Yamaha's new Red Label FGX3 and FSX3 Acoustic Guitars: The 60's Legend Reborn!

** Correction to video. The FGX3 and FSX3 are all-solid.**
At Alamo Music Center we are big fans of Yamaha guitars and they have just released a new line of FG and FS body guitars called the Red Label Series. The new Red Label guitars harken back to Yamaha's 1966 release of the FG180, the first production acoustic guitar by Yamaha. Rather than being a reissue, these new Red Label guitars combine the aesthetic of the past with the refinement that Yamaha has made over the past 50 plus years. A.R.E heated treated tops and specially scalloped bracing ensure a vintage and responsive tone. Acoustic-electric models are equipped with the cutting edge Atmosfeel, 3 source pickup system. Check out Chris McKee's full review of the FGX3 and FSX3.
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Features 2:10
*Playing Demo 8:50
*Recap 17:05
Yamaha Red Label Series: www.alamomusic.com/search.php...
Yamaha FGX3: www.alamomusic.com/yamaha-red...
Yamaha FSX3: www.alamomusic.com/yamaha-red...
Warm Audio WA-47JR Microphone - www.alamomusic.com/warm-audio...
Shop Acoustic Guitars - www.alamomusic.com/guitars/
Guitar Buyers Guide → www.alamomusic.com/discover-m...
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → www.alamomusic.com/find-your-...
__________________________________________________________________
? Talk to an expert here → www.alamomusic.com/find-your-...
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: [phone]
♬ Connect:
Twitter → / alamomusic
Instagram → / alamoguitarco
Facebook → / alamoguitar
#yamahaguitars #redlabel #yamaharedlabel #FGX3 #FSX3 #yamahaacousticguitars #yamahaacoustic #newfor2019 #guitardemo #guitarreview #guitarcomparison #alamomusiccenter #acousticguitar #flatpicking #guitarstrumming #chrismckee #alamomusic

[@voltecrules624]

Solid mahogany back and sides, string spacing is the same as the 5 too. This video needs edited to acknowledge errors in description of guitar.

[@pplareppl]

All solid for all 3 and 5 line

[@treytabner]

Best reviews ever with the priceless bonus of demos that I can just listen to and relax with. Thanks, Chris!

[@MelodyMaker]

I must express my gratitude toward Yamaha. This company is providing quality guitars for budget minded consumers. Enjoying countless hours of fun on my basic FG800. Looking forward to checking out the FGX line up soon.

[@daniel7385]

I am playing Fg800 two. It is a great guitar for it's price. I am also thinking of buying this Fgx3. Have you got one?

[@MelodyMaker]

@@daniel7385 Went to the Songsmith from Simon and Patrick to complement the FG800. There are so many good guitars on the market right now but not necessarily in stock.

[@matthewi.minnick5845]

Thank you for demoing the pickups. Cannot wait for my FGX5!!!

[@savanaviolenta]

Yep, I'm definitely getting the FGX3

[@mt-nv4jd]

Sir, the Yamaha website specs the FG3 as "All Solid".

[@cmoreno12345]

Agreed. And it sounds superb.

[@guimarboy]

All solid not laminated. Surprised they haven't corrected it yet.

[@powbobs]

And the string spacing is the same.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

I own the FS3, and it is all solid wood. I think the "5" is more expensive due to being made (better) in Japan rather than China.

[@crispycat4852]

Had an FSX3 now for a month, picked one up from a shop in Paris that had an exclusive on them very early. Highly recommended, beautiful tone, amazing pick up system and all solid body for under €1000. Tried other guitars like the C114 in the same price range and the fsx3 was head and shoulders above the rest. Must be straight in as one of the top guitars in this price range

[@davek00]

Hey Chris, thanks for yet another fine review. I'm eagerly waiting for my pre-ordered FS-5 to come in. One thing that isn't mentioned enough in the comments on your videos is how well you play. You make all of the guitars you review sound very good. A talented player, playing great guitars.

[@ImGriffinP]

How are you liking the FS5? Trying to decide between it, the FS3, and potentially a Martin 000-15m

[@davek00]

@@ImGriffinP I can't speak about the FS3 because I've never played one, but I love my FS5. I also have a Martin D-15m, so it seems we have similar tastes. Hard to compare the two guitars since they sound very different because of the materials used. The baked top of the FS5, with the mahogany back and sides really gives it a dry, vintage tone (which I prefer). But it is a spruce top, so the mids and highs are crisper than they are on the all mahogany Martins. The FS5 is louder than you might expect from a guitar this size, especially strumming. Personally, I love them both because I like having different "flavours" to choose from. In terms of playability, be aware that, even though the specs on the Yamaha state a 1 3/4 nut, the string spacing is actually a bit more snug than my other guitars with that nut width. The difference is slight, but it's there. The Martin has a 1 11/16" nut, but the spacing on both of these guitars feels very similar. Also, though the Martin has a standard scale length and the Yamaha is a short scale 24.9", I found the string tension to feel quite snappy and tight on the Yamaha, surprisingly so. I prefer a bit more give in the strings (I play fingerstyle), so I had that fixed with a proper set up. Fit and finish on both guitars is top notch. These Japanese built Yamahas are very well built. I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Martin 15 series, but they are very lightly built with pretty thin tops. My luthier (a Martin dealer) even believes they're a little too thin, given how many he's seen come back with issues of bellying caused by humidity. So if you choose the Martin, make sure you stay on top of your humidity levels. That's not a criticism of the Martin, because the thin topped mahogany resonates very well, but it is something to be aware of. I'm not sure how much this helps. With these 2 guitars, it's obviously best to find a shop that has both so you can A and B them and find the one you prefer. Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.

[@leelossi1257]

awesome playing Chris!

[@3cardmonty602]

Man - the FGX3 is luscious. I can’t wait til they hit the stores to try out. I’m curious how they compare to my 1983 FG-200. Thanks Chris.

[@Mollieannepine]

These sound amazing

[@neilmchardy9061]

I’ve got a Yamaha nippon gaki FG140 from 1969, bought it new at 17 years old still got it

[@AlamoMusic]

Awesome! How did it age?

[@neilmchardy9061]

Alamo Music Center perfectly, it sounds just nice, it’s not a boomer it’s quite a delicate sound but the neck hasn’t moved a millimetre in all these years and plays great.

[@AlamoMusic]

Very cool! Sounds like a great guitar!

[@libracordial]

I have one as well, and it’s my favorite acoustic guitar! The only one that competes is my friend’s Gibson J-50 (from 1956). My FG-140 (from ‘69) records incredibly well! (Especially using an Austrian Audio OC-818 set to cardioid or a Neumann U67). Highly recommend!

[@JorgeTheilacker]

Nice acoustic guitar. Like the boomy low end. Specs of the Yamaha site stands both 3 and 5 are all solid wood. Also ALAMO site...

[@samanthawong7618]

Thank you for this excellent review. The guitars sound amazing. Wondering if you can do a comparison between the FS 5 and LS 16 models. Thank you.

[@1ArtfulBodger]

I bought an FGX3. The bass response shocked me. Be aware that this guitar comes with a high action on the bridge and nut so, will need to be set up. Having said that, it's one of the best guitars I've ever played.

[@zachparton4870]

Yamaha is way underrated. I love my 2. May have to pick up one of these . That a the best I've heard and electro acoustic sound.

[@metoo9644]

I have. APX700ii, and a red label is on my list (FSX3). I tend to somewhat disagree with it being underrated, Yamaha makes when heck of a guitar and I think most people would agree with statement, just might not want to admit that there are better and at a third of the price of gibson or martin

[@jtiizii5163]

very cool!

[@Hollcall]

tried to buy one in 1966........waited ALL summer. Never came in to STORE. Bought a Gibson SJ , which I still have.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

Oh man I want that fgx3

[@ronammar5021]

Would love to see the FG5/FS5 review!

[@qingli2165]

hi Chris, big fun of you videos, I think the FG3 is all solid too

[@christophermckee659]

Qing Li yes, all solid. I’ll need to post a correction. Initial specs were incorrect.

[@powbobs]

⁠Same string spacing too.

[@artvillarino2878]

Greetings! How’s the fret board? Is it flat like the old FGs or circular? I have an FG 180 and it has a flat fret board and fat neck which makes it quite uncomfortable to play. Nonetheless, it’s a great instrument.

[@roberthickman2953]

The FG3 is listed as solid back and sides?

[@dmar3651]

HOLY S*%# that one Beautiful sounding pickup! What the hell? And the guitar sounds glorious. Well aged. I thought the preamp almost looked like the fishman Aura system. Damn. What a line of guitars by Yamaha

[@peanutavalon]

how many hours do you get out of the battery? thanks

[@multipipi1234]

Solid all the way through....

[@haobowang2405]

I‘m curious about a comparison between FGX 3 & A3M. Both are all solid and in the same price interval.

[@patrickwass241]

I have both the fgx3 is mutch better

[@patrickwass241]

I had the A3R and i have both FG3 and fsx3 A3R dont stand a chance

[@imannonymous7707]

Fgs are the model to own if u want a yamaha... i agree, owned n played a few in my life but honestly im a fan of of Alvarez yairi if you want a fine japanese acoustic, but the fg is great

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

"Spacing's a little wider on the 5 than the 3..."? The specs show the same 44mm nut width for both series? Could a recut nut fix this (I prefer wider)? BTW, I recently did have the opportunity to play an FS5 for a few minutes - wow! Just wow!!!

[@Tigerex966]

Bridge saddle?

[@powbobs]

FG sounds amazing.

[@felipew101]

Your pronunciation of nippon gakki is pretty solid

[@jackbandel291]

Is the FSX3 body thinner than the FSX5?

[@dmar3651]

Hey Chris, According to some dealers I saw, even the no.3 models also come with Solid Mahogany Back n Sides. Are they wrong?

[@AlamoMusic]

They are correct. I’ll post a correction. The earliest specs I received indicated laminate. It is all solid.

[@AlamoMusic]

Added an annotation to note the correct spec. - Chris

[@bryanbaskett4010]

You can order a Yamaha Bone Nut and Bridge for the FGX5 that will fit the FGX3 directly from Yamaha, as well as the ebony pins, and wood pick guard, all for about $75 shipped.

[@vivianphan663]

Where is it? I can’t find it anywhere.

[@glorioskiola]

I want an R (rosewood back and sides). Not made (yet). Looking at the A series which has a rosewood option.

[@Steven-Duffy]

The Ll16 is a beutiful Rosewood Yamaha 😊

[@Renaldo015]

The L series looks better imo specially the LJ16 with its classic body shape. But then I also like the looks of A series. I just bought a used 2014 taylor 324ce and I'm already looking at other guitars. I guess it's true what they say that you can never have enough guitars.

[@joibjalla]

Very nice! Love everything about them except for the pickguard 😍

[@Tigerex966]

Where can you buy the wood one on the fg5 and fs5?

[@fourocker]

Just peel the pick guard off and don't have one, that's a classy look.

[@gunsofsteele]

3:12 you say the back and sides are laminate Mahogany but on musicians friend it reads "The FSX3 Red Label's solid mahogany back and sides". Which is correct?

[@nomandad2000]

Wood

[@jackbandel291]

Thanks for the review. Would have been helpful if you told us what you were adjusting and how much as you did it. Also, why were you adjusting the knob during the "mic" section? Has no impact on what we are hearing.

[@matthewi.minnick5845]

He played each guitar once. During the mic part, the mix you hear is just the condenser mic. During the line input, you are hearing the same piece played, but not via the mic, just through the pickups. It seems that each one started with the dial on full pickup and gradually went to full mic. Not sure about the EQ sweep.

[@Tigerex966]

It's plug in all the time he is not using the Mic on the stand at all. It is the Mic that in the guitar 3 way pickup system he is simply using just the condenser and just the under saddle and adjusting the levels and possibly blending the two. It is amazing that it sounds almost as good as if he was using the Mic on the Mic stand. That's how insanely good it is.

[@markmashia7551]

Can’t decide between the FS3 or Martin 15 series. Any thoughts?

[@TWC6724]

I agree. That would be a tough decision. I think the only thing that could be added to this would be installing a true bone nut and saddle.

[@roostershooter76]

You keep saying the "FG and FX" and I think you meant the "FG and FS". Also, they're both all Solid Wood.

[@flyfisherx2311]

You say the string spacing is narrower on the FSX-3 compared to the FSX-5. On the Yamaha website the specs say they are both the same at 11mm. Which is correct?

[@paul4292]

All Red Label models have 44mm nut width and 11mm string spacing (55mm from E to E string) at the bridge ..no difference between 3 and 5 and no difference between FG and FS.. I think Yamaha knows what the specs of their guitars are. so the guy in the video is wrong

[@paul4292]

I think they even have 55,17mm string spacing to be precise ..even more than Martin‘s 000 guitars I think ..they „only“ have 54,77mm. but both stated as 11mm between every two strings ..so especially the FS would be a great choice for fingerstyle

[@Tigerex966]

Anyone notice clouding in the semi gloss finish of the red label fg3?

[@jika76]

I did. I saw a FGX3 in the local store and the finish was unevenly cloudy. To be honest, I thought it got damaged from some sort of an alcohol based cleaning product used for COVID-19 disinfection.

[@marklove6580]

Brought home an fgx3 today after playing more than 20 others. This guitar completely blew away everything else. Played 20+ guitars priced $500 to $1200. This one was the clear winner. Nothing else came close. Even the more expensive Yamaha models and Martins etc. did not have the tonal character and sustain this one presented, and it somehow made my barre chords easier to play and better sounding. No idea how they do that, but no complaints. Yamaha in my opinion consistently delivers incredible quality at every price point, whether it’s guitars or pianos.

[@daniel7385]

Hi, is it good for strumming? Thanks

[@marklove6580]

@@daniel7385 absolutely. Great for strumming. I sometimes strum pretty aggressively and it feels like it’s designed for that. Great all around guitar. Always worth playing at the shop before buying, though.

[@daniel7385]

@@marklove6580Thank you! I will buy one

[@dxcman1]

I have a l series, an trans acoustic, ac3r and now an FG3 .. can’t beat a yamaha

[@kazzz2765]

which is your favourite?

[@Benwaldner3298]

What is the best guitar u have reviewed

[@Benwaldner3298]

Or played

[@bronzesnake7004]

I have a Yamaha FG340 in black. Does anyone know how many black FG340 were produced? Has Yamaha ever produced custom guitars? I have over 25 years experience as lead vocalist/writer/rhythm guitar player and I've had and played too many guitars both electric and acoustic to count, but this black FG340 has the very best tone I've ever heard for acoustic. Yamaha has always been a mystery for me as to why they don't promote their superior high quality guitars. As for electrics, the Yamaha SG series are a superior guitar as well. I've owned and played many Yamaha acoustics, and I've never found a single sub par guitar. Yamaha has been building awesome guitars for decades and are very much under appreciated. My first quality acoustic was a Yamaha FG365 which I got when I was about 13 years old. I stupidly traded it for an electric and have seriously regretted it ever since I grew the hell up and realized what a tar-hole I was letting that guitar go! Right now I have six acoustics - a Yamaha classical - I can't recall what model it is - the black Yamaha FG340 - a Cort solid spruce top 3/4 Earth series - an Ovation 1917 - an Epiphone AJ 100 - and I just bought (two nights ago) a brand new Seagull Maritime SW with Fishman electronics which is another awesome guitar! I also have a full hollow Epiphone Casino which is my hands down favorite guitar in my collection. The Casino can be played acoustically and has a pretty solid rich tone for an electric. I'm a huge Beatles and Wings fan, and if anyone isn't familiar with Casino tones and versatility consider this - the opening salvo from the first metal riff in musical history from the Beatles "Revolution" is done on a Casino, which the three loved and used pretty much on all their recordings post 1964 when they bought their Casinos. You can also hear many great blues and jazz music where the full hollow body Casino is also perfectly suited to. Throw on a set of Da'ddario silver or nickel strings and you'll have your Beatles tone! If you're playing up and down the neck, or pulling out a lot of stretches buy Daddario flat wound and you'll cut right back on string squeal...unless you enjoy that kinky stuff! OH! BOOM! The Yamaha FG340 has a rich mid tone that I love and prefer. Whereas the Seagull has a bright, rich tone leaning toward the high treble tone, and I bought this specifically to balance my recordings. The FG340 is still my favorite. So, I've done a TON of research and can't find any info on this rare black FG340, so if anyone can give me any info I would be greatly thankful! Jack ~'()'~

[@kampos8705]

FG3 or LL16M?

[@blueeyedwhitedragon7445]

Whats better this or Taylor 214ce

[@nomandad2000]

This. Taylor electronics are also shitty.

[@patrickwass241]

I played the tylor 314ce The Martin gpc11e And the Yamaha fsx 3 today I Wendt with Yamaha fsx3 outstanding same playabillity as the Taylor but bettet sound. Martin not even close

[@LoneWolf-cv6pl]

I'm confused! I looked up the specs online and it says it's an all solid made in Japan but this guy keeps saying it's laminate and made in China.

[@dxcman1]

He clarified in another video .. 3 series made in china 5 series made in Japan .. all solid wood for both. Both are great guitars

[@TWC6724]

Gosh, this or an Eastman E1OM?

[@MAGAPatriot]

What did you get?

[@TWC6724]

@@MAGAPatriot Eastman

[@MAGAPatriot]

@@TWC6724 Thanks, Do you like it?

[@TWC6724]

@@MAGAPatriot I do. I really would have liked to try the red label but no where around me ever had one. For the money, the Eastman is really good.

[@MAGAPatriot]

@@TWC6724 Thanks, I have the same problem. Even the Eastman, I have to drive an hour to find a store that sells just a few. I really like Eastman from the reviews Ive watched.

[@clyntonmoorcroft6413]

Sorry but I think you got your specs wrong. The FGx3 is all solid wood.

[@javiersilva5409]

I went to play a fsx3 yesterday in GC. It sounded like plastic ..absolutely terrible, lifeless. And the frets were so small that playing solos on it was impossible.

[@amcasci]

Wrong...all have solid wood thought.

[@LerZubkov]

Американцы как обычно много болтают и мало делают

[@grandelfe]

The early guitars this is based on were crappy and not well liked. Easily the worst guitar I have ever owned, over my lifetime. Tonality was OK but the neck warped so It became unplayable, because no Truss rod. Low quality compared to more recent CNC built offerings, and I gave it away, even though I was a money poor Teenager.

[@medicinemann8844]

Stop ur BS and get to da Chase!

[@AlamoMusic]

Links to the demo in the description.

[@michaelsiegfried7319]

Personally, I like when he describes the guitar before the demo. To each their own

[@karlburmeister1552]

Fast forward. It's not that hard.

[@snoolee7950]

too bad about the ugly-ass finish ugh. It's like the did the job half way. Call me when you get a lacquer finish

[@allenbetz1175]

Satin breaths better

[@paulkline3011]

To each his own. I have an FG3 and I love the finish!!!

[@nomandad2000]

We’re buying an instrument, not a coffee table…

[@snoolee7950]

the FG5 made in Japan is a little over $2,000. with that horrible horrible horrible matte finish. so much for Yamaha value brand