Ever played a Yamaha guitar?

Subject: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: HuwG
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 08:56 AM

Seeing as almost every other brand of guitar has been dissed ...

Actually, I reckon you get the best sustain and vibrato out of a 1999 600cc R6, but only at speeds which are illegal on roads in the UK ...

;-)

Semi-seriously, I have a Yamaha f340, big chiver (on the scale of a Martin D-45) and awkward shape, you need arms like a gorilla to pick at it, if it's hanging from a strap. On the other hand, the tone is good. I have just restrung it with Elixirs (though *not* superfine grade), it now sounds rather more mellow, especially in the mid-range.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 09:08 AM

yes i play a yamaha but i dont know what a chiver is, so i don't if mine is a big one or not. Do tell.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 09:18 AM

On the one hand, Yamaha make good, solid, value-for-money guitars which produce a good sound and, on the other, their "hand-made" range is very good, if sometimes a little inconsistent in quality.

My first "good" guitar was an FG412S, and I've still got my 22 year-old SJ400S. Bert Jansch has played Yamahas since the mid-seventies, starting with and L25A (if I remember rightly).

Pete

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: mooman
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 09:19 AM

I've never played while riding my Yamaha!

mooman

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 10:00 AM

Sounds like the Irishman who burnt his lips trying to blow up a tank!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 03:32 PM

I have both, an XS750 (1977 SDD)(awaiting rebuild) and a DWS4SC-excellent guitar.Wouldn't swop it so far (not that I could afford to, but it's a good guitar, lovely tone, good action, good volume.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Lynn
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 05:35 PM

My first guitar was a Yamaha FG75. It has served me well over the past 33 years. It has a sweet sound, not very big on the bottom. Even when I bought a Guild (for bass resonance, mostly), I couldn't get rid of my little FG75. I use it now in school, mostly, but not for concerts...I have my wife's mahogany Guild, Martin and Gallagher to play with!!!

Lynn (not a guest, just writing from a different location)

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 05:43 PM

My favourite guitar ever is a Yamaha, model # FG-461S. I've had guitars that cost 4 times as much which I didn't like as well. They have come and gone, but the Yamaha remains.

I was under some real financial strain last year, and sold (or tried to sell) every guitar I had, except that Yamaha.

- LH

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 05:52 PM

My eldest lad, Gnome the Junior #1, has a Yamaha something or another with active electric thingies - it sounds great to me and plays, to an untrained garden ornament, very nicely indeed. One of our club residents, aka Spot the Dog hereabouts, plays and swears by 'Yammies' as well.

In the words of 'The Folker' (The boxer)

To the rhythm of an off key Japanese one string thached guitar. Yamaha.
Yamaha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha...

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 06:30 PM

Little Hawk, I said earlier that I had an FG412S. Your post reminded me that it was actually a 461S. I bought it in 1980 and sold it a year later. I've had them all since then, but I'll always regret selling that one.

Pete

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: bflat
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 06:59 PM

Yep, I've got an electric classical, APX-6NA, very nice all around guitar, which I've been playing for a few years. But it never gave me a big sound for classical studies so last week I bought a handmade Aria, made in Spain that answers my lastest quest. I am amazed how full the sound is. Until I did some comparisons I had no idea how much better I could sound with a different guitar.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 08:41 PM

Yes. I have a Yammerhammer fg200. I bought it in 1974 or so. I never liked it because of the "narrowness" of the finger board. I had learned on an old Gibson SJ. But the fg200 sounded good. balanced and even toned if not loud at least it has enough volume. I recently bought a Gibson Songbird. I was so happy to have a wide finger board again. I was curious as to how much wider the Gibson was. I compared. YIKES! the fingerboards were EXACTLY the same width! I was stunned! For almost thirty years I had been convinced that the Yamaha was narrow. I then looked closely at the SPACES between the strings. The Gibson had "ample" spaces and the Yamaha's spacing was not only narrower in some but was inconsistant! I couldn't believe that for all that time I hadn't noticed the spacing was off. I am going to replace the nut with one that has "Gibson-like" spacing.

CB

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 08:51 PM

That's odd. The spacing looks fine on mine. Well, fortunately, it's not hard to replace the nut on a guitar.

- LH

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 08:55 PM

All this praise for a Yamaha makes one think, "hmmm...perhaps I made a mistake buying that Takamine?"

Seriously, I tried out a few in the music shop and wasn't impressed - but I was looking for bright ringing tone, and Yamaha seemed too mellow....

But now I'm tempted to give them another, closer look....

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Anahootz
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 09:21 PM

Yamahas are great.
I wouldn't start a fire with anything else, 'cept mebbe a Hohner...

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: 53
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 10:30 PM

I have a CG-70 and I love it. P.S. Good thread.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: khandu
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 10:43 PM

I have an FG-400A and I love it. It is a bit smaller than I prefer, but it has a sound that I had sought for years. It is non-electric, however, I enjoyed the action and the sound so much that I traded an Ovation acoustic-electric for it.

It is excellent for fingerpicking.

But it is not a Takamine!

khandu

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 11:19 PM

Started out on an FG - 180. Still have it wouldn't part with it. Needs to have the neck reset. Lots of money on a Yamaha but in this case worth the expense. Nearly thirty years of age on the wood.

Don

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 16 Apr 02 - 11:26 PM

Fortunately, it's not hard to replace the nut on a guitar. Unless, of course, he doesn't want to give up his place on stage!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: KT
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 12:20 AM

Don, I too, have an FG 180 Yamaha which I dearly love. It was given to me by a friend back in 1974. I have a beautiful Martin HD 35 but I play my little Yamaha much more often! KT

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Guest Spot
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 04:30 AM

I bought an ancient FG420 on the cheap for my lad, fettled it up and was really really sick when he took it away!!! Loud , full and so easy to play....!! 3/4 years ago I got myself an LL11 acoustic - for me, unsurpassed value for money and a fabulous sound, but the neck's slightly too narrow for open string picking. Still rate them highly, mass produced in China or not!! Also have a Lowden 032, which is fabulous but not 4 times better than Yam as price might imply! Regards to all - Spot

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: greg stephens
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 07:39 AM

Dont know many guitar technicalities or dates, but the yahama I play all my gigs on(and most recordings recently) says FG365SII and suits me down to the ground. Perfectly loud and well-balanced for acoustic sessions. Maybe a bit boomy in the bass, I'd prefer it a bit more percussive, but that may be the way I play it. I've played guitar for more than 40 years but I don't seeem to have learned much.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: HuwG
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 08:47 AM

Sorry, Greg Stephens, big chiver = big b***ard.

I have played Washburn EAs which were far more comfortable to play standing and easier to pick, but the left hand action was rather more difficult, too easy to smudge notes. A question of width and action, I suppose; I daresay it is a question of what you are used to.

The size of the F340 makes it difficult to fit into a cheapo Ritter gig bag, and do not put a goodie bag (capo, pipes, winder etc) into the front pocket, you will certainly kink some strings.

I do however like the Yamaha's tone; it does equally well for blues and folk. Considering the derisory amount I paid for it, it does very well indeed.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Coyote Breath
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 08:59 AM

Yeah about that spacing goof (on MY part, anyway) I suspect that this may have been a "second". I bought it brand new for $100 but I don't recall it having a warranty card or any other documentation. The new Gibson has more paper than a pedigree poodle (and an odd sort of plastic lid thing which looks like the top for a Slushy cup!!??)

[I know, its a humidifier. Sort of pointless here in the jungles of Missouri]

CB

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 09:05 AM

My first steel strung acoustic was one of the cheaper Yamaha FG guitars 140? I loved it and didn't really want to sell it but one of my brothers wanted a guitar, so I sold it to him for something like £50. I was quite upset a couple of years later when I learned he sold it for a similar price because he was short of cash - I would have bought it back off him...

Jon

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: greg stephens
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 09:11 AM

Thanks for the "chiver" explanation. Never heardthe word. Is it a loan from a foreign language, or what? Anyone know the origin?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: 53
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 09:40 PM

My son has a FG-180 and he used to have a FG300, he traded the FG300 on a Gibson and was sorry ever since. The Yamaha was a sunburst color and it was a great playing little guitar. He thought that the Gibson would play better, boy was he wrong. Bob

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Steven G.
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 09:52 PM

I have a Yamaha FS-310, and a FG-410-12A. Both guitars have a great sound. The FS-310 is a semi-jumbo, small, but it has a great sound, and very comfortable to play. My 12 string guitar, I am quite pleased, it is my first 12 string guitar, and I love the sound.

Steven G.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Beer
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 10:23 PM

Excuse my ignorance, but what does Fg stand for? I had a Yamaha 180 which I purchased back in 1963. Gave it to my sister. Great guitar.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 17 Apr 02 - 10:50 PM

Folk Guitar is my understanding

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Ivan
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 07:18 AM

I have an Fg140 bought in Ivor Mairants I think in 1970. Coupled with LaBella silk on steel strings It gives a delicate tone which suits me. Ivor handed me a batch of them to try out so some might be more or less responsive to your style of playing.

My ex wife had a Yamaha piano - shame I didn't let it fall on her from an upstairs room. (only a sad joke).

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 09:20 AM

I play a very old FG180 - I've had it for 25 years and it was quite long in the tooth when I aquired it - I think it was made about 1970. Because I do quite a lot of unamplified pub gigs and have a strong voice, I use Martin heavy gauge strings on it which gives it excellent power especially on the bass end. In music sessions it's quite capable of holding it's own over several melodeons and the usual complement of bodrhans.

On the back it has an extra piece in the middle which I've never seen in other FG180s which gives slightly more curve. Does anyone else have a similiar model ?

In spite of the heavy strings, the action is still one of the best I've ever played.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Rollo
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 04:35 PM

Got a Yamaha trombone. Mighty fine instrument for its money! Indeed all their brass are mighty fine for their money.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: 53
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 08:23 PM

Thanks for the info regarding FG.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Barry T
Date: 18 Apr 02 - 09:12 PM

I've owned a handmade FG500 since 1973. I couldn't afford to replace it today with something of equivalent quality!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From:
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 03:08 PM

I have a Yamaha Fg500 love its sound have been offered £500 / $800 for it .. can someone pls tell me if it is worth that much or should I sell?

Thx

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Peace
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 03:09 PM

Yes, and never again. Burnt my hands on the exhaust.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: MaineDog
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 04:12 PM

I have 4 Yamahas of differing sizes and they all play great.

MD

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 04:17 PM

love yamahas. regret every one I've got rid of. -including sadly a beautiful APX5. One day I will get another one. also back in the mists of time I had a yamaha bass with an sg type body - a thing of beauty and a joy for ever, but I let it go - it was the war, we were both young! I'd give much to lay my hands on one of them. recently had a new sbx bass, but it wasn't half as good.

Currently play the cpx8 - from the compass range, an FG12, and the one I send out to work is an FG6.

I'm interested in the new parlour sized csf models - does anyone have any information about the top of this range - rrp £650 in England, according to the catalogue. what wood, where one can be seen.

i also recommend the the new yamaha acoustic effects unit - the ag stomp was great but this is even more versatile and half the price.

the thing about the takamine and the yam, I noticed. the takamine is a nice guitar - I had tak en10c model and the yam 12. I noticed that the yam was about fourtimes as loud when you plugged it in - which gives you a lot more sound to play with - so I traded in the tak, and got the brother 6 yam to my 12.

however Christy Moore plays aa takamine, so if you're not struggling to make yourself heard or have a massive amp to plug into, it might be the one for you.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Peace
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 04:33 PM

Had a 160 years back (maybe a 180--not sure). Anyway, played it for a bit. T'was OK.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: goodbar
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 05:00 PM

i play a $230 yamaha, though i think i may have been ripped off.

works great for poor kids like me.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Peace
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 05:09 PM

I learned on a Stella. Yamaha's are jus' fine.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 06:47 PM

My only problem with Yamahas is that when I was biking they only made Two Strokes and I thought Four Strokes were better engines !

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: kendall
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 07:33 PM

I've played many very good Yamahas. When I was in Scotland, Gordon Menzies loaned me a nice Yamaha. Many years ago I had a 12 string Yamaha; it was loud but didn't have much bass.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: jimmyt
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 07:38 PM

I have a G 231 Classic that I love but I am not much of a guitar player

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Terry K
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 04:57 AM

I started out on my DW5S (solid spruce & rosewood dreadnought) which I bought on the basis of the sound it made when the salesman guy played it, as I couldn't play a note then. (I now can play a note, but not much more). I subsequently found myself in a position where I needed to buy another guitar, tried a few and absolutely fell for an OM with the wider neck and 4 inch deep body.

What a revelation in terms of playing comfort - the extra body depth of the dread pushes the soundboard so far away (oh alright, years of overindulgence help a little too), whereas the OM sits so close which makes it much easier to play. The Yamaha is a great guitar but I hardly play it at all now and am contemplating a further small bodied job. I'd put the Yammy on ebay except that most Yammys go for really low money and I'd rather probably keep it just for friends to borrow.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 05:13 AM

I've got an FG335 that I bought in 1981. Went into the shop for some strings and came out with the guitar after picking it up and having a play on it. There were other Yamahas in the shop - more expensive and they didn't sound half as good. Best £95 I've ever spent!

Cheers
Mark

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 10:52 AM

I played a 180 that was owned by a friend and liked it but not as much as my Lowden. Two different animals.
Paul Brady did his recording of Arthur McBride on the Irvine/Brady record using an FG 180 and we all know how that came out.
You know Rick Fielding informed us on these pages a few years ago about a blind fold test he and some other professional players did for a music store in New York, I think it was, where a Yamaha was chosen over some other high end instruments, including old Martins.Maybe someone can pull that thread up. vl

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Beer
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 06:02 PM

That's interesting to hear Van Lingle. I played at a house party one evening and there were some great guitars there including a Martin and Gibson. We had a little contest on sound and all agreed that my Yamaha 180 had a better sound. However a choice being given I would have liked to own the other instruments.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: mandoleer
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 06:55 PM

I was shopping for a new mandolin about 20 years ago, and the fellow in the shop handed me one and said to try it. I did, and handed it back, saying I couldn't afford it. He protested that he hadn't told me the price. I said that if it played like that, I definitely couldn't affoed it.. I couldn't, either. It was £110. I bought an Antoria instead (£65) and still use it. Like it, but that Yamaha was the sweetest mandolin I've ever handled. Can't play guitar (well, OK, I managed Annie's Song at a guitar class on my Kimbara classical which I then sold to a friend - three chords, G, D and another one) but the original post didn't SAY guitar. Yamaha recorders are crap, though, in my opinion at least. I prefer Rahma.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: breezy
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 07:10 PM

yamahas are fine when your starting out, I owned FG 140 when I really wanted an FG 180 then bought what was top of the range FG 300 for £79, that was 1970 ish, did great till 1988, but once I wondered into Martin D28 and Chris Crosses realised I'ld been missing out, now into Brook.
Once you move up a class or two!! you realise why the Yamahas are at the economical end of the market and I'm not convinced they are for the officianadoes, dodos yes.

Sadly the pocket may dictate, but play lots before you buy any, listen for the sound and playability, be prepared to compare one with the other.

Sometimes the thumb pick may influence the sound, have progressed onto Fred Kelly Speed picks from all sorts of others over 40 years.

If your very successful you tend to stand still and are happy with what you do. this goes for the top drawers in the U K.!!!


OOO

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: mandoleer
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 07:28 PM

Actually, breezy has a very good point there (no pun intended!), about plecks. On the mandolin, the pleck makes a hell of a lot of difference, which is why I usually carry a selection ranging from hard to flexy, and have even used gem stone on occasion. I suppose it could be the same on the guitar, although the tremelo effect on the mandolin is more subject to the pleck (I don't do chords).

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,DavidfromSydney
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 10:23 PM

Bought a Yamaha L8-12A twelve-string in 1991. It's got a solid top - I think the rest is probably laminate. It's got a great ringing sound - very full with heaps of response and sustain. I keep it tuned down a tone. I love it, and feel that it was a really good buy. As I recall at the time the choice was between the Yamaha or Takamine - and I felt the Yamaha had a fuller tone.

When I went guitar shopping recently I tried several Yamahas first, thinking that I would probably choose one of them, but wasn't overly impressed. Eventually my choice came down to Maton or Seagull and I finally bought a Seagull Artist mahogany/cedar model.

I think Yamaha make good guitars - but in the end you pick the guitar you like best (and can afford) at the time.

David

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 03 Apr 05 - 11:48 PM

They manufactor top-of-the-line accoustic pianos (notorious for their "fall into infinity" finish)

Their electronic keyboards are outstanding - responsive to speed, pressure duration - virutally an electronin clone of one expects in a manual - and yet offering everything available (plugs/patches/studio) from the digital world.

In KEYBOARDS - manual and electronic - Yamaha of the world's five GREATS!! And held the position for over 40 years.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

(small>Personally, I use a Roland electric - but would switch to Yamaha in a heart-beat.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 06:53 AM

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Richard
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 06:59 AM

I think the point about the neck width/string spacing is that on the Yamaha FGs, and possibly other models, the spacing is more or less constant, instead of the more usual increase as you go up the neck. Anyway, that's my excuse. Decent sound, but I could never get on with them.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Terry K
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 07:32 AM

Agreed gargoyle, Yamaha (proper) pianos are terrific, I have a really nice one and both the sound and the finish are to die for.

Can't play that either.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,The Beast of Farlington
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 09:11 AM

I have a Yamaha FG365SE (electro-acoustic) which I bought in 1984. It has a sweet tone though not much volume. Most people I play to think it sonds good and so do I.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 10:57 AM

I have a 1978 Yamaha FG335 which I bought new for £93, the sound is excellent, a lovely bass tone if a little light on the top end. I wouldn't sell it basically because I would not get what I think it is worth, a guitar of this quality today would cost upwards of £700 and the second hand value is probably closer to £100 besides which my girlfriend of the time gave me her tax rebate to buy it and now she is my wife she'd probably kill me if I sold it

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 11:00 AM

I have a FG512 (dread.12) that I bought new in the early 1980's. I wanted a 12 string party guitar that I could tune at 440 without being afraid of popping the top or warping the neck. This one had a good sound, although it is laminated, and a lifetime warrenty. Built like a tank and weighs almost as much, but it sings like a bird. I got arms like an ape so the size dosen't bother me. This thing was never babied and went through a lot of parties, but still it looks almost like new. I never yet needed to use that warrenty. I suppose that the sound of the laminate top dosen't improve with age, but it is indestructable , and as I said the sound was good from the start. For me she's a keeper!
            Sandy

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 11:53 AM

I have had four. Still have two. A 345 for accoustic work and the APX-5 for amplified work. Like them both although I feel sure I have heard better Taylors, until I got £3K that I don't need I will stick to my Yamaha's.

Spot

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: shepherdlass
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 04:25 PM

I have one of the electro-acoustic Yamahas APX-something-or-other - lovely bright ringing sound and cheap as chips. Probably has weaknesses compared to, say a Takamine, but at my level of playing I'd not notice. The Yamaha's easy to play (action, tone,etc), amplifies nicely, and I'm not terrified to get it out of the box without a watertight insurance policy. Maybe a really good spare for "proper" guitarists?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 05:50 PM

I've had three. Like seemingly everybody else who learned to play in the '70s, a Yamaha (FG 160) was my first decent guitar. I gave it to my then wife's younger brother when I got my first Martin.

Also had some Super-Jumbo sized thing for a while. One of those paid-more-for-the-case-than-the-guitar deals. It was primarilly a backup axe in case I broke a string on my good guitar at a gig. But as soon as I got a second higher-end guitar I gave it to my son.

I also have an ES-335 copy that's on loan to my best friend 'cause he likes to play electric more than I do.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: belfast
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 05:51 PM

Bought an FG-110 way back when. It's worn and scratched but it's the one I keep returning to. I prefer it to any Takamine I've ever borrowed.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: fair maiden of nottingham
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 07:17 AM

My yamaha 1972 FG360 is a delight to play and the number of Martin owners that have commented on its sound and playability has stopped my desire to own a Martin. I now use a fishman pickup, and the electronic responce is superb.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Once Famous
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 12:53 PM

I have played some Yamahas and find that they make good servers for sushi.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: vectis
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 06:44 PM

I spent the whole of a summer holiday working to pay £25 for a second hand red label Yamaha FG140 way back in 1971. I have had many offers for it but won't part with it. It still sounds as sweet as a nut. When amplified it sounds bloody great!
I've tried Taks, Martins, Gibsons and hand built jobs but I still prefer my old beauty. The sound suits me and that's all that matters.
The original Martin copies (mine is one of them) were made from well seasoned wood and should last virtually forever unlike more modern guitars.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 12:00 AM

You are VERY behind times.

A saxophone - can be played through a synsthz.....and provide the "modoline quality of strings voiced with a gem plucturn"

Not to mention...the aucoustic environment can range from a criket filled open meadow - to the cough embellished Carageigh Hall.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 12:03 AM

Yes - I like their key-boards (manual and digital) they are currently some of the world's greatest.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,The Thing
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:44 PM

Significant Yamaha users - Bert Jansch, Bert Weedon and Carlo Santana

If it says made in Japan it's betterer than made in Korea usually so there.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 03:42 AM

and Ralph McTell

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 12:19 PM

I own a rather delightful Yamaha CG171SF flamenco guitar.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Bruce Baillie
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 05:01 PM

...I bought a second hand Yamaha FG160 back in 1976 for £40, played it till 1997 and sold it for £150, a very good instrument it was, loads of people I knew played them back in the '70's and I'm sure that old one is still making a good sound even now, it's in Ireland now as far as I know!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: C-flat
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 01:13 PM

I've been using a Yamaha APX6N (Nylon srung) to gig with for a few years now and I'm delighted with the amplified tone of this "budget" guitar.
Unplugged it doesn't compare to a real classical guitar but it's still nice to play, well balanced, with a manageable neck width for us psuedo-classical players!
I've pointed a few begginers to Yamaha "entry level" guitars, they seem to be good, straight-from-the-box instruments.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 05:06 AM

I can recommend either of the two Yamahas that I own. An APX9NA used for a latin feel to the music. It's designed to be plugged-in although acousticaly it's not bad. D'Addario nylon strings used. Also an AES1500 for electric sets. A beautiful orange semi-acoustic with the flexible choice of single coil or humbucker combinations. Elixier, nanowebs used. Both guitars are really well made using good quality materials.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: ElwynnMaxon
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 07:58 AM

There is an FG-180, probably early 70's model, up on EBay at the moment that has sometime left to go. It is at $212.00 and climbing.


E.M.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Farseeingart
Date: 13 Sep 05 - 10:41 PM

I first learned on a no name piece of wood that made a Stella look good. Frustrating. I finally bought a CG130A (on sale, $93, 1972). The wide neck fit my fat fingers. I taught myself to fingerpick with all five fingers. I played several Yamahas that were absolute junk. Next I found a FG 512 12 string with a hard shell case for $125, 1991. This has become one of my favorite guitars: very playable, large sound. Impresses everyone who plays it. I then found a G255S for $125. It needed cleaning. I put adamas gut strings on it and have been impressed with it. I later put Shaller tuners on it. I bought a G50 for the kids to play. $50. Now it has been passed to nephews. It is a beginner's guitar, but is tuneable and playable. I bought a Martin D28 that I don't seem to play very much. I found a Yamaha 280? 12 string, $80, that I gave to my younger son. It does not have the sound of the 512, but is still very good. Somewhere along the way I bought a used FG400 that I play for a steel string six string. It is as good as most guitars I have ever played. I have been selective in the guitars I have purchased used. I have had very good luck with Yamahas. I am not a professional player, but I am quite competent. The quality of the guitars seems to vary greatly. One must pick and choose.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Sep 05 - 03:03 PM

There has been quite a spate of FG360s on ebay lately - mostly not the original and best, the Nippon Gakki one, but some surprisingly reasonably priced.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Cobell
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 04:22 PM

Yep,,I just played an LL6 Yamaha Acustic the other day,,,Brilliant!!! absolutly bloody Brilliant!!!,,The Build quality is amazing, and it looks the dogs!!. The sound was deep and rich in the bass, the treble was bright and lively. I don't think you will get a guitar as good as this for the price (£324.00)in the Guitar shop but I've seen it slightly cheaper on the web.

I also tried out the NEW Silent yamaha guitar,,I didn't think I was going to like these, but the moment you pick one up and start to play it you will fall in love with it,and it really Does sound like an acoustic guitar when you plug it in an amp or the supplied headphones. Build quality is again top notch,expect to pay around £350.00 for one. I'm really spoiled for choice between the two!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Beer
Date: 03 Oct 05 - 09:15 PM

This is the only place I know where you can actually go back in time (April 17th 02) and answer in the present. Kind of fun.
I think I'll ask my sister for my Yamaha back.
Beer

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 04:58 AM

I found an old APX 10 hanging up in a store for $300. Tried it out and wow - nice balanced tone, a dream to play, too. I keep going in the store to play it, bt can't afford to buy it. I already have an APX6, which is fine, but the solid wood top and playing feel of the 10 makes my 6 feel a bit cheesy.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 03:12 PM

What sort of cheese?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 03:20 PM

I recently find myself thinking after a Steel Stringed Silent Guitar from Yamaha as well...

The Aux In and Phones out feature sounds very useful around the house late at night when everyone else is sleepin... I've also heard them played plugged in, and they sound pretty cool.... I also like the idea of having a guitar to hump to gigs that fits in a small backpack....

Picked on up a few days ago at my local music shop, and I gotta say, I even liked the way it felt...

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Briagha
Date: 12 Oct 05 - 10:43 PM

My first guitar was an FG-180, back in the late 60's... kept it for about 10 years, and then let it go. Even though I love my current stage guitar (a Taylor 614), I've been feeling the itch to find that Yamaha again, so last week I got a red-label FG-150 on ebay. It arrived yesterday, and I can't put it down... so much sound from a small body! It's like reuniting with an old love and finding out that the flame is still there.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: 12string growler
Date: 20 Oct 05 - 03:27 PM

I use a FG412 12 string, that I've had since 1978. I recently had a Headman pick up fitted. It sounds great natural or plugged in. I bought a Freshman 12 st earlier this year as a back up cos I get through strings at an alarming rate. Freshman seems better built and it has built in electrics AND Tuner, but it'll be a long time before it sounds as good as the Yam. I also have an Ozark 12st, thin body, cutaway, pickup, crap sound, crap action, CHEAP and Gorgeous as an ORNAMENT. It's a stunner to look at.
Chris

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Nick
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 07:43 AM

... so much sound from a small body!

Now who does that remind me of?

Still play my old red label FG180 which I bought in about 1972 which usually lives in an alternative tuning. Necks nice and straight and generally sounds and plays ok still.

They seem to go for a surprising amount of money on ebay which seems out of line with prices for new ones which is odd

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: C-flat
Date: 21 Oct 05 - 10:55 AM

Like Clinton I've also been looking at the Yamaha "silent" guitar, mainly due to feed-back issues on stage.
They sound and feel good to play and I like the idea of just connecting ear-phones for a little home practise without worrying about disturbing anyone.
I'm sure I've seen Brian May using one of these.

For now I'll content myself with a "feed-back buster" for £5 but I suspect I'll be back to the guitar shop in the near future.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,mediumgauge
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 01:50 AM

Does anyone own , have owned, or have any info or feedback on the Yamaha FG165-1?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Dg
Date: 23 Apr 06 - 05:02 AM

I play a Yamaha FG180 - which my Dad gave to me when he bought a Martin. I think he got the Yamaha sometime in the 70's... It still plays really well and has a much nicer sound & action than a lot of more expensive guitars I've played.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 03:31 AM

There was a Guitarist magazine aricle on old Yamahas, about a year back. worth checking out.

tell us about it. I am always interested to hear about Yamahas. At the moment I am playing the CPX8, as I said earlier in this thread and just before Xmas I got the Yamahacpx15cm. The 15 , I use for open tunings. I have contemplated getting a cpx8m to complete the trio - as I am into the cedar tops at the moment.

they both play okay, but I have booked them both in to see Steve Clark next week, to make what improvements he can.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Sean Moore
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 08:26 AM

does anyone know how much a CG-70 goes for these days? one just came to me, and i was wondering how much it was worth.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 09:39 AM

I'm selling a DX7S - but it's a synth!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 12:45 PM

I have a Yamaha classical guitar. It goes everywhere with me Neil

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 01:50 PM

I've got a early 70s vintage FG-110E (I think that's the model anyway, FG stands for 'Folk Guitar'). I bought it nth hand (meaning I don't know how many owners it had) from a fellow where I work whose wife wanted to get a little extra $ to buy a guitar she liked better. This model was one of the first acoustic-electrics that Yamaha made, has a pickup affixed across the neck-side of the soundhole and has high-hat volume and tone knobs. This is a medium-size body guitar -- larger than a parlor, smaller than a big auditorium or dread model. Has a relatively short scale neck. It plays relatively well, though not nearly as loud acoustically as my D-35 and doesn't hold tune as well as the Martin. It's good for having handy for a quick run through a song or two but I still pull out the Martin when I'm seriously practicing.
SC

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Murray MacLeod
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 03:43 PM

This Yamaha is unusual, is it not ?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: terrier
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 06:35 PM

I've never owned a Yamaha guitar but back around 1965 I came across a player who had a classical style Yamaha with a carved head. The guitar looked really old then but sounded really good. Just how long have Yamaha been producing guitars?

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 02:36 AM

Yamaha have been making guitars since 1961.

It's funny but many people seem to think they are a very recent company, having branched out from making motorbikes to a sideline in electronic keyboards and cheap guitars. The truth is they have been at the top end of musical instrument making since 1887 and have covered the whole orchestra since then.

Then again, many people think Japan wasn't discovered until 1953.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Apr 07 - 07:49 PM

I play Yamaha recorders.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 06:48 AM

I had two Yamaha FG-somethings in the 1970's: one superb and one dull (though maybe a new set of strings would have transformed it - then as now I plumbed the obscene depths of degrading penury).

My local music shop has had a used LA-8 (from the Yamaha hand-made workshop)for sale for months now: it should be everything I want, looks very pretty and is clearly beautifully put together, but the sound is not a patch on some cheaper, new guitars in the shop. Once again, it may be just in need of a set of strings, but I'll leave it a while and wait for the price to come down before I find out.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 15 Apr 07 - 07:28 AM

Suzuki were making musical instruments before motor-bikes were invented, too. Mind you, the Suzuki guitar I had ( 6-string dreadnought with adjustable bridge ) was nothing to write home about. But I have owned 3 Yamaha guitars, a "baby" and two from the FG range, and I liked them all, apart from the silly headstock logo, and would recommend them to anybody who wanted good sound & build quality at a lower price than a Martin, Lowden, et al.....But don"t stop saving-up for the Martin !! Incidentally, the estimable "Dr. Bob ", who can be heard at "The Blue Boar" in Poole, and elsewhere, still uses his Yamaha orange -label guitar from the late 60"s,or thereabouts, and it sounds SUPERB !!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Betsy
Date: 16 Apr 07 - 03:12 AM

I bought an FG 180 very early 70's - still have it.
Everyone on the British folk scene seemed to have them e.g. Christy Moore , Barbara Dickson , Vin Garbutt to name a few.
I understand it was a "copy" of the Martin D28 which most of them couldn't afford at the time .
Great workhorse , travelled well, light in weight , and plenty of sound. ( P.A.'s were not a norm in the 60's / early seventies Folk Clubs)
Now have a Martin. I bought in 1994 it from Music Ground in Donacaster. I took my Yamaha to test against used Martins ( in case I could avoid buying a new Martin) but although they had plenty of used ones - none of them came up to the quality of the Yamaha.
I bought a new HD 28 , but recently bought one of Martins "plastic" guitars , or as a lautist friensd calls them "formica" guitars.
The sound form this one (strangely) is the most satisfactory in volume and tone, and very good through a PA System

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 16 Apr 07 - 07:21 AM

I bought a secondhand FG160 in 1975 for £40 played it until 1997 when I sold it for £150, an excellent istrument it was, and I dare say it still is, I sold it to a chap called Dave Taylor and it went to Ireland with him where I'm sure it will still be in use to this day!
Loads of people played them back in the seventies

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: English Jon
Date: 16 Apr 07 - 08:58 AM

The SG2000 is the best electric guitar I've ever played. Shame I can't afford one.

Cheers,
Jon

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,JimmyE
Date: 15 May 07 - 05:47 PM

I own a FG-365Sii that I bought for $200 at a music store in Bellvue, NE in 1985 when stationed at Offutt AFB. This guitar was my first and has served me well. I love the sound and it has received many complements from other players. It is still in great shape despite a tour in the desert in 1990. Best $200 I ever spent when considering the durability, sound quality and the pleasure it has given me over the years.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Rowan
Date: 15 May 07 - 10:20 PM

The first Yamaha I played has a beautiful tone and action but, because its keys are ivory (it predates the CITES ban on ivory products) it creates bureaucratic nightmares. The second Yamaha I played was OK to learn on but, for ensembles the locals prefer everyone to use Aulos instruments.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: jiva
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:15 AM

My first Yamaha was an FG580 - 6 string, Brazilian Rosewood Nippon Gakki model. According to the brochure (mid 1970s) it was top of their range of hand-crafted FGs. I was really looking for a 2nd hand Martin and found the FG580 advertised in the New Musical Express. This guitar was my all time favourite for 25 years.

After years of searching and trying many 12 strings I eventually tracked down an FG630. According to that same brochure this was the top notch stablemate for the FG580 - same woods but with a slotted headstock.

My favoured strings were D'Arco New Yorkers, but when they became unavailable I moved to D'Addarios. Later moved to Elixir Nanowebs and never regretted it.

Both guitars have a big big sound, maybe the bass end a little too much. Recently they started to sound a little 'tired' - replacing the bridge pins with brass ones revitalised the sound somewhat; brighter, with a better string separation kinda feel.

In 2005 we bought a CPX15A 6 string and CPX8-12 12 string which both sounded great in the shop and at home and through a PA, but didn't cut it in an acoustic folk club environment.

4 months later the CPXs were sold and part-ex'd - our performance guitars are now Taylor 810-LTD, Taylor 810CE 6 strings and Taylor 855 12 strings.

Couldn't bear to part with the Yamaha FG580 and FG630. I occasionally play them at home (they're old friends) but, now being accustomed to the Taylors, find the neck difficult by comparison. They still sound good, but to our ears not 'as good'.

Jimmy & Val
www.jiva.co.uk

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Robert
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 07:25 AM

I have an FG-180 bought new by my father for my sister in 1970. I play it almost everyday. It sounds fantastic, has a big bright sound (Elixer 12s fitted) I wouldn't part with it. I have a Taylor 310 too and it stays mainly in its case. Viva Yamaha FG-180!

Robert

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Fidjit
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 12:37 PM

Had a f180 from early seventy's until I swapped it in '98 for a wider necked classical.
Reason for the swap was my old fingers were having trouble playing finger style with the narrow neck. Kept hitting two strings at once. I enjoyed it though.

Now thinking about looking for a wide necked steel string.

Chas

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 03:04 PM

the recent development whereby you can buy a solid wood guitar very cheaply has caused a rift in my long term relationship with Yamahas.

I still have the cpx15cm.

however my main guitars at the moment are Faith. I also have a Cort.

Yamaha don't seem interested in competing. I think they placed all their hopes on the ART system of bugging. As far as I know you can't get a Yamaha solid wood electro acoustic for less than a couple of grand or so.

Its a pity.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 03:12 PM

I still have an old FG 332 but never seen one before or since. It sounds good in alternative tunings. If anyone has any info on it I would be interested.
Heard an original build FG140 last week. I sounded fantastic

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: redsnapper
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 07:24 AM

Yikes weelittledrummer!

That makes my top of the range APX 10CN stereo electro-acoustic (a very rare model) an even better bargain at £375 second-hand (totally unmarked). What's even better is that it's my favourite guitar in 45 years playing.

RS

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 08:19 AM

Yamaha are fabulous guitars - no question. I'v had APX's and found them a delight to play, but a little lacking in a purely acoustic gig.

With Yamaha - you get a design team, and the quality control is excellent. second to none.

Like I say, I did feel when it came under the scrutiny of a good studio recording - for solo stuff - you need a solid wood guitar, (preferably something played in - but you can say that about any guitar).

And thats when yamaha suddenly seem to get very expensive. Which is kind of weird given the kind of quantities they produce.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 12:44 PM

I have a 37 year old Yamaha FG160 and I am the original owner.

I remember at the time thinking..should have paid a bit more and got the 180 but this is still a great guitar.

It's still in ok condition, plays pretty well, a bit dull because who treats old and relatively cheap guitars to new strings much, or even cleans them?

These days it spends most of it's time as a visitors curiousity piece in my daughters flat. But I have told her, she damages it or loses it under pain of death.

One day it will be safely back in my room, and it will be an emotional re-union. I used to play it as a member of an acoustic pub band years (and years) ago. In it's time, for those of you who are old enough to remember, it's hammered out America's "Horse with no Name" and "Riverside" to name just a few, and I could actually do the leads quite well, he he. Still can.

Now it gets Avril Lavigne chords laid across it, but they are pretty mean chords actually so it's ok.

Ah, I'm getting wet eyed..better stop now....

Dave.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 12:49 PM

Yup.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Bernard
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 02:36 PM

Dave, Yamaha guitars weren't that cheap 35 years ago. I paid £49.00 for my FG160 in 1971, and the average week's wages were around £11.00 - which would make it well over a grand by today's prices!

As I recall, the numbers worked a little differently each year or so - the FG160 was the cheaper one, and the FG200 was the 'posh' version (and I've now got one). The cheaper version of the FG180 was the FG140.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,steve weymouth
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 04:39 PM

Ever played a yamaha? Yep!
I bought mine from new in 1989 cost £380.It is a FG461S and has been played nearly every day since.I have other guitars of quality but this one is f***ing great!the highs and lows are outstanding for most styles, feed the thing new strings now and then and it just get better with age.Unlike many other guitars this one is built well enough to actually get old.
best regards fellow guitar heads.
steve A.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Tootler
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 04:44 PM

This thread title is misleading. Yamaha make a great many more musical instruments than just guitars. I have several Yamaha recorders and also a Yamaha electronic keyboard, all of which are "Yamahas"

The thread title needs amending to make it clear it is specifically about Yamaha guitars.

Geoff

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 17 Oct 08 - 07:08 PM

In my humble opinion, and I've never owned one, but played many, the Yamaha FG180 was/is the best mass-produced low-budget guitar ever made.
They are all playable,good-quality instruments. Never heard or played a bad one. I own & play Martins for preference, but a good, and they usually are, Yamaha FG180 is an excellent musical instrument.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 05:39 PM

I ampleased to say that I just acquired an FG 360, Red Label, 1973, X-braced. Currently with Brian Rodgers to reduce action from extreme bluegrass to playable, and then for us to debate how best to amplify it!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: ollaimh
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 02:13 AM

i've bought and sold a dozen yamahas over years. iused to gig and busk on the road and would find them in junk stores(er i mean antique stores) or penny saver magazines from edmonton alnerta to boulder colorado. i should have kept a couple butn when i was broke they were always an easy sale.

u've had the fg 140, 160, 180 and 200 all red labels and some nippon gakki. they were all great guitars.better tnam any seventies martin.

the very best mass produced guitars ever made, especially the red labels. i had one i really ougt to have kept. a 180 but the bottom bought was an inch and a half wider than any other one i've seen. it wouldn't fit the standard case.

it was the best sounding one i ever played.

i used to wish i had kept one then the other day i wss in a pawn shop and there at5 the back was a fg180, all dirty and beat up but sounding like a dream. red label nipon gakki --so i think i'll keep this one

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha ?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 04:37 AM

Not that I want to start an internal war but IMHO the FG360s were better spec and sound than the 180s - which is why I have been hunting for a 360, and I got it for a good price...

Yep, the bottom bout is BIG. 16 1/4 inches on the 360s I've seen - but some seem to be fan-strutted and some X-braced. I'm waiting for info back from Yamaha on that.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 05:28 PM

I have 2 yamaha 12 strings, lower end models.. The volume and tone are fine, but the necks are terrible. The rod is sprung on the oldest, but it's used now for slide work. The newer one, I tune down a step, even for fingerpicking in open tunings (c,g,d). It rings like a bell, has good clarity, but the action is a little higher than I like. I can't get it adjusted down without causing buzzing. It compares favorably to Alverez and Takemine 12-strings, but was blown WAY out of the water by a Breedlove Atlas and a Taylor 12. But, my used yamaha, cost 150 bucks.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 06:33 AM

does anyone have any info on the early 1980's SJ400s series???? thinking of swapping my new stonebridge for it!!!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: kendall
Date: 10 Mar 09 - 07:38 AM

Ah yes, the Taylor 12. Second only to an Apollo 12.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,nico
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 07:08 PM

Just bought a yamaha fg-335 from a charity shop for £30...cant believe it!!!! My girlfriend was in the shop earlier, saw the guitar and thought to take note of the model. So when I came home on a break she told me about the guitar she saw.....I was in the car before she could finish! Bless those old ladies who sold me it, they were really happy for me to part with this money for charity....and I was!
I have cleaned it up, oiled the fret board and metal wooled the frets (almost no wear). I will replace the nut and saddle with bone...the string spacing was awful!! I think a sanding of the bridge will be in order for lower action, but the saddle slit is quite deep....happy days!!! Straight neck too....whoo hoo!
Sorry, had to share it with peolpe who will understand.


P.s. I have a Yairi YD-402 old martin copy. The neck has bowed down like the truss rod is too tight....but there is no truss rod!! I think it has a t-bar truss rod, but surely this does not mean it is unmendable????

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 09:02 PM

200

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 Jun 09 - 09:03 PM

oops, wrong thread

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Paul Morgan
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 01:39 PM

Yamaha has a great guitar. I have 3 now and have purchased and sold a few.

The best one I have is the FG 180 made in Japan by the Nippon Gakki factory. The sound is great and the action is perfect. I have never had to adjust anything. If you can find one of these 35 year old guitars, BUY IT!

Almost as good is my FG 160e, an acoustic-electric from the early 1970's also Japanese Nippon Gakki. It sounds almost as good acoustically as the 180, but the amplified sound is not quite as woody as I would like. (Maybe it's just my amp) The saddle is aluminum with a peizo pickup wire under the bridge. It also has a factory soundhole pickup.

I recently bought a recent model LL-16 off of Craigslist for $365, which was essentially new. Teriffic sounding guitar, but I still need to have it "set up". The action is still to high to suit me. These are made in China and I was a little hesitant at first, but upon close examination, the workmanship is excellent and the sound is teriffic. The top and sides are solid wood as opposed th the plywood of the fg 160 and fg 180.

I bought and sold a FG 200. Also made in Japan. Nice guitar also, but the sound,although loud, was a little brassy to suit me. I like that nice mellow tone that the 160 and 180 have.

I had a F 335 briefly (made in China) but didn't think much of it. I bought it for the hard case that it came in so I kept the case and sold the guitar for $75. This guitar had good action, but the tone and volume was just mediocre. If you are looking for a good guitar to learn on, this would be fine. They are relatively inexpensive and sound decent.

I have a 1968 d-18 Martin and a 1976 d-28 Martin that I rarely take out of thier cases. The old Yamahas are the ones that get played. Even though they were nowhere near the quality of some of the more expensive guitars (the exception being the LL-16), they cannot be discounted. I admire Yamaha's ability to produce a great sounding instrunment for a reasonable price.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 01:51 PM

Not only have I played one, (I've owned two), but when I was in a recording session, in L.A., I brought my Martin D-21, and my Yamaha FG 140....I recorded with the Yamaha!!!!
GfS

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: MikeL2
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:49 PM

Hi

Some years ago - around 1976 - I bought a Yamaha FG-360.

At the time I had to by it quickly due to the demise of my Martin in a car accident....RIP.

As an acoustic it has a great sound and was louder than my Martin. However I didn't use it that much as I had a couple of old Hofners and they were better for what I was playing at the time.

The other day I was clearing out my old(e) music room and came across my Yamaha again.

I am trying now seek out what people here think of it.

I don't have a reference No but it has a label inside that reads

YAMAHA FG-360
Nippon Gakki Co Ltd.

And it has the letters NK stamped in ink on one of the perpendicular struts.

I restrung it with a set of old Martin medium strings ( bought in about 1980 ) The sound is still very good but not quite as bright as when I put it to rest 30ish years ago.
Can anyone tell me anything else about this???

cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,does anyone know what or can tell me what a
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 02:34 PM

it is a rg 180 red label yamaha is worth

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: HuwG
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 10:00 AM

My baby's back!

A few weeks ago, one of the machine heads on the F340 fell to bits when I removed the string to restring the guitar. So, I took it to a local technician (Ken Cookson).

The deal was as simple as I usually manage. I had the existing machine heads (which I never really liked, as they were loose and did not always pull straight) removed, and the existing holes in the headstock drilled out and filled. The machine heads from a Gremlin which was also in bad condition were then fitted to the Yamaha.

In return, Mr. Cookson got the Gremlin. This was damaged stock I got half price from Johnny Roadhouse. It had been dropped on its strap button, and I thought that it had got away with cracked veneer on the sound board. Unfortunately, some of the internal bracing must have been broken, and over time, the sound board pulled up and away from the bottom bout, so that the action became progressively higher. When it became like playing an egg slicer, I put it to one side. My best wishes to Mr. Cookson.

The Yamaha sounds as magnificent as it ever has, and holds its tuning better thanks to the new machine heads. It is now a true "bitzer". I intend it to be buried with me.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: PHJim
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 02:25 PM

You can get everything from sound systems, porta studios, brass and reed instruments, pianos and motorcycles that are branded "Yamaha", but the topic of this thread is "Ever played a Yamaha GUITAR?"

My ex wife had an FG180 which was inherited by one of my sons. My other son owns a better quality Yamaha, as does one of my brothers. My wife's first guitar was an LG75, which we now have strung up in Nashville tuning. These are all quite playable guitars with satisfactory tone. None of us use these as our primary instruments, but they work fine.

HuwG said in his original post that the Yamaha was "on the scale of a D-45". While Yamahas are about the size of a Martin dreadnought, they have a unique shape that is different from the dreadnought. If you place any Martin Dreadnought, D-18, D-21, D28, D-42... back to back, they will match exactly. If you try a square shoulder Gibson like the Hummingbird, it will match exactly. a dreadnought shaped Guild matches as does a Goya M-26. The Yamaha is quite different, although many refer to it as a dreadnought shape, it is unique.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Rev Bayes
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 05:07 PM

I bought an FG-730 a year or two ago for hacking away on. Not sure if I got lucky but I have to take on seriously high end guitars before I hear something I like better.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: PHJim
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 08:00 PM

Despite the fact that this is a terribly bloody, violent song, it's one of the most beautifully sung and played that I've ever heard...and he uses a Yamaha FG???

Arthur McBride - Paul Brady

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: PHJim
Date: 23 Jun 13 - 08:56 PM

Here's Bert Jansch playing a high end L series Yamaha. He may have a sponsorship, but in any case, it sounds pretty good in his hands.

Bert Jansch with a Yamaha

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 02:50 AM

A month or so ago, the janitor here where I live found a Yamaha FG420 (I think?) acoustic electric in a soft case in a dumpster (dust bin. He has never played anything but I put new strings on it and it sounds fine.

I have taught him only three chords, in the key of D, and his hands are developing muscle memory. We practice only 1/2 hour 5 days a week- he has a three-year-old kid at home so he doesn't take the guitar home - but he is coming along.

Big problem is that he is a big man with HUGE fingers. Although I haven't told him so, he would find it easier to make clean chords if the Yamaha had a wider neck.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 03:41 AM

"We've been together now for 40 years....." my FG110 and I. Despite the top end of the neck having to be repaired after a Silly Wizard managed to stumble over it on a darkened stage at Barnsley festival decades ago...............

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 24 Jun 13 - 03:27 PM

I have a FG-512 that I bought new in the mid 80's. Will keep her until they plant me!

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 02:43 PM

I last posted on this thread 8 years ago. I still have the FG335 I bought in January 1979 with my girlfriends tax rebate. I have had it fettled since I last posted, got the action lowered a tad and I am still amazed at the quality of the sound. If anything it gets better as the years go by. I don't often play it these days but on the rare occasions I do I love the rich timbre it produces. If you want a good quality Guitar for next to nothing keep your eyes open for an old Yamaha FG335 or it's predecessor the FG180.

Subject: RE: Ever played a Yamaha guitar?
From: GUEST,Musket sans Ian
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 03:59 AM

I was bought a guitar of forgotten origin by my mum when I was 14. Once I started earning at 16, the local music shop, being Yamaha agents sold me a guitar, the denomination I can't recall but my son still has it. I played that guitar and learned on it for many years. I recall it with pride. Thin bellied, ply top with no electrics, it survived early folk club and festival outings and although my first big cost guitar was a Les Paul for my rock playing, the Yamaha was a constant folk attachment for years till my first Martin.

I still play a Yamaha. I like thin at the nut guitars and found the best compromise for a 12 string to be a Yamaha APX4-12. Bought it almost 20 years ago and it is often with me although rarely taken on stage. That's more to do with style than quality.

Bert Jansch was a hero of mine and when I buy a workaday guitar I do see what Yamaha are offering, mainly due to him. Mind you, my Rainsong will take some beating. I doubt I shall be buying for a while. ....