I still have my 1968 Yamaha FG-180 (red label) that my dad bought for me brand new. The sound of that guitar just keeps getting better and better.....Russell D.
I have an FGX3 with the original satin finish and love it, but it did come with mark on the upper side, it had been a store display/demo model and knocked in the store so there’s a small spot where the finish is scratched and compressed although it doesn’t really seem to have impacted the wood so much. I can imagine that the gloss will be more resilient and for light marks gloss can be buffed, so this new finish could be a real plus for an instrument that you actually get out and play frequently.
I had an original 68 or 69 FG180 and I ended up selling it because it really really needed a neck reset I wish I would have kept it and paid for a neck reset now I own a AC5R made in JapanThey are some excellent Craftsman great videos always guys
I had the FS5 (matte finish) and it was absolutely incredible. Beautifully made and probably the best acoustic guitar I've ever heard. That said, I just couldn't get on with the super flat radius and found that it wasn't a very responsive guitar (in my hands, anyway). I sold it, reluctantly, but I always appreciate seeing the love for these amazing guitars.
@@johnwashburn3793 I already had, and still have, a Gibson J-15 which I will never part with. It’s really woody and responsive (but doesn’t shimmer like the FS5 did). If I get another orchestra I’ll probably pick up an Eastman as the necks are great (12” radius like the Gibson).
@tdc_2021 Yes, I recall hearing something about the J-45. I must have had a distraction. My most recent purchases was an Eastman OM E-40TC form the Acoustic Shoppe in Springfield. I enjoy it, great tone and sustain but a little heavy. Beautiful
Replaced the bone nut and saddle on my FSX5 with African bloodwood. The warmth and resonance from it gave me the feel of playing a vintage guitar. Couldn’t put it down.
I've been writing music for 45 years. I have 2 go-to guitars for writing. One is a Taylor 914ce and the other is a FSX5. And the both work as hard as the other
Everything coming out of the Hamamatsu Japan factory is amazing. Yamaha’s most experienced luthiers. Incredible selection of tone wood that is reserved for this facility, craftsmanship second to none. I think the 5’s with the matte will be desirable for Yamaha lovers in 10 or 15 years (they are only available now in the glossy finish).
What pretty sounding, and beautiful guitars. The FG is large as can be, but personally, i was more impressed with the Small one that Quentin played in the intro. Wow. That sounds impressive. I have a tan label, lol. It's an FG300 Made in Taiwan, era 1970, 71. Ply back, sides and top. Built like it's meant to be left outside by the campfire overnight, (which it has, a few times) without any issues. Sprayed inside with a poly or something, to seal in the sound from getting out of the plywood. Some kind of a 1" wide piece of wood, bracing the back? Heavy duty, and kind of surprisingly, has even mellowed with age, despite of what seem like so many obstacles.
Yesterday I returned a new FG5X w/ satin finish as it had cloudy marks all over its body. This problem was indicated by other people in guitar forums. Perhaps the high gloss finish is Yamaha's anwer to this problem? Anyway, this guitar has a great sound for its price level.
Just ordered an FG5. If I was in US would have ordered from you without hesitation. It’s an impulsive purchase on one level - I watched this video and couldn’t resist. But I have been watching for many months so it’s impulsive with thought and consideration. Almost went for D18 and v tempted by Gibson Hummingbird original (bone saddle/nut a must). But price and consistency tipped it Yamaha way. If it is the wrong choice then n+1 will inevitably mean d18 to follow and potentially Gibson n+2. Frivolous? Extravagant ? Maybe… but a mere flutter in the breeze compared to other ‘extravagant’ purchases… car… etc. Viva la guitare. Viva l’acoustic letter. Viva Quinton and Paul and many more inspiring videos for us acoustic guitar geeks. A grateful Welshman exiled in the land of beer and chocolate otherwise known as Belgium with a strong hint of guilt as I feel I should have bought the Yamaha from Music Villa….
I have both in the matte finish. I love them to bits. Keepers for life. That said, there are a few brands that are doing great things in this price range and lower. People on here have mentioned Eastman but I would put Alvarez in the mix with their Laureate series. I'd love one of those. I do have a Alvarez MD70bg and it's a great guitar. Laureate is even better.
I have the FS5 matte finish and from what I hear in this video, I think the new ones are brighter and less woody sounding.I much prefer mine.I can understand the move to the gloss finish, as the matte one gave the impression of a "used" guitar somehow.But sound wise the old finish is great and yes I can definitely hear a big difference.I also have an LL16(2007 model, non ARE, made in TAIWAN) and an LJ16 ARE and they are bright in a different way from eachother.I'm considering an AC5R next maybe.I'm a little worried though that the acoustic sound might be "tight", since it is more a modern style electro-acoustic, a little like Taylor guitars...Do you have any opinion about the A5 series?Or should I look at an Eastman model instead?
I don't agree with your opinion about no competition in the price range of Yamaha guitars, compare FG5 with Eastman starting from E1D (at less than half the price of FG5) and up the line, you will find that the range of the tones is much wider and deeper with lots of overtones comparing to rather shallow FG5. I understand that everybody can hear in a different way and prefer different aesthetics but do the test and play FG5 along with corresponding in price Eastman, I guess it would be E10D TC
I concede that I overstated the "no competition" - completely agree that Eastman has been producing incredible guitars - I guess I was thinking in the lowest ranges
I would probably buy the FG5 if they would change that ridiculous pickguard. Remove the dumb decal and keep the black guard or put an actual wood venner guard on it. Other than that, i like the FG5 with the full gloss.
I sure hope they quit using epoxy of whatever glue they used to put tje neck on back in the 70s and 80s... Beautiful sounding instraments .... but a luthier's nightmare to rest the neck..... I don't know why they'd make it unrepairable like that because obviously they were well built other than that.. Same with breedlove... i cannot believe the epoxy the bridge in place.. when they do everything else perfect in the factory on heir high end guitars..
What an amazing tone on both of them. From a J45 and LG2, D18 and OM28 owner.
I just bought a matte finish FS5 and its a beautiful instrument. As someone who fingerpick all the time I absolutely love this guitar
The most humble but yet confident guitar ever made. Punching way over it's price point
I bought an FS5 from you guys 3 years ago. It’s an unbelievable guitar and has sounded phenomenal from day one.
Big Hello from CLAMBELLY. Great to see Paul and Quintin in the MV Studio !
Everything Yamaha makes is top notch, from musical instruments to sound systems to motorbikes...company of integrity and quality.
I just got one of these in the fg size. Absolutely in love with the red labels. They have exactly the sound I wanted. Fit and finish was great too.
My FG5 RedLabel has become my fav; love it!
I still have my 1968 Yamaha FG-180 (red label) that my dad bought for me brand new. The sound of that guitar just keeps getting better and better.....Russell D.
I have an FGX3 with the original satin finish and love it, but it did come with mark on the upper side, it had been a store display/demo model and knocked in the store so there’s a small spot where the finish is scratched and compressed although it doesn’t really seem to have impacted the wood so much. I can imagine that the gloss will be more resilient and for light marks gloss can be buffed, so this new finish could be a real plus for an instrument that you actually get out and play frequently.
I had an original 68 or 69 FG180 and I ended up selling it because it really really needed a neck reset I wish I would have kept it and paid for a neck reset now I own a AC5R made in JapanThey are some excellent Craftsman great videos always guys
I had the FS5 (matte finish) and it was absolutely incredible. Beautifully made and probably the best acoustic guitar I've ever heard. That said, I just couldn't get on with the super flat radius and found that it wasn't a very responsive guitar (in my hands, anyway). I sold it, reluctantly, but I always appreciate seeing the love for these amazing guitars.
Did you replace it with anything?
@@johnwashburn3793 I already had, and still have, a Gibson J-15 which I will never part with. It’s really woody and responsive (but doesn’t shimmer like the FS5 did). If I get another orchestra I’ll probably pick up an Eastman as the necks are great (12” radius like the Gibson).
@tdc_2021 Yes, I recall hearing something about the J-45. I must have had a distraction. My most recent purchases was an Eastman OM E-40TC form the Acoustic Shoppe in Springfield. I enjoy it, great tone and sustain but a little heavy. Beautiful
Two of my favorite acoustics hands down. Eastman makes some great guitars in the same prearrange as well!
Replaced the bone nut and saddle on my FSX5 with African bloodwood. The warmth and resonance from it gave me the feel of playing a vintage guitar. Couldn’t put it down.
I've been writing music for 45 years. I have 2 go-to guitars for writing. One is a Taylor 914ce and the other is a FSX5. And the both work as hard as the other
Love those new Yamaha Red Labels.
Okay, I will
Everything coming out of the Hamamatsu Japan factory is amazing. Yamaha’s most experienced luthiers. Incredible selection of tone wood that is reserved for this facility, craftsmanship second to none. I think the 5’s with the matte will be desirable for Yamaha lovers in 10 or 15 years (they are only available now in the glossy finish).
My FG830, LL6M ARE, and LS6 are in my Yamaha arsenal. Suits me quite well.
These guitars sound amazing.
What pretty sounding, and beautiful guitars.
The FG is large as can be, but personally, i was more impressed with the Small one that Quentin played in the intro. Wow. That sounds impressive.
I have a tan label, lol. It's an FG300 Made in Taiwan, era 1970, 71. Ply back, sides and top. Built like it's meant to be left outside by the campfire overnight, (which it has, a few times) without any issues. Sprayed inside with a poly or something, to seal in the sound from getting out of the plywood. Some kind of a 1" wide piece of wood, bracing the back? Heavy duty, and kind of surprisingly, has even mellowed with age, despite of what seem like so many obstacles.
Nice sounding and playing guitars. I am enjoying my Yamaha TAG3C. Thanks, Quinton, Paul, and Chad
Yesterday I returned a new FG5X w/ satin finish as it had cloudy marks all over its body. This problem was indicated by other people in guitar forums. Perhaps the high gloss finish is Yamaha's anwer to this problem? Anyway, this guitar has a great sound for its price level.
looks great, is that a nitro finish?
Just ordered an FG5. If I was in US would have ordered from you without hesitation. It’s an impulsive purchase on one level - I watched this video and couldn’t resist. But I have been watching for many months so it’s impulsive with thought and consideration. Almost went for D18 and v tempted by Gibson Hummingbird original (bone saddle/nut a must). But price and consistency tipped it Yamaha way. If it is the wrong choice then n+1 will inevitably mean d18 to follow and potentially Gibson n+2. Frivolous? Extravagant ? Maybe… but a mere flutter in the breeze compared to other ‘extravagant’ purchases… car… etc. Viva la guitare. Viva l’acoustic letter. Viva Quinton and Paul and many more inspiring videos for us acoustic guitar geeks. A grateful Welshman exiled in the land of beer and chocolate otherwise known as Belgium with a strong hint of guilt as I feel I should have bought the Yamaha from Music Villa….
I have both in the matte finish. I love them to bits. Keepers for life. That said, there are a few brands that are doing great things in this price range and lower. People on here have mentioned Eastman but I would put Alvarez in the mix with their Laureate series. I'd love one of those. I do have a Alvarez MD70bg and it's a great guitar. Laureate is even better.
I have a 1970 FG-180 and even worn out and not set up correctly it sounds fantastic. I like the FG5 but it's not the same tone as the old ones.
May need to trade in my matte finished FG5. Amazing guitars
Made in Japan Yamaha guitars are the best, I have had my FG5 since they came out 5? years ago and love it.
Very nice that bigger one, would love to own that beauty.
These are amazing guitars,but have tried the G series from Takamine? Phenomenal!!
No way these are budget guitars. They are just too good to be
I have the FS5 matte finish and from what I hear in this video, I think the new ones are brighter and less woody sounding.I much prefer mine.I can understand the move to the gloss finish, as the matte one gave the impression of a "used" guitar somehow.But sound wise the old finish is great and yes I can definitely hear a big difference.I also have an LL16(2007 model, non ARE, made in TAIWAN) and an LJ16 ARE and they are bright in a different way from eachother.I'm considering an AC5R next maybe.I'm a little worried though that the acoustic sound might be "tight", since it is more a modern style electro-acoustic, a little like Taylor guitars...Do you have any opinion about the A5 series?Or should I look at an Eastman model instead?
I don't agree with your opinion about no competition in the price range of Yamaha guitars, compare FG5 with Eastman starting from E1D (at less than half the price of FG5) and up the line, you will find that the range of the tones is much wider and deeper with lots of overtones comparing to rather shallow FG5. I understand that everybody can hear in a different way and prefer different aesthetics but do the test and play FG5 along with corresponding in price Eastman, I guess it would be E10D TC
I concede that I overstated the "no competition" - completely agree that Eastman has been producing incredible guitars - I guess I was thinking in the lowest ranges
I would probably buy the FG5 if they would change that ridiculous pickguard. Remove the dumb decal and keep the black guard or put an actual wood venner guard on it. Other than that, i like the FG5 with the full gloss.
Yamaha FS5 or Martin 00-18?
they need to make cutaway version of this
Do they still come with a hard case?
yes.
I had the dreadnought rdd label. Absolutely loved it and wish i still had it
The only thing I dont like is that here in europe the gloss finish is almost 200 euro more expensive than the matte finish lol.
You can gloss them up yourself!
What is the small guitar on the right hanging on the wall??
ua-cam.com/video/7uwUnANhj2w/v-deo.html
A.R.E Acoustic resonance enhancement.
I just boughtvvthis Fg5 😊
I sure hope they quit using epoxy of whatever glue they used to put tje neck on back in the 70s and 80s...
Beautiful sounding instraments .... but a luthier's nightmare to rest the neck..... I don't know why they'd make it unrepairable like that because obviously they were well built other than that..
Same with breedlove... i cannot believe the epoxy the bridge in place.. when they do everything else perfect in the factory on heir high end guitars..
My original '78 FG 335 sounds better every year. Martinesque.
Cort is way much more quality for the price than Yamaha or anything
Especially now with Parkwood too