I have owned a lot of guitars over the years. Martins, Collings, Gibson, Huss & Dalton. I now own an FG5 and an FSX5. I picked up the FG5 very recently, and find it is more comfortable for me with the larger body size and it's louder. Louder is important to me because I am near deaf and wear a pair of expensive hearing aids. Anyway, this FG5 is at least the equal of any of the expensive ones I have owned, and like you it's the FG5 I reach for.
Glad to hear the FG5 is opening up good, as you said. I bought My FG5 a year ago and it is also opening up real good! I also like the Elexer 80/20 strings alot. You have a nice touch on the guitar and I like your chording!
I was counting his guitars in the background y Yamahas are getting in the way they are huge sounding y very great indeed…y his voice is like Johnny Cash…Singggg yayyy Ty dude y you are 😎
Hello, i enjoy your videos and music. Im looking at upgrading from a fg800 to an fg5 or fs5, is there s huge jump in playability and tone? I prefer warmer tones and instrument comfort over everything else if this means much. Thank you!
Thanks James for the demo and pointing out the strings and picks used. I’ve played for 40 years and I’m still experimenting with picks. I’ve just ordered a couple Prime Tones to try them. There seems to be a fine line between trying to quit the metallic brightness of a guitar and using a pick that muffles the tone too much. When I hear many people talk about reasonably priced guitars that mimic the Martin D-18, I hear the Yamaha D3/D5, Alvarez MD60BG, and the Eastman E10D mentioned. Have you had the opportunity to play any of these? I personally don’t think the Yamahas and D18’s are that similar with the D5 offering a more balanced sound.
I have played several D18s in shops…have never owned one…have never played an Eastman, Alvarez nor the D3/5. The 18s that I played did not sound nearly as good as the FG5 however that could have been old strings etc. And to your point when one gets that “special” D18 there is probably not anything that can touch it in the dred field. The 5 is a gem though and continues to warm up the more played. Very comfortable to play. Thanks for your comments and for listening. I too am always trying picks…like those Mountain thumb picks too for finger picking.
I use Planet Wave 0,73mm tortoise more bright sounding, Dunlop 1,5mm more fullness and depth in the Tone more mass because of the thickness, Dunlop max GRIP 1,14mm and a triangle Fender medium tortoise.
Great comparison vid. You are a great player and I enjoyed the whole thing. Thank you.I have an LL16 but not an FG5. I do own an FG820, which I love, and was interested in your string choice comment. I have been trying D'Darrio XS on my FG820 and although I like them a lot, and they are lasting amazingly well, I think you are spot on about the Elixyrs being a tad warmer sounding. Anyway, thanks for a great vid, and again, I loved your playing, cheers.
I really like them both and there IS also a D model which should Sound even a little better according to Jarvis. D model for de Luxe with abalone top purfling. What about the LL-16 M for mahagony model and the FG 180 50th anniversary model from 2016? Any experiences or opinions in those guitars, guys? Nice weekend and happy playing hours.
Yes, the deluxe is more bling, mahogany would offer a quieter, more deep tone. I have not played the 180 50th but do have a Black Label 180-1 and it sounds really deep and rich. Older guitar and has a nice beefy neck.
Приветствую, скажите по вашему опыту чем отличается Ямаха fg3 от fg5 ? И стоит переплачивать или fg3 тоже хороший вариант? Спасибо за видео очень хороший был тест двух прекрасных гитар, раньше только хотел LL 16 теперь уже смотрю в сторону fg😊
I had the FGX3 with the pick up in it. A great guitar however the 5 just seems to sound better, is lighter (of course with no pick up in it) and just seems better make - fret ends are better rounded, precision bone nut and saddle. Of course on the 3 you can just add a bone nut and saddle and probably have the same guitar. The 5 does come with a custom hard case as well so that is probably a couple of hundred right there in price difference. Both are top notch. As far as the LL16 goes a different beast - much more boomy and punch, heavier, has a great pick up in it and is absolutely stunning to look at. Has a beefier neck and rings like a bell. The LL16 is normally the one I use if singing for family, friends etc as it just resonates a room. I don't do live shows anymore, just like to play at home. I am 61 so don't think I would have it in me to try and play for 3 hours singing. LOL - thanks for watching and whatever choice to you make to buy, you can't lose as there is always another guitar to want/buy...lol
@@jamesmacdon9351спасибо за ответ 🤝 скажите ещё где мягче натяжение струн в LL 16 или fg5? У LL 16 верхний и нижний порожек тоже кость? И лады приятные как у fg5? Спрашиваю так как поиграть нет возможности только под заказ гитару можно приобрести.
@@makssila3572 String tension is better on the FG5. LL16 has urea nut/saddle. Frets are much better on the FG5 - much better finished. The 5 is quite a bit more expensive but worth it if you can afford it.
@@jamesmacdon9351скажите ещё вы играли на LL-ta? Мне сказал менеджер что это одна и та же гитара LL 16. Но только LL-ta это трансакустика , но по звуку мне кажется что LL 16 лучше звучит 🤔 скажите имели вы дело с LL ta?
Thanks for the comparison video. I'm more of a fingerstyle player than a flatpicking guy, so I always look for the fingerstyle comparison. I didn't think the FG5 sounded that great in the video. I definitely prefer the sound and beauty of the LL16. I have the LL16D and would be ashamed to tell how little I paid for it brand new, with a case. Even at normal street price, I don't think it has an equal for the money. I get excited every time I pick it up and play it. That said, a lot of this is just about preferences and unconscious biases.
I normally will always use my LL16 if doing a fingerpicking song...the notes are much clearer and resonate more...and yes the LL16 is a gem of a guitar and pro level without question. I also have an LS6 which is a phenomenal OOO size.
Tune precisely, capo at 1st fret, hold finger on string where neck meets body, take a .008 feeler guage and place under the string on top of 8th fret - if room tighten truss rod, if no room loosen truss rod until it's level. Then your guitar should play much better.
Hello James, good review on the FG5, thanks to you I bought one a month ago!!!!!! SUper guitar!!! By the way, how many hours a day are you playing the guitare ???? And how long you keep a set of elixir strings ???? Thks and best regards from Paris France.
Merci Bernard. I don’t play through the week but play 6-8 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I keep the Elixirs on until they start to lose their “ring” normally after about 50 or so hours play time. However I play quite hard with lots of bends and use a lot of the neck so for someone whom strums would probably last much longer.
The best comparison of a yamaha that ive seen.. THANKS
Thank you Keith. 😎🎵🎶
I have owned a lot of guitars over the years. Martins, Collings, Gibson, Huss & Dalton. I now own an FG5 and an FSX5. I picked up the FG5 very recently, and find it is more comfortable for me with the larger body size and it's louder. Louder is important to me because I am near deaf and wear a pair of expensive hearing aids. Anyway, this FG5 is at least the equal of any of the expensive ones I have owned, and like you it's the FG5 I reach for.
I liked the tone of the all a bit more in this demo. Plus I like the longer scale length. The LL holds up well in a loud acoustic session.
They both sound great to me. Yamahas are great guitars, and the new FG9s are some of the best dreads on the planet right now.
JP Comier, thank you very much.✍️🤔😂🎸🏇
Glad to hear the FG5 is opening up good, as you said. I bought My FG5 a year ago and it is also opening up real good! I also like the Elexer 80/20 strings alot. You have a nice touch on the guitar and I like your chording!
I was counting his guitars in the background y Yamahas are getting in the way they are huge sounding y very great indeed…y his voice is like Johnny Cash…Singggg yayyy Ty dude y you are 😎
Hello, i enjoy your videos and music. Im looking at upgrading from a fg800 to an fg5 or fs5, is there s huge jump in playability and tone? I prefer warmer tones and instrument comfort over everything else if this means much. Thank you!
@@mountfairweather FS5 fits that…comfort and warm tone…
That was awesome. Great playing. I have the FG5 as well and it is wonderful.
Thank you !
Отличные гитары, звучит намного лучше чем американские дрова Martin
Thanks James for the demo and pointing out the strings and picks used. I’ve played for 40 years and I’m still experimenting with picks. I’ve just ordered a couple Prime Tones to try them. There seems to be a fine line between trying to quit the metallic brightness of a guitar and using a pick that muffles the tone too much.
When I hear many people talk about reasonably priced guitars that mimic the Martin D-18, I hear the Yamaha D3/D5, Alvarez MD60BG, and the Eastman E10D mentioned. Have you had the opportunity to play any of these? I personally don’t think the Yamahas and D18’s are that similar with the D5 offering a more balanced sound.
I have played several D18s in shops…have never owned one…have never played an Eastman, Alvarez nor the D3/5. The 18s that I played did not sound nearly as good as the FG5 however that could have been old strings etc. And to your point when one gets that “special” D18 there is probably not anything that can touch it in the dred field. The 5 is a gem though and continues to warm up the more played. Very comfortable to play. Thanks for your comments and for listening. I too am always trying picks…like those Mountain thumb picks too for finger picking.
Came for the comparison stayed for the picking!
@@theprosperousitinerant8592 Thank you 😊
D3D5???
I use Planet Wave 0,73mm tortoise more bright sounding, Dunlop 1,5mm more fullness and depth in the Tone more mass because of the thickness, Dunlop max GRIP 1,14mm and a triangle Fender medium tortoise.
Great comparison vid. You are a great player and I enjoyed the whole thing. Thank you.I have an LL16 but not an FG5. I do own an FG820, which I love, and was interested in your string choice comment. I have been trying D'Darrio XS on my FG820 and although I like them a lot, and they are lasting amazingly well, I think you are spot on about the Elixyrs being a tad warmer sounding. Anyway, thanks for a great vid, and again, I loved your playing, cheers.
Thank you for listening and your comments 🎶🎵🤓
I really like them both and there IS also a D model which should Sound even a little better according to Jarvis. D model for de Luxe with abalone top purfling. What about the LL-16 M for mahagony model and the FG 180 50th anniversary model from 2016? Any experiences or opinions in those guitars, guys?
Nice weekend and happy playing hours.
Yes, the deluxe is more bling, mahogany would offer a quieter, more deep tone. I have not played the 180 50th but do have a Black Label 180-1 and it sounds really deep and rich. Older guitar and has a nice beefy neck.
Приветствую, скажите по вашему опыту чем отличается Ямаха fg3 от fg5 ? И стоит переплачивать или fg3 тоже хороший вариант? Спасибо за видео очень хороший был тест двух прекрасных гитар, раньше только хотел LL 16 теперь уже смотрю в сторону fg😊
I had the FGX3 with the pick up in it. A great guitar however the 5 just seems to sound better, is lighter (of course with no pick up in it) and just seems better make - fret ends are better rounded, precision bone nut and saddle. Of course on the 3 you can just add a bone nut and saddle and probably have the same guitar. The 5 does come with a custom hard case as well so that is probably a couple of hundred right there in price difference. Both are top notch. As far as the LL16 goes a different beast - much more boomy and punch, heavier, has a great pick up in it and is absolutely stunning to look at. Has a beefier neck and rings like a bell. The LL16 is normally the one I use if singing for family, friends etc as it just resonates a room. I don't do live shows anymore, just like to play at home. I am 61 so don't think I would have it in me to try and play for 3 hours singing. LOL - thanks for watching and whatever choice to you make to buy, you can't lose as there is always another guitar to want/buy...lol
@@jamesmacdon9351спасибо за ответ 🤝 скажите ещё где мягче натяжение струн в LL 16 или fg5? У LL 16 верхний и нижний порожек тоже кость? И лады приятные как у fg5? Спрашиваю так как поиграть нет возможности только под заказ гитару можно приобрести.
@@makssila3572 String tension is better on the FG5. LL16 has urea nut/saddle. Frets are much better on the FG5 - much better finished. The 5 is quite a bit more expensive but worth it if you can afford it.
@@jamesmacdon9351скажите ещё вы играли на LL-ta? Мне сказал менеджер что это одна и та же гитара LL 16. Но только LL-ta это трансакустика , но по звуку мне кажется что LL 16 лучше звучит 🤔 скажите имели вы дело с LL ta?
Great comparison. I just got a FG-9R.
@@Joe-m6p6b Lucky Guy !! Congrats…top of the line and probably the best dred going anywhere. 🎶🎵👍👏
@@jamesmacdon9351 yes a fantastic sounding dread. Different to others like my other dread CS 21-11....
Great video. Did the fg5 come in a hard shell case?
@@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 Yes, a very nice high end custom fit case and thank you for commenting ! 🎶🎵🤓
Thanks for the comparison video. I'm more of a fingerstyle player than a flatpicking guy, so I always look for the fingerstyle comparison. I didn't think the FG5 sounded that great in the video. I definitely prefer the sound and beauty of the LL16. I have the LL16D and would be ashamed to tell how little I paid for it brand new, with a case. Even at normal street price, I don't think it has an equal for the money. I get excited every time I pick it up and play it. That said, a lot of this is just about preferences and unconscious biases.
I normally will always use my LL16 if doing a fingerpicking song...the notes are much clearer and resonate more...and yes the LL16 is a gem of a guitar and pro level without question. I also have an LS6 which is a phenomenal OOO size.
This is great the LL16 is phenomenal, what mic/setup are you using for this video
@@ElieBouChedid Canon T6i Rebel camera, Aston Origin mic, Boss BR800 as interface, cakewalk DAW, Slate plug ins.
Could you please explain how to meausure the neck relief as accurately as possible?
Tune precisely, capo at 1st fret, hold finger on string where neck meets body, take a .008 feeler guage and place under the string on top of 8th fret - if room tighten truss rod, if no room loosen truss rod until it's level. Then your guitar should play much better.
The magic is in the fingers. Thanks for the magic James.
Thank you ! 🤓
Hello James, good review on the FG5, thanks to you I bought one a month ago!!!!!! SUper guitar!!! By the way, how many hours a day are you playing the guitare ???? And how long you keep a set of elixir strings ???? Thks and best regards from Paris France.
Merci Bernard. I don’t play through the week but play 6-8 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I keep the Elixirs on until they start to lose their “ring” normally after about 50 or so hours play time. However I play quite hard with lots of bends and use a lot of the neck so for someone whom strums would probably last much longer.
@@jamesmacdon9351 Merci de votre réponse, bonne continuation. Cordialement
You are a good player.
Thank you Alexander !!
How do you think Mahogany version of LL16 and fg5？
Have not played the mahogany LL16 but probably a more warm sound. The FG5 is mahogany with spruce top.
@@jamesmacdon9351 Thank you~
Здравствуйте. Как по Вашему, что предпочесть yamaha fg-3 или LL-16?
FG3….prefer the warmer sound of the mahogany.
fg5