Yamaha APX700 Left Handed Acoustic Electric Guitar - Thin Profile

Our review of the Yamaha APX700L finds it aimed at left handed players who want an acoustic-electric that is comfortable to play and performs well plugged in. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a solid spruce top with Yamaha's System56 A.R.T. 1-way preamp and contact pickups, which deliver a natural amplified tone while keeping feedback low. For singer-songwriters, gigging players and home recordists who prefer a slim, stage-friendly body, the APX700L balances playability, tone and cosmetics in a compact package.

Key Features

• Solid spruce top: Provides a clear, responsive acoustic tone that improves with light picking and fingerstyle dynamics.
• Eastern mahogany back and sides: Adds midrange warmth and focused projection that complements the spruce top for balanced sound.
• Nato neck with rosewood fingerboard: Offers a familiar feel and smooth playability for chords and single-note lines.
• System56 A.R.T. 1-way preamp: Uses contact pickups to reduce feedback on stage while preserving a natural amplified acoustic character.
• Comfortable APX thin profile: The slim body sits close to the player for long practice or performance sessions without fatigue.
• Distinctive cosmetics: Abalone sound hole ring, ivory bindings and mother-of-pearl logos add visual refinement for performers.

Who It's For

The APX700L is best for left handed players who need an acoustic-electric that is easy to play and reliable for live performance. Its thin-profile body and System56 preamp suit singer-songwriters who plug into small PA systems or amplifiers and want minimal feedback with a faithful acoustic tone.

Players who prioritize a full-bodied dreadnought acoustic volume for unamplified, large-room projection should consider other models, but anyone who values stage-friendly ergonomics, plugged-in control and tasteful appointments will find this guitar a solid option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid spruce top gives clear, articulate acoustic tone that responds well to touch.
• System56 A.R.T. preamp and contact pickups deliver rich amplified sound with reduced feedback on stage.
• Thin APX body and nato neck improve comfort for long playing sessions and performance.
• Attractive cosmetic details such as abalone and mother-of-pearl enhance stage presence.

Cons

• Thin-body design sacrifices some raw acoustic volume compared with larger-bodied guitars.
• The 1-way A.R.T. system is tuned for feedback control but may sound different from traditional undersaddle electronics to some players.

Specifications

Model	APX700L (left handed)
Top	Solid spruce (natural finish)
Back and Sides	Eastern mahogany
Neck	Nato
Fingerboard / Bridge	Rosewood
Preamp System	System56 A.R.T. 1-way contact pickup system
Cosmetics	Abalone sound hole ring, ivory bindings, mother-of-pearl logos

Our Verdict

The Yamaha APX700L is a strong choice for left handed players seeking a comfortable, stage-ready acoustic-electric that emphasizes playability and plugged-in tone. It delivers good value for performers who need feedback-resistant amplification, solid spruce resonance and tasteful appointments in a slim, easy-to-play body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this model come left handed?
Yes, the APX700L is the left handed version of the APX700, built with left oriented neck and bridge configuration.

What kind of preamp does it use?
It uses Yamaha's System56 A.R.T. 1-way preamp with contact pickups designed to reduce feedback while preserving natural acoustic tone.

How does the body size affect tone?
The thin APX profile makes the guitar more comfortable and stage friendly but offers slightly less raw, open acoustic volume than larger-bodied guitars.