Paul: *Gets new studio* Also Paul: Starts filming outside

This could be a game changer for street musicians

I've had 12 top Martins and 3 top Taylor's over the years. I got one of these today and had the saddle changed out for a bone and bone pins. This guitar alone is easily equal to any of my prior guitars. But the hall effect is completely intoxicating and addicting I can't turn it off. I no longer play just a few songs. I'll play for hours. This is one home run by Yamaha

I played it for an hour at a guitar store. I fell in love right away. Everything about it sounded great and felt great. The touch was perfect, action not too high, not too low. The effects were just perfect and even without the effects, the guitar sounded much better than the other baby Taylor and Little Martin guitars next to it. I tended to overlook Yamaha guitars, but after playing with this one for just about an hour, I really changed my mind.

I was surprised. It didn't sound cheesy, it sounded pretty good.

Can’t wait to see people play Wonderwall with reverb during parties

I learned about this guitar from watching this video, then watched a bunch of other reviews and purchased it online without having played it. I wanted a nice second acoustic in the house for when I'm having my daughter or another guitarist over. Also I figured this could be nice for those "entertaining at the campfire" type situations. But being pretty much (and atypically, I guess) a "one guitar kind of guy" I honestly did not expect this to become my go-to acoustic, dethroning my beloved R. Taylor custom shop in the process. But still, that is what happened. And it's not because the Yamaha sounds or plays better. I sincerely doubt that - to my ears and fingers at least, thus highly subjective - a better sounding and playing guitar exists in the world than my prized R. Taylor. But the Yamaha sounds _very_ good in it's own right, it plays really well, the build quaity and workmanship leaves absolutely nothing to be desired - and (especially in the sunburst edition) it is a real looker. So it easily ticked all the boxes I needed for a "second guitar". But the Transacoustic feature really makes a difference. In all fairness, no youtube video I heard does justice to it. In real life, the effects blend so naturally with the original sound of the guitar, especially at more moderate settings, and the fact that it does not "emit" from a single point source but radiates from the entire body of the guitar is something you just have to experience. As the player, but also through the reactions of the people that listen to you play. But still I would argue it is not the sound by itself that makes me pick up this guitar 9 times out of 10 when I play these days. It is the effect that it has on me as a player. I turn it on and it's like I was riding my bike on a road that is slightly uphill, and suddenly it changes so that it's slightly downhill. Everything I play becomes a bit easier, I automatically start to pay more attention to my phrasing and articulation. I get more creative when writing my own tunes, had songs coming back to me that I literally hadn't played in years (not to say decades). I have even given myself goosebumps a few times while playing, something I get all the time when listening to music but rarely, if ever, when playing myself. Sure, when I mike the R. Taylor up just right, and apply some studio level effects to the signal path, the sound I get can't be beaten (again, to my ears at least). But most of my playing happens either on the couch or at the proverbial campfire, and in these settings the added "inspiration" is VERY addictive.

I don't know if this is the future of acoustic guitar, but it is a great way to mess with new players. "Dude, you havent learned reverb yet?!?"

I‘ve had the LS-TA since 2018 and I can honestly say this guitar totally multiplied my passion for playing acoustics. It connects the chords as if you’ve had a lush piano sustain pedal, and it just fills you up with inspiration to play more and more. I love it. ❤️

Pretty cool that you can have these effects around the campfire without lugging around a gang of equipment.

This reminds me of a guitar that I saw some years ago (‘60s-‘70s) which had a hollow neck so that a set of strings could run inside from the head to the base of the soundbox. These strings were tuned to vibrate sympathetically with each note of the scale (same principle as the sitar.) There was also a lever to dampen them if the player wanted a normal guitar sound. The designer-maker was demonstrating it at some sort of festival in Northern California. I’ve forgotten his name and I have never seen a guitar like that since.

Played one of these when they where brand new, was jamming out at my local music store in the Acoustic room & I legit had like 5 dudes standing around me in disbelief how good the guitar sounded. They obviously had no idea what the transacoustics was. So all this volume, bass, reverb and chorus oozing from the guitar was pretty astonishing to them

I could definitely argue both sides of the 'futuristic enhancement vs gimmick/losing heart of acoustics' battle but the great thing is that you can just CHOOSE when you want whichever option! If you can't be bothered bringing cords, go for it. If you want raw, then flick it off. easy :)

I mean, of course it sounds "fake" and "gimmicky" but that absolutely doesn't mean bad. I think it's a lovely thing, and the chorus in particular is as close to a 12-string as I've seen that effect get.

The fact that you said when you are recording you ALWAYS add a little bit of reverb pretty much sells it. Plus there's delay, chorus, it's a pretty versatile thing to have when sitting by a campfire without dragging along a whole effects chain and amp. Definitely one of the coolest inventions in guitars lately.

I have the base model around $650 when I bought it and frankly I was pretty impressed overall with the guitar. The action was excellent, the sound was great even without effects. With the effects it just makes playing that much more enjoyable. Which to me is the biggest thing the guitar just sounds so good that it makes playing that much more enjoyable. I have a lot of guitar players in my family and there hasn't been one who's played it and went "meh" and I'm talking a family of current and former professional musicians. I just about have to get out a prybar to get it back from them. I mean I can literally set it down, walk out of the room and come back to find somebody playing it. When you have a room full of guitars that range in price from $400 - $12,000 and everyone gravitates towards a $650 Yamaha I think that says a lot.

This is NOT A gimmick. Who cares if we're spoiling ourselves. That thing sounds like an acoustic run through effects perfectly in a studio. I'm a guy who has played more on stage alone with my acoustic than any other way. This thing has limitless possibilities for guys like me. Imagine having those sounds available at a campsite, beach, backporch or simply singing to a woman. This is a must have.

It can be turned off - If the guitar in itself is good, the extra isn’t a negative even if you don’t like it. But I quite liked some of it at least

I’ve tried this guitar in store. It is pretty mind boggling.

I can’t believe there is people actually arguing how this is bad….

The whole point is the great sounds without the hassle of all the cords and the lugging of amps. Definitely worth it if you want to play without using the effects. Its the same great pure, direct sounding guitar.

Necessity isn't really what I care about when it comes to music. Does it sound good? Yes! Is it fun to play guitars with effects? Yep! Thats all I need to know

The acoustic guitar is perhaps the most personal of instruments. Its sound, often considered too quite for orchestrated pieces, is perfect for playing, using either only your hands or a pick, capo, perhaps a slide. It is almost as much pet as it is instrument. As your skills as a player progress, so does the sound of the guitar. It is a truly remarkable journey. I agree, it can never be replaced.

"It's not always bad to add something good into your life" So scandinavian! I'm going to adopt this motto.

I think it is a tool for variety. It is good when it's on. It is good when it's off so it's player's choice. We left the "pure acoustic" guitar when we added a jack in the butt end and plugged it into an amp. We change strings for a different sound, we try different tunings... why not other tools?

Any device effect that puts meaningful expression in the hands of the musician, real-time, is a progression of the art and not merely a gimmick. It doesn't matter if guitarists were looking for it before the fact; when they have found something expressive they won't let it go.

I have the red FS-TA and I LOVE it! Sure makes it easy to play at gatherings and not have to lug an amp and effects pedals. Oh it IS a game changer!

My wife and i walked into a guitar store in New Zealand today looking for a new acoustic to take on our travels and the guys at the store let her play every guitar in the place and i asked the guys what this trans acoustic guitar is hanging in the corner.... Thats a whole other story they said. So long story short she played it for an hour or so and then we took it home. Its such a wonderful thing when you are totally surprised by a guitar you never saw coming....the effects are lovely to hear in person and fill a room with colour and life. Its not so loud you cant sing over it and it still sounds great when played over an acoustic amplifier. We love it!

I think this should be though of more as like a songwriting tool. A dry acoustic can be a little uninspiring sometimes. This seems like it would be a good fit for songwriters coming up with ideas.

This might sound odd, but out of all guitarists I’ve ever listened to this guy has the best style. Every little riff he plays is fantastic.

Just him noodling around on the guitar is better than my actual trying to play

Man, I wish they had come up with this in mid 80's when I begun playing guitar.

I really like the idea of having some reverb or delay and chorus in an acoustic guitar. It very well could change how not only street musicians perform but the singer songwriter that performs in a coffee shop or bistro or even a professional musician. No pedals to lug around, cables to untangle...some dreams do come true! 😉

Hi Paul, I've had this guitar for a number of years. It's lovely and lots of fun, especially for finger picking. The reverb makes my little room feel like a hall. I don't usually turn it up to max or it sounds a bit over the top. Just a touch is enough!

I have a Tonewood Amp.. that can do this to any of my acoustic guitars, except for the ones with F holes! It is pretty and helps you to get creative! Nice video man!

Seems quite an interesting concept. When I play my friend’s Gibson songwriter deluxe it sounds so good the way it is, that it is hard to imagine adding these electronics to such a lovely instrument. Maybe makes more sense for a less expensive guitar?

Dude... the guitar work is absolutely stunning, the effects are outstanding, and every video I've ever seen of yours shows how truly passionate you are about your craft. I hope you never stop making these.

At the beginning it is hard to imagine that this is the real sound of the guitar, it really looks like sorcery ! But I find the result nice, the guitar is pretty and it remains practical! It's cool to present unusual instruments, nice video!

I have one of these guitars and I love it.

I have and recommend !!! I feel very happy with this acoustic guitar, even without using the transacoustic function, the sound is very good!

I honestly have to admit that Paul, your garden is beautiful man

An artist should never be ashamed of the tools they want to use to tell their story. Use what you can to express your sound the way you hear it in your head. The unaltered acoustic is lovely - but not necessarily required or holy. But yeah, obviously on the practical side a professional wouldn't need it because there are better ways to get that sound in that context assuming access to those tools. Sounds great though Edit: CHRIST it's a $1100+

Just added one of these similar modules to my acoustic guitar. It has reverb, chorus, metronome, drum beats, tuner, Bluetooth I can even play music through it using Bluetooth. It’s awesome!

Can you please make a tutorial of the piece you play on 1:56? It sounds amazing... Beautiful video and playing man!

Slick move, “Leave a comment underneath the LIKE button...” subliminal. Well played. I do think it sounds badass and liked the video. You win again Paul!

I like it. You can get that “playing in the shower” sound but on the back deck or the beach which has absolutely no reverb. It is inspiring to have a little reverb.

Got one in Sunburst just because of this video. Looks and sounds absolutely INCREDIBLE! It’s so great in person this video almost does the guitar no justice. But as always, great vid 👍

I had one of these in my home for a few weeks. I've never played acoustic so much. I couldn't put it down. It is 100% the guitar I would buy if and when I buy an acoustic. Only question is which model Transacoustic it would be.

That looks like a great extension of the core concept of an acoustic guitar. It is portable, the effect comes straight out of the soundbox and it is very complementary to the songs that acoustic guitars play really well already.

I think that definitely enhanced the sound. I get it when people say “why fix it if it ain’t broke?” But we also have to accept the fact that change will come and some for the worse and some for the better. If something like this makes you feel good then it’s worth it in my book.

I don't think it's a gimmick and as long as you can play without effects and it doesn't change the sound of the guitar, it's another arrow in your quiver.

When I gig in a decent sized venue with my band I have both a Martin 6 string and Faith 12 string. In rehearsals and smaller venues/pubs, I use the Yamaha LS-TA as it gives a solid replication of both at my fingertips. This guitar is a fantastic tool for any guitarist, it's not just a gimmick.

Need a choker that does the same for vocals otherwise they are going to sound very dry esp outside

I don't mind being conservative with my guitar takes, but this time I'm wholeheartedly in favor. If you like these effects added to recordings, why wouldn't you wanna hear them live while you're playing yourself? Isn't actually hearing some cool sounds some of the best parts of playing the guitar?

I just ordered the LS-TA yesterday. I love my Hummingbird but I wanted something a little bit smaller and I wanted the effects built into this guitar so that I can just grab it and play without plugging it in and running it through a couple of pedals in order to get the sound I’m looking for. I’m by no means a gigging musician and I do most of my playing for my own pleasure at home and this guitar seems like a great way to expand my sound without the hassle of running cords and being tied to just playing in my home office area where I keep and play my guitars and have an archery press and vise for working on bows for myself and for clients. Now I’ll be able to enjoy reverb and chorus in my front room or on the porch. Cannot wait until it arrives in a couple of days.

I have the LS-TA and the CG-TA. They are fantastic. The LS-TA is my first steel-string since high school, I have only played classical, and usually can't play steels. I have no trouble with this one.

I had that idea 6 years ago - built a small amp with a surface transducer to resonate the body of my acoustic. It does need to be done digitally though - I had a terrible time avoiding feedback.

1:10 Does anyone else hear Saruman's army approaching?

For me it doesn't replace the acoustic sound but more of a enhancement ,lt also felt inspirational, I enjoyed playing it very much & just might get one

1:55 Is there a song with that progression? Need to know because it sounds awesome!

i have this guitar, bought it when it was first released to retailers and i got my local stores first one. I love this guitar and it was one 9f my best buys, i do have a martin that i played even more than this. I still pick up this guitar and play when i just want to play sime warm ans calming music. I to reccomend this Yamaha trans-acoustic guitar.

Paul: "It's definitely not for professionals or studio musicians" Me, a crappy guitarist who only plays on the couch for fun: "Well I guess I don't need this then."

To me these kinds of acoustic effects are neat but not necessary. When playing live or recording it is really easy to add a reverb pedal/add reverb in post. The real area where this shines is bedroom or casual play and for people just having fun/enjoying the convenience it’s really nice! Maybe it’s a gimmick but maybe it’s a gimmick I like. I don’t want it to be on every guitar but it has its place i think!

I was just about to comment the chorus is like playing a 12 string without 12 strings when he said it himself. I like this guitar.

We sold a ton of these to Singer/Songwriters and Troubadours etc in the store i worked in, it's ideal for the player who works weddings, birthdays and resturants. You just show up with your guitar and can avoid the dry/stale sound of inhouse old pa systems, the effects works just as good if you plug it in and no extra gear is needed. It blew my mind when the national Yamaha dealer visited with 3 Yamaha JPN reps who sat us down and said try this.

I think this is a huge step forward for just getting more effects that we use all the time and sounds that we want to hear especially for people who have limited recording budgets will have limited resources on pedals and post editing stuff like that.but they still want to use these effects are buskers for instance would love to have less gear to carry around. Giving them more time and energy focusing on the parts of their performance that they want to and need instead of all the extra bells and whistles. I think more options is always better. if people choose to use these things instead of hard practicing and getting better at each note they're constantly practicing with the reverb on so they don't hear they're missing notes Etc. then that's on the player to actually hard practice without the effects Etc to make themselves better if they choose not to do that that's really on the person not the instrument.

I think it is a fantastic campfire or lakeside guitar. It does not sound as nice as my acoustic through my amp with pedals, but by itself and the ease of it all is wonderful. It would be great to see this on other guitars.

I have this guitar. Was in the music store a few months back; they have a sound-isolated room for acoustic guitars, and I was in there looking at the stuff hanging on the walls. Another customer was noodling around on a guitar, and I remember saying, "What IS that? That guitar sounds UNNATURALLY GOOD!!" It was the trans-acoustic, and I walked out with my own 30 minutes later. I was a little worried that it would be a gimmick, that I might regret my purchase once the excitement wore off, but honestly, this is probably the nicest guitar I've ever owned. I forget to turn on the effects most of the time and just use it like a regular guitar. It sounds incredible. When I do use effects, I just use a little of both (maybe 2 out of 10 on the knob) and it sounds like I'm plugged into a PA.

Damn paul, you sure did made those fairies and giants fall a sleep there in the forest with those acoustic skills. Great playing paul.

It makes every intro your playing sound like a Metallica song.

I have one of these and I never thought I would use the effects... I was so wrong. Great playing, great feeling instrument and the effects are really just a bonus.

I like the way those “effects” sounded, and I particularly liked the commentary by Paul Davids: honest, intelligent, and informative and very well produced. It’s the first time I’ve heard his KZfaq stuff, thanks to a friend’s recommendation, but now I’m a subscriber.

Honestly I enjoy the cinematography and aesthetics of these videos just as much as the playing, 10/10!!!!

I’ve never been more impressed by the sound of a guitar until I’ve played one of those Yamaha TransAcoustics. Made me feel like I was playing in a live stadium

That riff played at the end just makes me happy!! Love it!! Makes me want to learn to play!!

With the hall at 50% and chorus at 75% there was something magical that happened to the tone. I'm mostly a metalhead so I don't really have any use for this guitar, but I think it's awesome that it exists.

I have the larger guitar like this and I absolutely love it/ the only thing is set the timer: because it’s easy to get lost in the music vortex, and lose ALL track of time.😊🎉

I'm not a musician, and Im watching on my phone, but that sounds incredible. Will rewatch this at my desk with some decent cans, just to check. But wow.

I have one (LL-TA, slightly larger than the one in the video.). I play a lot of acoustic music without pa in folk clubs and pubs and the temptation to use the effects as an add on were tempting but I find a subtle dial in of reverb and chorus makes this cheaper guitar (that I am happy with in crowded venues) sound not dissimilar to my Lowden that I wrap in cotton wool. (Similar neck profile too.) My take being that for finger picking especially, the effects allow a good guitar to sound great if you don’t overdo it.

I am one of those campfire guitarists and I think its pretty awesome.

I think it sounds gorgeous. Similar to the Tone Wood Amp tech, but sounds like the next incarnation. Love it.

This could be used for people performing in small room venues. As you said it's not meant for large events, but somewhere that you wouldnt need to use an amp.

I bought this guitar after watching this. It was the best decision of my life. I’m blown away and never have been so inspired to play. I can’t put it down.

I own a TA. When performing, it simplifies the need for external ambient effects. Hit the stage, plug it in and adjust reverb and or chorus to fill out the sound. When plugged in, the effects are automatically on and cannot be switched off, so turn dials to zero if you want dry sound. Additionally it acts like a 12 string guitar when chorus is in a higher setting, eliminating the need for another guitar on stage.

I've had mine for two years plus and I wouldn't be without it - the great thing is you don't need an amp. Paul was using a lot of reverb which I never use but I do really like playing with the chorus on and yes it does sound like a 12 string. That said after 2 years mine is playing beautifully just acoustically ❤️

My bandmate got one of those built in-fx guitars. Good choice for him, he's a youth worker and often plays alone just to accompany himself and small groups of people. No need for a PA system and it sounds good. I'm in a similar occupation part time, but since I got several thousands invested in pedals and closer to twenty guitars, I don't feel like I need one of those... I usually just bring a small amp or just go full acoustic. My friend is happy though, he's more of a singer than a guitarist, so he isn't very enthusiastic about practising and that guitar can make simple things sound fantastic. Only downside is that those eat up batteries more than a simple preamp. But there certainly is good uses for guitars like that.

It’s not essential, but fun.

Played one for the first time last night. I'm late to the game but glad I found it. It's amazing.

I've got the LL-TA (very similar to this one) for over a year now. It' really awesome. I enjoy playing accoustic so much more since I've got it. It just feels so much more smooth.

i like the fact that Paul’s content hasn’t changed with/without quarantine. we’re all still homesitting loners

“Hang on a sec gotta get some batteries for my guitar”

He’s so damn good, just playing around and it sounds like a top 10 song... Great teacher as well, just a human above other humans.

Way back in the early 1990's I saw Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell and John Mc Laughlin in a very intimate setting (they were in town for that Friday Night In San Francisco super trio) demoing a little gadget (no batteries required) that clipped onto their acoustic guitars and it added a reverb to the acoustic sound. Very similar to this. It didn't take off and I can't remember what that product was called. I remember John Mc Laughlin making everyone laugh by saying that it "gives you that bathroom sound, anywhere".

This is like what the Tonewood Amp was going for but for an external unit. This is pretty cool for a guitar. You should check out the Tonewood if you have not already, a lot more settings on there.

Sounds fantastic to me, almost like a 12 string at times. Really lovely sound and fantastic playing.

This is like a guitar with a Tonewood Amp built in! I love the Tonewood! it's a small device that will magnetically attach to almost any acoustic. It just needs to be an acoustic electric. Its a game changer for me. You can blend the effect level to be as dry or as wet as you want.

Well reverb for recordings are because you’ll want to simulate a different room than the actual recording is done in. So having reverb in the acoustic is just like that simulation of a different room than you’re actually playing in. Sitting outside makes the reverb pleasant. Playing in a large concert hall makes the reverb ridiculous. So it’s totally up to where you’d primarily use the guitar 🎸

We need a guitar lesson of those chords progression 🥺🥺

I have that exact guitar (except in the sunburst color) and it IS the real deal. Here’s what’s really amazing about it-the effects really are amazing-but even without the effects turned on, it’s honestly one of the best sounding guitars I have ever played (even better than my $3500 Martin). Dollar for dollar (I paid $999 new), this has got to be one of the best guitars on the market. If it wasn’t for the fact that I want to own a Martin, I could sell it and buy another one of these Transacoustics and be set for years.

Very good sounds on the fx, and building the accoustic sound naturally. So no gimmick.