Poor Man's Martin - YAMAHA FG NIPPON GAKKI - Guitar Discoveries #3
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- Опубліковано 18 тра 2018
- #YamahaRedLabel #YamahaNipponGakki #guitardiscoveries
Robert Cassard explores the playability and impressive tone of Japanese-made Yamaha folk guitars of the late 60s and 70s. He explains how to evaluate the neck angle and find an impressive guitar on a low budget. Includes an excerpt from Majority of One, an original song written on the FG-151.
Since this video was made, Yamaha has reintroduced the full FG "red label" line as their new high-end series. Built in Japan with a high-end pickup system. More expensive than the originals but with lots of new features. And still about half the price of a comparable new Martin...
• Yamaha Folk Guitar Ser...
Robert Cassard shares guitars, gear and tips to make you a better musician.
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Hi, my name is Robert Cassard. I'm a lifelong guitar player, singer-songwriter, producer, and music fanatic. I create Guitar and Recording Discoveries videos with a simple goal: to make YOU a better, happier, more confident musician!
In 2018, after more than 40 years as a pro musician, I started sharing my experiences through easy-to-understand UA-cam videos - giving you shortcuts to de-mystify playing, singing and recording.
My "day job" is as a video writer/producer/director. Often it's hard to balance my need to earn a living with my desire to share the pure joy of music through the UA-cam videos I make for free.
Your ongoing support means the world to me and encourages me do more of what I love - sharing musical discoveries to help and inspire you! I invite you to become a "Guitar Discoverer” by signing up on Patreon so I can keep providing you the most value I can. / robertcassard
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What the world won't confess is. ..Yamaha certainly kicks ass and quality out of most world name brands regardless of price range.
They've just reintroduced the whole FG "red label" line as their high-end series: ua-cam.com/video/DZ-VIj3EpOo/v-deo.html More expensive than the originals but with lots of new features. And still about half the price of a comparable new Martin...
@@RobertCassard Robert I picked up a FG_580 which looks old as the hills in Nippon. Im a bit confused because this on has a lable that looks to be yellow and the printing is a bit different and also the corners of the label are a sharp point as a standard rectangle.. where the lables you show are rounded a bit on corners. All the white inlay on the top and bottom edges as well as through the center of the back are tarnished to the old yellow look. Back and sides is a bright beautiful colour and a black grain. Thetop is pretty good shape with one crack at bottom from bridge to bottom. I can tell the lacker clear has worn very thin and worn through in the busy areas...top is even a brighter woood, but very close to the same colour,or maybe the same wood as the sides...is that possible...and what year do you think this could be,,,,,,,,,, The guitar plays and sounds fucking amazing ...I Paid $90 canadian at a pawn shop...as soon as I seen it I knew it was vintage and had to get it,,,im so glad I did... what is your input on this....thank you
sombody replaced the tuners,,they look old aswell and say made in germany on them,,,,i love the tuners what ever they are
jeff robbins I’ve never encountered a yellow label. Does it say Nippon Gakki on it? In any case, this may help you find the serial number and date it: ourpastimes.com/how-to-date-a-takamine-guitar-12463957.html
I bought a FGX5 a year and a half ago and I agree. Yamaha has it's own sound, but don't think for a second that it can't keep up with either Martin or Gibson.
Smart man's Martin or Martin's being a rich man's Yamaha.
THAT is the question, Tigerx966!
Funny!
basically, even tho initial designs were borrowed what should be mentioned is yamaha OR Japans wood working prowess is unparalelled..
their ability to select premium woods store and maintain added to stellar wood working techniques puts them way ahead, specially back then when premium woods were available, building affordable top acoustics is thier game..
even today they build top affordable and top level acoustics..
As a musician,I would say is the best acoustic guitar out there..I’ve tried so many guitars but yamaha has the cut above anybody else.,it fits wherever u are or what kind of weather u are into..Martins can’t stand the tropical climate here in the Philippines..it does bend..Yamaha can stand the heat & cold wherever u are in the world.
I've never heard someone focus on issues with Martins in a tropical climate - very interesting. Thanks for checking this out, Michael. Glad you're a Yamaha lover!
Well take into consideration that most of what you said is true but only due to the fact that this guitar is made of laminated woods whereas Martin's are solid wood. The glue between the multiple layers of wood helps the guitar maintain its rigidity... In advantage that you cannot have while chasing the superior tone that solid wood has to offer.
they also laminated the inside of the guitar look it up
I have a '74 Taiwan FG-75. I didn't quite know what I had when I got it in the 90s. During a move it got a small hole in the soundboard and went into a closet for years. On a visit last year my dad handed it to me and I decided to fix it up. I patched the small hole then did a diy sunburst refinish to cover the repair (where the woodgrain lines were interrupted) I did a moisture neck reset using wet towels, covered soundhole up and used large woodclamps and several weeks waiting - that brought the action down a little more. Then I used a lower bone saddle. It sounds very good. Very nice guitar you have there and great songs.
I'm glad you and I are members of the Nippon Gakki club, Jeff! I have quite a few more expensive guitars, but I chose my Yamaha for the acoustic guitar solo on Cosmic Spin's "A Break in the Clouds." You can see and hear it @ 8:24 in this video: ua-cam.com/video/KeTkrxhlbfE/v-deo.html
Well done
@@susanroycroft89 Thank you!
I have two old Nippon Gakki Red label Yamaha's, the FG-150 and FG-280. Both great sounding guitars.
You’re a lucky guy, Johann!
My first new guitar (Christmas, 1971) was a Yamaha Nippon Gakki FG-75. Great guitar! In 1980n or '81, I bought a FG-335. It played very easily and sounded great! Thanks for your video!
My pleasure, Bob. Still have both guitars?
Thanks Robert. NIce video, Nice playing and singing too. I enjoyed both your original tune, and also Come Together. (always a favourite, but you perform it great.) I bought a Japan made, Nippon Gakki Red Label Yamaha FG-180 way back in 1969 as a 14 year old. It was about $169 new back in the day. It is still my favourite guitar, and after 49 years, I play it every day.
Thanks for checking out my channel, Patrick. A 49 year love affair with your FG-180. Impressive. Here’s to many more years together!
I bought an FG140 red label. 1971. still going strong and sounds awesome.
Lucky guy, BillyBigDinners!
Love this discussion. W/O realizing it, my first few guitars were nippon gakki classicals, excellent sound with lots of mojo. After purchasing some modern Guilds, nothing against them great brand and sound, but I ended up coming back to "lived-in" vibe and durable construction of these old FG and CG guitars.
Bet yours sound great in a 30-year-old mulberry field!
Wow, I like your playing... VERY VERY much. Thanks!
Thank you, Tinh Pham. I checked out the videos of you playing YOUR Yamaha!
Came for the guitar...stayed for the music and singing! Good work Cassard.
Thanks, Nicholas! Lots more music and singing if you dig around on my channel. I hope you’ll find more to like and that you’ll subscribe!
I found one in an antique store of all places. I just saw a guitar case in a booth and decided to look inside. It's from 1967 and it's in great shape.
Thanks for commenting, Mark. Did you notice the price? Always curious about how the prices are developing. Vintage Yamaha FG's are pretty consistently between $300 and 400.
Nice video, wonderful guitar, great playing and singing!
Thanks, Will. Glad u found my channel!
Excellent review and super performance,thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, FB.
You welcome Robert
I just inhe 6:16 rited my father's FG-500 and whoa! It plays like a dream. I just love it!
He had MS and couldn't play it this past 5 years before he passed. It was so tough on him to no longer play his great sounding acoustic
That's awesome, Lori. You're incredibly lucky to have an FG-500. That model was only made between '69 and '72, so it's quite rare. It was Yamaha's highest-end guitar at that time. Hard to even find one today - they rarely show up on Reverb.com. So congratulations. Enjoy and take care of her! 🎼😍🌟
Cool informative video. I have a 1971 FG-230 12 string red label nippon gakki. Love it to death.
Congrats on that. Bet you love playin’ hookie to play the guitar! LOL
I lusted for one when I was in college 72 to 76 when the cheapest was around $100 but that was a lot of bucks when I was working my way through school. MANY years later I started buying them to fulfill my still aching want to own them, have several now, my favorite is an FG-340 with deep tone, triple back (black in the middle) and a crack below the neck that makes it all mine! Gave friends a wonderful FG-180-1 Black Label Taiwan that has a triple back, cream in the middle! Wonderful guitars and incredible value. Hunt well!
I love these stories, Michael. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice review thanks. I have a FG-151B from 77-78 that I bought new in Japan. Black bindings on mine. I live not far from Laguna Beach so I think I'll take it to that shop for a check up.
Excellent. Please tell me how your FG sounds a feels after you get it tuned up!
I have a Yamaha FG-335 that I've played for something on the order of forty years or more - always thought that, dollar for dollar, it had as good a sound as anything else I'd played. Still does.
I have no reason to doubt you, Jon! It's funny because I have some very fine and expensive acoustic guitars. But when it came time to record a clean acoustic solo on a recent track from my band Cosmic Spin, I chose my old Nippon Gakki Yamaha!
Here's the music video of A Break in the Clouds:
ua-cam.com/video/eSQTHZao41o/v-deo.htmlsi=9LHYlsyVusmtlZdz
And here's a behind-the-scenes video about how I produced and recorded the track. Yamaha shows up at 8:34:
ua-cam.com/video/KeTkrxhlbfE/v-deo.htmlsi=4ewfN9ZtDJhJCFgt
Just an FYI, Yamaha built their Taiwan factory around 1970, I bought my fg 340 in 1973 for $150 new, I have played the crap out of it, it lived on a sailboat for 10 years, numerous surf trips to Baja, it is still a great sounding and very easy playing guitar, and the finish is still beautiful,. As with all my Yamaha guitars both acoustic and electric, it stays in tune so well, it hardly needs tuning out of the case! My point is that you don’t need to have a green label, or a red label nippon gakki Yamaha to get a great guitar, Yamaha just makes great guitars period!
Glad to hear you got a great one from the Taiwan factory. I’m glad to hear they had the quality control in place beyond the Japanese shops...
I have an FG 365S from Taiwan made around 1972 and it is a jewel. It copies the Martin D35 beautifully and plays and sounds great and stays in tune like yours. I agree that the red and green label nippon gakki's aren't the only good guitars Yamaha made.
I have a range of vintage Yamaha acoustics and I can confirm what is being said here. My best playing and sounding is an FG365SA tan label from the Taiwan factory from around '72. I put it just slightly ahead of my best red label FG180 (nippon gakki) as the overall build quality is, frankly, better and the sound, whilst subtly different, is wonderful. Note that the 70's 365's had a solid top - the majority of the earlier Yammies are laminate (not that that really matter much TBH). Like always, best to use your hands and your ears when you select a guitar - build factory and label color are only a guide as to where to start. But there are plenty of great Yammie acoustics that were not made in Japan.
Aside from that, nice review and nice performances. Thanks. :-)
Guess I need to play an old Taiwan tan label!! Thanks for the comment, Greg.
@@RobertCassard - well, yours sounds great too!
Not sure if you know this or not (sorry if I'm telling you what you already know), but Yammie started using laminates because their early exports to the US (before the FG's) which had solid tops, had splitting issues, and they needed to find a way to get good sounding guitars into the US without them failing and ruining the brand reputation.
So they developed laminates which were much less likely to split but still sounded good. Did a good job as most laminate guitars are known for inferior sound, but the old Yammies are just great. I guess it was done with wood selection and, as I understand it, some particular glue and gluing method ... and light bracing (which is usually their downfall in the end).
Glad they did because people still ignorantly judge laminated guitars as garbage - meaning old Yammies can still be got for reasonable prices. We can't all afford Martins unfortunately. Hehe.
Nice sounding box! And very cool song! I dig it.
Thank you, Cash Money!
i have a Yamaha FG200 circa 1973, its 47 years old. the label is worn off. I scanned some internet FG180 labels. did some pixel editing to get the color right - I printed it on matte stickers. Stuck one of the Nippon Gakki FG180 red label on to my guitar soundhole and voila, I have a Yamaha FG180 red label... now all i gotta do is change to butter beans tuners, lol!!!
Congrats on your ‘73, Jimmy. And your ingenuity in getting your Yamahas labeled!
I've had both fg200 and fg180. Both felt and played almost identical. Great guitars when they can be made playable.
This is really good info...thanks
Thank you, DesertWalker!
He speaks the truth I was lucky enough to pick up the same guitar a couple years ago and it blows me and anybody that picks it up away.
Right on, Brandon. I've been playing the heck out of mine lately...due for a string change!
I have been playing 70's F35's for many years..Great bluegrass and rock and country and what ever you want to play..They hold they're own..Bass and mids are strong..Folk guitars..
Glad you're part of the Nippon Gakki Owner's Club, Michael.
Thanks for the useful info. I have a banged up fg-410a from 99. Sounds really nice. My 11yo is taking lessons on it currently.
Looking out for a 70's one now 👀
Good luck. The prices have been rising fast!
I have a FG 335 mid 70's Taiwan build , had broken neck years ago at the heel , still plays great and yep it cuts through
When you fixed the neck, you probably;y gave it another 40 years of life, Terry. Speaking of cutting through, check this out: ua-cam.com/video/Pc1UL-PR0TY/v-deo.html
Great video bro, especially useful for us folks who don't have a clue in the world of acoustic guitars! :-)
Thank you, Complicated! I love sharing my info to make things easier for people like you.
Picked up a green label one for 180 with its original case. Took it to get a professional overhaul and it plays like a dream!
That’s the way to do it, PaulyD!
Love this guy. We have same taste in guitars and he is good spirit. I only play Harmony and vintage Yamaha guitar. Thanks you, guy
Thank you, elsizzle! Good guitars and good spirit, too!
My FG -430 was built in Taiwan. I bought it in the '70s and it still sounds great in 2020.
I keep hearing from people with Taiwanese Yamahas and pretty much everyone is happy with them
I have a Taiwan FG-336. SB . 2 - SN’ s. The s/n on neck dates it to 1970. The other s/n which is correct I believe dates it at 1978. Anyhow- point iis discount Taiwan origin.. this one ( after a new setup ) was an awesome find! Amazing sound!! 👍
I have my guitar too
Nippon Gakki From japan FG 130
green label very nice sound thanks yamaha!!!
Ooh! Green Label! Love that...
I've been playing one of these for about 25 years. I love it. It's been my main acoustic for so long. It was my dad's before it was mine. I also have his brother's which was bought at the same time in the 70s and it's a dog. Lol same exact guitar, probably from the same production run.
Glad you have one you love, Ryan. What is it about your uncle’s that makes it a dog? Neck issues?
Hi Robert, I recently bought a Yamaha f310, suntanning it in indirect sunlight daytime n using UV lamp on it at night. It's darkening nicely. Then I recreated the fg180 red label exactly using PowerPoint n Microsoft paint to lift the logo from scanned copy of the red labels on the net. I printed the fg180 red label Nippon gakki labels n stuck it inside my Yamaha f310. The original label I tore it off. Next I bought butter bean tuning pegs n change it and I also bought a truss rod cover n drill holes over the headstock. Now I own a remodeled fg180. I own an original fg200 circa 1970 and decided to make myself an fg180 Yamaha. It's great, using a real Yamaha all laminate f310 and making it into a fg180 red label yammie. Just sharing, thanks for your advice. Cheers man :)
Fun project...creative. Now you need to play it alongside a real red label and see how close you’ve come to emulating it!
Thank you for the tip about checking the neck. I've heard much about this era Yamaha's needing resets. I bought an FG-75 and the neck ended up being unfixable (or costing much more to fix than I paid for the guitar). I'm looking at an FG150 red label tomorrow @ $115 with hard case. I will be bringing a ruler. Thanks again.
That's a great price for a 60s or 70s FG. I hope the neck is perfect...the ruler helps you know how much it's off and your hands decide the rest!
I was given a red label FG-150 from the original owner who bought it in highschool late 60's/early 70's. The guitar really does have a personality of it's own. I don't think I'd ever be able to part with her.
Nice gift, Brandon. I just had a full set up (including shaving down the bridge) on my FG-151, and it is SWEEEEEET!
I've heard different players elect to do that. What usually motivates one to shave the bridge down? I don't have any experience with playing on one with that done.
@@Brandon-vs3xi Shaving down the bridge is a much less expensive alternative to resetting the neck. The idea is to lower the height and break angle of the strings at the bridge end. This allows a luthier to lower the action and compensate for a neck with a truss rod that can't be angled back any further. This was an amazing workaround on my Yamaha. It plays quite a bit more easily but still sounds great.
@@RobertCassard makes total sense! Thanks for the info my friend and jam on.
I purchased an FG700S at least ten years ago. Along the way I purchased a Sigma as well as a Guild. They all have their good points, but there's just something about my FG that I can just never part with it. It's almost an extension of my soul.
Love old Yamaha guitars. Washburn also made some great guitars back in the day,and they can be found for a great price. Thanks for sharing brother
You're welcome, Donald. Thanks for checking out my channel. I hope you'll subscribe and explore some of the other intriguing axes I've shared.
I have a 1972 fg180 red label nippon gakki. My neighbor was going to throw it away, it was his brothers , who died. My neighbor knew I played, and he offered it to me. I love it. I also have a martin D18. Very very close in sound. But in any event, I found out later, that these are sought after guitars. Grab one for the money Clean it, Change the strings; have it setup, etc.
this was a very informative video. Great job Robert!!! Outstanding. and thanks for the education..
A '72 FG-180 is probably the highest and best example of the red labels, so congrats on rescuing a gem like that from the landfill! Thanks for confirming the similar tone of your Yamaha and Martin. Vintage Yamahas are usually an excellent deal, even as the prices climb. I see them here in the Bay Area for about $300. I just did another video where I play the Yamaha in open tuning: ua-cam.com/video/hLdVruJGBj4/v-deo.html . I really appreciate your positive comments and I hope you'll subscribe to the channel.
Robert Cassard thanks again. I subscribed. Not a big deal, but I also was given a 1976 Epiphone FT 120. Looks like a 000 body design. Cool little guitar. No big deal from a value perspective, but the fact that it has that patina yellow look on the aged spruce. Back and sides are mahogany
@@georgescannelli3814 Conicidentally, I had an Epiphone FT-130 back in the 70s. I showed it in the very first Guitar Discoveries video at 4:45: ua-cam.com/video/mx8EmutRQ3A/v-deo.html It never got a proper setup, so it was always wonky!
Tks Robert
Thank YOU for watching LP
Agree with you all the way. I bought my FG in 1976 and it's still going strong. I bought an Australian made Maton acoustic some years ago but the Yamaha sounded so much better that I sold it on
Never played a Maton...but I vouch for the Yamahas!
Thanks a lot. I purchased a nearly untouched FG 250D for a nice price. Best buy i ve ever done. Greets from Germany Best Lupo
Great to hear, Lupo. I keep coming back to the Yamaha when I want a full clean acoustic tone that sits well in a mix with electrics.
I inherited one of these FG 150s red label... probably a mid to late 60's. The previous owner had lived next door to the Grateful Dead on Haight Ashbury in the 60's. I didn't know it was so special... but I've always loved it.
A lucky inheritance, Johann. And I'm sure it picked up the Haight Ashbury vibes! 😎
At Woodstock festival, Country Joe McDonald was playing on a Yamaha FG 150 ! 👍 (Feel Like l'm Fixin' to Die-Rag).
@@gillesserrigny6324 Epic! Thanks for that bit of history.
Great video! Beautiful guitar. I just picked up a FG-152 up here in Canada. Guitar is in almost new condition-owner must not have played much! Appreciated the video, as it made me really appreciate the uniqueness of this guitar. Excited to learn on it! (New to guitar)
Right on and congrats, Kaleb! As you take your journey as a new guitarist, I hope you find many helpful videos on my channel!
congrats.. how much did u get your 152? thanks man
$300 canadian…its in fantastic shape. Had to replace the nut, but other than that, the guitar is damn near mint
This guitar sound awesome 🤩
Thanks, Jeffrey. I love it, too. It's been almost 4 years since I recorded this video. just had some work done on my Yamaha - shaved down the bridge a bit so I could lower the action. Now it plays and sounds even better, and it takes a little less muscle to play barre chords high on the neck.
I own an fg335 1980 model. It is so easy to play and has a wonderful low action. The guitar is still in perfect condition, and I got it for around 270$ which is a fair price.
Sounds like a great one, A.
Yamaha makes incredibly beautiful instruments! I have a tan label fg200 from 73, but I’m keeping my eye out for a 180.
Glad you have one Nippon Gakki Jim. Adding more is like improving a poker hand! Two of a kind.
Love the old Yamahas!
They are so impressive for the money.
I've had a Yamaha FG (Taiwan factory) since 1985. I've replaced the nut and bridge (filing each to lower the action to how I want) and adjusted the truss. The neck has never warped. The amount of relief is exactly still where I want it. The frets are still perfectly even, never required filing. The build quality and play-ability is top notch . I'd put it against any acoustic worth $1,000+. Far too many players never learn how to setup or adjust their guitars and make them their own. Whatever the factory or builder set it as (however they felt that day or rushed), is what most players blindly accept. The type of string metal, the gauge and where one strums has a great impact on the tone (how bright it may sound). It's not only the wood.
You’re so right, buzzcrushtrendkill! A) I’m glad to know a Taiwan FG has served you so well. B) You’re so right about the importance of getting any guitar set up the way you want it as a player. C) Learning to do setups yourself can be a money-saver over time. (There are still times when I want a luthier to do the finer adjustments or major repairs.) D) Yes! String type and gauge, pick gauge, where and how you strum are key! Thanks for checking out my videos!
@@RobertCassard Great video. I apologize for ranting a bit but your video inspired me. LOL. A little TLC and these Yamaha's punch far, far above their price range. Cheers
buzzcrushtrendkill Rant all you want...it was a positive rant!
I have the guitar your showing. Man it's a really great guitar
I found mine in a pawn shop. It's a keeper!
Right on, James. We're lucky, right?
I have a fg301b orange label. The brazilian rosewood back and sides really give it a warm and clear all rounded sound. And Its a freaking cannon. Just like my fgx5 red label, the harder you beat it, the better it sounds. I absolutely love Japanese Yamahas
They're pretty amazing, eh? So I used my FG-151 to record an acoustic solo on my duo Cosmic Spin's upcoming release called "A Break in the Clouds." Everyone who hears the solo just presumes it's either a vintage Martin or similar expensive guitar. Nope!.
Awesome!
Thank you, Wayne! Thanks for subscribing.
@@RobertCassard YVWC I LOVE YAMAHA GUITARS . GREAT BANG FOR THE BUCK. I HAVE AN FSTA VINTAGE TOBACCO AND AN APX 1000 NATURAL . LOVE THEM.
Hi Robert, what a beauty! I am on the lookout for one of those now! Although I really did enjoy your version of Come Together, happens to be one of my favorite songs, any chance I can learn your version?
Hi, AcidicLustre. Thanks for the praise. Here's a link to the lyric and chord sheet for my version of Come Together: www.dropbox.com/s/rcyu1iikh6shvsv/Come%20Together.docx?dl=0.
It has lots of repetition of the Asus2 C D pattern (as played during in the Intro). I build the song by doing minimal additions to each verse.
In Verses 1 and 2, I just play an Asus2, then add a G in the bass and hold it until the next Asus2.
In Verse 3 ("he bag production", I play an Asus2 to C pattern multiple times (not moving the C to D).
In Verse 4 ("he roller coaster"), I play all three chords, Asus2, then C to D.
This way, each verse gets a bit more intense, with more chord movement. I hope it makes sense to you!
@@RobertCassard Wow! What a beautiful explanation, thank you so much for the chord sheet and the detailed explanation, it felt like sitting infront of you and learning the song from you . I can't thank you enough for this, as it was quite unexpected to get a reply. It means a lot to someone like me who wants to get better at playing this wonderful instrument but doesn't really have the means to take proper lessons, so UA-cam is my best friend here. The world really needs more people like you who are willing to open their crest of knowledge and share it without even a second thought. Thank you so much for this lovely gesture, means a lot and know that you made a difference in someone's life, I would certainly share my progress with you when I pick the song up :)
@@acidiclustre People like you are why I started Guitar Discoveries, and I'd love to hear about your progress!
Hi Robert Hi hope you enjoyed your trip to Mexico!!!. Quick story...I was at a yard sale last week, and as I was walking thru, I spotted a guitar in the distance. As I got closer, I saw the name Yamaha on the headstock, and also noticed it was a 12 string. Thru the sound hole, I noticed a red label. It said FG 230. Nippon Gakki. The back of the top of the headstock had a sticker in perfect shape that said made in Japan. I already own an FG 180, 1972. Nippon Gakki also, and I love it. Very similar to my martin D18. The kicker is that the guitar was for sale for $45.00. It was perfect. 5he neck, the woods, everything. It was an older couple, and I actually felt bad, so I paid them $100, and explained that this was a very nice guitar. It just sat for many years in storage. So all I’m doing is changing the strings. It’s. 1971, based on the serieal number.
Anyway; it was good luck. A treasure to me; and yes, a poor mans martin. Get home safe, if your not already.
Thanks for the well wishes and congrats on the red label 12-string at such an amazing price. I’m jealous!
What a score I woulda done the same. 100 bucks hell of a deal
I played one of those in a pawn shop in Winnipeg Manitoba about 12 years ago. It had so much wear that above the sound hole there was another small wear hole. The back was all scratcher up. It was the fullest, loudest, nicest sounding acoustic I'd ever played! Last price was $200. I got turned down at $150. That night I researched online and kicked myself i didn't buy it! The next day I was excited to go purchase it for $200!! When I got there the owner said someone purchased it an hour after I played it!
Still one of my biggest guitar regrets to this day! That guitar had a huge sound!! No other has sounded better yet!
Thanks for sharing that, Rod...ah the one that got away! Sounds like that old Yamaha had stories to tell! Every self-respecting guitarist with any history has at least one regret story like this. I’ve let a few gems go, and yet I still have “too many” guitars (if that’s even possible).
Nice review of the vintage jewel. Like you, I'm a proud owner of Yamaha FG 180 and can't help but agree with your opinions. They're really great although it's not for everybody.
Thanks, Art! I’ve come to believe that it all depends on the neck. Mine is what I’d call “stiff-but-playable,” but it sounds great!
Nice song Robert!
Thank you, Pieter!
I bought a 1972 Yamaha fg-160 Tan label Nippon Gakki from a guy in england for around 2 to 300 euro about a year ago,
I refretted it myself and lowered the action, it sounds brilliant a little beat up but its got this loud ringing tone that just cuts through everything.
I play in traditonal/folk group sessions in pubs here in Ireland. Ive seen 12 string Taylors worth 3000 euro, Epiphones, Takemines and to be very honest
it cuts through them all, if you strum it hard nothing can beat it. A great video thank you and if you spot an old Fg Nippon Gakki buy it. Though you do need
to watch for the neck, because they are known to need a neck reset.. I didn't need to do that, I brought down the bridge and saddle, to get the action down to about 3mm on bass E
string and that was as far as i could go, but if you get that you have a fabulous instrument that you will not want to put down.... although I have a few other Yamahas that are not
made in Japan but sound great too...
Thanks, Ned. I’m about to shave down the bridge and saddle on mine…an interim step before eventually needing to reset the neck!
I have a 1978 FG512 I bought new. The binding has aged beautifully.
How’s the neck holding up, Rockin’ G?
@@RobertCassard The neck is fine.
I have had my fg Nippon 1969 still playing it been to lots get together shows some chareter
Will never get rid of it
That's awesome, bille! I used mine to play the solo on a recent release by my band Cosmic Spin: ua-cam.com/video/KeTkrxhlbfE/v-deo.html
I just got a Black label Yamaha Fg180-1 which you didnt mention. They are made slightly better with binding etc....
It sounds incredible :) Just wondering wether to change the nut, saddle, and bridge pins for bone ?
I dont want it too toppy though. Any advice ? thanks
Congratulations, UK! The questions you ask can be answered by you own comment: “It sounds incredible :)” If that’s how you feel, there’s no need to change anything unless it is damaged, wearing out, or affects playability. The (plastic) nut is likely to be the first to go - a relatively easy fix and somewhat helpful in getting a precise setup. I’d only replace (or at least shave) the saddle if needed to avoid a full neck reset. As for bridge pins, I assume they’re the original plastic? Bone always seems to brighten the highs just a bit. Ebony can tone them down just a bit. Hopes this helps.
@@RobertCassard Thanks, I think I will change the nut as the string grooves have grown very deep over the 40 years. There's lots of room on the truss rod so i tightened it and the strings are very low action now with a little buzz off 2 strings on first fret. (Hence new nut) hopefully thats all i need to do :) The back of the guitar is beautiful with the mahogony either side and the maple wedge down the middle. Awesome ! Thanks Robert.
I love these nippon gakki red labels. Hope you’re still enjoying it. Managed to pick a FG110 about 14 years ago, great sound and luckily a wonderful low action still. We shall never part…
I do still LOVE it. This year, I had my luthier shave down the bridge to lower the action (less costly than a neck reset). Worked like a charm and it plays and sounds better than ever. I used it for the acoustic guitar solo on my band's version of "A Break in the Clouds." This video goes behind the scenes on the production, and I pull out the Yamaha around 8:20: ua-cam.com/video/KeTkrxhlbfE/v-deo.htmlsi=rm7kythM5eebwzmN
Excellent stuff Robert! The rubber saddle mod is genius😂
Great guitars got 2 of them
Hi Willajean. Are they red labels? Thanks for checking out my videos!
I just picked up an FG-150 red label for $55 at the local flea market. Original beat up case and free gig bag. Neck is a tad bit off but I'll work on it. May replace with a bone nut and saddle and lighter strings. Sounds amazing! Better than my '92 Yamaha FG-450 (installed the same Fishman you have in this one) for sure. My deal of the month. Thank you, great review.
Congrats on that extraordinary deal, peacefultimes. This video is about 4 years old now. Since then, the action has gotten a little higher. Instead of doing a full neck reset, I recently had my luthier shave down the (very thick) bridge a bit and now it plays better than ever. Enjoy your red label!
I bought a red label 150 in 1970 and later wile backpacking around the world and desperate for a guitar got an FG 130 at the Yamaha store in Tokyo. Feel lucky to have hit the good years.
That's awesome, Hublocker. Lucky for sure. They still playing well?
@@RobertCassard . Yes, the 150 is. The 130 has always had a higher action and could benefit from a proper setup, but I am mostly a bass player now and the acoustics are used infrequently as song writing tools. The 150 has more midrange and highs and the other one is bassier. They have both been played a lot.
Very Nice All Around Video. Thank You. You have Great Rhythm as well. If you down play your voice it will get more attention because it's really good, and people will listen harder to it for its Gem spots. (One Man's Thoughts) Keep Up The Good Work, You Rock.
Thanks, RJ. Glad you found this video and I hope you’ll come back for more!
Cool tune. Guitar sounds great!
Colum Nolan Thanks for the compliments. My wife and I have a duo called called Cosmic Spin and we do “Majority of One” in our live set. A video is posted here: cosmic-spin.com/live-video. Cheers!
@@RobertCassard Just checked that out.. You guys sounds great. Love the song. Your wife has a great voice! Congrats man 😎
@@hang-sangitch Really appreciate you giving Majority of One a listen. We've been meaning to do a studio recording...your enthusiasm is giving me a nudge to get it done!
@@RobertCassard Yeah man. There's a great message there. Always good to put out good vibes!
Very nice all round.
Thanks Anthony. Glad you checked out one of my videos!
Great guitars...Yamaha are the best budget guitar!! In my experiences.
That’s a pretty safe bet, James. The old ones sound pretty amazing for “cheap guitars.”
My first guitar was a Yamaha fg160 red label growing up amazing guitar it was stolen years ago I have since found a red label fg75 and fg140 that are always out and sound better now than when new
Glad you filled the void of your stolen FG, James!
Put a ruler onto the lower bout. You'll probably find that the top has bulged very slightly rather then the neck set failing. Not a problem if it's only a slight bulge, you can just shave down the bridge a fraction if necessary to retain the string break angle at the saddle.
I have an FG-335 from late 70's-early 80's. My brother got it at 13 and he's now 42. I thought it was new when he was 13 but it was used and iv had it since 2003. I have had a few guitars and it's always been kept and was my only many times. Sounds great with elixirs polyweb and nanoweb is ok. I think it sounds good but it's just sorta hard to play which the poly web strings help out. And now with it aged I believe it sounds better. Taylor is my favorite and I finally purchased an academy 10 Taylor at 35 lol. But deff alot like a Martin. Yamaha is overlooked by many but they make great pianos and keyboards. It's a great guitar. I'm currently refinishing and changing all parts to upgrades.
Iv had cheaper musicians friend guitars and stripped the finish and stain it only and you wouldn't believe the difference in sound after the clear coat resin is off.
Sounds like a great guitar, Seth. No doubt that stripping a guitar can make it more resonant and add to the vibes!
A friend has a guitar just like yours great neck and fretboard. I thought orange label is a faded red label. Page used one when Led Zeppelin toured the States. Excellent guitars.
I recently watched James Taylor’s “me and my guitars” series and was surprised to discover he has sometimes toured with an off-the-shelf Yamaha!
Thanks for your knowledge and an informative video. I have my eye on these but like wider, thicket necks because of my larger hands. I was wondering:
What is the nut width?
What about shape of neck?
Thanks, James
Each model may be a little different. Mine is an FG-151 and the nut width is 1-7/8”. The neck is “medium,” meaning it’s not as thin as my Gibson J-50, and not a thick baseball bat like my Harmony guitars. My hands are fairly large, with big fingertips, and it fits me well.
Thanks for replying.
I wonder what's the difference between this fg 151 and the more pricey fg 180. I couldn't find anything except maybe the 180 is larger?
@@redsailsjs The FG-150 and FG-151 are "folk size," like a Martin 000, and the FG-180 is dreadnought size.
LOVELY GUITAR
Glad you like it, LueyMagee!
What strings do you use for the Yamaha? It sounds like 13-56. What do you think about new fg series? Have you ever compare them? It would be great to see.
They’re Elixir 80/20 Light Gauge (12-53). But the guitar sounds bigger than the gauge, right? I really like the new FGs, but have never played one side-by-side with the old FG. Cool idea though!
Would love one of these, since I can't afford a Martin D-18
It’s a surprisingly good substitute, Samuel!
You were flipping us off in the thumbnail lol
Ish Taco Bell. It was supposed to be subliminal!
I have an FG-180 red label from 1972 that was made in Taiwan. Label looks exactly the same as your screen cap in the video minus the Nippon Gakki. My mom bought it new in '72 and I've been playing more or less daily since the late 90's. It's.. well-loved.. for lack of a better phrase. Fret board is very worn down in frets 1 through 3. Neck is bowed and the truss rod can't really be adjusted any further to compensate. I had to replace the original open tuners as they got too crusty (I still have them anyway). A few of screw holes for the tuners are totally stripped and have been redrilled too many times already so I have to fill them annually with wood putty to give the screws something to grab. The finish on the part of the body where your arm rests has been worn away friction and sweat. Chunks are missing from the trim. Countless dings on the back on top.
Still sounds amazing. It's a quiet guitar with a sweet ringing treble and warm bass. I wouldn't get rid of it for anything.
Dang Andrew...glad to hear a Taiwan-made red label has been worthy of all that love over so many years. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your FG!
@@RobertCassard Haha thanks. Sometimes sentiment trumps practicality.
AndrewGurn And tone trumps everything.
Yes indeed, Yamaha have a Consistancy in all their products, I have 4 of their Acoustic's, they don't quite have the depth of a Martin D/N, but they easily match the sound output 😊😊😊
Well said, Susan! And the old Yamahas can be really special. I used my FG-151 to play an important "clean" acoustic solo on a recent release, emulating the "sound of sunlight." Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/KeTkrxhlbfE/v-deo.html
Dang thats in mint conditon. I found a 150 they're asking abou 200 and its pretty dinged but it is red label... i havent played the 150 just a 160 and i loved the size!
As long as the neck doesn’t need a re-set, $200 is a great price for a red label that sounds and plays well, no matter how dinged!
Does it have a "D" shaped neck?
Another secret cup cake is the Yamaha FG710-s. Some of these are great. You got to play them. I believe they stopped making them about 2 years ago. The S stands for solid top. It's a newer copy of that guitar with a solid top....which makes it ring very nicely. I just refretted one with big jumbos....it has the red label.
I put it up against an 800 series Taylor and everyone picked the Yamaha as the expensive one in a blind test.
Put elixir strings on it and it's even better.
Great story and info about the 710-s David! Not sure exactly how I’d describe the neck...quite comfortable, not too chunky. Again, similar to the Martin dreadnoughts I’ve played. I’d say between a C and D?!
Can I seek your opinion - Martin drsgt Vs Yamaha fg5? Both are solid wood guitars n priced close to each other, which would you recommend? Thank you in advance :)
I’ve never played either of these specific guitars, but they’ve both likely to be very good. I’ve heard raves about the Yamaha for the price. IMHO, it shouldn’t ever really be about the brand or the model, but about which guitar feels like an extension of you when you hold it in your hands and play it. I hope that helps!
I have a question. How do you set up with Fishman Pickup? Can I see the picture?
Hi Min. I didn’t install the Fishman pickup. It was installed professionally by my luthier at the time.
Wow lovely video. I own Yamaha FG201. It's sounding better than Martin D20. What is the strings that you use for this guitar?
Thank you, Kasun. I usually use Elixir Acoustic Light Gauge, 80/20 Bronze with Nanoweb coating.
I can not understand English. But I can understand your enthusiasm for that guitar.
Thank you for watching! YES, I love my Yamaha Nippon Gakki!
Love the sound, its rare guitar in my country
Where are you, John?
indonesia
@@johnshredderputu3214 Wow...I'd expect quite a few Japanese guitars there, especially because Yamahas were some of the first that were widely exported.
I got the yamaha A1M it's really awesome
It is AMAZING. I mentioned it at 2:55 in this video about searching for a Holy Grail guitar at NAMM: ua-cam.com/video/eNjNvt3s9II/v-deo.htmlsi=O6qw27sVZUBUx6k7
My mother in law just gifted me my late father in law’s old Yamaha FG-180. It is in near mint condition. I couldn’t be happier with it. It has survived for forty years and I mean for it to last at least for forty more.
Congratulations, Doroteo! That sounds like a wonderful inheritance...
That's about as special as it gets
@@heyou429 Indeed it is... if you want to hear how good two of these 180s can sound listen to this: ua-cam.com/video/QzE439U5iMI/v-deo.html
Hi Robert, The Majority of one is really i like. I have send a friend request on FB 🙏
Glad you like Majority of One, Bobby! There's a video of my duo Cosmic Spin playing the whole song live in Napa: ua-cam.com/video/bUTH8wNBdag/v-deo.html
I have noticed that alot of old Yamaha's were yeah there ok new back in the day now 25 30 35 years later .. they are comming alive with that Aged wood sound ..
I never played Yamahas back then so I don’t know how they sounded...but it wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve really improved with age.
nice singer and player
Thank you, michaelisrael66. I hope you find lots more to enjoy on my channel!
Just watched a video on top 10 suv depreciation , you should do it on acoustic guitars
Good idea, Lawrence. I’m certainly no expert, but I could research it. I’m thinking about a feature on US vs. Mexican Strats and that would be part of it for sure!
Nice review Robert!
Thanks, David. This was the 3rd video I did in my Guitar Discoveries series...just about to hit my 100th episode!
@@RobertCassard Didn't realize you had this channel- just stumbled on it while researching Yamaha red labels. I have a Dread that's also considered something of a poor man's Martin, (specifically the D-18) a Recording King RD-06. I'm currently contemplating moving it along because.... too many Dreads. Anyway, looking forward to watching more of your vids!
Glad you found it! I didn’t know you played guitar, but I’m happy you do.... I hope you find more helpful topics to explore.
@@RobertCassard I'd use the term "play" loosely. Always been into music, sang a little in my youth- choirs, musical comedy classes, a band that quickly went nowhere. Briefly took guitar lessons in high school using a painfully cheap and bad classical guitar that convinced me to suffer for other art.😁 Anyway, about ten years ago decided to give it a try again and am a bit obsessed. Pretty much self taught in the art school vein of liking to use guitars to make noise-scapes and sometimes I get lucky, and it actually sounds kind of like music. 😁👍
@@davidmahoney1248 I started this channel because of friends and weekend guitarists like you. I run into a surprising number of people who once tried guitar, got discouraged and stopped. But now they want to play and sound solid without just doing scales and exercises. I love sharing tricks and tips that jump-start their playing skills, and also like to point out gear that's high-quality, low-cost, accessories that actually work, etc. One of my mottos is, "I learn the hard way, so you don't have to."
what Yamaha manages to do goes beyond that, not only the models made in Japan that are good, in all the countries they are manufactured and with any wood, they came and do what other brands have not yet been able to do.
You're right, Christian. The newer Yamaha models have a remarkable consistency at every price point.
My first good guitar was a Yamaha FG180. My mom bought it for me in 1968. Your fg151 is pretty rare. Very good guitars in general. My 69 Fg110 is still in good condition. Yeah the necks can get wonky, but they sound good. Not as boomy as a Martin drednought but just as nice.
I agree, Jonathan. The tone of the early Yamahas is quite clean and balanced. I'm about to have my luthier (who's actually from Japan) shave down the very thick bridge to correct the action somewhat without a neck reset. Eager to see how it goes.
How much would you price a
fg-580 nippon gakki at? It’s either a dark green or black label and people love it’s sound. It has a few scratches 2 small ones and one 2-3 inch scratch on the wood but doesn’t go through the wood. I’ve seen em sold for as bout $1,300 3 different times on eBay some listed higher and some listed lower the fg-580 aren’t listed often though. Great video
@@kdub9918 I always check Reverb.com to get an accurate picture of the market. There are a couple of FG-580s from the 70s/80s available right now. Right around $800. reverb.com/item/63977533-yamaha-fg-580-70s-early-80s reverb.com/item/39135553-yamaha-fg-580-70-s. I hope this helps!
@@RobertCassard Thanks for the info Robert I tried checking comps on eBay but I’ll have to check out the Reverb website. You’re correct on the sound it is amazing how it stands out I also have a 12-string Yamaha that gives off a very full sound it was my father’s he got it back in the early 70’s and it sounds great playing some acoustic Stones songs (especially as tears go by) and almost everything off sticky fingers.
@@kdub9918 All the early 70s Yamahas were hand-crafted in Japan. It's often referred to as the golden age of Japanese luthiery.
Yamaha FG is a copy of Martin D-18 dreadnought.
Bought a 1969 red label FG 140, in 1976 ($75 used), to go with my 1970 FG 230 12 string ($150 new). I use Fishman pickups.
I recently had the local luthier put on bone saddles and nuts, as well as adjust the neck.
He put on Elixer extra light strings, but I think I will go back to Martin Silk and Steel.
I have kept my guitars tuned 1 step down (D instead of E) to keep the face from lifting, especially the 12 string.
I recently played a Taylor solid mahogany. It sounded slightly better, but i was not going to spend $2,000.
Dave Alpert Thanks for that info. Did you notice much sonic difference with the bone saddles and nuts?
Yes. They play better than ever, with the lowered action from the adjusted the neck. You just can't beat 50 year old seasoned wood!
@@davealpert5683 Great to hear. I'm doing similar upgrades to my Gibson J-50 from 1964. Installing a Mitchel's PlateMate underneath the bridge and switching to bone bridge pins from the original plastic ones. Gonna do a Before-and-After video when it's ready!
I got a 1985 Yamaha fg435 just yesterday 😍
Congrats! I've never played one from the 80s. Was it made in Japan? What did it cost and how do you like it?
@@RobertCassard I'm loving it. I actually got it from a friend who wants to buy a new one so I got it super super cheap.
@@nishthajain14 That's awesome! Does the label say where was it made?
@@RobertCassard just checked. It says "Made in Taiwan"
@@nishthajain14 Glad you got a "keeper." Good to know the Taiwanese guitars from the 80s play well and sound good. I've heard (but don't know from experience) that the Taiwan Yamahas are better and more consistent than the ones made in China.
I have owned the FG 410 since the early 90's. I am wondering where it fits into the present 2019 line-up.
Not sure of that, Peter. Yamaha has reintroduced a new series of “Red Label” FGs that emulate the originals from the 60s and early 70s. Problem is, most of them are selling for over $1k. You can buy an original vintage version for much less and still have $$$ left over to have it worked on professionally (a lot!).
@@RobertCassard Ok thanks for the reply Robert, much appreciated.
Just curious man. What do you think of the new red label series
See my responses to Jed Isidro below...
Wise Man's Martin
I like that revision! 🌞