Yamaha FSX5 Red Label Guitar - How Does it Sound?

[@coinfishmedia]

Several years ago I bought a used Yamaha FG700S to preserve my good guitar when I’m around the campfire or whatever, but somehow it became the guitar I play the most. Yamaha offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to players.

[@tjstevens001]

I traded my 700S and wished I had kept it.

[@johncarr4498]

I have an FGX5 and it’s by far my favorite guitar. Over my Taylor 717 and D-28

[@prosegold]

No shit : I have the fsx5 it feels really upscale . Constructed of quality materials surely.

[@peterphillips9209]

How do it compare warmth wise to the Taylor and Martin. I like martins for the warmth but this sounds good and is half the price

[@DionSt.Michael]

Similar situation! Lol! God I love my FGX5! ❤❤❤

[@guitarplayer5805]

I have this guitar. It’s a superb instrument. Sounds amazing, looks sublime. Get one if you can - you’ll never regret buying it.

[@ronleccese8678]

What's the neck profile like? v shape or C thanks

[@muscle99sav]

Love seeing u guys branch off the big 3 makers and doin other stuff like breedlove,yamaha and epi.

[@iyorit1089]

Yamaha has become one of the world's leading guitar makers in Japan. I am glad to have you pick up the most famous Yamaha guitar with a long history in Japan. That model is the origin of Yamaha. Now, it has been reborn with a total veneer and a new pickup! Thanks 🙇🏻‍♂️🇯🇵

[@alanbeck5518]

I have a Yamaha FG -140 Red label guitar that I bought in the early ‘70’s. I had the frets dressed about 20 years ago and it’s still playing brilliantly. The bass response in the guitar is phenomenal. Wouldn’t part with it!

[@maxverde8824]

I have this guitar, it's absolutely a great guitar, I've glad of this purchase. Before I have played a Martin 018 and a Maton TE and I prefer yamaha, similar tone but more playability

[@MattMatthews-eb6zi]

I must say after owning a Martin, Taylor and Gibson….these red labels can hold their own and sometimes outdo them all. Frankly, for the money the FS and FG are about the best guitars for the price compared to any of the big boys. No wonder several guitar specialists right here on utube have named it best guitar you can buy. Frankly you really can’t receive better praise than that!

[@ed_music1834]

I have the FS5 and is really worth every penny. The guitar just rumbles and that Sitka/Mahogany combo is just superb. You really get the Hog sound but with a lot of punch and woodiness. Get one right away you wont regret it!

[@ronleccese8678]

What's the neck profile like? Thanks

[@martinkleinman2522]

My Yamaha story: Last winter, I bought a Yamaha FG dread (solid sitka top and laminated rosewood back and sides) for a "second" guitar for when I didn't want to risk my expensive guitar. Guess what? I love it more and play it every day. Just great tone, feel, and good looking. Just a simple, well-made, instrument with wonderful tone and playability and very affordable.

[@bmcpsd31]

I have a “cheap” Yamaha. It’s awesome. When I get a “good” acoustic it’ll be a Yamaha.

[@Soloist1983]

Exact same story here 👍

[@acloserlook5823]

The fg series is honestly the best entry level platform for mods and upgrades. Just replaced everything from the tuners to the bridge saddle and it's my favorite guitar ever!

[@nomadexplorer6682]

Marvellous sound from this Yamaha. Felt elated with the way you played and made me feel happy. 👍

[@JimB802]

man there are sooo many nice guitars to choose from in this price range!!

[@ScottyGMusic]

I picked up that very model this summer, because it had become to much of an ordeal to mic my 000-28EC when playing live. It doesn't sound exactly the same, but it sounds great in its own way. Easy to play, and intuitive electronics.

[@Cool55555]

Great guitar! I own the FS5 but not the Martin 000-18. This guitar (to me) is as impressive as the 000-18. Please do a side-by-side comparison between the Martin 000-18 versus the Yamaha FS5! I'd love to watch that! :)

[@janrandles8683]

I started learning on a Yamaha LS16 with the ARE top. Still love that guitar and it sounds great. A gift from my husband and started me on the acoustic passion .

[@Ebbing88]

I bought this guitar three weeks ago here in Sweden. It has been backordered for 1.5 years and as soon as a shop gets one, it's gone. But I was lucky enough that the person who ordered it didn't answer for a week so I managed to get it😊 It's an absolutely fantastic sound and most of all to an affordable price. The price of an Martin 00018 here in Sweden is 3854 dollar and the Yamaha FSX5 is around 1700 dollar. And with that you also get a pick up system😊 Amazing value in my opinion. I get a huge grin on my face everytime I pick it up and to my ears it sounds better than the 00018 I tried in a shop a while ago. Thinking about getting an Yamaha thr30ii amp to acompany it, seems like a great little amp. Anyone tried it?

[@Jacob_ThisLife]

agree with ya , yamaha guitars are the most bang for the buck guitars

[@RRStout]

I have one of those. But mine does not have the electronics. I tune mine a half step down. That gives it a warmer sound. Not so bright. In my opinion, in standard tuning, I think they sound a bit too bright. I own four Yamahas, including my newer Red Label. The others are from the 70s and the 80s (a '73, '79 and '83). Yamaha guitars our great guitars. Thanks for re-visiting these newer Red Labels.

[@otamardecarvalho]

Yamaha guitars really have a special sound. Its playability is also very good. You can feel it, even without touching them, just looking and listening to the presenter play. It's like that with Yamaha, nylon strings. I believe it is the same with steel strings..

[@Ravenscaller]

An Alice's Restaurant kind of guitar. I like the satin neck. My best friend reviewed a Red Label for Yamaha and loved it. Unfortunately he didn't get to keep the guitar. At the same price point as an Eastman. Would love to hear them compared.

[@papawrichard3553]

My favorite guitar STILL is my 1968 Yamaha FG-300 red label. And I own a roomful of great guitars. But I’d be interested in trying the new version

[@keBsIsland]

One of my favorite guitar is the yamaha Ls-36r. It would compare favorably to a martin 00028, or om28.,or taylor 812ce, though sounds a little dufferent. It has crystalline highs and a very pronounced bass and it's beautiful with abalone inlays around the soundhole and body. What I really like about it is that it vibrates against your body and the resonance is top notch. It sounds like a much higher end guitar. It's not cheap for $2990. but worth every penny. I would love to hear you demo and review this guitar here.

[@Whitty43]

I think you guys should start plugging in guitars and doing reviews of pickups as well as the guitars as a lot of us play live and would like to know the best sounding plugged in guitars. Just a thought. Cheers

[@paul4292]

Wrong …the FS3 is all solid wood too …all the red label models are all solid wood

[@glorioskiola]

Right, 3 series is just built in china, while the 5 series is built in Japan.

[@Grecoguitardude]

I own the FG3,,,it sounds,plays and is built as well as any Martin I have held

[@dvanolya]

I wish Paul as a dealer would get his facts straight before he presents a brand he sells. Not the the first time and inexcusable.

[@paulkline3011]

The 3 is also all solid wood. I just bought the FG3.

[@angelbreath6539]

They build wonderful pianos toooo 😎

[@uvp5000]

The tone across all the strings is quite nice, and the overall sound is very articulate. Exactly the kind of guitar I would purchase without hesitation.

[@DionSt.Michael]

I’ve owned a brand new Martin HD28 as well as my Dads HD35 after he passed away as well as a 25th Anniversary 400 series rosewood and spruce topped Taylor and then I saw a review of the new Yamaha line. I ended up buying a Yamaha FGX5 approximately 3 months ago after sitting on the fence for over a year after finding one to actually try out and this week all I could keep thinking about was just how much in LOVE I am with my new guitar! I don’t have a lot of free time but I like to play a little every day despite having to work 12-14 hrs a day with a commute over 2 hours a day just to get there and so there are some nights when I literally have to FORCE myself stop and go to bed. I’m now thinking about purchasing their folk sized guitar because of just how much I’ve grown to LOVE my new Yamaha dreadnought! I need help 😂

[@tipp55]

If I were listening blindfolded, I'd have guessed it was a good example of an early 40's Martin D-18.

[@soofitnsexy]

sure.

[@robertdetzel5385]

just picked a fgx5 last weekend and the action on the strings is sky hi . not holding the first fret down the low e sting is .110 above the 12th fret I believe it's just to much relief in the neck

[@pplareppl]

The 3 series from China are all solid woods and they are equally amazing guitar as well.

[@bammbamm1961]

The 3 is solid wood also, just made in China, lesser nut

[@MattLawhonMusic]

I have an AC1R. I had never had much experience with Yamaha before, but I needed a new acoustic electric (this is 7-8 years ago). I walked into a small store and picked up this AC1R and never looked back. First guitar I picked up and I got it for a STEAL! $240 at a used guitar shop come to find out it’s worth $700! Anyways, I love my AC1R Yamaha. Solid spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides, very even EQ across the board and it just feels great in your hands. Now I highly recommend Yamaha to everyone I know. Great guitars

[@music-writinglife1813]

"R" means Rosewood back and sides laminated....

[@mitzioden4926]

Great sounding guitar. The player has a lot to do with that too - good picking!

[@williamcossu]

Amazing Guitar

[@leifvesti6781]

The 3 series ARE all solid woods !!!

[@nicolasgroove]

Nice video! Thanks for the content. You’ve spoken a lot about the pickups but you didn’t plug the guitar.

[@jaysontejada3085]

It does sound like an aged/old guitar atleast in my ears

[@mikkeljulius7313]

Sold my beloved Martin OM-21 when I was fortunate to buy a FS5 in mint condition. This guitar is just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! The looks, the feel, the tone... everything just screams vintage-vibe. But it's not just another "new line" guitar. This guitar sounds organic, woody, has a wonderful midrange but still that top I miss in Gibsons but not too much hi-fi bass which I found on my Martin OM-21. This guitar is a no-brainer if you're seeking that mahogany-spruce OM-guitar (who said Martin 000-18)? The scale length is the best of both worlds (25,0), the wood materials are beautiful, the guitar is an understated masterpiece. I had an L. R. Baggs Anthem SL installed some months ago - and now this is my go-to acoustic. and for a third of the OM-21's price. If you see one, BUY IT!

[@kowalski4734]

Damn great stuff, brillant quality made in Japan.

[@kingstumble]

I bought one of the original Japanese made Red Label FGs when they first came out. At the time the price/quality ratio was unbeatable but the string spacing was unbelievably tight--definitely meant for small fingers!

[@glorioskiola]

I was seriously considering a Yamaha classical “crossover” but found lots of complaints about the string spacing, so I got a cordoba.

[@davek00]

I have to agree. The nut may be 1 3/4", but the string spacing is a little snug. Feels more like 1 11/16". I still love mine, but I wish the strings were a little farther apart.

[@tubadylan]

Way to go, King!

[@banjo1434]

A Japanese reviewer wrote up somewhere that all the red label guitars are made in China but the 5 series are "finished" in Japan. I have no idea if that is true?

[@Doroga89]

not all, fs3/fg3 is china, fs5/fg5 and up all in Japan as far as I know

[@phillipholt6005]

My Epiphone Hummingbird pro got stolen and I'm going to try a Yamaha. I don't know which one yet.

[@joibjalla]

Awesome guitar 👌

[@janmichaeljablonsky9847]

To reiterate what someone said earlier; the Chinese models are indeed all solid wood, and from what I've heard on various videos, they sound quite good.

[@CollinMacQuarrie]

Hey, that rhymed

[@OilCanHarry2U]

You’re a poet, and you don’t know it.

[@richardstones6445]

The bracing is forward shifted, but the action was slightly lifted. 🙂

[@chrha6779]

Can anyone tell where this fits in in terms of body size compared to Martins 00 and 000 models. I recently played the 00-28 and 000-28 as well as each model in the 18 version. I was in love head over heels with the 00-28 but it’s almost 4 grand in Germany… I’m looking for alternatives currently - but I’m pretty sure one day I will get a 00-28. So the one I want is to bridge until I can/am willing to buy the Martin. Others is n the mix currently are Cort P8 and Sigma SLM-00.

[@noisymusicph]

all of the new yamaha red label are solid wood.

[@mjohndenver]

Comparatively how is the playability compared to a Taylor GT?

[@bruceskelton8160]

These are all solid wood, including back and sides.

[@MattMatthews-eb6zi]

The FS 3 and 5 are both made in Japan NOT China as was mistakenly mentioned.

[@richarddavis3239]

I don’t think you’re correct. I have always understood that the 3 series were made in China and the 5 series in Japan. If this is not the case, do you know what the difference between them is?

[@tenniswilliam]

​@@richarddavis3239FS3 is China and FS5 is Japan - same specs but better finish and different pickguard

[@ed_music1834]

The 3's are also all solid wood. The difference would be they are made in China, nut and saddle are Urea and tbe bridge pins are plastic. The case that comes with the 3's are that hard with foam type like what you get with the L series.

[@ramspencer5492]

Why does the LS16M seem to sound better than the red label version? Is it a different size?

[@GShockWatchFan.]

No D28 but for the money the FG5 is great and punches way above it's purchase price

[@breathplay112]

Had this for half a year - then the problems started. If I ever buy this again it would be without the electronics. Pros: playability! Really nice neck. Cons: Craftsmanship was not top, a lot of glue visible round neckjoint. There was always a metallic noise comming from the guitar, after half a year it started to rattle, it came from the Electronics but Yamaha could not figure out where it came from, had to send it 2 times. Cables and preamps are glued to the top - which is a big no no since it effects the sound.

[@jppp952]

Hello, did yamaha take back the guutar and refunded you ? I just got the fsx5 and it worries me a bit.

[@breathplay112]

@@jppp952 I did never have direct contact with Yamaha but with the store were I bought it. I did never have to pay anything extra beacuse it was still under warranty. Ended up selling it beacuse it made me nervous.

[@jppp952]

@@breathplay112 i just played mine this morning and realised that there was a really high noise when playying chords like Em, gonna have to check with the dealer

[@staleyexplores]

excellent.

[@briandawson1082]

Just got my Fsx5 in today. It sounds dead to me compared to my Taylor 114ce. Almost like the body is filled with socks! Could it just be the strings that come with the guitar?

[@karlberardi4351]

Have them make a 12 fret and I’ll buy one, maybe two!

[@jysmtl]

Scale and string spacing same as Martin 000 or 00?

[@mikkeljulius7313]

The scale is 25" (almost similar to Martin 000-18) and the string spacing is enough for dedicated fingerpicking but also suits strumming as well. A tiny bit narrower than e.g. a Martin OM-28, but not as narrow as the 000-15 which IMO is to narrow. The nut width on the Yamaha FS5 is 44 mm /1.73 which is PERRFECT for the all round guitarist. I own as FS5 and that's the guitar that will follow me until the end.

[@sammyprestwood3182]

I've seen these Red label Yamaha guitars in pawn shops sadly mostly everyone I see needs a neck reset and it cost a lot of money to reset a neck on a Yamaha

[@dada1952]

Those were probaby 40+ years old Red labels. You are comparing chalk and cheese mate.

[@rogerd9150]

Have always loved the tone of these (although perhaps a little bright), but I don’t think a beautiful wooden piece of art like a guitar should have plastic knobs on it. Just my opine.

[@mikkeljulius7313]

Hi Roger. I have an FS5 and put D'Addario Nickel Bronze strings on it. It does sound VERY woody and not overly bright at all. Makes a huge difference compared to e.g. Martin Bronze Strings.

[@rogerd9150]

@@mikkeljulius7313 Hi Mikkel. Thanks for the reply! I might try those on my Martin D28 Marquis...and that’s a great tip if I end up with one of these Yamaha FSX5’s .

[@mikkeljulius7313]

@@rogerd9150 great idea! Hope you’ll be able to add the fs5 to your collection. It’s a killer guitar - and in feel, tone and craftsmanship it’s definitely up there with Gibson, Martin etc.

[@peterphillips9209]

@@mikkeljulius7313 Hey there I’m looking at getting on of theses but I’m worried about it sounding Taylor bright which it does in the video. Was it a massiv difference in warmth ?

[@soundknight]

It's got that Yamaha 'ping' around 3-4khz

[@markmashia7551]

Would you choose this over the Martin 000-15sm?

[@willylabasan4351]

000-15sm

[@dada1952]

I have the FSX5 and it is far better than the 000-15 Martin.

[@naveenc.j]

FGX5 or FSX5

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

Great video guys , I have the fs5 and fg3 , the 3 series is also all solid but it's made in China not Japan.

[@banjo1434]

If you wanted to buy a 3rd red label, would you get a 3 or a 5? Is the 5 series worth the extra cash?

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

@@banjo1434 I think the fg3 i got is just as good as the Japanese 5 . I had an fgx5 but sold it because I dint like the Atmosfeel Pickup , I think the main difference is the consistency from the Japanese ones are better while the Chinese 3 series are fantastic perhaps the standard isn't as consistent but dont quote me I am no expert, you cant go wrong with ether 🙂

[@MattMatthews-eb6zi]

I am really surprised at the number of errors in this video. Does not do Justice to Yamaha. Guys not to usual standards!

[@aaron.debattista]

Not bad at all. I've always detested the "Yamaha sound" but this one is not bad at all.

[@DoloresFoster-n6d]

8401 Schmidt Road

[@championhairpuller]

I owned the FS5. Nice guitar, but could not touch my 000-18 GE, or my Collings OM1.

[@richardstones6445]

Not really surprising at all. But you could buy six FS5's and an FS3 for the same money and pass them out as Christmas gifts to your nieces and nephews..

[@robtemple2953]

$500+/- more and you can get a Martin 000-18

[@tbeau6663]

💜💚💛🤍❤🧡💙

[@vinekolladiv4494]

It's like they are trying to put each other to sleep when they are talking.

[@ericolsen67vw]

Like a OOO

[@JeffreyLopez-m2k]

Johnson Barbara Lewis Joseph Young Donald

[@roosky203]

Chinese is the same exact guitar just cheaper

[@CubanBBQ]

The electronics plastered to the side ruin this for me.

[@paul4292]

the plastic see through stuff is not part of it ..its removable.. only the 3 black knobs are there .. if you dont like the electronics there is also the FS5 (no X) it doesnt have electronics at all

[@banjo1434]

Get the cheaper FS and put a k&k in it. That's what I would do.

[@richardstones6445]

@@paul4292 The see-through plastic thingy is meant to be removed after you figure out what the controls do. Looks much better without that piece. But the circuit board/pre-amp inside the guitar isn't what I'm looking for. I'd either use a passive system like K&K or the Baggs Pure Mini. Or better yet, use the Fishman Rare Earth Blend (Magnetic Humbucker + integrated Mic) that can be used without a permanent installation.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

6 minute video, 1.5 minutes playing. How does it sound? Too much yakking.

[@hobiecat901]

I'm sorry Guys, No way I would spend $1500 for a Yamaha guitar. Junk.

[@dada1952]

Idiotic comment.