yamaha FG180 red lable acoustic guitar finished set up & demo

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

My Mom owned an FG-180, she bought it brand new in 72. but she passed away 17 yrs ago and I inherited it. I play it everyday.

[@ABCBuzzCreative]

A note re laminate vs plywood: I have heard from other luthiers that these guitar tops are plywood, not laminate; the difference being that laminate has the grain of all layers aligned in the same direction, whereas in plywood, the grain of each layer is at 90 degrees to the adjacent layer. Yamaha introduced the plywood tops because in the first export boatloads of these guitars with solid spruce tops, the tops of many guitars were found to be cracked upon arrival in the USA due to uncontrolled humidity on the ships. So Yamaha's solution was to use plywood created from all tonewoods with no cheap filler for the top, and two-ply laminate for the sides and back. Inspecting the grain of the outside and inside of the sides and back, you can see the grain running in the same direction.

[@steelhead197]

That’s correct! Plywood not laminate…seems to work well? 👍🏻🇨🇦🙏

[@kennyLLC]

A friend of mine got one of those old Yamaha's and after getting set up the way he wanted it it sounds better than my Martin DX1, which isn't saying much though. He won't turn his Yamaha loose now, and he is big on trading stuff. We have been ripping one another off for years, and you would think he would fall for another round of abuse, the way he is.

[@notshared4072]

Love that little jazzy thing you play at the sixteen minute mark.

[@JD-lq2ef]

It is hard to beat these vintage Yamaha FGs!! I own a 1980 FG-335 and it sounds amazing!!!

[@nicktrousers]

Id like one of those !! :D Unless i find a 180

[@Ticks]

@@nicktrousers I've got a 180, it's great.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

I’ll have to check out the 335

[@terrymaynard1816]

Hey Randy, just found this post. The guitar sounds awesome in your demo at the end, these are really cool guitars, though as some of the other comments suggest the vintage Yamaha's are a bit touchy at the neck angle. A couple of my theories for that is 1. The truss rods of most of the MIJ guitars seem to be of a light gauge and soft steel, 2. Design, the Yammy's are designed to be very lightly braced, and like the old Gibsons with light bracing they sound fantastic when you get one with a good neck They are made old school, mortise and tenon neck joint, hide glue and nitro finish. Many of sort after Japanese guitars don't have that. A couple of things, this is an early example of the FG180 red label revealed by the bigger 5mm dot position markers and the bell shaped truss rod cover, probably 1967. I've found the older the FG the better they get. Secondly, way to many of these get bridge shaves and messed around with trying to avoid spending the time and money to do what is needed. That's a shame cause with the right work done, and these are worth the $ to do it, as you agreed, and then treated right, 11's strings, tune down half or a full step, detune when not in use, play regularly, and slowly the necks on these guitars become stable, but it does take some time and effort, an effort well worth the journey which will reward you with a fantastic guitar you love to pick up and play. Thanks Randy, love your work.

[@bradleyjennings9645]

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[@bradleyjennings9645]

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[@Bigsbeee]

This is a very interesting post - Just bought an FG140 had neck set by an old luthier. Lovely job he done too.

[@07LUTE70]

About that truss rod what about shooting a squirt of ws30 and hang guitar up over night and up right and let gravity take the wd30 to the truss rod threads then try ever so slightly to loosen truss rod. It's worth a try. I am an amateur luthier and have worked on many a guitar here in humid Florida.

[@UncannyAleman]

Great video, as always Randy. You should do ruminations on various makes, Yamaha, Gibson, Martin, etc. Stuff you like as a luthier. Stuff you don't. Would be great to see!

[@thomastommy1192]

Good work Randy. It's sad the owner would not allow you to reset the neck. The guitar will never be right like it once was. You should charge an inspection fee. When the custmer will allow you to fix everything right. Do away with the inspection fee. If they won't allow you to fix everything right. Charge the inspection fee and send the guitar back to the customer. It looks bad on you when everything is not fixed right. Even though you tried to get the customer to fix it right. It's none of my bissness what you do. But this ideal would portect your name as a repair man. Anyways, You did a great job. Many thumbs up to the repairs you did. Have a blessed week.

[@dovechristian4378]

Thomas Tommy I wanted reset Randy said it was epoxy and didn't want to do it!!

[@thomastommy1192]

Dove Christian Hi Dove, I am truly sorry. I did not know. It's sad you could not fix it. I did not mean any disrespect towards you. I hope enjoy the guitar. Again please for give me. I hope you have a blessed week.

[@123omairma]

Very good work randy, i look all your video's and i learn

[@steelhead197]

Love your vids Mr Randy and Cue Ball! Damn I wish they still offered those strings up here!🇨🇦. They replaced them(SP 4100) with these other Martin strings that are not near the same! Keep smiling my friend! 👍🏻😋🙏

[@3cardmonty602]

That Yamaha SOUNDS GREAT!

[@WryGrass100]

Here's a new one for me. I go back to a '70s Red Label (Japanese-made) FG-160, and this is the first I've seen with this Martinesque pick guard. Am I missing something?

[@RandySchartiger]

the owner wanted me to change the pick guard but later changed his mind, I'm not sure if this is the original one or not, it probably has been changed at some point.

[@RosaStringWorks]

That's no cannon mate, it's a ballistic missile! Great picking Randy.

[@RandySchartiger]

it really is! if I was on the market for a banjo killer this would be it! thanks for watching Jerry!

[@alterego2421]

this is soooo relaxing to watch great vids keep it up!

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you my friend! and thanks for checking out my videos!

[@07LUTE70]

I wish you lived in my neck of the woods. Great job Randy.Personally what do you think of these Yamaha guitars? Do you tune a half step down from standard tuning. I always do that and I always get better playability. Keep on keepin on....

[@yoelguitar]

hello greetings from venezuela very good your video I have a doubt I am a novice on guitars I wonder if the fg335 is better than the fg180 ..: ??? Could you tell me about the fg335ii .. ???

[@PinetopJackson]

No way! The fg335 is a good cheap guitar, like Yamaha's f-110...but nowhere near the quality of a Japanese fg180!

[@CrawfishParish]

As always a great Video about this Yamaha.

[@arthurogle7581]

Kenny I have owned the FG800 and the Fg830..My son owns an 830..His son owns an FG335.

[@yoelguitar]

hello greetings from venezuela very good your video I have a doubt I am a novice on guitars I would like to know if the fg335 is better than the fg180 ..: ??? Could you tell me about the fg335ii .. ???

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Ya know Randy, It takes a real man to adjust his nut on camera! I godda give it to ya! Hey Thanks for another great vid. I always learn something new each time. And could you include those chords of that lovely opening song next vid. I'm sure many of us here in youtubeonia would love to git em fer ser! Kizzez to Cue DaveyJO

[@RandySchartiger]

haha if I can remember those chords I will, if not maybe I'll go over the mooves! :D lol thanks Davejo!

[@CesarAllGuitar]

yeah... pity the owner did not want a Neck Reset... sounds killer though... Cheers Bro! Yeah we miss Qball...

[@maxit7086]

Learned so much from you..Thanks! checked out your music videos as well..Great sounds from the Wolf Creek Band. Again thanks for all the info.

[@arthurogle7769]

Randy..You are one crazy Luther..If you had to make a choice between a red label and an orange label Yamaha which would you choose?

[@dannyadams8281]

What would it cost to reset the neck on a fg150. My strings are too high with no room left on the nut and saddle

[@amitnewton]

You never can win them all! But cheers to your efforts!

[@RandySchartiger]

thanks mate! that's for sure!

[@JennysCountryChannel]

Another great work, Randy my friend :-) Thumbs up again! :-) Best wishes....Jenny

[@RandySchartiger]

thanks so much Jenny for stopping in and commenting, always appreciated my dear friend!

[@3cardmonty602]

Randy - you're the best. I wish I lived near ya, & could work with ya.

[@RandySchartiger]

thank you mate! if we lived closer we'd definitely hook up!

[@3cardmonty602]

Randy Schartiger I've been to Parkersburg - Jay at Specialty Traders sells some great guitars. If I'm ever out your way I'll be sure to contact ya.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Randy I have a theory on how to take the belly out of a guitar if it's swelled up and needs a neck reset. My problem is I'm on a tablet,I'm old and can't type or spell,and it's hard to have a conversation on one of these. All I have is my 57 Martin d28 that is worth way too much to me (it belonged to my dad before he died ) to not have it work on and mess it up.besides I don't have or am I going to make the clamps and flew other specialised tools to do out for just one guitar. If you want to call me on the phone we can talk about it and discuss it and see what you and mabe Jerry could have an input on it too.

[@luiscuixara4622]

You got me at "...gits and shiggles." Sold!

[@RandySchartiger]

lol thank you for watching bro!

[@mojo6778]

Sometimes I wonder if it is a Q-ball fix or Randy fix???? I have learned a lot from your videos, please keep em comin!

[@fistpump5485]

just picked up an fg180 red label at the local swap meet for 80 bucks. im blown away at how good it sounds.

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

it's worth $1000 bro, what a deal

[@PinetopJackson]

@@ZiggyTheAdventurer well I don't know about $1000 DOLLARS...but at least a few hundred...and a phenomenal deal for you at $80!

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

$1400 CDN But if you wanna sell it for a couple hundred, let me know

[@PinetopJackson]

@@ZiggyTheAdventurer I'm keeping mine...but man I couldn't imagine it selling for more than $500 USD

[@steveharris2589]

Good work Randy!!!!!!!!)))🎸🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😊

[@MICKIN310]

I GOT ME A 19fg110 Nippon Gakki it sounds as good or better than a Martin i had my bridge filed so it plays like a Les Paul paid $80 from a guy who didnt know what he had , that guitar is worth a lot its loud and sounds damm good

[@stephendifabio7272]

Do these FG180's have any kind of value? So far I've heard everyone buying them dirt cheap! I picked one up in a house clean out, for free. In excellent condition.

[@RandySchartiger]

they do have some value, you can google them and get an idea, the price varies, most sound really good too but they are a pain to work on. thanks for checking out my videos!

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Dirt cheap? Depends on one's financial situation, I guess. Japan made usually go for $600-700 on ebay, hardly dirt cheap for most people.

[@olcountryboy5485]

Good work brother!

[@krustybuzzard2477]

There's only so much one can do . What's the resonant for the trussrod not working? Neglect? Or don't they work when they build them originally. My suspicion is rust caused from not turning it now and again.

[@RandySchartiger]

I think you are right, this truss probably has never been adjusted since the guitar was built, plus a lot of the finish got in there on the threads when this guitar was sprayed and that didn't help.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

Randy Schartiger I put a spot of grease on mine to stop that from happening.

[@kenhughes4715]

Detune 1/2 step and capo the first fret? I think it would help the action and shorten the scale for easier playing? You are the Doctor of repair that’s for sure. Enjoyed the instruction and the entertainment as always. Thank you. Kenny

[@RandySchartiger]

that's a good idea and definitely would make this guitar easier to play. thanks for checking it out!

[@PinetopJackson]

Great video man!

[@kenhughes4715]

I detune 1/2 on my Gibson J30 because it’s a 25.5 scale. Kenny

[@RandySchartiger]

yup, even a half step down and play with a capo on the first fret would make it much easier to play.

[@jonahguitarguy]

Real same you didn't get to make that one a real player. Maybe your customer is a slide player, ha. Still a good sounding box and nice picking brother.

[@RandySchartiger]

it does sound awesome, and loud! with the action this high you can jar down on it pretty hard with no buzzing. thanks for having a look brother!

[@cliveclive54]

Pity about the neck angle and truss rod,it coulda been a contender! Cheeers Randy! \m/

[@RandySchartiger]

if this guitar was mine I'd install a 2 way truss, reset the neck and it would be a beast of a guitar! thanks for watching mate! cheers! :D

[@joshuaparkerrains5340]

I ordered a platemate n it was worthless. The notch still allows the ball end of the string to contact the bridge plate n it was so thin n bowed away from the guitar. It would not stick til i tightened up the strings. Made no difference at all in tone. So ive decided to use bone or tusq bridge saddles n glue the bottom flat side of saddle against the pins as a backer. I used bone on another guitar i had that had a broken bridge plate. Worked great n sounds reverby n punchy now. The mitchell platemates r so thin. Very disappointed in that product. I cant believe i spent $30 on something so useless. Titebond worked really well holding the saddle in position til i had all the strings on n tightened up. Well now i know. Cant wait to see wat tusq sounds like as a backer. P.S. i turned the slotted side away from the sound hole so the slot didnt allow backer too close. When the backer is in n bridge pin slot is turned towards the backer it allows just enough room for string to fit between the slotted side of pin n backer. U can also sand the thickness of a one eighth inch saddle down if u feel its too thick or u have short bridge pins.

[@shakenbake9974]

One more question, if the neck angle is ok, wouldn't it be easier to pull the fret board and replace the truss rod instead of resetting the neck?

[@RandySchartiger]

that's just the thing, the neck angle is not ok, it needs a new truss too but would still need the neck reset to correct the angle. all the exceeds the value of the guitar unless it's sentimental value is really high.

[@shakenbake9974]

Randy Schartiger Right on brother! Makes sense. I didn't realize that the neck angle was that far off. Anyways, thanks for the reply and explanation! Keep the vids coming!

[@arthurogle7581]

Randy: How come every Luthiers work place (incl yours) could fit in a broom closet? Aren't you guys at least a bit Claustraphobic? It would seem Wickes Luthiers ibn Ft Worth is 2 tiny rooms crammed to the ceiling with guitars and parts of guitars. A dude in our S W Bg Club has a 1966 Red Label FG180. He owns a Gibson J45 too. Danged if I had to choose which one would be my go too axe, the 180 would get the nod. And I play a Martin!!!

[@RandySchartiger]

those fg180 when set up right are hard to neat! yeah know what you mean man lol this room I work in is huge! but the corner I work in is loaded lol I like to have everything close so when I need something it's not very far out of reaching distance. amazing this huge room is piled to the ceiling with guitars and shipping boxes and of course tools lol thanks for watching!

[@transcendenttv]

That opening was awesome! Way to cut loose

[@shakenbake9974]

Hey Randy! did you try your 2 blocks of wood and 2x4 with the clamp in the middle trick when trying to adjust that truss rod? Either way thanks for the videos! Love the channel brother!

[@RandySchartiger]

yup tried that too lol I tried everything I could think of, I don't believe I've ever saw a truss this tight! I bet you it has never been adjusted since the guitar was built. thanks for having a look my friend!

[@onelanebridge_]

you ever thought about running a mic near you for the demos ? looking and sounding good man

[@RandySchartiger]

yeah I have did it before, I stopped using a mic so the guitar can be heard as I'm hearing it, a good mic set right makes them sound better. thanks for watching!

[@onelanebridge_]

Randy Schartiger good point but in some ways camera mics can compress a true sound

[@12Radius]

Nice 1st pt. lol !!! I got a cool 12 string Yamaha FG260 70's

[@RandySchartiger]

haha thanks man! I bet that 12 string sounds wicked good! most Yamahas do.

[@12Radius]

I will do a New video with the FG-260 !

[@tele789]

I've heard that a Yamaha neck reset is difficult, is that true?

[@PinetopJackson]

Yeah man, I here it's quiet labor-intensive!

[@07LUTE70]

That guitar does not have an intonation problem infact it's perfect and projects like a mutha...

[@mrdaniel511]

Does anyone know if this guitar's internal bracing symmetrycal? Would it sound good if I converted it to left-handed?

[@mark1800]

Haha i keep seeing your comments on FG180 vids my fellow elliott-freak. Did you find one? I reckon any bracing pattern would sound good after swapping nut and saddle to lefty (speaking as an amateur luthier) and any good luthier should do it for you for 75-100$

[@bobgwinn5091]

nice

[@muddyreverb8435]

I wish i could smoke a joint with you randy lol =)

[@RandySchartiger]

that could be arranged lol

[@Bertibab]

Agree with Ken Hughes. E flat and a capo on 1.

[@krustybuzzard2477]

I mite be one of the first to admit it but I'll show my ignanyways.lets take a survey..how many have and be truthfull knew 8 years ago what a truss rod was and that it had to be adjusted from time to time.i for one certainly didnt. I knew there was a rod in the neck but figured it was strictly for stiffening.

[@RandySchartiger]

Krusty Buzzard with the internet and channels just like this one a lot more people know about it now then did back then, I knew about eight years ago and it seems like a lifetime ago when I learned it I can't even remember when. It seems like I just always knew. Getting old sucks shit! :)

[@dbachris8075]

I want one so bad but they are charging outrages prices for them now

[@mikemagnum7987]

I can't do high actions on my guitars, the lower, the better to a point anyway.... Hey, did you know that the guy that was given you the grief over having animal heads on the walls and using linseed oil on the finger board, pulled all but a few of his videos off of YT? He left a pretty good Acoustic Lesson series up, but in a farewell video, he said that he was just burned out and was looking at doing something different..... He was a pretty knowledgeable guy and could be a pretty cool dude but had his issues with people.... Just thought that I would mention that Randy. I don't know about this guitar..... it seems like that action is just destined to keep growing higher and higher as time goes on! Knowing you, I doubt that you would have charged so much that a re-set would have been completely out of the question, but to each his own..... just hate to see such a nice guit-fiddle be slighted I spose..... As for you, I hope that you haven't been thinking about snow again and that things are rolling along well for ya! Always appreciate your videos my friend..... I had to adjust the truss bar in one of my guitars the other day..... ;)

[@RandySchartiger]

howdy Mike, I like my action low too, I've set my electric guitars up so you barely have to touch the string to get a note, it's really helping me on building up speed and technique. Yeah I knew about Dr Gravy, he's left youtube more times than I can count but always comes back, I see this time he had a heart attack, last time it was some disease eating all the hair off his scalp, and a stroke before that, no wonder he tried to make a video about shimming an electric guitar neck from under the neck plate on the back of the guitar LOL! I just don't have much better to say for the guy, he blocked me years ago for making a friendly correction to several things I called him out on and I stopped watching him then. yeah with action this high over time it will only get higher by the stress on the neck and body, the owner may have chosen to reset the neck but I told him I'm almost sure it's glued on with epoxy, it sure doesn't look like hyde or any wood glue I've ever seen. thanks for watching Mike and commenting, I really appreciate it!

[@MICKIN310]

dont reset the neck or use a bridge doctor use 1/2 dowels and press them inside under the bridge once you find that sweet spot glue them in be careful tho putting them in place

[@fladification]

I was forced to hit that like button for that two string guitar solo! It was if something took control of my hand and it moved all on it's own. I mean I would have hit it anyway once you remind at the end..

[@RandySchartiger]

lol two string and two finger lol thanks for watching and thanks for the thumbs up!

[@jjtaps7012]

hello good vidéo like 118

[@tk-wm5jm]

guitar… cloudy(>_

[@idahodad1]

what a shame a guitar that sounds like that has a bad neck angle.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

I've heard that one before... A neck reset, and all new frets is going to cost 3 times what the guitar is worth but I will sell you a new nut and saddle, and it might even help a bit??? Why would you consider a neck reset on a solid joint, on a cheap guitar? It won't fix the fret problem. Why do both jobs, when the neck joint is solid? The solution is to pull out the first 6 or 7 frets, rework the fretboard, and then replace the old worn out frets. Your customer brought you a wall hanger, you charged him a hundred bucks (or more) and gave him back a wall hanger, and even made a video! Did it even occur to you to turn the job down, knowing you had zero chance of success?

[@chickengnawer]

Yeah that "FG" Stands for Folk Guitar. They always Sound Good, but my Stomach just wants to Roll with all the Yamaha's I've seen with Action Problems. The necks Must be all Wrong or Inferior Work of Rods Installed at the Point of Assembly at the Factory-It happens all too Often. It begs the Question if Quality Control is Ever a Priority. Of course there Will be Good Ones if the $$$ Tag is High enough, but then again, I've seen ALL Makes of Guitars, that should Never have Left the Factory if anyone has a Conscience there, at all. Whaddaya' Do?! All U can Do is go over a Prospective Purchase with a Fine Tooth Comb, and hope it's a Good One for Awhile!. : /

[@arthurogle7581]

Kenny..Must be your Mescan guitarra. My DX1 sounded as good as any FG. My 2 DRS models the DRS1 and 2 sound better'n the X models. Im not paying $3,000 cash for a sound I can get from.Navajoa,Mexico

[@sarahgracebrooks2629]

I really don't see how shaving the bridge helped, I under stand the saddle being shaved. Unless the strings were buzzing. it doesn't help.

[@sewing1243]

Mr. Platemate is only a hop, skip, and a jump over the Ohio/West Virginia border.

[@ImpalamansGarage]

You'll get a nose bleed playing that thing.

[@PinetopJackson]

HA!

[@stangross8617]

email address plase