Yamaha Red Label Guitars - FG5 vs FS5 Comparison

The Yamaha Red Label guitars have been some of the most popular of 2019 and 2020. Finally we have a couple back in stock… the Yamaha FG5 and the FS5. But what's the difference? Watch as we compare the two in a classic body shape battle!
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[@paulfowler5420]

I own several solid wood Martins (00-28; 000-15m; D18 MD) and have owned several Taylors . I recently purchased an FS5. They are hard to get as supply appears to be limited, at least here in Canada. It is a fantastic guitar and a tremendous value. The sound, to my ear is between a high end Taylor and a standard series Martin. A little brighter than a Martin but warmer than a Taylor. Rich and well balanced. Extremely well built with very high quality materials. Love it! A comparableTaylor or Martin will cost at least twice as much, so there is no comparison dollar for dollar. It also has the silkiest finish that I have ever felt on an acoustic guitar. Comes with a beautiful hard case too.

[@benallmark9671]

They’re pretty impressive for sure.

[@Keep-on-picking]

I’m a Japanese guitar player. I remember in early ‘70 Yamaha, Morris, and Yairi were reachable guitars. Martin and Gibson were only dream instruments on the TV. Now I find old Japanese guitars have been so wallet friendly that we enjoyed music. Thanks for this movie.

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

Great sounding guitars, love the clarity! Cheers

[@ericcross7863]

I'm gonna get up there and see your shop sometime Paul, you have the coolest job ever man, thanks for your videos. Definitely nerding out Quinton, I've got a D-11 and it seems warmer and more resonant day by day.

[@quigley4440]

Yes, it works. A local violin maker does it. Made a special cabinet with speakers at each end and it held 3 violins. Helped to brake in the woods faster. Play the music thru the speakers that you are going to play eg: bluegrass. Classical guitar also works well, but a quartet with violin, viola, cello and double bass covers it all. It works.

[@edp6679]

I received my FG5 the day this video was published on KZbin. Can not stop playing it. The way it compresses strummed chords into one note is amazing. It’s quite light (weight) and very resonant. The A.R.E. top makes a very noticeable difference (I have two other Yamahas as well) - it can be quite loud without getting muddy, and it really does sound “old” and broken-in/opened-up. The 1.75” nut is comfortable, and of course the neck and frets are impeccable as you would expect with a MIJ Yamaha. I prefer a slightly deeper neck for finger style playing, but this is truly a D18 killer (which was my yardstick for this type of guitar). Two big thumbs up. Thanks for the great reviews guys. PS. Quinton is right - the FG5 sounds better than the FS5. 😁

[@dingalsbe88]

They both sound great

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

I REALLY do appreciate that you guys help each other with the handling of the guitars , for the obvious reason to get the sound comparison as close to the other as possible for us. One commenter mentioned they wanted more comparison details . I'm guessing that because they are not only both Yamaha ..... both Series 5 .... and both the same year of build , that size and sound might be the Only comparison difference ? ? I personally would have loved some slow moving close up scans of each .... or at least of one guitar , over the front of it . P.S. - I also Really appreciate that you guys aren't all hyped up doing your videos. Just calm and to the point . A little more in depth would Really help . 😊

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Thank you. Exactly the comparison I was looking for. I subscribed. Gotta go with the FG5.

[@markjohnson6485]

Bought my FG 5 yesterday it is awesome. I own a Martin D41 and D35 and I am very happy with it

[@dalesearcy5734]

Sorry to change the subject but I just saw where Guild is introducing a new 6 and 8 string Baritone guitar. I would LOVE to see a review of this guitar when you get some in.

[@joibjalla]

I have the FS5. I'm a noob player but wow this guitar really sounds so much bigger than it is. And it is just so easy and comfy to play. Love it ♥️

[@ufcfan3940]

Love it my favorite guitar I own

[@joibjalla]

​@@ufcfan3940 I have both now and the FG5 is a cannon! Both such great guitars.

[@jdstan9650]

I've had my FGX5 (the pickup is awesome btw) for 5-6 months...and absolutely love it! I always wanted a D-18, but now, wouldn't pay twice what I paid for my Red Label for one. There's no reason to... If you can find one...buy it. You won't be disappointed.

[@carolobuj2159]

I had the same issue between d18 and fg5. I have fg5 since last december and each day i play and love it more and more...

[@casey17w]

Hey what do you think of the neck profile? Slim or thick or just standard? I've got a vintage yami and its got biiiiig ol V neck. Love it. So comfy.

[@dcarts5616]

If these guys could get a hold of a Yamaha LS 26 or 36 or the LL 26 or 36, and compared to Martin 000-XX I’d love it. Maybe compare to similar prices Taylor and even Gibson. DO IT!

[@bigbluecrab]

Got an FG5..These are solid guitars, made at the Japan factory..honestly the best sounding, best set-up I ever had...Truly a great guitar!

[@Fronz05]

Nice overview and great to see the Red Label return. I have a very old FG150 Red Label and it is phenomenal. It was my first real guitar that I bought used in 1972 and I think it is a 1970 model, not certain. It still plays and looks amazing!

[@dionst.michael1482]

Liar

[@jazzlehazzle]

The type of music that gets played on a guitar (or any stringed instrument) *absolutely affects how the resonance of the soundboard develops. Different music opens different pieces of wood differently. Every used guitar is one-of-a-kind.

[@roytube10]

good stuff, i will say yammies are hands down the best for the $. loved the discussion too.

[@shaneroberts9466]

So 15-20 seconds of noodle compare and 8 more minutes of gabbing. Would have liked to actually heard a real comparison however speaking for the fsx5 that I own it's a really great guitar and value as you mentioned.

[@johncarr4498]

For real

[@RandySchartiger]

the more the top of a guitar moves by vibrations from the strings or from a speaker playing music near it long periods of time the more it will move as the wood fibers loosen and allow it to move more, in turn, sound better. I've worked on several red label guitars and they all were great guitars.

[@ricosuave6731]

I like your channel, Randy!

[@markrobinson891]

I often do both play my Martin (about two years old Adi top tiger wood back/sides) alone or with a removable pickup in the sound hole and through a Roland amp. My impression is the guitar “moves” more plugged in. Not only from the speaker but somehow the resonance in the box. People also played the daylights out of it while it sat in the shop. It was just exotic enough custom shop to remain unsold for about two years. Love it like a human baby.

[@jamesmacdon9351]

I just got(finally) a new FG5. An absolutely phenomenal guitar.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Quite incredible. Apart from a little more bottom end in a dreadnought, in the rest of the voice both of these guitars sound remarkably similar, if not identical.

[@Joe_Montfort]

I know, right? I’m a strummer and occasional flat picker, so I normally prefer dreads, but that FS sounds _really_ good. I can’t decide which I prefer.

[@jeffonabigon6183]

I ordered an ll16m (backnordered) still have not received it.. it will be here in 2 weeks! I jist pulled the trigger on the F5G this morning found one I stock in north Vancouver... so she should be here within a week!! I may cancel the LL16m... but I doubt it!!!

[@MarkJVSomers]

Would be great to hear them next to an L-series.

[@tbsschiro1393]

In my opinion these guitars aint capturing anything from the past. They got there own special sound! These guitars are better then the old ones! If there capturing anything, its quality!

[@eddiebuckley8528]

Where does my FG335 ii stand in comparison to these models?

[@lhvent]

I have an FG830 and it is an unbelievable guitar. Even though laminate back and sides it has a very nice sound.

[@gabeah]

same. i can't believe how much depth, resonance and range of tone my 830 has. i love it. super easy to play as well.

[@strummer6642]

Agreed. The FG 830 is a great guitar and fantastic value. The sound becomes richer with use as it is played in.

[@redblazehorse]

I recently bought a FG830 and I love it!

[@mariodriessen9740]

I absolutely prefer these over last episode's Taylors. By the way, when will there be the 12 string shootout? 😁😁😁

[@pankajjoshi2032]

How much better are they compared to LL16D ARE ?

[@gregt4202]

My FG5 is the first guitar I pick up every day. My son still plays my 52 year old Fg180.

[@championhairpuller]

These are great guitars. I have the FS5 because of comfort. Awesome tone and playability. Wish there was a little more bass, but that's it.

[@takezomiyamoto1390]

Exact same thing here. FG sounds better on its own, but FS is much more comfortable to play. It makes a big difference when you spend hours on it Plus, wired they sound basically the same.

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

I thought the same thing re bass ..... but the 5 Series opens up a whole new market for Yamaha .

[@jeffwalther]

I like to have my steel string guitar on the wall to to improve my stereo music. The strings shiver with the music and adds a dimension to my stereo music.

[@MrArlenBrazill]

would love it if you guys did a FG5 vs FS5 Comparison.

[@markthomasgazel]

Ehm, that is what this video is about 🤷‍♂

[@marklove6580]

Love my FGX3. I do not hear a difference compared to the FGX5 on KZbin videos, but maybe if I got my hands on one I would hear something? For easier fretting I loaded up the Martin Monel Retro Extra Light strings and am super impressed, whether flat picking, strumming or fingerpicking - amazing balance and control/dynamics. I keep testing other guitars, including D28 and J45, and still prefer my plain old FGX3. Glad I found it when I upgraded.

[@Charlie-hp2oh]

FG 5 is a big thunderous dreadnought that beats every other. Better than any Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Guild,... Ok, maybe too big for in a band setting.

[@phyfts]

Wish they made a rosewood version of these

[@championhairpuller]

It's all about mahogany, baby!

[@ogdigger1776]

I bought the FGX5 because it was mahogany. I'm a beginner/intermediate guitar player that is looking for a "step up" guitar. I wanted a quality construction, solid body, mahogany dreadnaught and I think the Yammy is going to be an awesome choice. (I ordered the guitar yesterday) so I'll let you guys know what I think after I play it for awhile.

[@jlunch]

That’s what the L series is for.

[@markjohnson6485]

I have a FS 5 love it I am a Martin nut and have owned many custom standard EC Modern Deluxe and Authentic series SC 13 and others and the Yamaha can hang with them fit and finish and tone are all very good

[@mikecostigan9913]

FS5 for the win. Does not sound overdriven like the FG5.

[@richardferris6976]

Nice pickin Quenton

[@A2an]

The FG5 sounds best, grate talk not least the phenomenal guitar play. 👍

[@edfulginiti8798]

Got me the FG5. Happy!

[@ejpurkis]

I read somewhere that Lowden Guitars used music through a cranked speaker to condition their new instruments to replicate the response of an aged instrument.

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

And that has what to do with a Yamaha A.R.E. ? I like Lowdens , but relevance ?

[@keithnorvell3583]

Tonerite, makes a thing to vibrate the top. I use one.

[@jasper_north]

ME TOO. AGREE

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

7:58 demo

[@ramspencer5492]

Top notch guitar.... Better to my ears than some more expensive Martin's, Gibson's or Taylor's...

[@chezruss]

I personally prefer the look and sound of the FS5 ...

[@ManwithAx]

Me too. Yes, it has less bass but seems more balanced to my ear.

[@UAL320]

Is the FS5 closer to an 0 or 00 or 000?

[@musicvilladotcom]

i would say 00.

[@55Cibby]

I've been playing for 56 years. I've played and Martins,Gibsons,Guild a Taylor or two. Was not a fan of guitars made outside of the USA . I own 2 D18's a D28. HD28 a Gibson Hummingbird the newest of the lot a 2014 D18. The Red Label FG5 is among the best I've played and I own it. For the price you will not find anything better even if you spend twice the price of the FG5.

[@woodwindrain5020]

I totally agree with you. I too have several Taylor's, Martins, Takamines, Larrivees. I just bought a Yamaha from seeing all the great reviews and people saying how great it was. I'm now a believer! The craftsmanship on these guitars are probably some of the best there is. The tone, bass & trebles just ring out through the body. It's really a gem!

[@letitbe978]

eastman under 1000$ are good thoo

[@dcarts5616]

What about a Yamaha LS 26/36?

[@woodwindrain5020]

@Dcarts that's the guitar I was talking about. I bought the LS-36r. :)

[@dcarts5616]

@@woodwindrain5020 oh man I’m super envious! Would you really rank it as better sounding and more playable than comparable Martin/Taylor etc? I can’t find ANY where I live to go look at even. I want the LS26 so bad. The best thing about the LS 26 line and above is that they are handmade in Japan! I don’t think the LL/LS 6 or 16 models are though but cannot remember. I’ve owned a Martin DRS1, currently have a Yamaha FSX700SC and just last year sold my 2011 Martin 000-18 because I preferred playing my entry level Yamaha.

[@uvp5000]

I recently commented on the Taylor 811e and GT Ash video on this channel stating that the sound of both those instruments did not move me. I stated my personal preference with those comments. Even though I prefer the FG5 more than the FS5 in this video, they both sound very nice to me; either instrument would suit me nicely. If I had an abundance of discretionary funds, I could (and would) purchase both guitars featured here. Alas, discretionary funding and I miss each other and likely will for a while to come. I already have enough guitars (no I don't!) so I am not deprived. For friends and loved ones who confirm that I have enough guitars, I can only respond with this statement for wanting more guitars: "I can stop anytime I want to". If you believe that, there is a big red bridge spanning San Francisco and Marin county that I would like to sell you. One more important thing I wish to point out is that I also replied to a comment about Tony Polecastro when he was playing guitars in these Music Villa guitar showcase/comparison videos. He would always play the same selection of riffs, ostensibly to showcase the instrument over what was being played. I respect that but prefer Quinton's use of variety in what he plays. I feel that Quinton showcases the instruments featured here much more completely than Tony did. Separately of that thought, I just flat out like Quinton's playing a whole lot both in overall technique, skill, and choice of chords/notes played. Paul & Quinton - nicely done with these videos. I look forward to enjoying more of them.

[@naveenc.j1594]

00:00 - 00:28 7:56 - end

[@johncrane6673]

Surely a $12,000 guitar, must be better than a $1,200 guitar (OK, so I've been brainwashed). You can solve this debate by simply charging $12,000 for the FG5 (Hey, it's a Red-Label). Many will get all-googley-eyed, and gleefully fork over the cash! Seriously, letting Quinton demonstrate these phenomenal instruments, puts high-dollar guitars at great risk. Keep up the good work!

[@3mangt]

the woody house do has too much reverb

[@brendangray]

Are these new?

[@musicvilladotcom]

Yes

[@RegNarnoc21]

I have the fg 3 red label and I can honestly say it is the best guitar I have ever owned..

[@Fredwitrave]

Have you owned any others?

[@RegNarnoc21]

Fredwitrave ya owned many over the years,currently own two guilds,a Martin omjm.a Gibson j45,plus my two Yamaha’s fg’s..

[@Fredwitrave]

@@RegNarnoc21 nice collection!

[@marklove6580]

I bought the fgx3 when I gave my starter Yamaha to my son in law. I spent about 4 hours playing every guitar in the store between $300 and $1000. When I strummed the 3, it blew away every other guitar, including the Martins. Then I compared the fgx3 against guitars between 1000 and 1500, including Martins and Taylors. Nothing else came close to the sound of this Yamaha. I now have Martin Monel Retro Extra Light strings on it, and it plays easy and sounds amazing, whether finger picking or strumming. I suggest trying those strings on this guitar. Whether I play bluegrass or renaissance English fingerpicking tunes, it sounds insane. I haven’t played the 5, but I don’t hear a meaningful difference between the 5 and 3 on KZbin. I like the FS too, but I really prefer the resonance and fuller sound of the FG.

[@festushaggen2563]

I've had a Yamaha FG730s for years now and there's no denying it's a good quality instrument. Solid spruce top, solid rosewood body, nato neck and rosewood fret board for $300 new was an incredible deal. There wasn't a single flaw on it either. It sounds great. Yamaha's build, sound and affordability combo is hard to beat.

[@Charly-ul9qe]

I am not a big fan of Yamaha, but they sound good

[@TotallyRadTV]

9 minute video, not a word said about how they actually compare... amazing.

[@tbmberlin]

Yes I feel you, but at the end we got 2 minutes of playing that tell a lot...

[@multipipi1234]

I prefer Carling Black Label.

[@tomformanek3312]

When Quentin plays it really brings the strengths of the instruments forth. However.... Over 8 minutes of a 9 minute video on TWO guitars is just talk. Are you guys in the business of guitar sales or is this Wayne's World II?

[@westwalnutrecords]

These Yamaha fg models are the most attractive dreadnoughts ever made

[@danielrains2055]

9:03 into this video n only heard guitars once!!!!!! Wat r the specs. How do they sound compared to the other. Period. U guys r discussing how people decide on this or that instead of giving them something to to decide on. Gets old

[@morna45]

Yeah, I'll go without eating for 5 months and then crawl to my nearest Guitar Center. Beautiful bang for the buck, but holy ****, I'm just shaking my head at the price.

[@ImGriffinP]

Still less than half what a 009-18 or D-18 costs and these have an aged top. They aren’t cheap but are phenomenal value it seems.

[@turbosoggy8404]

Look at some of the prices for American made guitars of similar quality. Compared to those, these are cheap.

[@stevebernard221]

Yamaha is one of the best builders in the world.

[@stevebroom4246]

come on guys less talk I want to hear Quentin play the guitars!!

[@markmashia7551]

I’m considering both the Martin 15 series and the FS5 000. Any thoughts to help with this decision?

[@DH-og5yr]

What did you end up getting

[@markmashia7551]

@@DH-og5yr Martin 000-15SM. It’s a keeper!

[@pai-nai-kor-dai1335]

FS5 ❤️

[@Guitar-pro-lk]

Anyone from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰😅

[@el34glo59]

Yamaha is stepping up their game. That's a good sounding hog

[@TheCarolo08]

fg

[@abslenchar2347]

can you please do less talking and more playing, a 9 minutes video with only 30 seconds playing the instruments

[@austingal9869]

Didn’t her to the end of this one stopped listening at around 6 minutes. Too much talk

[@yoyo-bq2pp]

That was a lot of blabla....

[@anatol1204]

I thinkmthey are a little dull in the highs

[@danielweiss4498]

That IS wanted for this model. IT IS because of aging a.r.e and mahagoni

[@patrickevelyn8028]

Fg kills the fs...

[@cloudyx5508]

too much talking, not enough playing

[@blueser100]

Oh my goodness stop talking and play.

[@LerZubkov]

По сравнению с этими гитарами, гитары Martin звучат как дешевые игрушки. Американцы не умеют делать гитары.

[@bennyshaversmusic590]

All my life Yamaha guitars were decent affordable guitars in the $150-$550 price range. Why the hell would anyone pay over $1300 for one now??

[@jeyapragashradhaakrishnan3443]

The 5 series are handmade from Japan. The ones built in Japan have incredible craftsmanship and are only build by 12 luthiers who are employed in the shop or the master luthier himself

[@jlunch]

For as long as Yamaha produced decent quality and affordable guitars (since 1966), they have also been dead serious in producing world class high end instruments. The top category of what Yamaha (L series) have always cost big bucks and been absolutely incredible instruments. The LL55 from the 80’s sold for over $4,000. John Denver’s main axe was the incredible LL-53. They are killer guitars and money very well spent. The FG5 is a total bargain. It’s an amazing guitar.

[@treecounting]

...... You live in a cave your whole life ? Buy a Taylor, you deserve one.

[@tscotts9699]

China China China I’m good

[@yamaha28]

These are made in Japan

[@tscotts9699]

Not what I heard

[@fredflinstone3173]

FS3 is made in China FS5 is made in Japan

[@tscotts9699]

@@fredflinstone3173 Not what I heard. Find me a factory tour vid and I'll believe it.

[@paulfowler5420]

Definitely Japan.