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.