This entire section of my web site is written by Peter AKA Buzzard of the Yamaha forum. I have with his
permission copied his work and posted it on my website with only minor additions from me. All credit goes to Peter many thanks.
AEX 500
The Yamaha AEX500 was a hybrid acoustic/jazz guitar that could deliver both acoustic and electric tones via a
mini-humbucker/piezo-electric pickup combination.
AEX500 Pickups and Controls:
The AEX500 incorporates the same pickup and control system found in Yamaha's APX line.
The balance between the high quality piezoelectric pickup, mounted in the bridge,
and the magnetic pickup offers sound that is nothing less than superb.
A 3-band graphic EQ provides extended tonal control right at the playing position.
Production of the Yamaha AEX 500 began in 1998 and ended in 2000, made in Taiwan.
Construction: Bolt-on neck
Scale length: 24-3/4" (628.8mm)
Fretboard: Rosewood
Radius: 13-3/4" (350mm)
Frets: 20
Body: Alder Spruce Top/Alder Back
Bridge: Fixed rosewood bridge
Pickups: Alnico mini Humbucker + Piezo Bridge Pickup (Active Pickups)
Controls: Master Volume, 3-band EQ for Piezo, Humbucker/Piezo Balancer
Colours: Black, Brown Sunburst
The 500 and it's control unit
AEX 500N
Yamaha manufactured the AEX 500N between 1998 and 2003, made in Taiwan.The N indicates Nylon strings.
It is semi-hollow body with a neck width slightly wider than a steel stringed guitar to offer greater
comfort and playability for electric players.
Consruction: Bolt-on
Scale: 24-3/4" (628.8mm)
Fretboard: Rosewood, 350mm (13.75”) radius
Frets: 20
Body: Spruce Top Alder Back
Bridge: Fixed rosewood bridge
Pickup: Active Piezo mounted in bridge
Controls: Master Volume 3 band graphic equaliser
Colours: Black, Natural
The 500N
AEX 500N2
Yamaha manufactured the AEX -500N2 as a replacement for the N until about 2007 made in Taiwan. It is hard to see any significant
difference between the N and the N2
Body: Alder with Spruce top
Neck: Bolt-on maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 350mm (13.75”) radius
Frets: 20
Scale length: 648mm (25.5”)
Pickup: Piezo in bridge (Active Pickup
Controls: Master volume 3 band graphic equalizer
Bridge: Single-saddle fixed type
Colours: Natural or Black
The N2
AEX 500NS
This is the same as the 500N and N2 in all aspects except it has no F holes and incorporates a tone control.
It was made in Taiwan from 2001 to 2005.
Multi-Cavity Chambered Alder Body
Rosewood Fingerboard 24.75" scale 13.75" radius 20 frets
Gold Tuners
I volume 1 tone
Wood Bridge and Knobs
Yamaha 1-Way Preamp Active Piezo Pickup made by B Band
Amber, Black and Natural Finishes
The NS
AEX 502
Made in Taiwan from 1998 to 2000
Specifications:
Construction: Bolt-on
Scale: 24-3/4" (628.6mm)
Fretboard: Rosewood
Radius: 13-3/4" (350mm)
Frets: 22
Hardware: Gold
Body: Figured Maple veneer top Alder Back
Bridge: T-O-M Bridge
Pickups: 2 Alnico Single Coil P90 style
Pickup switch: 3-Position
Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
Colours: Black, Orange Stain, Brown Sunburst
The 502
AEX 520
Made in Taiwan from 1998 to 2000.
Specifications:
Neck: Maple Bolt-on
Scale: 24-3/4" (628.6mm)
Fretboard: Rosewood Radius: 13-3/4" (350mm) 22 frets
Nut: 43mms
Body: Semi hollow Alder body with Maple Veneer top
Bridge: T-O-M Bridge
Pickups: 2 Alnico mini Humbuckers
Pickup switch: 3-Position
Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
Weight 3.5kgs
Colours: Black, Orange Stain, Brown Sunburst
