Ted, you'd be literally the only creator I would ever consider becoming a Patreon member of. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything in return, only that you continue teaching us all.
Agreed, 100%. I apply everything I learn here in my own work at Emerald City Guitars. My bench is right out in the middle of the sales floor in our acoustic room, and when customers ask how I've learned what I do, I always include that Ted's videos are a major part of my continuing education program. Every week when I'm absorbing Ted's latest videos, my wife will say, "Are you watching your guy?" My guy, indeed! I'd gladly help support these weekly master classes.
My first guitar was this one's bigger bro, a FG 335 made in 81. Still have it and while not a high end instrument it is a work horse. Neck straight, action good, no buzz or rattles. Same fingerboard and fret wear as this example in the cowboy chord areas. Good to see a Yammi getting some love. All the best to all.
You know, if the TH-cam thing ain't worth it, and there are more profitable things to be doing with your time... I doubt anyone would hold it against you if you made the more financially rewarding choice. I'm betting most people have followed you long enough to wish the best for you. I will say though, I watch a video or two before bed and seeing a new video from yourself did put a smile on my face tonight.
Had a music store in a small town in Arizona back in the '70s and '80s. We were a Yamaha dealer we sold a ton of those FG series acoustic guitars. They were despite the laminated tops a very nice sounding guitar and seem to hold up well. That said, if anything major ever went wrong with them they became a throwaway item really quickly. You did a great job on this one and it sounds wonderful.
The luthier going by Driftwood Guitars controversially cuts guitars in half in their reviews. I reckon this is a really great service as it gives buyers of less expensive guitars not only the knowledge of how well the top bracing is finished, but also how the neck joint is constructed which can tell you whether you have to ditch or severely compromise the guitar when the day comes where it needs a neck reset. As this video shows - just because a guitar is inexpensive doesn't mean people want to just relegate them to firewood when they age.
I sold a lot of CG-110 classical guitars in the early 80's as they were good sounding very affordable guitars that I could stand behind. My personal guitar is a G-255sll (cedar top) that I was lucky to find in new condition some years ago. I started with the G-255 spruce top as my first real guitar 🙂
The real Yamaha gem was the FG180 with the red label made in Japan. 4/5ths of a Martin sound for 1/5 of the price!! Was a well known thing in the early 70's
Man I sure hope you don't stop your videos, to be totally honest your channel is my favorite.Even if you don't do a repair I enjoy your discussion and knowledge. I would gladly join you on patrion.I only wish your videos were longer, even if most of it was talking. But I kind of understand the hard work, time, and frustrations dealing with it all. Anyway thanks for all you do and all the many many skills and knowledge you have shared on youtube. I hope the best for you and again thank you.
Another fine teaching video from an outstanding teacher. I was thankful to hear you aren't throwing in the towel here on TH-cam. We love you, Ted and are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to the channel. Happy Holidays, kind sir. 🙏
Sorry to hear your troubles TED…In my opinion you sir deserve way more for your efforts…very conscientious and talented you are… wished I access to your services because of my 30 plus instruments that need some TLC from time time! So glad your gonna stick around TED,thanks for all you do!!! Wish you all the best!!!
I was able to cure some of the belly bow with a bridge doctor and it actually made it sound even better. Shaved the bridge, cut the string ramps up to the bridge, bone pins, gold Grover's, Bodda Boom Bodda Bing.
There's definitely something to the sound old Yamahas. I wouldn't believe it either but I have an FG-160 that turned 50 this year and it has a sound and resonance that inspires me more than any other acoustic I've played or owned. Many have come and gone but the old Yamaha is still here. I'll gladly pay the price for the neck reset when I need it but will never sell it. If you know then you know.
Mr Yamaha, what a fella. Trained and made organs, went solo guitars and pianos.... Then decided motobikes.. As well ... Engines.... The tuning fork logo used on musical instruments to motorcycles to this day.. 🙂
Sorry to hear about your troubles with your supplier and the Tax Man. I'm thankful that you'll stick with it as you are a pleasure to watch work. Thank you!
As ever Ted, thank you soooo much for taking the time and effort to do these outstanding videos, it is VERY much appreciated. By the way, those old Yamahas sure do sound good and I`ve had a few over the years. Keep safe and thank you once again.
Oh Ted, if you could only watch and see from our perspective, how much you, your expertise, your funny lines your ethics and your hard work could monetize, a rough diamond, thank you very much indeed, for sharing it. Cheers.
I got one as my first guitar, and I was a drummer. Self taught to amuse myself around a campfire. If my guitar could talk....We got lots of adventures just the two of us. Great video and I will continue to follow.
I'm a former collector, and current vintage Yamaha acoustic enthusiast, so I speak from a position of many years of experience. I'm also an amateur luthier, which is why I watch your excellent work/videos. That said, anyone who says that the early laminate-top Yamahas sound BETTER than a decent solid top is delusional. I've owned several 1971 FG180s that sounded better than a number of inexpensive solid-tops, but such a blanket statement isn't warranted. However, the combination of a thinner laminate and lighter bracing produced a sound quality that could seldom be matched by other guitars costing 3-4 times as much. To this day, Yamaha's L-series guitars have 90% of the sound of a similar Martin or Taylor for 50% of the cost, AND have a more consistently excellent build quality. To me, that's a hell of an accomplishment! Interestingly, I've only come across two FGs (out of hundreds) that needed a neck reset in over 25 years, and I didn't want to tackle either of them due to their notoriously difficult disassembly. Love your work, I wish I was half as good!
Well Ted, other than buying a few pieces of memory from ya. All I can do is say a very sincere thank you. I do actually realize how much time goes into making these videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us and sharing your thoughts. The comforting sounds of Ted 2frd 😁. With that I’ll give ya the old school TH-cam show of appreciation. Thanks for sharing!
I've got a 72 f150 yamaha, Iz still sounds and play great.It has been taken very good care of and kept in a controlled enviroment.Merry Christmas to you and family.
I've had a number of these vintage Yamahas. You just can't beat them for cheap, vintage, and sounding good. I have a couple 12 strings... that need neck resets. Le sigh.
About 5 years ago I found a Yamaha acoustic sitting at someone’s curb. I didn’t even know what it was on sight, I just saw a guitar neck sticking out of a pile so I did a u turn and grabbed it. It was full of potting soil and ants(score). Ended up being a red label fg300 and in really good shape. I sold it on eBay for about a thousand dollars
In general, you should be changing a down payment of at least 50% on any of these repair jobs. When the job will cost 80% or more of the instrument's value, once the repair is done, you should get the payment in full up front. Musicians are not known for being very reliable at paying their bills.
You are not the first channel to have trouble with Spring having outrageously long delivery times. I have heard several of the channels I subscribe to complain about them and many have switched to other print on demand services. Love your channel Ted! I really enjoyed your appearance on Psionic Audio last Saturday. You and Lyle are two of a kind!
Yami acoustics are great bang for the buck and tend to play quite well too. I have both a steel string and classical that have been wonderful for decades. Don't be afraid of using revenue streams like Patreon. It will give a bit of breathing room and free you up to make the content you want, rather than what you think YT thinks people want. You're providing a great service to the Guitar Community(tm)(CRINGE, but you know what I mean). We need more Pros like you passing on good info. to people who will take it to heart and do more good work with it. Thank you so much for all the vids and lessons over the years. Let us know how we can help and we'll do it.
I have an FG-770S, the all solid top and back/sides dreadnought from this era. My grandpa bought it new in 1980 for my mom, and she passed it to me. I did a refret and a bone nut/saddle and the guitar was totally transformed! It's a bluegrass rhythm machine now and plays excellently. I used extra tall frets in order to stave off an impending neck reset. Funnily enough the bridge plate on mine is rosewood, just a cool little detail I noticed when poking around inside with a mirror. Also the neck is GIGANTIC, with a sort of soft V shape. Easily the biggest neck I've ever felt on an acoustic guitar
My first "decent" guitar was the $125 Yamaha that I bought locally (remember that?) circa 1970 or 1972. I think it was an FG-180 red label dreadnaught. On my way from New Jersey to Wisconsin for college, Greyhound made us change buses in Cleveland. My guitar never made the transfer, and I never saw it again. Now, about 50 years later, I have moved to the Cleveland area to be near my granddaughters. I suppose that if I watch the local Craigslist and Marketplace listings, I might find my own old Yamaha in the hands of someone asking $400 for it. Actually, I just bought a 1971 Madeira (Guild import line from Japan) that is an absolutely wonderful guitar. Solid spruce top and laminate rosewood sides and back for which I paid $140.
Hi Ted, I ordered one of your headstock recapitation tee's early on in the UK, its was great quality and I've totally worn it out now, I was under the impression they were limited run so didn't think I could grab another! I hope I can re order soon. I work in a big music store and always got great feedback on it. Thanks for the excellent content, not only do i find it relaxing but I've also learnt a lot, enough to make successful repairs on my own instruments.
Same here - I ordered mine a couple of years ago and it arrived so fast here in the UK. Around the same time I ordered some Martin stuff and it was terrible. The hoody is barely thicker than a tee and the tee was a rag after the starch washed out.
I have a mid-seventies Classical Yamaha with a solid cedar soundboard. She has a gorgeous voice and is very dear to me, but she has developed a few “character traits”. Your video gives me hope that she may be “rejuvenated “ for another 50 years! Thank you for that hope.
I have an 80s FG335ii. It was my Dad's guitar, then he gave it to me when I was a kid to start playing. He used it for gigs and shows at the pubs, and it was full of cracks and had huge divots on every fret. Not to mention the huge hole in the back that's exactly the same size as Larry O'Keefe's face.😂 I fixed it up a bit recently and still play it. I'd love to repair it properly, but still keep all the damage visible, Kintsugi style.
Thanks for the video uncle Ted. The week isn't complete without you and your content. Glad to hear that you will continue. Yes patreon is a good idea. Many of us would love to help, and you deserve it without a doubt. We would like to hear a much more reasonable analytics report next year. Patreon could make that a reality. Thanks again Happy Holidays from the U.S.
I bought one of these exact guitars second hand in 1981 in Washington State. My girlfriend at the time bought me a Levi jacket and embroidered a beautiful picture of it on the shoulder panel. Both came back to England with me. The guitar got smashed beyond repair and the jacket got stolen. Six years ago I bought another Yamaha FG 331, had it tinkered with by my luthier and gave it to my nephew on condition that if he ever tired of it or decided to sell it, he sells it to me. He loves it and has all but given up on electric guitar to play it all the time. I don't have a great ear for tone but both sounded real sweet to me.
I already replied to a comment saying I would gladly support you if you set a patreon up, but this thought kept coming to me. There are lots of online luthiers who charge yearly subscriptions or triple-digit one time fees for online courses on making/repairing/finishing guitars. I don’t mention this to disparage them, because they deserve the money they get for the knowledge they share. I’m willing to bet it would go against your ethos to do something similar, but I mention them to stress the point. If they are deserving of that money, then you are more than deserving of a few Patreon bucks a month from the many people who benefit from the knowledge that you share. Please let the wholesome community you have developed support you!
*Cranking truss rods is why I am a huge advocate for clamping and baking necks, but anyone that has done it knows the risks and potential side effects.* I baked a few necks roughly 8 to 10 months ago, and made some critical mistakes that were fortunately easy to resolve. Melted neck binding, and some very slight headstock clear coat blistering that will buff out easily. *Unfortunately, the neck that melted whose truss rod I didn't bother retightening ended up with an INSANE amount of forward bow while remaining off the neck! lol* I should have taken better care of it after the process instead of leaving it to sit for several months and with the truss nut completely tension free. Some details for anyone bothering to read my wordy posts. I heated the binding and was able to start flattening it out, but it proved too tedious to be worth it, so I sanded it carefully and filled the dips with Plaid bone white craft paint; *this worked amazingly well and once cured I had a very solid and invisible repair.* One critical event that occurred is 2 of the necks that were over glued, in Asia speed manufacturing of course, squeezed out some of the excess glue, and though there was never a visible gap, it was clear that the boards were seated *much better* and the joint helped retain the flatness of the neck down their entire length. *Aside from marking my heater to ensure I never get the box that hot again, I decided to wrap headstocks in aluminum kitchen foil which is adequate protection.* I have read about baking necks from some that have done literally hundreds and oppose it even though it worked, and others who swear by it. *IMHO, it's a much better first tactic for a squirrely neck rather than the woodwork others suggest that goes with the bend or twist, and is considered a permanent fix.* A lot of necks will be permanently repaired because it was an excess glue issue or the climate where you live, and others will need the process maybe once a year to every few years. *One critical detail a "baker" specified was that he clamps and bakes most of his guitars once a year, and has done this for many years.* If you don't apply excessive heat, you can greatly minimize if not eliminate the risks of potential long term damage from repeated heat exposure accumulatively over many years. *In the end, it can salvage a neck entirely, or at least, temporarily return it to perfection a few times until you are willing to replace it.*
I've had an SJ-180, since it was new. 1980 vintage. No real value to it, but it does have sentimental value, as my father gave it to me. The action had become quite high, so a few years ago, I decided to attempt a neck reset, even though I knew about the "epoxy issue". But even after a couple hours of heat, the glue wasn't about to give up, so I did. And then I did something I said I would never do........shave down the bridge. 😮 The bridge plate was in good shape, but I reinforced it with a thin piece of maple. I did a full re-fret on it, and added a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins. Put 11-52 strings on it, and I leave it detuned when not in use. It is now playable again, but at the end of the day, it's still not a great guitar, and I always reach for my Martin first. Still, it was a fun project, and there was no way I was going to throw it away.
Hi Ted, Please, by all means set up a Patreon. I have been devouring your videos every week for a couple of years now and have gone through your back catalogue as well. And I have enjoyed them thoroughly, learned a great deal from them, been emboldened by them to adjust a couple of my guitars myself to wonderful effect, and apart form a single witty t-shirt, never paid a penny for such largesse. I'd like that to change. I'd like to compensate you for all that you've given me!
Please keep the excellent content coming Ted. You are my moment of Zen in a normally busy week. I would happily donate to your Patreon to keep the videos coming.
I can't even count the number of my guitar playing buddies who owned Yamahas back in the 1970's... Did they sound as good as my 1970 Martin D18... Oh certainly not.. I still have the D18 probably needs something done to it..but it is now just a hobby and still sounds great...love your videos and I always learn something
It makes perfect sense to add a way (Patreon or otherwise) for people to pay for the value created, which is clearly higher than what TH-cam has decided it is. I would gladly pay for a subscription just to support one for my favorite channels!
I still have the first guitar I ever bought - a 1980 Yamaha FG-335. I collected enough aluminum cans to buy it new for just under $200 when I was 11 years old. I would say it's in excellent condition aesthetically - it was always my baby. It really hasn't been played in 25 years. Same problems though - too much relief, nut slots a bit high, but there is also some bulging below/behind the bridge. I learned a lot on that guitar and it makes me sad to see it in that condition with hardly a ding on it. But I know it isn't worth having the work done to straighten it out.
Hi Ted. I own a 1970 FG180... I bought 1970 in a Dundee store (Scotland) £37- 10/-. And like yerself I've been doing guitar repairs/setups since the Berlin Wall was torn down & the military electronics business collapsed overnight. Felt like freedom to me! I only really purchased a handful of special tools - made the rest as trial turned to success and happy musicians. Good to see you work. All the very best... the guitar man fae Fife. :)
The first guitar I ever bought myself was a FG410, in 1986- just a few years newer than that one. I still have it, and I'm under no illusions as to its value. But it's an old friend, and I enjoy playing it as much as some of my newer, more expensive guitars.
Owner of a 1970s FG-200. Which, I will say, sounds amazing, better than any solid top guitar I’ve played. Sadly, the action is creeping up higher and higher… and the neck needs some help.
That sensor sounds better than most piezos. Turned out well, Ted! Yamaha Zealots can be pretty wild. There are many new Yamahas that are very impressive and affordable guitars. So may older ones don't measure up to legend.
Have one of your decapitation t-shirts, is a Hanes. Have washed it about half a dozen times and the lettering is flaking off. Glad you are changing suppliers. Love your videos and look forward to them weekly!
I love your content! I think you are one of the best repair guys I've ever seen. I don't really know how patreon works for sure but maybe at a certain level of giving, your patreons could ask and received answers to lutherie questions. I'm not sure you would have time for that but I'm spitballing here.
Great video Ted . I have a friend who wants me to put one of those pickups in his old Sigma . After I repair all the loose braces ..... So now I know where to put the pickups , thanks . Peace ✌
Ted, thanks for yet another great video. I learn something every time I watch one of your creations. You've built an amazing channel here and I think it should be worth your time and energy. I would eagerly and happily join your paid TH-cam membership channel or Patreon if you choose to go that route. You give so much to this community. I'd love to give back. Cheers.
I have had an FG 331 for over 30 years now. Numerous people have offered to buy it from me, but I continue to refuse. It still sounds great, although it's starting to really show its age.
I have two Yamaha fg160-1’s, from 1974/5. (exactly the same model)with laminate tops. I had them set up by the same (excellent) luthier. One sounds fantastic, much better than many solid top expensive guitars- the other sounds ok only! So, in my opinion laminate tops CAN sound better that solid tops, but as with all acoustic guitars…..it can be a bit ‘hit & miss’!
Hey Ted. Big fan of the channel, sorry to hear you're going through it. One of my favourite parts of your videos that usually doesn't get as much time is when you demo the guitars at the end. Maybe that could be something to look in to in terms of Patreon content.
Taxes are infuriating (especially if you're self employed) especially when you find out what your hard-earned money is being used for such as foreign wars, hand-outs to other countries, people who refuse to work, but continue having children anyway, etc...I could go on, and on, but it's absolutely infuriating.
I have a 1979 or 80 FG-345 I bought new. I think I paid around 350.00 Cdn all in. Anyhow, it's also a smaller thin body Dreadnought with a laminated top. Maybe it's because it's been a part of my life for so many years and been there through so many changes....but I love this thing, and I suspect if it ever needs refretting, a new fret board or anything else I'll be having it done. :) How does it sound? Balanced and not overwhelming in any register, yet full of life like so many more affordable guitars are not, and not over the top chimmy like some more modern makes are. Out of my three, this is the one that's used every day of me hacking my way through maintaining around 100 tunes and lyrics in my tired old brain. :) Oh.....and I do regret selling a 2002 Yamaha Pacifica as much as the black single cut-away with gold hardware 1975 Gretsch (also bought new). I might be one of those fanatics!...Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with us mortal. :) I'm convinced that the growing popularity of Twit Talk videos, that always seem to end too soon, is going to be the death of informative video. Why?...The conditioning of fresh minds into only being able to deal with short sound bites and rebel against anything that takes any level of concentration or actual attention span. Sad.
Great video Ted, thanks. Enjoy your week! Sorry about your TH-cam funds issues and our trusty American IRS dopes…….they’re no fun from our side of the Ambassador Bridge either man…running a small business down here is tough..please keep up your channel! You are the absolute best stringed instrument repair person I have ever seen!
I have a 1973 Yamaha Taiwan-made FG200 and it’s pretty good. Not sure if it’s comparable to a Martin or Gibson, but I bought it from GC for about $150, so not bad. I did have to shave the saddle some and straighten the neck. I would love to give it a neck reset, but I’ve heard of the unorthodox neck joint fixatives that they used back then.
Look into the steam neck reset method by John Miner. It’s less invasive and usually less risky. I did one to my 1970s Yamaha and it brought the neck back down to earth.
come ooooon dude!!! YOU LOVE THIS JOB!! I can see it! It's not "work" for you - it's PASSION!!! I'm the same crazy as you are, I just keep making my music because I simply have to!!! Keep going!!! Alls well that ends well!! You'll see...
I recently paid $20 for a '70's FG200 that someone had put Gibson labeled Schaller tuners on, also from the mid '70's, and it may be the best acoustic guitar I've ever owned. It sounds better than the Martin I bought my son a few years ago. Its' a thrill everytime I play it, so I play more than I would otherwise. The 'gibson' on the tuners is done in fancy German Black Forest script, think 'Disneyland' style script, that they only used for a few years, so the tuners alone are worth three to four hundred dollars if I wanted to sell them, which I don't. I'll be playing this guitar 'til I can't play no more!
Good sounding gtr though! Nice video. Laminate top or not, I've heard some Yamahas that give Martins a run for their money. Varies from gtr to gtr. I know because I have two Martins, and some Yamahas. Scoff at the laminate top at your own peril you corksniffers out there. Remember that Yamaha pianos were in every recording studio out there for years. Probably heard those more than Steinway. Sux that repair and resto on the gtrs is such a PITA. That one sounds great though. Thanks for the video. Always great!
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Ted, you'd be literally the only creator I would ever consider becoming a Patreon member of. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything in return, only that you continue teaching us all.
Yeah, no need for anything extra.
Yes I'd absolouetley support Ted on Patreon without any special rewards!
Me too. Even a super thanks. Everyone pay a dollar a video. Worth every penny
would happily throw a few euros a month at you for just doing what you do.
Agreed, 100%. I apply everything I learn here in my own work at Emerald City Guitars. My bench is right out in the middle of the sales floor in our acoustic room, and when customers ask how I've learned what I do, I always include that Ted's videos are a major part of my continuing education program. Every week when I'm absorbing Ted's latest videos, my wife will say, "Are you watching your guy?" My guy, indeed! I'd gladly help support these weekly master classes.
Ah. Sunday. 20 minutes of sanity from Ted. Needed.
At first glance I thought that said "Sunday with Saint Ted" which is also appropriate.
21:35 of sanity to be exact.
See, me stressed out prior, relaxed post-op, cheers, Ted.
Beautiful sound
I had an FJ dreadnought in the late 70's. I preformed with it for about a year. A decent and sturdy guitar A poor man's D-18. Served me well.
My first guitar was this one's bigger bro, a FG 335 made in 81. Still have it and while not a high end instrument it is a work horse. Neck straight, action good, no buzz or rattles. Same fingerboard and fret wear as this example in the cowboy chord areas. Good to see a Yammi getting some love. All the best to all.
Me too. Left handed.
You know, if the TH-cam thing ain't worth it, and there are more profitable things to be doing with your time... I doubt anyone would hold it against you if you made the more financially rewarding choice. I'm betting most people have followed you long enough to wish the best for you.
I will say though, I watch a video or two before bed and seeing a new video from yourself did put a smile on my face tonight.
Had a music store in a small town in Arizona back in the '70s and '80s. We were a Yamaha dealer we sold a ton of those FG series acoustic guitars. They were despite the laminated tops a very nice sounding guitar and seem to hold up well. That said, if anything major ever went wrong with them they became a throwaway item really quickly. You did a great job on this one and it sounds wonderful.
The luthier going by Driftwood Guitars controversially cuts guitars in half in their reviews. I reckon this is a really great service as it gives buyers of less expensive guitars not only the knowledge of how well the top bracing is finished, but also how the neck joint is constructed which can tell you whether you have to ditch or severely compromise the guitar when the day comes where it needs a neck reset. As this video shows - just because a guitar is inexpensive doesn't mean people want to just relegate them to firewood when they age.
I sold a lot of CG-110 classical guitars in the early 80's as they were good sounding very affordable guitars that I could stand behind. My personal guitar is a G-255sll (cedar top) that I was lucky to find in new condition some years ago. I started with the G-255 spruce top as my first real guitar 🙂
The real Yamaha gem was the FG180 with the red label made in Japan. 4/5ths of a Martin sound for 1/5 of the price!! Was a well known thing in the early 70's
Regardless of what it’s worth, it’s always great to see you breath new life into an instrument. As always, well done.
We really appreciate the work you put into these. Thank you from Nova Scotia
So sorry to hear about your tax situation but I'm very glad to know you're still going to make these videos.
Thanks man your videos got me thru some dark times! I still watch them today from the other side of the mist.
Man I sure hope you don't stop your videos, to be totally honest your channel is my favorite.Even if you don't do a repair I enjoy your discussion and knowledge. I would gladly join you on patrion.I only wish your videos were longer, even if most of it was talking. But I kind of understand the hard work, time, and frustrations dealing with it all. Anyway thanks for all you do and all the many many skills and knowledge you have shared on youtube. I hope the best for you and again thank you.
Another fine teaching video from an outstanding teacher. I was thankful to hear you aren't throwing in the towel here on TH-cam. We love you, Ted and are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to the channel. Happy Holidays, kind sir. 🙏
Sorry to hear your troubles TED…In my opinion you sir deserve way more for your efforts…very conscientious and talented you are… wished I access to your services because of my 30 plus instruments that need some TLC from time time! So glad your gonna stick around TED,thanks for all you do!!! Wish you all the best!!!
Great vid as always. Really appreciate your integrity. Happy holidays.
I have one of these and it's possibly the greatest acoustic I've ever played let alone owned. 99 bucks at a pawn shop in Michigan.
I was able to cure some of the belly bow with a bridge doctor and it actually made it sound even better. Shaved the bridge, cut the string ramps up to the bridge, bone pins, gold Grover's, Bodda Boom Bodda Bing.
Stradivarius, of course, used only the highest quality plywood to create his instruments.
There's definitely something to the sound old Yamahas. I wouldn't believe it either but I have an FG-160 that turned 50 this year and it has a sound and resonance that inspires me more than any other acoustic I've played or owned. Many have come and gone but the old Yamaha is still here. I'll gladly pay the price for the neck reset when I need it but will never sell it. If you know then you know.
Mr Yamaha, what a fella.
Trained and made organs, went solo guitars and pianos.... Then decided motobikes.. As well ... Engines.... The tuning fork logo used on musical instruments to motorcycles to this day.. 🙂
Don't forget the jetskis!
Looks like one of the rare models that shipped from Yamaha with the KORN inscription.
Sorry to hear about your troubles with your supplier and the Tax Man. I'm thankful that you'll stick with it as you are a pleasure to watch work. Thank you!
As ever Ted, thank you soooo much for taking the time and effort to do these outstanding videos, it is VERY much appreciated. By the way, those old Yamahas sure do sound good and I`ve had a few over the years. Keep safe and thank you once again.
Oh Ted, if you could only watch and see from our perspective, how much you, your expertise, your funny lines your ethics and your hard work could monetize, a rough diamond, thank you very much indeed, for sharing it. Cheers.
I got one as my first guitar, and I was a drummer. Self taught to amuse myself around a campfire. If my guitar could talk....We got lots of adventures just the two of us. Great video and I will continue to follow.
Great video. I'm looking forward to every episode. Thank you for you work and efforts.
I'm a former collector, and current vintage Yamaha acoustic enthusiast, so I speak from a position of many years of experience. I'm also an amateur luthier, which is why I watch your excellent work/videos. That said, anyone who says that the early laminate-top Yamahas sound BETTER than a decent solid top is delusional. I've owned several 1971 FG180s that sounded better than a number of inexpensive solid-tops, but such a blanket statement isn't warranted. However, the combination of a thinner laminate and lighter bracing produced a sound quality that could seldom be matched by other guitars costing 3-4 times as much. To this day, Yamaha's L-series guitars have 90% of the sound of a similar Martin or Taylor for 50% of the cost, AND have a more consistently excellent build quality. To me, that's a hell of an accomplishment! Interestingly, I've only come across two FGs (out of hundreds) that needed a neck reset in over 25 years, and I didn't want to tackle either of them due to their notoriously difficult disassembly. Love your work, I wish I was half as good!
Well Ted, other than buying a few pieces of memory from ya. All I can do is say a very sincere thank you. I do actually realize how much time goes into making these videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us and sharing your thoughts. The comforting sounds of Ted 2frd 😁. With that I’ll give ya the old school TH-cam show of appreciation. Thanks for sharing!
I've got a 72 f150 yamaha, Iz still sounds and play great.It has been taken very good care of and kept in a controlled enviroment.Merry Christmas to you and family.
Sorry about the tax situation! Love your stuff! You are awesome! ❤
I've had a number of these vintage Yamahas. You just can't beat them for cheap, vintage, and sounding good. I have a couple 12 strings... that need neck resets. Le sigh.
About 5 years ago I found a Yamaha acoustic sitting at someone’s curb. I didn’t even know what it was on sight, I just saw a guitar neck sticking out of a pile so I did a u turn and grabbed it. It was full of potting soil and ants(score). Ended up being a red label fg300 and in really good shape. I sold it on eBay for about a thousand dollars
In general, you should be changing a down payment of at least 50% on any of these repair jobs. When the job will cost 80% or more of the instrument's value, once the repair is done, you should get the payment in full up front. Musicians are not known for being very reliable at paying their bills.
Thanky you for another great video. I very much enjoyed your live stream with Psionic Audio, too.
You are not the first channel to have trouble with Spring having outrageously long delivery times. I have heard several of the channels I subscribe to complain about them and many have switched to other print on demand services. Love your channel Ted! I really enjoyed your appearance on Psionic Audio last Saturday. You and Lyle are two of a kind!
Yami acoustics are great bang for the buck and tend to play quite well too. I have both a steel string and classical that have been wonderful for decades. Don't be afraid of using revenue streams like Patreon. It will give a bit of breathing room and free you up to make the content you want, rather than what you think YT thinks people want. You're providing a great service to the Guitar Community(tm)(CRINGE, but you know what I mean). We need more Pros like you passing on good info. to people who will take it to heart and do more good work with it.
Thank you so much for all the vids and lessons over the years. Let us know how we can help and we'll do it.
I have an FG-770S, the all solid top and back/sides dreadnought from this era. My grandpa bought it new in 1980 for my mom, and she passed it to me. I did a refret and a bone nut/saddle and the guitar was totally transformed! It's a bluegrass rhythm machine now and plays excellently. I used extra tall frets in order to stave off an impending neck reset.
Funnily enough the bridge plate on mine is rosewood, just a cool little detail I noticed when poking around inside with a mirror. Also the neck is GIGANTIC, with a sort of soft V shape. Easily the biggest neck I've ever felt on an acoustic guitar
I have a fg 77O's (great guitar and big sustain) I have so a fg 75 red label from Japan. I'm french.
My first "decent" guitar was the $125 Yamaha that I bought locally (remember that?) circa 1970 or 1972. I think it was an FG-180 red label dreadnaught. On my way from New Jersey to Wisconsin for college, Greyhound made us change buses in Cleveland. My guitar never made the transfer, and I never saw it again. Now, about 50 years later, I have moved to the Cleveland area to be near my granddaughters. I suppose that if I watch the local Craigslist and Marketplace listings, I might find my own old Yamaha in the hands of someone asking $400 for it.
Actually, I just bought a 1971 Madeira (Guild import line from Japan) that is an absolutely wonderful guitar. Solid spruce top and laminate rosewood sides and back for which I paid $140.
Hi Ted, I ordered one of your headstock recapitation tee's early on in the UK, its was great quality and I've totally worn it out now, I was under the impression they were limited run so didn't think I could grab another! I hope I can re order soon. I work in a big music store and always got great feedback on it. Thanks for the excellent content, not only do i find it relaxing but I've also learnt a lot, enough to make successful repairs on my own instruments.
Same here - I ordered mine a couple of years ago and it arrived so fast here in the UK. Around the same time I ordered some Martin stuff and it was terrible. The hoody is barely thicker than a tee and the tee was a rag after the starch washed out.
Great live stream with Psionic Audio. Awesome job, and great info!!
Fine work, well-founded rant, and a beautiful sounding Yamahaha with decent picking ..ty🔥
I have a mid-seventies Classical Yamaha with a solid cedar soundboard. She has a gorgeous voice and is very dear to me, but she has developed a few “character traits”. Your video gives me hope that she may be “rejuvenated “ for another 50 years!
Thank you for that hope.
There was merch? I obviously wasn't paying attention. A "Polishing,polishing,polishing" t-shirt would be a thing of wonder.
Ha!
Wish my Martin D10e sounded that crisp. That sounds amazing
I'll subscribe to your patreon when you make it. The knowledge you pass on is priceless.
I used to busk with one of these in the 80s. Great little basher.
I have an 80s FG335ii. It was my Dad's guitar, then he gave it to me when I was a kid to start playing. He used it for gigs and shows at the pubs, and it was full of cracks and had huge divots on every fret. Not to mention the huge hole in the back that's exactly the same size as Larry O'Keefe's face.😂
I fixed it up a bit recently and still play it. I'd love to repair it properly, but still keep all the damage visible, Kintsugi style.
Thanks for the video uncle Ted. The week isn't complete without you and your content. Glad to hear that you will continue. Yes patreon is a good idea. Many of us would love to help, and you deserve it without a doubt. We would like to hear a much more reasonable analytics report next year. Patreon could make that a reality. Thanks again Happy Holidays from the U.S.
I bought one of these exact guitars second hand in 1981 in Washington State. My girlfriend at the time bought me a Levi jacket and embroidered a beautiful picture of it on the shoulder panel. Both came back to England with me. The guitar got smashed beyond repair and the jacket got stolen.
Six years ago I bought another Yamaha FG 331, had it tinkered with by my luthier and gave it to my nephew on condition that if he ever tired of it or decided to sell it, he sells it to me. He loves it and has all but given up on electric guitar to play it all the time.
I don't have a great ear for tone but both sounded real sweet to me.
Thanks Ted. Sorry for your troubles but I sure enjoy your content
Nice blues playing.
Thanks Mr. W. Nice meat & spuds type job perfecly executed as always. Well done sir.
I already replied to a comment saying I would gladly support you if you set a patreon up, but this thought kept coming to me. There are lots of online luthiers who charge yearly subscriptions or triple-digit one time fees for online courses on making/repairing/finishing guitars. I don’t mention this to disparage them, because they deserve the money they get for the knowledge they share.
I’m willing to bet it would go against your ethos to do something similar, but I mention them to stress the point. If they are deserving of that money, then you are more than deserving of a few Patreon bucks a month from the many people who benefit from the knowledge that you share. Please let the wholesome community you have developed support you!
"I'm not sure what I can provide on Patreon" isn't how it works, Ted. WE give to YOU. Because we like you, and it isn't more complicated than that.
*Cranking truss rods is why I am a huge advocate for clamping and baking necks, but anyone that has done it knows the risks and potential side effects.*
I baked a few necks roughly 8 to 10 months ago, and made some critical mistakes that were fortunately easy to resolve. Melted neck binding, and some very slight headstock clear coat blistering that will buff out easily.
*Unfortunately, the neck that melted whose truss rod I didn't bother retightening ended up with an INSANE amount of forward bow while remaining off the neck! lol* I should have taken better care of it after the process instead of leaving it to sit for several months and with the truss nut completely tension free. Some details for anyone bothering to read my wordy posts.
I heated the binding and was able to start flattening it out, but it proved too tedious to be worth it, so I sanded it carefully and filled the dips with Plaid bone white craft paint; *this worked amazingly well and once cured I had a very solid and invisible repair.*
One critical event that occurred is 2 of the necks that were over glued, in Asia speed manufacturing of course, squeezed out some of the excess glue, and though there was never a visible gap, it was clear that the boards were seated *much better* and the joint helped retain the flatness of the neck down their entire length.
*Aside from marking my heater to ensure I never get the box that hot again, I decided to wrap headstocks in aluminum kitchen foil which is adequate protection.*
I have read about baking necks from some that have done literally hundreds and oppose it even though it worked, and others who swear by it.
*IMHO, it's a much better first tactic for a squirrely neck rather than the woodwork others suggest that goes with the bend or twist, and is considered a permanent fix.* A lot of necks will be permanently repaired because it was an excess glue issue or the climate where you live, and others will need the process maybe once a year to every few years. *One critical detail a "baker" specified was that he clamps and bakes most of his guitars once a year, and has done this for many years.* If you don't apply excessive heat, you can greatly minimize if not eliminate the risks of potential long term damage from repeated heat exposure accumulatively over many years.
*In the end, it can salvage a neck entirely, or at least, temporarily return it to perfection a few times until you are willing to replace it.*
Please, don’t stop making videos. You bring joy to my life. Thank you.
I've had an SJ-180, since it was new. 1980 vintage. No real value to it, but it does have sentimental value, as my father gave it to me. The action had become quite high, so a few years ago, I decided to attempt a neck reset, even though I knew about the "epoxy issue". But even after a couple hours of heat, the glue wasn't about to give up, so I did. And then I did something I said I would never do........shave down the bridge. 😮 The bridge plate was in good shape, but I reinforced it with a thin piece of maple. I did a full re-fret on it, and added a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins. Put 11-52 strings on it, and I leave it detuned when not in use. It is now playable again, but at the end of the day, it's still not a great guitar, and I always reach for my Martin first. Still, it was a fun project, and there was no way I was going to throw it away.
Hi Ted, Please, by all means set up a Patreon. I have been devouring your videos every week for a couple of years now and have gone through your back catalogue as well. And I have enjoyed them thoroughly, learned a great deal from them, been emboldened by them to adjust a couple of my guitars myself to wonderful effect, and apart form a single witty t-shirt, never paid a penny for such largesse. I'd like that to change. I'd like to compensate you for all that you've given me!
Thanks for all the work Ted! Always a pleasure to watch and listen
Appreciate the time and effort you put into crafting these presentations. Thank You !!!
Ricky from IBM, now Guitar Tech
Thank you Ted from Dallas, TX! Big fan of your luthier knowledge, skills and jokes!
Very nice guitar for me, I had one like it from the mid 80's to the early 90's
Please keep the excellent content coming Ted. You are my moment of Zen in a normally busy week. I would happily donate to your Patreon to keep the videos coming.
Thank you for all the work.
May the value you bring to others return 1000 fold☺
I can't even count the number of my guitar playing buddies who owned Yamahas back in the 1970's... Did they sound as good as my 1970 Martin D18...
Oh certainly not..
I still have the D18 probably needs something done to it..but it is now just a hobby and still sounds great...love your videos and I always learn something
Thanks Ted. (Shops teacher here) I hope people realize, the coolest machines ever to have been created are our hands and our brain. You rock Ted.
A relaxing Sunday with Uncle Ted. Nothing better. :). Hit the LIKE button and show your appreciation for this master luthier.
I just got my Yamaha FG5 Red Label Dreadnought set up last week - sounds fantastic! ....smothered in glue at the neck just like you said
It makes perfect sense to add a way (Patreon or otherwise) for people to pay for the value created, which is clearly higher than what TH-cam has decided it is. I would gladly pay for a subscription just to support one for my favorite channels!
I still have the first guitar I ever bought - a 1980 Yamaha FG-335. I collected enough aluminum cans to buy it new for just under $200 when I was 11 years old. I would say it's in excellent condition aesthetically - it was always my baby. It really hasn't been played in 25 years. Same problems though - too much relief, nut slots a bit high, but there is also some bulging below/behind the bridge. I learned a lot on that guitar and it makes me sad to see it in that condition with hardly a ding on it. But I know it isn't worth having the work done to straighten it out.
Hi Ted. I own a 1970 FG180... I bought 1970 in a Dundee store (Scotland) £37- 10/-. And like yerself I've been doing guitar repairs/setups since the Berlin Wall was torn down & the military electronics business collapsed overnight. Felt like freedom to me! I only really purchased a handful of special tools - made the rest as trial turned to success and happy musicians. Good to see you work. All the very best... the guitar man fae Fife. :)
The first guitar I ever bought myself was a FG410, in 1986- just a few years newer than that one. I still have it, and I'm under no illusions as to its value. But it's an old friend, and I enjoy playing it as much as some of my newer, more expensive guitars.
Owner of a 1970s FG-200. Which, I will say, sounds amazing, better than any solid top guitar I’ve played. Sadly, the action is creeping up higher and higher… and the neck needs some help.
You are my Monday morning viewing. I’m a day ahead here in NewZealand. Thank you for these videos, you have taught me a lot.
I had one of those. It was my first acoustic way back in '83.
That sensor sounds better than most piezos.
Turned out well, Ted!
Yamaha Zealots can be pretty wild. There are many new Yamahas that are very impressive and affordable guitars.
So may older ones don't measure up to legend.
Have one of your decapitation t-shirts, is a Hanes. Have washed it about half a dozen times and the lettering is flaking off. Glad you are changing suppliers. Love your videos and look forward to them weekly!
Mine too
I love your content! I think you are one of the best repair guys I've ever seen. I don't really know how patreon works for sure but maybe at a certain level of giving, your patreons could ask and received answers to lutherie questions. I'm not sure you would have time for that but I'm spitballing here.
Love your videos and professional work. IMO you’re the best luthier on planet earth.
Great video Ted . I have a friend who wants me to put one of those pickups in his old Sigma . After I repair all the loose braces ..... So now I know where to put the pickups , thanks . Peace ✌
Ted, thanks for yet another great video. I learn something every time I watch one of your creations. You've built an amazing channel here and I think it should be worth your time and energy. I would eagerly and happily join your paid TH-cam membership channel or Patreon if you choose to go that route. You give so much to this community. I'd love to give back. Cheers.
I have had an FG 331 for over 30 years now. Numerous people have offered to buy it from me, but I continue to refuse. It still sounds great, although it's starting to really show its age.
Glad I found your channel. I've got a 79 mij Fender F65 that needs about the same things done. I appreciate the information from this video! TY
I have two Yamaha fg160-1’s, from 1974/5. (exactly the same model)with laminate tops. I had them set up by the same (excellent) luthier. One sounds fantastic, much better than many solid top expensive guitars- the other sounds ok only!
So, in my opinion laminate tops CAN sound better that solid tops, but as with all acoustic guitars…..it can be a bit ‘hit & miss’!
Hey Ted. Big fan of the channel, sorry to hear you're going through it. One of my favourite parts of your videos that usually doesn't get as much time is when you demo the guitars at the end. Maybe that could be something to look in to in terms of Patreon content.
Just what I was looking for Ted haha thanks! Great channel!
Taxes are infuriating (especially if you're self employed) especially when you find out what your hard-earned money is being used for such as foreign wars, hand-outs to other countries, people who refuse to work, but continue having children anyway, etc...I could go on, and on, but it's absolutely infuriating.
I have a 1979 or 80 FG-345 I bought new. I think I paid around 350.00 Cdn all in. Anyhow, it's also a smaller thin body Dreadnought with a laminated top. Maybe it's because it's been a part of my life for so many years and been there through so many changes....but I love this thing, and I suspect if it ever needs refretting, a new fret board or anything else I'll be having it done. :)
How does it sound? Balanced and not overwhelming in any register, yet full of life like so many more affordable guitars are not, and not over the top chimmy like some more modern makes are. Out of my three, this is the one that's used every day of me hacking my way through maintaining around 100 tunes and lyrics in my tired old brain. :) Oh.....and I do regret selling a 2002 Yamaha Pacifica as much as the black single cut-away with gold hardware 1975 Gretsch (also bought new). I might be one of those fanatics!...Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with us mortal. :)
I'm convinced that the growing popularity of Twit Talk videos, that always seem to end too soon, is going to be the death of informative video. Why?...The conditioning of fresh minds into only being able to deal with short sound bites and rebel against anything that takes any level of concentration or actual attention span. Sad.
I thoroughly enjoy your shows, thank you!
I would join a twoodfrd Patreon in a heartbeat.
Yeah, me too 👍
Slight correction to the beginning of the video: Yamaha owners don't want to sell them.
Great video Ted, thanks. Enjoy your week! Sorry about your TH-cam funds issues and our trusty American IRS dopes…….they’re no fun from our side of the Ambassador Bridge either man…running a small business down here is tough..please keep up your channel! You are the absolute best stringed instrument repair person I have ever seen!
It is irritating to hear the taxman is beating you senseless. I am grateful for your perseverance. Nice work on the Yammi.
Fantastic. Good sounding guitar.
I have a 1973 Yamaha Taiwan-made FG200 and it’s pretty good. Not sure if it’s comparable to a Martin or Gibson, but I bought it from GC for about $150, so not bad. I did have to shave the saddle some and straighten the neck. I would love to give it a neck reset, but I’ve heard of the unorthodox neck joint fixatives that they used back then.
Look into the steam neck reset method by John Miner. It’s less invasive and usually less risky. I did one to my 1970s Yamaha and it brought the neck back down to earth.
Between repairing the guitars and your sense of humor, I'm glad you're still making videos.
come ooooon dude!!! YOU LOVE THIS JOB!! I can see it! It's not "work" for you - it's PASSION!!! I'm the same crazy as you are, I just keep making my music because I simply have to!!! Keep going!!! Alls well that ends well!! You'll see...
Great job! I enjoy watching a Expert do his job. Thanks for the video.
how come every great guitar luthier, who's knowledge and skills speak volumes...never lives anywhere near me.😬
Well, I may be in the Yamaha cult, (i do own 5 - including two late 60's era red label fg-150's) but to my ear, that guitar sounds pretty darn good.
I recently paid $20 for a '70's FG200 that someone had put Gibson labeled Schaller tuners on, also from the mid '70's, and it may be the best acoustic guitar I've ever owned. It sounds better than the Martin I bought my son a few years ago. Its' a thrill everytime I play it, so I play more than I would otherwise. The 'gibson' on the tuners is done in fancy German Black Forest script, think 'Disneyland' style script, that they only used for a few years, so the tuners alone are worth three to four hundred dollars if I wanted to sell them, which I don't. I'll be playing this guitar 'til I can't play no more!
Keep up the good work, Ted! I listen to these in my shop while I work on customer guitars!
Good sounding gtr though! Nice video. Laminate top or not, I've heard some Yamahas that give Martins a run for their money. Varies from gtr to gtr. I know because I have two Martins, and some Yamahas. Scoff at the laminate top at your own peril you corksniffers out there. Remember that Yamaha pianos were in every recording studio out there for years. Probably heard those more than Steinway. Sux that repair and resto on the gtrs is such a PITA. That one sounds great though. Thanks for the video. Always great!