play at gatherings and not have to lug an amp and effects pedals. Oh it IS a game changer!
In my opinion, it's a nice feature, sound is quite good. This "gimmick" will not "replace" anything, as you asked at the end, because you can still choose to play it dry. So, for me, it's a nice addition and would love to see (hear) this more in future.
Now I'm interested on how this actually works.
That is the most amazing thing I have ever heard. I have the Yamaha Silent guitar, which is my favorite instrument of all. THIS is just crazy. Like you said, what kind of sorcery is this? lol I will own one of these. As soon as I can go back to work and earn the money to buy it...
there is also the tonewood amp that you can put on any acoustic. Both are really cool tbh
@@lyell63 yeah I was about to mention that too
And when you go back to work and need to buy one, I'll be selling both of mine to pay for the fact that I've been so outta work!
@@trentmason009 lol Same here brother. This is week 7 for me. I have grown fond of eating, let's hope I can continue...
I’d like to hear some scorpions played with these effects
Me too! :D
Just him noodling around on the guitar is better than my actual trying to play
Just keep practicing and trying new things, breaking up monotony as much as possible. Patiently drill at least 90 Minutes Per Day, with the focus upon building greater and greater ease, simplicity, vocabulary, clarity, accuracy, and timing. In about six to eighteen months, if you patiently stick to it, you'll be astounded at your growth. The Slower you go, the Faster you'll grow. Every guitarist goes through this.
And to give you another bit of a boost, that noodling he was doing around the 5 minute mark was the E Minor Harmonic. Find that modal pattern across the entire fretboard, DRILL that into your cerebellum, and you'll probably start to freak yourself out a bit at how good your playing *magically* somehow sounds in only a couple of months.
We need a guitar lesson of those chords progression 🥺🥺
The thing he played just before the fade out started was one of the juiciest things I've ever heard
I second this
Yes!!
I third this for sure
Yes 👌🏽
I’ve played both this and the dreadnought version of this guitar at guitar center and trust me, in person they sound incredible. It does not sound cheap or gimmicky at all. The sound fills the room and it tricks you into thinking that sound is coming elsewhere than just from the sound hole of the guitar it’s really wild! Honestly this would be a super neat guitar to have in your collection, it immediately triggers a burst inspiration and creativity when you hear the sound it puts out.
Tim Goodwin What is the make and model of this guitar?
Joe S Yamaha FS-TA TransAcoustic Concert - Vintage Tint
Joe S www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FSTAVT--yamaha-fs-ta-transacoustic-concert-vintage-tint
Tim Goodwin Thank you!
Joe S anytime!
I love the guitar itself: the woods, colour and especially the shape. Yamaha make some great high quality guitars and have always produced something that is very different to the 'norm' (I was trying to find an Ovation nylon string but couldn't find one so I bought one of the first APX-6N in the 80's - because I needed a nylon sound guitar with a p/up.. this was completely different to a traditional classical guitar: the body was a different shape, slightly shallow in depth, neck joint at 14th fret, fretboard radiused with electronics... any played so comfortably.. my only 'gripe' was that there wasn't a cut-away version available)
Sorry to drabble on... great vid! Keep up the great work Paul.
P.s. I don't think many other manufacturers will do the same thing.
Cutaway coming: Yamaha Transacoustic Concert Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Tint
I had one of these in my home for a few weeks. I've never played acoustic so much. I couldn't put it down. It is 100% the guitar I would buy if and when I buy an acoustic. Only question is which model Transacoustic it would be.
As a guitarist myself I feel like this is a wonderful guitar. Sounds super clean and I’m impressed.
If you played THE TREES the chorus would sound awesome
😂😂
There is trouble in the forest.
What you put in the forest, you will get out of the forest. (old dutch proverb)
@@motosporttouring and the creatures all have fleda as the maples scream, "oppression" and the oaks just shake their heads
"What about this guitar though?" I think it sounds amazing. Would like to hear it live before I pass final judgement. Thanks for showing it to us.
I have one of these guitars and I love it.
What is it?
I can’t believe there is people actually arguing how this is bad….
Ignorance. IF they heard one of these in person they would be amazed. All of my guitar buddies are shocked when they hear my LLTA
I believe that this new Yamaha guitar design is a really cool innovation that will stick around for a long time and also be a fore front to other guitar makers. As Paul demonstrates, it offers some beautiful enhanced sounds and can be played totally with any other electronics plugged in to it to achieve these amazing sounds, . I already own a Yamaha A3M, which I love, but this Yamaha LS-TA offers another set of dimensions to escape to one sitting of your creativity, that you don't need to plug it into an amp to get the effects heard. You can play it anywhere without dragging along any other gadgets to get that beautiful set of sounds somewhere in your Zen garden. Thank you much Paul for showing us this guitar.
I got one of those over a year ago (the jumbo one), I love it!! Although, I usually don't turn the effects up all the way. Also, it was like $1000 for a Rosewood guitar! With effects! Hard to beat I would say. (And built in pickup). All I need now is to sound as good as Paul! LOL. I signed up for NEXT LEVEL, so hopefully someday. Keep up the great work Paul!
I have one of these and I never thought I would use the effects... I was so wrong. Great playing, great feeling instrument and the effects are really just a bonus.
Tonewood Amps is similar and can be added to almost any guitar with a sound hole.
Got a tonewood here. AMAZING addition to your guitar.
I also have a TWA, absolutely amazing for inspiration and writing songs. Probably not too strongly recommended but I also love recording with it.
@@johnmcgrath6789 Same, got one in the kickstarter and love it, don't see why having this built in to a guitar is beneficial over the TWA
@@thdremily My thoughts exactly. Maybe they saw the potential market for a guitar with those effects built in after seeing the success of the TWA. Though with the TWA you can adapt to pretty much ANY acoustic guitar which means you get the specific core sound of that guitar but slightly amplified and with effects. And I believe it's much more usable in a recording scenario with it's range of settings and preferences. I feel like I'm advertising it ahaha but that's how I feel...
Yup. And you don't need to permanently mount them either as a pro tip.
Random person going on a hike: “wow I wasn’t expecting a concert :D”
I really like this thing. It sounds quite nice, all without any need for peripherals?
RUclips recommended this to me AGAIN, and I was like "wait a moment... this is already liked. I already commented? I don't remember... but hey, I got to feel like I experienced it for the first time twice~
I have the LS-TA and the CG-TA. They are fantastic. The LS-TA is my first steel-string since high school, I have only played classical, and usually can't play steels. I have no trouble with this one.
Whatever he's playing between 1:48 and 2:27 I could listen to forever
need a 4 min song with this
Sounds like Wolves by Selena Gomez
@@waldokaldo14 I can kinda hear it
What is it? I’d like to learn it. Is he in standard tuning?
There you go.
ruclips.net/video/Z3jhVHqd67g/видео.html
Can you please make a tutorial of the piece you play on 1:56? It sounds amazing...
Beautiful video and playing man!
and 6:25.
As with everything guitar related, it helps if you can absolutely shred!
That riff played at the end just makes me happy!! Love it!! Makes me want to learn to play!!