Love Yamahas and Japanese built acoustics. My 1973 Yamaha FG-160 being my favorite of all I’ve owned and played. It’s still in great shape and 50 years of aging has given it an incredible tone. Just acquired a 70’s era Yamaki classical guitar and it’s the same experience. Well built and sounds far better than it should. The Japanese take pride in their work and it shows. They build them to last.
I'm about to buy a Yamaha LL16 D. While it is a Chinese model, it's totally hand-crafted to high standards using all solid spruce & rosewood with ebony fingerboard & bridge, with a rosewood bridge plate underneath, real hand-laid abalone everywhere, and for $1130, it can't be beat for the price. For tone and volume, they are absolute cannons. Don't forget the true Japanese Takamine's. Their craftsmanship is 2nd to none. I know, because I owned & gigged with 3 different Japanese Takamine's at the same time. One I kept in standard tuning and the other two I kept in various open tunings. Sure made life much easier on stage. I also owned a top-shelf Taylor, and as much as I loved it, I loved my Takamine's even more, especially during live performances. Besides: ALL Taylor's have bolt-on necks. it takes far more talent, time, and skill to perform a precision glued-in dovetail joint.
@@howabouthetruth2157The L series are absolutely awesome, I recently bought an LJX Jumbo Yamaha and wow, I'd never heard of this series before, but what a guitar 😊😊😊
Aging plays a very little role for Yamaha models like the Fg 150, Fg 160, Fg 180 etc... Because the majority of the guitars are made of laminate. Unlike solid wood guitar where aging is essential, with playing of course.
I have an Alvarez Yairi DYMR70SB, slope shouldered dreadnaught, slotted headstock, 12 fret. Indian rosewood back and sides, triple A grade spruce top. Completely hand made. It's the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever owned, and I've played THEM ALL.
Great to have you back and wishing you well with your health. Hoping you heal and get back to playing some great music. Also looking forward to hearing about the new release...anxiously waiting!!
Got my first Yamaha, an LL16D, for Christmas. Picked up a 1998 Yamaha LS-10T a few weeks ago. Absolutely love both of them. I think I'm officially a Yamaha addict now. Can't wait for the next one to join my collection!
@Wobbz9413 I'm really glad I took a chance on Yamaha. You can have a lot of fun playing and collecting these guitars without breaking the bank. I've since added two more to my collection and always keep my eyes peeled for the next one!
Japanese Culture is remarkable! Kinda a broad brush but it seems that culturally they make things with so much care. Recently got an 80s Ibanez Fugigen superstrat. Honestly the best playing guitar I've ever played. Put me on a quest to grab as many Japanese instruments as possible. Got an 80s Ibanez Dove copy as well. Bet it plays equal to the Gibsons at 1/5th the cost. Yamaha is a really interesting company, guess tuning forks was their initial thing, notice the logo. Bells came shortly after a set of which I have. Absolutely amazing instrument!
Being retired and on a budget AND still playing everyday (since August 8 '63), I've been looking for another acoustic and this hit the target. Thanks! Now to find one... LOL
I have a Yamaha FG 350D from the 1980s (1982). This is as good or better than the best Martin, or any steel string folk guitar I have ever played. I purchased one a couple years ago, and was so amazed that when I saw another one available, I bought that too. Both are from 1982. Playing tip: I recommend going no lighter than 11s for strings. I tried 9s, but you lose some of the depth and volume. It still sounds good, but 11s is the sweet spot. These guitars have such full body sound, volume projection and above all, SUSTAIN. It’s some kind of magic. It sounds almost like I’m playing a 12 string guitar. I’m not surprised at all to hear that other made-in-Japan Yamaha FG guitars from that period sound great. I’m sure that the natural aging of the wood plays a role too. These guitars were not made for export. You can only find them in Japan, or of course buy one on eBay, shipped from Japan. The strange thing is, they are priced typically under $500. I mean, the finest guitar in the world for a just few hundred dollars? Crazy.
It is difficult to find anything left-handed in Japan because being left-handed is considered to be wrong. My Japanese wife was left-handed and forced to write with her right hand throughout school. Now she can use either hand to write with. But anyway, that is the reason. I have lived in japan now for 11 years and never seen a left-handed guitar sold in any guitar shop: maybe export only?
shoot I messed up a graphic...the Alvarez was called a "silver lark" not a "skylark"... like I put in the video..whoops... am I going to take it all down for that?... heck no.. just forgive me
Allen, I enjoy your playing. Thanks for showing us your guitars. I found a 1980 Alvarez D45 Yari, it stays out of the case where I can grab it anytime.
I can understand your feelings. Loved my FG-1500 which I bought in 1975. It had this little signed leather label which denoted that it was made by one of their luthiers in their custom shop. The 3-piece back was amazing with the flame maple centre contrasted beautifully with the dark jacaranda side pieces. The top had very straight and fine-grained spruce. Great tone, projection and note articulation delivered from its smaller body size. My only personal nit was its slightly clubby neck profile. Gave it as a graduation present to my niece in 2001.
A friend of mine found a 1996 Guild acoustic in the trash. He asked if I can help him with the cracks on the body. I did what I could do and that guild came to life. The most amazing acoustic guitar I have ever played. I played it relentlessly for about a month. He picked it up, I didn't want to let it go.......How I miss that guitar.
@@monstroguitars4550 Motsumoko . . . ended 1981, so, me spouting off carelessly. Welcome to the Internet! I have two Aria's from the '70s I've restored. Arai, the founder of Aria, used Motsumoko to help develop advanced engineering in design and fabrication that were innovative and used in better known brands. The early post-war era produced builders who started out from the street, if not the gutter . . . not unlike the Mississippi Delta . . .
I own a 1968 red label FG-140 , I absolutely love it.. It’s my go to guitar.. My Gibson J45 and my Larrivee seem to always be sitting in their case , I find I’m always gravitating towards the Yamaha 🤷♂️
They all sound great but for me the Yairi sounds so so good, lots of character and a beautiful slightly thumpy bottom end, I'm hoping to stumble across something interesting as far as Japanese acoustics go, I have my eye on a Daion Mugen Jnr from around 81-83 made by Yamaki, I'm yet to try it in person but it could be the one as you never know.
I was a guitar salesman at Australia's version of Guitar Center, and for entry level players looking for an acoustic, I insisted on Yamahas. I used to tell people they were the 'Toyota' of guitars. Not expensive, but not the cheapest - but totally the best value for money. If I had tightarse customers who wanted to buy garbage I knew they'd either return with a fault or throw in the corner after 2 hours of play, and basically give up, thinking their playing difficulty was because of them (not these piece of crap $150 AUD options!), I'd refuse the sale. I'd say, "It'll be a bigger waste of money to spend less"! Just get an FG700 or whatever and enjoy it for years.
I love and collect Japanese guitars! The last one you played in this video had the best sound. I own 2 Yamaha 1970's classical guitars. I don't care what anyone says? The sound is phenomenal from my old Yamaha's. Thanks for the interesting vid; and nice guitar playing!
Hi Allen, thanks for sharing. They sound lovely with some decent bottom end. Yes, I used the same glue there too 😀 . I do lots of acoustic guitar repairs including electric guitars. My guru none other than Dan Erlewine of Stewart Mac. And ohhh that lovely Yairi, I would die for 😭
Now I know I am over invested in guitars. Why do I have all these high end Martins and the like when I could have the same or better for multiples less. Thank you Allen for opening my eyes. Finally, how great would it be to live next door so I could come over and play some of these great guitars! Haha! Liked and subscribed!
I love Yamaha. The build quality has always been consistantly high and good woods and laminates used. I bought a FG365s (Taiwan) in 1978 and was my only guitar for 25 yrs.... I have loads now incl. Several Martins but the 365s is easily as good as them. The only guitar I would never ever sell is that 365s. My son G as a few guitars and wanted a beater... He picked up a fg310 in fb for £15!!! immaculate, virtually unplayed condition.... I picked it up thinking I'm ill make it a little better for him but wow it needed no adjustments for fine tuning it plays great and sounds pretty damn good for an all laminate guitar. Mid to high end yamaha can easily hold their own against against pretty much any other too brand guitar. I used to have s D28 and preferred the yamaha. The only guitar I've played that I would say totally outplayed my 365s was a Collins that was crazy money. I always recommend yamaha to anyone starting out playing... The bang for the buck is unbeatable
Great video. Great guitars. 2 things: First off, don't sleep on the used, Japanese handcrafted Takamine guitars ( probably costs more than the Yamaha's of the same era ). They are downright exquisite in every way, from the tone/resonance/sound projection, to the incredibly fine craftsmanship inside. I've owned & gigged with 3 of them over a 13 yr period. Secondly: Because I was forced to sell all of my treasures to save our home during that horrible recession of '08, I've been totally without a guitar ever since. So I'm about to purchase a Yamaha LL16D. ( The "D" literally stands for "deluxe". ) The guitar has solid Englemann spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, with a rosewood bridge plate underneath. Real abalone inlaid by hand all over the place, and it too, has the "A.R.E" top. For tone and sound projection, it's an absolute cannon. While it is made in China, it is a hand crafted guitar, and the craftsmanship is pretty damned impressive throughout. For $1300, it really can't be beat for the price. Every professional musician who has tried one is blown away by it, and even a master luthier ( his business name is "Driftwood Guitars" ) was extremely impressed with it as well. After playing it, he took a saw and cut the guitar in half on video to show just how great it's really made inside. Also comes with a passive pickup underneath the saddle that every reviewer says is very well balanced. I can hardly wait to get mine.
Allen - great video, very informative. I've got an FG-335 acoustic that I bought used in 1981, maybe a couple of years old only. It has aged very well, mellowed out noticeably. Your 70's L-10 sounds super.
Hi! I also own an an fg335 yamaha ( taiwan). Mine has no serial number & I notice it gas a one piece neck. Love the sound. Love all the hype about this model. Cheers!
Nice collection you have there, and great playing too. I have a 2004 DW15 (Taiwan Made) and a 2012 LL16 (China Made), and it would be nice to have another made in Japan too.
I once owned a lovely L series Yamaha that was a dreadnaught with a root beer coloured top. This model I was told was from the Yamaha custom shop. It was basically the same model that Bert Jansch played for quite some time. The guitar sounded nice and was very well built.
I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
I recently bought a Yamaha L10 1980 vintage and love the way it plays and the tone. I thought about seeking out the 1970s model, which is generally more expensive as the back and sides are made from Jacaranda and has a rather different tone. Apparently, they only made these for a year or two, 1978/79, I think. Personally, I found the sound a little 'brassy' and preferred the 1980s version which has Indian Rosewood back and sides. The Yamaha L-series are becoming increasingly sought after here in Japan and will probably get more expensive from here.
Nice Vid Allen.Boy you are scary good.Thought I heard some Dear Prudence in there and some cant find my way home.Thanks for the lesson on collecting Japanese guitars.cheers
Thanks for playing your fg 180. I still have mine, a Christmas present from 1968, but it's way more used (I mean beat up) than yours. I will never let it go. Low end is a bit "woofy" so it's a tad difficult to record. You play it beautifully.
I had an LL Series about 15 years ago. Good guitars, mine had 2 built in transducers, and an external yamaha mixer/eq. Sold it to buy an Atkin which I bought damaged but ridiculously cheap. Got it fixed. Sold that a couple of years ago when I found a K Yairi FY-84. I'd always wanted a DY, but couldn't afford them, when they (rarely, here in UK) came up for sale. The FY (I believe the F stands for 'Folk') has a beautiful sound, and one of the best necks I've ever found on an acoustic. Plays all the way up. I play with 0.012 to 0.53 strings - not everyone's choice. K. Yairi (Alvarez in U.S.A,) are superb, if you can find one.
I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
I have a Yamaha FG830 that is quite nice and punches way above its price range. It has a solid Sitka Spruce top and a laminate Rosewood back and sides. Just sounds really good.
My first proper guitar was the FG800 and, while I have since upgraded to higher end all-solids, I still have it and intend to keep it for life. It's when I'm playing the high end guitars that I am hit with the sensation of actually how good these entry-level Yamahas really are.
My main stage guitar is a Taiwan made CJ838Sii with a K&K pickup. I think it would be a good comparison video to compare against the mid-range line of Japan made Yamahas.
I have 2 FG-75-1s, 1 FG-160, 1 FG-160-1, 1 FG-180 (perfect), 1 FG-345, all in shockingly good shape, and an FG-830 (love it) and an old Citation dread built like a tank, which I love. Just got a new Eastman OM20-MR that's lovely, but I mostly noodle with my Yamahas.
I just discovered you!!! Didn't know you yesterday, you're one of my all-time favorites today. I also have a Yamaha acoustic (fg 140?)... It is almost identical to a 000-28ec that I owned until recently, I A/B'd them for an entire weekend...the Martin was better. About 5% better.
I had an FG2000. It was a nice guitar....meaty as someone described it. Had a substantial neck. Sold it on as, ultimately it didn't do it for me. What I do regret is selling a mint LL500. That was a beautiful guitar, both to hear, and to play. Had the FG 140, 160, 180 and a 200. They were ok. Sell for silly money now.
Great guitars these FG-models - I've had 12 of them. Best was a FG 300 from 1969, which I STUPIDLYYY sold because it was a bit battered ... Of course it was! Because it was loved-Played by so many for itś gorgeous sound during 50 years!
Thanks for your video. I am about to get a current LL16 all solid made in China Yamaha, which sounds very good. I am now looking into the vintage Yamahas too. You have a great collection 🤩
Used older and newer Yamaha acoustics are the only guitars I carry for sale in my repair shop. OTOH I personally just bought 2 brand new Yamaha Revstars and returned both of them. I had a Yamaha SG2000 for 30 years then was offered too much money by the Japanese to refuse, so off it went back home.
This certainly goes for classical guitars too. Guitars from Japanese luthiers of that era are bargain. Solid back and sides from old growth woods you can’t get any more, consistently for well under the cost of mass produced guitars from the name brands.
Yes I agree with you Allen, Years ago Yamaha made excellent moterbikes, still do AND very good guitars, why, probably because they have excellent quality control, Consistancy is the key, & I own 4, 1 is an old FG-180, made in '74, black Label, an L series Jumbo & an FGX 830 C,both from the 90's & an FSX 800, all Superb instruments 😊😊😊
Thanks for your tastefull video.There are a lot of other,mid to high level Japanese mid to high level acoustic guitars,to be introduced.Tama and Terada for example. Tama is known for their drum kits,belonging to the Ibanez group of companies, but they have also build ,on a small scale, high end Martin copies and classical guitars. An other one is Terada,who made in the nineties a lot of guitars(electric,semi hollow) for Orville by Gibson, Gretsch, Epiphone and Guild. I own 5 Terada acoustic's(Martin D-35/41 copies and Guild F 55,6 + 12 string copies),2 archtop 335 versions and a special design acoustic archtop with Barcus Berry piëzo pick-up system. There is hardly any info on the Net,about Terada,on my guitars,nothing to be found.
Allen, very good video, however to your point if you’d do a comparison to a Martin mid priced guitar say just a ooo-28 or Om-28, not even a D-28, I’d like to here your opinion. A daily player might here the differences. Guess it just depends on your passion and musical ear. Budget only plays into it if you can’t get no interest terms. Most companies will. The LL-36 sounded nice. Thanks
I've always thought that Japanese guitars don't get enough due respect. I own a Yamaha FG-1000J that I bought in1976. Still my favorite acoustic. Bert Jansch played a couple of Yamaha guitars in his career. Being British he didn't need to maintain the Americana music image of playing Martins and Gibsons, especially when he found something he prefers more.
The Yamaha's that Jansch played were later L series models I believe. Perhaps the most renowned advocate for FG180 is Paul Brady. Google "Arthur McBride - Paul Brady 1977" for a song is rightly regarded as definitive... played on a FG180.
@@martifingers I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
The thing about Japanese guitars is they did make high-end (all solid woods) guitars every bit as good as Gibson and Martin, they just also made guitars with cheaper materials which Gibson and Martin never did. After 50 years there are lots of good (solid top) Japanese guitars out there for very little money. The problem is most are likely to need a neck reset and this is the cost of a brand new solid top guitar. One viable solution is to reduce the bridge height to minimum 4mm and reinforce the bridge plate. Replacing (more expensive) a plywood bridge plate with solid maple or rosewood or padauk should noticeably improve tone.
I was thinking my fg180 could use a neck reset Tends to be common with the lower priced Japanese acoustics But I just brought down the saddle and the bridge and it plays great. All the other models I used were perfect. After all these years. But yeah. Good points. Thanks
Just found your channel and I'm really impressed by your playling! I would love to learn more about your approach, and might have to start taking private lessons from you once I start my new job!
The LL26/36/56 guitars from Yamaha are absolutely incredible. Consistently so given that they are made to incredibly high standards...A guitar that can generally be bought sight unseen. The same could not be said of a Martin or Gibson. You must play those first in order to sort through the bad ones.
@@allenhindsguitar I have a LL56 and it is rare that I walk into guitar shops and feel that it doesn’t hang with just about anything out there. I am being absolutely sincere in saying that. For what I payed it was a bargain. In Canada where I am they are quite expensive now too in their own right. I have a pretty high end Boucher as well and the Yamaha is at the same level as far as I am concerned.
Hi Allen Would love to know how you record guitars for your albums. Do you record most of them yourself at home? A video with some insight into your recording process would be amazing. What gear, signal chain in general, how many overdubs/tracks do you usually record per song etc. It'd make me more than happy to get some insight! All the best, Dave
Dettached retina here as well about three years ago. Eveyrthing better now but not fun at all indeed. Anyway, looking for a vintage FG Yamaha now. Sweet playing btw!!
I used to do all the guitar setups. for a store in the 80's. That was my introduction to Yairi guitars. I've been very impressed by them ever since. The one you're playing here sounds lovely. Do you want to sell it ? That has a warm bottom end, not unlike my old 70's Hummingbird , which i miss dearly . I'm currently playing a Furch in the studio . I'm keeping an eye open for something to add contrast.
…my Takamine has the Jacaranda rosewood and it is stunning reddish brown with gorgeous woodgrain (back and sides). Mine is the 370S (the S is for solid wood top). Have a good day! BTW I also bought a Yamaha SA2000 that you’ve reviewed, too. So it has been with me a long time too. Bought in 1982 as I try to recall (mine is the antique violin sunburst).
Another good video. Thanks for the info and I hope your eye is doing well. Question for you ;what gauge and what kind of strings do you use on the accoustics? I need a really low action as well.
hey thanks, I use martin acoustic strings ..light gauge 12 to 56 ? something like that.. low action is a lot of adjustments.. truss rod, nut, bridge...best of luck
Love Yamahas and Japanese built acoustics. My 1973 Yamaha FG-160 being my favorite of all I’ve owned and played. It’s still in great shape and 50 years of aging has given it an incredible tone. Just acquired a 70’s era Yamaki classical guitar and it’s the same experience. Well built and sounds far better than it should. The Japanese take pride in their work and it shows. They build them to last.
I'm about to buy a Yamaha LL16 D. While it is a Chinese model, it's totally hand-crafted to high standards using all solid spruce & rosewood with ebony fingerboard & bridge, with a rosewood bridge plate underneath, real hand-laid abalone everywhere, and for $1130, it can't be beat for the price. For tone and volume, they are absolute cannons. Don't forget the true Japanese Takamine's. Their craftsmanship is 2nd to none. I know, because I owned & gigged with 3 different Japanese Takamine's at the same time. One I kept in standard tuning and the other two I kept in various open tunings. Sure made life much easier on stage. I also owned a top-shelf Taylor, and as much as I loved it, I loved my Takamine's even more, especially during live performances. Besides: ALL Taylor's have bolt-on necks. it takes far more talent, time, and skill to perform a precision glued-in dovetail joint.
@@howabouthetruth2157The L series are absolutely awesome, I recently bought an LJX Jumbo Yamaha and wow, I'd never heard of this series before, but what a guitar 😊😊😊
Aging plays a very little role for Yamaha models like the Fg 150, Fg 160, Fg 180 etc... Because the majority of the guitars are made of laminate. Unlike solid wood guitar where aging is essential, with playing of course.
I have a 50 year old Yairi…that is incredible!
I have an Alvarez Yairi DYMR70SB, slope shouldered dreadnaught, slotted headstock, 12 fret. Indian rosewood back and sides, triple A grade spruce top. Completely hand made. It's the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever owned, and I've played THEM ALL.
Bought my DY-57s Yari in 1978 and still have it. My oldest possession and proud of it! Cheers
That's a lovely little collection of guitars!
Oh. My. Days. That LL 36 is outstanding.....
Great to have you back and wishing you well with your health. Hoping you heal and get back to playing some great music. Also looking forward to hearing about the new release...anxiously waiting!!
Got my first Yamaha, an LL16D, for Christmas. Picked up a 1998 Yamaha LS-10T a few weeks ago. Absolutely love both of them. I think I'm officially a Yamaha addict now. Can't wait for the next one to join my collection!
Welcome to the crazy band of yamaha fanatics! I have four and have owned several others.
@Wobbz9413 I'm really glad I took a chance on Yamaha. You can have a lot of fun playing and collecting these guitars without breaking the bank. I've since added two more to my collection and always keep my eyes peeled for the next one!
I’m glad this hit my feed. This was really nice to watch, learn and hear! Subscribed
Japanese Culture is remarkable! Kinda a broad brush but it seems that culturally they make things with so much care. Recently got an 80s Ibanez Fugigen superstrat. Honestly the best playing guitar I've ever played. Put me on a quest to grab as many Japanese instruments as possible. Got an 80s Ibanez Dove copy as well. Bet it plays equal to the Gibsons at 1/5th the cost. Yamaha is a really interesting company, guess tuning forks was their initial thing, notice the logo. Bells came shortly after a set of which I have. Absolutely amazing instrument!
I just bought a 1973 Greco F250 its in beautiful condition and plays and sounds beautifully...
Being retired and on a budget AND still playing everyday (since August 8 '63), I've been looking for another acoustic and this hit the target. Thanks! Now to find one... LOL
Missed you Allen. Hope you've healed up well. Happy New Year. All these years later still learning so much from you! Blessings. MI class of 88'
I have a Yamaha FG 350D from the 1980s (1982). This is as good or better than the best Martin, or any steel string folk guitar I have ever played.
I purchased one a couple years ago, and was so amazed that when I saw another one available, I bought that too. Both are from 1982.
Playing tip: I recommend going no lighter than 11s for strings. I tried 9s, but you lose some of the depth and volume. It still sounds good, but 11s is the sweet spot.
These guitars have such full body sound, volume projection and above all, SUSTAIN. It’s some kind of magic. It sounds almost like I’m playing a 12 string guitar.
I’m not surprised at all to hear that other made-in-Japan Yamaha FG guitars from that period sound great. I’m sure that the natural aging of the wood plays a role too.
These guitars were not made for export. You can only find them in Japan, or of course buy one on eBay, shipped from Japan. The strange thing is, they are priced typically under $500. I mean, the finest guitar in the world for a just few hundred dollars? Crazy.
I love these Japanese guitars, but finding left-handed ones is very difficult. You have done some excellent deals.
It is difficult to find anything left-handed in Japan because being left-handed is considered to be wrong. My Japanese wife was left-handed and forced to write with her right hand throughout school. Now she can use either hand to write with. But anyway, that is the reason. I have lived in japan now for 11 years and never seen a left-handed guitar sold in any guitar shop: maybe export only?
Love that L-10 sound. I have a FG-340 from the late 70's
Yes indeed.
Yeltsin’s both sounded amazing, beautiful guitars
shoot I messed up a graphic...the Alvarez was called a "silver lark" not a "skylark"... like I put in the video..whoops... am I going to take it all down for that?... heck no.. just forgive me
Wasn't skylark an xtc album ??
@@gordoncrmn it was a car. Haha.
@@allenhindsguitar It was also a Gibson amp.
I have an old Takamine Martin copy from the 70's(74 I think) I love
I was going to mention these myself. I had a Takamine 12 string from the 70s. It was fantastic. Still see them occasionally on reverb.
Love this video, Allen, and love to see another Yamaha and Japanese fan out there.
Over years I owned a number of AY's, so nice and one the best neck on an acoustic I've ever played. I really enjoyed the tone on the LL36. Cheers
Allen, I enjoy your playing. Thanks for showing us your guitars. I found a 1980 Alvarez D45 Yari, it stays out of the case where I can grab it anytime.
Was gifted a Yamaha FG-1500, 1996, 30th anniversary from a Japanese musician. Jacaranda back and sides. Love her ..
I can understand your feelings.
Loved my FG-1500 which I bought in 1975. It had this little signed leather label which denoted that it was made by one of their luthiers in their custom shop.
The 3-piece back was amazing with the flame maple centre contrasted beautifully with the dark jacaranda side pieces. The top had very straight and fine-grained spruce. Great tone, projection and note articulation delivered from its smaller body size.
My only personal nit was its slightly clubby neck profile. Gave it as a graduation present to my niece in 2001.
A friend of mine found a 1996 Guild acoustic in the trash. He asked if I can help him with the cracks on the body. I did what I could do and that guild came to life. The most amazing acoustic guitar I have ever played. I played it relentlessly for about a month. He picked it up, I didn't want to let it go.......How I miss that guitar.
Awesome
Except that you don’t have it anymore
Could have been a Matsumoku guitar.
@@leonarddaneman810 please elaborate on that. Who is Matsumoku?
@@monstroguitars4550 Motsumoko . . . ended 1981, so, me spouting off carelessly. Welcome to the Internet! I have two Aria's from the '70s I've restored. Arai, the founder of Aria, used Motsumoko to help develop advanced engineering in design and fabrication that were innovative and used in better known brands. The early post-war era produced builders who started out from the street, if not the gutter . . . not unlike the Mississippi Delta . . .
Absolutely well said. Best range imaginable. Great discussion. Yeah they're the best.
Justified by fabulously eloquent playing.
I own a 1968 red label FG-140 , I absolutely love it.. It’s my go to guitar.. My Gibson J45 and my Larrivee seem to always be sitting in their case , I find I’m always gravitating towards the Yamaha 🤷♂️
They all sound great but for me the Yairi sounds so so good, lots of character and a beautiful slightly thumpy bottom end, I'm hoping to stumble across something interesting as far as Japanese acoustics go, I have my eye on a Daion Mugen Jnr from around 81-83 made by Yamaki, I'm yet to try it in person but it could be the one as you never know.
I have a DY91 koa back and side beautiful instrument very loud with no electronics
Good info. I have a Yamaha FG160 made in 1974. Enjoyed your playing. Thanks.
I was a guitar salesman at Australia's version of Guitar Center, and for entry level players looking for an acoustic, I insisted on Yamahas. I used to tell people they were the 'Toyota' of guitars. Not expensive, but not the cheapest - but totally the best value for money.
If I had tightarse customers who wanted to buy garbage I knew they'd either return with a fault or throw in the corner after 2 hours of play, and basically give up, thinking their playing difficulty was because of them (not these piece of crap $150 AUD options!), I'd refuse the sale.
I'd say, "It'll be a bigger waste of money to spend less"! Just get an FG700 or whatever and enjoy it for years.
I love and collect Japanese guitars! The last one you played in this video had the best sound. I own 2 Yamaha 1970's classical guitars. I don't care what anyone says? The sound is phenomenal from my old Yamaha's. Thanks for the interesting vid; and nice guitar playing!
yeah, they're great, thanks
I have the Yamaha FG-150 & just sold the FG-75 last year. Their all beautiful sounding guitar.
I'm happy with my Yammy A3R acoustic. Had it since 2014...served me well so far.
Love the comment on playing an instrument changes the cells in the aging process.
Hi Allen, thanks for sharing. They sound lovely with some decent bottom end. Yes, I used the same glue there too 😀 . I do lots of acoustic guitar repairs including electric guitars. My guru none other than Dan Erlewine of Stewart Mac. And ohhh that lovely Yairi, I would die for 😭
Lovely video , strangely calming , super playing and a showcase of wonderful guitars .
Found ya by happy coincidence. Great stuff. I’m a long time lover of Yari’s work and ❤❤ my ‘79 DY 55
Now I know I am over invested in guitars. Why do I have all these high end Martins and the like when I could have the same or better for multiples less. Thank you Allen for opening my eyes. Finally, how great would it be to live next door so I could come over and play some of these great guitars! Haha! Liked and subscribed!
I love Yamaha. The build quality has always been consistantly high and good woods and laminates used. I bought a FG365s (Taiwan) in 1978 and was my only guitar for 25 yrs.... I have loads now incl. Several Martins but the 365s is easily as good as them. The only guitar I would never ever sell is that 365s. My son G as a few guitars and wanted a beater... He picked up a fg310 in fb for £15!!! immaculate, virtually unplayed condition.... I picked it up thinking I'm ill make it a little better for him but wow it needed no adjustments for fine tuning it plays great and sounds pretty damn good for an all laminate guitar. Mid to high end yamaha can easily hold their own against against pretty much any other too brand guitar. I used to have s D28 and preferred the yamaha. The only guitar I've played that I would say totally outplayed my 365s was a Collins that was crazy money. I always recommend yamaha to anyone starting out playing... The bang for the buck is unbeatable
Great video. Great guitars. 2 things: First off, don't sleep on the used, Japanese handcrafted Takamine guitars ( probably costs more than the Yamaha's of the same era ). They are downright exquisite in every way, from the tone/resonance/sound projection, to the incredibly fine craftsmanship inside. I've owned & gigged with 3 of them over a 13 yr period. Secondly: Because I was forced to sell all of my treasures to save our home during that horrible recession of '08, I've been totally without a guitar ever since. So I'm about to purchase a Yamaha LL16D. ( The "D" literally stands for "deluxe". ) The guitar has solid Englemann spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard and bridge, with a rosewood bridge plate underneath. Real abalone inlaid by hand all over the place, and it too, has the "A.R.E" top. For tone and sound projection, it's an absolute cannon. While it is made in China, it is a hand crafted guitar, and the craftsmanship is pretty damned impressive throughout. For $1300, it really can't be beat for the price. Every professional musician who has tried one is blown away by it, and even a master luthier ( his business name is "Driftwood Guitars" ) was extremely impressed with it as well. After playing it, he took a saw and cut the guitar in half on video to show just how great it's really made inside. Also comes with a passive pickup underneath the saddle that every reviewer says is very well balanced. I can hardly wait to get mine.
Good to see you, Allen! I'm glad you're well.
Only problem is a good player like yourself can make any guitar sound sound
That’s true to an extent, but I have to be inspired also
very nice collection, and playing
Wow, beautiful guitar playing!
Allen - great video, very informative. I've got an FG-335 acoustic that I bought used in 1981, maybe a couple of years old only. It has aged very well, mellowed out noticeably. Your 70's L-10 sounds super.
Hi! I also own an an fg335 yamaha ( taiwan). Mine has no serial number & I notice it gas a one piece neck. Love the sound. Love all the hype about this model. Cheers!
Cool subject - really dig the Yairi. Really great to hear that you're doing better!
I've got an LL5, it was my dad's main for years. Sounds wonderful for flatpicking and doesn't fail against guitars way pricier.
Beautiful guitar…and beautiful playing 😎
I’m glad you play Japanese guitars!
My first guitar was Yamaha’s.
Anyway, I hope you come back Japan,again!!
Nice collection you have there, and great playing too. I have a 2004 DW15 (Taiwan Made) and a 2012 LL16 (China Made), and it would be nice to have another made in Japan too.
Mid 70's Fender F-65's. Beautiful Japanese models. Durable if well kept. They hold a tune for a long time.
I got a used LL16M a few years ago for around $500. Great guitar
I once owned a lovely L series Yamaha that was a dreadnaught with a root beer coloured top. This model I was told was from the Yamaha custom shop. It was basically the same model that Bert Jansch played for quite some time. The guitar sounded nice and was very well built.
yes indeed..thanks for commenting
I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
I recently bought a Yamaha L10 1980 vintage and love the way it plays and the tone. I thought about seeking out the 1970s model, which is generally more expensive as the back and sides are made from Jacaranda and has a rather different tone. Apparently, they only made these for a year or two, 1978/79, I think. Personally, I found the sound a little 'brassy' and preferred the 1980s version which has Indian Rosewood back and sides. The Yamaha L-series are becoming increasingly sought after here in Japan and will probably get more expensive from here.
Never mind the guitars, I hope you’re recovering well Alan. I’ve been through a traumatic eye injury myself and yeah, it’s no fun. 🙏🙂
Nice Vid Allen.Boy you are scary good.Thought I heard some Dear Prudence in there and some cant find my way home.Thanks for the lesson on collecting Japanese guitars.cheers
Yeah probably Ha. Thanks
I just purchased a kimbara no41 .and I have to say it's a superb quality build
Awesome. Thanks
Thanks for playing your fg 180.
I still have mine, a Christmas present from 1968, but it's way more used (I mean beat up) than yours. I will never let it go. Low end is a bit "woofy" so it's a tad difficult to record.
You play it beautifully.
I had an LL Series about 15 years ago. Good guitars, mine had 2 built in transducers, and an external yamaha mixer/eq. Sold it to buy an Atkin which I bought damaged but ridiculously cheap. Got it fixed. Sold that a couple of years ago when I found a K Yairi FY-84. I'd always wanted a DY, but couldn't afford them, when they (rarely, here in UK) came up for sale. The FY (I believe the F stands for 'Folk') has a beautiful sound, and one of the best necks I've ever found on an acoustic. Plays all the way up. I play with 0.012 to 0.53 strings - not everyone's choice. K. Yairi (Alvarez in U.S.A,) are superb, if you can find one.
I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
Great video Allen , loved all the Yamahas I owned ! Best acoustic for the money when you ain’t got much 😊
I have a Yamaha FG830 that is quite nice and punches way above its price range. It has a solid Sitka Spruce top and a laminate Rosewood back and sides. Just sounds really good.
My first proper guitar was the FG800 and, while I have since upgraded to higher end all-solids, I still have it and intend to keep it for life. It's when I'm playing the high end guitars that I am hit with the sensation of actually how good these entry-level Yamahas really are.
My Yamaha FG830 punches way over its weight!😉🎼🎸
My main stage guitar is a Taiwan made CJ838Sii with a K&K pickup. I think it would be a good comparison video to compare against the mid-range line of Japan made Yamahas.
I have 2 FG-75-1s, 1 FG-160, 1 FG-160-1, 1 FG-180 (perfect), 1 FG-345, all in shockingly good shape, and an FG-830 (love it) and an old Citation dread built like a tank, which I love. Just got a new Eastman OM20-MR that's lovely, but I mostly noodle with my Yamahas.
I just discovered you!!! Didn't know you yesterday, you're one of my all-time favorites today. I also have a Yamaha acoustic (fg 140?)... It is almost identical to a 000-28ec that I owned until recently, I A/B'd them for an entire weekend...the Martin was better. About 5% better.
I had an FG2000. It was a nice guitar....meaty as someone described it. Had a substantial neck. Sold it on as, ultimately it didn't do it for me. What I do regret is selling a mint LL500. That was a beautiful guitar, both to hear, and to play. Had the FG 140, 160, 180 and a 200. They were ok. Sell for silly money now.
Great guitars these FG-models - I've had 12 of them. Best was a FG 300 from 1969, which I STUPIDLYYY sold because it was a bit battered ... Of course it was! Because it was loved-Played by so many for itś gorgeous sound during 50 years!
I can hear that it's got girth and some subtle harmonics. Sounds high end, when you play it.
Thanks for your video. I am about to get a current LL16 all solid made in China Yamaha, which sounds very good. I am now looking into the vintage Yamahas too. You have a great collection 🤩
Beautiful sounding instruments. I’m a big fan of Yamaha, low end to high end
Used older and newer Yamaha acoustics are the only guitars I carry for sale in my repair shop. OTOH I personally just bought 2 brand new Yamaha Revstars and returned both of them. I had a Yamaha SG2000 for 30 years then was offered too much money by the Japanese to refuse, so off it went back home.
I have a mid 70's Fender F-65. Under rated by far. Holds a tune forever.
I think Japanese luthiers are among the best in the world. Especially from 80s and on they become better and better...
Yes! Well said.
This certainly goes for classical guitars too. Guitars from Japanese luthiers of that era are bargain. Solid back and sides from old growth woods you can’t get any more, consistently for well under the cost of mass produced guitars from the name brands.
Yes indeed but I think the Chinese arn't far behind 😮😮😮
@@susanroycroft89, Ya for sure. I am thinking of the Eastman Products.
Yes I agree with you Allen, Years ago Yamaha made excellent moterbikes, still do AND very good guitars, why, probably because they have excellent quality control, Consistancy is the key, & I own 4, 1 is an old FG-180, made in '74, black Label, an L series Jumbo & an FGX 830 C,both from the 90's & an FSX 800, all Superb instruments 😊😊😊
I clicked for the guitar and I stayed for the playing!!
Thanks for your tastefull video.There are a lot of other,mid to high level Japanese mid to high level acoustic guitars,to be introduced.Tama and Terada for example. Tama is known for their drum kits,belonging to the Ibanez group of companies, but they have also build ,on a small scale, high end Martin copies and classical guitars.
An other one is Terada,who made in the nineties a lot of guitars(electric,semi hollow) for Orville by Gibson, Gretsch, Epiphone and Guild.
I own 5 Terada acoustic's(Martin D-35/41 copies and Guild F 55,6 + 12 string copies),2 archtop 335 versions and a special design acoustic archtop with Barcus Berry piëzo pick-up system.
There is hardly any info on the Net,about Terada,on my guitars,nothing to be found.
Thanks. So many forgotten guitars
Allen, very good video, however to your point if you’d do a comparison to a Martin mid priced guitar say just a ooo-28 or Om-28, not even a D-28, I’d like to here your opinion. A daily player might here the differences. Guess it just depends on your passion and musical ear. Budget only plays into it if you can’t get no interest terms. Most companies will. The LL-36 sounded nice. Thanks
I've always thought that Japanese guitars don't get enough due respect. I own a Yamaha FG-1000J that I bought in1976. Still my favorite acoustic. Bert Jansch played a couple of Yamaha guitars in his career. Being British he didn't need to maintain the Americana music image of playing Martins and Gibsons, especially when he found something he prefers more.
Makes sense
The Yamaha's that Jansch played were later L series models I believe. Perhaps the most renowned advocate for FG180 is Paul Brady. Google "Arthur McBride - Paul Brady 1977" for a song is rightly regarded as definitive... played on a FG180.
@@martifingers I bought the LL11e model as used by Bert Jansch back in 2001, didn't know who Bert was at the time, or that he used this model. I have never felt the need to buy another acoustic guitar since then .
The thing about Japanese guitars is they did make high-end (all solid woods) guitars every bit as good as Gibson and Martin, they just also made guitars with cheaper materials which Gibson and Martin never did. After 50 years there are lots of good (solid top) Japanese guitars out there for very little money. The problem is most are likely to need a neck reset and this is the cost of a brand new solid top guitar. One viable solution is to reduce the bridge height to minimum 4mm and reinforce the bridge plate. Replacing (more expensive) a plywood bridge plate with solid maple or rosewood or padauk should noticeably improve tone.
I was thinking my fg180 could use a neck reset Tends to be common with the lower priced Japanese acoustics But I just brought down the saddle and the bridge and it plays great. All the other models I used were perfect. After all these years. But yeah. Good points. Thanks
Wow great sound Allen this Yamaha acoustic has a 70’d sound , I owned Yamaha synthesizers like the Ks 20 and the série CS they are built like a tank
Yeah great stuff. Thanks
Thank you. I really love the Yamahas.
One of John Denver’s guitars was a beautiful custom Yamaha.
Nice playing! I liked the fg180
Just found your channel and I'm really impressed by your playling! I would love to learn more about your approach, and might have to start taking private lessons from you once I start my new job!
Thanks
Thanks anytime
The LL26/36/56 guitars from Yamaha are absolutely incredible. Consistently so given that they are made to incredibly high standards...A guitar that can generally be bought sight unseen. The same could not be said of a Martin or Gibson. You must play those first in order to sort through the bad ones.
Very true
@@allenhindsguitar I have a LL56 and it is rare that I walk into guitar shops and feel that it doesn’t hang with just about anything out there. I am being absolutely sincere in saying that. For what I payed it was a bargain. In Canada where I am they are quite expensive now too in their own right. I have a pretty high end Boucher as well and the Yamaha is at the same level as far as I am concerned.
I love my Japanese Fender F acoustics. They sound like Martins.
The best acoustic I ever played was a 77 Takamine F 340.
I have a mid 70's Fender F-65. I love iyt.
Your playing is really good very good
Hi Allen
Would love to know how you record guitars for your albums. Do you record most of them yourself at home? A video with some insight into your recording process would be amazing. What gear, signal chain in general, how many overdubs/tracks do you usually record per song etc.
It'd make me more than happy to get some insight!
All the best, Dave
Thanks maybe. My set up is not elaborate at all. But maybe. Thanks
Just not sure it would be very interesting
I just bought a Fg180 because of this video
awesome.... want to try an FG-830
Dettached retina here as well about three years ago. Eveyrthing better now but not fun at all indeed. Anyway, looking for a vintage FG Yamaha now. Sweet playing btw!!
Yeah. It could be worse. Positive thought needed these days. Thanks. Yes you can still find those guitars
I used to do all the guitar setups. for a store in the 80's. That was my introduction to Yairi guitars. I've been very impressed by them ever since. The one you're playing here sounds lovely. Do you want to sell it ? That has a warm bottom end, not unlike my old 70's Hummingbird , which i miss dearly . I'm currently playing a Furch in the studio . I'm keeping an eye open for something to add contrast.
Have you played the lawsuit era Takamines. I’ve had one since 1972…today is 2024…so it is turning 52 yrs old.
oh yes
…my Takamine has the Jacaranda rosewood and it is stunning reddish brown with gorgeous woodgrain (back and sides). Mine is the 370S (the S is for solid wood top). Have a good day! BTW I also bought a Yamaha SA2000 that you’ve reviewed, too. So it has been with me a long time too. Bought in 1982 as I try to recall (mine is the antique violin sunburst).
great guitars for sure@@billbettencourt7053
I have a red label FG-180 and it sounds amazing. My other favorite is my 1991 LS 11.
Yes indeed
Guitars are nice, but your playing is phenomenal
Ciao bello!! Thanks a lot for the videos!
I have a Yamaha nylon acoustic and a revstar and the are amazing
Very nice noodling my friend 🙏🏻❤️
Say, is that a Brasilin rosewood fingerboard on the fg-180? Beautiful playing.
Thanks. I don’t think they used Brazilian
Is guitar limak n° 362 made in japan good , with 3nylon strings and 3 steel strings in the same guitar?!! It was my dad’s
the hair flips are awesome
Thanks. Glad you were entertained.
Just kidding with you. Nice array of guitars.
@@bruceskelton8160 they come and go. Hair stays for the time being
@@allenhindsguitar LOL great playing. wish I had your hair. cheers
Yairi, Haruo, Morris 🙏🙏🌹🌹
Fabulous guitars beautifully played. The sound recording is just lush. What mic/s into what equipment did you guys use please?
Thanks. Just a mic from the Sony camera and a Neumann km 84 an an Avalon 2022 mic pre.
Another good video. Thanks for the info and I hope your eye is doing well. Question for you ;what gauge and what kind of strings do you use on the accoustics? I need a really low action as well.
hey thanks, I use martin acoustic strings ..light gauge 12 to 56 ? something like that.. low action is a lot of adjustments.. truss rod, nut, bridge...best of luck
Thanks, I’ll give them a try.
Thanks, stay well and keep the videos coming. I’ve enjoyed them all.@@allenhindsguitar