David Ryan Harris, a seasoned guitarist known for his diverse musical styles spanning from R&B to rock and his collaborations with artists like Dionne Farris and John Mayer, has recently joined forces with Yamaha to create a signature acoustic guitar. This collaboration highlights Yamaha’s commitment to crafting high-quality instruments and Harris’s quest for a guitar that embodies both vintage aesthetics and modern playability. For guitar enthusiasts and fans of Yamaha guitars, this partnership is a testament to the brand’s dedication to meeting the nuanced needs of professional musicians.
Harris’s journey with Yamaha guitars began with his appreciation for the Yamaha FG model, which he has played alongside John Mayer since 2018. This experience shaped his vision for a custom instrument. He sought to capture the essence of a “shiny brand-new version of a guitar that could have been built in the ’50s.” His fondness for the tobacco burst finish, an iconic look in electric guitars, sparked the desire to bring this vintage aesthetic to an acoustic model. Harris believed that Yamaha could perfectly blend the charm of classic design with contemporary construction in a new guitar.
“I’ve always loved the look of a tobacco burst. It’s one of the most iconic electric finishes and the first time I saw it on an acoustic, I knew I wanted one like that. I think the finish is an instantly vintage look for an acoustic when done properly, and I think Yamaha struck a great balance between new and old.” – David Ryan Harris
The collaboration with Yamaha’s luthiers was driven by Harris’s sonic preferences. He aimed for a tone that retained the fundamental character of his Yamaha FG but offered more tonal flexibility for his solo performances. Specifically, he desired a “more round, less bright tone,” allowing him to subtly shape the high frequencies without losing clarity. The size and the Atmosfeel pickup system of the FG model were also crucial elements he wished to incorporate into his custom Yamaha guitar. He valued the pickup’s ability to capture the “air” around the tone, which is essential for stage performances, especially in loud environments.
David Ryan Harris playing his custom Yamaha acoustic guitar, showcasing its tobacco burst finish and body shape
Close-up of the Yamaha guitar headstock and tobacco burst finish, highlighting the vintage aesthetic
Harris communicated his vision to the Yamaha team by sharing images of desired finishes and headstock inlay designs. His goal was to create a Yamaha guitar that was unique and personal but not overly ornate or impractical. He wanted a working musician’s instrument, building upon the trusted FG tone while offering refined tonal control. This iterative process ensured that the final Yamaha acoustic guitar would be perfectly tailored to his artistic needs.
David Ryan Harris discussing design details with Yamaha luthiers, focusing on the guitar's features and aesthetics
David Ryan Harris examining the craftsmanship of his custom Yamaha guitar, highlighting the attention to detail
Various angles of the custom Yamaha acoustic guitar, showcasing its tobacco burst finish, body shape, and overall design
David Ryan Harris holding his custom Yamaha guitar, expressing satisfaction with the final product
The culmination of Harris’s collaboration with Yamaha is an instrument that not only meets his aesthetic and sonic requirements but also stands up to the demands of touring and recording. Harris praises the guitar’s stability, noting its resistance to temperature changes and its adaptability to different string gauges. He even experimented with Nashville tuning, achieving exceptional results. His satisfaction underscores Yamaha guitar’s ability to deliver instruments of exceptional quality and versatility.
For those interested in learning more about David Ryan Harris and his music, explore his Artist Profile video or visit davidryanharris.com. This collaboration further cements Yamaha guitars‘ position as a leading choice for musicians seeking both innovation and timeless quality in their instruments.
