What should I look for and how much are these worth? 24 posts 1; 2; Next; New Yamaha FG5 New Yamaha FG5. Let us know the model of the one your friend has and where made. The production table posted on the acoustic guitar forum indicates that the red label guitars were introduced in 1969. Well made guitars. Location: Ohio the heart of it all. It was in very good condition. These were well-constructed, great-sounding guitars from Japan that were made in the classic tradition of steel-string, flat-top guitar design and tone, with their own innovative tweaks. My worry is that I know less about Yamaha, and that I’d regret not going for a Martin. Wow, Frank thanks for that link! Initially “YAMAHA GUITAR” is shorter and bolder. So when I researched what that involves on these old red labels, I learned they're notorious for having epoxied neck joints that are impossible to steam apart. However, I had not considered a Yamaha until I heard it. Prices should be between $100 and $300 depending on model. The FGX5 should be equally impressive. After quietly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic red label acoustics in 2016, Yamaha decided it was time to revisit the range, employing some modern tweaks and upgrades along the way. I've been wanting to try the FG5/FS5 (and their acoustic-electric versions) to compare, but haven't had a chance to get my hands on one. I’m looking to by my first acoustic. The so called lawsuit takamines weren't too bad either. The FGX5 is absolutely world class in every way. The FG-300 is a real good take on the Gibson Hummingbird, and has a country sound that will make you cry. I know in the old days a lot of bluegrassers that could afford a second Martin used them as their backup guitar. Buena Park, CA (April 26, 2019) -- Yamaha today launched the FG Red Label series of acoustic guitars, blending the vintage, handcrafted design of iconic early Yamaha instruments with the company’s cutting-edge technological innovation in wood conditioning and true-to-life sound reproduction.. Martin 00-15M / Yamaha FS5 MIJ Red Label / Faith Venus Blood Moon Burst / Taylor GS Mini-Koa / Yamaha CSF3M / Lava Me 2 #11 07-11-2019, 02:06 PM YamahaGuy. Registered Member. Registered User : Join Date: Dec 2016. I realized that I enjoy a more mellow, warm sound that the mahogany back and sides provide. After my research online I thought I’d end up with a Martin. On Ebay last week, I bid on (and unfortunately lost) a 1967 FG-180 red label. The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum > Guitars > The Guitar Critic's Corner > New Yamaha FG5. He graciously gave me all the details of his guitar, including its purchase price, where and when he bought it and how it has faired over the years. I wanted this guitar because one of my favorite artists used to play a '67 just like it (Paul Brady). What we have in the test area today is a from the reissued Red Label range, a Japanese-built FG5. So I was interested to hear the experiences of those who have played both guitars. I've had 2 Red Label FG180s and 4 Gold label ones ('70s period). In re-reading his e-mail, I realized that he had noted that his guitar does not have a red label, but a "yellowish one". I also like the Taylor 322E, but that is a lot more expensive, and tbh, still not as good as the Yamahas. Any other models aren't worth that much from what I've noticed. I should have stayed in and won the thing, but I was out of town when the bidding was concluded and had set my max bid too low. They can be great guitars, most are quite good and to me the very best choice for travel guitar. Just thought I'd pass this along. Yamaha FG’s have gone thru many changes since their introduction in 1966. The FG 140,160,180, 200 are the same guitar with minor cosmetics, the FG 150 is smaller and won't bring as much on a sale. I don't own either brands, but lately I've been going into stores trying different guitars to see what I might get next, and the Yamaha FG3/FGX3 blew me away. I more than likely am wrong, but I have a vague memory that at one point maybe in the sixties, the FG-180 had a solid top. Through the ’70s, the mod… I've been obsessing over how amazing those Yamahas I've tried have sounded and felt. It has a very balanced and rich tone. I'm not sure of the model numbers but have played a couple that were pretty good for sure. Yamaha has clearly pulled out all the stops on these Japanese made Red Label guitars. What we have in the test area today is a from the reissued Red Label range, a Japanese-built FG5. Something about it really sounded just so beautiful, a booming and rich sound, super warm and got me really excited. There's been a bunch of these threads about Yamaha red labels and laminates vs solid etc. The change to the common label happened in June/July 1967. I did some research on the Nippon Gakki instruments and learned that they are highly respected and very affordable. But the salesman showed me a Yamaha FGX5 Red Label ($1300) and I was blown away by how awesome it sounded. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. An old friend has a Yamaha Red label guitar that was owned by his grandfather. 3,078 756 3. I'd say, if it is one of those models in good shape, maybe $300 give or take. The guitar that belongs to Paul Brady is from 1967. It was a truly great guitar. He stills owns and plays it regularly, though he now plays Lowdens during performances and recording. But the salesman showed me a Yamaha FGX5 Red Label ($1300) and I was blown away by how awesome it sounded. SalFromChatham . They were so popular because they were affordable and widely available, and because they sounded and played great. But the modern incarnations add up-to-date features like a new scalloped bracing pattern, Yamaha’s “Atmosfeel” pickup and preamp system, and tonewoods “aged” through the company’s pressure-, humidity-, and temperature-treating process. I figured it was good enough for New Grass Revival's guitarist, Curtis Birch, so it'd work for me. There's an interesting thread over at the AGF right now with a Yamaha guitars timeline. I had a red label FG-180 30 years ago, based [as Dave notes] on its "poor-man's Martin" reputation. I had him play it back to back with a Taylor 317, (unfortunately the shop didn’t have any Martins) and the FGX5 sounded fantastic. Thanks for visiting.