Yamaha L-Series LS16 Concert Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Yamaha L-Series LS16 Concert Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This instrument is crafted with all-solid rosewood back and sides, complemented by a hand-selected premium Engelmann spruce top. It features a newly designed bracing pattern and A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment, which together produce rich warmth and open resonance while maintaining excellent tonal balance. The comfortable neck profile and Yamaha Zero Impact Passive Pickup ensure a stress-free performance experience. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your new guitar.

Image 1.1: Yamaha L-Series LS16 Concert Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Brown Sunburst finish).

2. Unpacking and Initial Inspection

Upon receiving your Yamaha LS16 guitar, carefully remove it from its gig bag and packaging. Inspect the instrument for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping. Ensure all included accessories, such as the gig bag and any adjustment tools, are present.

• Visual Check: Examine the body, neck, headstock, and bridge for any cracks, dents, or finish imperfections.
• Hardware Check: Verify that the tuning machines, bridge pins, and strap buttons are securely fastened.
• Neck Relief: The neck should have a slight forward bow. Extreme back-bow or excessive forward bow may require adjustment.

3. Tuning Your Guitar

Accurate tuning is crucial for optimal sound. The Yamaha LS16 can be tuned using various methods, including electronic tuners or tuning apps. Standard tuning for a 6-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest string).

Using a Digital Tuner or App

Many digital tuners and smartphone applications can assist with precise tuning. The Yamaha Player Port app, for example, offers a convenient tuning feature.

1. Turn on your electronic tuner or open the tuning app on your device.
2. Pluck each string individually, starting with the low E string.
3. Adjust the corresponding tuning machine head until the tuner indicates the correct pitch for that string. Turn the peg slowly to avoid over-tightening and breaking the string.
4. Repeat for all six strings.

4. Playing Your LS16

The Yamaha LS16 is designed for comfortable playability. Experiment with different strumming patterns, fingerpicking techniques, and chord voicings to discover the guitar's rich tonal characteristics.

• Posture: Hold the guitar comfortably, ensuring your fretting hand can easily reach all positions on the neck and your strumming/picking hand is positioned over the soundhole or bridge.
• Fretting: Press down firmly on the strings just behind the fret wire to produce clear notes.
• Strumming/Picking: Use a pick or your fingers to pluck or strum the strings. The Zero Impact Passive Pickup captures the natural acoustic tone when amplified.

Using the SRT Zero Impact Passive Pickup

Your LS16 is equipped with a Yamaha SRT Zero Impact Passive Pickup system. This system is designed to reproduce the natural acoustic tone of the guitar when connected to an amplifier or PA system, without requiring batteries or onboard controls on the guitar body itself. The pickup is located under the saddle.

• Connection: Connect a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable from the guitar's endpin jack to your amplifier or audio interface.
• Amplification: Adjust the tone and volume settings on your amplifier or mixer to achieve your desired sound. The passive nature of the pickup means all tone shaping will occur externally.

5. Care and Maintenance

Proper care will preserve your Yamaha LS16's playability and appearance for years to come.

• Cleaning: Wipe down the guitar body, neck, and strings with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use. For the body, a guitar-specific polish can be used sparingly.
• String Replacement: Replace strings regularly (e.g., every 1-3 months, depending on usage) to maintain optimal tone and playability. Refer to online resources or a qualified technician for proper string changing techniques.
• Humidity Control: Solid wood guitars are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Store your guitar in its gig bag or a hard case with a humidifier, especially in dry climates, to prevent wood warping or cracking. Ideal humidity is typically between 45-55%.
• Storage: Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or excessive moisture.

6. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

7. Specifications

Key specifications for the Yamaha L-Series LS16 Concert Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

• Body Shape: Concert
• Top Material: Solid Engelmann Spruce (A.R.E. Treated)
• Back & Sides Material: Solid Rosewood
• Neck Material: 5-ply Mahogany/Rosewood
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Number of Strings: 6
• Pickup System: SRT Zero Impact Passive Pickup
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Nut Width: 44mm
• Scale Length: 650mm (25.59 inches)
• Finish: Brown Sunburst
• Included Accessories: Gig Bag

8. Warranty and Support Information

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Yamaha website. Yamaha provides customer support and resources for product registration, FAQs, and service inquiries.

• Online Support: Visit the Official Yamaha Website for product support and resources.
• Product Registration: Register your product online to receive updates and support.
• Service Centers: Locate authorized Yamaha service centers for repairs and maintenance.