Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels

Nabo
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 15, 2018 20:29:24 GMT -5

Post by Nabo on Oct 15, 2018 20:29:24 GMT -5

Thanks for such a nice reply. It sounds as if we might have more in common than just age.

The FG-110 has a really nice tone. Playability not bad down the neck, not so great above about the 9th fret (At the 12th fret I could just slide two quarters under the strings).

In addition to all of your other skill sets, you may have a future as a politician. You did great on the FG-110 Oval Label issue, and you are certainly correct on 40+ Year Memory. In my head I remembered it as an FG-135, and I specifically remember the Oval Label because of the extra writing on it. Learning that there is no FG-135, I decided it must have been a 110. Now based on my "135" and your chart I'm thinking I may have had an FG-335. I even remember the sales guy's name, he was a Porter Wagner look alike/dress alike, who had just released his first (and probably last) single. He gave me a copy of the 45rpm, to go with my purchase and as an enticement to sign up for guitar lessons.

Oh well Memoir's and details about heirlooms are probably about as accurate as American/Japanese translation about guitars. It may hang on the wall, get pulled down for fireplace songs, and become known as 'my childhood guitar'. LOL

More for your database than for me, I've included a slightly better image of the Upper SN to confirm that I believe you are correct on 31215401.

Thanks Again, for your website, your time, your knowledge. VERY VERY IMPRESSED! Although I'm not yet a Yamaha convert from Martin acoustics & Fender Electrics --- I'll be checking in from time to time, because your board is very insightful and JUST PLAIN OLD COOL! What part of the Country are you located in? Do you do guitar repair for others as a trade?

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 15, 2018 21:19:01 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 15, 2018 21:19:01 GMT -5

Oct 15, 2018 20:29:24 GMT -5 Nabo said:

Thanks for such a nice reply. It sounds as if we might have more in common than just age.

The FG-110 has a really nice tone. Playability not bad down the neck, not so great above about the 9th fret (At the 12th fret I could just slide two quarters under the strings).

In addition to all of your other skill sets, you may have a future as a politician. You did great on the FG-110 Oval Label issue, and you are certainly correct on 40+ Year Memory. In my head I remembered it as an FG-135, and I specifically remember the Oval Label because of the extra writing on it. Learning that there is no FG-135, I decided it must have been a 110. Now based on my "135" and your chart I'm thinking I may have had an FG-335. I even remember the sales guy's name, he was a Porter Wagner look alike/dress alike, who had just released his first (and probably last) single. He gave me a copy of the 45rpm, to go with my purchase and as an enticement to sign up for guitar lessons.

Oh well Memoir's and details about heirlooms are probably about as accurate as American/Japanese translation about guitars. It may hang on the wall, get pulled down for fireplace songs, and become known as 'my childhood guitar'. LOL

More for your database than for me, I've included a slightly better image of the Upper SN to confirm that I believe you are correct on 31215401.

Thanks Again, for your website, your time, your knowledge. VERY VERY IMPRESSED! Although I'm not yet a Yamaha convert from Martin acoustics & Fender Electrics --- I'll be checking in from time to time, because your board is very insightful and JUST PLAIN OLD COOL! What part of the Country are you located in? Do you do guitar repair for others as a trade?

Thanks!! I was going to suggest you probably had a FG-335. They are very common.

Although I hate politics, I do love to write technical stuff with stories mixed it. A few people have said I should write a book on the Yamaha FG's but I feel there's still much more to be learned that the age and language barrier will keep me from ever learning.

You may very well become a Yamaha convert after you play this FG-110, although I'd suggest changing the narrow 1.37" string spacing nut to one with 1.44" string spacing. It make a huge difference in playability.

The FG-110 is my favorite model. I brought it to a mid/high end guitar shop and let him play it. He had the best comment. "That pawn shop guitar shouldn't sound like that." It looks like a cheap piece of crap with the plastic knob tuners, but the sound is as vintage as it comes. The only guitar I've found like I liked better (and no Martin or Taylor has come close) was a custom built $4850 guitar. It had the same high/midrange clarity and resonance, but the bottom end was a little clearer. I paid $40 for my FG-110. $40 vs. $4850.

I am in Connecticut? Where are you? I was just talking on the phone to a guy in Raleigh, we've talked many times by email.

I'm a Tool Designer (jigs & fixtures) as a trade. Making tools for guitar repair is just an extension of my job. I've only done a few paid repairs. But a couple of months ago I did my first paid neck reset on a near mint FG-180. That is my second favorite Yamaha. His ended up sounding better than my FG-180!! He's touring musician out of NYC and wanted to play it on a new album. We happened to connect because he happened to be passing thru CT at one point in his tour, and picked it up on the way to a video shoot in RI. Unfortunately the cost of shipping kills doing any kind of work non-local. It's $80-$100 each way, the size of the box makes a big difference, not the weight.

Nabo
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 15, 2018 21:57:15 GMT -5

Post by Nabo on Oct 15, 2018 21:57:15 GMT -5

Maybe you should right that book, it may lead the way for a sequel by helping to make the unknown - known. Or perhaps it's a way to share your knowledge, skills and abilities to a younger generation "The proper care & repair of your FG".

I would never have guessed Connecticut. I was thinking VA, KY, or maybe PA. Twenty plus years ago I was offered a job in Stamford at something like 4 times my salary - after adjusting for the cost of living difference, it wasn't much of a bump and it's a little cold up that way. I live in a small town in NW Alabama. They made a movie about it a few years ago, if you haven't seen it you might enjoy it and can find it on Netflix. Here's a trailer:

If interested here's a little longer video about some of the music history of the area.

CTGull
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 16, 2018 4:28:17 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 16, 2018 4:28:17 GMT -5

Oct 15, 2018 21:57:15 GMT -5 Nabo said:

Maybe you should right that book, it may lead the way for a sequel by helping to make the unknown - known. Or perhaps it's a way to share your knowledge, skills and abilities to a younger generation "The proper care & repair of your FG".

I would never have guessed Connecticut. I was thinking VA, KY, or maybe PA. Twenty plus years ago I was offered a job in Stamford at something like 4 times my salary - after adjusting for the cost of living difference, it wasn't much of a bump and it's a little cold up that way. I live in a small town in NW Alabama. They made a movie about it a few years ago, if you haven't seen it you might enjoy it and can find it on Netflix.

When I finally made it upstairs to go to bed I was telling my wife that I spent the ENTIRE evening talking to people about Yamaha FG's! 4 hours!! I talked with one guy on the phone for 45 minutes, we'd talked many times by email. But, my wife was saying the same thing. Maybe I should write a book before someone steals I'll that I've done. By I said there's still so much more to learn!! And what I'm doing is continuously evolving and I discover more Yamaha oddities. The latest being I found a guy who has a FG-152 with a FG-170 label! They're 2 different generations. He sold it as a FG-170 and the guy complained to PayPal that he faked the guitar and he wanted his money back. I would have kept it!! He had to pay to have the guy ship it back to him. Sadly, he wants too much money for it, I'd love to have it for my collection.

I've been writing an article on "Inspecting a Potential New To You Vintage Yamaha FG". And I've got plenty of other stuff started or ideas. Just not enough hours in the day, or gas in my tank!!

Yea, it's expensive to live up here, especially in Fairfield county near NYC. If I wasn't married with children (and a big mortgage!) I'd be out of here. I'm in the middle of the state, but you can drive corner to corner in only 2 hours. The cold sucks!! I hate snow!! A guy I worked with quit last month and moved to eastern TN. Got a $30,000 raise and moving expenses paid. It was a no brainer!! He's got s great view of the Smokies!!! I'm so jealous!! A bad winter for them is measured in inches of snow, for us it's measured in feet!! Have I mentioned I hate snow!! About 5-6 years ago we had a bad storm and got an official 36" of the white crap!! 4+ FEET in the driveway!! What do you do with it???!!! Took 2 days to dig out WITH a snowblower, and we dig out the older couple next door.

That is so cool!!!! I've never seen the movie or even read much about it. I will have to get to that soon.

Last Edit: Oct 16, 2018 4:29:23 GMT -5 by CTGull

Link
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 10:09:07 GMT -5

Post by Link on Oct 17, 2018 10:09:07 GMT -5

Love your site. recently starting searching the history of an FG-300 that I bought in 2001 from friend who played it professionally for 10 years. Tuners had been changed, pick guard disintegrated and a Merkley pickup added. Easy stuff to remedy. Thanks to you I found the serial number and build code. ( T0053401/60.10.6.) thanks again for the site.

CTGull,

CTGull
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 11:17:48 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 17, 2018 11:17:48 GMT -5

Oct 17, 2018 10:09:07 GMT -5 Link said:

Love your site. recently starting searching the history of an FG-300 that I bought in 2001 from friend who played it professionally for 10 years. Tuners had been changed, pick guard disintegrated and a Merkley pickup added. Easy stuff to remedy. Thanks to you I found the serial number and build code. ( T0053401/60.10.6.) thanks again for the site.

CTGull ,

Thanks! Ironically, I have another FG-300 in my list only 8 numbers ahead of yours!

How did you find the date code?? The dark rosewood normally makes this impossible. Yours is the only FG-300 date code I've gotten out of 52 serial numbers recorded. And I know what you see is correct (or at least very close) because I have a serial number for a FG-110 that is close to yours and the date code only differs by one day.

Is the inside of your FG-300 finished? I'd guess not. What ever they apply darkens the wood and makes reading anything impossible.

Does the top of your headstock say YAMAHA or have 3 tuning forks?

link
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 12:41:10 GMT -5

Post by link on Oct 17, 2018 12:41:10 GMT -5

Had to look hard to find the date code. I was about 1/2 inch above the number 5 on the left side of the lower bout. Purchased a inspection tool with a mirror and lights around the mirror. Had to move it back from the sides to eliminate glare but it worked and the inside looks like it was finished in a clear lacquer which causes a lot of glare. The headstock says Yamaha and on the back of the headstock is a decal which says Made IN TAIWAN. HAD TO USE A LARGE MAGNIFIER TO BE ABLE TO READ IT ( DECAL IS CLEAR WITH BLACK PRINT)

CTGull
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 14:24:04 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 17, 2018 14:24:04 GMT -5

Oct 17, 2018 12:41:10 GMT -5 link said:

Had to look hard to find the date code. I was about 1/2 inch above the number 5 on the left side of the lower bout. Purchased a inspection tool with a mirror and lights around the mirror. Had to move it back from the sides to eliminate glare but it worked and the inside looks like it was finished in a clear lacquer which causes a lot of glare. The headstock says Yamaha and on the back of the headstock is a decal which says Made IN TAIWAN. HAD TO USE A LARGE MAGNIFIER TO BE ABLE TO READ IT ( DECAL IS CLEAR WITH BLACK PRINT)

Is there a 6 on the other side, opposite the 5?

Can you post a link to the mirror with lights on it? I've never seen anything like that.

link Guest	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 17:07:00 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by link on Oct 17, 2018 17:07:00 GMT -5 It looks like a six on the other side but not clear

Link
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 17:15:14 GMT -5

Post by Link on Oct 17, 2018 17:15:14 GMT -5

The inspection tool is made by General in fits in your shirt pocket. the mirror is about 11/2" in diameter there is one light on either side and the batteries are in the back of the mirror as well as the switch for the lights.
the mirror is mounted on a 4 inch flex shaft which in turn is attached to a
18 inch collapsible shaft. Cost me @ $24 at a local auto parts store. It may only be available here in Canada.

Nabo
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Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 17:26:38 GMT -5

Post by Nabo on Oct 17, 2018 17:26:38 GMT -5

Did you tell her, that you'd spent the ENTIRE evening talking to people about Yamaha FG's or did SHE TELL YOU that you had spent the ENTIRE evening talking to ….. LOL!

Your wife sounds wise … and encouraging -- so Maybe, Definitely YOU should write that book before someone steals your work. With all due respect, you are a technician/artist - you want things to be perfect. Sometimes we Just Have To Do It! If you've seen the movie 'Eddie and the Cruisers', use that as a reference for what I'm saying. Just as music is meant to be heard, books (and research) are meant to be read and studied. It could be your legacy!

Your Article sounds very cool, and beneficial to anyone who is collects FG's or is looking to purchase one.

Big Mortgages, provide BIG EQUITY which will often pay for a house down here in the WARM SOUTH. I live here in the Shoals but also have a place outside of Nashville, about 2 hours away. The cost of living in both is very low. Someone with your skills could do well down here.

I got my newly acquired 1973 FG-110 back from my local Music Shop today and it looks nice, sounds nice! Chords effortlessly up to the 10th, easily up to the 14th, a little more effort and attention beyond that - but very playable. I wasn't sure what strings to put have them put on it - so I went with D'Addario EXP26 Custom Lights. A lot lighter string than I normally play, which may be one reason it chords so easily.

I've attached a photo of the front and back. I'll try to record something and add a link to the audio file in a day or three. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Now - get busy doing what either of us would tell any artist to do - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

Best Wishes

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 20:37:51 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 17, 2018 20:37:51 GMT -5

Oct 17, 2018 17:15:14 GMT -5 Link said:

The inspection tool is made by General in fits in your shirt pocket. the mirror is about 11/2" in diameter there is one light on either side and the batteries are in the back of the mirror as well as the switch for the lights.
the mirror is mounted on a 4 inch flex shaft which in turn is attached to a
18 inch collapsible shaft. Cost me @ $24 at a local auto parts store. It may only be available here in Canada.

I assume it's one of the choices here? www.amazon.com/General-Tools-90557-Telescoping-Inspection/dp/B018JR62LG If so, let me know which one. Looks interesting.

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 17, 2018 20:41:49 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 17, 2018 20:41:49 GMT -5

Oct 17, 2018 17:26:38 GMT -5 Nabo said:

Did you tell her, that you'd spent the ENTIRE evening talking to people about Yamaha FG's or did SHE TELL YOU that you had spent the ENTIRE evening talking to ….. LOL!

Your wife sounds wise … and encouraging -- so Maybe, Definitely YOU should write that book before someone steals your work. With all due respect, you are a technician/artist - you want things to be perfect. Sometimes we Just Have To Do It! If you've seen the movie 'Eddie and the Cruisers', use that as a reference for what I'm saying. Just as music is meant to be heard, books (and research) are meant to be read and studied. It could be your legacy!

Your Article sounds very cool, and beneficial to anyone who is collects FG's or is looking to purchase one.

Big Mortgages, provide BIG EQUITY which will often pay for a house down here in the WARM SOUTH. I live here in the Shoals but also have a place outside of Nashville, about 2 hours away. The cost of living in both is very low. Someone with your skills could do well down here.

I got my newly acquired 1973 FG-110 back from my local Music Shop today and it looks nice, sounds nice! Chords effortlessly up to the 10th, easily up to the 14th, a little more effort and attention beyond that - but very playable. I wasn't sure what strings to put have them put on it - so I went with D'Addario EXP26 Custom Lights. A lot lighter string than I normally play, which may be one reason it chords so easily.

I've attached a photo of the front and back. I'll try to record something and add a link to the audio file in a day or three. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Now - get busy doing what either of us would tell any artist to do - WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

Best Wishes

I told her! I definitely want to visit down there one of these days.

To add to the insanity on Saturday I'm driving 5 hours each way to buy a FG-110 made in May 1967, by the serial number. I have a 1967 FG-150, it's brother from another mother.

link Guest	Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 18, 2018 8:30:35 GMT -5 Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by link on Oct 18, 2018 8:30:35 GMT -5 General Tools 90557 is the one I have - Works great.

CTGull
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Vintage YamaNut

Posts: 3,676

Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels Oct 18, 2018 9:32:42 GMT -5

Post by CTGull on Oct 18, 2018 9:32:42 GMT -5

Oct 18, 2018 8:30:35 GMT -5 link said:

General Tools 90557 is the one I have - Works great.

Which style? There are 5 , and 4 have LED's. www.amazon.com/General-Tools-90557-Telescoping-Inspection/dp/B018JR62LG

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