Yamaha FG9M | The High Standard of Yamaha's Japan-Made Acoustics

[@jimmythefish]

If anyone ever asks me what type of guitar they should buy, I just say buy whichever Yamaha you can afford. Can't go wrong.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

He'll ya

[@craigbrockway652]

Jimmy, excellent honest advice for all guitar players!

[@DamienSawyer]

Ha. So true.

[@Ezemdi]

Man I just got into Yamahas. Bought the fgta last year and love it even without the effects. Just picked up an fs830 and I m really loving the rosewood back and sides!

[@tedwasielewski9641]

I have had a FG 9 M for 7 weeks. It is simply the best guitar I have ever played. The craftsmanship, tone and dynamic range of this guitar is outstanding. I encourage anyone who is looking to purchase a mahogany dreadnought to try one if you have the opportunity.

[@APro4il3]

what other guitars would you compare it to?

[@tedwasielewski9641]

@@APro4il3 The closest guitar that I have played with similar specs, bolt on neck, is a Collings D1 with the Adi top option. Considerably more expensive and I didn't like the Collings neck as much. Now the Collings is an awesome guitar, comes with a nicer case and is beautifully made. That said, I prefer the FG 9 M for the tone. feel and aesthetics. I own a Martin HD-28 and have had a '69 D-35 and a custom 12 fret D. The FG 9 has a dynamic range I've not experienced before.

[@APro4il3]

@@tedwasielewski9641 beautiful, thanks for the explanation

[@cargueone1971]

Wow! I just bought an FG5, and I'm blown away. I can't even imagine how amazing the FG9 can be!

[@GreenCheese500]

I want to trade my Taylor 324CE with this guitar any day !!!

[@louisfifteen]

Holy smoke, what a sound. I'm out of words. This is definitely my next guitar.

[@leoscomputerandguitarrevie978]

Yamaha isnt playing around now. Nice to see a new flagship guitar. Awesome.

[@kenmyak2620]

Finally found a Mahogany that I really love. The sound is well balanced and fills the room. MSRP $3999 should easily be $5999. The design is understated and will never go out of style. The rosewood is also nice but it's the Mahogany that syncs with this build. I highly recommend getting on the waiting list to purchase one.

[@teladan5]

Wow! I have always loved the value of Yamaha guitars. I'd like to see an FS9 too! I'm not sure I will ever have $4K to spend, but if I did, I would not hesitate to jump on that guitar. I already had an LL16 when I bought the FSX5 (wanted a smaller guitar). To me that is still a great guitar. But if I come up with the money (or can rationalize the purchase), I'll definitely get a 9 series. What a great look and sound!

[@CameraLaw]

An absolute gem! Well worth mentioning is the process Yamaha went through in designing this line of guitars. There’s a video somewhere here on KZbin. Yamaha’s engineering team worked closely with an American luthier who was the chief designer. Every build point was evaluated sonically, using top scientific gewgaws, and the final design was optimized for mass production. In addition, the video spoke about how all the aesthetics, purfling, rosette, and fretboard inlays, were derived from items reflective of Japanese culture.

[@pauldion1461]

Appreciate you mentioning this. I found the following from Yamaha, that I think is the video you are referring to. Interesting look into the US/Japan collaboration process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7Pp2qBjc5ljbs

[@dxcman1]

I played one of these at my local shop. They are LOVELY. I own a few Yamaha's and I'm a fan, but these are lovely. I still want a LL26 or LL36 though 🙂

[@festushaggen2563]

Never met a Yamaha acoustic I didn’t like. I’ve purchased 4 of their guitars at different price ranges. They’re all fantastic and sound much more expensive than they cost. This is a testament to a company that takes pride in making quality instruments.

[@dxcman1]

Ditto

[@timmcgurl]

@festushaggen2563 Howdy there, Festus. I like your KZbin "Handle Name"! Say Howdy to Matthew, Doc, Ms Kitty and Newly from a another big Gunsmoke fan! And ditto on Yamaha Guitars. Their brand new FG9M and FG9R are breaking records on all fronts. Adi Top and optimized Bracing design is all new technology for Yamaha. I want one. But they aren't cheap, going for $3,999 for the Hog and another $100 for the Rosewood model.

[@festushaggen2563]

@@timmcgurl Howdy back! 👋🏻 Always good to meet another Gunsmoke fan. This name has been good for that. I may never be able to afford one of these new FG9's but I'd sure like to at least play one if I can find one in store. Take care.

[@timmcgurl]

@festushaggen2563 Same here, pardner! Good luck even finding the new FG9 to get to play it? They are gone just as quick as they get unboxed in the small, select shops who happen to be lucky enuf to get their ✋️ hands on one of each? Speaking of Festus, as you likely know yourself, Ken Curtis himself, was a great singer in early 40's Swing Bands. He was with the Tommy Dorsey band in 1941, and succeeded Frank Sinatra as vocalist until Dick Haymes contractually replaced Sinatra in 1942. Festus also joined the "Sons of the Pioneers" as a lead singer from 1949 to 1952. His big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky". One of his other famous "Pioneer" mates was the other great Western character actor, Shug Fisher, a frequent Guest on Gunsmoke in many an episode and often playing an old friend of Festus from back in his Texas days. Shug Fisher is also famous for playing guitar and singing the famous cartoon song, "Froggie Went a-Courtin' " and doing the cartoon voice of "Uncle Pecos", in the Tom & Jerry cartoon "Pecos Pest", playing Jerry's stuttering Uncle Pecos who stays with him while getting ready for a television appearance, and continues to pluck Tom's whiskers to use as guitar strings throughout the cartoon. It's a real Hoot of a cartoon that if you haven't ever seen it, I've attached the link BELOW. Good pickin' pardner! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5mXkHSgo76ila8

[@Dragon_rls]

Again Mr. Cooper. Excellent playing. You are a bonafide virtuoso.

[@lhvent]

I have an FG830 and it blew the Martin D-28 out of the water. I also have a LL6M ARE that is quite good. Their new model is amazing. The sound is so crisp and clear sounding,

[@bryanbaskett4010]

Definitely on my "To Buy" list, just have to sell one of my kidney's first........In the mean time I'll stick with my awesome sounding Yamaha FG830.

[@happytrails1963]

They really put a lot of soul into there guitars

[@gltam1057]

Wow, Wow, I know I can not ever afford it on a small disability but it sure was a treat to hear you play it, thank you and God bless you !!!

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

I just purchased the Yamaha ll16 a little over a month ago and it's a fantastic instrument.. Yamaha is rockin..

[@TheBassD]

Seems really well crafted, articulate and I’m sure it’s very loud and dynamically responsive. Seems a little bright for my taste but might suit a Taylor or Collings buyer well

[@craigbrockway652]

Cooper, Chris your preaching to the choir! I was so grateful when Cooper started playing this magnificent instrument. It punches far above my budget and playing abilities but I sure appreciate hearing Cooper play!

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

Just got the FG9M, so impressed its a wonderful guitar!

[@bostonbesteats364]

From the people who've played/bought the FG9 that I've seen online, it really is all that

[@TheAccidentalTroubadour]

Well done boys! I played with one today and doing research now. Can’t believe I never considered Yamaha.

[@stuco]

One thing I like a lot about yamaha dreadnoughts. They modified the shape (like 55 plus years ago) just enough to make it much more comfortable. They make the best cheap acoustics and they make great ones at every level.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

If you want to see what Yamaha can do in high end small body, look to the LS26 or LS36. Aged englemann spruce tops, rosewood body, rosewood and mahogany neck, made in Japan. Each guitar made from start to finish by one employee. They're amazing. Love my LS26.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

That one employee is one of their top tier luthiers in the case of LS36, not just some random worker in their factory.

[@Wobbz9413]

Yes the L series guitars are some of the best acoustics made. I have an LL16D, an LL16/12 and an FG820. I love them all, but the LL16 is just a magnificent instrument, up there with anything in the world, and just blows away some of those american, good by reputation only guitar brands that we get sick of hearing about. Simple rule. If you want an exceptional guitar, buy the yamaha model you can afford. You will NOT be sorry.

[@johnhcross1]

You are 100% correct. The “L” series is incredible! I’ve got an LL-56 Custom that I will never part with.

[@jazzlehazzle]

I'd love to see an FG9C - cutaway version with the zero-impact pickup from the LL16! Perfection.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

I'm so glad they're doing this, would love to try one!

[@revisionist3824]

Brilliant presentation of the finest japanese guitar making art. Yamaha sets standards in quality.

[@sh90uk]

Great review. The transition in to the chord at 10:57 was beautiful. As was the rest of the demo

[@TheWildernessLife]

Cooper that was frickin beautiful

[@guitarhiker4449]

Nice to see Yamaha jump back on the map! Japan has made some nice acoustics going back to the 60's and further with nylon string classical guitars. I have owned a handful of vintage epiphones, Aria's, yamaha "red labels", even fender guitars made in japan. Solid tone woods, great overall builds, X-bracing, some even scalloped. Low action, just good acoustic guitars. Nice review guys! Rock on!

[@Kujinu]

Keep up the great videos, guys

[@jamesvela3680]

Nice playing Cooper. Beautiful guitar!👍

[@Wobbz9413]

Would love to hear Cooper play with Toni Lindgren. Man, that would be something to hear!

[@johnny-H]

I bought a fg5 last year and it's an absolute beast for the money but the fg9 looks sweet,, think ill start saving again😂

[@Trevenclaw]

I personally would love to see a Japanese-made Transacoustic!

[@Tigerex966]

With updated 32bit rev1 reverb chorus and delay. This is a must.

[@espcustom]

beautiful instrument...great review as always guys, thanks for the hard work...that was great playing as well.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Definitely a nice geetar. I remember watching the Fg9 R demo and that really got me wanting a high end Rosewood dread. Got a Custom Shop Martin HD28 used and love it. I wish I lived near a dealer with the variety yall have. Have to drive 4 hours one way but it's always a fun trip

[@dvanolya]

Nice guitar...Yamaha does it again.

[@Jasper_Yay636]

For four grand the Yamaha logo needs to be cursive. That logo should hollar that it’s upscale!

[@shogi6790]

Yes, FS9M with 25" scale length would be perfect for me. Yamaha! Please make FS9!

[@jackblack2321]

Nice work Cooper. Cool guitar

[@lynnmorgan3283]

You gave that a good workout, great playing. AWESOME tone! Wonder how it compares to a Yamaha LL36?

[@2musiclover534]

Love to hear a side by side comparison with Martin authentic D18 1937.

[@soofitnsexy]

lmao a regular d 18 blew it away when I compared the 2 tha yamaha should be priced at 2500 max

[@jacobwillis4937]

Yeah right. I got a fg5 that no d18 is going to blow away.

[@soofitnsexy]

@@jacobwillis4937 BS

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

Ha ha

[@soofitnsexy]

not even close@@egeagww

[@scoggers1628]

Yamaha make superb guitars and this and rosewood version just sound and like brilliant. Question for Chris and Cooper; how does it compare in quality and craftsmanship to say, the Furch Vintage series, as another example of high-end acoustics which although not cheap are very good value.

[@bammbamm1961]

so you convinced me to purchase an FG5 (x) - and I am really happy with that - so tell me why this is more than "twice" (price only) as good?

[@daggad02]

I would love to try this one.I have several Yamaha's and they are great. Awesome workmanship great tone. But unless your finances are no worry, I would get a Martin when the price of this guitar is $ 4000,- Martin's hold their value and are cannons to play. No they are not built to last as a Yammy. You need to take care of them, bindings loosening etc.But the sound.. But that is my take only. As I said, Yamaha makes GREAT guitars for the masses.I am just not sold on their high end value. No new guitar should cost $4000,- from any brand really as long as it has just the usual bling on it.

[@laurenheintz5369]

Great video! What pickup would you install?

[@rothblack6332]

Japanese Yamaha acoustic guitars are generally amazing

[@Tigerex966]

Add an upgraded higher quality 32 bit reverb chorus and delay transacoustic with same simple controls added to this guitar would be the ultimate and I will buy. No phone amp or app needed or wanted. Replaceable battery.

[@Tigerex966]

Chris can you please play the same songs on the fg9 that you played on the red label fg5? So I can get a better feel for it thanks. Or do a vs with similar priced and sped Martin Taylor guild Gibson etc dreadnaughts. Thanks.

[@cosmocalypse3708]

I've got a Yamaha LS56 on the way right now. What song was Cooper playing?

[@ronmoore1219]

Had me in the first few bars!!! $4k Japanese import? Yeah. Japan is not China (nor is Mexico) So, for me, this guitar would certainly be in the line up. Thank you for sharing it with us. And for your thoughts and critiques.

[@ShaneO-nm2hh]

Your sound and style of playing is definitely mahogany. I love the look of rosewood but the sound of mahogany. Mahogany gives that warm sound, good for rock and modern playing and rosewood more of a orchestra classical sound.

[@howtorepairpendulumclocks]

Sweet content

[@imct1]

for even more sublime yamaha tone, look up the LS or LL or LJ 56

[@pacificgreen9690]

I played an FG9M against an LL36 and wanted both of them. I ordered an FG9. I may add an LL56 next.

[@timmcgurl]

That is near on one of the most Perfectly Balanced Tonal and Resonantly Projecting Axes I've heard from a brand new Adi topped Axe in I don't know when? It's fabulous! Question: I got it that the X-Bracing is Scalloped, but is it also Forward-shifted? It sure sounds like it is?

[@rexrathtar3893]

The high end Yamahas do have me intrigued. I think I'd be L series over this, just because I prefer other body shapes and the abalone inlays and purfling are beautifully done. But I'm starting to think about whether I could stretch to the price.

[@Tigerex966]

This with an upgraded trans acoustic/ acoustic feel pickup with delay would be endgame for me.

[@dmar3651]

I've tried out different Japanese guitars, from K.Yairi, Takamine, and Yamaha to Morris, History, Headway, and Aria. Ive also spoken with Many store sales reps in Japan, from Kurosawa Music store, to Shimamura, Ishibashi and so on. The one thing I can say with Absolute Certainty, is that Yamaha guitars may not the flashiest, or most decked out on the market, but they are the Most Consistently well made guitars in Japan. When it comes to Japanese branded Guitars, Yamaha are the best. Thats what all the locals say. At first, i didnt believe them, until i compared the brands side by side. No joke. Theyre the best, and yet they dont let it get to their heads.

[@Tigerex966]

I would love to buy that beveled pick guard for my cheaper yamaha.

[@brianreese7804]

Awesome 😅 THANKS!👍

[@MelodyMaker]

Eloquent in referencing the fretboard inlays.

[@Tigerex966]

Anyone wanting to hear the smaller Yamaha LS56 ptevious flagship? Put Carl Miner LS56 in youtubes search engine. Warning: the demo song may make you cry.

[@DavidYarber]

I've watched your videos on this and the FG9R several times. I have to know which is Chris' favorite and which is Cooper's fave? I've been looking for a new dread and I think I've found it. Great breakdown.

[@TommySG1]

Beautiful acoustic no doubt. I’ll probably catch some shit for this comment, but if I’m going into the 4k ballpark I’d be going Martin however I don’t have a negative thing to say about this model ( Or any higher end Yamaha’s for that matter ). Thanks for sharing this guys, love your channel 🤟

[@patrickwass241]

I just bouth a fg3 and it is great I Tryed a Gibson hummingbird and i liked the FG3 better

[@tomaslopez2940]

It's weird how Yamaha's acoustic guitars, keyboards, and pro-audio are always in stock but their electric guitars aren't. I've only seen one Revstar in all of Texas since 2022!

[@guitarhiker4449]

What song was that you were playing at 9:52? Parts of that sounded familar.? Beatles?.. Sounds great man!

[@rayrayray4116]

So how do this series compare to like the LL 36?

[@Derek-rv3ee]

Very nice, but Yamaha has made very high end guitars for a very long time in the L series, for whatever reason they don't get very much recognition. But yes this is a great sounding guitar.

[@stuco]

Cooper can play, wow.

[@КириллМосковцев-и6щ]

Wow! Great! When I saw many comparisons of LL16 ARE with Martin D28, it was like Lightweight fighter tries to beat Yokozuna.))) So, now I want to see this epic battle FG9M with Martin D28. I hope this will be funny and cool! Isn't it?

[@phanhuyduc2395]

Don't need even test I can see clearly see this one better than D-28. Yamaha is not dumb when they price this one $4000

[@nate2188764]

Late to the party here but how would you say this compares to the FG5? Is this a case of diminishing returns or is it a big step up?

[@stonodo]

if they make an OM version I'll buy one! Are they going to make an OM?

[@wgravely5290]

That OM would be amazing. Take my money!!

[@woodLG]

Sounds amazing but if I have 4k, I am getting a Collings.

[@soofitnsexy]

please!!! any d 18 kills this..Im not convinced at all..collings is amazing but a good hog is over 5 k

[@frankcarter6427]

at any price point, Yamaha tends to boss it but are never given proper respect - I really want a Revstar

[@keithferris9574]

I have the Swift Blue Revstar Standard with P90s and after a great setup it is incredible.

[@cargueone1971]

For $4k, which would you buy, a Gibson Hummingbird or a FG9. Curious on your opinion. My brain says FG9, but my heart says Hummingbird whenever I pay one

[@GShockWatchFan.]

Is it as good as a D28 or 814 CE?!!!

[@LifeBeginsat50]

Sounded really good however I can't see spending 4 grand on a Yamaha guitar. Guitars have a lot more competition at this price (For example the Taylor 800 Builders Edition and the Martin D-28 Modern Deluxe are in this range), nice guitar but really tough to compete with the Martins and Taylors in this price range (in my personal opinion)

[@tedwasielewski9641]

I own a '94 HD 28 and have 2 Taylors. My FG 9 M is a far superior guitar, the best I have ever owned. IMO current Martin guitars are not as good as this Yamaha. If you have the opportunity play one.

[@Tigerex966]

No problem at all,Taylor and Martin will have a hard time competing with this at this price.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Ll 56 shoot out please!!!!😮😮😮😮

[@nogamenolife705]

Anyone had the chance to compare this to a D28? Torn between the two and the playability as I have small hands.

[@denmar355]

Let’s see if the scalloped bracing lasts, or eventually requires a neck set if under tension for a few years. Time will tell.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

Never have problem with many cheap Yamaha models. This is top of the line Yamaha quality this thing gonna last half a century without any problem with proper care.

[@Tigerex966]

This has a combo Bolton and glued neck so a reset if necessary would be cheaper than say a martin.

[@EverettJackson-l3t]

I played the FG9-M in the store and I thought the action was a little high?? Are setups required for Yamaha guitars?

[@richurro20]

yeah, most yamaha guitars come with awful action and the saddle needs to be sanded.

[@ShaneO-nm2hh]

Yamaha are leading the acoustic guitars by a mile. The whole fg line from budget to high, beat any competition in double their price range. I’m also huge fan of the LL series. I own Martins and Yamaha is better when you factor in costs for what you get. And the fact that some Yamaha’s just sound better. Yamaha will own 90% of the acoustic market in the near future when people stop sleeping.

[@magnuspalsson5054]

Very nice guitar but... Cooper will make a turd sound great. Wonderful playing. Thanks.

[@1scooterpilot1]

👍

[@snshull]

At current best prices, you can buy 3 FG5s for the same price as a FG9. It's a quality instrument no doubt, but I tend to think a guitar only sounds as good as the player.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

Then tell me why all the elite clasical guitar players wait for few years to get their hand on their luthier made 40k $ guitar😂😂

[@snshull]

​@@phanhuyduc2395Bored with their current guitar, more money than sense, vanity.... take your pick. (No pun intended)

[@johnlay3040]

From the comparisons I have seen in YT, I don't think you can get that rich American tone you get from Martin and Guild. It is comparable with Gibson.

[@proreverbman]

Having played one, it's an exceedingly nice guitar but like most Yamaha's their resell value plummets.

[@roberthartley6629]

They need to make left handed.

[@asandiegoguy]

Am I the only one that would be concerned about shelling out 4k from a resale perspective? Seems like it would be much harder to get your money back out of a Yamaha, than it would be out of a Martin or Taylor.

[@richurro20]

Taylors have some of the worst resale value of all the major brands.

[@soverignhuman5862]

Rather have a Taylor

[@Wobbz9413]

😅😅😅

[@docstevens5605]

Left hand players miss out again.

[@Dragon_rls]

Adirondack spruce= the new Nitrocellulose. 3% gain, 3X the price. Don't fall for the marketing y'all. Practice makes perfect. Gear makes broke.

[@BaktaBak3]

4k ....??? ....!!!

[@EricDOUKOURE]

Sorry to say but you should tune better the guitars for the review or does that means it's not tunable? It's really a pity...

[@el34glo59]

Sounded fine

[@musicteacher33bdx]

"These are not cheap guitars" No kidding 😂... I love Yamaha but don't forget the resell value 🤔 Even if the guitar is great : honestly if you have 4 ground to spend you have to think of that... just in case something bad happens in your life and you have to sell the guitar in a few years... So maybe a D18/D28 is a safer buy 😅

[@phanhuyduc2395]

There are much less FG9 than D18/28 on the market so I think it will be very sought after, esp with sound this good

[@musicteacher33bdx]

@@phanhuyduc2395 yep we'll see in a few years

[@jzznup8664]

I'm curious... no one dares to compare the Yamaha AC5R ARE to anything ever! Why? Talk has it's place, but seriously, if there's a better sounding acoustic guitar lets hear it. Not Yamaha vs Yamaha but a serious comparison with the best sounding acoustics under $5000 dollars, sound vs sound.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn7VhZd3qM53Z8U Yamaha FG5 vs Taylor 517...

[@voxsupreme]

Great guitar - and playing, but Please! Tune the Guitar before playing it! Unbelievable nonchalant to treat this Top of The Line instrument so bad. Couldn't You hear that it was out of tune before publishing this clip? Unbelievable.