You should review the Yamaha "Green Labels" too. I have one right now made around the 70s and i think it sounds really good. I think that's the one guitar I won't sell in a long time
I purchased my Red Label FG-150 new in 1971, and the case had to be special ordered so it cost me almost as much as the guitar did back then. It remains my favorite after all these years.
@@everysingleguitars The guitar was $128 and the case was $95 - to add some perspective, minimum wage was $1.30 in February 1969, $1.45 in February 1970, and $1.60 in February 1971. Students earned less and were limited to the number of hours that could be worked.
VIDEO TIMELINE: - History and “Hype” of the Red Labels @ 1:35 - Why I Couldn’t Bond with the Red Labels @ 3:30 - First Impressions of this Yamaha FG-150 @ 4:30 - Old Nut vs. New Nut @ 6:45 - TONE TEST/REVIEW @ 7:50 - Impossible to Date Accurately @ 10:45 - Red Labels = good Investments? @ 12:10
Orange labels from this era are also held to high regard. From my understanding they were usually built or exclusive to Japan but were made in the later 70s instead of the early 70s red labels.
I have an FG-180 that served me well for a long time. It has two wear spots on either side of the sound hole that will eventually develop into Trigger-style holes were o to continue using it. I spent about 15 years playing very percussive, aggressive country music and that guitar was perfect
I actually have an FG400 from the early 90's and it's also a pretty solid guitar for its price. I think I'd seen ones in good condition going for $200 or so? I think it was originally $100 from what my mom has told me (she's the one who bought it when it was new).
Hey man I just found your channel. What a lofty goal you have, to review EVERY SINGLE GUITAR, wow! Good review on the Yamaha red label, good playing too. Your serial number starting with a T indicates early in the transition from Japan to Taiwan. Most of those Taiwanese FG's had a tan lable...they only used a red label for just a little over a year, from about June 1971 - September 1972. I would have loved to see some still shots in the video, photos focusing on details of the soundhole label, neck block, and front & back side of headstock. But I really enjoyed your video man...gotta go back and see what else you've had!
@@videojewelss no man, the move to Taiwan was done to cut costs. They're not bad guitars by any means, but the ones made in Japan are more desirable. You've got a red label Taiwan though, and that's more desirable than a tan label Taiwan
I know those looking for these kinds of guitars usually go for the MIJ models, but I barely notice a difference from the Tawainese built models. I can only assume that they kept those factories to a good standard or some high quality control.
Tengo una etiqueta roja FG100 y es muy bonita por su precio, la compré usada. Estas guitarras fueron hechas con gran empeño y calidad pues Yamaha quería entrar al mercado de USA y competir con otras marcas que ahí eran las más vendidas era una tarea seria
I use D'Addario silk and steel, light gage Guitar Strings on mine. I have been known to try other strings, but for my Yamaha, the sound is best with my beloved D'Addario light gage silk and steels.
The Taiwan made red labels seem to have a have a thicker neck. I have two FG 150 guitars, a 1966 Green label made in Japan for domestic sale and a 1972 Red label made in Taiwan, and it is really comparable in sound quality, but has a chunkier neck profile.
I found one of these in basement from my uncle who worked at a guitar store and never knew it was a nice vintage guitar. It says FG 150 with the red label and nippon Gakki. Not played much at all and only a scratch or two on the back. Would this be worth much money?
@@everysingleguitarsUnfortunately I don’t have a case for it. I’m not sure how much beginner guitars cost but I’m thinking of restringing it and finally learning some guitar!
There are some Tokai Cat's Eyes manufactured with a joint venture with Martin during the years 1976/82. Incredible sound. A little expensive but less than a vintage Martin. Except for some model hand made very expensive It's often a D28 model. The interior label indicate than the guitar was manufactured with Martin standards. If you can find one, no hesitation. You can find some others Cat's Eyes models more affordable. From the Cat's Eyes CE-500 and higher, 600, 1000..., you will have a very good guitar. Generally you can find one in Japan by internet. But may be on Reverb, ebay etc... who knows.
You should review Washburn's Heritage guitars, they're awesome cheaper modern guitars. Recording King and Eastman too :) Yairi has crazy old Japanese guitars, as does Alvarez and Ibamez
I have a FG-150 red label which I bought in the early 70s. Recently I lost the saddle. I read somewhere that you shouldn't use a compensated saddle. What type of saddle is the original and what are its dimensions, please?
Some were solid wood but there should be an S after the number if solid wood. The laminates sound surprisingly like solid wood though. Yamaha used tonewood in their laminates and not cheap filler wood.
Solid wood models during the early 70s were usually exclusive to Japan and are pretty valuable whenever you find one States side. By the later 70s/early 80s they started to indicate solid tops with an "S" by the model number, like the FG-365S or FG-375S. However the laminate models have their reputable sound bc they braced them lighter in this era and used lighter laminate woods for the sound boxes.
@@elsizzle2000 I disagree strongly that the laminates sound like solid wood. The laminates have a distinctive sound to them and truly do not sound like solid wood unless you have an untrained ear that can't distinguish layered woods from a solid piece of wood. The yamaha laminates are not horrific, unpleasing to play or listen to but they are not in the same league tonally or produce the same sound as a solid top or entire body made of solid wood. The difference is worlds apart sonically.
@@SaintsPurgatory this is a broad generalization. There is no way this can be proven by you or me. The point in my comment was, in the quality of tone for the vintage Yamahas are comparable as to the quality of tone you would expect in solid wood guitars. Not usual for laminate vs solid. And again vintage japanese laminates are in a different category than any other laminate guitars. Stop believing the hype about solid wood and believe your own ears and be open to new information that goes against the popular narrative, my guy. I use my ears over specs before making any judgement call
@@SaintsPurgatory I have several high-end solid wood guitars. Martin j-40 being one of them. I have an Eastman PCH3 laminate sides and back that I bought used for $400 and it sounds more like solid wood than any laminate guitar I have ever owned. I've been playing for 60 years so do have a trained ear. I don't know how the Chinese pulled that off, but they did it. Today, I bought a Yamaha Nippon Gakki red label FG-150 in the original cardboard case for $270. I bought it because it is identical to the one I bought brand new while serving in Vietnam for $75, so for old time's sake. I beat the original FG-150 to a pulp after which three of my sons learned to play on that guitar before it wandered off. This guitar is also beat up with scuffs, dents, scratches, dirt and crud, but 50 years or more later, the neck angle is perfect and the bridge is solid. It still has that original Yamaha tone with no weird buzzing or rattling sounds. It does not sound like my Eastman, but it does have magic. Not all flashbacks are bad.
Why play an acoustic like an electric guitar ? why play lead on it ? why strum it when its a finger pickers Folk guitar ? You never mentioned its better to tune these guitars down a half tone or full tone to get the best from them. You never said Martin Guitar strings bronze 12 -54 are the best for it... They also benefit hugely from bone nut and saddle 'obviously' lastly you never pointed out that they will blow the equivalent Martin guitars out of the Park. save yourself 2 grand folks and get a vintage yamaha FG 150
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
Everything about this video is fantastic. Ready or not, here they come poster brings me back and that guitar is gorgeous
You should review the Yamaha "Green Labels" too. I have one right now made around the 70s and i think it sounds really good. I think that's the one guitar I won't sell in a long time
I purchased my Red Label FG-150 new in 1971, and the case had to be special ordered so it cost me almost as much as the guitar did back then. It remains my favorite after all these years.
Just curious, how much was a brand new Red Label FG-150 in 1971?
@@everysingleguitars The guitar was $128 and the case was $95 - to add some perspective, minimum wage was $1.30 in February 1969, $1.45 in February 1970, and $1.60 in February 1971. Students earned less and were limited to the number of hours that could be worked.
VIDEO TIMELINE:
- History and “Hype” of the Red Labels @ 1:35
- Why I Couldn’t Bond with the Red Labels @ 3:30
- First Impressions of this Yamaha FG-150 @ 4:30
- Old Nut vs. New Nut @ 6:45
- TONE TEST/REVIEW @ 7:50
- Impossible to Date Accurately @ 10:45
- Red Labels = good Investments? @ 12:10
a $400 red label yamaha sounds better than some $2000 guitars out there
Agreed.
Agreed!
Orange labels from this era are also held to high regard. From my understanding they were usually built or exclusive to Japan but were made in the later 70s instead of the early 70s red labels.
True. My FG150 sounds better than my, at the time 2200 martin, which now sells for 3000 (which still sounds good, but not as good as the ol yammie)
I have an FG-180 that served me well for a long time. It has two wear spots on either side of the sound hole that will eventually develop into Trigger-style holes were o to continue using it. I spent about 15 years playing very percussive, aggressive country music and that guitar was perfect
I actually have an FG400 from the early 90's and it's also a pretty solid guitar for its price. I think I'd seen ones in good condition going for $200 or so? I think it was originally $100 from what my mom has told me (she's the one who bought it when it was new).
$200 is a steal for a 400... assuming it’s in good condition and mostly original
Hey man I just found your channel. What a lofty goal you have, to review EVERY SINGLE GUITAR, wow!
Good review on the Yamaha red label, good playing too.
Your serial number starting with a T indicates early in the transition from Japan to Taiwan. Most of those Taiwanese FG's had a tan lable...they only used a red label for just a little over a year, from about June 1971 - September 1972.
I would have loved to see some still shots in the video, photos focusing on details of the soundhole label, neck block, and front & back side of headstock.
But I really enjoyed your video man...gotta go back and see what else you've had!
Taiwan is superior to Japan?
@@videojewelss no man, the move to Taiwan was done to cut costs. They're not bad guitars by any means, but the ones made in Japan are more desirable.
You've got a red label Taiwan though, and that's more desirable than a tan label Taiwan
I know those looking for these kinds of guitars usually go for the MIJ models, but I barely notice a difference from the Tawainese built models. I can only assume that they kept those factories to a good standard or some high quality control.
Tengo una etiqueta roja FG100 y es muy bonita por su precio, la compré usada. Estas guitarras fueron hechas con gran empeño y calidad pues Yamaha quería entrar al mercado de USA y competir con otras marcas que ahí eran las más vendidas era una tarea seria
Nice video, I'm restoring a fg180 right now
I have guitars like this FG 150 original, playablity this guitar is very nice and sound clear...
There is plenty of info on vintage Yamaha FG acoustic guitars in my Yamaha Vintage FG forum. TH-cam doesn't allow links.
The new red labels are killer
Good video😉
Ok so i have a yamaha fg150 guitar so what type of strings would i put on there cuz i have no clue
Can’t go wrong with Elixir medium lights
I use D'Addario silk and steel, light gage Guitar Strings on mine. I have been known to try other strings, but for my Yamaha, the sound is best with my beloved D'Addario light gage silk and steels.
Sounds great
The Taiwan made red labels seem to have a have a thicker neck. I have two FG 150 guitars, a 1966 Green label made in Japan for domestic sale and a 1972 Red label made in Taiwan, and it is really comparable in sound quality, but has a chunkier neck profile.
Good luck jack !
IMO...the Made in Japan Red Labels are superior to the Made in Taiwan models.
I'm here to see how your ambitious goal pans out
I will be here
I found one of these in basement from my uncle who worked at a guitar store and never knew it was a nice vintage guitar. It says FG 150 with the red label and nippon Gakki. Not played much at all and only a scratch or two on the back. Would this be worth much money?
easy couple hundred. even better if u have the original hard case
@@everysingleguitarsUnfortunately I don’t have a case for it. I’m not sure how much beginner guitars cost but I’m thinking of restringing it and finally learning some guitar!
@@dra984 keep it and the fg150 would be a great first guitar
If Yamaha can make a motercycle, they can make a Guitar. Probably not the same reverse
I would like to buy that.
Bravo mate
Ever heard of "tokia cats eye" guitar?
Suggest to try one :)
There are some Tokai Cat's Eyes manufactured with a joint venture with Martin during the years 1976/82. Incredible sound. A little expensive but less than a vintage Martin. Except for some model hand made very expensive
It's often a D28 model. The interior label indicate than the guitar was manufactured with Martin standards. If you can find one, no hesitation. You can find some others Cat's Eyes models more affordable. From the Cat's Eyes CE-500 and higher, 600, 1000..., you will have a very good guitar. Generally you can find one in Japan by internet. But may be on Reverb, ebay etc... who knows.
You should review Washburn's Heritage guitars, they're awesome cheaper modern guitars. Recording King and Eastman too :) Yairi has crazy old Japanese guitars, as does Alvarez and Ibamez
Country of origin is listed as Taiwan in your description 👍
I have a FG-150 red label which I bought in the early 70s. Recently I lost the saddle. I read somewhere that you shouldn't use a compensated saddle. What type of saddle is the original and what are its dimensions, please?
Hopefully a simple set up is all that is needed.
Video starts at 8:00, thank me later
Is it solid wood top?
Been buying a long time, 60 percent of the ones infibd used need neck reset.nis the action high,saddle low, dead give away
This guitar for sale...?
Sold long time ago
How much are they worth
Depends on the condition
This is a Scientologist favorite guitar. Get it?
I have one of these and I want to sell it! if anyone is interested
very average guitar, affordable for its times
for some reason I thought they were solid wood... were some of them?
Some were solid wood but there should be an S after the number if solid wood. The laminates sound surprisingly like solid wood though. Yamaha used tonewood in their laminates and not cheap filler wood.
Solid wood models during the early 70s were usually exclusive to Japan and are pretty valuable whenever you find one States side. By the later 70s/early 80s they started to indicate solid tops with an "S" by the model number, like the FG-365S or FG-375S. However the laminate models have their reputable sound bc they braced them lighter in this era and used lighter laminate woods for the sound boxes.
@@elsizzle2000 I disagree strongly that the laminates sound like solid wood. The laminates have a distinctive sound to them and truly do not sound like solid wood unless you have an untrained ear that can't distinguish layered woods from a solid piece of wood. The yamaha laminates are not horrific, unpleasing to play or listen to but they are not in the same league tonally or produce the same sound as a solid top or entire body made of solid wood. The difference is worlds apart sonically.
@@SaintsPurgatory this is a broad generalization. There is no way this can be proven by you or me. The point in my comment was, in the quality of tone for the vintage Yamahas are comparable as to the quality of tone you would expect in solid wood guitars. Not usual for laminate vs solid. And again vintage japanese laminates are in a different category than any other laminate guitars. Stop believing the hype about solid wood and believe your own ears and be open to new information that goes against the popular narrative, my guy. I use my ears over specs before making any judgement call
@@SaintsPurgatory I have several high-end solid wood guitars. Martin j-40 being one of them. I have an Eastman PCH3 laminate sides and back that I bought used for $400 and it sounds more like solid wood than any laminate guitar I have ever owned. I've been playing for 60 years so do have a trained ear. I don't know how the Chinese pulled that off, but they did it.
Today, I bought a Yamaha Nippon Gakki red label FG-150 in the original cardboard case for $270. I bought it because it is identical to the one I bought brand new while serving in Vietnam for $75, so for old time's sake. I beat the original FG-150 to a pulp after which three of my sons learned to play on that guitar before it wandered off. This guitar is also beat up with scuffs, dents, scratches, dirt and crud, but 50 years or more later, the neck angle is perfect and the bridge is solid. It still has that original Yamaha tone with no weird buzzing or rattling sounds. It does not sound like my Eastman, but it does have magic. Not all flashbacks are bad.
Why play an acoustic like an electric guitar ? why play lead on it ? why strum it when its a finger pickers Folk guitar ?
You never mentioned its better to tune these guitars down a half tone or full tone to get the best from them.
You never said Martin Guitar strings bronze 12 -54 are the best for it...
They also benefit hugely from bone nut and saddle 'obviously'
lastly you never pointed out that they will blow the equivalent Martin guitars out of the Park. save yourself 2 grand folks and get a vintage yamaha FG 150
............... ur joking right....... theres more than 1 way to play the guitar................
UKHeadstrong I agree with everything you said except for your last comment. Peace.
Uk headstrong, so where's your video ?