Yamaha AE500 And SA500 Combine Vintage Look, Classic Sound, Killer Prices

—Moderately Priced Semi-Hollow Body Guitars Based on AES1500 and SA2200—

Yamaha AE500

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Although traditionally associated with jazz, archtop guitars have a classic look and distinctive sound that appeal to rock, country and rockabilly players. Yamaha widens that appeal further with two affordable semi-hollow body archtop guitars, the AE500 and SA500.

“Great players tell us how much they love their SA2200 and AES1500,” says Bryan Savage, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. “Yamaha brought that same quality and playability to the SA500 and AE500, which will appeal to players of any genre looking for an alternative to a traditional solid-body instrument. Both offer features and workmanship not currently available at these price points.”

Yamaha SA500

The SA500 and AE500 blend traditional elements from the acclaimed Yamaha SA2200 and AES1500 with custom updated features to create true contemporary classics. Both models feature Maple bodies with a carved Maple top, a 24 3/4" scale set Mahogany neck, 22-fret Rosewood fingerboard and Yamaha AES bridge. Electronics include Alnico humbucker pickups with front and rear volume and tone controls, plus a three-position pickup selector switch. Other design elements include Black and Brown Sunburst finishes, custom F-holes and finger tail pieces.

The SA500 and AE500 are currently shipping.

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2006 in the Marquis Ballroom in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com or www.yamahaguitars.com.