Post by CTGull on Dec 27, 2023 14:05:47 GMT -5
Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Labels, and Interior Markings - 1966 to 1981
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this article is to attempt to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, labels, and internal markings. And to be able to fairly accurately determine when they were made.
Yamaha doesn’t know exactly when the earliest FG’s were made. Everyone has been guessing for years. I’ve been collecting data and, in most cases, can tell when a guitar with a 6 or 7 digit serial number was made (within a month or so) based on serial number/date code combinations I have collected.
The facts presented are based on personal observations, data collected, and data donated. They don’t always agree with Yamaha’s Guitar Archive data. And there are still a few assumptions. This article will be updated as I find additional information.
12/30/23 - This is a MAJOR rewrite of the original VERY long and confusing single page article. I'm hoping breaking it into multiple pages, along with the many additions and improvements, will help people better understand the complexity of the changes Yamaha made in only 16 years.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Japan 6 & 7 digit Serial Numbers
Japan 8 digit Serial Numbers
Japan 5 digit Serial Numbers
Japan Date Codes
Japan Green Label (1966). Called “Light Green” label in Japan
Japan Red Label (1967 to 1972)
Japan Tan Label (1972 to 1975). Called “Green” label in Japan
Japan Black Label (1974 to 1976)
Japan Orange Label (1974 to 1981+)
Japan Other Internal Markings (1966 to early 1970’s) - NEW!!
Taiwan Serial Numbers (1971 to 1981+)
Taiwan Date Codes
Taiwan Red Label (1971 to 1972)
Taiwan Tan Label – “No Taiwan” (1972). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Made in Taiwan” (1972 to 1974). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Made in Taiwan – Republic of China” (1973 to 1974). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Republic of China – Made in Taiwan” (1974 to 1975). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Black Label – “Republic of China – Made in Taiwan” AND “Made in Taiwan” (1975 to 1975)
Taiwan White Label (1977 to 19??)
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this article is to attempt to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, labels, and internal markings. And to be able to fairly accurately determine when they were made.
Yamaha doesn’t know exactly when the earliest FG’s were made. Everyone has been guessing for years. I’ve been collecting data and, in most cases, can tell when a guitar with a 6 or 7 digit serial number was made (within a month or so) based on serial number/date code combinations I have collected.
The facts presented are based on personal observations, data collected, and data donated. They don’t always agree with Yamaha’s Guitar Archive data. And there are still a few assumptions. This article will be updated as I find additional information.
12/30/23 - This is a MAJOR rewrite of the original VERY long and confusing single page article. I'm hoping breaking it into multiple pages, along with the many additions and improvements, will help people better understand the complexity of the changes Yamaha made in only 16 years.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Japan 6 & 7 digit Serial Numbers
Japan 8 digit Serial Numbers
Japan 5 digit Serial Numbers
Japan Date Codes
Japan Green Label (1966). Called “Light Green” label in Japan
Japan Red Label (1967 to 1972)
Japan Tan Label (1972 to 1975). Called “Green” label in Japan
Japan Black Label (1974 to 1976)
Japan Orange Label (1974 to 1981+)
Japan Other Internal Markings (1966 to early 1970’s) - NEW!!
Taiwan Serial Numbers (1971 to 1981+)
Taiwan Date Codes
Taiwan Red Label (1971 to 1972)
Taiwan Tan Label – “No Taiwan” (1972). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Made in Taiwan” (1972 to 1974). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Made in Taiwan – Republic of China” (1973 to 1974). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Tan Label – “Republic of China – Made in Taiwan” (1974 to 1975). Called “Green” label in Japan
Taiwan Black Label – “Republic of China – Made in Taiwan” AND “Made in Taiwan” (1975 to 1975)
Taiwan White Label (1977 to 19??)
