I recently purchased a FGX3 new....was nearly in Canada to find one....and am blown away at the quality, playability and sound. Can only imagine what the 5s sound like....now I am a Yamaha convert from Martin’s and Taylor’s ....also just picked up a used LL16 ARE and again a fantastic beautiful guitar. I say to my wife...FG for the pubs and LL for the scotch room...lol
Really? I feel like the fgs are in its own right a fine and classy guitar not just for the pubs but also for recitals. The muted semi gloss finish just looks great. Btw the fg5, if you can get your hands on one. Go for it
@@chocolatechip9829 Yes got it last November from Long and McQuade out of Toronto sight unseen based on reviews and have no regrets at all. Hard to keep them in stock here or even get them. Loved it so much saw a used LL16 (2017 model year) and bought it for 800 bucks from a fellow with hard case....another complete ringer...even a lowly FG700S I recently got via a trade for an old Squier electric rings and solid as hell and a full dreadnought. Solid spruce top and laminate back/sides but neck, body same same. Also recently got an FS720S for 235 bucks and plays like a top. In all my years setting guitars up, Yammies always ring and are solid. No humidity concerns with them either as their QC cures their woods and laminates for that issue.
My fav acoustic guitar as per my choice and in my opinion no other acoustic guitar comes close to this in parameters of Solid wood + price + tone + appeal (dont comprare to Martin/Taylor as their prices are ridiculous) You should check out below guitars before buying any other Acoustic guitar 1 -- Yamaha FGX5 2 -- Yamaha A5R 3 -- Yamaha LL16 4 -- Yamaha APX1000/1200 (for playing lead) Also the 0:38 is gross yuk hahaha
No question that Yamaha (Japan) makes a fine instrument that is on-level with any American brand, but don't kid yourself -- Martin and Gibson acoustics are still the most recognizable and desirable instruments on the acoustic market.
@@gui-texzan7477 Absolutely, but it's such a shame that many working musicians can rarely afford the likes of Martin and Gibson ... they have actually made themselves distant from so many good musicians ... this is why Yamaha have now made it possible for musicians to have top end guitars in their grasp. Thank you Yamaha :-)
@@gui-texzan7477 The money guitars and yes Martin, Gibson and Taylor do make the best top end guitars of anyone....however an elitist brand....like a Porsche or Tesla.....but for an everyday Joe, too much money....I was intent on buying a D18 last fall...an FG3 knocked it out of my sights for half the price and a much better build....hand made versus assembly line....plus the issues Martin and Gibson are having lately with QC are alarming for money paid. I will add that I have a Martin DX1AE and it is a great guitar for 700 bucks new....a full dreadnought, 1 3/4 nut, beefy neck, decent pick up and solid. Epi’s make some good rigs too....but yes if I could afford a D45 or a Hummingbird I would buy one....beautiful sound that no others can match in my opinion.
I had to write. My first was an FG830. I ordered 2x FGX5 a month ago,summer delivery. I tried to buy one in March 2020 but no stock. I bought a Martin D16E instead. I love my Martin (played great right off the wall, no action work needed.) I put my Martin in for the day (restring) and pulled out the FG830 for that day. I am glad I am getting the 5's as they sound very close to the D16E but different in a good way (the Martin bottom booms) My FG830 sounds so thin, I can hardly stand to play it but it was my first. Listening to the 5 here over the net I agree it is balanced, more balanced than the D16E but I wanted that "unbalanced" heavy bottom tone. Now I want some balance. These sound pretty darn nice. I did not get a chance to play one. Bought 2 untested.
@@danr5105 Any updates on how these sound for you? Saw one comparison on youtube where they compared the 5s to martin d18. Just the fact that people are comparing them to each other which martin is twice the price makes the fg5 worth it.
@@chocolatechip9829 Hi update. My instructor ( I have only been playing 20 months so far) can really bring out the best in both (D16E and FGX5.) D16E is using the Martin 80/20 phosphor bronze strings. The FGX5 is still on factory strings (I bet I have 50 hrs on them) The D16 is definitely easier for me to play (narrow body and I have about 800 hrs on it so it feels like home) I recently had the action lowered on the Martin even though I put that 800 hrs on it right off the wall. The FGX5 is being played just as Yamaha set it up. Martin is more "bluesy" (well of course.) The FGX5 is more "pop" sounding. Both sound fantastic to my ear. The neck on the FGX5 is easier for me to slide up the neck with (I think it is the finish) Tuners on the D16E look better than those on the FGX5. I like the FGX5 electronics better. They seem to be more responsive to the controls on the guitar itself and my amp (Fishman Loudbox mini charge) I just can't say which one I like better, it is so close. Visitors say that the FGX5 looks better (beautiful wood grain,a much deeper color than the D16E.) My D16E has an 8 claw bear claw across the top. I have been told this is fairly common with the D16E (a bit lower quality wood than a D18.) Both are very nice guitars. I bought 2 of the FGX5's. One is to be sold. I take an FGX5 to our Tucson Folk Festival on April 11-12 (that is the plan today.) and try and show it off. I am loosely affiliated (friend of the owner) with my local music store Chicago Music in Tucson. I believe I will take the one I am playing now and leave the really brand new one at home for a serious buyer so as they will have a "new" (only myself and my instructor have played it.) guitar. Can't decide which one sounds better. I have (in a daze) been playing the wrong guitar and wondering why it sounds different (Ha Ha) I believe the FGX5 is a better for outside use (sun, low humidity issues.) The D16E is a very,very sensitive to low humidity, the top grain will raise unless I keep a soundhole humidity device in it and a couple of wet sponges in the case. Any more technical questions on tone,playability, I will ask my instructor and post back. These are two great guitars. I paid about 100.00 more for the Martin.
@@danr5105 wow Dan. First off, great job on picking up the guitar. It's been 20 months, that really shows commitment as guitars aren't the easiest instrument to pick up. That being said, you are right. The yamahas are made in Japan. As such they have better tolerances to humidity and temperature as Asian climates tend to be more humid and warm. That being said glad you're loving them, but I wonder how does the sound and the resonance of the guitars stack up against each other
New Martin D18 cost $2500. New Yamaha FG5 cost $1200. Twenty five years from now the Martin will be worth $4000. You'll be lucky to get $400 for that Yamaha. Do the math.
It all depends on your priorities, invest the 1300 dollar difference with a a minimum 6 percent annual return into the market over those same 25 years and the Yamaha wins, do the math. That 1300 would be worth 5600 and you still have the 400 dollar Yamaha, so that’s 6000 compared to 4000, literally 50 percent better off with the Yamaha. Your welcome.
25 year old D18’s aren’t even selling for $2500 right now. However, old red label Yamahas are selling for far more than their original cost. And to add to that, tone woods are getting rarer by the day. Solid mahogany, solid spruce, and ebony has never and will never sell for $400, even if it were made in China. These guitars are made in Japan, which is a market that is skyrocketing in value throughout the guitar spectrum, from acoustics to electrics. So no, they won’t be lucky to get $400.
Well, I just purchased two of these brand new. Both were so badly blemished that they both had to be returned. One sounded good, the other, not so much. I waited two years to get one and held off buying another brand. Not even-entry level or B-stock quality. Terrible workmanship. What a disappointment.
I wish he had said more about the guitar because everything about this guitar is stunning and deserves to be shown....
I think he said enough and let the guitar say what needed to be said
I recently purchased a FGX3 new....was nearly in Canada to find one....and am blown away at the quality, playability and sound. Can only imagine what the 5s sound like....now I am a Yamaha convert from Martin’s and Taylor’s ....also just picked up a used LL16 ARE and again a fantastic beautiful guitar. I say to my wife...FG for the pubs and LL for the scotch room...lol
Really? I feel like the fgs are in its own right a fine and classy guitar not just for the pubs but also for recitals. The muted semi gloss finish just looks great. Btw the fg5, if you can get your hands on one. Go for it
Twas a joke as in plain versus bling...lol...and yes FG3 anywhere’s....I can only imagine the 5s sound...
@@jamesmacdon9351 I hear ye. You got your guitars from canada? Guess these red labels are out of stock everywhere. Even here in the states
@@chocolatechip9829 Yes got it last November from Long and McQuade out of Toronto sight unseen based on reviews and have no regrets at all. Hard to keep them in stock here or even get them. Loved it so much saw a used LL16 (2017 model year) and bought it for 800 bucks from a fellow with hard case....another complete ringer...even a lowly FG700S I recently got via a trade for an old Squier electric rings and solid as hell and a full dreadnought. Solid spruce top and laminate back/sides but neck, body same same. Also recently got an FS720S for 235 bucks and plays like a top. In all my years setting guitars up, Yammies always ring and are solid. No humidity concerns with them either as their QC cures their woods and laminates for that issue.
Well if you want an FG5 order it. Wait a few months for them to build it and then they will ship it. Wishes were horses bitches would ride.
Paul Stacey is a total badass. The stuff he did with the Crowes and New Earth Mud was fantastic. The soloing on Sugaree blew my mind.
💯 badass✌️
Sounds amazing 👏 nice demo and great player.
What a guitar! What a player
im a good player too!
Beltin
My fav acoustic guitar as per my choice and in my opinion no other acoustic guitar comes close to this in parameters of Solid wood + price + tone + appeal (dont comprare to Martin/Taylor as their prices are ridiculous)
You should check out below guitars before buying any other Acoustic guitar
1 -- Yamaha FGX5
2 -- Yamaha A5R
3 -- Yamaha LL16
4 -- Yamaha APX1000/1200 (for playing lead)
Also the 0:38 is gross yuk hahaha
It sounds like there is a lot of compression happening there. Maybe the way the guitar was recorded?
I wonder what amplifier is he using
Paul is a total badass!
I bet the 4-track was a Fostex X15 - with the orange colostomy bag for dropping in.
I'm looking to upgrade from my FG800 to the FG5, no one has any in stock
Yamaha are the silent assassins of the musical instrument industry. Slowly and surely moving towards the top,taking out the big guns on the way.
No question that Yamaha (Japan) makes a fine instrument that is on-level with any American brand, but don't kid yourself -- Martin and Gibson acoustics are still the most recognizable and desirable instruments on the acoustic market.
@@gui-texzan7477 Absolutely, but it's such a shame that many working musicians can rarely afford the likes of Martin and Gibson ... they have actually made themselves distant from so many good musicians ... this is why Yamaha have now made it possible for musicians to have top end guitars in their grasp. Thank you Yamaha :-)
@@gui-texzan7477 The money guitars and yes Martin, Gibson and Taylor do make the best top end guitars of anyone....however an elitist brand....like a Porsche or Tesla.....but for an everyday Joe, too much money....I was intent on buying a D18 last fall...an FG3 knocked it out of my sights for half the price and a much better build....hand made versus assembly line....plus the issues Martin and Gibson are having lately with QC are alarming for money paid. I will add that I have a Martin DX1AE and it is a great guitar for 700 bucks new....a full dreadnought, 1 3/4 nut, beefy neck, decent pick up and solid. Epi’s make some good rigs too....but yes if I could afford a D45 or a Hummingbird I would buy one....beautiful sound that no others can match in my opinion.
@@jamesmacdon9351FG3 is not a better build than a D18 😂
FG3 is a Chinese factory guitar.
@@G_Demolished Meybe, but FG9 surely is. I wil bet that quality will be on Yamaha side..
I lovely guitar enya guys.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The FG Series are great guitars. I love my FG830.
I had to write. My first was an FG830. I ordered 2x FGX5 a month ago,summer delivery. I tried to buy one in March 2020 but no stock. I bought a Martin D16E instead. I love my Martin (played great right off the wall, no action work needed.) I put my Martin in for the day (restring) and pulled out the FG830 for that day. I am glad I am getting the 5's as they sound very close to the D16E but different in a good way (the Martin bottom booms) My FG830 sounds so thin, I can hardly stand to play it but it was my first. Listening to the 5 here over the net I agree it is balanced, more balanced than the D16E but I wanted that "unbalanced" heavy bottom tone. Now I want some balance. These sound pretty darn nice. I did not get a chance to play one. Bought 2 untested.
@@danr5105 Any updates on how these sound for you? Saw one comparison on youtube where they compared the 5s to martin d18. Just the fact that people are comparing them to each other which martin is twice the price makes the fg5 worth it.
@@chocolatechip9829 Hi update. My instructor ( I have only been playing 20 months so far) can really bring out the best in both (D16E and FGX5.) D16E is using the Martin 80/20 phosphor bronze strings. The FGX5 is still on factory strings (I bet I have 50 hrs on them) The D16 is definitely easier for me to play (narrow body and I have about 800 hrs on it so it feels like home) I recently had the action lowered on the Martin even though I put that 800 hrs on it right off the wall. The FGX5 is being played just as Yamaha set it up. Martin is more "bluesy" (well of course.) The FGX5 is more "pop" sounding. Both sound fantastic to my ear. The neck on the FGX5 is easier for me to slide up the neck with (I think it is the finish) Tuners on the D16E look better than those on the FGX5. I like the FGX5 electronics better. They seem to be more responsive to the controls on the guitar itself and my amp (Fishman Loudbox mini charge) I just can't say which one I like better, it is so close. Visitors say that the FGX5 looks better (beautiful wood grain,a much deeper color than the D16E.) My D16E has an 8 claw bear claw across the top. I have been told this is fairly common with the D16E (a bit lower quality wood than a D18.) Both are very nice guitars. I bought 2 of the FGX5's. One is to be sold. I take an FGX5 to our Tucson Folk Festival on April 11-12 (that is the plan today.) and try and show it off. I am loosely affiliated (friend of the owner) with my local music store Chicago Music in Tucson. I believe I will take the one I am playing now and leave the really brand new one at home for a serious buyer so as they will have a "new" (only myself and my instructor have played it.) guitar. Can't decide which one sounds better. I have (in a daze) been playing the wrong guitar and wondering why it sounds different (Ha Ha) I believe the FGX5 is a better for outside use (sun, low humidity issues.) The D16E is a very,very sensitive to low humidity, the top grain will raise unless I keep a soundhole humidity device in it and a couple of wet sponges in the case. Any more technical questions on tone,playability, I will ask my instructor and post back. These are two great guitars. I paid about 100.00 more for the Martin.
@@danr5105 wow Dan. First off, great job on picking up the guitar. It's been 20 months, that really shows commitment as guitars aren't the easiest instrument to pick up. That being said, you are right. The yamahas are made in Japan. As such they have better tolerances to humidity and temperature as Asian climates tend to be more humid and warm. That being said glad you're loving them, but I wonder how does the sound and the resonance of the guitars stack up against each other
Plugged in as it is here, it sounds more like an electric jazz guitar sound than an acoustic guitar.
I totally agree.
I thought the tone from the on board pickup sounded very average on this video. The piezo rubber band sound was really evident.
Thtas why you should never judge sound quality on by a youtube video
Jackson Lisa Walker Christopher Jones Maria
That's not Paul Stacey
Nice commercial lol
Better guitar for the price than the Gibson J45.
New Martin D18 cost $2500. New Yamaha FG5 cost $1200. Twenty five years from now the Martin will be worth $4000. You'll be lucky to get $400 for that Yamaha. Do the math.
It all depends on your priorities, invest the 1300 dollar difference with a a minimum 6 percent annual return into the market over those same 25 years and the Yamaha wins, do the math. That 1300 would be worth 5600 and you still have the 400 dollar Yamaha, so that’s 6000 compared to 4000, literally 50 percent better off with the Yamaha. Your welcome.
It's personal choice. You pick one because it has a better resale value or because it's a better sound and playability to you.
25 year old D18’s aren’t even selling for $2500 right now. However, old red label Yamahas are selling for far more than their original cost. And to add to that, tone woods are getting rarer by the day. Solid mahogany, solid spruce, and ebony has never and will never sell for $400, even if it were made in China. These guitars are made in Japan, which is a market that is skyrocketing in value throughout the guitar spectrum, from acoustics to electrics. So no, they won’t be lucky to get $400.
@@johnkennedy6690
There's a 1995 Martin D-18sq on eBay for $2465 right now. '95 Martin D-18 authentic are like $3000.
@@frankdiscussion2069 There is one one reverb for $1799. Neither are $4000.
Well, I just purchased two of these brand new. Both were so badly blemished that they both had to be returned. One sounded good, the other, not so much. I waited two years to get one and held off buying another brand. Not even-entry level or B-stock quality. Terrible workmanship. What a disappointment.