Yamaha FS5 Update

[@stevebernard221]

Yamaha missed a few things on this series for sure, and to be honest, it seems strange. The FG3's (China) have a plain black pickguard, and for the FG5's (Japan) they stick a decal on it....why? The FG3 looks more like the 60s version. Anyway, I agree with you, Randy. The points you made in the video are understandably frustrating.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Steve, always great to get your insights. What I’m hearing is that they start the build in China and finish them in Japan. I haven’t confirmed it, but a commenter in the first video mentioned it. I don’t doubt it. Take a great design and bounce it around for the build 😂. Yamaha has a command of the English language, so there’s really no excuse for this, not to mention the truss rod challenges. I kept it so I could do a few videos. Hopefully It’ll help someone. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻

[@ThereseLefebvreComposerPianist]

Nothing better than this with my morning coffee... so calming... entertaining... your knowledge is immense dear one... your evaluations are outstanding 🙏🌹

[@randysrhythm]

Ms Therese, it’s wonderful to hear from you. Every time I hear from you, you’re drinking coffee, which means we’ve a great deal in common 😁. Thank you! You’re too kind, ma’am 👍🏻

[@ThereseLefebvreComposerPianist]

@@randysrhythm 🤗🌹

[@mikehodge9070]

Thanks! I was seriously considering buying the FS5. Have now changed my mine. Agree with you 100%.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Mike, you are most welcome, brother man 👍🏻

[@mikehodge9070]

@@randysrhythm Eyeballing the Taylor AD12e-SB now. Bit more $ but good reviews.

[@randysrhythm]

@@mikehodge9070 I’ll have to check that out 👍🏻

[@smandez2023]

@@mikehodge9070 There is no comparison between the AD12e and FS3, not in the tone department anyway. If you go to try an AD12e, make sure you try with a capo too. They a hot and clangy mess in my opinion! I don't know why; is it the sitka/ walnut pairing? V-Class bracing? a combo of all the above? I've played about 5 different ones. They are light as a feather, and cool looking for certain, so that is nice. But a strike out tonally for me. The FS3 on the other hand is the best sounding $1500 guitar I've ever played.

[@danaeverhart6487]

Hey my Brother Randy! That was a stellar intro !!! As for the Yamaha, she sounds 😮👍🏻marvelous !

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Dana, it does have a beautiful sound. Thanks for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻

[@danaeverhart6487]

@@randysrhythm well deserved my dear Brother! Well deserved! Bravo 👏🏻 Dana E💫

[@gypsyrhodescovers]

I love hearing you play and tell us all about the guitars. You have a soothing voice and a great talent with the guitar! Thank you for sharing!🤩🎶🎶🎶

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Ms Bella! What a great and kind comment. You are most welcome, ma’am 👍🏻

[@Jamzocd]

I bought a Yamaha Red Label FS5 this summer and it is the best playing and sounding guitar I have ever owned. I was wasn’t sure when I got if the pickguard was real wood and did a search to get some information. I saw your review and others who whined about it. But honestly it doesn’t bother me. For the price to value of the guitar it’s up there with guitars that are double or triple the cost. Taylor puts a wooden pickguard on their $4000 guitars if you want a wooden one. I did some research and on Etsy I found two resources that will custom make a wooden pickguard to match for about $25-50 in either Bolivian or Indian Rosewood or Ebony depending on which vendor you choose. I’m considering that option because I don’t want a shiny pickguard on the satin finish body. But that’s only to have as a backup if or when the current one gets worn or I get disenchanted with it. Good for thought.

[@randysrhythm]

@@Jamzocd Appreciate the input 👍

[@Rock-Trading]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Randy. Have a wonderful day.

[@randysrhythm]

Right backatcha, brother man 👍

[@Southernguitar74]

Your honesty is much appreciated.

[@randysrhythm]

You are most welcome and I appreciate that feedback, brother man 👍🏻

[@triples4good]

Hi Randy.great to see you again. Hope you all are doing well. Another great video. I totally agree with you. I’ve got the same guitar. I have the issues with the tuners as well. I’ve said it before I’m pretty disappointed with the instrument too. Not sure of I’m keeping it or not. It sounds good but if I sell it I’ll probably lose some money so l think I’m going to keep it and modify it to suit me. God bless you and all your family.

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, we are doing well over here and hope the same for you and yours. I think QC went to sleep on ours. Your truss rod may also be a problem, so you might check that, if you haven’t already done so. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that our serial numbers are one digit apart 😂. Great input and great to see you, brother man 👍🏻

[@triples4good]

@@randysrhythm glad to hear it.we are doing pretty well too. Starting to get warm again here, but nothing compared to Texas. Lol. Yeah I’m going to work with the truss rod a bit and maybe look into upgrading the tuners. God bless and have a good week.

[@tleek]

I love my FS5 To me, the pick guard looks good and I don’t care that it’s plastic. That’s probably better anyway. I’d take my FS5 over almost any other steel string out there. It’s perfect to me. This is literally the only negative review I’ve ever seen. My action came perfect, the tuners work perfectly, I’ve set it down for weeks and came back and it was still in tune. Maybe you got a lemon or this one just doesn’t click with you.

[@randysrhythm]

@@tleek Hi Tleek, I’m now convinced that I got a lemon. It’s a double disappointment since Sweetwater also let it out the door this way. Appreciate the feedback and also appreciate the comment, brother man 👍🏻

[@tleek]

@@randysrhythm of course! Sorry this one doesn’t do it for you. I bought mine at a local shop and it’s possible they set it up as well.

[@jaepark8922]

Hmm…I like my FS5, it sounds very good, unique sweet sound. The sustain is what sold me and traded my perfect FGX3 for it. I like the look of the very thin faux wood sticker over the same plastic pickguard that is on the 3 series. I agree the setup was terrible, way too high at the 12th fret and too low for most people at the nut, not good but I’m pretty good at setup so I fixed mine to my liking. My local shop said to bring it in and they would set it up but there was no need. I also noticed my FS5 bridge is semi slotted, meaning not completely so you could use unslotted pins but enough where the pins can be pulled out and the string stays in place. That may explain the added sustain. Maybe if I slotted my FGX3, it would have the same sustain. I slotted my LL16D and it really went over the top, almost too much. I paid 1399, half what I paid for the Martin 000-18. So I feel good about it. Would I buy it again, yes. But I totally get what you are saying, once I get down on something I have a lot of trouble looking past it. With acoustic guitars, the sound, loudness and sustain seems to win me over. My Epiphone hummingbird IBG wasn’t loud enough so it seemed like a 700-800 guitar, and there was glue around the frets and I couldn’t get past that. Just saying…

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, I think it started with a bad taste in my mouth over the deceptive spec and the un-attentive set up from my go-to folks at Sweetwater. Then, the truss rod… almost non-functional on mine. It should have never left Japan like that. One thing I will say, it sounds pretty amazing. Always appreciate getting your input, and I particularly love that you landed a great one. I hate to hear about the IBG Hummingbird. I can’t remember, if you already told me, was yours a factory code 15, or 23? Always appreciate your input, brother man 👍🏻

[@jaepark8922]

@@randysrhythm my IBG hummingbird was Indonesia made. My story is similar to yours in that the Guitar Center gave me a big run around that left a bad taste. I tried to cancel the order within the hour on a Sunday, but was told I had to wait to Monday to cancel when they had a shipping number. Called Monday 9am and they said once they have a shipping number, it can’t be cancelled. So I took delivery and was kind of impressed, didn’t like the weight, and in the end I returned

[@randysrhythm]

I get it, Jae. I’ll never sell mine. I think the guy responsible for my build was sober and hungry. It’s absolutely amazing 👍🏻

[@6StringGreg]

I love my FS5, I removed my faux wood pickguard straight away. I didn't like the sound when the pick brushed it. The guitar compares nicely to the Martin 00018 for a lot less money.

[@randysrhythm]

I think the 18 is a fair sound comparison. Great observation, brother man 👍

[@dot1958]

I still like it.

[@andersfernbach2399]

Thank you for the review, I"ve had the FG5 on my radar. Your guitar sounds great, but I'd feel like there was a breach of trust just like you did if I found they advertised one thing, and delivered another. That's very disappointing to hear, especially from a company that's supposed to have excellent quality and integrity. Thank you for the warning.

[@randysrhythm]

You are most welcome. Like you, I just couldn't get past that detail. Appreciate you stopping in and sharing your thoughts, brother man 👍

[@joibjalla]

I love my FS5 and FG5.

[@randysrhythm]

They do have a great tone 👍🏻

[@bunnyGIRLS143]

WOW that's awesome song well done my friend great job 🎉😂❤

[@randysrhythm]

Thank you!

[@thomastommy1192]

Great video thumbs up. That guitar sounds good. I always liked the older Yamaha and Ephoines. Seems like most of them sounded pretty good. I don't think I would have paid 1500 without playing it some. But you made a good buy here. Stay well my friend.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Thomas, always great to catch your thoughts. This one took up way too much of my time, to get it playable, for sure. I’m certainly done with Sweetwater. Appreciate the kind words, brother man 👍🏻

[@thomastommy1192]

@@randysrhythm It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. I just wish I had found your channel sooner. Stay well, Randy.

[@kathyshortt353]

Hi Randy good to know, I like how small it is and does have a nice sound and I like your honesty too.... I think if I buy another guitar be and Takamine but first I like to buy a good bass not sure what kind. Have a great Sunday and thanks for the info! :-)))))

[@randysrhythm]

Thank you, Ms Kathy. Takamine operates on a whole other level. That’s a company that’s only gotten better over the years. Great choice! I had no idea that you played a bass. I learn something new about you every time I see you. Always appreciate your friendship and feedback, ma’am 👍🏻

[@kathyshortt353]

@@randysrhythm Well I not a great bass player but like goofing around and I appreciate you friendship too Randy! Hugs and have a great Sunday! :-))))

[@paulgeorgia8013]

Ok, I gave a new way to describe myself. I’m a guitarist type. I have to say though, that sounds great. But it’s all about the player 🎸😎

[@randysrhythm]

I don’t think there’s any end to your kindness, Brother man Paul. Always appreciate you and your great channel!

[@danstune]

I’m surprised because that gives me an option if I want to give the pick guard a different look or feel. Thanks for informing me. I do like my F5G and know it is a bit more than the Chinese versions because yours and mine are made in Japan. I wanted that 60’s early seventies vibe because I started out playing one. I am so happy to have it back. I returned a $3,000 Martin D-18 and spent half the money fit and finish on mine is superior to the Martin. The solid tone woods area big plus. The tuners are fine for me. I stretched the strings really good and tuned it carefully repeating that process 3 or four days and now the tuners are working very well. Turned the truss rod 10 minutes got the action low to low medium. This is a great guitar although my 1976 D55 Guild is the best flat top I own which I bought new 48 yrs ago. I have owned ovations, Taylor’s, Gibsons, Martins, and others, considering the history, the hand crafted Japanese quality and solid tone woods you are getting a guitar that beats anything in the $1,500 range I have played.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Dan, Yamaha has certainly produced some great sounding guitars and this FS5 certainly sounds beautiful. However, a poor buying experience can just ruin everything. You have listed off some great guitars and I may give Yamaha another opportunity. I just needed some time to get over this experience. I really appreciate you sharing your experience, brother man 👍🏻

[@danstune]

@ Randy, It is so true what you said, my friend. When you aren’t treated fairly you lose trust. I am sorry. A great guitar player like you deserves a better experience! 👍

[@randysrhythm]

Very kind of you to say, Dan.

[@danaeverhart6487]

Try some Nutsauce on the Nut and the bridge just a little. Great video too!!! Dana E💫✌🏻✝️🫵🏻U rock my Brother!

[@randysrhythm]

I’ll give that a try, brother man. Always appreciate you, my friend 👍🏻

[@danaeverhart6487]

@@randysrhythm it works well on real bone nuts and Bone Bridges, also tip 💥Make sure💥 that the nut slots do not muscle the strings. That’s usually corrects the stay in tune issues, especially with the larger acoustic guitar strings .013-..056 and largerHope it helps! It fixed all my issues with my Les Pauls. Do you use a String STREATCHA when stringing??? This is a great tool for 13.00 bucks and it will stabilize the new strings, pre stretch will be your friend for life! Total stability instantly! Five passes up and back per string. Careful the strings will get hot ⚠️during this process! Be safe and may God Bless you and the Family! PeAce ✌🏻 Dana

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Dana, these are all great suggestions. Actually, it almost makes my point though. Of all the guitars that I’ve owned, of any quality, only this particular guitar is dealing me misery. The strings are 3 months old and played in. I think I just landed a poorly designed guitar, as it relates to details. Always appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻

[@daveowens]

It's interesting you mention the truss rod and setup. I also bought the one I had from SW, although that doesn't necessarily mean SW was to blame. However, I too struggled with getting the setup right to the point where I finally sent it back.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Dave, I was so disappointed in Sweetwater on this purchase. I think they’ve become another “get em’ out the door” corporation. It should have never been shipped like this and their follow up with me was really disappointing. Actually, the follow up has convinced me to never purchase anything from them going forward. I’ve done a ton of business with them over the past five years, and had a great working relationship with them, till this purchase. My sales guy has turned into a used car salesman now. As you can tell, the overall experience was almost like I was dealing with Guitar Center. Appreciate you sharing your experience with me, brother man 👍🏻

[@daveowens]

@@randysrhythm I agree with much of what you’ve said. SW was my go to online store until the last few years after the original owner sold it. The sales engineer I had was great, but he left for a better opportunity (we’re still in touch) and it hasn’t been the same since.

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, Dave, I think when they start getting a razor blade out for margins, the customer suffers, my friend 👍🏻

[@blackmax222]

Mine stays in tune with no problems. Can you tell me what guitar you recommend for $700.00 that's better than the Yamaha fsx5? I play 3hrs a day and like it as much as my Taylor 914ce.... no shitsky..... Cheers

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Max, $700.00? These are around $1,400.00 new. Apples to apples, a rebuilt Retro Silverstone or Harmony by Scott Baxendale will have you questioning reality. That said, this Yamaha has settled out a bit and sounds really good. I don't hate it at all. I just never bonded with it. Fair enough, brother man?

[@blackmax222]

@randysrhythm nothing wrong with saying how you feel. I know mine took me by surprise. And so far, it has been writing some good music for me. She's humble but confident. I do think about taking the pick guard off. Cheers brother 👍

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, that pickgaurd is a sticking point with me 😂. If I kept it, I'd pull mine too, brother man 👍

[@ulfweman4075]

We are many being fooled. Took the pickguard decal off. 😊 My FGx5 is a very good guitar and the electronics superb in my opinion.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Ulf, they can certainly build a tone beast, and I've heard a few. I'm still looking, and I'll try to locate an FGX5 to play. Appreciate that feedback, brother man 👍

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

Hey Randy ! First off I have been following your channel a good while now and absolutely love it ! I am a huge Yamaha fan and I too have had a similar experience with the red labels but my god what a sound! I too removed the fake ebony PLASTIC pick guard because it was too fxxking noisy with a pick ! And I also had trouble with turning/intonation! My low E string would go sharp with a capo but I found if I tuned that sucker just a hare flat it was perfect! It's my main giging guitar now ( LR Baggs Anthem) and I wouldn't part with it for love or gold!! Such a great sound! Anyway much love from Ireland keep the great content coming your the man 🇮🇪♥️ Gavin

[@randysrhythm]

Much love right backatcha, my friend. Appreciate your input here, Gavin. For a while there, I thought I was on an island 😂. It does have such a sweet tone and I love that. However, a Yamaha that is over a grand shouldn’t need work as a brand new guitar. A lot of folks were upset with my disappointment, but I have to tell the truth on the channel. You are very kind and your support means the world to me, brother man 👍🏻 Ireland is about to go into winter, so make sure your coat is in great shape 😂

[@thekycoffeebean]

Colonel, you bring up two interesting points here ,,,, I am like you what else did/are the hiding ? Just say plastic pick guard and go with it as everyone has a plastic guard or just say it is photoflame from back in the day. Once you get a bad taste in your mouth , it is hard to get rid of. I wished it would have worked out better but it is what or how it was made. Now on to Sweetwater , I have noticed some change`s that are taking place there. I think the Private-equity company that bought them are now cutting cost. I may be wrong but I do not think so ! Now we come to this , she does sound Great , I hope she keeps getting better and no other issues shows her head !

[@randysrhythm]

Colonel Terry, great to hear your thoughts on this. Yes sir, what else are the “covering up” so to speak? Something sure seems to be happening at Sweetwater. That just broke my heart. Onward and upward. Always appreciate getting your input and thanks for the continued support, brother man 👍🏻

[@thekycoffeebean]

@@randysrhythm It is not the Yamaha of the 60`s for sure , bet if you left it in a hot car with windows up on a Hoy Kentucky day while you were hanging tobacco and pull it out it would be in Very bad shape but the one back in the day did just fine , turn the truss rod just a hair and BAM you were Rock`n (or as good as you could be 10/12 hrs in a hot barn LOL)

[@randysrhythm]

Great point!!

[@SpunkyTheMunky000]

Japanese guitar and Japanese microphone. Great pair.

[@randysrhythm]

I call it my JGJM package 👍

[@KI_Burgberg_DE]

I was going to buy an fsx3. But now i stopped. 😂 ... You have to promise to try another Yamaha again. I am loosing my religion. Have a wonderful christmas time from Germany and stay healthy.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Klaus, I have been stopping in at various guitar shops and playing several different Yamahas, to no avail. As soon as I find one I like, I'll buy it and review it. You made me laugh, so great comment! I've been to Germany before. Very beautiful over there. Our warmest regards to you and your family and hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas, brother man 👍

[@johnharris7244]

Hi Randy , I remember the video on the Epiphone Ecalante and it has stuck with me. How do you feel about it now. Blessings John.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi John, we’re still in love. She is perfect, brother man 👍🏻

[@stichriddle1535]

If the truss rod takes more turn to adjust that means it’s a more finite adjustment and the top is probably still giving in to the strings tension perhaps I’m not trying to argue I like hearing you play and that fs5 sounds really good I love the ebony fingerboard and bridge I currently play the IBG j45 and a Hudson by orangewood if you haven’t tried an orangewood I think you’d be impressed

[@randysrhythm]

I’ll take a look at that. That’s something I haven’t thought of, so I really appreciate the insights. By the way, always feel free to argue, if you need to. I promise you, I want open/honest dialogue on this channel. I’m no guitar guru and I have learned most of what I know about guitars from folks on this channel. I’ve seen Orangewood guitars before, but never played one, or thought about playing one. I’ll take your advice on this. Is there one in particular that you would recommend? Appreciate having you on the channel, brother man 👍🏻

[@guitarnotions]

I agree if its a type of wood it has to be some species of wood 🤣 the guitar sound nice to me, as your playing! 😀

[@randysrhythm]

Aintcha sweet, Ms Cindy! Yes’m, how someone understands wooden type really depends on whether or not English is their first language. Type = Species, as you have rightly pointed out. This guitar sounds amazing, but I fear that an unhealthy truss rod is going to make the guitar about a 5 year plan. While I did harp on the pickguard, it wasn’t what the pickguard was, it was what they said it was. When I see things like this, it always makes me wonder what else they are not telling me. You’re a bright spot in a dark world, ma’am 👍🏻

[@johnnyl1957]

Hey Randy . . . very honest review. You don't sound too impressed. I reckon mostly one gets what they pay for. I have higher end guitars and lower end guitars as I think you know and in my humble opinion higher end guitars leave lower end guitars in their wake . . . . and then you mentioned 'after-sales' complaints . . . . that's unacceptable. Not good business. Cheers ol' friend.

[@randysrhythm]

John, I am so glad to hear from you, my friend. I hope you’ve been on top of down under 😁. Yes sir, both Yamaha and Sweetwater disappointed me. I’ve spent thousands with Sweetwater, so that was the most disappointing of all. I don’t think Yamaha’s honesty and quality is where it once was. Great hearing from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@johnnyl1957]

What can I say Randy? 🤷🏻‍♂

[@darrellcollins877]

I have watched many videos on the FGX5 and FGX3, the 3 has a plastic guard and the 5 was said to be ebony , apparently everyone was fooled. I purchased an FGX3 and love it.

[@randysrhythm]

@@darrellcollins877 Hi Darrell, great choice on the 3. Yes sir, I don’t see how they thought it change someone’s mind by calling it out as wood vs plastic. I say to just tell the truth. I’m also hearing rumors that part of the 5 series was done in China, then shipped to Japan for completion. I don’t know if that’s true, but at this point nothing would surprise me, brother man 👍🏻

[@darrellcollins877]

@@randysrhythm I looked up the specs, as you showed they stated wood type. I noticed all of the other wood parts were NAMED by type of wood. So I guess it makes sense, but still hard to determine, like you, just spell it out plain n simple, then I can decide with real information. Evn with that, I think these are GREAT guitars for the money, you truly would have to spend double the amount for the quality, which we see is not perfection or even close. BTW, that geetar sound so good !

[@randysrhythm]

I’m convinced we agree it has a beautiful sound. Great to have you and your insights on the channel, brother man 👍🏻

[@marccarter1350]

New around these parts, greetings from England, been loving the content! Looked at these myself, but the 44mm nut is too big for me, need 43mm. Sound really decent. PS, love your accent :-0

[@randysrhythm]

Hey Marc, thanks for the kind words. I’ve spent some time in England, so welcome to the channel. Understood about the nut width. The fretboard radius is rather interesting, as it is a 15.75 and most are either 12 or 16. It takes some getting used to. It’s really good to have you and you’re welcome at our fire anytime, brother man 👍🏻

[@stichriddle1535]

I can see where your coming from on the Pickguard however do I think they are trying to trick us I don’t think Yamaha is dumb enough to pull that I think their intention was to put something other than a plain satin smooth pickguard the person in charge of the description should have said textured plastic honestly I wasn’t that exited about it being wood because I would probably want to peel it if any how a Martin 000-18 has a plastic pickguard at 2800 dollars they messed up on the description but I would find it hard to believe they intend to deceive I’m guessing some one is gonna get an ass chewing at Yamaha

[@randysrhythm]

I get your point, for sure. I’m normally going to assume someone simply didn’t have a command of the English language, but in this case, Yamaha seemed to be trying to pass that off. The reason I say that is because it’s been several years now, with no correction. While I’m still investigating this, I was told that they build part of the FS5 in China and then finish them in Japan. If true, the pickguard seems rather a mild issue. If the latter is true, and I’m going to find out, I’ll be doing another video. That would be a really big deal, considering that most buy the 5 because they think it’s made in Japan. I really appreciate your thoughts about this. You may be right and I certainly hope you are, brother man 👍🏻

[@elmaestroco]

Hi, you said you wouldn't put 1.5k on it. Could you recommend a similar tone and size guitar in that price range?

[@randysrhythm]

I would recommend a rebuilt 000 or OM catalog guitar from Scott Baxendale. You would have very good luck with either the Harmony or Silverstone.

[@elmaestroco]

@ Thank you !

[@Wobbz9413]

Yep. Spot on Randy. So disappointed in Yamaha,which is my personal favourite guitar maker. In the case of these models, and the FG9, they are on the drugs with the price, and who knows, now, what they are lying about overall. So sad. In yamahas defence though. They do make some exceptionaly good guitars. I have four examples Ill never part with. Anyway, hope all is well my friend and thanks always for your wise words. And please dont give up entirely on the great company that is yamaha. Peace.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Wonbs, you nailed it. What else are they not telling us? My thoughts exactly. I have always thought of Yamaha as exceptional. Now, I think their marketing department lacks integrity, brother man 👍🏻 Always great to hear from you!

[@charleshenry1855]

is your hat a western type ?

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Charles, yes sir, it’s a Resistol, made not too far away from me 👍🏻

[@JimmysBasementStudio]

Another Great Sounding Guitar Randy🎸 I 100% agree with you...They were not honest and putting a sticker on a plastic pic guard does not =Wooden Type 🫤

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Jimmy, great hearing from you. It’s a conundrum for sure. These days it’s just more common for folks to attempt to mislead their customers. However, over a stupid pickguard?? That may not be the only misleading piece of the pie from what I hear with Yamaha. Always appreciate your feedback, brother man 👍🏻

[@trevorhansbury]

Wooden should mean wood usually 🤔 the guitar sounds great but it sounds like you had a frustrating experience with Sweetwater which is unfortunate, anyway great video Randy very well done 👏👏👏👏

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Trevor, great to hear from you. Yes sir, fairly low level issue here, but your right, wooden is wood! That’s just the beginning of my frustration, but it does sound good. At least they got that right. Great hearing from you and I appreciate getting your input and thanks for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻

[@GreggStallingsProject]

I'm curious if you've played the Martin 000-17 or 17s which are close to this price point -

[@randysrhythm]

@@GreggStallingsProject Hi Gregg, I have played the 000-17 and used to own the DSS-17. Both are superior to the Yamaha. The DSS-17 has a huge, woody sound to it. It’s of course a dred, but it’s around the same size as the J-45 that you’re considering. I think you can still get them for under $2K. Hope that helps, brother man 👍🏻

[@GreggStallingsProject]

Thanks! 🎸🎸🎸

[@jimsteele2072]

Thanks for the advice, I like yamahas, but the cheaper ones seem to be the better value. I'm starting to look at the Alvarez MD 60.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Jim, we are in total agreement. After playing a few more Yamahas last week, I have found a common issue across the board. You can drive a truck under the 12th fret on many of them. However, their China factory seems to pay more attention to detail than the Japanese factory. Alvarez has stepped their game up quite a bit in the last several years. I’ll try to pick one up in the next future. Appreciate the comment, brother man 👍🏻

[@alexcorll90]

I think maybe Wooden Type is likely a mistranslation from Japanese. The original probably indicates that it's artificial wood. Still, many reviewers have claimed the pickguard is genuine ebony. I would prefer it were real wood. Thanks for clarifying it is indeed plastic.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Alex, it could be a mistranslation, but I find it an odd one. Several seem to agree with you from the comments I’ve received. I really appreciate you stopping in and especially commenting on it. Hope to hear more from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@terrytosh7678]

Curious if that model is made in Japan or China?

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Terry, that’s a great question. The spec says Japan, but others have told me that it starts out in China and ends up in Japan, where they put the final touches on it. To your question, at this point I’m inclined to believe what I’ve been told, as opposed to what Yamaha says. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@cugir321]

@@randysrhythm The japanese stuff is usually pretty ...Chinese stuff is hit or miss....got to play a mess to find a gem. Play before you buy! Their customer service sucks in the last 15 years.

[@randysrhythm]

Agreed, Terry. Great advice, brother man 👍🏻

[@sboy1955]

Yea, lost faith in Sweetwater years ago. No way would I pay them for any sort of set up, plek, etc

[@randysrhythm]

Agreed, I’ve ordered from them for the last time. Something certainly seems to have changed since the sale of the original company. Appreciate the input, brother man 👍🏻

[@monkeybunny89]

Can you speak a bit about the Fs9 or Fg9 please ? Thank you

[@randysrhythm]

@@monkeybunny89 Hey MB, either of those are incredible and I should have bought the FS9 instead of this hybrid 5. If I were going with the FG9, I would get the Rosewood and if the FS9, I’d probably go with the Mahogany. These 2 were handmade in the Japanese factory and probably worth every penny. They also used the bolt-on neck joint, which I prefer for a newer guitar. I have a 12th Root, Custom made 000 with a bolt-on neck, which used the same technique for the neck joint as Collings. It is phenomenal. It’ll make any future mechanical reset much easier. It does give the guitar less of a deep bass response, but the piano style of tone makes it worth it 👍🏻

[@monkeybunny89]

@randysrhythm If I could meet you in person and thank you, I would. You have restored a human being (my) faith in humanity. I didn't ask for that much detail, but you gave it. Thank you stranger, I hope only good things happen to you. Thank you!

[@randysrhythm]

Thank you, and right backatcha my friend 👍🏻

[@gusharrison6284]

What factory is the fs5 made?

[@randysrhythm]

@gusharrison6284 Hi Gus, that’s a $64 question. Yamaha says they are made in Japan, but I am hearing that they are started in China and then finished in Japan. I don’t know what to believe at this point, brother man 👍🏻

[@endoffate5475]

I agree, everybody thinks thats a wooden pickgard. Thats what i tought.. Everybody i seen review that series said it was a wooden pickgard. Anyway yea, for 1500$ theres so many more options that i think are better. This series of guitars is kinda generic looking to me. Its got that modern/vintage look to it that i dont think is really original. For that money id probably go for a Eastman or even a Sigma or a blueridge.

[@randysrhythm]

Great points! I don’t think I’ll ever get past the deceptive advertising on this. I really appreciate the insights and thoughts. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@LegsON]

Second!

[@thehevytrooper]

i think yamaha guitars are like a bell curve... they start out realy great (simply the best actualy... show me a 300 dollar guitar that can beat what they have?) in the fg800/20/30s but then the more you spend you seem to get diminishing returns... ive tried the fg820 and the fgx3 and the difference simply did not justify tripling the price... maybe the problem is those darn fg820's are too good😅 as a brand, i love them for making such great affordable guitars and i would recommend for anyone on a budget to look at what they have! but as soon as you start going into that 1000 dollars and more they just don't seem to offer as much... to be absolutely clear, im not saying they make bad expensive guitars. im just saying that the make better guitars for lower budgets... and thats a subjective opinion! try them out for yourself, every guitar is different and special!

[@randysrhythm]

I could not have said that better. I think you’re spot on with that observation, brother man 👍🏻

[@cugir321]

I love my LL16 Yamaha better then the FS3 or FS5....it's a martin killer....I play with 8 guys who have more money then God and big time martins....they cower in shame when we play and I pull out my LL16. I almost bought a AC1m a few weeks back....it sounded better then the AC3 and AC5. You never know with chinese guitars....they're hit or miss but the L series sound amazing even if they're not very playable sometimes. I had to refret my LL16....to level the fingerboard. 14th fret hump. It's a monster now with stainless frets.

[@randysrhythm]

You are about the 9th person to tell me about the LL16. I’m getting talked into buying one, based on all of this feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with that one. I agree with your point about Chinese guitars. They are hit and miss, particularly for QC. However, they are normally structurally sound. Appreciate your insight, brother man 👍🏻

[@cugir321]

@@randysrhythm Take a good capo and run it up the frets to at least the 6th fret....if the action is average to low and their are only minor buzzes then the neck and frets are reasonable level. Test the intonation. Those two things will tell you that you can at least work with what you got. It could be a few high frets but that at least makes you skeptical and you'll get it checked. Buy from a place that give a 100% refund. I don't buying online. The worst guitar I've seen in 30 years was a yamaha LS6M...the frets were never leveled at the factory. Terrible! Sounded like a million bucks but that's only half of what you need. I like LL16...it's solid wood. The LL6 is not solid B/S. The L series has more bottom end....scooped a little in the mid's which makes it over power Martins. Can be a little bright with the pickup they give you...can use an EQ to solve that....10 band....lower the 16k band. I play out with mine eveyr week. It's incredible...rich and full with lots of bottom end. Moral of the story....don't buy online unless you want aggrevation. Play it before you buy it. Take it to a good luthier if you aren't one. Take it back if it's not great. There are great ones out there. They do have a bit more tension in the strings which drives the top a lot.....volume and tone!!! You'll see that if you play them first. People go gaga when they hear them.....these are chinese made instruments unless you get the LL26 and up....be skeptical of every chinese instrument.

[@randysrhythm]

Great advice, brother man 👍🏻. Thanks!

[@Orcun-i2s]

They stay in tune. You are misleading not less than wooden pickguard

[@randysrhythm]

Thanks for the input 👍

[@jimpage601]

Randy, that bogus pickguard reminds me of the old Burma Shave signs: Cheap imitations/would irk a saint/You hope they are/what you know they ain’t: Burma Shave.

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, Jim. I wonder what else they aren’t telling us? Someone in the first video told me that it some of it was done in China, then sent to Japan for finishing. I haven’t been able to confirm it, but I wouldn’t doubt it. Great hearing from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@00buck2]

That is the new type of plastic wood. Would you like to buy some of the new gold type quarters. Just joking , Don't think I have ever had or ever saw a guitar with a wood pick guard. Guitar sounds good.

[@randysrhythm]

😂, perfect humor, Stager! There are several guitars out there that come with wooden pickguards, some as an option. It does sound good, but the longevity of the truss rod concerns me. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@Shovel-om7kn]

The tuners? Not happy with the my Gibson SJ200’s either. I wondered if COVID supply issues had anything to do with it? I’d be curious to hear Yamaha’s reasoning as it seems so out of character. I sure hope it doesn’t boil down to simple dishonesty. I love the resonance too. Semper Fi

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Shovel, the supply chain certainly may have been the problem on the tuners. I completely agree about the sound. It has such a sweet sound. My disappointment was due to the difficulty of getting the action right and then discovering the pickguard and that straight up deception. Appreciate you chiming in on this and Semper Fi, brother man 👍🏻

[@patcampbell9766]

I think the mistake on the pick guard could be chalked up to the fact that they speak a different language.I don't know where you will find a solid wood guitar for 700 bucks.

[@randysrhythm]

@@patcampbell9766 Hi Pat, I’d certainly go with you on that if Yamaha hadn’t been selling into the USA market since the 60’s. I did consider that to start with, but then started shaking my head after thinking about it for a while. I hope you’re right about it, but my gut tells me that they have an English major somewhere in there that proofs these specs. There are actually several options these days for all solid wood guitars around that price range. The Recording King RD 318 & 328 dreds are, as well as the RO 318 & 328. Brand new, the listing for a Recording King is around $600.00 or so. Epiphone are also swinging a bat around that price range. My reference was more in used market for these Yamaha guitars. However, I doubt you’d find one on the used market for that 😂. Appreciate the input, brother man 👍🏻

[@patcampbell9766]

@@randysrhythm you would think that they would be careful with wording.I bought the ls16 and the Epiphane j200 IBG both awesome

[@randysrhythm]

2 phenomenal guitars! Once I get over my frustration with them, I’m going to try the LS16. I love the tone of that beast 👍🏻

[@anthonylane9547]

Randy if it was me and i found those issues, i would have sent it back to sweetwater.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Anthony, I’m afraid I was so irritated when this happened, I just didn’t want to deal with them anymore. That said, I’m old enough to know better, but my irritation got the better of me after it took them weeks to even call me back. Something has changed at that company. I’m a good enough tinkerer to turn it into something I can use. You have to admit, it sounds pretty dadgum good 😁. The other thing I wanted to do was hang onto it for several months, so that I could do a few videos with a proper warning to the channel. Had it been over $2K, I am pretty sure it would have been boxed up the next day. Either way, you’re exactly right, brother man 👍🏻

[@anthonylane9547]

Yeah, your right about the sound, it has a beautiful sustain. I bought a FS800 for my granddaughter last Christmas, i changed the nut, saddle & bridge pins to bone + change out the strings to DAddario xs 10/47. It sounds fantastic for a small guitar. She loves it. For $300 AUD it was a steal.

[@randysrhythm]

Keep that girl playing! Great story and I love a youngster getting a good guitar, brother man 👍🏻

[@HayesTech]

Great video Sir and I completely agree. It's a shame that they went the route they did though, with the deceptions. Oh that logo, on the headstock, that's 3 crossed tuning forks. I still think it sounds great though, especially for that size of a guitar. I would definitely own one but not at the price they are asking. I loved the videos and I'll talk to you soon.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi David, thanks for the description of the logo and the kind words. It does sound great. I should have said it in the video, but I this one will eventually go to garbage, due to a less than stellar truss rod. There’s very little movement on that neck. Hopefully I get 5 years out of it before I use it for firewood. Always appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻

[@LegsON]

I mean, "wooden type" isn't "wood" or "wooden". Just like we all know "sapele" is not "solid sapele". I get your frustration anyway.

[@randysrhythm]

Hey brother man, great to hear from you. Actually, in the English language (correctly utilized), it is wood. Type merely indicates that it could be any species of wood. That said, I do appreciate you sympathizing with me on the subject. Pickguards are not a dealbreaker for me, but dishonesty is. When’s your next upload coming? I’m looking forward to it, brother man 👍🏻

[@LegsON]

@@randysrhythm Haha, thanks, pleased to hear that! :) I have a few reviews/comparisons recorded, but I'd need to expand my system disk memory to edit them, so it might take a month.🥲

[@randysrhythm]

I’ll be waiting for them, brother man, and hope you are doing well 👍🏻

[@LegsON]

@@randysrhythm I am, thank you! Take care.

[@brookegentleobannonmusic]

Tell em Randy. False advertisement

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Ms Brooke, it’s hard to twist this and come to any other conclusion. I do believe that sums it up. Always appreciate you, ma’am 👍🏻

[@brookegentleobannonmusic]

@@randysrhythm they don't make em (anything) like they used to.

[@marktaylor8299]

YamaHAHAHAHAHA oh well atleast you have a cool hat to wear while playing it sir and it does sound nice. By the way i got my Excellente and i love it now to learn some country/delta songs happy strumming from little old England ✌🏻

[@randysrhythm]

Hey Mark, great hearing from you. My only long term concern is that truss rod. I was just sick over this, all the way around. Yamahahahaha.. I do see the humor in that 😂, so thanks for the smile. Stay warm over there, winter is just around the corner, brother man 👍🏻

[@jimsteele2072]

Thanks for the advice, I like yamahas, but the cheaper ones seem to be the better value. I'm starting to look at the Alvarez MD 60.