Yamaha FG1200J

Subject: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 02:33 AM

Does anyone have any information on the Yamaha FG1200J guitar. We have one of these in the family which was owned by my brother, who recently passed away. It is a Black Label model built in 1970 and is one of the few that was produced in Japan before the production line was moved to Taiwan.
Getting a value is confusing as we have been given estimates that range between £2500 and $500(American catalogue value). It was valued some years ago at around £1500 so I think some of the low quotes are for FG Red Label models.
I know a bit about guitars as I play myself, but finding reasonable info out about this model is frustrating
Any help would be useful.

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 08:12 AM

There used to be a discussion of guitar pricing in the ebay FAQ that specifically mentioned this model.

Incidentally the early FG 360 red label Nippon Gakki Yamahas were indeed made in Japan.

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: MikeL2
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 11:36 AM

hi Richard

Does this mean that Yamaha FG-360's were made with both black and the later red labels??

I have a 360 black label with " Made in Japan " on the label and the letters NK burned in the centre back strut.

When I bought it I was told that FG-360's were only sold with black labels.

Incidently my instrument does not have a model number on the label !!!

Nice booming sound but with an insanely high action.

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge elsewhere
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 09:44 PM

AFAIK FG360s were made in Japan until 1973. I have 73 and a friend has a 72. Both are red label, from memory. I'd need to look more closely but I am at Broadstairs wth a different guitar, but I'm sure both say "Made in Japan".

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,fingerpickin3
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 10:09 AM

Hi Richard - You referred to Andy Cavan in one of your messages recently. I'm wondering if it's the same guy I heard play at Bognor Folk Club in 1979 (really). I can't find him anywhere on the net, and wonder if he's still around. Since there may be several in the world, he was blond, tall and slim at that time & sang like an angel!! Any clues?? Sara.

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: MikeL2
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 11:35 AM

hi richard

Thanks for the comments.

Just to be exact ( after all this is Mudcat !!!)

The label in my Yamaha FG-360 is a sot of faded white with black print.

The print says " YAMAHA FG-360 NIPPON GAKKI CO LTD MADE in JAPAN ".

And as I said previously the letters NK burned in black on the centre strut.

I think my one is about the same vintage as yours but I don't have the receipt for the actual date.

cheers

Mikel2

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,docs
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 09:22 AM

Yamaha fg1200 was one of the best hand crafted guitars made in early 70s Brazilian rosewood 3 piece back & sides spruce top , rosewood neck, ebony fret-board & bridge. it is (replica)copied from Martin's D35
I have one since new it plays well sounds great - full clean balanced sound, refret done about five years ago played nearly every day since 1976. always used medium guage bronze strings.
New price Japanese yen in 1975 was 120,000y / case an additional 10.000y
treat it well use experts to set up or repair.
enjoy it forever.
cheers

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,DavidXF UK
Date: 13 Dec 16 - 07:10 AM

I have a Yamaha Black Label FG1200J that I bought from the Yamaha Dealer in 1980 in the Sultanate of Oman. I had it fitted with a transducer in 1996 and it has always been my "Go To" Guitar. Sounds Great and Plays Beautifully. I gigged it a few times, backing my ex who was a singer. It has literally been around the world with me several times. The guitar shop owner who fitted the transducer in 95 offered me £800 for it at that time (around $1050). It clearly states Peoples Republic of China Made in Taiwan on the label. I use light gauge, which suits my playing. The only thing that has ever come close to it for me is a Martin and as the Guest above says, it is a replica D35, so that is not surprising. Definitely not for sale.

Subject: RE: Yamaha FG1200J
From: GUEST,Faza
Date: 03 Jul 20 - 09:23 AM

I have a FG-1200J that was given to me by a guy who bought it from a secondhand store in South Africa. Black label made in Japan, he paid AU$150 - BARGAIN! My Luthier (40 years Experience/ builds a beautiful guitar) advised me, 'never sell that guitar!' I have high end Martins and this thing is up there with the best of them. Massive sound, beautiful fit and finish....it's made of all the best materials...what else can I say, except....It's not for sale!