FG 160

Yamaha FG-160 acoustic guitar on display out of my collection of guitars at my shop.

[@cargueone1971]

I found a great FG160 (1973) and definitely going to buy it. Love its vintage voice and sounds completely different than my 2023 FG5, which sounds spectacular, but modern. I love the tone of the FG160 because it doesn't compete with my voice when i sing. It simply compliments it

[@PinetopJackson]

Great historic footage here Randall, I'm glad I found your video...you go into some good details

[@gitogal]

I inherited one of these from my dad but I absolutely hate the vintage style tuners. What would be a good upgrade for them ?

[@user-cc4fx9nt3m]

he died in 12/2019...rip my friend

[@ertugrulka.4244]

Hi Randall, do you prefer the FG 160 or the FG 180-1? I don't know which one to buy, I'm a huge Elliott Smith fan so I think I'll get the 180-1 but still, I'm not sure.

[@TheRandyowen]

If you can find a 180-1, you will do better. Remember this, all FG's are laminated (plywood) tops unless they have a single "S" after the number ex, FG 365S, FG375S, FG750S, and so ion. Unless you are specifically looking for an older Yamaha for the vintage properties, aged wood, ect. then I might look toward a used FG750S (you can get them under $200 , try Goodwill Auctions Online). Back to the 180-1. the -1 indicates the guitar was made as a upgrade to the original, meaning it may have better tuners, binding, and other cosmetic upgrades, but the basic guitar is the same. My 180-1 is a triple back (three-piece)and I have yet to see another like it. I have a FG160-1 SB (Sunburst/not a solid top) which likewise is cosmetically better looking but I wouldn't say better sounding. I would be more than willing to help you find a nice one as I am a Yammie Fan and Player. You can contact me better at Yamaha Folk on Facebook, or at Shekinah Guitars.Com where I have contact info. available. Good luck, there are some good and bad buys out there. Also, for your own future with a Yamaha, because many of these FG guitars are not "expensive" guitars they are built much better than most "made in China" guitars because Yamaha does not contract then out they actually have their own plant which has been building them for over 40 years. That's experience. Now, that said, when a Yamaha gets old it will have issues like any guitar will and many think that because they are no longer playable (usually neck problems) and "cheap" (don't like that word) they just get rid of them on EBay or the like. That's where a good eye can find a deal. Try Goodwill. On my site ShekinahGuitars,Com I am offering luthier services/repair to "old" Yamaha's, specifically a neck rest, which can correct most problems with and old guitar. Most repair guys would consider the time and effort to correct an old Yamaha as wasted, however I do not. Finally, one thing is true, and old Yamaha in good condition, like any well taken care of quality instrument will retain or increase in value. A good Yamaha is always an investment. Hope to hear from you.

[@TheRandyowen]

Try this... www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-FG730S-Solid-Top-Ship-World-Wide-/291972138642?hash=item43fae54692:g:46kAAOSwImRYUX2q

[@ertugrulka.4244]

Randall Owen Hey Randall, yes I'm specifically looking for a vintage Yammie. I really wanted to get an FG 180 because Elliott Smith played one and he's my favourite musician. The black label FG 180-1 I found is 150 bucks with shipping, it has a few little dents on the back of the neck but the guitar as a whole seems perfectly fine, no neck issues and it has the same back design as yours. I think I'm gonna go with the FG 180-1. Those old Yammies are really rare here in Germany.

[@TheRandyowen]

I would buy it in a heartbeat, so there. Do it and let me know. Just a note: The guy I bought mine from told me he used this guitar for studio work (rather than his Martin)and that one of his playing partners made him promise whenever he got rid of the guitar, FG180-1, to promise to contact him. Well he couldn't find the guy so he sold it on EBay, to me. I don't think I'll ever let it go.

[@ertugrulka.4244]

Randall Owen It's always nice to hear stories of the instruments you own. My '63 Framus Doc Williams Jr. was passed down through a family and then sold to me. My '65 Black Royal Banjo was made by a master luthier here in Munich Germany and bought by a folk musician, whose widow gave it to her neighbor who then sold it to me. Vintage instruments often have great stories. I'm glad to hear that you love your FG 180-1 so much. I'm excited to get it.