I worked in a music shop for 14 years and I can safely say that every Yamaha guitar I got to put out on display or check for store was perfect every time. I'm talking about guitars that were shipped from Japan and kept in storage for months were just perfect, in perfect tune concert pitch you could just put these guitars directly on display for sale without any adjustments whatsoever
I’m good friends with a local music store repairman. He told me that Yamahas never cross his bench. I had four Taylors that all had major fret wear developing within months of purchase. My $250 Yamaha FG 700s is absolutely as good or better sounding and the frets are showing no signs of wear. Big fan of Yamaha guitars.
I do mostly house concerts and bonfires with a friend. I also hate lugging gear. I bought one about 4 months ago and it quickly became part of my rotation. It took us from sounding muddy to offering some tasty sounds. This is now my main guitar for playing out. The acoustic sound alone is fantastic and the playability is like a long lost friend. My first guitar (I still have it and play it) is an FG335 MkII bought new in 1981. 43 years later it still sounds amazing. If that guitar could tell stories, which includes losing it when I lent it to a friend for 5 years and then pulling it out of an outside locker unit, it would take hours.
I absolutely love this video! Thanks so much for your wonderful review and demo of these Yamaha guitars. And I have to say, you can really play those guitars!!! Wow!
I love these reviews/sit-downs. It's like visiting an old friend and talking music on all kinds of levels. Glad I stumbled on your channel sir. Cheers from Ontario, Canada
Played both of these yesterday at a local store here in Oklahoma. As a older player I could not believe that a laminate guitar could sound like this. Makes me wonder about the future of acoustic guitars. Are we witnessing a golden era of instruments where impeccable build quality intersects amazing technology? Both were around $659 and I almost bought one. Thanks John!!
I played a Yamaha LL6 at L&M in Winnipeg and it rang like a bell. I didn’t end up buying it at the time because it didn’t have a price tag on it so I thought it was around $2000-$3000. got home to N.S and found out it was around $700. Needless to say I ordered one on the spot
I bought the LL series TA two years ago from our local Fredericton music shop (Tony's). I played it without knowing what the TA function was and bought it based on the wonderful sound of the instrument. I don't use the TA function very much, but I do love the options it gives me.
I have an LS-TA and I do the same thing, It is basically an LS16 with the TA system and sounds amazing on it's own. I typically only use the effects when I want to emulate a 12 string with chorus and a bit of reverb. LOVE YAMAHAS!
My first Yamaha Classical Guitar is the G-85D which my brother in law gave to me way back in 1971. I passed it to my nieces’ husband where he had admired that guitar when he was a little kid in our local church. You are absolutely correct that the quality of craftsmanship of the original made in Japan guitars are absolutely outrageous. The GC-5M 1978 that I bought from Reverb is truly a masterpiece musical instrument.
30 years playing guitar (they don't call me Bar Chord Brad for no reason) as I'm a real basic guitar player. But these Yamaha TransAcoustic guitars are game changers in my opinion. After watching this video J.P I'm buying one come hell or high water. Yamaha you've done it again.
your story there was exactly what happened to me, I went to a local shop with intentions of buying a much more expensive guitar, but after playing every guitar in the room the Yamaha was by far the best sounding. thats the one I ended up buying and still in love with it after several years.
Hey JP, it is amazing that you are reviewing this series. This series is something I was hoping you would review for a long time. I understand it took you some time to fully appreciate this. Hopefully, you can try the LL trans acoustic version of this. Also, just my opinion, I think in the near future, I feel Yamaha needs to add a Japanese handcrafted model to this lineup.
I got an FGC-TA last week and it's definitely pretty amazing; it's my ideal Taylor, disguised as a Yamaha! This is my third guitar; I started out with a cheap kids guitar; then a $700 "made in Mexico" Martin guitar and now an FGC-TA! Each of these guitars came with unexpected pleasure and inspiration! While I really wanted to buy a Taylor, or another Martin, after my lovely Martin was involved in a tragic accident, I wound up with an FGC-TA and it's fantastic and beyond what I wanted in a Taylor! It's unbelievable to see that everyone on the internet seems to love their TA's too! Way to go Yamaha! Way to go J.P. I look forward to seeing more of your content!
Your excellent take on these wonderful guitars was a joy to experience! Yamaha wasn‘t on my radar at all for eons, but now my go-to guitar happens to be a Yamaha FG-TA much like the one you demod, but no cutaway. I reach for it almost exclusively, despite having much higher-priced (and louder) guitars like an old Martin D-35, a Lowden Jumbo (made by the master, himself), a Yairi dreadnaught, etc. The FG-TA is not only great with effects on, but also for tonal balance with no effects. Sure, it‘s not as loud and doesn‘t project as much as a solid-wood dread, but it suits more covers and playing styles than a normal dread, too. I love it for fingerpicking, strumming and everything in between. On stage, I run it through some high-end compression, EQ, chorus, delay and reverb pedals, and it sounds every bit as convincing as my more expensive models (naturally, since they all have piezos). The FG-TA turned me into a true Yamaha enthusiast, and now you‘ve got me thirsting for that cutaway dreadnaught. ;-)
I played the non cutaway last week and was just amazing. Yes, it is a cannon with the Trans-Acoustic on. We have a life long dream of traveling to Japan for a vacation. The factory is on the agenda!
Hi JP, i have been lucky enough that Lava Music sent me one of their guitars with built in effects. Have you heard of them? They are some sort of carbon fiber. I was so amazed by the sound. It is a songwriting machine like no others with those built in effects. And the neck and playability off the roof
Hi JP. My first real guitar was a Yamaha FG180. It had a laminated top and didn’t project sound compared with modern solid tops. I eventually sold it. I now have 3 Taylor guitars the first of which I bought 20 years ago, a 410 dreadnought. I then bought a 414CE and most recently a 616CE. These are beautiful guitars and I love all 3. Then I watched your videos on Yamaha and decided to give them a try. I wanted a nylon string so bought an NCX3. It’s a lovely guitar with a great pickup system though relatively quiet acoustically. I then bought an A3R, loved it and recently added an AC3R and an LLTA. So I now have 4 Yamahas. The LLTA is my favourite, it’s a total canon. The build quality and sound are tremendous. Easily as good as my Taylors and the 4 Yamahas cost about the same as the Taylor 616. So thanks for ruining my bank balance and waking me up to how good Yamahas are these days. 😂😂 somebody has to take the blame. Keep up the good work. PS a friend of mine recently bought a Boucher JP signature. You’re getting the blame for that too.
John, you are always informative, entertaining and well worth listening to....Your efforts are not wasted....people like me, whom you don't even know, appreciate you....
I have had an LL TA for a couple of years, and am absolutely delighted with it. It sounds great unplugged at singaround nights, but I was able to play plugged in at a local venue recently, and it was just awesome sounding. My one and only criticism is that it is very, very heavy to carry around. But I can put up with that for the lively sounds that it produces.
Happy New Year! 2022 kicks off with another great GSWJ episode! Thanks for always showing us great products, and demonstrating them so well! I have a Yamaha APX-700-II and I love its playability. The shallow body depth limits the acoustic projection, but the electrics on it are fantastic, it sounds great plugged in; it also stays in tune way better than my Martin or Godin, and it rings on and on! Keep the great reviews and demos coming!
Thanks for this informative video. After watching half of it I went on Reverb and bought a Mint pre-owned one. Now I just finished watching the rest. Thanks again, I trust your opinion.
I picked up the LLTA for 20 minutes in a guitar shop recently and was very impressed. The neck is superb, and hard to put down. A real joy to play and listen to. And of course the build quality is top notch. I did not use the inbuilt electronics that JP is reviewing here, but the guitar is fantastic on its own. Presumably it is the same as the LL16? Couldn't agree more re Yamahas quality control. My FS820 is a real pleasure to own, and a keeper, but the LL - or Red Label - range could well be my next Dread. Excellent review as always JP.
This review was well done! I like Yamaha acoustic guitars as I think they have the this balanced tone covering the medium between Martins and Taylors, plus their level of quality control. Being interested in Yamaha's transacoustics, I was initially planning to get the LL-TA which is supposed to be the better instrument looking at the price point. Sat and tried the LL-TA and FG-TA back and forth and a few minutes later walked out of the store with the considerably cheaper FG-TA black edition. I prefer mahogany tone over rosewood which is probably the reason I didn't have to think long, but overall I think the FG-TA sounded and felt better apart from the slightly plainer looks on the base model which, for me, was easily handled by the black edition unavailable on LL-TA. When it comes to the transacoustic part, it is an unmatched experience. Weirdly engaging, which makes you want to play the thing all the time. It takes the use of an acoustic guitar to the next level in terms of inspiration, song writing, not to mention the practicality. How Yamaha make such value so attainable really amazes me.
Since giving up electric guitar playing years ago, I have been happily playing my acoustic dry (acoustically). I love that I can grab my guitar and go out anywhere and play untethered by cords and the other baggage. Personally I think guitar effects are for nothing more than studio recording, but I think it is great someone can get one of these Yamahas (or any of the other options) and play their guitar anywhere having it sound the way they want. Thanks to JP for reviewing these guitars.
I just got a Yamaha LS-TA. My fifth Yamaha guitar. It's an addiction. Yamaha has the best mix of the highest quality instruments anywhere on earth. From tubas, to guitars, to harmonicas. What not. They are the best!
Happy New Year, good to see you back reviewing guitars. I have a 1974 Yamaha classical, still play it more than any instrument I own, sounds better every year. Cheers.
I kicked around getting the Trans-acoustic, but ended up getting the Alvarez md60bg (which I love), but I'm now thinking of picking one of these babies up. I may just sell one of my electrics to do it. I've been really enjoying playing acoustic over electric anyways.
Few months ago I had right shoulder surgery I’m right handed also, so playing my full size acoustic guitar maybe 20 minutes my shoulder would be hurting my shoulder didn’t seem to be healing as fast as when I was younger ( 71 years young ) couple people said maybe I should try a small guitar like maybe a parlor guitar it would be small enough that I wouldn’t have to hold my shoulder up so high, but the parlor guitars I’ve heard I really didn’t care much for them but decided to look at them anyway so I started looking thru Sweetwater in Indiana I found a Yamaha I thought I might like so I went on TH-cam see if I could find someone playing one then decided to order one it was the Yamaha CSF-TA. After unboxing it I was completely unprepared for the sound that came out of that little guitar then I started pushing buttons, I absolutely love that little feller, I ordered Buffalo bone saddle and nut and Buffalo pins and lower the action, this is one sweet playing guitar and love that booming sound. Now I can play as long as I like I never knew there was a guitar with all this on it that Trans Acoustic is something else.
I also have an LLTA- like many other commenters. It’s un freakin believable, don’t even need the effects. It’s also an amazing guitar to play plugged in cause it adds that reverb and chorus as desired and sounds beautiful
Picked up one of these at the store without even knowing about the effects. Was amazed at its character of sound and lightning fast comfortable playability. Was previously looking at a lower end Martin dread, but now I am seriously one of these. As you said, they are truly inspiring instruments. Yamaha makes gorgeous stuff!
I have an FSTA and love it. There was no cutaway when i bought mine but i have the same finish as the FG one you tried first. I love it. Happy New Year sir form Newfoundland. Stay safe and be well
Agreed. I went guitar shopping yesterday to upgrade my Ibanez Jampack. Started at a local consigment shop to check out a Guild True American. I wasn't impressed, didn't consider it to sound or project any better than my Ibanez. Then, I went to Guitar Center expecting to walk away with a Taylor, Martin, Seagull or Guild. I played through my price range and wasn't taken to any of the standards. They all had a slight variation in sound, but I wasn't all that impressed. They were all beautiful guitars, but then picked up the FG TA. I was blown away. I honestly figured it was a fluke, So I played each of the other brands again and took the Yamaha FG TA home. No buyer's remorse.
So i bought the yamaha Transacoustic, the same one one you reviewed (dreadnought cutaway) in Dec 2024. All I can say is wow!! And your review was so accurate. I'm so pleased with the guitar. Thank you for that......and you make me want to quit playing guitar with those chops !! Lol
When you’re the largest music company in the world you have a very large R&D department..I’m a clinician for Yamaha Trombones but I own many Yamaha Guitar’s and Basses…they all play great..great video brother..keep up the great work
I was born in Perth Andover. Matt Anderson was always the top of my local acoustic show. As the years went on JP Cormier was on the top of my list. The peak was seeing Matt Anderson and JP Cormier at the Hullabaloo in Perth Andover. This is a different TH-cam experience for me. It is surreal seeing JP Cormier play.
I'm super picky about my guitar sound. I like a guitar that can be big, bold, balanced, but also sweet. When I went to my guitar store in 2009, I played Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Breedloves - which I liked. I figured, what the hell, let me try this Yamaha sitting here. An LL6. I asked the tech about it and he said it's a fairly new model. Well, after a few more trips to the store I kept going back to it and truly couldn't put it down. It was exactly what I was looking for. I think I paid about $549 for it, then installed a Fishman Infinity Matrix Pickup. It became my stage guitar and I still use it at every gig. I get comments on it regularly - from musicians particularly - that are amazed at the sound. The only other Yamaha I ever bought is an F-310, smaller body, to teach my daughter who was 8 years old at the time. That guitar still sounds great and I use it as my songwriting guitar. Just want to say how cool it is to watch your video hearing you declare yourself a fan of Yamaha. Sorry so long but you motivated me to tell my story!!! THANK YOU! By the way, very cool effects on those guitars you are playing. You play great! (Think I may need another trip to the music store...)
Yamaha is one of the most consistent companies across the board. Especially quality higher end consumer grade products. Aged Yamaha guitars from the 60's - 90's play and sound like Martins, of course if they're Red labels, but even some of the laminates. Their Hi-Fi stuff from the 70's 80's rivals companies that solely built Hi-Fi audio. Their speakers and especially monitor speakers are considered industry standards. Their drums are quality. Wind instruments. On and on. I didn't even mention the actual motorcycles.
John, Just purchased my FGC Trans -Acoustic in Black.. it will be the first and only black guitar I have owned, I've been through a few. My current favorite guitar is my A3R cutaway dreadnought.. I love that guitar, it plays well and it sounds great. I have done some audio engineering in the past, I recorded Southern Culture on the Skids EP and their first Album. I have a few music videos on my TH-cam you might like..
Thanks JP. For your great reviews. I'm lucky to own a few nice acoustics. I picked up a fg800m because of your reviews and it's a wonderful sounding guitar and it always puts a smile on my face. Your totally right about build quality. Thanks again.
Both beautiful crafted awesome killer sounds love it I like fs smaller body I'm short structured in spine it be perfect to have sunburst I have been wanting black guitar too though lol
I watch JP even if I'm not all that interested in what he's talking about on a particular day. It's just because he's so damned Canadian! He makes me feel right at home, and is almost a throwback to the days when a lot of Canadians were more like JP.
Just bought one. Very impressed Not my first Yamaha. Years ago Was looking at some martins and yeah the salesman let me know the Yamaha was comparable for better value dollarwise…. Had to to sell for car parts…. 🤦♂️…. And it killed me. Had been looking to replace it for a bit. Just got one of these and omg Such a good guitar. As someone who just jams after I get out of work…doesn’t wanna mess around with setting up an amp, I am thoroughly impressed, inspired, very happy and grateful. I feel lucky to own one. I cannot sing enough praises rn. It’s even got me laid! lol. To those that get one… Enjoy yourselves. No regrets here.
Fun video. I too am a big fan of Yamaha guitars (esp. the L series). The nut width on the FG series guitar is 1 11'16" (43 mm) and the nut and saddle material is UREA (dense plastic).
the efx are pretty good given the convenience, yet some (electric) efx pedals do it better (w right acoustic amp), but for just use at home, that smaller one is a prize (I'm more into 00 size) but thanks for showing these. The surprising kick is these are acoustically awesome so, its on my list . . .
Dam you JP !!!! Dam you !! Any chance of renting a room out in Gingers Barn ? I’m just asking ahead of time in case I need a place to live when I show up at home with this guitar model…… since it’s all your fault and all I’ll also need the bigger bathroom!
Same here, we'll almost. My yamaha was destroyed and not played in years, but I want this L version. Need a second bathroom converted from my laundry room. With arthritis in my right hand and shoulder, dang, may be choosing the wrong priorities, but I love them both, but the looping is amazing, etc!!
Hey man, I've had the LS-TA (which has a solid torrefied Englemann top and solid EIR back and sides) for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. I have a demo on my channel of it, as a matter of fact. I'll soon be "comparing" it to my Yairi, Larrivee, and Maestro "boutique" guitars, because it blows me away how Yamaha can make such an outstanding production instrument, which can compete with guitars 2-3 times the price. I will be sad if I've ever got to sell it, as it's one of my favorite instruments to play. Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶🤝✌
my hero. i bought one and i love it, at 70 i thought i needed a hobby and chose to play guitar. very happy to have come across a fsc ta therefore don't need an amp.
I am a big Yamaha fan and a fan of these Trans-acoustic guitars. I have an FS-TA and love it. I actually sold a Taylor that I had at the time cause I kept playing the cheaper Yamaha over it. The Yamaha just fit me like a glove. I don't use the effects much, but they are wicked cool.
@@susanthajayawardena2161 where they are made, construction materials, so ergo price. The FG/FS are half the price so they are mass produced, not all solid woods, made in Indonesia, lesser quality of materials and details. Whereas the LL/LA are made in Japan with solids woods and extremely high quality materiels and detail to the craft. Don't get me wrong though, for the money, you won't get anything better than the more affordable Yamaha's. I own an FG-TA and is without a doubt the best acoustic I've played, maybe mine just has that special modjo that people talk about all the time.
@@susanthajayawardena2161 The FS-TA is he lower end model and its the 000 size. I have a L series that I adore as well, but it isn't a transacoustic. I never use the effects I just honestly love the way it feels and sounds.
Great video. My FG830 two years in has really opened up. The thing about the laminate Rosewood back and sides is it has a really nice sound. It is all wood and that makes a difference.
@CountryStranger I believe one difference is the L series have a solid rosewood back & sides with Yamaha's A.R.E. treatment that matures new wood to make it sound vintage (without chemicals). He didn't mention but all these models have a solid spruce top. Edit: last time I checked, the L series also came with a hard bag case.
This is just simply INCREDIBLE!!! I'm definitely thinking about grabbing one, probably the smaller one because it has a more classical guitar style! You are definitely one hell of a player, VERY INSPIRING, love those content, so I just subbed to your channel, you ROCK my friend, be safe, Rock On & God Bless.
OMG!! Gimme, gimme! There was a time I wouldn't give a Yamaha acoustic guitar a second look. I'm SUCH a Martin Dred snob (it's that sound.) No more! Might have to look at an LL, but in meantime goin' shopping for that FGCTA! Love it! It sounds so great, and wouldn't have to fret (pun intended! 😁) over taking it out on gigs. Thanks for waking me up! Love your channel. You are some kind of talent, Sir! Ya know, I wonder what those guitars would sound like with solid rosewood.🤔 LL??
You're spot on about the quality of Yamaha guitars. I bought a yamaha FG413S in the mid nineties - It was my first acoustic and up until a month or so ago, my only acoustic and it always sounded fantastic even up against the top of the range Martins and it was a couple of hundred pounds here in the UK. Thanks to your videos and reviews, I have just bought myself a Yamaha LL16 ARE and I absolutely love it. The build quality is amazing. Still love my old one too, of course. Now I want one of these TA guitars as well… damn. Thanks for the great reviews and playing. 👍🏻
I typically play electric guitar HOWEVER I got one of these for a great deal..and I have NOT put it down or played Any of my other guitars. I was Blown away by this guitar's sound and abilities! Great video Amazing guitar! Thx
Thank you for this review, JP! I am looking for an acoustic under $900, and I had narrowed it down to these same two, and the Alvarez MD60BG. To be honest. I've had easier times when choosing guitars 2 to 3 times that price. But, narrowing it down to these 3 choices is a hard decision to make, especially, since this is going to be my last acoustic guitar purchase in my life time. I have 3 already, and just want one last one that has a different sound and/or playability from the ones that I already have..in other words needing one more tool that's different from the ones I already have, if that makes any sense. It looks like you are going to choose the FGC-TA, even though yoy mentioned that the FSC-TA was nice for fingerpicking, which is a large part of my style of playing, too. I wish you would have been more specific on why you chose the FSC-TA, though. Not that it would have influenced my final choice, but it still would be interesting to have your exact thoughts on your choice process. Anyway, thank you for posting...I'm a huge fan.
I would never have expected the sound that came out of those two guitars. I expected some kind of messed up noise. But they sound awesome. I'm a fan now.
JP, would you showcase the Zager guitars? They are handmade in Lincoln, Nebraska by Denny Zager of Zager & Evans fame (In The Year 2525 in 1967). I have a ZAD80CE and a ZAD900CE (half the price of a Martin or Taylor but every bit the guitar of choice). Thanks, Phil
I just got the entry level FG-TA. My guitar teacher have me the heads up. I'm no expert but the sound without the effects blew away the others I tried (even ones there was no way I could afford!!). Then the effects just add a load of fun. A friend has the Lava guitar with the effects but the sound out of that isn't as good IMO as the Yamaha. (still a great guitar though!). I am playing more because of this guitar.
I worked in a music shop for 14 years and I can safely say that every Yamaha guitar I got to put out on display or check for store was perfect every time. I'm talking about guitars that were shipped from Japan and kept in storage for months were just perfect, in perfect tune concert pitch you could just put these guitars directly on display for sale without any adjustments whatsoever
wasnt in my case, but that was some cheaper model (less 200eur))
I’m good friends with a local music store repairman. He told me that Yamahas never cross his bench. I had four Taylors that all had major fret wear developing within months of purchase. My $250 Yamaha FG 700s is absolutely as good or better sounding and the frets are showing no signs of wear. Big fan of Yamaha guitars.
I do mostly house concerts and bonfires with a friend. I also hate lugging gear. I bought one about 4 months ago and it quickly became part of my rotation. It took us from sounding muddy to offering some tasty sounds. This is now my main guitar for playing out. The acoustic sound alone is fantastic and the playability is like a long lost friend. My first guitar (I still have it and play it) is an FG335 MkII bought new in 1981. 43 years later it still sounds amazing. If that guitar could tell stories, which includes losing it when I lent it to a friend for 5 years and then pulling it out of an outside locker unit, it would take hours.
I absolutely love this video! Thanks so much for your wonderful review and demo of these Yamaha guitars. And I have to say, you can really play those guitars!!! Wow!
I love these reviews/sit-downs. It's like visiting an old friend and talking music on all kinds of levels. Glad I stumbled on your channel sir. Cheers from Ontario, Canada
Almost @20k ! so happy for you. Thanks for all you do! We are so lucky .
Played both of these yesterday at a local store here in Oklahoma. As a older player I could not believe that a laminate guitar could sound like this. Makes me wonder about the future of acoustic guitars. Are we witnessing a golden era of instruments where impeccable build quality intersects amazing technology? Both were around $659 and I almost bought one. Thanks John!!
Both have solid spruce TOPS anyway, specced specifically on the yamaha website as"Solid Spruce".
Nope, it’s just Yamaha that actually cares about quality with the lowest price possible for the quality provided.
To this day , no sloppy glue application . Perfect intonation, great material . No builder is better than Yamaha .
I played a Yamaha LL6 at L&M in Winnipeg and it rang like a bell. I didn’t end up buying it at the time because it didn’t have a price tag on it so I thought it was around $2000-$3000. got home to N.S and found out it was around $700. Needless to say I ordered one on the spot
Thank you for the review, you do an amazing job. Beautiful playing too, inspires one to play :)
Amazing to hear you play! Music is such a gift to the spirit.
I bought the LL series TA two years ago from our local Fredericton music shop (Tony's). I played it without knowing what the TA function was and bought it based on the wonderful sound of the instrument. I don't use the TA function very much, but I do love the options it gives me.
I have an LS-TA and I do the same thing, It is basically an LS16 with the TA system and sounds amazing on it's own. I typically only use the effects when I want to emulate a 12 string with chorus and a bit of reverb. LOVE YAMAHAS!
My first Yamaha Classical Guitar is the G-85D which my brother in law gave to me way back in 1971. I passed it to my nieces’ husband where he had admired that guitar when he was a little kid in our local church. You are absolutely correct that the quality of craftsmanship of the original made in Japan guitars are absolutely outrageous. The GC-5M 1978 that I bought from Reverb is truly a masterpiece musical instrument.
30 years playing guitar (they don't call me Bar Chord Brad for no reason) as I'm a real basic guitar player. But these Yamaha TransAcoustic guitars are game changers in my opinion. After watching this video J.P I'm buying one come hell or high water. Yamaha you've done it again.
I just got one, no regrets (only not getting one sooner!)
your story there was exactly what happened to me, I went to a local shop with intentions of buying a much more expensive guitar, but after playing every guitar in the room the Yamaha was by far the best sounding. thats the one I ended up buying and still in love with it after several years.
I really appreciate what you share with us .
Hey JP, it is amazing that you are reviewing this series. This series is something I was hoping you would review for a long time. I understand it took you some time to fully appreciate this. Hopefully, you can try the LL trans acoustic version of this. Also, just my opinion, I think in the near future, I feel Yamaha needs to add a Japanese handcrafted model to this lineup.
I got an FGC-TA last week and it's definitely pretty amazing; it's my ideal Taylor, disguised as a Yamaha!
This is my third guitar; I started out with a cheap kids guitar; then a $700 "made in Mexico" Martin guitar and now an FGC-TA!
Each of these guitars came with unexpected pleasure and inspiration!
While I really wanted to buy a Taylor, or another Martin, after my lovely Martin was involved in a tragic accident, I wound up with an FGC-TA and it's fantastic and beyond what I wanted in a Taylor!
It's unbelievable to see that everyone on the internet seems to love their TA's too!
Way to go Yamaha!
Way to go J.P.
I look forward to seeing more of your content!
Your excellent take on these wonderful guitars was a joy to experience! Yamaha wasn‘t on my radar at all for eons, but now my go-to guitar happens to be a Yamaha FG-TA much like the one you demod, but no cutaway. I reach for it almost exclusively, despite having much higher-priced (and louder) guitars like an old Martin D-35, a Lowden Jumbo (made by the master, himself), a Yairi dreadnaught, etc. The FG-TA is not only great with effects on, but also for tonal balance with no effects. Sure, it‘s not as loud and doesn‘t project as much as a solid-wood dread, but it suits more covers and playing styles than a normal dread, too. I love it for fingerpicking, strumming and everything in between. On stage, I run it through some high-end compression, EQ, chorus, delay and reverb pedals, and it sounds every bit as convincing as my more expensive models (naturally, since they all have piezos). The FG-TA turned me into a true Yamaha enthusiast, and now you‘ve got me thirsting for that cutaway dreadnaught. ;-)
Oh my goodness, it’s been way too long since I’ve seen you my friend, beautiful instrument and playing !!!
I stopped in my local store today and tried one of these and was literally blown away!!!
Hello JP, is this that vintage tint colour and finishing on the FG CTA? Cheers.
I played the non cutaway last week and was just amazing. Yes, it is a cannon with the Trans-Acoustic on. We have a life long dream of traveling to Japan for a vacation. The factory is on the agenda!
Hi JP, i have been lucky enough that Lava Music sent me one of their guitars with built in effects. Have you heard of them?
They are some sort of carbon fiber. I was so amazed by the sound. It is a songwriting machine like no others with those built in effects. And the neck and playability off the roof
Watched this a few months ago and been on the lookout ever since , finally acquired one today and it sounds as good as it does on this clip 👍
Hi JP. My first real guitar was a Yamaha FG180. It had a laminated top and didn’t project sound compared with modern solid tops. I eventually sold it. I now have 3 Taylor guitars the first of which I bought 20 years ago, a 410 dreadnought. I then bought a 414CE and most recently a 616CE. These are beautiful guitars and I love all 3. Then I watched your videos on Yamaha and decided to give them a try. I wanted a nylon string so bought an NCX3. It’s a lovely guitar with a great pickup system though relatively quiet acoustically. I then bought an A3R, loved it and recently added an AC3R and an LLTA. So I now have 4 Yamahas. The LLTA is my favourite, it’s a total canon. The build quality and sound are tremendous. Easily as good as my Taylors and the 4 Yamahas cost about the same as the Taylor 616. So thanks for ruining my bank balance and waking me up to how good Yamahas are these days. 😂😂 somebody has to take the blame. Keep up the good work. PS a friend of mine recently bought a Boucher JP signature. You’re getting the blame for that too.
John, you are always informative, entertaining and well worth listening to....Your efforts are not wasted....people like me, whom you don't even know, appreciate you....
I just played one of these this weekend and I was blown away!
Sounds so good!!!!!!
I have had an LL TA for a couple of years, and am absolutely delighted with it. It sounds great unplugged at singaround nights, but I was able to play plugged in at a local venue recently, and it was just awesome sounding.
My one and only criticism is that it is very, very heavy to carry around. But I can put up with that for the lively sounds that it produces.
Happy New Year! 2022 kicks off with another great GSWJ episode! Thanks for always showing us great products, and demonstrating them so well! I have a Yamaha APX-700-II and I love its playability. The shallow body depth limits the acoustic projection, but the electrics on it are fantastic, it sounds great plugged in; it also stays in tune way better than my Martin or Godin, and it rings on and on! Keep the great reviews and demos coming!
Thanks for this informative video. After watching half of it I went on Reverb and bought a Mint pre-owned one. Now I just finished watching the rest. Thanks again, I trust your opinion.
what a player!! seriously!!🤗🤗👍👍
Beautiful playing
I picked up the LLTA for 20 minutes in a guitar shop recently and was very impressed. The neck is superb, and hard to put down. A real joy to play and listen to. And of course the build quality is top notch. I did not use the inbuilt electronics that JP is reviewing here, but the guitar is fantastic on its own. Presumably it is the same as the LL16?
Couldn't agree more re Yamahas quality control. My FS820 is a real pleasure to own, and a keeper, but the LL - or Red Label - range could well be my next Dread.
Excellent review as always JP.
That’s awesome JP, a wow moment for me for sure, cheers
This review was well done! I like Yamaha acoustic guitars as I think they have the this balanced tone covering the medium between Martins and Taylors, plus their level of quality control. Being interested in Yamaha's transacoustics, I was initially planning to get the LL-TA which is supposed to be the better instrument looking at the price point. Sat and tried the LL-TA and FG-TA back and forth and a few minutes later walked out of the store with the considerably cheaper FG-TA black edition. I prefer mahogany tone over rosewood which is probably the reason I didn't have to think long, but overall I think the FG-TA sounded and felt better apart from the slightly plainer looks on the base model which, for me, was easily handled by the black edition unavailable on LL-TA. When it comes to the transacoustic part, it is an unmatched experience. Weirdly engaging, which makes you want to play the thing all the time. It takes the use of an acoustic guitar to the next level in terms of inspiration, song writing, not to mention the practicality. How Yamaha make such value so attainable really amazes me.
Since giving up electric guitar playing years ago, I have been happily playing my acoustic dry (acoustically). I love that I can grab my guitar and go out anywhere and play untethered by cords and the other baggage. Personally I think guitar effects are for nothing more than studio recording, but I think it is great someone can get one of these Yamahas (or any of the other options) and play their guitar anywhere having it sound the way they want. Thanks to JP for reviewing these guitars.
I just got a Yamaha LS-TA. My fifth Yamaha guitar. It's an addiction. Yamaha has the best mix of the highest quality instruments anywhere on earth. From tubas, to guitars, to harmonicas. What not. They are the best!
Happy New Year, good to see you back reviewing guitars. I have a 1974 Yamaha classical, still play it more than any instrument I own, sounds better every year. Cheers.
The Yamaha guitars are inspirational ..... and your masterful playing is also inspirational. It drives me to practice more. Thank-you.
Glad you're finally onboard! 😊🎶 I love my LSTA, vintage tint.. Another killer Yamaha. Great review buddy! Thanks
Have one too. Great guitar, love it.
I kicked around getting the Trans-acoustic, but ended up getting the Alvarez md60bg (which I love), but I'm now thinking of picking one of these babies up. I may just sell one of my electrics to do it. I've been really enjoying playing acoustic over electric anyways.
Few months ago I had right shoulder surgery I’m right handed also, so playing my full size acoustic guitar maybe 20 minutes my shoulder would be hurting my shoulder didn’t seem to be healing as fast as when I was younger ( 71 years young ) couple people said maybe I should try a small guitar like maybe a parlor guitar it would be small enough that I wouldn’t have to hold my shoulder up so high, but the parlor guitars I’ve heard I really didn’t care much for them but decided to look at them anyway so I started looking thru Sweetwater in Indiana I found a Yamaha I thought I might like so I went on TH-cam see if I could find someone playing one then decided to order one it was the Yamaha CSF-TA. After unboxing it I was completely unprepared for the sound that came out of that little guitar then I started pushing buttons, I absolutely love that little feller, I ordered Buffalo bone saddle and nut and Buffalo pins and lower the action, this is one sweet playing guitar and love that booming sound. Now I can play as long as I like I never knew there was a guitar with all this on it that Trans Acoustic is something else.
Hi! Watching 2 years out and tried one of these guitars and loved it!!! Thinking of purchasing it❤
I also have an LLTA- like many other commenters. It’s un freakin believable, don’t even need the effects. It’s also an amazing guitar to play plugged in cause it adds that reverb and chorus as desired and sounds beautiful
Picked up one of these at the store without even knowing about the effects. Was amazed at its character of sound and lightning fast comfortable playability. Was previously looking at a lower end Martin dread, but now I am seriously one of these. As you said, they are truly inspiring instruments. Yamaha makes gorgeous stuff!
I have an FSTA and love it. There was no cutaway when i bought mine but i have the same finish as the FG one you tried first. I love it. Happy New Year sir form Newfoundland. Stay safe and be well
Hi, Wayne. How’s it going? Still out with the camera?
@@Caperhere Not as often as i would like lately sir . How Are things with you sir?
I ordered me one. I tried them out and loved them! I agree that Yamaha makes some amazing guitars! Thanks for the video!
Subbed, great channel man!
Agreed. I went guitar shopping yesterday to upgrade my Ibanez Jampack. Started at a local consigment shop to check out a Guild True American. I wasn't impressed, didn't consider it to sound or project any better than my Ibanez. Then, I went to Guitar Center expecting to walk away with a Taylor, Martin, Seagull or Guild. I played through my price range and wasn't taken to any of the standards. They all had a slight variation in sound, but I wasn't all that impressed. They were all beautiful guitars, but then picked up the FG TA. I was blown away. I honestly figured it was a fluke, So I played each of the other brands again and took the Yamaha FG TA home. No buyer's remorse.
not what I expected, your curiosity provided an enlightening review, txs
So i bought the yamaha Transacoustic, the same one one you reviewed (dreadnought cutaway) in Dec 2024. All I can say is wow!! And your review was so accurate. I'm so pleased with the guitar. Thank you for that......and you make me want to quit playing guitar with those chops !! Lol
John, your review of the fg375(owner since '84) brought me back to your
Channel.
These are cool, nice lil pickup n EQ setup with the rig!!
When you’re the largest music company in the world you have a very large R&D department..I’m a clinician for Yamaha Trombones but I own many Yamaha Guitar’s and Basses…they all play great..great video brother..keep up the great work
That actually made me smile.
I was born in Perth Andover. Matt Anderson was always the top of my local acoustic show. As the years went on JP Cormier was on the top of my list. The peak was seeing Matt Anderson and JP Cormier at the Hullabaloo in Perth Andover. This is a different TH-cam experience for me. It is surreal seeing JP Cormier play.
Sounds & looks great !! Great video !!
Sounds wonderful...Thanks so much for the review...I was wondering what would be my step up from my fg800 ...Now I think I've found it....
Just sitting back letting my ears and eyes take a gander here. John, thank you for another excellent review!
I'm super picky about my guitar sound. I like a guitar that can be big, bold, balanced, but also sweet. When I went to my guitar store in 2009, I played Martins, Taylors, Gibsons, Breedloves - which I liked. I figured, what the hell, let me try this Yamaha sitting here. An LL6. I asked the tech about it and he said it's a fairly new model. Well, after a few more trips to the store I kept going back to it and truly couldn't put it down. It was exactly what I was looking for. I think I paid about $549 for it, then installed a Fishman Infinity Matrix Pickup. It became my stage guitar and I still use it at every gig. I get comments on it regularly - from musicians particularly - that are amazed at the sound. The only other Yamaha I ever bought is an F-310, smaller body, to teach my daughter who was 8 years old at the time. That guitar still sounds great and I use it as my songwriting guitar. Just want to say how cool it is to watch your video hearing you declare yourself a fan of Yamaha. Sorry so long but you motivated me to tell my story!!! THANK YOU! By the way, very cool effects on those guitars you are playing. You play great! (Think I may need another trip to the music store...)
Thanks JP. I still play an FG 180 that I bought in 1969 everyday.
Yamaha guitars are like their pianos. Consistently great!
Agreed
Yamaha is one of the most consistent companies across the board. Especially quality higher end consumer grade products. Aged Yamaha guitars from the 60's - 90's play and sound like Martins, of course if they're Red labels, but even some of the laminates. Their Hi-Fi stuff from the 70's 80's rivals companies that solely built Hi-Fi audio. Their speakers and especially monitor speakers are considered industry standards. Their drums are quality. Wind instruments. On and on. I didn't even mention the actual motorcycles.
John, Just purchased my FGC Trans -Acoustic in Black.. it will be the first and only black guitar I have owned, I've been through a few. My current favorite guitar is my A3R cutaway dreadnought.. I love that guitar, it plays well and it sounds great. I have done some audio engineering in the past, I recorded Southern Culture on the Skids EP and their first Album. I have a few music videos on my TH-cam you might like..
Thanks JP. For your great reviews. I'm lucky to own a few nice acoustics. I picked up a fg800m because of your reviews and it's a wonderful sounding guitar and it always puts a smile on my face. Your totally right about build quality. Thanks again.
Both beautiful crafted awesome killer sounds love it I like fs smaller body I'm short structured in spine it be perfect to have sunburst I have been wanting black guitar too though lol
Fantastic Shirt!
I watch JP even if I'm not all that interested in what he's talking about on a particular day. It's just because he's so damned Canadian! He makes me feel right at home, and is almost a throwback to the days when a lot of Canadians were more like JP.
Just bought one.
Very impressed
Not my first Yamaha.
Years ago Was looking at some martins and yeah the salesman let me know the Yamaha was comparable for better value dollarwise….
Had to to sell for car parts…. 🤦♂️….
And it killed me.
Had been looking to replace it for a bit.
Just got one of these and omg Such a good guitar. As someone who just jams after I get out of work…doesn’t wanna mess around with setting up an amp, I am thoroughly impressed, inspired, very happy and grateful.
I feel lucky to own one.
I cannot sing enough praises rn.
It’s even got me laid!
lol.
To those that get one…
Enjoy yourselves.
No regrets here.
mine arrives tomorrow morning!
Awesome guitars and beautiful playing 🙏🎶🎶
Fun video. I too am a big fan of Yamaha guitars (esp. the L series). The nut width on the FG series guitar is 1 11'16" (43 mm) and the nut and saddle material is UREA (dense plastic).
the efx are pretty good given the convenience, yet some (electric) efx pedals do it better (w right acoustic amp), but for just use at home, that smaller one is a prize (I'm more into 00 size) but thanks for showing these. The surprising kick is these are acoustically awesome so, its on my list . . .
Dam you JP !!!! Dam you !! Any chance of renting a room out in Gingers Barn ? I’m just asking ahead of time in case I need a place to live when I show up at home with this guitar model…… since it’s all your fault and all I’ll also need the bigger bathroom!
Same here, we'll almost. My yamaha was destroyed and not played in years, but I want this L version. Need a second bathroom converted from my laundry room. With arthritis in my right hand and shoulder, dang, may be choosing the wrong priorities, but I love them both, but the looping is amazing, etc!!
John, you are just an amazing, well-rounded acoustic guitarist. Do you offer lessons?
Hey man, I've had the LS-TA (which has a solid torrefied Englemann top and solid EIR back and sides) for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. I have a demo on my channel of it, as a matter of fact.
I'll soon be "comparing" it to my Yairi, Larrivee, and Maestro "boutique" guitars, because it blows me away how Yamaha can make such an outstanding production instrument, which can compete with guitars 2-3 times the price.
I will be sad if I've ever got to sell it, as it's one of my favorite instruments to play.
Peace. 🐰💙🇺🇲🎸🎶🤝✌
my hero. i bought one and i love it, at 70 i thought i needed a hobby and chose to play guitar. very happy to have come across a fsc ta therefore don't need an amp.
I am a big Yamaha fan and a fan of these Trans-acoustic guitars. I have an FS-TA and love it. I actually sold a Taylor that I had at the time cause I kept playing the cheaper Yamaha over it. The Yamaha just fit me like a glove. I don't use the effects much, but they are wicked cool.
What is the difference of this model to Yamaha LL TA.? I own a LL TA
@@susanthajayawardena2161 where they are made, construction materials, so ergo price. The FG/FS are half the price so they are mass produced, not all solid woods, made in Indonesia, lesser quality of materials and details. Whereas the LL/LA are made in Japan with solids woods and extremely high quality materiels and detail to the craft. Don't get me wrong though, for the money, you won't get anything better than the more affordable Yamaha's. I own an FG-TA and is without a doubt the best acoustic I've played, maybe mine just has that special modjo that people talk about all the time.
@@susanthajayawardena2161 The FS-TA is he lower end model and its the 000 size. I have a L series that I adore as well, but it isn't a transacoustic. I never use the effects I just honestly love the way it feels and sounds.
Dude, that sounds like a hell of a lot of fun! Never played or heard one before, but ill be loo king out for them!
Why do you only have 19,000 subs. Make it 19,001, you are great!
Thanks uploader, didn’t even know Yamaha manufactured these. Excellent stuff
Thanks J.P. for your review, You got me off the fence and I just ordered one. 8=})
Great video. My FG830 two years in has really opened up. The thing about the laminate Rosewood back and sides is it has a really nice sound. It is all wood and that makes a difference.
@CountryStranger the LL6 model is laminate back and sides
@CountryStranger I believe one difference is the L series have a solid rosewood back & sides with Yamaha's A.R.E. treatment that matures new wood to make it sound vintage (without chemicals). He didn't mention but all these models have a solid spruce top.
Edit: last time I checked, the L series also came with a hard bag case.
This is just simply INCREDIBLE!!! I'm definitely thinking about grabbing one, probably the smaller one because it has a more classical guitar style! You are definitely one hell of a player, VERY INSPIRING, love those content, so I just subbed to your channel, you ROCK my friend, be safe, Rock On & God Bless.
just ordered mine today, this man is costing me a fortune, but I love him!
OMG!! Gimme, gimme! There was a time I wouldn't give a Yamaha acoustic guitar a second look. I'm SUCH a Martin Dred snob (it's that sound.) No more! Might have to look at an LL, but in meantime goin' shopping for that FGCTA! Love it! It sounds so great, and wouldn't have to fret (pun intended! 😁) over taking it out on gigs. Thanks for waking me up! Love your channel. You are some kind of talent, Sir! Ya know, I wonder what those guitars would sound like with solid rosewood.🤔 LL??
You're spot on about the quality of Yamaha guitars. I bought a yamaha FG413S in the mid nineties - It was my first acoustic and up until a month or so ago, my only acoustic and it always sounded fantastic even up against the top of the range Martins and it was a couple of hundred pounds here in the UK. Thanks to your videos and reviews, I have just bought myself a Yamaha LL16 ARE and I absolutely love it. The build quality is amazing. Still love my old one too, of course. Now I want one of these TA guitars as well… damn. Thanks for the great reviews and playing. 👍🏻
Saw the Hip shirt and subscribed 🤷♂️🇨🇦❤️
I typically play electric guitar HOWEVER I got one of these for a great deal..and I have NOT put it down or played Any of my other guitars. I was Blown away by this guitar's sound and abilities! Great video Amazing guitar! Thx
I just bought the FGC TA about 6 hrs ago. I keep picking it up. It's become an obsession. I now hate myself for being so addicted to the damn thing.
Excellent review...I got into yamaha via John Denver in the 80's he had Yamahas special built...
Thank you for this review, JP! I am looking for an acoustic under $900, and I had narrowed it down to these same two, and the Alvarez MD60BG. To be honest. I've had easier times when choosing guitars 2 to 3 times that price. But, narrowing it down to these 3 choices is a hard decision to make, especially, since this is going to be my last acoustic guitar purchase in my life time. I have 3 already, and just want one last one that has a different sound and/or playability from the ones that I already have..in other words needing one more tool that's different from the ones I already have, if that makes any sense. It looks like you are going to choose the FGC-TA, even though yoy mentioned that the FSC-TA was nice for fingerpicking, which is a large part of my style of playing, too. I wish you would have been more specific on why you chose the FSC-TA, though. Not that it would have influenced my final choice, but it still would be interesting to have your exact thoughts on your choice process. Anyway, thank you for posting...I'm a huge fan.
I want one now wow !
I sold my Boucher BG and bought a LL6 I love it, today I'm off to pick up a LL TA I am getting for $1000 Canadian.
After watching this, just sold 2 acoustics, got the FGTA and play it almost every day, grreat.
Hello, could you please put a link for this guitar? I didn’t see the cutout version
I would never have expected the sound that came out of those two guitars. I expected some kind of messed up noise. But they sound awesome. I'm a fan now.
Just bought one of these, what an awesome guitar 🎸
That FG is my next new guitar. I already have several Yamahas (six currently) including an FG830, FGX830C and a 1966 FG150 that's just amazing.
Check out an LL or LS TA also. My LLTA is unbelievable!
JP, would you showcase the Zager guitars? They are handmade in Lincoln, Nebraska by Denny Zager of Zager & Evans fame (In The Year 2525 in 1967). I have a ZAD80CE and a ZAD900CE (half the price of a Martin or Taylor but every bit the guitar of choice). Thanks, Phil
Thanks! Pride as i have seen from Yamaha.
i'd definitely be interested in that concert-size one
I just got the entry level FG-TA. My guitar teacher have me the heads up. I'm no expert but the sound without the effects blew away the others I tried (even ones there was no way I could afford!!). Then the effects just add a load of fun. A friend has the Lava guitar with the effects but the sound out of that isn't as good IMO as the Yamaha. (still a great guitar though!). I am playing more because of this guitar.
Same here!