What Makes Yamaha's Red Label SO GOOD!? New Look FG5 and FS5

[@kevincrouch3956]

Everything Yamaha makes is top notch, from musical instruments to sound systems to motorbikes...company of integrity and quality.

[@cozmos21]

What an amazing tone on both of them. From a J45 and LG2, D18 and OM28 owner.

[@blackmax222]

The most humble but yet confident guitar ever made. Punching way over it's price point

[@douglaswesson2458]

I've had my FGX5 almost 4 years now, and I like it more and more.

[@ImGriffinP]

I bought an FS5 from you guys 3 years ago. It’s an unbelievable guitar and has sounded phenomenal from day one.

[@pietzabakker9397]

I just bought a matte finish FS5 and its a beautiful instrument. As someone who fingerpick all the time I absolutely love this guitar

[@KB6YAF]

I still have my 1968 Yamaha FG-180 (red label) that my dad bought for me brand new. The sound of that guitar just keeps getting better and better.....Russell D.

[@joshr961]

I just got one of these in the fg size. Absolutely in love with the red labels. They have exactly the sound I wanted. Fit and finish was great too.

[@blackmax222]

I've been writing music for 45 years. I have 2 go-to guitars for writing. One is a Taylor 914ce and the other is a FSX5. And the both work as hard as the other

[@robert-wr6md]

The FG has such a stupendious bottom end, it sounds almost electrified, round and beautifully wide. I love it, best acoustic I've ever owned. Oh and they go shiney and glossy after a while, my neck just gets better.

[@dalefuller5507]

I had an original 68 or 69 FG180 and I ended up selling it because it really really needed a neck reset I wish I would have kept it and paid for a neck reset now I own a AC5R made in JapanThey are some excellent Craftsman great videos always guys

[@edfulginiti8798]

My FG5 RedLabel has become my fav; love it!

[@letitbe978]

they need to make cutaway version of this

[@Clambelly]

Big Hello from CLAMBELLY. Great to see Paul and Quintin in the MV Studio !

[@grolmidri7759]

Just ordered an FG5. If I was in US would have ordered from you without hesitation. It’s an impulsive purchase on one level - I watched this video and couldn’t resist. But I have been watching for many months so it’s impulsive with thought and consideration. Almost went for D18 and v tempted by Gibson Hummingbird original (bone saddle/nut a must). But price and consistency tipped it Yamaha way. If it is the wrong choice then n+1 will inevitably mean d18 to follow and potentially Gibson n+2. Frivolous? Extravagant ? Maybe… but a mere flutter in the breeze compared to other ‘extravagant’ purchases… car… etc. Viva la guitare. Viva l’acoustic letter. Viva Quinton and Paul and many more inspiring videos for us acoustic guitar geeks. A grateful Welshman exiled in the land of beer and chocolate otherwise known as Belgium with a strong hint of guilt as I feel I should have bought the Yamaha from Music Villa….

[@geoffcase1097]

Just got an FG5 this week. It's a BEAST of a guitar.

[@rustythoughts]

I have an FGX3 with the original satin finish and love it, but it did come with mark on the upper side, it had been a store display/demo model and knocked in the store so there’s a small spot where the finish is scratched and compressed although it doesn’t really seem to have impacted the wood so much. I can imagine that the gloss will be more resilient and for light marks gloss can be buffed, so this new finish could be a real plus for an instrument that you actually get out and play frequently.

[@guitaristforfunn]

Two of my favorite acoustics hands down. Eastman makes some great guitars in the same prearrange as well!

[@championhairpuller]

Love those new Yamaha Red Labels.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Okay, I will

[@texhaines9957]

Nice sounding and playing guitars. I am enjoying my Yamaha TAG3C. Thanks, Quinton, Paul, and Chad

[@bettertvreceptionwithfoilf7100]

What pretty sounding, and beautiful guitars. The FG is large as can be, but personally, i was more impressed with the Small one that Quentin played in the intro. Wow. That sounds impressive. I have a tan label, lol. It's an FG300 Made in Taiwan, era 1970, 71. Ply back, sides and top. Built like it's meant to be left outside by the campfire overnight, (which it has, a few times) without any issues. Sprayed inside with a poly or something, to seal in the sound from getting out of the plywood. Some kind of a 1" wide piece of wood, bracing the back? Heavy duty, and kind of surprisingly, has even mellowed with age, despite of what seem like so many obstacles.

[@Richard_Lush]

I’ve got some top notch Gibsons and Martins and Santa Cruz acoustics but my old Yamaha bought in the 70s was amazing. Airline destroyed it after me having it for over 40 yrs. They actually went out of their way to put some kind of steel (I assume) bar right through the case and into the guitar. As far as I remember it was a L-10 from 74. I had a Viking funeral for it.

[@raybadudu787]

Replaced the bone nut and saddle on my FSX5 with African bloodwood. The warmth and resonance from it gave me the feel of playing a vintage guitar. Couldn’t put it down.

[@dcallan1]

Wish I had bought this for gigs versus the one I just got. I love the FGX pickup but really prefer the gloss on stage.

[@jntroisi]

May need to trade in my matte finished FG5. Amazing guitars

[@russellmarkley7536]

Of all the guitars that I have had, the FGX5 is The nicest sounding guitar !

[@lhvent]

My FG830, LL6M ARE, and LS6 are in my Yamaha arsenal. Suits me quite well.

[@DavidGatto]

The hardest part is choosing a path, pro's can bring others along on that journey of discovery

[@joibjalla]

I have both in the matte finish. I love them to bits. Keepers for life. That said, there are a few brands that are doing great things in this price range and lower. People on here have mentioned Eastman but I would put Alvarez in the mix with their Laureate series. I'd love one of those. I do have a Alvarez MD70bg and it's a great guitar. Laureate is even better.

[@jdstan9650]

Made in Japan Yamaha guitars are the best, I have had my FG5 since they came out 5? years ago and love it.

[@lhvent]

These guitars sound amazing.

[@CS-xi9dz]

Glad I got mine before it changed to gloss. Love it so much.

[@johnmarston7222]

looks great, is that a nitro finish?

[@frankcoffey]

I have a 1970 FG-180 and even worn out and not set up correctly it sounds fantastic. I like the FG5 but it's not the same tone as the old ones.

[@richardstones6445]

Everything coming out of the Hamamatsu Japan factory is amazing. Yamaha’s most experienced luthiers. Incredible selection of tone wood that is reserved for this facility, craftsmanship second to none. I think the 5’s with the matte will be desirable for Yamaha lovers in 10 or 15 years (they are only available now in the glossy finish).

[@LuisCampos-ju2ct]

Yesterday I returned a new FG5X w/ satin finish as it had cloudy marks all over its body. This problem was indicated by other people in guitar forums. Perhaps the high gloss finish is Yamaha's anwer to this problem? Anyway, this guitar has a great sound for its price level.

[@bosse641]

Very nice that bigger one, would love to own that beauty.

[@colakeith1]

These are amazing guitars,but have tried the G series from Takamine? Phenomenal!!

[@panfelix2890]

No way these are budget guitars. They are just too good to be

[@georgeharatzoglou]

I have the FS5 matte finish and from what I hear in this video, I think the new ones are brighter and less woody sounding.I much prefer mine.I can understand the move to the gloss finish, as the matte one gave the impression of a "used" guitar somehow.But sound wise the old finish is great and yes I can definitely hear a big difference.I also have an LL16(2007 model, non ARE, made in TAIWAN) and an LJ16 ARE and they are bright in a different way from eachother.I'm considering an AC5R next maybe.I'm a little worried though that the acoustic sound might be "tight", since it is more a modern style electro-acoustic, a little like Taylor guitars...Do you have any opinion about the A5 series?Or should I look at an Eastman model instead?

[@pietzabakker9397]

The only thing I dont like is that here in europe the gloss finish is almost 200 euro more expensive than the matte finish lol.

[@LegsON]

You can gloss them up yourself!

[@GK-vj9dz]

are those monel strings on the dread?

[@tdc_2021]

I had the FS5 (matte finish) and it was absolutely incredible. Beautifully made and probably the best acoustic guitar I've ever heard. That said, I just couldn't get on with the super flat radius and found that it wasn't a very responsive guitar (in my hands, anyway). I sold it, reluctantly, but I always appreciate seeing the love for these amazing guitars.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Did you replace it with anything?

[@tdc_2021]

@@johnwashburn3793 I already had, and still have, a Gibson J-15 which I will never part with. It’s really woody and responsive (but doesn’t shimmer like the FS5 did). If I get another orchestra I’ll probably pick up an Eastman as the necks are great (12” radius like the Gibson).

[@johnwashburn3793]

@tdc_2021 Yes, I recall hearing something about the J-45. I must have had a distraction. My most recent purchases was an Eastman OM E-40TC form the Acoustic Shoppe in Springfield. I enjoy it, great tone and sustain but a little heavy. Beautiful

[@georgeskuse3076]

Yamaha FS5 or Martin 00-18?

[@rubenlee-robertson4656]

I'm about to buy an fgx5. Any opinions on weather to get a satin finish or gloss finish? (both the same price)

[@davelyons8092]

I just boughtvvthis Fg5 😊

[@stanleyderochea6505]

I had the dreadnought rdd label. Absolutely loved it and wish i still had it

[@ianrobbins]

Do they still come with a hard case?

[@guitaristforfunn]

yes.

[@anthonylane9547]

A.R.E Acoustic resonance enhancement.

[@stevebernard221]

I would probably buy the FG5 if they would change that ridiculous pickguard. Remove the dumb decal and keep the black guard or put an actual wood venner guard on it. Other than that, i like the FG5 with the full gloss.

[@direfranchement]

Rude.

[@nosoup9146]

What is the small guitar on the right hanging on the wall??

[@quintonking9960]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/babahqF3g82daNk

[@thefreese1]

I sure hope they quit using epoxy of whatever glue they used to put tje neck on back in the 70s and 80s... Beautiful sounding instraments .... but a luthier's nightmare to rest the neck..... I don't know why they'd make it unrepairable like that because obviously they were well built other than that.. Same with breedlove... i cannot believe the epoxy the bridge in place.. when they do everything else perfect in the factory on heir high end guitars..

[@JesseDylanMusic]

How does Yamaha hit this quality level and price point yet still make them in Japan? Japanese workers don’t come cheap. Are they built in china but just assembled in Japan or something? They sound phenomenal.

[@direfranchement]

No conspiracy theories please. Thank you.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

@@direfranchement Bro. I'm genuinely asking. I'd like to know the actual details. It's a question, not a theory.

[@viniciuseduardobomfim]

​​​@@JesseDylanMusic my guess is that they simply have their own thing going on and set up so well, they can build high end stuff without wasting too much money on the way. Plus, Yamaha's kinda known for not trying to rip people off... at least on the musical instruments business, can't talk about their other ventures. One of my friends believed he had the guitar of his dreams, a (almost) 11,000 dollars Martin D-45 Modern Deluxe. He played it every day with evident joy on his face, that is until he got his hands on a Yamaha FG9 R for 3,800 dollars (I believe these usually go for 4,200)... He eventually sold the Martin, in his words: *"there's no point in keeping a guitar that costs almost 3x more, but doesn't deliver 3x better sound. In fact, I like the Yamaha's sound better, the build quality and craftsmanship was superior as well."* With the money he got from re-selling that D45, he got himself a mint, barely used, Yamaha FS9 R and a 12 String Guild F-512E that sounds insanely massive, still kept 1,800 in his pocket 😂

[@JesseDylanMusic]

@@viniciuseduardobomfim I like Martins and Gibsons, but I'm still interested in good guitars. I'm still curious how Yamaha does the neck joint, but it's hard to find information. One place describes it as a "set neck" vs a "traditional dovetail". I have no idea what a set neck is. Many companies will opt for a bolt-on (which even some fancy brands do) in order to save on labor, or something like Martin does with the 15 series. But I'm curious if Yamaha is doing the full dovetail, all made in Japan, etc. If so, that is a big deal. Whatever the case, they're great guitars at a shocker of a price and not made in a country with crap labor standards (unless they're made in China and assembled in Japan). Japanese stuff has always been among the best in the world. I miss when electronics were made there, but of course they get their electronics made in China now, same as we do. :P

[@viniciuseduardobomfim]

@@JesseDylanMusic set neck means the neck is glued to the guitar's body, rather than being bolted into place. Dovetail refers to the joint, it's shape tends to resemble, well... a dove's tail 😂

[@kevinconville9258]

I so much prefer the gloss finish. Looks classier, easier to keep clean, and without the shiny spots that matte guitars incur, it will stay looking good longer. Now Yamaha needs to tweak that ugly pick guard 🙄

[@servethesongs]

Come on guys, we want more than just a first impression and a few minutes of playing. Learn the specs, know the product, including whats in the pipeline.. this is 1/4 of the video it should be

[@rafalmarkiewicz6313]

I don't agree with your opinion about no competition in the price range of Yamaha guitars, compare FG5 with Eastman starting from E1D (at less than half the price of FG5) and up the line, you will find that the range of the tones is much wider and deeper with lots of overtones comparing to rather shallow FG5. I understand that everybody can hear in a different way and prefer different aesthetics but do the test and play FG5 along with corresponding in price Eastman, I guess it would be E10D TC

[@quintonking9960]

I concede that I overstated the "no competition" - completely agree that Eastman has been producing incredible guitars - I guess I was thinking in the lowest ranges

[@direfranchement]

Disrespectful.

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Cort is way much more quality for the price than Yamaha or anything Especially now with Parkwood too

[@JoeandAngie]

My original '78 FG 335 sounds better every year. Martinesque.