YAMAHA AE-12 1973 Japan Vintage L-5 style Archtop
Free Shipping
from Tokyo, Japan
Our users rate Reverb
Yamaha AE-12 Full Hollow Body Archtop — 1973 — Made in Japan
A masterpiece of early 1970s Japanese lutherie, the Yamaha AE-12 represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from an era when Japanese guitar makers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible — so much so that Gibson and Fender took legal notice. Modeled after the tradition of the Gibson L-5 and its 17" full hollow body lineage, the AE-12 delivers a rich, warm archtop tone with exceptional clarity and depth that rivals guitars costing many times more.
This particular example, built in 1973, has maintained a remarkably beautiful condition over its 50+ years — as you can see in the photos. Minor surface scratches and small dings are present, as is natural for a vintage instrument of this age, but none affect playability or tone in the slightest. All original parts are fully original and in perfect working order: pickups, hardware, electronics, and tuners all function flawlessly. Of note: a strap button was added at the neck heel at some point, but has been professionally filled and is barely noticeable.
It weighs 7 lbs 0.9 oz (3.2 kg). It has been set up with new 10–46 strings, though we recommend heavier jazz-gauge strings for the best results.
Comes complete with the original hard case and original manual. A rare find for a vintage Japanese guitar of this age and quality.
Key Specs:
• Body: 17" full hollow body, arched spruce top, maple back & sides
• Neck: Set maple neck, rosewood fingerboard
• Scale: 24.75"
• Pickups: 2× Yamaha humbuckers
• Year: 1973 | Made in Japan
Detailed photos and a video are available. A YouTube video is also posted showing the guitar's condition up close. Please check everything carefully before making your decision. Feel free to reach out with any questions — we're always happy to help.
We offer expedited shipping at an additional cost, which is significantly faster than the standard free shipping option. If you're interested, please feel free to contact us before or after your purchase.
Returns are only accepted if the item's condition differs from the description. In such cases, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the item.
Please be sure to review all of our shop policies here: https://reverb.com/shop/tokyotonetemple/about
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 17 days ago |
|---|---|
| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
| Brand | |
| Model |
|
| Finish |
|
| Categories | |
| Year |
|
| Made In |
|
| Fretboard Material |
|
| String Type |
|
| Body Type |
|
| Right / Left Handed |
|
| Number of Strings |
|
| Body Shape |
|
| Neck Material |
|
| Finish Pattern |
|
| Pickup Configuration |
|
Product safety information may be available here.
