Yamaha Red Label FS5 12 months on

[@ramspencer5492]

These are awesome bang for buck, full on pro guitars... Love em. Like these better than many Martin's, Gibsons and Taylors for three times the price range. If you get the ones with the electronics... Those are top notch too....don't have to mic the guitar for good tone, live. It's one the best factory guitars, hands down. The fs/x 3's are great too.... Very few mods needed.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah man I have to admit I bought it as a keeper and didn't want the electronics but as a gigging guitar I think that may have been the best option for me.. I still may go an FSX3/5 at some stage

[@ufcfan3940]

I’ve had the fs5 for 5months absolutely love it don’t like playing my other acoustics anymore and it’s so pretty in a clean way

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah man that’s what got my attention straight away. Very simple but really stylish. The black binding simple logo they just got it right👌👌

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

I have the FGX5, and it’s stellar. Absolutely stellar. Fit, finish, and setup on mine happened to be immaculate. Mine has bloomed open, and it’s just incredible the over and undertones that I can get from it as I play. I’m still working toward a Martin D-18, but that’s a want, and by no means a need. My FGX5 is legitimately the only guitar that I would need, in all honesty. It’s as nice as any boutique acoustic, or even acoustics 2 and 3 times it’s price, which I’ve played over the years.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Can't agree more, I played a gig last night with mine and I think the measure of how good it is, is simply that I don't give it a single thought. It just does everything I want it to do. And yes mine is realistically the only guitar I need BUT I did also need that little Guild I just bought haha

[@Bushradical]

Awesome review. I have the Fg5 , bought it november 2021.....fantastic guitar.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks man.. I can’t say enough about them.. I wish I could afford a second one👍

[@teladan5]

Thanks for the update. I’ve had the FSX5 for several months now, and I love it. I had a set-up done when I got it (action was a little high), and it has been a dream to play. Stays in tune and just sounds great!

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Awesome.. glad you’re loving it. I’m yet to hear anything negative about the sound quality👌👌

[@andreaschristo1204]

I've had the FSX5 for a little while now and it's an absolute beast. The action was high on mine as well, but it was a quick adjustment by one of our trusted shops. It's my first high quality guitar and I couldn't be happier.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

@@andreaschristo1204 Congrats man.. a fine choice IMHO 😎

[@chappo5410]

Nice to have an Aussie for a change reviewing. I just gought a Yamaha FGX3 and it is amazing.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Awesome man.. I still would like to try an Fs3.. I’m sure it is.. cheers for watching👍

[@denisfitzgibbon5978]

Serious amount of guitar for the bucks. I notice it has gone up in price nearly 200 from the time I bought it. Nice review dude you are right in saying it's a guitar to be kept for life

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks Denis, I got mine at a great price too.. which I really still couldn’t afford at the time but as it was on the water I had a while to find the extra dough. I’m so glad I took the risk I stoked with it.

[@fr3ak1shh]

I’m a sucker that’s paying the extra $200. Blasted economy!

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Guitars man.. when you gotta have ‘em.. you just gotta have ‘em.. 💉

[@pbasswil]

That's pretty much exactly how a guitar of that size & shape should ideally sound - thumbs up.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks, yeah they really got it right as far as I can tell, its beautifully balanced, punchy enough and really musical.

[@rsn65535]

I changed the bone nut on my FSX5 to match the string spacing of my Martin OO16. I found the spacing to be a bit narrow for my liking and quick guitar changes became a bit awkward. Both guitars have a 1 3/4 nut but the Yamaha has a narrower string spacing. Also lowered the action. Now it is perfect. I also put Martin Retro strings on mine.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks for the info Rib that’s really interesting I love the spacing on the Yam.. and I hate that narrow spacing that most Yamahas I’ve played have had. So I used to do the same. I haven’t noticed mine feels any narrower to other 1 3/4 guitars I’ve played . Just neck shapes. But how they space them seems different sometimes. Still if you’ve got two wicked guitars always good to get them feeling the same✌️

[@steveinthethumb6441]

I have a '79 Yamaha FG340. I paid around $200 for it back then. Still an has an amazing sound. A resonating beauty. Your red label sounds great.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks Steve I fixed up an older Yamaha years ago I can’t remember the number but it was one of the best sounding guitars I’ve heard just beautifully balanced. Was a laminate one from memory. It probably is the reason I kept an eye on Yamahas. When I saw the look of the Red labels and that it was a1 3/4 nut I knew it was the guitar I was looking for👌

[@andyskiffington]

Had an FSX3 that I wish I never traded. It was amazing. I put a bone nut and saddle with ebony bridge pins in it. Just great. One of the best. Cant say enough good things about it.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Andy, I don’t doubt it. I thought my next guitar would be an upgraded fsx3. Exactly what you did and have that as a spare which should be pretty much identical.. then I bought the lil Guild M40 in a moment of severe GAS.. I love that guitar as well but still would love to try an fsx3.. also to try the electrics out. Either that or I’d really like to harass Mr Yamaha to make a small bodied guitar in the Red Label series. Something like the guild 00/ Parlour area but with the red Label vibes and 1 3/4 nut.. that would be such a cool guitar

[@chrisforbes]

Phenomenal guitar, and the dreadnought version is amazing, too.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

For sure man, I played one in a shop. There was no FS 3or 5’s available then and mine hadn’t turned up so it was really hard to walk away from as it sounded superb. I had my heart set on the smaller body and was REALLY hoping it sounded like a smaller version of that dred.. which it does.

[@kaol9393]

Love my FGX5, sounds even better 3+ years in. It settled in quicker than my rosewood A5R but love them both.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

It’s a nice detail with these Yams they feel slightly broken in from the start. Think it’s the rolled edges on the fretboard or might be the finish too but it never felt “green” like a lot of new guitars do. But yea mine keeps getting better.. just had a set up and it’s next level now.. 👌👌👌

[@mynamesjondowell]

Which do you like better? I'm torn between the two

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Man I can see why, I’ve never looked at the A5R but it looks like a monster. Cut away kills it for me, I just like the “old days” looks

[@masterzippo121]

Hi Jason. Thank you for your thoughts on using your YAMAHA FS5 guitar, it's a great instrument I've had mine since March, it's always with me at hand by my side - I absolutely love her. To my knowledge, the pickguard is not plastic imitating wood, but real wood, rosewood to be exact, and it's the only pickguard I really like. I am very happy with this guitar I will never sell it :) . Best regards Suavic

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Sauvic, Well different strokes for different folks I guess. I don’t mind the look of the pickguard more that it’s a faux wood/ plastic one at least on mine. If it didn’t have the grain pattern I don’t think it would have frayed where my fingers were resting. So that’s a little annoying but man to own a guitar for a year and that’s about the only thing to find fault with is pretty amazing. Sound and playability is what matters most and it just keeps getting better. Thanks for your input as always man✌️

[@podfuk]

@@JasonMckellMusic I heard you can peel the wood imitation top layer, and under it is classic Yamaha black pickguard. I only tried to peel the corner and it seems to be true. But I dont mind it myself.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Now that’s interesting I read on a forum a guy took his off completely but that the finish was glossy under the guard. I think I’ll just leave it alone if I start fiddling it won’t stop ..better just to keep it original and keep practicing🎸🎶

[@podfuk]

@@JasonMckellMusic I found the quote: Nejat Akay(@David Murphey Yamaha FG5 Red Label video) FG5 has wood lookalike plastic film on a black pickguard, it's not real wood, I removed that woody plastic film and there was a quality shiny black plastic pickguard underneath, much better after the removal. But you are right, better let it original and keep plaing :)

[@JasonMckellMusic]

True man but I need to go and look at it now haha

[@jasonmacleod9550]

Mine came with some swirls in the finish below the bridge and some dust/shiny specks sporadically. Covid guitar for sure. The sound and feel more than make up for the imperfections. I really couldn’t care less. All my guitars have marks, nicks, dings etc.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

It’s funny man I feel exactly the same. It almost seems like I’m making excuses for it, mentioning how the flaws don’t bother me but they’re not even ‘flaw’s.. I mention things in the reviews but it’s 1% stuff really. You buy a guitar to play it primarily and for me I haven’t played anything better.. It just suits me down to a tee and keeps me wanting to play more.. Mines going to look like Willie Nelson’s guitar by the time I’m done with it🤘

[@Acoustic_Music-h6x]

Found the best tuner replacement/upgrade for this guitar is the Graphtec Ratio Skeleton Key Tuners. They are a direct bolt on swap and speed up tuning. Love the pickup but it needs some post guitar EQ. I just love the tone of this guitar, nothing can rival it at the price range.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hey Greg, 2nd vote for the Graphtecs on the Yams.. so hopefully people will see this if they're looking. Great to know they are a direct fit. I went Gotohs like the FG9 uses which weren't a perfect fit but very close are also very nice tuners. Not sure what pickup I had back then possibly the JJB, I'm using a Fishman Blackstack atm which is great for Blues and yeah man totally agree I lOVE the tone and it does seem to be getting better with time.

[@jeffonabigon6183]

I've have an 2020 FG5 and it melts your face off!! all I've done to it is made a Fossilized Mammoths Ivory saddle for it and changed the pins to bone and use D'addario XS Medium strings ! did my own set up and she is such a warm sounding guitar with lovely Growl... definitely worth 3 times the price!!

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Nice.. I was thinking about giving the XS D’addrrios a try sounds like you like them on it so maybe next string change I’ll grab a set and see how they go

[@jeffonabigon6183]

They last along time as well.. you won't be disappointed!!

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah cool👍

[@daggad02]

I bought anFSX5 after ordering it to my local store and tried it and was happy with the way it sounded end felt. Beautiful little guitar but I started hearing some buzz on the D-string at home. Tried to adjust it but then the action got too high. Changed strings, same thing. Went back to the store and they tried to fix it but gave up. So it with a repair shop now. Hope they get it fixed. I also got an LL-TA that also got a slight buzz on the D but that is within what I can accept. But the FSX5 was really bad with capo below the 5th fret. Did not test with capo in the store unfortunaly or I would never take it home. I also think the laminate on the pickguard is a very bad move from Yamaha.. But a nice little guitar indeed. Better or equal to a Martin...hmmm I am sceptical. Better value for cash for sure when it is bought. But the Martins can easily be sold for the same or more as you got it for. I do not hink that goes for this one.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

That buzz is weird sounds like something simple though.. thinking nut nut groove but then with a capo it sounds like the saddle end might need a slight reshape. Well I highly rate mine and have played plenty of higher end guitars. My thinking these days is they all have little things for and against, and I think I could be happy with just about any of the decent brands. I tried two identical Martins back to back a few year ago.. one was awesome the other was nowhere near as good. I wouldn’t swap my Yam for either of them Yeah the stickers a bit lame to be honest. It sounds like an easy fix for a repair shop. If it’s present open and fretted it will be the saddle shape I reckon.. if it’s only there with the capo then it’s probably a high fret or the necks maybe too tight.. who knows leave it to the pros!..Good luck with it anyway man and thanks for the comment👍

[@daggad02]

@@JasonMckellMusic Thanks buddy, I am for sure not talking down the guitar. I loved the sound and feel of the thing and is waiting to get it back. Probably just missed at the factory if they do not test with capos. I discovered Yamaha at a party a few years ago. There was one there and the owner was not too fluent playing it. So I did what I knew without even caring about the brand. But hat to look at that neck and see what it was. Probably a cheap one but sounded really great !

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah it’s funny I’ve played a few and never played a bad sounding one but NEVER liked the narrow nut they all had.. so I wrote them off as an option but I really love the understated style of the red label series and when I saw 1 3/4 I thought.. I think this may be exactly what I’ve been looking for. I also restored a 70’s Yamaha a few years back and a mate bought it.. it is still one the best sounding guitars I’ve ever heard .. laminate top as well.. once it’s fixed I’d be interested to know what the problem turned out to be

[@daggad02]

@@JasonMckellMusic Hi again, got my guitar back ! The guitar shop I got it from wrote in the service not that the buzz was not very distinct. I disagree..but the repair shop sendt back that thay heard it and did a lot of trials to find the culprit. In the end it was something with the bridge or thereabout. Now the buzz is totally gone. I got another folk size Yamaha (Rosewood LL-TA) and a Martin 2019 D18 to compare to (then some not worth mentioning). The D18 is my favourite in my pack. Loud, light, has that raw Martin tone. The FSX5 is my number 2 in this collection. Beautiful, well made (far better details than the Martin), perfect size to sit and play for a long time. Awesome guitar. That said, when I picked it back up the store just got in a new Martin OOO-18 and I was able to sit with both and compare. I have to give the pretty clear win to the Martin, it was really good. Mine was, how should I put it, cleaner, rounder in the way it sounded. The 18 had that raw note separation that I just love. I suspect the Martin had .13 strings on it, I have .12 on mine for fingerpicking. Could have some influence. Still I picked good on it. But I guaess this all has to do with what our ears prefer. The mechanical feeling was very similar. And the FSX5 is as least as beautiful, I love the satin finish and binding. Also the 18 was about 120% more expensive..puh. They are really overpriced. My view at this is that if you only play acoustic with no mics and want to hear those angels sing at home, Martin (and probably others) make killer guitars. But be ready pay for that ! This is my honest opinion. I am super happy with my FSX5 now and since I got it back I have played it more than my Martin.Mostly due to the size. And I am really happy with it. Thanks, great channel. Love to see and hear your thoughts and see what you do :)

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks for the info and feedback man.. probably just the shape on the bridge. Mine wasn’t buzzing but I broke a E string in the same spot twice and there was a slightly sharp edge causing it.. slight rounding and haven’t broken one since. I don’t doubt the Martins are beautiful guitars but there’s just something about this Yam for me I just can’t put it down.. it’s like I got married I’m not looking at other guitars anymore haha

[@JohnMoseley]

I don't have one, but I've tried one out and loved it. I preferred it to the Martins and Taylors I've tried, most of them more expensive. A small thing, but I also like the fact that it looks so simple, like an older guitar. New Taylors and Martins, because of the satin varnish and often excessive modeling look over-finished and fake, which is a sad irony given the quality of the woods the use.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi John, Yes same the main thing I was drawn to was the styling.. dare I use words like Tasteful and Classic.. but thats what saw and still do..and it's Japanese styling as well because those 60's Yams had a style of there own. I think they really got it right. I see a lot of forum folks not liking the styling so much but they probably didn't start with guitars which look like this.. a bit of nostalgia to me

[@steventregilgas5016]

I have a Yamaha ls6 that I play finger style blues on but I want a fs3 greetings from Adelaide

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Steven, fellow Adelaidian & Yammie Blues player to boot👍.. I wish they did a Black LS6.. like the LL.. I’ve read they feel similar to the FS3 & 5’s to play with a 1 3/4 nut width.

[@stevenburton7922]

Hey Brother...really good review...thanks for posting!

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hey man, no probs Thanks for checking in👍

[@dxcman1]

I have 3 acoustic Yamahas and 1 electric from 98. I adore them. I have a LL6 that I had a bone nut and saddle put it that plays like a dream. I had a Taylor that I loved, but I sold it cause I played that and my Yamaha LS-TA so much more. I have to admit they play so well and for $1600 US you can own an FG5 or FS5 that is cheap versus a D18. I would love a Martin, but I keep thinking to myself does it play any better? I know it won't make me play better 🙂Nice review and congrats on finding a lovely guitar.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Thanks for the comment, I totally agree with “does it play any better”.. feeling. I was in a guitar shop the other day, surrounded by some very high end acoustics.. but really they’re all just guitars. First time ever I wasn’t drooling even a little.. and it’s not that I don’t think they’re great.. it’s more like I’m pretty sure any of them would do the job.

[@johnp.5882]

I have a Martin 000jr-10 that’s nice but I ended up after a few years finding it a bit small, lacking a bit of volume for fingerpicking and I catch myself unconsciously playing harder to get it. I’m thinking the FS3 might be right up my alley. Thanks for your good reviews, they are really helpful 👍

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks John, If a cheap FS-3 comes up and I have the cash I wouldn’t mind one. Be interesting to see any differences. If the FS5 didn’t come my way at a steal like it did I would have been playing an FS3 for sure

[@16lammp]

I literally have the same problem 😂

[@johnp.5882]

@@16lammp How long have you had your 000jr?

[@16lammp]

@@johnp.5882 I got it in September of last year, it’s a great little lap/songwriting guitar, if your lacking volume, try adding the “Liquidmetal” bridge pins made by Martin. You’d be shocked how much it changes the tone and sound. I’d try that before buying the Yamaha, it’s done wonders for me.

[@johnp.5882]

Thanks Paul, that’s a great idea. I’ll look into it and let you know what happens. Thanks again 👍

[@jasonziegler3085]

I don't think the pick guard is fake wood I'm pretty sure I read it's ebony which is pretty cool.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Jason, Yeah I couldn’t tell until it started feathering up a bit where my fingers rested. I took mine off as you can see in later videos and can confirm it’s a fairly thick textured sticker over a normal black scratch plate.

[@jasonziegler3085]

​@jasonmckellblues good to know thanks for mentioning that.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

@jasonziegler3085 no probs man, if mine hadn’t started to feather up I think I would have just left it be. But I do like the no pickguard looks as well. Cheers for watching 👍

[@truthray2885]

I have two Yamaha FG-75-1s and I wonder if you or anyone out there has a view about their comparability to an OM size guitar. Or how they compare in size to this one. I know this is a better made guitar than mine by a fair amount, but I do love the old wood sound of mine - like bells. But the bases in your guitar do sound quite a bit richer. Mine are a bit more "trebly", it seems. I have been lusting for an FG5 tho. And this FG3 sounds GREAT. Surprisingly profound.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

I don’t know about the FG-75 in comparison but some of the other guys in here seem to have some nice Yamahas collected up so hopefully one of them can shed some light in that one for you. FG-75 is a great looking guitar. I live those early Yam styles I think that’s why I fell in love with the FS.. it just captures that look in a modern player.👌

[@JohnMoseley]

A strong incentive for me to spend this much is, it seems such a good all-rounder: works for fingerstyle and strumming. Otherwise I'd be tempted to get one for each, but that'd cost more and I'd rather have fewer guitars.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

I'd still like to try the FS3 and intended to buy one if this hadn't been offered at a real discounted price. I think that would be an awesome guitar as well. Yes I find it like that, even though I play my Guild more these days I keep finding the Yamaha does everything well and is quieter doing it. The Guild is like a one trick pony. I think if I was going to record I may well use the Yam. I think it's more musical being a little bigger in the body so for me that suits anything I'm doing which isn't straight Blues but it's big enough to sound Dreadish but more focused.. if that makes sense. I originally bought mine with the intention of having "one good guitar" don't know what happened to that idea...

[@JohnMoseley]

@@JasonMckellMusic :-D That idea does seem to be subject to slippage for a lot of us.

[@tim2468]

I'm going out to get one tomorrow.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Cool man, 2 years on I’m still loving mine.👍

[@audible67]

As a finger style guitarist to myself with a fsx5 I suggest you just take that pick guard off. The guitar just sounds even better if you can believe it.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

It’s long gone brother!.. totally agree👍

[@audible67]

@@JasonMckellMusic hahahaha.

[@jeffonabigon6183]

ah yes the feathering on the scratch plate... i have the same issue just beginning.. the reason is the scratch plate is a sticker on a regular black scratch plate.. there's a video on youtube of someone removing I.. this is my only gripe about the FG Red Label series is the scratch plate is just a sticker.. the good think about it though is that it shows no scratches over the 2 years I've been hammering on this baby

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah man I took mine off.. some nasty glue under there though. It’s such an unnecessary dumb thing. Fake wood look pressed into the plastic surely would be a better than a sticker. It’s an extra layer of thick glue for starters… still I bloody love that guitar! Haha

[@truthray2885]

So, based on the first comment about the guy ditching his Martin OM for this guitar, would you say the dimensions of this guitar are essentially OM dimensions, and the same for "utility"?

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi yes basically the 000 is what they get directly compared with mostly in reviews I think because of the scale length. But yes sitting on your lap either would be similar.

[@Glfrboi1]

Did you change the strings ? Mine came with Elixirs and I found them too “jingly / chimy”. Swapped them out for John Pearse… Great….a different beast. ❤

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Graham yeah man I found the same Ej16 daddarios on mine. I think it sounds much warmer

[@PopsKustojo]

@@JasonMckellMusic hey Jason I’m a new sub here, great stuff you got on. Any thoughts on the action straight out of the box? I might be shifting decisions now, to this instead of the m$artin.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi thanks and welcome mine was excellent I still haven’t changed it from factory although lately thinking might just give the neck a quarter turn and see how it goes. Very impressed with the factory set up on mine.✌️

[@usmcchrisg]

My local shop told me I could have one of these by paying for it and then waiting indefinitely. That's probably improved it's been a few months.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Mine was bit better than that. Pay for it and should be here in a month.. it’s nerve racking buying something expensive you’ve never even played but it worked great for me so hopefully it does for you as well👍

[@usmcchrisg]

@@JasonMckellMusic ya this was in the summer. They might do it on deposit by now.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Actually that’s what happened with me.. it wasn’t here so I paid around half and had some time to find the rest.. was pretty stressful but soooo worth it👌

[@usmcchrisg]

@@JasonMckellMusic I got impatient and bought something similar price range Mexico Martin but I'll find one or order one at some point.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Nice!.. haha the old G. A. S got ya.. no worries. Nice I’m sure it’s gorgeous, congrats👍

[@thebadtouch9460]

do you have any thoughts about this guitar vs a Larrivee L-03R if you have any experience with that guitar? Two months ago or so I bought a Yamaha CSF3M cause I wanted a smaller gitfiddle..but since then because of the sound, I know what they can do...I figure the larger guitars can be just as good...but I have been wanting a Larrivee for awhile...at some point I will decide..the price point of the Yamaha is enticing.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Man depends on the purpose mostly to me.. workhorse or heirloom kinda deal.. ..it may be that you REALLY want a Larrivee.. beautiful looking guitars btw but I no experience with them at all. If you’re hearts set on a Larrivee then probably better to go that way if you’ve got the $$.. my heart was set on this exact Yam as soon as I saw it. Play them both if you can.. then unless the Yam smokes the Larrivee .. which is pretty unlikely.. buy the Larrivee don’t bother comparing it to anything else ever again and play the strings off it👍If you’re going to bang it around as a workhorse then the Yam will be more than good enough.. Cheers man👍

[@kenmcf]

@@JasonMckellMusic Thanks for the reply...like i said I have a Yamaha now...I forgot to mention..the LL16R...which is more what I am thinking...thx again.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Yeah cool I think the ll16 would be a beast!.. really like the black one🤘

[@ufcfan3940]

I changed the 12’s to 11’s elixir strings. perfect for me now

[@JasonMckellMusic]

I don’t know what it is with Elixirs lots of people love them but I just can’t get along with them. The coating comes off pretty quick for me as well they go fuzzy no idea why.. to each there own though. Must feel like a rocket with 11’s on it👍

[@ajakwerth]

@@JasonMckellMusic as a beginner with elixir strings on my guitar: what strings would you recommend? maybe to also get a different sound out of it...cheers

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Andreas, strings are a really Individual thing. It’s best to experiment with different gauges and brands as you go along. Mostly I use D’addario EJ16’s as I change strings pretty regularly and I can buy the 3 pack cheap. Having said that this time I bought Martin MA540’s as they were on sale and I used to find the ms4100 martins pretty close to the ej16’s.. I use Dunlop sometimes as well. I’d say settle on a gauge preference 1st then as you change strings try a few different brands out and you’ll find one pretty quick that you tend to go back to. Elixirs may be the best one for you and your guitar. I don’t use coated strings myself but I do clean my strings with a Blitz cloth regularly.

[@Entreek]

Hello any chance of an fs9 and fs5 comparison? You would be ideal for this 👍

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hey thanks.. I would LOVE to play one of those high end Yamahas.. and a comparison would be cool. I can't see me getting access to one of those anytime but I will keep it mind ..

[@ConradILIius]

Great tip with it being a slippery guitar, something I’ll watch out for, I got mine on layaway but am still contemplating the LL16, any thoughts? Thanks

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Hi Congrats man well my thoughts are the correct number of guitars to own is always what you currently have plus 1.. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@teladan5]

I have both the FSX5 and the LL16. Overall quality of the FSX5 is better, but the bigger LL16 is very nice and has a booming sound. I also think that the LL16 is “prettier” with the maple binding and abalone accent in the rosette. I like both but find that I prefer the slightly smaller FSX5.

[@davidbaillieul109]

I have owned an LL16, and currently have a FG3 and LS16M. The LL are quite different than the FG3. Rosewood will sound different than hog. These are all killer instruments. Purchase a couple used :)

[@phanhuyduc2395]

You can buy both and still save money compare to these overpriced Taylor

[@aptknifethrowerguy8342]

Just got mine today...I think the last guitar I'll ever have to buy

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Nice man, congrats.. ahhhh .. is there such a thing as that last guitar.. man I have amazing guitars and can’t help looking haha

[@BobsYoureuncle]

​@@JasonMckellMusic "Last guitar"" .... what's that 😁 Also ..... can't fault these better model Yamahas

[@JasonMckellMusic]

@@BobsYoureuncle I know hey!.. you think it's the last guitar .. until the next last guitar turns up haha

[@kwu2242]

gr8 guitar and review

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thank you.. I totally agree ( at least about the guitar) 😁 I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@jasonconerty2214]

Is the concert similar to 000 size?

[@JasonMckellMusic]

I’m not 100% sure I would say so as that’s the Martin size they do comparisons with most often

[@jasonconerty2214]

@@JasonMckellMusic gotcha man thanks

[@JasonMckellMusic]

No probs👍

[@patrickd1805]

Sorry, I’m at Martin loyalist I love my Martin and nothing’s gonna change that I don’t like the Yamaha Picard and their headstock. I don’t like as well.

[@masterzippo121]

...so you peeled this wood like plastic and now you have this real plastic :) . It looks good in that short video you added, now I have to peel mine and I thought it was real but that doesn't change the fact that it's a great instrument

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Haha yeah man don’t do it lightly though.. it doesn’t come off easy and was a horrible job to get the glue off. With some heat it may come away better, If mine wasn’t lifting on the edge I would have left it. Totally agree.. still my favourite 🎸.. (actually I’m pretty sure it’s probably the last guitar I’ll own )

[@masterzippo121]

@@JasonMckellMusic probably don't peel it until it looks disgusting, maybe never. I already have four YAMAHAs FS5, F310 I bought a new one 10 years ago, SJ180 from 80s, APX500 from 90s and I would like a FG150 from the 70s and LS26 that will 2030 ;) But I am a collector and I collect everything ;)

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Quite a collection.. bit of a Yamaha theme going on there🎸

[@masterzippo121]

@@JasonMckellMusic they are all great this SJ180 a very special instrument

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

I also removed the fake ebony pickguard ( Sticker) and underneath is a standard plastic pickguard which I much prefer and aslo might even help the top vibrate more with all that glue and fake ebony sticker removed, the plastic pickguard is much thinner once the job is done . I simply removed the sticker using my fingernail and pulled it off , then comes the pain in the arse part removing all the glue , for this I used WD-40 on a cloth to soften the glue and a credit card to scrape the glue back , took about 20mins to complete on my fg5

[@ostosaga]

Is this FS5 better than a Larrivee L-03?

[@JasonMckellMusic]

No ideas sorry, I haven't played a Larivee L-03

[@marciefree]

Shit Hot! ❤

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks mate👍

[@rumpledskin7971]

Could have showcased more of the acoustic blues beginning 10:02 instead of waxing about the guitar. It's usually more about the player than the instrument.

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Thanks man I’ll take a look. It’s always hard finding a balance with these things when editing.

[@JohnMoseley]

What strings do you use on these?

[@JasonMckellMusic]

I'm using plain old D'addarrio EJ16's atm

[@JohnMoseley]

@@JasonMckellMusic Thanks, I like those. Good to know.

[@leraph3904]

great guitar, good making but no soul in the sound...Sound great but not "special" for me

[@JasonMckellMusic]

Man.. We are exact opposites haha I feel like that with my Furch and you love your Furch.. I wish we were neighbours we could do a trade👍

[@leraph3904]

@@JasonMckellMusic if we were neighbhours, and play guitars...we must drink beers too ...hard life

[@JasonMckellMusic]

@@leraph3904 haha yeah man for sure😎