Thanks very much Jason for your honest review of this guitar. Your perspective was very informative & much appreciated because this a lot of money for me to spend but I did order an FS5 and should get it next week! 👍
Hi Doug totally understand the feeling, every time I lay $$ down on a guitar I'm shitting myself.. on the bright side I have had my FS5 for 3 years now and still rate it highly and like you I bought mine without getting to play one which sucks. I highly recommend playing any guitar before buying.. as guitar likes and dislikes is such an individual thing.. but it never seems to work out that way very often these days.
Thanks for the review. The guitar sounds great. Your playing is excellent. I could listen for much longer. I hope to purchase soon. Of course they’re out of stock everywhere so have to wait.
I completely agree with you. The Yamaha FS5 is a hidden gem and probably the best and most musical guitar for the money. I was lucky to buy mine second hand (total mint condition), I mounted a strap pin, installed an LR Baggs Anthem SL and lowered the action just a little bit. It is now my go-to acoustic. I mostly play small gig, solo singing etc. and this guitar just does it for me. It plays like butter, has just the perfect string spacing, feels so good thanks to the semi gloss finish and mostly of all: SINGS! It is so good that I stopped playing my Martin OM-21. And sold it.
Hi Mikkel, Wow sold the Martin👍.. I have been tempted to just tweak the neck truss rod slightly but have so far left it alone. I really love it. I was really fortunate to get it as I was on a really tight budget. I was ringing around shops in Australia looking for an FS3 and they were all sold out. I read the reviews on the FS-5 but knew it was out of my price range. Then Derringers (A local shop right here in my hometown of Adelaide) had an FS 5 on its way arriving within a month and gave me a great price. I couldn’t say no, I bought it sight unseen and SO glad I did.. glad you mentioned the spacing I thought it’s a weird thing to mention but it just feels super accurate… oh and I love L.R.Baggs btw so I bet that’s a great combo. Those guys are amazing.. best customer support I’ve ever experienced.
I own two acoustics: a 1980 Yamaha FG-365S, and a 1974 Martin D-35, and the Yamaha is my go-to guitar. While to my ear the Martin has a richer and more balanced tone, the guitar itself is far more tempermental and has spent a lot more time in the shop, for things like fret buzzes, loose bindings, stuck tuners, etc. The Yamaha is a workhorse: solid, nicely crafted, and eminently playable. I am a big fan of Yamaha guitars. If I were in a position to acquire one of these Red Label FS guitars, I would grab it in an instant. Great review!
Thanks Ben, That’s actually an excellent point which I should have mentioned. It’s really overlooked in pretty much every review of anything musical. The practical aspect. I’m looking at amps for a live setup atm and keep remembering the AER I used to have fondly.. mostly because I never gave it a second thought when I was playing live.. it was simple to use easy to set up quickly and consistently sounded great in any venue with minimal tweaking.. This guitars like that I have so much more confidence knowing it will do exactly what I need it to do every time. I still haven’t touched anything on it.. just play it. Oh and some of those old yams are monsters
This is an awesome review. Thank you brother. I started with looking at a Guild D-40 which ultimately lead me down the rabbit hole to your video. First the dreadnought version and then this version. Really well done. Thank you
I have to agree with ever thing you said, I have the FG5, the finish has some funny blotches and the bridge pins are high but the sound and playability is out standing. Changed the strings to PB Mediums and it's not so thin anymore. Really enjoyed your playing Jason, nice touch, Cheers.
Hi thanks for the kind words. Well 12 months in and I still really love it.. the pins are sitting down nicely after a few string changes over that time. It’s got enough bangs and bumps that the finish hasn’t crossed my mind but best of all I think the playability has improved and possibly the sound. I can’t really fault it
Great review, I purchased the FG5 and find I am struggling with the size and was drawn to the FS, I too had 3 high bridge pins, 2 strings bind at the nut a little with the same spec string on. I contacted Yamaha UK who had the 11:29 dealer sort it all out in the same week, not complaints
Yeah I'm digging the M40 because its smaller again, I don't think I will ever go a Dred again even though they sound awesome. Good to know about the issues being fixed easily, I have no experience with Yamaha customer service but someone else on here said they were terrible, so its 50/50 now👍
Hey Buddy, I have several guitar ('68 Martin D-28, Martin 000-16 and many others) and that guitar has a sound that can hang with the best of them... I love the the sound of that guitar! You've got a WINNER! Cheers! No matter about a few problems with the way it looks.....it DOES sound amazing! I love it.
Hey man, Yeah I totally agree mine is 3 yrs old now and still sounds amazing. It needs a fret dress as it's been played a LOT but once thats done she'll be back to 100%. Not only sounds great but has been an absolute trooper playing live..she's semi retired from gigging. No plans to sell it.. will be interesting to see how good it sounds at 10yrs old
Just received mine. Did a lot of research and investigation and then pulled the trigger. So thankful I could find one and it is awesome. Only thing I found was that the ELIXAR strings were too shimmery. Replaced them with John Pearse “Slightly Light” (.011-.050) This was a real game changer. This is a great guitar.
Haha cool.. glad you got one Graham I’m still living mine. I think Elixirs make cheap guitars sound more detailed so generally better but really good guitars tend sound the same… like cheap guitars with Elixirs😁
@@G_Demolished it's funny man my M40 Guild I have coated D'addarios, mostly because it picks up every little squeak noise with normal strings, Coated are a bit quieter Yamaha and Furch both sound great with EJ17's
I'm glad I subscribed to your channel and found this video. I have been bent on which Yamaha to buy, the Red Label FS-5 or the FSX-5, after watching this video I have decided to go with the FS-5. Thanks for making this video. 😎
I must have lucked out. I bought my FGX5 right from the factory and it was virtually flawless. Without a doubt THE nicest top I have ever seen with my own eyes too. I just assumed its condition was attributed to the fact that it didnt sit around a showroom for months to be played by every Tom, Dick and Harry as well.
Hey sorry I haven’t replied sooner I think it stands up to anything I’ve owned. It’s powerful but balanced time permitting I’m going to record some jam sessions and also do some guitar comparisons with some friends favourite guitars.. that way differences in volume and playing style should become more obvious..gotta round up the troops!
i got the FG3 and love it, really nicely made guitar, perfect styling and the string spacing is amazing like on the FS. did some minor upgrades to the nut and pins but don't think it was necessary. it's so damn resonant though, every bit of finger noise comes out of it!
Haha nice👌.. congrats man!.. I thought it was a bit strange of me to mention the string spacing but it just feels noticeably precise. So I’m glad I’m not the only one to think so. Enjoy✌️
I've been going back and fourth between one of these and a 000-15m. Have you played an older 1960/70's FG-150? I'm curious if there are any differences in the neck or width of the fretboard. I've got an old FG-150 red label but not so fond of the neck. I've been able to test out the 000-15 in stores and really like the feel, but the new FG/FS Yamaha's are no where to be found so it's hard to compare.
I tried out 000-15m’s a few years ago but ended up buying a handmade DeGruchy (D-28 Martin clone) which turned out to be an expensive nightmare.. lesson learned. 000-15m was awesome.. BUT I played two of them side by side and only really liked one. So that was a little off putting that one was more alive. I did up an early Yam a few years back think it was a black label.. had a beautiful voice one of those play it next to anything guitars but compared to this the earlier guitar is way more fatiguing to play.. this thing has the voice but I can play it for hours.. it feels light and woody. I was in the same boat not being able to play one and just took a chance. If you have found a Martin you have played and really like probably just grab that. So much nicer to actually play the guitar.. Would I swap this for a Martin 000-15m now if I had the option?..nah I wouldn’t. Not sure why they’re both great guitars.. Apart from minor finish gripes there’s nothing I don’t like about this Yamaha.. if I didn’t have the Yam and was looking I would want another Yam first & the 000-15m if I couldn’t get one.. they’re my top two favs pretty much. Sorry for the novel hope it helps
Actually just had a thought.. a mate of mine went out to buy a Martin or Cole Clark and came home with a Sigma (OM?).. which is just a monster guitar.. no idea why it was an expensive Sigma but pretty cheap.. he played them all side by side and bought the Sigma…anyway he came down to show my new Yam up and side by side we both thought the Yam neck was the better/more comfortable shape.. so if that’s a clue the Martin and Sigma should be the same shape and there’s very little difference.. Martin/Sigma slightly chunkier feeling at the nut end & strings spaced the same.. Yam easier to get chord shapes.. maybe check the Sigma neck shape to a Martin to verify and if it’s the same the Yam is very similar.
@@JasonMckellMusic I appreciate the feedback. That is helpful. Funny, I had a similar encounter with the 000-15's. I played one at GC and was not a fan, then tried one at local guitar shop and really liked it. It was a Streetmaster version of it though. To my knowledge they're the same except for the aesthetics. Thoughts on the 25' scale length?
@@Kalhoun yeah that’s what makes it difficult to make recommendations with guitars.. mine may be exceptional but any factory guitar will have variances. 25 inch scale is a great question it sounded like another tick on the cool box when I was looking but I hadn’t even thought about it since. All I can is I’m 100% satisfied with it.. I hadn’t been playing for ages so was thinking I would put 11’s on it until I got used to it but I haven’t needed to it’s that easy to play.. I did the neck up a quarter turn the other day and then turned it maybe 1/2 way back to find the sweet spot.. quarter turn was very flat & low with zero buzzes but just seemed to lose a tad in its voice and felt a little harder. (So out of the box it was that good) Anyway I find it so easy to play that I played for probably 3hrs the other day no probs.. my old VTG Sovereign running 11’s and a shorter scale is way more fatiguing. Take from that what you will👍
I just got a FS5 and I love it! It has a closer string spacing than I am used to so I'll have to improve my sloppy finger picking so that I stop accidentally muting the strings with my fat fingertips 😅. I absolutely love the way this guitar sounds.
Nice one!.. yep they’re awesome guitars.. I have the same problem with the Recording King I bought has the 1 11/16th nut which tightens life up a bit from string to string but I expect I’ll get used to eventually
thanks for sharing your impressions, I 100% agree and I have the same feelings about electronics plus I play only for myself, my wife and cats, after your review I decided to buy one . Best regards Suavic
Quality review. Completely agree with your thoughts on pickups on the shoulders of guitars 🤢 I am stuck as to whether but this size or the FG5 dreadnought size. Would you say that the Fs5 is powerful enough or more suited to only finger style? Thanks from Scotland 🏴
Cheers Ross, yeah that’s a tough one to say.. it’s definitely powerful enough but depends on your playing style. It’s powerful enough that I’ve stopped using a thumpick since I bought it. For me it was more I just like the more pinched in waist look of the FS way better. I haven’t noticed it lacking anywhere and bass response is important to me.. side by side there would have to be a slight difference but without a direct comparison I’m just stoked with it. I don’t think you can go wrong either way it’s a monster by any standard.
@@JasonMckellMusic Thanks for the prompt reply. They are both aesthetically pleasing so like you say, I doubt I can go wrong. I have recently been playing without a pick and more finger style so the Fs5 might be the one. Might have to toss a coin 😂 Appreciate your insight. Enjoy the guitar. I hope to purchase mine come Spring 🎵
I've compared acoustically to a couple of dress and its up there. Live I only play with the Harmonica player and yeah so far the combination is really musical for what play.
Hello friend, amazing video! to be honest, i can't decide if i want to buy the yamaha LS16 or the FS5, unfortunately i can't try these guitars where i live, i mostly play ''slow/emotional'' fingerstyle do you have any suggestion as to what guitar i might find more attractive? Thanks!
Hello and thankyou.. Hmm that’s a tough one.. I think check the specs and see if there’s any differences and then maybe something you don’t like.. as an example a lot of Yamahas have a narrow string spacing which I don’t like too much. I’m sure both are great guitars so it may come down to style. Which one do you see yourself playing.. I really like the plainness of the Fs-5.. you might like a color option or the white binding over the black… simple things may decided it.. either way you’ll get a guitar more than capable of doing anything. Thanks
@@JasonMckellMusic thank you so much for the fast reply friend^^ you are right i'll check out the specs and see if anything throws me off. i might as well go to a shop and try to find out if i prefer mahogany or rosewood, this guitar is going to be my first solid wood instrument so i didn't have the chance prior to find out if i prefer rosewood or mahogany! thanks
Love mine, getting the FG5 next and put a K&K pickup in it. Have an FG300 and anFG180 I bought in Japan back in 73 while serving in the Navy. Love my Yammies!
Hey sorry TBone I only just saw this.. I never liked the narrow spacing on the Yams I played but always thought they were quality guitars. I fell in love with the FS5 look just the plainness.. kinda classic and simple but just ticked all the boxes.. when I saw 13/4 nut in the specs it was like someone at Yammie built the guitar I always wanted👌
Hi Jase Great review, and loved hearing those blues licks mate. I am about to take the plunge and get myself the FSX5, I rarely play with an amp therefore are really focused on the natural acoustics of the guitar. I spent 20 minutes playing it in the store and absolutely loved it, the feel, the tone and the classic look. I was a bit reluctant to get stuck in and really get it humming but did switch between a number of other makes and models that were in the store just to compare.....and to me nothing did. I just have one concern, and someone else asked a similar question previously. In your opinion, with the narrow body, does it still have plenty of volume and punch ?? To me it sounded like it did, and didn't sound boxy like most narrow body concert styled guitars do (when playing unplugged) I know that it won't have the guts that the dreadnought body will, but do you think it holds itself well enough in the volume department. Cheers.
Hey man sorry for the late reply I have some technical issues going on and haven’t posted for ages. I really don’t play guitars hard at all even with a pick.. all my videos are just fingers with a pretty light touch. Having said that I have a friend with a punchy old 70’s Yam and he belts the hell out of it. I would have no hesitation in saying I could put on a thumb pick and be fine playing with him. I know what you mean though my old parlour guitar could keep up with him volume wise (pretty much) but lost its richness trying to keep up. I think this guitar can do any of it. Hopefully you have one by now let me know how it goes 👍
@@JasonMckellMusic Hi Jase I purchased one a few weeks ago and absolutely love it, I have recently replaced the strings that were on it (as they were the originals and had been on the guitar scince it was built in August 2020) with Elixir phosphor bronze 12 gauge. The old strings were the Elixir 80/20's I believe and still sound great but the new strings are unreal. The guitar sounds amazing in every aspect, totally over the moon with it mate. Cheers
Cool well I’m glad you like it I think they’re amazing guitars I actually feel like It’s my keeper. Having owned so many guitars in my life that’s really saying something. There’s nothing I don’t like👌👌
Ended up buying one, on its way. I really love my beat up yamaha f335 so hopefully this will be just that much better. If I really like the FS5 I may consider getting the FG5 cause I’m not sure about the sound difference. Anyway, these are really good reviews and much appreciated
Nice!.. cheers Chris, well the f335 should give you a decent idea of the differences being a dread. I find for what I do the FS5 is almost still a bit too big sounding so I'm glad I went with the smaller body. The main reason at the time wasn't the sound but more I love the more pinched in shape to the body and its much more comfortable on your lap. I'll do a two year review soon.
This is for sure the best guitar I’ve played. I had the action lowered by local shop and put d’addario super light acoustic strings. I just can’t put this guitar down. It’s so pleasing to the ears and so beatiful to play I don’t think I’ve ever self entertained like this before. Wow! excuse my enthusiasm I’ve never had a quality guitar I guess
BTW, if you get to where you want to lower action, buy an extra saddle. They are a wider/thicker size and if you don't get one from Yamaha, grinding from a blank will eat way too much time. Their parts are perfect fits, but the saddle you get from them will be taller as your factory setup brought it down a lot already.
Thanks Craig, I’m usually a constant guitar tweaker but in this one I haven’t felt the urge to fiddle yet. I have some bone blank saddles here and yes I definitely would try an extra saddle rather than modify the stock one. My FS5 factory set up is really nice.. you guys have almost got me thinking of playing around with a bit though👍
Hey it might be well worth a look if you can find one to try out. I like it better than the FG5 for that reason. It's more focussed in the bass.. but even then it's a little too big sounding for me.. I'm liking the 00 best these days for what I do.
Negatory.. I wish they would make one.. the Red Label 00👌.. that would be cool. No my main guitar these days is a lil Guild M40.. I love that size guitar just ticks all the boxes for what I do.
I'm going to get one of these. FS-05's...... For the same reasons, I'll fit a Fishman Rare Earth (mic blend) soundhole pickup that I think will be awesome for it
5 is made in Japan and is a half-century-old model of Yamaha's origin.The X model is equipped with Yamaha's original wonderful pickup.from🇯🇵thanks🙇🏻♂️
Really wow Cool.. one of the other comments mentioned FS v FS and they went FS as well.. and Love it.. to me I like the the shape much better mostly and I find this thing just perfect sounding for what I do.. let me know if you get one and what you think
@@JasonMckellMusic That guitar is a Killer....I was shocked when you started playing it. That one's a lifetime keeper. Please do a 3 years review. (Greetings from the USA...Almost Heaven, West Virginia)
@@USNAVDC Cool man will do. The video I did the other week looking at the current lineup might count as a mini review.. But yeah its a cool guitar. Deserves some more love👍 I was playing it last night
Yeah that would be cool. I would love them to expand the Red label into a small bodied guitar as well. The FP5 as someone on here called it a while back .. Parlor or 00 but ol'skool Yamaha styling and 1 3/4 nut..
Yeah it's a tough one.. My latest guitar has a side control but I must say for gigging its a great set up.. I just don't think a "keeper" should have any pickup ideally.
I have experience just few weeks ago, playing FS3 that the saddle and nut replaced with bone and bridge pins replaced with ebony. This guitar is belong to my good friend and he made this arrangement to make it sounds like FS5. Yes, it does make huge difference. It resonate much better compare to one in the market. But I feel FS5 sound still much better than this customized FS3. FS5 sounds strings harmonize so well like well trained chorus. The friend has both FS5 and this customized FS3 just to enjoy showing how great the craftsmanship of FS5. It’s not just the parts make difference in price.
Yeah cool. It’s amazing how good you can get a lot of cheaper guitars with some basic mods. As someone who is always on a tight budget I regularly upgraded cheaper guitars in the past with great results. They don’t quite ever seem to get there though. You’re always looking for something more.. the FS5 Yamaha is the first guitar which I don’t even consider changing it’s just right.. for me at least in every way. I was SO lucky to get mine and honestly couldn’t afford it. When the shop offered it to me at a fraction more then the FS3 price I just heard my mouth say “yes I’ll take it”.. knowing I had a couple of weeks until it arrived to hopefully raise the extra money. I think I would have been happy with an FS3 but yes would’ve probably upgraded to tusk or bone nut and saddle as well and also buy a hard case.. that all adds up
Thanks very much Jason for your honest review of this guitar. Your perspective was very informative & much appreciated because this a lot of money for me to spend but I did order an FS5 and should get it next week! 👍
Hi Doug totally understand the feeling, every time I lay $$ down on a guitar I'm shitting myself.. on the bright side I have had my FS5 for 3 years now and still rate it highly and like you I bought mine without getting to play one which sucks.
I highly recommend playing any guitar before buying.. as guitar likes and dislikes is such an individual thing.. but it never seems to work out that way very often these days.
Thanks for the review. The guitar sounds great. Your playing is excellent. I could listen for much longer. I hope to purchase soon. Of course they’re out of stock everywhere so have to wait.
Hi Scott thanks for the kind words sorry for the late reply. I’m still loving mine and will hopefully get some more playing up soon
I completely agree with you. The Yamaha FS5 is a hidden gem and probably the best and most musical guitar for the money.
I was lucky to buy mine second hand (total mint condition), I mounted a strap pin, installed an LR Baggs Anthem SL and lowered the action just a little bit.
It is now my go-to acoustic. I mostly play small gig, solo singing etc. and this guitar just does it for me.
It plays like butter, has just the perfect string spacing, feels so good thanks to the semi gloss finish and mostly of all: SINGS!
It is so good that I stopped playing my Martin OM-21. And sold it.
Hi Mikkel,
Wow sold the Martin👍.. I have been tempted to just tweak the neck truss rod slightly but have so far left it alone. I really love it.
I was really fortunate to get it as I was on a really tight budget.
I was ringing around shops in Australia looking for an FS3 and they were all sold out. I read the reviews on the FS-5 but knew it was out of my price range. Then Derringers (A local shop right here in my hometown of Adelaide) had an FS 5 on its way arriving within a month and gave me a great price. I couldn’t say no, I bought it sight unseen and SO glad I did.. glad you mentioned the spacing I thought it’s a weird thing to mention but it just feels super accurate… oh and I love L.R.Baggs btw so I bet that’s a great combo. Those guys are amazing.. best customer support I’ve ever experienced.
I own two acoustics: a 1980 Yamaha FG-365S, and a 1974 Martin D-35, and the Yamaha is my go-to guitar. While to my ear the Martin has a richer and more balanced tone, the guitar itself is far more tempermental and has spent a lot more time in the shop, for things like fret buzzes, loose bindings, stuck tuners, etc. The Yamaha is a workhorse: solid, nicely crafted, and eminently playable. I am a big fan of Yamaha guitars. If I were in a position to acquire one of these Red Label FS guitars, I would grab it in an instant. Great review!
Thanks Ben, That’s actually an excellent point which I should have mentioned. It’s really overlooked in pretty much every review of anything musical. The practical aspect. I’m looking at amps for a live setup atm and keep remembering the AER I used to have fondly.. mostly because I never gave it a second thought when I was playing live.. it was simple to use easy to set up quickly and consistently sounded great in any venue with minimal tweaking.. This guitars like that I have so much more confidence knowing it will do exactly what I need it to do every time. I still haven’t touched anything on it.. just play it. Oh and some of those old yams are monsters
This is an awesome review. Thank you brother. I started with looking at a Guild D-40 which ultimately lead me down the rabbit hole to your video. First the dreadnought version and then this version. Really well done. Thank you
Hey cheers man I’m still loving it although funnily enough I was looking at a mahogany Guild today.. nice👌
I have to agree with ever thing you said, I have the FG5, the finish has some funny blotches and the bridge pins are high but the sound and playability is out standing. Changed the strings to PB Mediums and it's not so thin anymore. Really enjoyed your playing Jason, nice touch, Cheers.
Hi thanks for the kind words. Well 12 months in and I still really love it.. the pins are sitting down nicely after a few string changes over that time.
It’s got enough bangs and bumps that the finish hasn’t crossed my mind but best of all I think the playability has improved and possibly the sound. I can’t really fault it
Great review, I purchased the FG5 and find I am struggling with the size and was drawn to the FS, I too had 3 high bridge pins, 2 strings bind at the nut a little with the same spec string on. I contacted Yamaha UK who had the 11:29 dealer sort it all out in the same week, not complaints
Yeah I'm digging the M40 because its smaller again, I don't think I will ever go a Dred again even though they sound awesome. Good to know about the issues being fixed easily, I have no experience with Yamaha customer service but someone else on here said they were terrible, so its 50/50 now👍
Thanks for the Aussie review Jason! And I agree with your comments about drilling holes for pickups. Cheers, Bill
No worries Bill, yeah I never did like that idea.. luckily a lot of new guitars coming out have much more discreet systems.
Hey Buddy, I have several guitar ('68 Martin D-28, Martin 000-16 and many others) and that guitar has a sound that can hang with the best of them... I love the the
sound of that guitar! You've got a WINNER! Cheers! No matter about a few problems with the way it looks.....it DOES sound amazing! I love it.
Hey man, Yeah I totally agree mine is 3 yrs old now and still sounds amazing.
It needs a fret dress as it's been played a LOT but once thats done she'll be back to 100%.
Not only sounds great but has been an absolute trooper playing live..she's semi retired from gigging.
No plans to sell it.. will be interesting to see how good it sounds at 10yrs old
Nice review, but a strange sound at the 1.30 mark
Thanks David, not sure what that is. cheers though
Just received mine. Did a lot of research and investigation and then pulled the trigger. So thankful I could find one and it is awesome.
Only thing I found was that the ELIXAR strings were too shimmery. Replaced them with John Pearse “Slightly Light” (.011-.050)
This was a real game changer. This is a great guitar.
Haha cool.. glad you got one Graham I’m still living mine.
I think Elixirs make cheap guitars sound more detailed so generally better but really good guitars tend sound the same… like cheap guitars with Elixirs😁
@@JasonMckellMusicThere’s a lot of truth in that. Elixirs on my Seagull and regular old D’Addario on the Martin.
@@G_Demolished it's funny man my M40 Guild I have coated D'addarios, mostly because it picks up every little squeak noise with normal strings, Coated are a bit quieter Yamaha and Furch both sound great with EJ17's
I'm glad I subscribed to your channel and found this video. I have been bent on which Yamaha to buy, the Red Label FS-5 or the FSX-5, after watching this video I have decided to go with the FS-5. Thanks for making this video. 😎
Cool Larry I’m sure they’re both great but I really struggle to like anything cut into the body of the guitar. Hope you love yours too man👍
Nice video. Your guitar (and playing) sounds great. Appreciate your comments/review, too. Thanks!
Thanks Michael.. still
My favourite guitar.. although starting to get a few marks and bumps these days still sounds amazing👌👌
I must have lucked out. I bought my FGX5 right from the factory and it was virtually flawless. Without a doubt THE nicest top I have ever seen with my own eyes too. I just assumed its condition was attributed to the fact that it didnt sit around a showroom for months to be played by every Tom, Dick and Harry as well.
Hi Michael, Mine's pretty close to 3 years old now and been used heaps.. still a beautiful guitar.. keeps sounding better to me.
How does it sound using it for strumming/flatpicking/singing? Tone and volume wise. Thanks
Hey sorry I haven’t replied sooner I think it stands up to anything I’ve owned. It’s powerful but balanced time permitting I’m going to record some jam sessions and also do some guitar comparisons with some friends favourite guitars.. that way differences in volume and playing style should become more obvious..gotta round up the troops!
@@JasonMckellMusic thanks for the reply!
i got the FG3 and love it, really nicely made guitar, perfect styling and the string spacing is amazing like on the FS. did some minor upgrades to the nut and pins but don't think it was necessary. it's so damn resonant though, every bit of finger noise comes out of it!
Haha nice👌.. congrats man!.. I thought it was a bit strange of me to mention the string spacing but it just feels noticeably precise. So I’m glad I’m not the only one to think so. Enjoy✌️
I also got the FG3 and it’s bloody amazing!
I’ll probably end up with one sometime.. one will turn up cheap somewhere and I won’t be able to help myself be interested to play them side by side
I've been going back and fourth between one of these and a 000-15m. Have you played an older 1960/70's FG-150? I'm curious if there are any differences in the neck or width of the fretboard.
I've got an old FG-150 red label but not so fond of the neck. I've been able to test out the 000-15 in stores and really like the feel, but the new FG/FS Yamaha's are no where to be found so it's hard to compare.
I tried out 000-15m’s a few years ago but ended up buying a handmade DeGruchy (D-28 Martin clone) which turned out to be an expensive nightmare.. lesson learned. 000-15m was awesome.. BUT I played two of them side by side and only really liked one. So that was a little off putting that one was more alive. I did up an early Yam a few years back think it was a black label.. had a beautiful voice one of those play it next to anything guitars but compared to this the earlier guitar is way more fatiguing to play.. this thing has the voice but I can play it for hours.. it feels light and woody.
I was in the same boat not being able to play one and just took a chance. If you have found a Martin you have played and really like probably just grab that. So much nicer to actually play the guitar..
Would I swap this for a Martin 000-15m now if I had the option?..nah I wouldn’t.
Not sure why they’re both great guitars.. Apart from minor finish gripes there’s nothing I don’t like about this Yamaha.. if I didn’t have the Yam and was looking I would want another Yam first & the 000-15m if I couldn’t get one.. they’re my top two favs pretty much.
Sorry for the novel hope it helps
Actually just had a thought.. a mate of mine went out to buy a Martin or Cole Clark and came home with a Sigma (OM?).. which is just a monster guitar.. no idea why it was an expensive Sigma but pretty cheap.. he played them all side by side and bought the Sigma…anyway he came down to show my new Yam up and side by side we both thought the Yam neck was the better/more comfortable shape.. so if that’s a clue the Martin and Sigma should be the same shape and there’s very little difference.. Martin/Sigma slightly chunkier feeling at the nut end & strings spaced the same.. Yam easier to get chord shapes.. maybe check the Sigma neck shape to a Martin to verify and if it’s the same the Yam is very similar.
@@JasonMckellMusic I appreciate the feedback. That is helpful. Funny, I had a similar encounter with the 000-15's. I played one at GC and was not a fan, then tried one at local guitar shop and really liked it. It was a Streetmaster version of it though. To my knowledge they're the same except for the aesthetics.
Thoughts on the 25' scale length?
@@Kalhoun yeah that’s what makes it difficult to make recommendations with guitars.. mine may be exceptional but any factory guitar will have variances.
25 inch scale is a great question it sounded like another tick on the cool box when I was looking but I hadn’t even thought about it since.
All I can is I’m 100% satisfied with it.. I hadn’t been playing for ages so was thinking I would put 11’s on it until I got used to it but I haven’t needed to it’s that easy to play.. I did the neck up a quarter turn the other day and then turned it maybe 1/2 way back to find the sweet spot.. quarter turn was very flat & low with zero buzzes but just seemed to lose a tad in its voice and felt a little harder. (So out of the box it was that good)
Anyway I find it so easy to play that I played for probably 3hrs the other day no probs.. my old VTG Sovereign running 11’s and a shorter scale is way more fatiguing. Take from that what you will👍
I just got a FS5 and I love it! It has a closer string spacing than I am used to so I'll have to improve my sloppy finger picking so that I stop accidentally muting the strings with my fat fingertips 😅. I absolutely love the way this guitar sounds.
Nice one!.. yep they’re awesome guitars.. I have the same problem with the Recording King I bought has the 1 11/16th nut which tightens life up a bit from string to string but I expect I’ll get used to eventually
@@JasonMckellMusic Well you certainly do a good job on your FS. Your playing sounds great 👍
Thanks Donny I’ve improved a lot since I’ve had this guitar I cant put it down😁
thanks for sharing your impressions, I 100% agree and I have the same feelings about electronics plus I play only for myself, my wife and cats, after your review I decided to buy one . Best regards Suavic
Hey thanks Susavic.. I haven’t seen any of these comments so apologies for the late reply
Quality review. Completely agree with your thoughts on pickups on the shoulders of guitars 🤢
I am stuck as to whether but this size or the FG5 dreadnought size. Would you say that the Fs5 is powerful enough or more suited to only finger style? Thanks from Scotland 🏴
Cheers Ross, yeah that’s a tough one to say.. it’s definitely powerful enough but depends on your playing style. It’s powerful enough that I’ve stopped using a thumpick since I bought it.
For me it was more I just like the more pinched in waist look of the FS way better.
I haven’t noticed it lacking anywhere and bass response is important to me.. side by side there would have to be a slight difference but without a direct comparison I’m just stoked with it.
I don’t think you can go wrong either way it’s a monster by any standard.
@@JasonMckellMusic Thanks for the prompt reply. They are both aesthetically pleasing so like you say, I doubt I can go wrong. I have recently been playing without a pick and more finger style so the Fs5 might be the one. Might have to toss a coin 😂 Appreciate your insight. Enjoy the guitar. I hope to purchase mine come Spring 🎵
Have you tried it in a band setting? Does it cut through? Both this and the FG5 look like really nice guitars! Enjoying the channel, keep it up! :)
I've compared acoustically to a couple of dress and its up there. Live I only play with the Harmonica player and yeah so far the combination is really musical for what play.
Hello friend, amazing video!
to be honest, i can't decide if i want to buy the yamaha LS16 or the FS5, unfortunately i can't try these guitars where i live, i mostly play ''slow/emotional'' fingerstyle
do you have any suggestion as to what guitar i might find more attractive?
Thanks!
Hello and thankyou.. Hmm that’s a tough one.. I think check the specs and see if there’s any differences and then maybe something you don’t like.. as an example a lot of Yamahas have a narrow string spacing which I don’t like too much.
I’m sure both are great guitars so it may come down to style. Which one do you see yourself playing..
I really like the plainness of the Fs-5.. you might like a color option or the white binding over the black… simple things may decided it.. either way you’ll get a guitar more than capable of doing anything.
Thanks
@@JasonMckellMusic thank you so much for the fast reply friend^^
you are right i'll check out the specs and see if anything throws me off.
i might as well go to a shop and try to find out if i prefer mahogany or rosewood, this guitar is going to be my first solid wood instrument so i didn't have the chance prior to find out if i prefer rosewood or mahogany!
thanks
Hey good point.. no worries thanks for checking out my channel.. ✌️
Grab the fs5. You won't regret it. I got mine 3 days ago.
@@willycorpuz9591 where did you buy yours friend?
Love mine, getting the FG5 next and put a K&K pickup in it. Have an FG300 and anFG180 I bought in Japan back in 73 while serving in the Navy. Love my Yammies!
Hey sorry TBone I only just saw this.. I never liked the narrow spacing on the Yams I played but always thought they were quality guitars. I fell in love with the FS5 look just the plainness.. kinda classic and simple but just ticked all the boxes.. when I saw 13/4 nut in the specs it was like someone at Yammie built the guitar I always wanted👌
Hi Jase
Great review, and loved hearing those blues licks mate.
I am about to take the plunge and get myself the FSX5, I rarely play with an amp therefore are really focused on the natural acoustics of the guitar. I spent 20 minutes playing it in the store and absolutely loved it, the feel, the tone and the classic look. I was a bit reluctant to get stuck in and really get it humming but did switch between a number of other makes and models that were in the store just to compare.....and to me nothing did. I just have one concern, and someone else asked a similar question previously. In your opinion, with the narrow body, does it still have plenty of volume and punch ?? To me it sounded like it did, and didn't sound boxy like most narrow body concert styled guitars do (when playing unplugged)
I know that it won't have the guts that the dreadnought body will, but do you think it holds itself well enough in the volume department.
Cheers.
Hey man sorry for the late reply I have some technical issues going on and haven’t posted for ages. I really don’t play guitars hard at all even with a pick.. all my videos are just fingers with a pretty light touch. Having said that I have a friend with a punchy old 70’s Yam and he belts the hell out of it. I would have no hesitation in saying I could put on a thumb pick and be fine playing with him. I know what you mean though my old parlour guitar could keep up with him volume wise (pretty much) but lost its richness trying to keep up. I think this guitar can do any of it. Hopefully you have one by now let me know how it goes 👍
@@JasonMckellMusic Hi Jase
I purchased one a few weeks ago and absolutely love it, I have recently replaced the strings that were on it (as they were the originals and had been on the guitar scince it was built in August 2020) with Elixir phosphor bronze 12 gauge. The old strings were the Elixir 80/20's I believe and still sound great but the new strings are unreal. The guitar sounds amazing in every aspect, totally over the moon with it mate.
Cheers
Cool well I’m glad you like it I think they’re amazing guitars I actually feel like It’s my keeper. Having owned so many guitars in my life that’s really saying something. There’s nothing I don’t like👌👌
Ended up buying one, on its way. I really love my beat up yamaha f335 so hopefully this will be just that much better. If I really like the FS5 I may consider getting the FG5 cause I’m not sure about the sound difference. Anyway, these are really good reviews and much appreciated
Nice!.. cheers Chris, well the f335 should give you a decent idea of the differences being a dread.
I find for what I do the FS5 is almost still a bit too big sounding so I'm glad I went with the smaller body.
The main reason at the time wasn't the sound but more I love the more pinched in shape to the body and its much more comfortable on your lap. I'll do a two year review soon.
This is for sure the best guitar I’ve played. I had the action lowered by local shop and put d’addario super light acoustic strings. I just can’t put this guitar down. It’s so pleasing to the ears and so beatiful to play I don’t think I’ve ever self entertained like this before. Wow! excuse my enthusiasm I’ve never had a quality guitar I guess
Awesome Chris, you know Tommy Emmanuel reckons the best guitar isn't a Maton.. the best guitar is the one you can't put down.👍
Ordered one in January. ETA July. Great review.
Thanks Rod.. hope you love it as much as love mine.. awesome guitars👌
BTW, if you get to where you want to lower action, buy an extra saddle. They are a wider/thicker size and if you don't get one from Yamaha, grinding from a blank will eat way too much time. Their parts are perfect fits, but the saddle you get from them will be taller as your factory setup brought it down a lot already.
Thanks Craig, I’m usually a constant guitar tweaker but in this one I haven’t felt the urge to fiddle yet. I have some bone blank saddles here and yes I definitely would try an extra saddle rather than modify the stock one. My FS5 factory set up is really nice.. you guys have almost got me thinking of playing around with a bit though👍
I'm looking for a recording acoustic guitar less boomy than my Martin d28.
Hey it might be well worth a look if you can find one to try out.
I like it better than the FG5 for that reason. It's more focussed in the bass.. but even then it's a little too big sounding for me.. I'm liking the 00 best these days for what I do.
@@JasonMckellMusic The 00? A Yamaha 00?
Negatory.. I wish they would make one.. the Red Label 00👌.. that would be cool.
No my main guitar these days is a lil Guild M40.. I love that size guitar just ticks all the boxes for what I do.
I'm going to get one of these. FS-05's...... For the same reasons, I'll fit a Fishman Rare Earth (mic blend) soundhole pickup that I think will be awesome for it
Yeah man they make some nice pickups
5 is made in Japan and is a half-century-old model of Yamaha's origin.The X model is equipped with Yamaha's original wonderful pickup.from🇯🇵thanks🙇🏻♂️
Thanks Lyori.. X model pickup sounds like a good system I just don’t like the look on the side of the guitar. Both awesome guitars👍
You sold me on the FS5 over the FG5.. this sounds amazing!
Really wow Cool.. one of the other comments mentioned FS v FS and they went FS as well.. and Love it.. to me I like the the shape much better mostly and I find this thing just perfect sounding for what I do.. let me know if you get one and what you think
Red label china or japan?
Red label FS5 = Made in Japan
Red label FS3 = Made in China
I love the sound of that guitar!
I might do a 3 years on review it still sounds amazing.. and I still highly rate it.
@@JasonMckellMusic That guitar is a Killer....I was shocked when you started playing it. That one's a lifetime keeper. Please do a 3 years review. (Greetings from the USA...Almost Heaven, West Virginia)
@@USNAVDC Cool man will do. The video I did the other week looking at the current lineup might count as a mini review.. But yeah its a cool guitar. Deserves some more love👍
I was playing it last night
My God this guy looks a young Neil Young right down to the mesmerizing 1000 yard stare that Neil has. Everyone has a doppelganger I guess.
Haha there ya go👍
Wish they made a FS5R in rosewood.
Yeah that would be cool. I would love them to expand the Red label into a small bodied guitar as well. The FP5 as someone on here called it a while back .. Parlor or 00 but ol'skool Yamaha styling and 1 3/4 nut..
100% agree about putting holes in a great guitar for pickup controls! That's just sad.
Yeah it's a tough one.. My latest guitar has a side control but I must say for gigging its a great set up.. I just don't think a "keeper" should have any pickup ideally.
Fs3 are great as well
I have experience just few weeks ago, playing FS3 that the saddle and nut replaced with bone and bridge pins replaced with ebony. This guitar is belong to my good friend and he made this arrangement to make it sounds like FS5.
Yes, it does make huge difference. It resonate much better compare to one in the market. But I feel FS5 sound still much better than this customized FS3. FS5 sounds strings harmonize so well like well trained chorus.
The friend has both FS5 and this customized FS3 just to enjoy showing how great the craftsmanship of FS5. It’s not just the parts make difference in price.
Yeah cool.
It’s amazing how good you can get a lot of cheaper guitars with some basic mods.
As someone who is always on a tight budget I regularly upgraded cheaper guitars in the past with great results.
They don’t quite ever seem to get there though.
You’re always looking for something more.. the FS5 Yamaha is the first guitar which I don’t even consider changing it’s just right.. for me at least in every way.
I was SO lucky to get mine and honestly couldn’t afford it.
When the shop offered it to me at a fraction more then the FS3 price I just heard my mouth say “yes I’ll take it”.. knowing I had a couple of weeks until it arrived to hopefully raise the extra money.
I think I would have been happy with an FS3 but yes would’ve probably upgraded to tusk or bone nut and saddle as well and also buy a hard case.. that all adds up