Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels

Dj
Guest

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 23, 2018 14:40:35 GMT -5

Post by Dj on Aug 23, 2018 14:40:35 GMT -5

e

hi
a little further info for us,
Imstripped the strings and cleaned up the guitar, came up good ,
i had a look inside and the above is the result
the peg holes are just about shot, on the inside photo the high e is on the top of the photo ,near the maybe fibreglass piece
rhe outside holes are as bad.
interesting are the numbers in the bouts,
the number 6 is in the bottom of he large bout and the 5 in the top of the opposite large bout also the numbers 61.7.31 ?
What do we make of these?
i have seen your posts where you draw attention to the numbers on the inner bouts ,but they have generally been handwritten not printed as these!!
I hope this information adds to your data base,
Yesterday ,22/8/18 I celebrated the 46 “birthday”of the above 180, I was browsing as you do and saw one dated 30/8/72 . Such a coincidence to find two dated so close together.
dj

CTGull
Administrator

Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 23, 2018 15:27:04 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Aug 23, 2018 15:27:04 GMT -5

Aug 23, 2018 14:40:35 GMT -5 Dj said:

hi
a little further info for us,
Imstripped the strings and cleaned up the guitar, came up good ,
i had a look inside and the above is the result
the peg holes are just about shot, on the inside photo the high e is on the top of the photo ,near the maybe fibreglass piece
rhe outside holes are as bad.
interesting are the numbers in the bouts,
the number 6 is in the bottom of he large bout and the 5 in the top of the opposite large bout also the numbers 61.7.31 ?
What do we make of these?
i have seen your posts where you draw attention to the numbers on the inner bouts ,but they have generally been handwritten not printed as these!!
I hope this information adds to your data base,
Yesterday ,22/8/18 I celebrated the 46 “birthday”of the above 180, I was browsing as you do and saw one dated 30/8/72 . Such a coincidence to find two dated so close together.
dj

I've seen worse pin holes. The strings have cut slots but as long as the balls aren't in the bridge plate you're OK.

The large printed 5 & 6 are probably detail numbers for the sides so they used the right parts. I've only seen them printed.

61.7.31 fits perfectly with the serial numbers. 7/31/1972.

Ironically I have 3 serial numbers on 8/21/1972.

Do you have a link to the 46th birthday guitar? My serial number list is 2 short of 1000.

Dj
Guest

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 24, 2018 2:22:27 GMT -5

Post by Dj on Aug 24, 2018 2:22:27 GMT -5

re 180
hi
i am not a full technophobe and couldn’t add a direct link , hope you can connect with the screen shot details.
im sure it won’t take long to reach the 1000 mark,
i wonder how many of these 180 have ended up shot and dumped,?
good luck
dj

CTGull
Administrator

Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 24, 2018 5:59:58 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Aug 24, 2018 5:59:58 GMT -5

You're limited on what you can do if you don't register with the forum.

I hadn't thought about searching the eBay UK site. I search the US site once in a while. I found that one. Too bad they didn't list the lower serial number, I need both.

I've wondered the same thing. How many of these could I have saved???!!!

Last Edit: Aug 24, 2018 6:04:31 GMT -5 by CTGull

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,676	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 24, 2018 19:28:36 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Aug 24, 2018 19:28:36 GMT -5 My goal of the last month has been to hit 1000 serial numbers before the 1 year anniversary of my website, which will be 9/9/18. Today I hit that goal, over 2 weeks early. Also 157 date codes.

Dj Guest	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 26, 2018 3:45:07 GMT -5 CTGull likes this Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Dj on Aug 26, 2018 3:45:07 GMT -5 Well done on your excellent work, All forums such as this needs it’s enthusiasts and experts to keep them going , thnaks and good luck for the next 1000. dj

Dj Guest	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 26, 2018 12:08:05 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Dj on Aug 26, 2018 12:08:05 GMT -5 . Hi still browsing on a rainy afternoon in the uk came across the above , not often do yo7 get all the numbers , this is on eBay uk can’t send a link !, hope this helps wit( your project dj

CTGull Administrator Vintage YamaNut Posts: 3,676	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Aug 26, 2018 12:34:40 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by CTGull on Aug 26, 2018 12:34:40 GMT -5 Thanks! After you mentioned ebay.uk a couple of days ago I checked the FG-180's available. I'll go thru other numbers eventually. Too much going on at the moment.

MJU71
Guest

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Sept 5, 2018 19:42:40 GMT -5 via mobile

Post by MJU71 on Sept 5, 2018 19:42:40 GMT -5

Hey everyone, love reading about all the neat vintage guitars! Just recently acquired an FG-330. Was curious if anyone could help me determine the age!

Inside the body I found the following two numbers:

80111132 (right inside the sound hole on the neck side)

1238808 (deeper inside the body, on the wall where the neck attached to the body)

Thanks!!

CTGull
Administrator

Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Sept 5, 2018 20:53:07 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Sept 5, 2018 20:53:07 GMT -5

Sept 5, 2018 19:42:40 GMT -5 MJU71 said:

Hey everyone, love reading about all the neat vintage guitars! Just recently acquired an FG-330. Was curious if anyone could help me determine the age!

Inside the body I found the following two numbers:

80111132 (right inside the sound hole on the neck side)

1238808 (deeper inside the body, on the wall where the neck attached to the body)

Thanks!!

The Fg-330 was made from 1977 to 1981. Yours was made 1/11/1978.

MJU71 Guest	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Sept 5, 2018 21:12:23 GMT -5 via mobile Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by MJU71 on Sept 5, 2018 21:12:23 GMT -5 Thank you so much!!

Dj
Guest

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Sept 18, 2018 17:03:22 GMT -5

Post by Dj on Sept 18, 2018 17:03:22 GMT -5

CTGull,

hi again , I hope your projets are progressing well,
here is an update on the fg180 wehave been discussing.
the action was a little high, not unplayable , but a tad high . I took it to a local luthier
(harrymillerguitars.co.uk)a week reapected and able luthier,
first thing he did was felt inside the sound hole and promptly said “it’s not a Gakki “
he explained that Gakki would have been finish d better on the inside and would have have been finished better on the inside and had a light coat of lacquer.That said he was still impressed. he stripped it down but found that the truss rod was inoperable , so to lower ththe action he replaced the bridge with a shallower bone bridge and brought the action right down t9 a comfortable playing position.

He restrung with martins 12s and it sounded fantastic , the attack was sharp ,sustain was forever and separati9n clear.
I am really pleased with it and it has become my go to guitar.
i must admit I am getting obsessed with the search for a nippon gakki late 60s and am considering one at the moment , it’s a 140, which I believe is the 180with inferior tuners and a mahogany neck?
Anyway !one more 180saved for the next 46years
dj

CTGull
Administrator

Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Sept 18, 2018 17:15:41 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Sept 18, 2018 17:15:41 GMT -5

Sept 18, 2018 17:03:22 GMT -5 Dj said:

CTGull ,
hi again , I hope your projets are progressing well,
here is an update on the fg180 wehave been discussing.
the action was a little high, not unplayable , but a tad high . I took it to a local luthier
(harrymillerguitars.co.uk)a week reapected and able luthier,
first thing he did was felt inside the sound hole and promptly said “it’s not a Gakki “
he explained that Gakki would have been finish d better on the inside and would have have been finished better on the inside and had a light coat of lacquer.That said he was still impressed. he stripped it down but found that the truss rod was inoperable , so to lower ththe action he replaced the bridge with a shallower bone bridge and brought the action right down t9 a comfortable playing position.

He restrung with martins 12s and it sounded fantastic , the attack was sharp ,sustain was forever and separati9n clear.
I am really pleased with it and it has become my go to guitar.
i must admit I am getting obsessed with the search for a nippon gakki late 60s and am considering one at the moment , it’s a 140, which I believe is the 180with inferior tuners and a mahogany neck?
Anyway !one more 180saved for the next 46years
dj

Not a Gakki??? Not all of them had finish on the inside. Something think only the ones made for export were. The finish isn't that great either. They could only reach so far in thru the sound hole.

The necks are old and stiff and cranking on the truss rod nut doesn't always result in any neck movement, and can result in burying the truss rod in the neck or breaking it. Or use my method. But the truss rod is only for adjusting the neck relief, not high action. But, as long as it's playable. Many cannot be made playable without a neck reset. Most of mine are in that condition.

It is amazing how great these early FG's sound!! Now that you've heard it, you're hooked! I believe a FG-140 is just a cheaper FG-180. I have one but it's in line to get a neck reset one of these days. It's the light construction and old dried out plywood that makes these guitars sound so good. The FG-110 is the same as the FG-140 but a slightly smaller body. It is my favorite FG. It's about to get some new strings.

Nabo
Guest

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 15, 2018 16:34:32 GMT -5

Post by Nabo on Oct 15, 2018 16:34:32 GMT -5

Very Nice Site - Great Information - Even cooler Hobby (undertaking) I THINK!!

Today, I purchased what was advertised as a 1976 Yamaha FG-110 off of Craigslist for $100. I didn't need another guitar, but this one SPOKE TO ME. You see for most of my adult life, I've said & believed that I purchased my first guitar in the summer of 1976 at the age of 13. Today, your website has taught me two things - I believe, but I'll allow you to confirm if you will.

FIRST: My guitar journey did not began until a year later than I thought, in 1977 at the age of 14, because I distinctively remember my Yamaha having the OVAL LABEL. This may explain why I'm not as good as I should be, because I've only been playing for 41 years, not the 42 I previously believed. LOL

SECOND: IF I'm interpreting your data correctly, the guitar I purchased today is not the 1976 Yamaha FG-110 that I purchased in my youth. In fact it's not even a 1976, but rather a 1973 Yamaha FG-110 made November 26, 1973.

The Headstock has YAMAHA beneath the tuning forks.
The Label: Tan Rectangular Label has MADE IN TAIWAN above REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SN on Brace: Appears to be 31245401
SN on Neck Block: Appears to be 0448303
Date Code: 62.11.26 from inside body.

So based on your confirmation, in just one day of finding your website, I've learned: I do not have, as much guitar experience as I thought. I spent $100 with the intent of replacing the guitar of my youth, only to learn I DID NOT! But not all is lost - my newly acquired 40 Something year old guitar is now at my local guitar shop - getting a clean-up and set-up and will look nice hanging on the wall if nothing else. YES, I SUFFER FROM GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome).

CTGull
Administrator

Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 15, 2018 18:37:59 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 15, 2018 18:37:59 GMT -5

Oct 15, 2018 16:34:32 GMT -5 Nabo said:

Very Nice Site - Great Information - Even cooler Hobby (undertaking) I THINK!!

Today, I purchased what was advertised as a 1976 Yamaha FG-110 off of Craigslist for $100. I didn't need another guitar, but this one SPOKE TO ME. You see for most of my adult life, I've said & believed that I purchased my first guitar in the summer of 1976 at the age of 13. Today, your website has taught me two things - I believe, but I'll allow you to confirm if you will.

FIRST: My guitar journey did not began until a year later than I thought, in 1977 at the age of 14, because I distinctively remember my Yamaha having the OVAL LABEL. This may explain why I'm not as good as I should be, because I've only been playing for 41 years, not the 42 I previously believed. LOL

SECOND: IF I'm interpreting your data correctly, the guitar I purchased today is not the 1976 Yamaha FG-110 that I purchased in my youth. In fact it's not even a 1976, but rather a 1973 Yamaha FG-110 made November 26, 1973.

The Headstock has YAMAHA beneath the tuning forks.
The Label: Tan Rectangular Label has MADE IN TAIWAN above REPUBLIC OF CHINA
SN on Brace: Appears to be 31245401
SN on Neck Block: Appears to be 0448303
Date Code: 62.11.26 from inside body.

So based on your confirmation, in just one day of finding your website, I've learned: I do not have, as much guitar experience as I thought. I spent $100 with the intent of replacing the guitar of my youth, only to learn I DID NOT! But not all is lost - my newly acquired 40 Something year old guitar is now at my local guitar shop - getting a clean-up and set-up and will look nice hanging on the wall if nothing else. YES, I SUFFER FROM GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome).

Thanks! As long as they can make it playable you got a good deal! It looks to be in nice shape!

The sellers error actually worked out in your favor. If it was made in 1976 it would be a Black label FG-110-1, which I've found is sonicaly slightly inferior (maybe a bit harsh) to the previous FG-110. I have (4) FG-110's and they all (even the one's with high action and 30 year old strings) speak to me in ways other guitars never have. I've had (2) FG-110-1's (still have 1) and they didn't have quite the same mojo. I had the same result with a FG-180-1, turned it down.

Ironically we are the same age, although my guitar journey didn't start until the early 80's, for a few years, and went into hibernation for nearly 2 decades as life got in the way. After picking it back up again in the early 2000's I found I had more interest in fixing them than playing. I'm just naturally curious about how things work and how to fix or make them better. And I've got a thing for numbers and data, as you've probably noticed. Probably a little frustrated writer in the mix.

If you'll download the chart on this page you'll find either your original FG-110 wasn't an FG-110 if it had an oval label, or the label wasn't oval. I know I can't remember too much from 40+ years ago! yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/97/serial-number-date-code-chart

The upper serial number is a little fuzzy but I think it is 31215401, although I'm not sure about the 5. That would be 12/15/1973, which is when the guitar was made. The date code 62.11.26 is when the sides where made. At least that's what I've been assuming. It's possible that's when they started building the guitar and it was finished 12/15/1973, although they probably made 100,000 guitars a year at their peak and I doubt guitars would hang around for 3 weeks. But between the 4 to 5 decades and the language barrier, I doubt anyone really knows. There are a couple of books on Yamaha guitars but my Japanese is non-existent. And any translator I've tried comes up with mostly gibberish. I bought a cool magazine from 2002 on the Yamaha FG's, but again the whole thing is in Japanese and any attempt at translation has been futile.

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