Yamaha LL36 2007 Made in Japan | Rare Pre A.R.E. Handcrafted Artist Instrument | Fishman Prefix Premium Blend, A Truly Special Selection

PLEASE, SERIOUS INQUIRY ONLY!

A hand-crafted acoustic masterpiece offering a rich, full tone paired with signature Yamaha clarity and precision. Upgraded with a dual-source Fishman Prefix Premium Blend pickup system professionally installed by a respected luthier, this instrument is fully prepared for top-tier live performances and studio recording.

This is a rare 2007 Yamaha LL36, handcrafted in Japan during the highly regarded early period of Yamaha's premium L Series.

This particular guitar is considerably more special than an ordinary used LL36.

It was acquired in March 2007 as a special artist instrument, used in numerous albums and songs including over tens of top hits, and carries a handwritten signature inside the guitar by the respected luthier. According to the provenance associated with the instrument, it was selected and prepared as a special instrument for an artist, with particular attention given to its craftsmanship, setup and amplified performance. The guitar was also fitted with a Fishman Prefix Premium Blend system by a top Yamaha luthier to maintain the top class quality of tone, function, and feel, with the original installation and electronics work representing approximately $750 in value at the time.

This is a guitar with a story, but more importantly, it is a guitar with an extraordinary sound.

The tone is rich, deep, warm, powerful and remarkably balanced, with the clarity and responsiveness expected from a premium Japanese Yamaha. The solid Engelmann spruce top responds beautifully to a light touch while opening up with impressive projection when played aggressively. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides contribute depth, sustain and complex overtones.

The result is a sophisticated acoustic voice with exceptional fullness, clarity and resonance.

It is the kind of guitar that immediately feels different when played.

The 2007 Pre A.R.E. LL36

This is the early pre A.R.E. version of the Yamaha LL36.

That distinction is important for collectors and players who specifically prefer the character of the earlier Japanese LL36.

Yamaha's later LL36 A.R.E. incorporated its Acoustic Resonance Enhancement treatment. The 2007 instrument offered here predates that development and represents the earlier traditional construction and voicing of the LL36.

A Japanese specialist description of the 2007 LL36 specifically highlights its solid Engelmann spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, luxurious abalone appointments and lacquer finish, while describing the non A.R.E. version as having a distinctive robust, mature tonal character.

This is a genuine Japanese handcrafted LL36 from 2007, not a later A.R.E. version and not one of Yamaha's lower priced imported L Series models.

Yamaha LL36 Specifications

Model: Yamaha LL36
Year: 2007
Country of manufacture: Japan
Series: Yamaha L Series
Model: LL Original Jumbo
Version: Pre A.R.E.

Top: Solid Engelmann Spruce
Back: Solid Indian Rosewood
Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
Neck: 5 piece Mahogany and Padauk
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Scale length: 650 mm
Nut width: Approximately 44 mm
Fingerboard inlays: Snowflake and Cat's Eye style inlays
Rosette: Abalone and wood
Body binding: Maple with elaborate abalone detailing
Finish: Luxury lacquer
Tuners: Yamaha gold tuners
Pickguard: Original black pickguard
Body: Yamaha LL Original Jumbo

The construction and appointments are characteristic of Yamaha's highest level Japanese L Series craftsmanship.

The LL36 is particularly impressive for its combination of visual elegance and musical functionality. The abalone work is beautiful without overwhelming the instrument, while the solid wood construction provides the foundation for its exceptional acoustic voice.

Special Artist Provenance

The history of this particular guitar is an important part of what makes it unique.

The instrument was acquired in March 2007 as a special artist guitar.

Rather than being an ordinary production instrument purchased off the wall of a guitar store, this LL36 was associated with an artist and prepared as a special instrument.

The guitar also contains a handwritten signature by the respected luthier inside the soundhole, which can be seen in the photographs.

The combination of the 2007 date, the artist association, the handwritten signature and the specialized electronics installation gives this guitar a provenance that is not found on most LL36 examples.

For a collector, musician or Yamaha enthusiast, this history makes the instrument particularly interesting.


Fishman Prefix Premium Blend

One of the most valuable features of this guitar for a performing musician is its Fishman Prefix Premium Blend system.

The Prefix Premium Blend was Fishman's professional level acoustic amplification system of its era and was considerably more sophisticated than a basic undersaddle pickup.

The system combines an undersaddle pickup with an internal microphone, allowing the player to blend the direct pickup signal with the natural acoustic character captured by the microphone.

Fishman Features

• Fishman Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickup
• Internal microphone
• Pickup and microphone blend control
• Bass control
• Contour control
• Contour frequency control
• Treble control
• Notch filter
• Phase control
• Master volume
• Built in tuner

The original Fishman Prefix Premium Blend carried an MSRP of approximately $459. Historical pricing references document its $459 MSRP and classify it as a premium electronics option of the period.

On this guitar, the Fishman system was professionally installed by a top luthier of Yamaha, and the original electronics and installation represented approximately $750 in total value at the time.

That professional installation is particularly important because installing an advanced pickup and microphone system into a high end acoustic requires careful work to preserve the acoustic integrity of the instrument.

The system makes this LL36 equally appropriate for:

• Live performance
• Studio recording
• Professional acoustic amplification
• Singer songwriter performance
• Fingerstyle playing
• Flatpicking
• Strumming
• Professional touring


Tone and Playability

The most compelling reason to own this guitar, however, is its sound.

This LL36 has an exceptionally rich, full and resonant acoustic voice.

The solid Engelmann spruce top produces remarkable sensitivity and clarity. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides add depth, warmth, sustain and complex harmonic overtones.

The LL Original Jumbo body produces substantial volume and projection while retaining excellent balance across the frequency spectrum.

The bass is deep without becoming muddy.

The midrange is full and musical.

The treble is clear and articulate without sounding harsh.

The sustain is impressive.

It responds beautifully to both fingerstyle and pick playing.

Played softly, it can be intimate, warm and detailed.

Played aggressively, it opens up with tremendous volume, authority and projection.

This is the kind of acoustic guitar that can fill a room without amplification.


Yamaha Perfection

The LL36 represents Yamaha at its finest.

It combines Japanese precision with traditional acoustic guitar craftsmanship and premium solid woods.

The attention to detail is evident throughout the instrument, from the ebony fingerboard and bridge to the multi piece neck, elaborate abalone appointments, maple binding, lacquer finish and carefully selected tonewoods.

The result is an instrument that looks exceptional but, more importantly, sounds exceptional.

This is not simply a beautiful guitar.

It is a serious professional instrument.


Original Value and Investment

The 2007 LL36 was a high end Japanese handcrafted instrument and occupied a premium position in Yamaha's acoustic guitar range.

The Fishman Prefix Premium Blend itself carried an original MSRP of approximately $459, with the professionally installed system on this guitar representing approximately $750 in total electronics and installation value at the time.

The instrument therefore represents a substantial original investment in both the guitar and its professional amplification system.


Condition

The guitar shown in the photographs is the actual guitar being offered for sale.

It has been carefully preserved as a special instrument and remains visually beautiful.

As with any 2007 acoustic guitar, there are signs of age and ownership. Buyers are encouraged to carefully examine all photographs.

The photographs also show the actual Fishman Prefix Premium Blend electronics installed in the guitar.

Why This LL36 Is Different

There are many Yamaha acoustic guitars.

There are far fewer Japanese handcrafted LL36 instruments from this early period.

There are even fewer with a history as a special artist instrument prepared for a special occasion.

And fewer still combine that history with a professional Fishman Prefix Premium Blend installation performed by a top Yamaha luthier.


This guitar brings together:

2007 Japanese craftsmanship

Pre A.R.E. LL36 construction

Solid Engelmann spruce

Solid Indian rosewood

Ebony fingerboard and bridge

Luxury lacquer finish

Extensive abalone appointments

Artist provenance

Handwritten signature inside the guitar

Professionally installed Fishman Prefix Premium Blend

Approximately $750 original Fishman installation and electronics value

Exceptional rich and resonant tone

This is a very special guitar for someone who understands and appreciates exceptional acoustic instruments.

It would be equally at home in a serious collection, a recording studio or in the hands of a professional musician.

Reasonable offers from serious buyers will be considered.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very special 2007 Japanese Yamaha LL36 with artist history and professional Fishman electronics, an instrument with the craftsmanship, tone and character that made Yamaha's highest level Japanese acoustics so highly regarded.


SERIOUS INQUIRY ONLY, PLEASE.

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.

Promoted similar listings













Listed3 months ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • LL36
Finish
  • Full luxury lacquer finish
Categories
Year
  • 2007
Made In
  • Japan
String Type
  • Steel
Pickup
  • Hybrid System
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Active Preamp
  • Yes
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Back Material
  • Rosewood
Sides Material
  • Rosewood
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Body Shape
  • Jumbo
Fretboard Radius
  • 16"
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Scale Length
  • 25.5"
Nut Width
  • 1.73"

Product safety information may be available here.

James K's Gear Outlet

La Crescenta, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2023

Reverb Protection

Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support

Learn more

Secure Checkout

Reverb Gives

Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music.

Oops, looks like you forgot something. Please check the fields highlighted in red.