Yamaha targets entry-level players with colourful Storia line

Last month, Yamaha dipped into its archives to revive the FG Red Label Acoustic line. The Japanese brand is now focusing on entry-level players with Storia, a set of acoustic-electric guitars that score high marks on aesthetics and playability.

Looks-wise, the three-model range – Storia I, II and III – stands out with stylish colour combinations. A closer look reveals beginner-friendly features such as comfortable string heights, a slim neck and smooth fingerboard edges.

The models come in Yamaha’s FS (Concert) body shape, each featuring mahogany back and sides, a nato neck and a walnut fingerboard. They differ, however, in terms of top woods, body finishes, colours on the inside and sonic character. Here are the details:

• Storia I:
  • Solid Sitka spruce top, off-white finish
  • Inside colour of light blue
  • Clear, rich sound
• Storia II:
  • Solid mahogany top, natural finish
  • Inside colour of ultramarine
  • Warm, well-balanced sound
• Storia III:
  • Solid mahogany top, chocolate-brown finish
  • Inside colour of wine red
  • Warm, well-balanced sound

In terms of electronics, each instrument is stocked with Yamaha’s SRT passive undersaddle pickups, which produce a “warm and natural-sounding [amplified] acoustic tone”, according to the company.

Here’s an introduction to Storia:

Lists at $653 each. More info at yamaha.com.