Yamaha’s AES 720 is probably not a name that comes to mind when you think of solidbody mahogany electrics, but that's about to change. The AES Series is a sincere refinement of the time-honored ideals that dictate how a solidbody mahogany guitar should look and sound.

This guitar is thin, comfortable, and innovative without appearing futuristic, modern sounding, though is doesn’t stray far from the classic warm tones.

Many players don't want to spend their money on exotic woods and haughty details. They need a solid, great-sounding, affordable ax, like the Yamaha AES720. Targeting the rock community, the Korean-built AES720 has a thin and resonant mahogany body that sounds warm and is light on your shoulder.

A Pacific Blue finish covers the majority of the guitar, while a gloss black adorns the flat portion of the top. This two-tone scheme is subtle and ingenious, creating the illusion of a shadow across the guitar's face.

The set-in mahogany neck is easy to play and abalone dots light your way up the 22-fret rosewood board. The 14-inch radius facilitates bending.

The 720’s pickups have exposed tops and tape-covered coils, and are mounted directly to the body instead of being suspended in plastic or metal surrounds.

You’ll like the silky feel of the Volume and Tone pots, which are fitted with easy-to-grip knobs that are recessed into the top for a clean appearance.

The bridge design and components are key contributors to the power of this instrument: each string pulls through the body and then through a finger-like steel block that imparts weight and balance to the tone.

From here, the strings travel over the Yamaha Tune-O-Matic saddle. For less clutter and optimum tone coupling, both custom-wound DiMarzio humbuckers are mounted directly to the body. The electronics consist of a three-way switch, a master tone control and separate volume controls.

Hitting the strings acoustically, you’ll find that the AES720 displays a fat midrange focus and partially muted top notes—perfect ingredients for a killer metal tone.

You will be blown away by the sustain and tone of this monster. Play one for yourself and you’ll see. This ax plays, and sounds every bit as good as many USA guitars!

The AES720 delivers prime rock guitar sounds and playability. DiMarzio custom neck and bridge pickups with separate volume controls, a master tone control and 3-way EQ switch give you access to fiery lead and crunchy rhythm sounds. High-tech black anodized hardware includes quality Grover tuners and the distinctive AES bridge and tailpiece.

The AES electrics have always been known for big sound, a smooth feel and real playability," states Joseph Brasler, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "It's been said that the AES is a modern twist on a retro instrument, and these new models carry that idea a step further. It's not just about amazing looks or sound – it's about both."

Featuring a solid mahogany body and a glued-in mahogany neck, the AES720 gives a nod to the Les Paul Junior. But with its twin DiMarzio humbuckers, six-section tailpiece, and through-body stringing, the 720 is a very different animal.

You can’t argue with the robustness of this guitar. When plugged in, the 720 sounds dense and meaty. In cleaner modes, its tones are clear and crisp with a slight upper-midrange emphasis that allows it to stay just on the brown side of brightness.

The highs remain present when you turn down, which is great, and the Tone knob is well voiced and very accommodating to jazzier neck-pickup textures. The 720 really roars when given some distortion, churning out killer tones that have a touch of Junior-style squawkiness, good low-end tightness, and a sweet treble voicing.

This guitar loves to be played loud, and its strong pickups yielded gobs of tough, gutsy grind from all of the higher-gain amps. Bottom line: If you like the warmth of an all-mahogany guitar, but can dig having a little more snap and sustain, the 720 is a cool choice.

Listen to King's X CD "OGRE TONES" If you want to get a feel for how heavy this guitar can sound. This is one of the most underrated guitars on the market right now.