I’ve owned a brand new Martin HD28, my Dads old Martin HD35 as well as my main guitar that was a 25th Anniversary 400 series Taylor and the FGX5 I finally bought easily stands up to everything I ever owned in the past! I tried one. Mad at myself for over a year for not buying it. Found another one in my Province about 3 months ago and jumped on it. This week after literally having to FORCE myself to stop playing a couple times and get the hell to bed cause I work 12-14hrs a day on construction I realize I am TOTALLY in LOVE with my new Yamaha FGX5! I’m so frikkin glad I stumbled upon your review and ultimately committed myself to purchasing it! Thank you sir and God bless ❤
Last time I commented on this video I’d just bought my own FGX5. Now I’ve had it for a while and I want to thank you! Your review seemed very trustworthy and helped convince me to go through with buying this guitar. No small expense for me but I needed something that sounded fuller in a solo or duo situation and this thing has made such a big difference for me. Both in acoustic jams and plugged in live I couldn’t be happier with the sound.
You're the perfect person to do these demos/reviews, so many who review can't really play well enough to shine the best light on an instrument. Great review, I think this will result in more people visiting their music store to check them out in person!!
Great instrument. This guitar is easily the best acoustic instrument that I’ve ever owned. This instrument has an ebony pick guard, bridge, and bridge pins, as well as a bone nut and saddle. It’s an immaculate and exquisite instrument. They knocked it out of the park with this guitar. Depends on what strings that you prefer, but I string mine with either Gabriel Tenorio Phosphor Bronze (hand wound) strings, or Stringjoy Phosphor Bronze strings. They really sing on this guitar.
I just purchased my third one of these (different tunings) ....looked at Martins and Taylors But nothing came close to the FGX5 sound or price range....build is first class.. Pickups in these make tracking a dream...tone is top of the line ....way underpriced (dont tell) The best money i ever spent on a guitar.....no compromise in any way....at half the cost.....literally... I live in Nashville Tennessee.....home of acoustic guitar music....and i have seen every kind of guitar Imaginable....costing into the multi thousands.....these FGX5's are the holy grail brother... The only difference between these and multi thousand dollar acoustics is the bling.... not the sound or feel...really.....find one and try it.....just try it...
Just picked up a Yamaha FG5 from Sweetwater. What a price $1045.00 and I'm excited about. They were not expected in until November of 2020 but I reserved one anyway. Next they called and said they got one in and did I want it...an easy yes.
@@AS-iq7sx You can do whatever you want man. That's the beauty of playing an instrument. Yamaha AC5R owner. Best guitar I own out of 10 guitars I have.
These are the best guitar reviews on RUclips. Crystal-clear audio, faithful reproduction, comprehensive playing, very fun, informative and inspiring. (if horrible for my wallet :D )
So true.. I fell in love with the Red Label Yamahas because of the quality of this review and the genuine enthusiasm that comes across from JP. I saved for an FS-3 but an FS-5 came available. Had to buy it.. (So Glad I did)
Hi, I'm from The Netherlands and like your reviews and talks very much. Do you think there is - besides the few differences in specs - the FGX5 is a better guitar ( sound, volume, playabillity, construction etc ) than the FGX3. I am very much biassed for the Japanese version, because of perhaps emotional reasons but like to know if there also are objective and rational reasons to buy the FGX5 instead of the FGX3? I think I'll buy the FGX5 anyway 😊 Thanks in advance for your answer, Jan
Yes indeed they simply are fantastic, I too in my time of playing guitars have Always loved YAMAHA'S, yes I play and own ( finally) a Martin, but it's no better than the Yamaha, just different 😊😊😊
I have to have one of these. I’m getting quite the collection of Yamaha guitars. I thought they were just cheap until I picked one up. Now I’m a fan for life. Thanks for the video!
I bought an Yamaha FG450SA in 1989, it had a small brown not on spruce top. After 3 months the brown knot cracked and separated leaving a 3/16 hole in top. I took the guitar back to store, they sent it back to Yamaha and I had another new Yamaha 3 weeks later. I still own that guitar to this day and love it. I can personally vouch for Yamaha warranty, it was a good experience and hassle free. Love the channel and enjoy your videos very much!
Thank you J.P. Due to this very video, I bought the FXG5 as my first guitar. I love it. I'm a percussionist by nature and this is my first dive into guitar.....I love it. Such a great instrument.
I just got an FG5. The pick guard is plastic cover of some kind not wood! I peeled it right off and it has the Black plastic pick guard underneath. As for the guitar itself. It’s gorgeous and sounds fabulous. I wish I could send a picture of the guitar sans fake wood pick guard.
I purchased the FG5 a while back and I am ecstatic over the tones I’m able to get out of it. I have a mid 80’s D-28, an early 60’s J45, a walnut back and sides Gibson G45 studio, and an Eastman E1D. I’m not the best picker out there but I know what I like and I definitely like my FG5. This guitar has that broken in sound that my older guitars have but it has also has something that they do not, near perfect tone and clarity. It has deep, rich lows but not so boomy as to muddy up the sound when strumming. The mids are articulate and woody. The highs ring true to life without sounding tinny and metallic. I honestly can say this is the best sounding guitar that I own. Hands down. Yamaha knocked it out of the park with this one. On a side note, I played the FGX3 in a local store and it sounds great for the price but it doesn’t hold a candle to these handcrafted Japanese FG5’s. First time watching your channel but I’m now subscribed. Amazing picking!
What the heck took this Channel so long to show up in my feed? Hell yes I subscribed. Now I’ve got to hunt down an FS X5 and take it out for a spin. Great video and Channel.
JP, that's a fantastic review. What a wonderful sound. Your understanding of what makes a great sounding guitar, combined with your playing makes your insights invaluable. Thank you.
Just spent a couple of hours in the local music shop. I tried everything. My preference is a bass-y loud projection, without muddiness, usually rosewood. Best 2 guitars in the store, confirmed by staff, was Yamaha LS16 and a Yamaha FG5. It was up against Martin’s, Gibson’s, Taylor’s, and Larrivees. Many double the price. It’s a bomb!!!
Hi J.P, greetings from Denmark 😀 I just wanna say thank you for making this review on the Yamaha FGX5. That made me go order one at my lokal music store. Now I'm waiting for it to show up, can hardly wait 😀
Guitars with John! They certainly are well done JP you nailed it again for me sitting listening with my 1971 FG 110 ,a gift from my son on my birthday.
Hey J.P. This video review clinched it for me on my new purchase. I was feeling a bit unsure of the FGX5 because as you know it has a price that most people can not wrap their heads around for a Yamaha. A musician friend of mine basically said I was making a mistake by considering a Yamaha. Your video was the kick in the arse I needed. I ordered the FGX5 and waited for it to arrive; something I have never done before because I have zero patience and have always opted in the past for the shiny “big name” off the wall (and been disappointed more than once). The FGX5 came in yesterday and it is amazing!! From the minute we unboxed it to the first chords everything about this Yamaha makes me smile. Amazing guitar and I have your review and you to thank for it! Next I’ll start saving for one of Yamaha’s handmades that you reviewed in your 3 part “Holy Trinity” reviews. Keep up the amazing videos bud.
I played one of these briefly at Summer NAMM 2017. I finally bought one in 2024. I love this guitar. It is better than any guitar I have ever owned. Yamaha makes a fantastic instrument.
Between you and Jarvis at Singapore saddles I pulled the trigger on and FG5 sight unseen from long-mcquade in North Vancouver... I live in Ontario and couldn't sleep till it got here!! I couldn't be happier... when you said it sounds as good as martin D-18 that was it I paused the video and completed my order!!! I only recently found your channel!!! " There's no 18 that can stand up to this!!! " Love it!!
Hi JP. I finally managed to buy this guitar, it arrived yesterday evening. As soon as I played the first chord, the sound reminded me immediately why I feel in love with the guitar many years ago (I started playing 26 years ago, when I was 12): it’s so emotional… I would like ti thank you so much, because your review was the key to determine this guitar was the best choice for me. 🙏🏻
Several years ago I played what might have been my last live gig (I'm old - lungs and body giving out). I happened to know the person doing the sound. My old guitar does have a PU in it. But when he asked me if I was ready to plug in, I asked him if we could just mic the guitar, and forget the PU. He pulled out a good mic and set it up for me. After the show I got comments on how unusually good my guitar sounded. I never understood why people feel obligated to us a PU in an acoustic guitar when no PU sounds as natural, or to my ears as good, as simply playing into a good mic.
Generally, asking for your acoustic to be miked up makes you very unpopular with the guy at the mixing board. And he will generate some inappropriate feedback at some point during your set as revenge.
I just picked one of these up and cannot believe how amazing it is! I have many guitars including high end Martins, Gibson’s, and Taylor’s, some of which cost literally almost 4 times as much. I would put this Yamaha up against any of them. I went with the FG5 (no pick-up). I will be sticking a K&K in it. Thanks for the recommendation J.P.!
The Red Label FG5 is 1300. 1699 Cdn for FGx5. I own a 000-15m and it was 1759.00. When are we going to realize that there is life after Gibson, Martin and Taylor. Listen to this man! He has changed my 30 years of playing on my ear. Thank you J.P.
Picked one up a few days ago and haven’t been able to out it down since. Almost almost all of my free time is spent on it. I LOVE it. Shot it out with a Martin d16 and this thing sounded so much better to my ear
JP. You do the best reviews from a guitarist and luthier perspective combined! Awesome details. I just ordered this guitar 12/4/22 for $1,600 new. Thanks for this awesome and detailed review.
Watching this again. J.P I've just listened to some of your tracks. Wow. Great music and amazing playing. New fan. This yamaha is grabbing my attention a lot.
Highly recommend you play one first and don't based your purchase on other people's opinion. Acoustic guitars are so personal, I returned my FG5X as it didn't at all live up to the hype.
Just discovered you through your review of the Yamaha FGX5. Like your manner, and your playing is fantastic. Will keep checking out your channel. Greetings from Florida.
Thanks for sharing. During the early 70s when I was learning how to play. My cousin used to bring his Yamaha over. It had the same rich sound as yours. I have no idea what model it was but it smoked my Harmony on sound.
Hey JP. I hope the guitar buliders realize how importment your reviews are. My buddy and I both just purchased Yamaha FG5's based on this review. Great guitars! Keep them coming, you're one of the best guitar players on the planet!
Fantastic review, thank you! I was thinking of buying the FSX5 (concert size version) and now you have just stopped me thinking about it and I'm going for it! Great to see a review from someone that knows Yamaha guitars so well and can play beautifully.
I like a little smaller body so I bought the FSX5. Every time I play it I am more pleased with it, and I have had many Martins, Gibsons, Eastmans, Collings and Huss & Dalton, and this guitar is the equal or better of all of them.
THANK YOU for vouching for Yamaha Red Label guitars. People are so stuck on Gibson, Martin, & Taylor. All have gorgeous guitars of course, but it is very frustrating people think Yamaha is a cheap, bottom of the barrel company. These are handcrafted in Japan by top luthiers and it shows. Professional musicians have been using them for years yet most don't even know they exist... I have a vintage FG-300 given to me by my late grandfather, and I love the sound.
Atmosfeel has the piezo, a mic (built into the circuit board which sits near the control knobs) and a body sensor near the bridge. A total of 3 pickup sources.
I just bought this guitar today at Corner Music in Nashville. I played it for a few hours one day then went back and got it. Its everything you said it is, the best guitar I've played in many years! Great video new Subscriber
I've got a 1960's FG75. It was my first guitar. My Mother bought it used in 1976. It sits in a case under my bed at the camp so I always have a guitar to play. I pulled it out yesterday after at least a year of not being played. It was in tune and sounded like it always does, great. These were cheap laminate small body guitars. Looks like a kids guitar, which it was when I got it, but I've always liked the sound.
The guitar sounds wonderful. I’m sure you have played thousands of guitars. It cool to see you excited about this one. Of course a player of your experience and make any guitar sound great. Nice video.
Love the sound of the fgx5 red label.i watched jp and that did it for me I went and bought one just been waiting for 6 months to get it but I will wait for as long as it takes.would like to say thanks to jp for helping me make up my mind.i can't wait to put hands on it and play the hell out of.i would highly recommend getting one if your looking for a new guitar.i have play for over 20 years and this is by far my favorite sounding guitar.thanks again jp
Yes J.P. the man that stood over that guitar while he made it, took some real pride in what he was building. that is a real cannon. would love to have one of those. Great review of the FGX5.
I have an fgx5 and a Martin hd28 and prefer the fgx5 even though the Martin is a phenomenal guitar, the fgx5 is great for singing over. Super warm tone, very dry, very emotive for what I like to play. Love it and it’s my favorite guitar I’ve ever had. Thanks Jp
I got an FG5 after watching JP's review. no kidding, it sounds fantastic. and the ebony fretboard and fret dressing is smooooth. It looks vintage right out of the box, and sounds like an old good Martin.
@@soofitnsexy It's cheaper and you can externally use many options piezo and mics also I feel it will keep the value better than X model as its electronics may deter or become outdated, FG5 is an absolutely amazing guitar and it will definitely be a classic, sorry for Martin D18..
Thanks JP, I just ordered a used FSX5 from the Cunard street store! They're bringing it in from Waterloo for me. What a deal, can't wait to get it! Two of my favourite things in life are motorcycles and guitars, how can you not love a company that makes incredible motorcycles and some of the best musical instruments in the world!
TY what a superb review, Congrats on a beautiful Yamaha. I have had Yamaha's over the years also, always delivered. I have been looking at the FS5, but thinking I need a FG5 also, why not they would be a match made in heaven. Anyone who has not played these needs to run to the nearest store and check them out~
I had a yammy as a kid, I recently fell back in love with them. I forgot how good they were. I have 2 now that I will never sell. I look at new guitars now and think why do I need that. I got the Yamaha's :-) great guitars.
I have a FS5 and a Martin 000-18, the yamaha stays in its case, I play the Martin. Caveat, the FS5 was the best setup out of the box guitar I have ever owned... But, a setup to the Martin made it play just as good.
Thanks JP for this video. I agree you don't have to buy a big name to get a quality built guitar. Guitar manufactures like Recoding king have done their homework and coming out with amazing guitars. I have an incredible sound Martin D28 Reimagine I will never sell. I do want a Mahogany guitar and since watching your comparisons I have ordered the Japanese built Yamaha FGX5. It will be four to six months before it arrives. I am looking forward to it. Thanks again.
I can't believe how great it sounded especially when you combined the pick up system. I'm seriously considering Yamaha again for my next guitar. I currently own three Ibanez acoustics and two masterbuilt Framus electrics but I had a Yamaha for years in the seventies that put up with a lot from me.
Great review again! I watched you review on the FGX3 also. In this model I think Yamaha is using Gotoh tuners. They are absolutely top notch stuff. 😎👍🎶
Sitting here tinkering on my 69 FG-300 and have been looking at new guitars for about a month. I want one with a pickup. Looked at Alvarez, Eastman, Blueridge, Taylor, Martin, ect. Cannot find the FGX5 in stock anywhere I can get to. Guitars are personal choices for some of us and we keep them a very long time. I do not own or want a closet queen. Great review!!! Thanks
Great review JP! Based on what I saw and heard I bought an FG5 and I am loving its beautiful tones and playability! In my humble opinion, this guitar is worth way more then the $2,000.00 I paid for it at L&M in Cobourg, ON. Thanks again JP!
JP I'm relatively new here but I've really enjoyed the frankness of your videos. First one was Recording King vs. Martin. A used Master Built Recording King for $200 - $300 may be the best guitar value on the planet. I've gone out 3 times to "finally buy my Martin". I live in NYC and can pretty easily play 100 top guitars in a day. First time, I didn't buy. 2nd time, I bought a Yamaha FS800 because I wanted to cut my own sound ports and have friends sign / carve their initials in it. Sounds fine, and best factory set up I've ever seen. Last time, I bought a Yamaha AC1R. Even with layered back and sides it out played every think under $3,500 for $659. It was so good, I didn't even want to wait to try an AC3R or AC5R. I thought, like your Red Label would be for me, they'd just be to exquisite for my playing. Congrats on your new acquisition. Enjoy the heck out of it. BTW, while some guitar makers take a production manager and maybe a luthier to visit their China factories, I heard Yamaha sent 20 of their master luthiers to China for 2 months for knowledge transfer. I don't seen anything touching the value of a Yamaha China made guitar.
Bought the FGX5 from Sweetwater. it arrived after being on backorder for several months. I can't make it sound like yours yet, but am learning. It does indeed look and sound amazing.
I got one from them as well last month and returned it as playing for a week. It did not sound very good to me. So I made a recording and sent it to my Sweetwater rep who immediately acknowledged that it sounded average and not worth the grand and a half. Maybe I got a dude but mine had somewhat high action, no chime at all. Sounded like a good folk strumming guitar for the campfire but that's it.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve owned a brand new Martin HD28, my Dads old Martin HD35 as well as my main guitar that was a 25th Anniversary 400 series Taylor and the FGX5 I finally bought easily stands up to everything I ever owned in the past! I tried one. Mad at myself for over a year for not buying it. Found another one in my Province about 3 months ago and jumped on it. This week after literally having to FORCE myself to stop playing a couple times and get the hell to bed cause I work 12-14hrs a day on construction I realize I am TOTALLY in LOVE with my new Yamaha FGX5! I’m so frikkin glad I stumbled upon your review and ultimately committed myself to purchasing it! Thank you sir and God bless ❤
Last time I commented on this video I’d just bought my own FGX5. Now I’ve had it for a while and I want to thank you!
Your review seemed very trustworthy and helped convince me to go through with buying this guitar. No small expense for me but I needed something that sounded fuller in a solo or duo situation and this thing has made such a big difference for me. Both in acoustic jams and plugged in live I couldn’t be happier with the sound.
You're the perfect person to do these demos/reviews, so many who review can't really play well enough to shine the best light on an instrument. Great review, I think this will result in more people visiting their music store to check them out in person!!
Great instrument.
This guitar is easily the best acoustic instrument that I’ve ever owned.
This instrument has an ebony pick guard, bridge, and bridge pins, as well as a bone nut and saddle.
It’s an immaculate and exquisite instrument. They knocked it out of the park with this guitar.
Depends on what strings that you prefer, but I string mine with either Gabriel Tenorio Phosphor Bronze (hand wound) strings, or Stringjoy Phosphor Bronze strings. They really sing on this guitar.
I have a yamaha a5r torified top, mic modeling pickup. Extremely solid. Yamaha is a world class brand.
I just purchased my third one of these (different tunings) ....looked at Martins and Taylors
But nothing came close to the FGX5 sound or price range....build is first class..
Pickups in these make tracking a dream...tone is top of the line ....way underpriced (dont tell)
The best money i ever spent on a guitar.....no compromise in any way....at half the cost.....literally...
I live in Nashville Tennessee.....home of acoustic guitar music....and i have seen every kind of guitar
Imaginable....costing into the multi thousands.....these FGX5's are the holy grail brother...
The only difference between these and multi thousand dollar acoustics is the bling....
not the sound or feel...really.....find one and try it.....just try it...
Really enjoyed your demonstration of this guitar’s capabilities. Thank you!
Just picked up a Yamaha FG5 from Sweetwater. What a price $1045.00 and I'm excited about. They were not expected in until November of 2020 but I reserved one anyway. Next they called and said they got one in and did I want it...an easy yes.
I bought an FG5 earlier this year. It is the first guitar I go to almost every day. Great sound and one of the most playable necks I've found,
Same here, fg5 is amazing guitar, love it..
Just got mine today. Love it so much. Such a rich clear tone . After getting a Ll16d i was a Yamaha convert for sure 👍 😊🤠
Can i play classic guitar with FGX5 ?
@@AS-iq7sx You can do whatever you want man. That's the beauty of playing an instrument. Yamaha AC5R owner. Best guitar I own out of 10 guitars I have.
Which one is better ll16 or this one?
These are the best guitar reviews on RUclips. Crystal-clear audio, faithful reproduction, comprehensive playing, very fun, informative and inspiring. (if horrible for my wallet :D )
you said it all buddy ;)
So true.. I fell in love with the Red Label Yamahas because of the quality of this review and the genuine enthusiasm that comes across from JP. I saved for an FS-3 but an FS-5 came available. Had to buy it.. (So Glad I did)
I was looking for an LL16 but ended up with a FSX5 and have been happily discovering music thru playing it. Many many thanks JP!
Hi, I'm from The Netherlands and like your reviews and talks very much. Do you think there is - besides the few differences in specs - the FGX5 is a better guitar ( sound, volume, playabillity, construction etc ) than the FGX3. I am very much biassed for the Japanese version, because of perhaps emotional reasons but like to know if there also are objective and rational reasons to buy the FGX5 instead of the FGX3? I think I'll buy the FGX5 anyway 😊 Thanks in advance for your answer, Jan
That thing sounds absolutely incredible. I thought you were blowing smoke till I heard it.
Haha indeed
Yes indeed they simply are fantastic, I too in my time of playing guitars have Always loved YAMAHA'S, yes I play and own ( finally) a Martin, but it's no better than the Yamaha, just different 😊😊😊
I have to have one of these. I’m getting quite the collection of Yamaha guitars. I thought they were just cheap until I picked one up. Now I’m a fan for life. Thanks for the video!
I bought an Yamaha FG450SA in 1989, it had a small brown not on spruce top. After 3 months the brown knot cracked and separated leaving a 3/16 hole in top. I took the guitar back to store, they sent it back to Yamaha and I had another new Yamaha 3 weeks later. I still own that guitar to this day and love it. I can personally vouch for Yamaha warranty, it was a good experience and hassle free. Love the channel and enjoy your videos very much!
Great guitar.....I’ve always loved yamaha.....even their motorcycles kick ass!!!!!!!!
I tried martins and Taylor's worth 4000$ range. This Yamaha blew them all out of the water. Amazing value and an amazing guitar
Thank you J.P. Due to this very video, I bought the FXG5 as my first guitar. I love it. I'm a percussionist by nature and this is my first dive into guitar.....I love it. Such a great instrument.
I just got an FG5. The pick guard is plastic cover of some kind not wood! I peeled it right off and it has the Black plastic pick guard underneath. As for the guitar itself. It’s gorgeous and sounds fabulous. I wish I could send a picture of the guitar sans fake wood pick guard.
True! I have the FSX5 version and the pick guard is the only thing about it I'm disappointed with.
I purchased the FG5 a while back and I am ecstatic over the tones I’m able to get out of it. I have a mid 80’s D-28, an early 60’s J45, a walnut back and sides Gibson G45 studio, and an Eastman E1D. I’m not the best picker out there but I know what I like and I definitely like my FG5. This guitar has that broken in sound that my older guitars have but it has also has something that they do not, near perfect tone and clarity. It has deep, rich lows but not so boomy as to muddy up the sound when strumming. The mids are articulate and woody. The highs ring true to life without sounding tinny and metallic. I honestly can say this is the best sounding guitar that I own. Hands down. Yamaha knocked it out of the park with this one. On a side note, I played the FGX3 in a local store and it sounds great for the price but it doesn’t hold a candle to these handcrafted Japanese FG5’s. First time watching your channel but I’m now subscribed. Amazing picking!
What kind strings have you changed to
Jeffery Clark Martin Retro Lights.
Curtis Tate Yes they are made for that guitar. I put the mediums 13-56 on mine with camel bone bridge pins . It’s a monster now. !
Hi ! Between Yamaha Fg5 and Gibson G45.. Which one do you recommend ?
@@robertodotes8109 The FG5.
We just got one of these in stock yesterday!
No you didn’t
What the heck took this Channel so long to show up in my feed? Hell yes I subscribed. Now I’ve got to hunt down an FS X5 and take it out for a spin. Great video and Channel.
Beast! Best guitar I’ve ever owned. A total freak! Big lows, nice highs. Perfect neck.
JP, that's a fantastic review. What a wonderful sound. Your understanding of what makes a great sounding guitar, combined with your playing makes your insights invaluable. Thank you.
I’ve probably watched this review four times. That’s about all. Love you, J.P.!
Finally tracked one of these down and purchased it. Luv it. Thx, JP.
Just spent a couple of hours in the local music shop. I tried everything. My preference is a bass-y loud projection, without muddiness, usually rosewood. Best 2 guitars in the store, confirmed by staff, was Yamaha LS16 and a Yamaha FG5. It was up against Martin’s, Gibson’s, Taylor’s, and Larrivees. Many double the price. It’s a bomb!!!
My early Christmas present is on its way..... This Guitar!!!! Thanks John for a great breakdown of a great guitar!!!
Hi J.P, greetings from Denmark 😀
I just wanna say thank you for making this review on the Yamaha FGX5. That made me go order one at my lokal music store. Now I'm waiting for it to show up, can hardly wait 😀
Got it??
Guitars with John!
They certainly are well done JP you nailed it again for me sitting listening with my 1971 FG 110 ,a gift from my son on my birthday.
Hey J.P. This video review clinched it for me on my new purchase. I was feeling a bit unsure of the FGX5 because as you know it has a price that most people can not wrap their heads around for a Yamaha. A musician friend of mine basically said I was making a mistake by considering a Yamaha. Your video was the kick in the arse I needed. I ordered the FGX5 and waited for it to arrive; something I have never done before because I have zero patience and have always opted in the past for the shiny “big name” off the wall (and been disappointed more than once). The FGX5 came in yesterday and it is amazing!! From the minute we unboxed it to the first chords everything about this Yamaha makes me smile. Amazing guitar and I have your review and you to thank for it! Next I’ll start saving for one of Yamaha’s handmades that you reviewed in your 3 part “Holy Trinity” reviews. Keep up the amazing videos bud.
I played one of these briefly at Summer NAMM 2017. I finally bought one in 2024. I love this guitar. It is better than any guitar I have ever owned. Yamaha makes a fantastic instrument.
Between you and Jarvis at Singapore saddles I pulled the trigger on and FG5 sight unseen from long-mcquade in North Vancouver... I live in Ontario and couldn't sleep till it got here!! I couldn't be happier... when you said it sounds as good as martin D-18 that was it I paused the video and completed my order!!! I only recently found your channel!!! " There's no 18 that can stand up to this!!! " Love it!!
Thanks!
Hi JP. I finally managed to buy this guitar, it arrived yesterday evening.
As soon as I played the first chord, the sound reminded me immediately why I feel in love with the guitar many years ago (I started playing 26 years ago, when I was 12): it’s so emotional…
I would like ti thank you so much, because your review was the key to determine this guitar was the best choice for me.
🙏🏻
wow..thanks JP..I am leaning now on a purchase of an FG5, and you sold me..
Just bought a FGX5 based off this review and some others. He ain't wrong. Thanks J.P!
That riff you play where you walk the bass and then step down to that E7 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
So yeah, I ordered an FG5 thanks!
Damn i fell in love with this guitar so hard..its sounds like a dream and forever keeper
I am convinced. I tested it. It is great in the $2000 range. Tested others, but no comparison. Thanks. I am getting one.
Several years ago I played what might have been my last live gig (I'm old - lungs and body giving out). I happened to know the person doing the sound. My old guitar does have a PU in it. But when he asked me if I was ready to plug in, I asked him if we could just mic the guitar, and forget the PU. He pulled out a good mic and set it up for me. After the show I got comments on how unusually good my guitar sounded. I never understood why people feel obligated to us a PU in an acoustic guitar when no PU sounds as natural, or to my ears as good, as simply playing into a good mic.
I agree if your ab acoustic solo player there's no point in a guitar pickup you make your own level and will always sound more natural great shout
While I agree I like to be able to move around and not be tied to one spot so for me a mic live would never work. I’m too figgity lol
Thanks Bob! I agree 100 percent!
Generally, asking for your acoustic to be miked up makes you very unpopular with the guy at the mixing board. And he will generate some inappropriate feedback at some point during your set as revenge.
@@blairmcquarrie6070 I'm a guitar player and I do sound for lots of other bands so I always am happy to go the extra mile if asked...
I've been considering the D28 until I saw this video. Half the price and sounds just as good. Great Video! thanks
I just picked one of these up and cannot believe how amazing it is! I have many guitars including high end Martins, Gibson’s, and Taylor’s, some of which cost literally almost 4 times as much. I would put this Yamaha up against any of them. I went with the FG5 (no pick-up). I will be sticking a K&K in it. Thanks for the recommendation J.P.!
I come back from time to time, just to watch you play. so nice!
I’m late to the show here, but as a D18 owner all I can say is wow! It don’t hurt to be in the hands of a master player either. 👍
The Red Label FG5 is 1300. 1699 Cdn for FGx5. I own a 000-15m and it was 1759.00.
When are we going to realize that there is life after Gibson, Martin and Taylor. Listen to this man! He has changed my 30 years of playing on my ear. Thank you J.P.
Picked one up a few days ago and haven’t been able to out it down since. Almost almost all of my free time is spent on it. I LOVE it. Shot it out with a Martin d16 and this thing sounded so much better to my ear
My ears just went to HEAVEN!!! I have the FGX800C and love it but now I want this guitar!!! Just BEAUTIFUL!!!
I bought my FG fifty years ago for about £55 and still play it every day.....love it....that’s value for money❗️👍
My FG410 is over 35 years old, sounds awesome, and I still play it. Need to put frets on it when I get a free day or two (hah).
Got my FG450SA 31 years ago. Had 2 lessons and didn't continue, put it in a wardrobe for 29 years, now finally learning to play and love my guitar.
JP. You do the best reviews from a guitarist and luthier perspective combined! Awesome details. I just ordered this guitar 12/4/22 for $1,600 new. Thanks for this awesome and detailed review.
Got a Martin 000-16 and a Martin J-40
Love em both
Ordered one of these Yamahas today
Cant wait to play it
Thanks!
Watching this again. J.P I've just listened to some of your tracks. Wow. Great music and amazing playing. New fan.
This yamaha is grabbing my attention a lot.
Highly recommend you play one first and don't based your purchase on other people's opinion. Acoustic guitars are so personal, I returned my FG5X as it didn't at all live up to the hype.
When you plugged it in...just wow!
Holy Snot that guitar sounds amazing! I'm sold. I'll order it.
Just discovered you through your review of the Yamaha FGX5. Like your manner, and your playing is fantastic. Will keep checking out your channel. Greetings from Florida.
Sounds better than any Martin Ive heard to date. The LL series sound even better! Great video and please continue doing what you're doing.
One hell of a guitar, I've used Yamaha acoustic and electric since I was a kid. They are the best!
Thanks for sharing. During the early 70s when I was learning how to play. My cousin used to bring his Yamaha over. It had the same rich sound as yours. I have no idea what model it was but it smoked my Harmony on sound.
Hey JP. I hope the guitar buliders realize how importment your reviews are. My buddy and I both just purchased Yamaha FG5's based on this review. Great guitars! Keep them coming, you're one of the best guitar players on the planet!
Agreed! 🎶🙌
Fantastic review, thank you! I was thinking of buying the FSX5 (concert size version) and now you have just stopped me thinking about it and I'm going for it! Great to see a review from someone that knows Yamaha guitars so well and can play beautifully.
I like a little smaller body so I bought the FSX5. Every time I play it I am more pleased with it, and I have had many Martins, Gibsons, Eastmans, Collings and Huss & Dalton, and this guitar is the equal or better of all of them.
THANK YOU for vouching for Yamaha Red Label guitars. People are so stuck on Gibson, Martin, & Taylor. All have gorgeous guitars of course, but it is very frustrating people think Yamaha is a cheap, bottom of the barrel company. These are handcrafted in Japan by top luthiers and it shows. Professional musicians have been using them for years yet most don't even know they exist... I have a vintage FG-300 given to me by my late grandfather, and I love the sound.
Atmosfeel has the piezo, a mic (built into the circuit board which sits near the control knobs) and a body sensor near the bridge. A total of 3 pickup sources.
Sold! I played one today without the pickup as it’s all they had. Have to hunt one down now with. Awesome chops mate👍🇦🇺
I just bought this guitar today at Corner Music in Nashville.
I played it for a few hours one day then went back and got it.
Its everything you said it is, the best guitar I've played in many years!
Great video new Subscriber
I've got a 1960's FG75. It was my first guitar. My Mother bought it used in 1976.
It sits in a case under my bed at the camp so I always have a guitar to play.
I pulled it out yesterday after at least a year of not being played. It was in tune and sounded like it always does, great.
These were cheap laminate small body guitars. Looks like a kids guitar, which it was when I got it, but I've always liked the sound.
The guitar sounds wonderful. I’m sure you have played thousands of guitars. It cool to see you excited about this one. Of course a player of your experience and make any guitar sound great. Nice video.
Many thanks for your review. I've just ordered the guitar. Many greetings from Germany.
Great review , I’m glad I stumbled across your channel , I love your playing your an amazing player and I can’t wait to check out your music.
I am very grateful for your review. I 'm going to the shop in Rome to try it out and possibly buy this guitar. Thanks John!!!
I have one FGX5 and love it.
You just answered a question I've asked you on a couple of videos about Yamaha's on board pickup system. Thanks JP. Love Yamaha.
It sounds so clear. You have me shaking my head up and down. Well presented. Beautiful guitar!
I just ordered this. Did about 15 minutes of research and landed on this.
I need this in my life.
I love my FGX5! I bought it as a backup stage guitar to my A5R but I find myself going to the FGX5 more and more.
I sold an A5R due to the preferred tone of the pickup in the FGX5
What is good a3r or fgx5
Sounds bloody amazing!
Got chills on the first amplified strum! Dang!
Love the sound of the fgx5 red label.i watched jp and that did it for me I went and bought one just been waiting for 6 months to get it but I will wait for as long as it takes.would like to say thanks to jp for helping me make up my mind.i can't wait to put hands on it and play the hell out of.i would highly recommend getting one if your looking for a new guitar.i have play for over 20 years and this is by far my favorite sounding guitar.thanks again jp
Yes J.P. the man that stood over that guitar while he made it, took some real pride in what he
was building. that is a real cannon. would love to have one of those. Great review of the FGX5.
I have an fgx5 and a Martin hd28 and prefer the fgx5 even though the Martin is a phenomenal guitar, the fgx5 is great for singing over. Super warm tone, very dry, very emotive for what I like to play. Love it and it’s my favorite guitar I’ve ever had. Thanks Jp
I got an FG5 after watching JP's review.
no kidding, it sounds fantastic. and the ebony fretboard and fret dressing is smooooth.
It looks vintage right out of the box, and sounds like an old good Martin.
I really want to have a Yamaha FGX5. I have a Yamaha A3R and it's amazing. Thanks for the great review.
I highly recommend FG5 with no pickups.
@@GiantRock62 why??? i hear the pickup is great
@@soofitnsexy It's cheaper and you can externally use many options piezo and mics also I feel it will keep the value better than X model as its electronics may deter or become outdated, FG5 is an absolutely amazing guitar and it will definitely be a classic, sorry for Martin D18..
Thanks JP, I just ordered a used FSX5 from the Cunard street store! They're bringing it in from Waterloo for me. What a deal, can't wait to get it! Two of my favourite things in life are motorcycles and guitars, how can you not love a company that makes incredible motorcycles and some of the best musical instruments in the world!
Thanks and I agree with you 100%, the FS5 Yamaha's are better than the D-18. I own and love my Martin but these Yamaha's are brilliant.
TY what a superb review, Congrats on a beautiful Yamaha. I have had Yamaha's over the years also, always delivered. I have been looking at the FS5, but thinking I need a FG5 also, why not they would be a match made in heaven. Anyone who has not played these needs to run to the nearest store and check them out~
I had a yammy as a kid, I recently fell back in love with them. I forgot how good they were. I have 2 now that I will never sell. I look at new guitars now and think why do I need that. I got the Yamaha's :-) great guitars.
I have a FS5 and a Martin 000-18, the yamaha stays in its case, I play the Martin. Caveat, the FS5 was the best setup out of the box guitar I have ever owned... But, a setup to the Martin made it play just as good.
Wow that sounds incredible 😍👌
Thanks JP for this video. I agree you don't have to buy a big name to get a quality built guitar. Guitar manufactures like Recoding king have done their homework and coming out with amazing guitars.
I have an incredible sound Martin D28 Reimagine I will never sell. I do want a Mahogany guitar and since watching your comparisons I have ordered the Japanese built Yamaha FGX5. It will be four to six months before it arrives. I am looking forward to it. Thanks again.
I can't believe how great it sounded especially when you combined the pick up system. I'm seriously considering Yamaha again for my next guitar. I currently own three Ibanez acoustics and two masterbuilt Framus electrics but I had a Yamaha for years in the seventies that put up with a lot from me.
Great review... waiting for my FGX5 to be delivered.
Great Review. Great playing and a great sounding git!
Great review again! I watched you review on the FGX3 also. In this model I think Yamaha is using Gotoh tuners. They are absolutely top notch stuff. 😎👍🎶
Love how you went into Maid behind the bar :)
I play Yamaha FGs that’s all I can afford !! They are awesome !! I can’t afford a Martin !! And if I could I’m not sure I would buy one !!
Sitting here tinkering on my 69 FG-300 and have been looking at new guitars for about a month. I want one with a pickup. Looked at Alvarez, Eastman, Blueridge, Taylor, Martin, ect. Cannot find the FGX5 in stock anywhere I can get to. Guitars are personal choices for some of us and we keep them a very long time. I do not own or want a closet queen. Great review!!! Thanks
Great review JP! Based on what I saw and heard I bought an FG5 and I am loving its beautiful tones and playability! In my humble opinion, this guitar is worth way more then the $2,000.00 I paid for it at L&M in Cobourg, ON. Thanks again JP!
Exceptional. And the electronics are amazing - as good as I have ever heard.
JP I'm relatively new here but I've really enjoyed the frankness of your videos. First one was Recording King vs. Martin. A used Master Built Recording King for $200 - $300 may be the best guitar value on the planet.
I've gone out 3 times to "finally buy my Martin". I live in NYC and can pretty easily play 100 top guitars in a day. First time, I didn't buy. 2nd time, I bought a Yamaha FS800 because I wanted to cut my own sound ports and have friends sign / carve their initials in it. Sounds fine, and best factory set up I've ever seen.
Last time, I bought a Yamaha AC1R. Even with layered back and sides it out played every think under $3,500 for $659. It was so good, I didn't even want to wait to try an AC3R or AC5R. I thought, like your Red Label would be for me, they'd just be to exquisite for my playing.
Congrats on your new acquisition. Enjoy the heck out of it.
BTW, while some guitar makers take a production manager and maybe a luthier to visit their China factories, I heard Yamaha sent 20 of their master luthiers to China for 2 months for knowledge transfer. I don't seen anything touching the value of a Yamaha China made guitar.
Glad to hear you talk about Yamaha guitars .I also have had a few old one's still do. They are nice!!!
Bought the FGX5 from Sweetwater. it arrived after being on backorder for several months. I can't make it sound like yours yet, but am learning. It does indeed look and sound amazing.
I got one from them as well last month and returned it as playing for a week. It did not sound very good to me. So I made a recording and sent it to my Sweetwater rep who immediately acknowledged that it sounded average and not worth the grand and a half. Maybe I got a dude but mine had somewhat high action, no chime at all. Sounded like a good folk strumming guitar for the campfire but that's it.