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Show Some Love →🎸 Yamaha APX-10CS — An Unusual Vintage Yamaha That's a Pleasure to Play!
Vintage Yamaha APX-10CS | Factory Stereo/Mono Electronics | Hard-Shell Case Included
🎸 First Impressions
Every so often I come across a guitar that's a little different from the usual offerings. This Yamaha APX-10CS is certainly one of them.
I spent quite a while looking for one before finally importing this example from Japan. They're not something you run across every day, particularly here in the States.
What initially attracted me was its unusual design, but what impressed me most after getting it in my hands was how comfortably it plays.
The APX-10CS comes from Yamaha's earlier generation of stage-oriented acoustic-electrics, when Yamaha was experimenting with some pretty interesting ideas about how an acoustic guitar should look, feel and perform.
And this one has plenty of personality!
🎵 Who It's For
If you're primarily an electric guitarist but enjoy playing acoustic, this Yamaha might feel like an old friend.
The thin APX body is comfortable whether sitting or standing, and the cutaway and slim-feeling neck make it easy to move around the fingerboard.
There's also that unmistakable six-in-line, Fender-style headstock, complete with gold Yamaha tuning machines. Not something you see on many acoustic guitars!
Of course, traditional acoustic players who appreciate a comfortable, easy-playing instrument should feel right at home too.
🎛️ The Electronics — Where Things Get Interesting
One of the more unusual features of this APX-10CS is Yamaha's original active electronics package.
Rather than a basic pickup and volume control, Yamaha equipped this model with a surprisingly elaborate system featuring:
The stereo capability is particularly interesting and offers possibilities for players who enjoy experimenting with different amplification and recording setups.
Electronics testing: I've played the guitar through its mono output. The stereo output has not been tested, so I cannot guarantee its operation.
It's a fascinating electronics package from an era when Yamaha was doing some pretty adventurous things.
🎶 How It Plays
This is the part I particularly enjoy.
The guitar feels compact and comfortable against the body. The neck has a quick, easy feel, and the low action makes it a pleasure to play.
Measured action at the 12th fret:
Those are nice, comfortable measurements, and I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time with this guitar.
It's particularly appealing for players who appreciate an acoustic that doesn't require a wrestling match to get around the fingerboard!
🎨 Appearance & Appointments
This Yamaha has a distinctive look that's difficult to confuse with anything else.
The deep reddish-brown finish, attractive figured back and sides, cream-colored binding, decorative fingerboard inlays and gold hardware give it a great vintage personality.
And that long, six-in-line headstock really sets it apart.
It's a guitar that looks just as interesting sitting on a stand as it does in someone's hands.
🔎 Condition — Please Read
This is a vintage instrument with cosmetic aging, most noticeably clouding or hazing in portions of the original gloss finish.
There are also scratches and smaller signs of normal handling and use.
The finish haze gives certain areas a cloudy or grayish appearance, especially under particular lighting. I've included detailed photographs so you can judge the condition for yourself.
This is not a mint collector's piece, and I wouldn't want anyone expecting one.
What you're getting is an unusual, attractive older Yamaha with a very comfortable playing feel and plenty of character.
📏 Measurements & Specifications
👋 A Little About Me
I'm the fellow behind Russell's Prime Gear & Guitars, a small guitar hobby operation here on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
I'm not a guitar store. I'm a retired enthusiast who enjoys tracking down interesting older instruments, especially the overlooked ones that deserve another chance to make some music.
I call them my Closet Classics.
I spend time with the guitars I offer—inspecting, cleaning, checking the setup, playing and photographing them. I try to give buyers a fair picture of what they're getting, including the little imperfections that come with age.
I enjoy the hunt, but I enjoy getting to know the guitars just as much.
And occasionally one comes along that makes me wonder why I'm selling it in the first place. This Yamaha has been one of those.
📦 Buy With Confidence
The guitar includes a hard-shell case in very good condition.
I pack guitars carefully and securely for shipping, with insurance whenever available.
If you're within reasonable traveling distance of Cotuit, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, you're welcome to arrange an in-person inspection. Come hold it, look it over, plug it in and play it for yourself before deciding.
Questions are always welcome, and I'm happy to provide additional photographs or measurements.
Another Closet Classic looking for its next home.
Thanks for looking,
Russell
Russell's Prime Gear & Guitars
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