Vintage Yamaha advice

stub
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 18:43:36 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by stub on Feb 9, 2019 18:43:36 GMT -5

Looking for some advice. I have the opportunity to buy one of three vintage Yamahas; a Dynamic no 15, a Nippon Gakki FG110 and an early white label Taiwan fg-110. Assuming that they are all in similar condition, any thoughts on sound, quality, performance and value? I’m aware of potential neck issues and other possible structural concerns. I can’t find much info on the Dynamic No 15. Love to hear from someone that has one

CTGull
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 19:22:40 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Feb 9, 2019 19:22:40 GMT -5

Yea, the No. 15 is blank in Yamaha's guitar archive.

I've always liked the FG-110. I have to assume the Japan Red label and the Taiwan Tan label with sound pretty much the same.

Can you see and play them all at the same time? Or at least see and play them individually? You really need to evaluate them or risk buying a wall hanger.

stub
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 19:45:44 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by stub on Feb 9, 2019 19:45:44 GMT -5

I hope to have a look (and play) all three together. Certainly that will be the true test. Just looking for anyone with some first hand experience with any of these guitars.
Same seller if you can believe it. Everything seem genuine based on the serial numbers and photos I’ve seen. Any idea what a reasonable price is?

CTGull
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 19:57:03 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Feb 9, 2019 19:57:03 GMT -5

The value depends on the condition and playability. The No. 15 I have no idea. I have a few FG-110's.

Have you seen pictures to judge the condition? Assuming the FG-110's are in good condition and don't need a neck reset I'd say $150 to $250. Poor condition and neck angle decreases that to nothing since a neck reset costs more than the guitar is worth. My favorite FG-110 cost me $40. Got it from a guy who does house clean outs and sells the stuff. I try not to pay over $100 for any FG since most of them need a neck reset or other work.

stub New Member Posts: 32	Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 19:59:20 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by stub on Feb 9, 2019 19:59:20 GMT -5 Thanks for the advice. I’ll post some picture it I end up buying one. Any idea where to go to learn more about the No 15?

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,279	Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 9, 2019 20:34:19 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Feb 9, 2019 20:34:19 GMT -5 Feb 9, 2019 19:59:20 GMT -5 stub said: Thanks for the advice. I’ll post some picture it I end up buying one. Any idea where to go to learn more about the No 15? Google is your friend. Hopefully in this case.

stub
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 11, 2019 7:07:30 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by stub on Feb 11, 2019 7:07:30 GMT -5

Ended up getting the FG110 for cheep. Completely original as far as I can tell - missing strap button only. Date on inside side wall is 42., 770xxx serial number and old truss rod cover makes it an early 1968, I think. The No 15 was in better condition but I didn’t like the sound or feel as much - traditional classical neck.
Sweet smokey brassy sound even with dead strings. I’m letting the FG adjust to its new home. It will need some set up work after rehydration; hopefully the truss rod moves. Very high action at the 12 fret. The neck seems stable without cracks so hopefully with some truss work and lowering the saddle a bit the upper range will be more comfortable. Can’t see doing a neck reset at this stage but this may be the issue despite no external signs of loosening.
Any advice welcome.

CTGull
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 11, 2019 7:44:18 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Feb 11, 2019 7:44:18 GMT -5

Great find!! Can you share the full date code & serial number for my list? I'd say it was made January 1968.

Typically the neck angle is bad from decades of string tension. The truss rod can't fix that. But if you can get it playable in the first few frets at least you can experience the awesome FG sound. I have a couple of FG-110's with decades old strings and they still sounded good.

stub New Member Posts: 32	Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 11, 2019 8:34:48 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by stub on Feb 11, 2019 8:34:48 GMT -5 Serial number: 7770498, date code: 42.11.6 Any string recommendations? I was thinking a lighter gauge to reduce bridge tension.

CTGull
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Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 11, 2019 8:47:16 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Feb 11, 2019 8:47:16 GMT -5

Feb 11, 2019 8:34:48 GMT -5 stub said:

Serial number: 7770498, date code: 42.11.6
Any string recommendations? I was thinking a lighter gauge to reduce bridge tension.

Thanks!! With that date code I'd say it was made in December 1967.

I use D'Addario EJ16 (PB Light) of Elixir Nanoweb PB Light. With what the guitar has seen in its life I wouldn't worry about the difference in tension. Higher tension results in great clarity. I find my FG's start getting a little muddy tuned 2 steps down.

Oddly, I already have this guitar in my list. It was previously sold on the Facebook Marketplace. www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1478742998895944/?surface=messenger_banner

Last Edit: Feb 11, 2019 8:52:17 GMT -5 by CTGull

stub New Member Posts: 32	Vintage Yamaha advice Feb 12, 2019 7:19:01 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by stub on Feb 12, 2019 7:19:01 GMT -5 That’s the one.

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