yAMAhA A5R ARE £1,240

It’s rare that we come across an instrument that’s so welcoming, easy to play and that leaves no box un-ticked during our somewhat rigorous assessment of its charms. Such an instrument is Yamaha’s A5R ARE, which came under

guitarist’s scrutiny during 2017’s hot, humid summer. It’s Japanese-built with a top treated by the company’s excellent Acoustic Resonance Treatment – basically Yamaha’s torrefaction process where the Sitka top is dried out in special ovens to mimic the progress of time and enhance the tone with some ‘vintage’ mojo. Factor in a low playing action accompanied by ‘hand rolled’ fret edges to delight the digits as well as a sturdy set of larynx and you have nods all around from everyone who picked the guitar up during its time with us.

The other side of the coin, of course, is its stage readiness and here, Yamaha’s SRT2 pickup system didn’t disappoint. It successfully captured the A5R’s splendid acoustic voice and made getting a good live sound an easy journey, thanks to the combo of under saddle piezo blended with a choice of two digitally modelled mics and an extremely capable on-board EQ facility. There’s really nothing more you could ask from a modern day electro-acoustic, hence its well-deserved gong in this category. www.yamaha.com