Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ???

azyammy
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 1, 2021 0:07:30 GMT -5

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Post by azyammy on Dec 1, 2021 0:07:30 GMT -5

This stamp had been driving me crazy - nothing on the internet after hours of research... It's marked "WMN" next to the FG-345 on label (1977-1981) laminate/plywood Yamaha Acoustic Guitars. Does anyone have any idea what this mean? Is it possible someone had the factory stamp their initials inside as a custom order?

CTGull
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 1, 2021 6:41:19 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Dec 1, 2021 6:41:19 GMT -5

I've seen some stamped labels. They are a mystery though.

Here's a FG-335 stamped NW.

And a FG-75 stamped NWM.

A FG-300 stamped NWM.

A FG-180 stamped NWM.

While these are 3 different stamps, they share the same letters. Maybe an inspection mark, although they seem to be rare. Maybe an importers mark? Another Yamaha mystery!!

Can you share the serial numbers for my list??

Last Edit: Dec 1, 2021 6:43:16 GMT -5 by CTGull

azyammy
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 1, 2021 9:33:17 GMT -5

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Post by azyammy on Dec 1, 2021 9:33:17 GMT -5

Interesting... My 8 digit serial number is 80328332, and the 7 digit below that one is 1287241. I'm assuming it was made in March/1978?

(I have a 1976 Martin D35 as well - and the Yamaha FG-345 sounds so much better... Cheers!

CTGull
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 2, 2021 8:26:09 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Dec 2, 2021 8:26:09 GMT -5

Dec 1, 2021 9:33:17 GMT -5 azyammy said:

Interesting... My 8 digit serial number is 80328332, and the 7 digit below that one is 1287241. I'm assuming it was made in March/1978?

(I have a 1976 Martin D35 as well - and the Yamaha FG-345 sounds so much better... Cheers!

You are correct!

WOW!! A FG-345 better than a D35??!! The FG-345 is a great model.

azyammy
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 4, 2021 5:55:57 GMT -5

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Post by azyammy on Dec 4, 2021 5:55:57 GMT -5

Thanks for the info - so it remains a mystery... no one has figured out what the "WMN" stamps mean/or any of those letters? (initials of a master builder?)

*I'll do some investigative reporting and get back to you if I find out anything. Perhaps they're the mark of a great Tawainese King and he once owned them?

CTGull
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 4, 2021 13:41:28 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Dec 4, 2021 13:41:28 GMT -5

Dec 4, 2021 5:55:57 GMT -5 azyammy said:

Thanks for the info - so it remains a mystery... no one has figured out what the "WMN" stamps mean/or any of those letters? (initials of a master builder?)

*I'll do some investigative reporting and get back to you if I find out anything. Perhaps they're the mark of a great Tawainese King and he once owned them?

It's odd that I've seen a few stamps with the same letters, but in different combinations.

azyammy New Member Posts: 5	Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 6, 2021 21:44:14 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by azyammy on Dec 6, 2021 21:44:14 GMT -5 I've contacted Yamaha in Japan - hopefully I can get a hold of some "old school" luthier who may shed some light... Keep you posted!

CTGull
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 7, 2021 11:07:47 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Dec 7, 2021 11:07:47 GMT -5

Dec 6, 2021 21:44:14 GMT -5 azyammy said:

I've contacted Yamaha in Japan - hopefully I can get a hold of some "old school" luthier who may shed some light...

Keep you posted!

Good luck!! 40-50 years and the language barrier are huge obstacles!

azyammy
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 9, 2021 13:10:48 GMT -5

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Post by azyammy on Dec 9, 2021 13:10:48 GMT -5

You called that one! Recieved an email back completely in Japanese... Even after translating, it made no sense. Sent them some pics of the stamps which will hopefully make the language barrier more understandable. I'm a Private Investigator out here in AZ and hate unsolved cases... I MUST KNOW what those stamps mean! ha/ha... Cheers!

CTGull
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Mystery Manufacture Stamp on FG-345 Label (1978) ??? Dec 9, 2021 15:09:02 GMT -5

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Post by CTGull on Dec 9, 2021 15:09:02 GMT -5

Dec 9, 2021 13:10:48 GMT -5 azyammy said:

You called that one! Recieved an email back completely in Japanese... Even after translating, it made no sense. Sent them some pics of the stamps which will hopefully make the language barrier more understandable. I'm a Private Investigator out here in AZ and hate unsolved cases... I MUST KNOW what those stamps mean! ha/ha... Cheers!

They replied in Japanese??!!

I follow a guy on Facebook that must have 150 vintage FG's. He used to rent a hall twice per year and put them out for people to play. I've tried to communicate with him, but it's just impossible. And translating his Facebook post can be VERY funny! Lately he's posted about his pink apartment falling apart and recent earthquakes.

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