As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 10 – Winter 2019 – Acoustic Artists
I have been spending some time getting to know this new acoustic by Yamaha, the STORIA II. Introduced at the 2019 Summer NAMM Show, Yamaha is positioning this instrument as one that lends itself to the younger generation, first-time players. “There is a segment of today’s younger generation that craves an outlet for creativity and self-expression without aspiring to be the next guitar hero,” said Shannon McKee, product marketing manager, Yamaha Guitar Group. “STORIA answers that need with aesthetically-pleasing guitars that appeal to fashion-conscious, casual new players.”
After checking out this guitar, it is definitely not just an entry-level guitar for beginners. Still, the $400.00 price range does put it in reach of anyone serious about learning to play and even accomplished acoustic guitarists will find a lot to like about this guitar.
The guitar I am reviewing is the STORIA II, which is one of three models: STORIA I, STORIA II, and STORIA III. All three have concert body shapes and very similar specs, except for the top wood material differs. They all feature mahogany back and sides; however, the STORIA I has a solid Sitka spruce top, while the other two models have solid mahogany tops.
The quality in this guitar is evident from the moment you pick it up and feel around its body, neck, and edges, not to mention the sound that resonates from the soundhole when you strum or pick the strings. The slightly shorter body length (19 9/16”), 25” scale length, and narrow neck make it a dream to play. The sound is bright, and the projection is excellent. The STORIA II is also aesthetically pleasing with a walnut fingerboard and bridge, brass bridge pins, champagne-gold tuner, abalone and ivory soundhole, and semi-gloss finish.
All STORIAs come with a Yamaha passive undersaddle pickup, which is plugged in at the guitar strap post. This lends the look of the guitar to that of a vintage guitar. As there is no volume control, pair it with a cable that has volume control, and that will solve the problem.