Yamaha FG5

[@lhvent]

Really sounds quite good. The care Yamaha takes in manufacturing its instruments is second to none.

[@jayzeebeezee7442]

Replaced my old Takamine with an FG5 recently. Thought I would treat myself. It's been a long time. All I can say is it is the sweetest acoustic guitar I have ever played. Both in sound, feel, playability and build quality. I absolutely love it. And at more or less than half the price of other famous brands you really can't go wrong.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Exactly ! They are gems. Mine continues to warm up….had it a year and a half now.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

One of the best videos out there. I received mine tomorrow. I can't wait.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 You will be a happy camper !! Yes the 5s have ebony pins and thank you 🎵🎶🤓

[@dionst.michael1482]

Just ordered my FGX5 after trying one last year! Can’t frikkin wait for it to arrive! Incredible guitars. Easily rivals the Martin HD28 and Taylor 414ce 25th Anniversary I had! Except far more affordable!

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@@dionst.michael1482 Congrats...it will continue to open up over time and get warmer and warmer !!

[@dionst.michael1482]

@@jamesmacdon9351 that would merely be a plus but even as is, it’s a real beauty right off the shelf. Punches way above its musical weight so to speak. I’m so excited to have one for my very own.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@@dionst.michael1482 No doubt !! Nothing like a new high end guitar...can't be beat...

[@chrisforbes]

Great guitar playing, and a fantastic guitar. I bought an FGX5 and it arrives tomorrow. Very excited!

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Awesome Chris and thank you !

[@dionst.michael1482]

I just ordered my FGX5 yesterday after trying one out last year! Incredible guitars! Can’t frikkin wait! Just got the message that it shipped as I was typing this! Wooohoooo!!! 😂

[@aptknifethrowerguy8342]

I ordered one...can't wait till it's here..sounds great

[@jamesmacdon9351]

You will not be disappointed….the warmth and clarity of these are top notch. Neck too is primo…congrats you managed to find one.

[@margiesplace259]

Sounds real good I have Martins, 000, Om love them. One of my first guitars was a red label wish I still had it, same with a fender believe or not. You did not talk so much because I could see you just wanted strum the Guitar, because its just that deliciously warm & articulate. Thank you for sharing.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thanks Margie ! I also have an FG700S I got via a trade for an old Squier Strat I had and am blown away how good that sounds too. New models are FG800 and for the dollars are an outstanding bargain for a beater guitar.

[@pickersgrip]

I have the same guitar. You can peel the fake wood sticker off the pick guard, I did that to mine. Great playing James!

[@Siimeon98]

How did you removed it? I have FG 5 also and want to do the same.

[@justinthyme2666]

@@Siimeon98I took the entire pickguard off mine a few months ago and have never regretted it. It’s definitely not wood and it’s really thick. I have no clue why they decided to stick it on these. I’d rather have the ones on the 3 models. You can look up videos on how to remove. I used the lighter fluid method and had no issues.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I took a hairdryer and it peeled right off easily and a regular shiny one was underneath as folks have said. No glue at all left behind. Now that annoying scraping noise from my finger is gone for good. 🎶🎵👍👏🤗

[@rickthomas9278]

peel off the fake wood decal. regular pick guard underneath. check you tube videos.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I used a hairdryer and it peeled right off easily with no residue. Under it was a regular shiny black one. All good !!

[@lhvent]

Yamaha has the secret sauce. I am sold on Yamaha Guitars.

[@Colin.W]

@John wayne You'll tend to get that with Martins around the 4-5k mark.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

They sure do Larry…I have several and from their entry level FG and L series up are top notch…intonation is always true, build and fretwork is top notch. They just introduced an FG-9 in both rosewood and mahogany.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@John wayne In Canadian dollars that’s around 4000. And certainly agree, when one gets that special ‘Martin’ tough to beat. I record a lot so my guitars all get used dependant on the sound I am looking for. I did play (I prefer dreds to all others non cutaway) several D-18s and 28s but always came back to the FG5….such a comfortable dred to play and so warm and full in tone. I did have an FGX3 too I bought new and like you just could never seem to get that mojo out of it I like so sold it after a year….still an outstanding dred though.

[@KenneyCmusic]

@@Colin.W That's what I just learned. I was financing a brand new Martin D10 last week, and I brought it back three times because I thought it wasn't set up properly. There was really bad fret buzz from the 12th fret down to the 5th. Today they agreed something was wrong with it, and let me bring it back. I'm thinking about going for one of the Yamaha FG5 or FGX5. I think you need to spend at least around the 4k mark for a D42 to really get a high quality Martin.

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

Hey noticed you mentioned the noise of the pickguard, I had the same problem with my fg5 so I removed the Ebony sticker because that's all it is ! Underneath is a standard plastic Yamaha pickguard you will need to remove all the excess glue once you remove the sticker , some elbow grease and guitar polish will do it

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thanks for the info!

[@matthewi.minnick5845]

I removed the pick guard from my FGX5 first month I had it. The adhesive is a nightmare to get off, but worth the effort.

[@oizysdelirium]

Outstanding review.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thank you !

[@leecunningham1072]

I agree on the pickguard. Not fond of textured guards. Should have stuck with the normal plastic guard.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Quit yer whinin!

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I got it off - hairdryer and the top layer came right off, nice black shiny one under it...better now.

[@Lightning-H]

Believe they just want to distinguish between the 3 and 5. That's why they have it like that.

[@jasper_north]

I removed the guard and installed KK mini and non slotted bridge pins…Love it

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I removed that horrid pick guard cover too…how do you find the non slotted bridge pins?

[@kalleblomkvist4173]

selling it on reverb right now?

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Question. Are the bridge pegs wood? Is 12 lights good for this guitar? Great video! Thank you.

[@iankyoko]

You've got some nice looking guitars back there !

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thank you...most all used....buy and sell them, although the last couple of years hard to sell them...market is glutted here in Canada...everyone was going to learn to play during Covid and now everyone is trying to sell them...lol

[@donnyh3497]

Your playing sounds amazing on that thing. Im trying to talk myself out of buying one because im not a good enough player for that much guitar. I prefer finger picking so I've been considering the red label FS5

[@jamesmacdon9351]

The FS3 or 5 are amazing guitars. I like dreds but do like OOO size as well…perhaps look at an LS6 or 16 as well…even the FS800, 820 and 830 are amazing sounding. Thanks for the comment.

[@joibjalla]

​@@jamesmacdon9351I have both the FS5 and FG5 and they are sooo good. Very comfy to play and sound great! I did, however, have an LS6 and that one sounded boxy and dead. FS5 and FG5 are so open and lively.

[@billallen1594]

Not good enough? You deserve the best you can afford. That’s what I tell myself 😂 I’m tempted by the fs also

[@donnyh3497]

@billallen1594 😄 I'll try to tell my wife that! I did end up getting the FS5. It's awesome but I can't finger pick it very well because my fingers are too fat and I'm used to my Taylor 714 which has the strings farther apart.

[@billallen1594]

@@donnyh3497 I’m sure your fingers are fine. Sometimes it just takes a while to feel at home on something new? But it’s all about what’s comfortable for you so trust your instincts. Thought most Yamahas were about 10mm spacing

[@pjstamm2112]

Nice review! I just ordered one.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Awesome, you must have by now...congrats !!

[@pjstamm2112]

@@jamesmacdon9351Thanks! It gets played every day. Great guitar!

[@kenmcf]

I was searching for a D-18...but keep coming back to this...something about the all around tone...

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Yes, I actually played some new D-18s but so much money for a production line guitar and really did not wow me that much. I do have a Martin DX1AE and that is a phenomenal guitar I got on sale new for $800 with hard case. Now I am looking hard at the new FG9s…

[@kenmcf]

Oh just an update...I saw your reply. I did get a FG5..its next to my bed right now...such a wonderful guitar...I also have a J45 and Martin D-18 sycamore..but I doubt I will ever sell the Yamaha....got it in mint condition for $900 I think it was...@@jamesmacdon9351

[@kenmcf]

I put Martin Retros on my D-18 and Gibson which I love...the Yamaha sounds so good right now with factory strings...but I am going to replace at some point..I have some Eric Clapton Martins for it...retro's. Nickel and copper...more warm...I am learning Jackson Browne Barricades of Heaven right now...acoustic...check it out if you have not.

[@joserosenberg903]

You have quite a collection of acoustics in the background. How would you rate the FG5 along side those? BTW I acquired mine exactly one year ago. It’s a beauty.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Best I have, the Yamaha LL16 is a very close second - much louder and outstanding for leads - Of course Martin DX1AE and Guild GAD 50 have their own distinct sounds and are extremely good. The Yamaha LS6 is a very nice guitar for a OOO size.

[@buggzo]

Beautiful. Amazing how they sound so vintage yet new. Question: what microphone is that and what audio interface did you mention??

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Aston Origin and Boss BR800.

[@ac30lifestyle]

Bought my Yamaha FGx5 4 weeks ago.The action at the 12th was too high. Was about to shave down the saddle when I realised the guitar had been exposed to extreme humidity and had a bulge on the sound board. Now going through the process of dehumidifing the guitar. So glad I didn't shave the saddle down 😮

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@@ac30lifestyle Is it OK now? Hopefully that bulge went away.

[@ac30lifestyle]

@@jamesmacdon9351 it’s not gone away. Currently having humidity at about 80% in the house. I’ve ordered a dehumidifier to take the humidity down to 45%. It’s not arrived yet so at the moment the humidity is killing my Yamaha. Very worrying

[@kitchenguitarshred8587]

Great video, what mic are u using ?

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Aston Origin….outstanding mic for low dollars…

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Are you using using 12 s? Great video?

[@jamesmacdon9351]

@@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 Thank you. Yes much easier on the fingers, easier to bend and no noticeable difference in sound to me.

[@fabienbourdier9847]

It sounds stunning, i was eyeing the transacoustic line but i'll be going for this one

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thanks Fabien !

[@dionst.michael1482]

After over a year I finally found and got to try recently and I didn’t really want it to be THE guitar that everyone has said it is because I’m actually saving for a house but my God when I actually sat down to try it I just melted. I havnt stopped thinking about it since. That’s actually why I’m here dammit! I’m trying to be responsible but it’s hard! It’s such a gorgeous sounding and playing guitar. Even before an initial set-up. I was really taken with this guitar

[@fabienbourdier9847]

@@dionst.michael1482 try to find one second hand ! i saw some peopels getting rid of it at fair prics because they're not fan of the short scale lenght

[@ANTYRULZHARD]

Nothing is perfect. Well said. I find I have a hard time with my FG5 scanning for imperfections which are only cosmetic. I love the playability and woody elemental sound of it though and hope to keep it for a long time. Traded in my LL-TA for it and no regrets.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Well said!

[@stevebernard221]

Peel off the decal on the pickguard. You will get the shiny black guard underneath and should not be so noisy. She sounds good.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I did now, nice regular shiny black one underneath...all good now...

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Aston Origin and I use a Boss BR800 for interface into my laptop using Cakewalk DAW.

[@blueser100]

Sounds great. What mic are you using?

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Aston Origin.

[@Kmn55650]

I own this model too. Everything he says is true. It plays well above its price. I don't get the pick guard thing though.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I place my baby finger on the pick guard when playing and when it moves with my playing, it makes a scraping noise that can be heard when mic’d for recording….for someone whom does not do this it will not make any difference. I removed it yesterday using a hair dryer, came right off and directly under it is a normal black plastic shiny one….which in turn has eliminated that scraping noise.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

It needs elixir phosphor strings. Then its just right.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I tried the phosphor strings - did not like as much as 80/20.

[@ryanbrady4556]

Hi james, would you recomend this or the ll16? the ll16 comes in mahogony as well as rosewood. Thanks!

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I have an LL16 with rosewood…beautiful guitar…very bright and loud…kitchen party delight ! However the 5 is warmer and more even tone…but it is a grand more so…

[@jasper_north]

You are Canadian… you watch JP every Wednesday…? You must love Boucher…

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Yup…love JP…only gripe is his hate of Martin X series…I have one I paid $700 for new in 2018 and it’s a phenomenal sounding and playing guitar plus only wood is the top so great for humidity. Certainly not in the 5 league but a lot of dollars difference. But for gigging Martin X’s are tops…good pick ups, easy maintenance and sound great. Nice necks too.

[@prosegold]

I just got my fsx5 last week . The deal was too good. Brand new 1400$. Best guitar I’ve ever had. I had 2000$ budget , messed around with some martins but nothing was better than this in the price range . I checked all brands . Eastman , recording king , blueridge and Martin .

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Yes ! Congrats ! I have had my FG5 for a year now and you just wait until it truly opens up and fully settles with hours on it. Your love will grow even more….outstanding instruments!

[@prosegold]

This coming month will let me know if I can keep my Brand new fsx5 or i may have to downgrade to an Fs3 and split the difference in spending money for bills and what not. Let’s pray ! I don’t wanna lose this thing !

[@bobaldo2339]

It sounds great!

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Thank you Bob.

[@werahikoclay2208]

Its $3899 here in New Zealand

[@tylerhopkins5373]

Still like it? Trying to decide if I want this which was recommended by Sweetwater or a Taylor 214

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Yes..warms up more the more I play it. I have had a few Taylor’s in my day as well and they are amazing too. Can’t go wrong with a Taylor either. Myself I prefer the 1 3/4 nut, warmth of a dred.

[@prosegold]

Have you played the fs version ? If so how’s it compare ?

[@jamesmacdon9351]

No but would love to have one. I do have and LS6 and that gets more amazing every time I play it…it is opening up nicely. But would love to get an FS3 or 5…never for sale anywhere here in Canada.

[@robnowlin7285]

How is the neck? Is it really wide? Thanks.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

1 3/4 nut width and C profile so a bit chunky.

[@billdedrick1914]

What gauge 80/20 on it now? Brand?

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Too tinny. Needs phosphor strings.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Light guage Elixir Nanowebs. Just changed them yesterday to D’Addario XS 80/20…they seem better.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Yes, PBs on some of my acoustics however I find the 80/20s suit the 5 better, however I am always flipping back and forth. Thanks for your comment.

[@billdedrick1914]

What flat pick and thickness were you using here?

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I use D’Addario Sculpted .73 mostly but use Dunlop 60mm Nylons a lot too…always messing with picks. Each type offers a different sound.

[@dionst.michael1482]

@@jamesmacdon9351I prefer the 73’s as well.

[@woodbutcherjc]

How do you rate the Excellente to this guitar? Thanks

[@jamesmacdon9351]

Don’t know, have never played one. A fine instrument though from reviews I have seen.

[@woodbutcherjc]

@jamesmacdon9351 thank you sir.