I couldn't agree with you more. I own the LJX26C which is same thing you own but with the A.R.T pickup and a cutaway. It's really worth every dime and I will never sell it 🙂
Another FSX5 owner here. I agree with you on that the FG version has significant more bass acousticly. But while playing wired, there's basically no difference. On the other hand, the FS version is SOOO much more comfortable to play, imo. It makes a huge difference especially if you use it as your main go-to guitar, like I do . And still plays and sounds extremely well. I'm very satisfied with my choice.
Agreed wholeheartedly that Yamaha manufactures a consistantly good and lifetime instrument. I have an FGX800C, an AC5R and just finished switching from a Martin D16E to an Red Label FGX5 that will be shipping in October.
I have an FG830, An LL6M A.R.E. and an LS6. I love the L Series guitars as well as the FG830. Also have a Martin DX1RAE and some Alvarez guitars. Yamaha has the secret sause.
Hey brother! Fellow professional firefighter out of St. John's Newfoundland. I too am a Yamaha lover. I love the FG5 red label. Sounds great to sing with! Hope all is well!
Awesome man I’ve got an Fs-5 as well and it’s just continually getting played.. I’m looking for another yam to play slide on so glad to hear the LS-6 feels similar. Might have to check one out. 👍
I own an AC5m (a guitar made for the stage with a good pramp) and I recently (and unfortunately) sold a LJ26. The LJ26 is among the best guitars I ever played : a flattening bass range, plenty of overtones (rosewood, rosewood...), amazing sustain, fast neck and each detail (binding, neck...) looks perfect. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a LS26. It is anyway a pity that yamaha does not offer (at least at my knowledge) a sunburst finish and/or a cutaway.
LJ26 is the bomb…. The back and sides are east Indian rosewood vs regular rosewood in the L series 16 level, and plywood in the 6 level…..I have seen some 26’s used in the range of the FGX5 new cost.
I had a GS Mini also, and sold it. No clue why everyone likes that guitar so much. I have a Taylor 114ce and looking for a 2nd guitar, thinking Yamaha. Thank you for the video!
Exactly in the same boat- also have a 114ce. Went to guitar center and tried the mini and the Yamaha. No comparison whatsoever. The mini felt like a child’s toy. Ordered the LS6 today.
I have at least 4 Yamaha's they are fantastic guitars. I like Taylors as well, but I sold my Taylor cause I never played it. I loved it, but the Yamaha felt better for some reason.
I have owned many Yamaha guitars over the years from the LL series to NCX nylon. As far as the LL6 goes - great guitar for the money, but if you change out those plastic pins, and install the Tusq pin - it becomes a different guitar. Did that with my LL16 and it brought out the harmonics, sustain and projection and sounded like a guitar costing much more. Eventually replaced the saddle and nut - and again - another level of sound. Best upgrade for the money - you won't be disappointed. If you do the Tusq pins, try one in the bass E string and compare the sound. Made an difference with my Tak 740 fs replacing the ebony pins with the Tusq. No going back to ebony - that different.
@@Nvr83 Yes, the same applies to the LJ16 and for all the L series as well as the FG series of acoustic guitas. The easiest is to simply buy the Tusq product and would suggest the pins first. These will take a bit of sanding to fit the hole. The pins make the biggest difference in the sound quality. The saddle is an easy swap as well with a bit of sanding to lower the action. The nut is not that important unless you want to chase every bit of sound balance, but does require careful fitting. Part number for the Graph Tech Tusq Nut is PQ-6133-00. Pins are part # PP-2182-00 and are black with an abalone dot insert in the top. Lost the part number for the saddle. Hope this helps.
I have a LJ-26 that I bought recently secondhand. Glorious guitar -- neck is so smooth and comfortable and the sound is powerful as hell; fairly roars when you strum it.
I have to agree with your assessment, I have never tried a Gibson in a store that made me want to buy it (30 odd years), however I did stumble across an Alvarez (Yairi) MD60 Mahogany/ Spruce that just blew me away (still hanging in the shop but sold), it sounded so damn good it made you want to weep and it was only $900 Australian, I'm keen to get out there and check some Yamaha guitars out, probably LL series, I really want to sample a Guild D40 or their Indonesian version the D140 but I can't find any in my region.
The LL series is nice. I have one of the LL6 which is the cheaper one and I love it. It plays wonderfully. I tried one of the D140 and I found it lacked a lot of bass, but that is just me. It was a nice guitar, but not the voice for me.
Could it be that jumbo guitars have a fuller sound, and are better when you're playing with only the guitar itself or only limited accompaniment, while a higher sound is best for when you're playing in a band? There are female singer-songwriters who have used jumbos for years (Mary Chapin Carpenter and Emmylou Harris spring to mind), but Taylor seems to sell itself on the bright sound of its smaller bodies and the electronics; they no longer even make the classic jumbo body.
The size difference is very minute the LS6 is a fantastic guitar for the money however the fsx5 is superior in every way the fretboard the materials binding and the pick up system is absolutely fantastic So the short answer if you love playing guitar and want a very good guitar for playing at home get the ls6 you will be very happy. if you are gigging or playing in public, you’re gonna want to spend the extra money on the FSX5
I couldn't agree with you more. I own the LJX26C which is same thing you own but with the A.R.T pickup and a cutaway. It's really worth every dime and I will never sell it 🙂
Another FSX5 owner here. I agree with you on that the FG version has significant more bass acousticly. But while playing wired, there's basically no difference.
On the other hand, the FS version is SOOO much more comfortable to play, imo. It makes a huge difference especially if you use it as your main go-to guitar, like I do .
And still plays and sounds extremely well. I'm very satisfied with my choice.
Agreed wholeheartedly that Yamaha manufactures a consistantly good and lifetime instrument. I have an FGX800C, an AC5R and just finished switching from a Martin D16E to an Red Label FGX5 that will be shipping in October.
I'm biased as I have the FSX5 but this was a fantastic review, honest and interesting. A refreshing review, thank you
I have an FG830, An LL6M A.R.E. and an LS6. I love the L Series guitars as well as the FG830. Also have a Martin DX1RAE and some Alvarez guitars. Yamaha has the secret sause.
Hey brother! Fellow professional firefighter out of St. John's Newfoundland. I too am a Yamaha lover. I love the FG5 red label. Sounds great to sing with! Hope all is well!
Awesome man I’ve got an Fs-5 as well and it’s just continually getting played.. I’m looking for another yam to play slide on so glad to hear the LS-6 feels similar. Might have to check one out. 👍
I own an AC5m (a guitar made for the stage with a good pramp) and I recently (and unfortunately) sold a LJ26. The LJ26 is among the best guitars I ever played : a flattening bass range, plenty of overtones (rosewood, rosewood...), amazing sustain, fast neck and each detail (binding, neck...) looks perfect. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a LS26. It is anyway a pity that yamaha does not offer (at least at my knowledge) a sunburst finish and/or a cutaway.
LJ26 is the bomb…. The back and sides are east Indian rosewood vs regular rosewood in the L series 16 level, and plywood in the 6 level…..I have seen some 26’s used in the range of the FGX5 new cost.
I had a GS Mini also, and sold it. No clue why everyone likes that guitar so much. I have a Taylor 114ce and looking for a 2nd guitar, thinking Yamaha. Thank you for the video!
Exactly in the same boat- also have a 114ce. Went to guitar center and tried the mini and the Yamaha. No comparison whatsoever. The mini felt like a child’s toy. Ordered the LS6 today.
Nice work on the vid. Hey so how would you describe the neck shape and thickness? Is it beefy or scrawny taylor like? Thanks.
I have at least 4 Yamaha's they are fantastic guitars. I like Taylors as well, but I sold my Taylor cause I never played it. I loved it, but the Yamaha felt better for some reason.
I have owned many Yamaha guitars over the years from the LL series to NCX nylon. As far as the LL6 goes - great guitar for the money, but if you change out those plastic pins, and install the Tusq pin - it becomes a different guitar. Did that with my LL16 and it brought out the harmonics, sustain and projection and sounded like a guitar costing much more. Eventually replaced the saddle and nut - and again - another level of sound. Best upgrade for the money - you won't be disappointed. If you do the Tusq pins, try one in the bass E string and compare the sound. Made an difference with my Tak 740 fs replacing the ebony pins with the Tusq. No going back to ebony - that different.
I have the LJ16, can you recommend any pins, saddle and nut?
@@Nvr83 Yes, the same applies to the LJ16 and for all the L series as well as the FG series of acoustic guitas. The easiest is to simply buy the Tusq product and would suggest the pins first. These will take a bit of sanding to fit the hole. The pins make the biggest difference in the sound quality. The saddle is an easy swap as well with a bit of sanding to lower the action. The nut is not that important unless you want to chase every bit of sound balance, but does require careful fitting. Part number for the Graph Tech Tusq Nut is PQ-6133-00. Pins are part # PP-2182-00 and are black with an abalone dot insert in the top. Lost the part number for the saddle. Hope this helps.
I have a LJ-26 that I bought recently secondhand. Glorious guitar -- neck is so smooth and comfortable and the sound is powerful as hell; fairly roars when you strum it.
I have to agree with your assessment, I have never tried a Gibson in a store that made me want to buy it (30 odd years), however I did stumble across an Alvarez (Yairi) MD60 Mahogany/ Spruce that just blew me away (still hanging in the shop but sold), it sounded so damn good it made you want to weep and it was only $900 Australian, I'm keen to get out there and check some Yamaha guitars out, probably LL series, I really want to sample a Guild D40 or their Indonesian version the D140 but I can't find any in my region.
The LL series is nice. I have one of the LL6 which is the cheaper one and I love it. It plays wonderfully. I tried one of the D140 and I found it lacked a lot of bass, but that is just me. It was a nice guitar, but not the voice for me.
Could it be that jumbo guitars have a fuller sound, and are better when you're playing with only the guitar itself or only limited accompaniment, while a higher sound is best for when you're playing in a band? There are female singer-songwriters who have used jumbos for years (Mary Chapin Carpenter and Emmylou Harris spring to mind), but Taylor seems to sell itself on the bright sound of its smaller bodies and the electronics; they no longer even make the classic jumbo body.
How's does the strumming performance of the deeper body LS6 compare to the FS5?...........Thanks for the review!
The size difference is very minute the LS6 is a fantastic guitar for the money however the fsx5 is superior in every way the fretboard the materials binding and the pick up system is absolutely fantastic So the short answer if you love playing guitar and want a very good guitar for playing at home get the ls6 you will be very happy. if you are gigging or playing in public, you’re gonna want to spend the extra money on the FSX5
Actually, the FSX5 comes w/Yamaha hardcase. You don't like it? Just curious
It’s a great case for storage but not for gigs… constantly traveling with you guitar requires a really robust case or gigbag
What strings are you using?
Phosphorus bronze
play fireman by George Strait
What do you thinl about the LL ?
Buddy has an ll and loves it so
Your voice isn’t deep don’t worry, it’ll work great with the scoop.
Tuners are same on LS6 , LL16, LL36, LL56, LL86 are same looking, except 26 and up has "made in japan".