A Stage-Ready Workhorse with Vintage Good Looks
There's something satisfying about a guitar that looks the part before you even plug it in. The Yamaha A-Series A1R in Vintage Natural pulls that off without trying too hard — warm tones, classic dreadnought lines, and a cutaway that says "yes, I do play up the neck." Whether you're playing an open mic, a rehearsal, or a full-on gig, this guitar is built to handle it.
The A1R pairs a solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides — a combination that's been a tonewood staple for good reason. You get the clarity and projection of spruce up top with the warmth and fullness that rosewood brings from behind. Add Yamaha's custom scalloped bracing pattern and you've got a guitar that speaks well both plugged in and sitting on the couch.
The SRT (Studio Response Technology) piezo pickup system is what really sets the A-Series apart from the crowd. Yamaha designed it to bring stage sound closer to what a good studio mic actually captures — and the onboard System 72 preamp gives you the controls to dial it in without fumbling. If you're tired of acoustic-electrics that sound thin the moment they hit the PA, this one is worth a listen.
This item is a B-Stock guitar sourced directly from the manufacturer. It is new and has never been previously owned. The photos shown are of the exact instrument you will receive. Before shipment, our licensed technician will inspect and professionally set up the guitar to ensure it is playing its best. During our inspection, we noticed Minor dent on top of headstock, large chip in finish. (see pictures) Please note, these may not be the only cosmetic imperfections. As a B-Stock instrument, there may be additional minor blemishes that are small in nature and do not affect playability or performance.
Solid Top, Rosewood Body — Tonewoods That Mean Business
The A1R's solid Sitka spruce top is the foundation of its acoustic voice. Sitka is stiff, elastic, and responsive across a wide dynamic range — it handles everything from light fingerpicking to aggressive flatpicking without losing focus. Yamaha's scalloped bracing lets the top vibrate more freely, which translates to better low-mid response and a noticeably more "open" sound compared to a standard X-brace setup.
The rosewood back and sides bring warmth, complexity, and a little extra sustain. It's a tonewood pairing that shows up on instruments at much higher price points — and on the A1R, it's the real thing, not a laminate substitute. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge continue that tonal theme, keeping the sound focused and responsive from fret to bridge.
SRT Pickup — Stage Sound Without the Compromise
The SRT (Studio Response Technology) piezo system is Yamaha's answer to the age-old complaint about acoustic-electrics sounding "piezo-y" when plugged in. It pairs an undersaddle pickup with the System 72 onboard preamp, giving you volume, a 3-band EQ, a built-in tuner, and a mid-frequency adjustment slider — all in a tidy, easy-to-reach layout on the upper bout.
The result is a plugged-in voice that holds up under real performance conditions. You're not fighting the signal; you're working with it. The cutaway body helps here too — upper-fret access means you can actually use those high notes you're suddenly able to reach.
Playability Built In from the Start
The 3-piece African Mahogany neck on the A1R features a satin matte finish that feels smooth and fast under your hand — nothing sticky, nothing slow. The 1-11/16" (43mm) nut width and 15.75" fingerboard radius strike a comfortable middle ground: wide enough to finger chords cleanly, flat enough to make single-note runs and bends feel natural.
The hand-rolled fingerboard edges are a detail usually found on more expensive guitars. They give the neck that played-in feel from the first time you pick it up — no sharp edge catching on your palm as you shift positions. Scale length is 650mm (25 9/16"), which is standard for a dreadnought and helps maintain the familiar tension players expect from steel strings.
Product Features:
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Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce with scalloped bracing
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Back & Sides: Rosewood
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Body Shape: Traditional Western Body (Dreadnought) with single cutaway
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Neck: 3-piece African Mahogany, satin finish; 15.75" fingerboard radius
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Fingerboard & Bridge: Rosewood; dot inlays; 20 frets
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Nut Width: 43mm (1-11/16"); scale length 650mm (25 9/16")
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Electronics: Yamaha System 72 preamp + SRT Piezo undersaddle pickup; Vol/3-Band EQ/Tuner/Mid FQ controls
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Tuners: Die-cast chrome
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Finish: Gloss body, matte neck — Vintage Natural
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Strings: Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light
Brand: Yamaha
Model: A-Series A1R VN
SKU: A1R VN-3RD|ILN071248
Condition: B-Stock
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
