RED LABEL SHOOTOUT -YAMAHA FG180 VS YAMAHA FG5

[@HVYBOY]

I have the FG 180 50th anniversary and It blows me away everytime I play it. I absolutely love it. Sounds great, feels amazing, and is just honestly what I feel like an acoustic should be at its core. Best of all I can’t believe how good of a guitar you get for the price. Truly incredible. Haven’t picked up my Taylor 514 since I brought the 180 home

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@HVYBOY great 👍

[@JAGProductionss]

Great comparison! The 180 feels more vintage and traditional while the 5 feels more.open sounding

[@Tbone1952]

Fg-180 sounds better in my opinion, I just bought a 1969 FG-180 $300 US , that is having a neck reset new bridge nut and saddle, can’t wait to get it back. I have an FG300 I bought in Japan in 1973 and Fg5 and FS5, I love my Yamahas!!! Love your videos!

[@FrCr32]

Re-Posted! This was the shootout I wanted to see/hear. And it just confirms what I heard before. To my ears, to my mind, I can see the 5 as an artist who is cerebral, very intense. Knows he is good and flaunts it. The 180-5 is the guy who is relaxed. Feels what he is doing and plays from the heart, smooth and calm and easy. Thank heavens you had this opportunity to play these great guitars side by side. Great job!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Cris Frank nice commment

[@allanavila3781]

I like smooth, calm, and easy.

[@laikainspace1]

Came back for another listen. When you rewind and compare the same piece of music played on each of them, the 180-50th is most definitely sweeter.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@laikainspace1 that’s the reason why i took years and hunted down a 50th fg 180 and its built lighter but has that organic woody and sweet tone not found in a FG5 or FG3

[@Hitzu99]

im just starting to get into guitar, but what you extract from a single chord is amazing. very inspiring

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Thanks

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Yamaha guitars are my new favorite. Just picked up a fg800 and I couldn't be happier with it. I like it just as much as my hd28v, d18ge, ceo7, and guild d20.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Great value for money Guitar

[@haldumille5594]

This is a great review! I had not seen my FG5 being compared to the FG180! I still want an FG180 even if I find my FGX5 sounds better! I love Yamaha guitars of this class!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Hal Dumille we all want more and more

[@edmundmercado21]

this was a really nice shootout👍🏽, both of them sounded sweet, the 180 really really sounded vintage, the fg5 for me just sounded better 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@rickycarter7154]

Couldn't decide which sounded better. I guess it depends on which song you're playing and what you expect the guitar to sound like. Then there is the difference in physical appearance. I like them both, so thanks to your reviews, I have one of each. Thanks Jarvis.

[@wingwing2683]

Both of them are great! Thanks Jarvis 🎸

[@douglaswesson2458]

Both sound good, but I like the deeper richness of the FG5. I am bias though because I own a FGX5.

[@cristiansperanta4802]

Excellent comparison I feels like there is a more presence in the minds and highs for the FG-180 Anniversary- just a very much clearer presence which is unmistakable…clean…very nice - FG-180 in my opinion sounds awesome….

[@danr5105]

Always a pleasure to watch you play.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Thanks

[@laikainspace1]

People tend to comment favourably on the one they own or intend to buy. Listen for yourselves. To me, they both sound incredibly similar but one a little drier than the other. I've made my choice. Took me a while to find one but I'm picking it up tomorrow.

[@Don-fj3ew]

I took a Bluetooth speaker ...placed it in sound hole & used sound frequencies and backing tracks to age my guitar. 1 hour a night in it's hard case. Turned a cheap fg700 into a much more aged guitar sound. Try it out. .... Costs a 5$ Bluetooth speaker

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

yes it wiii

[@PinkDevilFish]

I have a 69 fg180. Beautiful sound. Problem is the old ones commonly have issues with the action. My neck had a slight bow and the top has become a little warped. My action was at 7.8 and I was just able to get it down to a .5 with some work on the saddle by a local luthier. It has a monster sound. Without a neck reset though the action is a bit high for me. I've narrowed my next guitar to the 50th reissue or a fg5 or fgx5. I still can't decide even after this very well put together video.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

That FG5 is one of my dream guitars.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Lowell Calavera this you can buy anytime

[@Riffme81]

So it should be my friend! I've had mine a couple of months now and it's fantastic in every way.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Jason Peters enjoy what you have ... there is no holy grail out there .. no perfect guitars.. only the one that fits you well .. and you only after that need to work on your skills

[@Riffme81]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore Jarvis your response makes no sense in relation to my comment to lowell

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Jason Peters sorry what I meant it the fg5 is a good guitar already .. as a player I only need to work on my playing skills .. sorry for the misunderstanding

[@lhvent]

The FG5 sounds a little deeper

[@jakimpepin2719]

Hi! Both are great but I feel the FG180 has more soul. I think I'm in love again...😍 with a granny.😆

[@markusleitner4018]

Your test was one of the reasons that I have bought a FG5 ( new) and a FGX3 ( used) -> What should I say ? I love them ......both !! my Martin D-10 is easier to play but sound's not half that good as the Yamahas ...... so I have 4 Yamahas with my silent guitars and 've got a real fan

[@podfuk]

I Found my FGX5 very comparable to my electric PRS Cu22. Neck is same scale lenght 25", has same nut width and string action is slightly higher but still really low for acoustic guitar and no buzz at all. I was really suprised.

[@ClaytonWain]

Great review the 180 50th is really cool but the fg3 - fg5 are a cut above more balanced and ooze quality, the only thing that let's the fg3 down is the plastic pickguard. I love my yammies so would take either. Thought the 180th 50 was a japan model that's what the nippon gakki states

[@jerseyjeeper1575]

To me the FG180 sounded better because individual notes were more clearly defined.

[@phxrider950]

Can you do a comparison with the Yamaha A5M vs FG5 or FGX5?

[@Blackwood260]

VERY nice playing. You make them both sound GREAT!

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Thanks

[@rohanambrosius131]

Great review and amazing guitars. I like the FG5, beautifully rounded by including more mids, I think it's a bit more American, not really that signature Yamaha cannon. The new 180 convincingly has same kinda bite as my '67 FG180 Red label, if a little more domesticated. There's more space between the bass and the highs, I find that bigger dynamic fun, and it helps a tenor voice and in a mix.

[@andersonhiraki]

Hello! Could you demonstrate the Yamaha CPX 1200 acoustic guitar? Please!

[@eunkkonglife]

3:17 4:25 3:47 5:01 5:52 8:39 11:00

[@luciferdragon8083]

Hi, Can I seek your advice please? I just bought a Yamaha FG200 circa1973 (47 years old). The action at 12fret was over 5mm, I reduced it to 2.9mm. However truss rod is barely working. There is slight bow in the neck near the soundhole. Otherwise I am quite happy. I want to ask - As this guitar is old and neck is slightly bent, is it a good idea to loosen strings daily after playing to lessen the tension on the neck? Thank you for your advice. :)

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

I’m very sure you can still turn the truss rod .. reason it just needs more force ive experience it many times on old guitars .. if you can’t straigten the neck then no amount of lowering the action will be that helpful as the curved bow will make Playability an issue

[@ianjensen7989]

The FG180 had more depth and clear sound which I liked. thats the one I'd buy.

[@garrykeels2708]

The FG180 isn't as midrangy which is a good thing. It's more balanced and a sound I prefer to the other one.

[@maxosacoustic4729]

I have been watching your videos of Yamaha a5M and Yamaha FG 180 50th anniversary, which do you consider to be better to play Fingerpicking technique with swing style dreadnought guitar, ragtime ... I await your answer, thank you. Mark

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

I would buy the fg180 or the fg5

[@maxosacoustic4729]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

@@maxosacoustic4729 yes yes

[@walterbaker2324]

how high is the action on the 12th fret high E for the fg180 you have there? did it ever need a neck reset?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

You don’t need to do a neck reset

[@compass4853]

Well done my friend! Especially liked the second lick you finger picked. Don't believe I have heard you play it before! See you down The Road!

[@lachy4545]

How do you think the fg5 compares to the martin 000-15m? Love both guitars but can only get 1! does one represent better value?

[@Rgdonaire_07]

Maybe a bit late. I own a 000-15m and will test an FGx5 tomorrow side by side with my Martin. If you're still deciding I can report back.

[@shawnpeterdesilva]

The fg5 is the better guitar.nice demonstration

[@ChrisEffort]

Great review and great playing, but I do miss some of the warmth from the lower frequencies, they sound a bit tinny which I’m sure they don’t in the room.

[@Rgdonaire_07]

The FG5X sounds too bright for my taste in this demo. I own one but I get it to sound much warmer. There is quite a difference in bass response with the FG180.

[@walterwhiting9970]

Both sound great, but you can buy an fg5 any day of the week, not so with with 50th anniversary. Sound wise the Fg180.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

that’s very true

[@MrMartin2270]

Does have the FG 180 a lot of Fretbuzz?

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Nope

[@anatol1204]

i miss something in the highs of the fg5, the other one sounds little harsh from this mic..i don t know with an other mic what would sound like.maybe fg5 would be better with maple or koa or cocobolo

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Great review as usual !! I have a chance to buy a 1974 FG-180-1 for 600 Canadian which seems a bit pricey, however in great condition from the pictures. I have currently have an FGX3, LL16, FG 331 and FG 700S. I will probably buy it as man they sound good plus have a beefy neck. That 1980 FG 331 just rings.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Should have bought it. Those vintage 180's aren't cheap these days. People have realized what beauties these things have become with a little age to them. Easily comparable to your average Martin's or Taylor's in terms of sound AND quality. These guitars are built to stand the test of time and only get better with some age. I've heard some vintage Yamaha's that I'd pay thousands for.

[@roycaesarcoloscos9869]

Hi Sir, I’m just curious what pick you’re using? And the thickness too. Thanks.. Great videos 👍

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Mcpherson pick yellow colour and martin pick yellow

[@roycaesarcoloscos9869]

@@TheGuitarSpaSingapore thanks 🙏

[@danr5105]

I am more a strummer than a picker. It took a while but I like Dunlop .73mm flexible yet firm enough. Currently I play a Martin D16E but I have 2x FGX5 on order for summer delivery. Purchased strictly off reviews like we see here (2x even.) I trust I will be pleased. I don't advise others to buy un test played though. My Martin. It was love after 30 seconds of playing (I came in from an FG830 so almost anything was better.) No action work needed, played it for a year now just as it was setup on the wall (4x restring in a year. I don't gig.) I think I am getting 200 hrs per string set. They do sound pretty bad by then though. "Shrill" is the sound made when a restring is needed.

[@dangatton7138]

fg180 i found were 450.00-700.00 FGx5 around 1399.-1700.00 I think both are great .

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Buy what fits your Wallet

[@lorenzoparedes2306]

Great guitars, but in all honesty, I just can't get into the repetitive strumming, the sound of which only changes because of the different chords. In my view, these guitars shine when they are being picked, not strummed hard.

[@banjo1434]

Where is the 180 made? What's the price difference? And many thanks for the review. I love them both.

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Banjo 180 is made in China .. not sure the price but the fg 5 is way more expensive

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

you can find a Vintage FG-180 for around $1000 CDN the FG-5 is easily double that

[@podfuk]

@@ZiggyTheAdventurer negative is, most of them badly needs neck reset by now, pretty costly repair :(

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

@@podfuk also I own a 1970 FG-180 and it's still amazing. my Mom bought it new and it got passed down to me

[@podfuk]

@@ZiggyTheAdventurer I was looking for vintage FG-180 for some time on reverb, but I bought FG-5 instead. If you have a chance to try it before the buy, then it could be great deal, I like the sound of old FG-180 slightly better.

[@christianmarloncortazar8213]

FG-180 Won !!!...vry close...

[@Don-fj3ew]

My green label fg300 sounds better I think. I also have a fg180. Godbless

[@dbachris8075]

Fg5 by a mile

[@lowellcalavera6045]

I enjoy your reviews, but don't understand why you only review them after you do all the upgrades.....You make them unique, and really nothing we could get if we chose to. 😶

[@TheGuitarSpaSingapore]

Lowell Calavera well These Are alL my customers guitars that they sent in for Upgrades and I Don’t Want spend time just setting it up with the original and doing the review as it does take a lot of my time

[@cugir321]

It sounds like a cheap ass guitar. Who cares if it's red label