Post by CTGull on Jul 5, 2023 19:54:21 GMT -5
His Story: I called Dave for one reason —he’s regarded as a legit vintage Yamaha FG guitar guru. In the realm of acoustic guitars, few names evoke such reverence as the Yamaha FG-150 and I knew I had to have one. With a new arsenal of quasi, reissue and revisited Yamaga FG’s in the box music stores, purists like me know the value of an original article. The Japanese masterminds have long been associated with exceptional craftsmanship and tonal prowess. Today, dear readers, I dove into this vintage paradise with a legendary Yamaha FG-150 from an eBay seller from Queens, NY.
The FG-150 holds a mythical status among discerning players, and as I cradled this vintage beauty, it whispered tales of bygone eras, filled with soulful strums and heartfelt melodies. Its aged Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides showcased the patina of countless hours spent resonating with its owner's deepest emotions. The familiar warmth and depth that emanated from the FG 150's timbre were nothing short of mesmerizing, but I knew this old girl could sound a little bit better with Dave’s special tweaks.
One cannot help but be drawn to the FG-150's unadulterated sonic character. The instrument's voice possesses a certain organic quality that elicits a profound connection between player and guitar. It captures the essence of the wood, effortlessly translating the subtle nuances of one's touch into a sonic palette that is rich and captivating.
As I strummed the FG-150, as a life long big bodied Gibson player, I was struck but by the its notes unfurling like wisps of smoke from a smoldering campfire, enveloping the room with a distinctive vintage charm. The midrange blossomed with presence, offering a delightful balance that seamlessly bridged the gap between complexity and clarity. Each string resonated with an unwavering sense of purpose, crafting a harmonic tapestry that entranced both player, me, and listener, my dog Lucky, alike. It has a distinct twinkle.
While the FG-150's tone could be described as warm and inviting, it also possesses a surprising versatility. From delicate fingerpicking to hearty strumming, this acoustic marvel navigates diverse musical landscapes with ease. The sustain is ample, allowing notes to linger and bloom, adding an ethereal quality to every passage. Whether indulging in soulful blues, tender folk melodies, or even more contemporary stylings, the FG-150 is a reliable companion that never fails to inspire.
What truly sets the Yamaha FG-150 apart is its heritage. Its vintage allure is a testament to the instrument's enduring craftsmanship, which has stood the test of time. One cannot help but be transported back to a golden era of acoustic excellence, where musicians sought tone above all else.
The FG-150 carries the legacy of its predecessors, embracing the spirit of a bygone era while remaining relevant and coveted among modern players. It’s a true gem in the realm of vintage acoustic guitars. Its authentic tone, resplendent with warmth and character, resonates deeply with those who seek a connection with the roots of acoustic music. Its timeless allure and ability to adapt to a myriad of musical styles make it a steadfast companion for any discerning player. The FG-150 reigns as a true legend, deserving of the highest praise and the hearts of guitarists seeking the embodiment of the vintage acoustic experience. I can’t thank Dave enough for taking this 50 year old guitar to the next level.
Observations: There are a few dings here and there, but pretty good for its age. The first thing I notice is the pickguard is loose, maybe half off. No cracks in the bridge (typically thru the pin holes) and nice straight grain! The bridge is full height, at .31”. The saddle sticks out a very low .05”/.04”, with near zero string break angle. With that short of a saddle, and the typical chewed up Yamaha bridge plate, I’d expect the string windings to be laying on the saddle, but they aren’t! Looking inside, the string ball ends are partially up in the bridge plate, the strings must have short windings, or it’s because the bridge is at the full thickness. Tuned to “E”, the nut action is OK to low (D & high E), the neck relief is a little high, and the action is a little under 1/8” low E and 7/64” high E. The Martin Monel strings sound muffled. The frets are a bit low and flat, .030” to .035” in the middle, but on the treble side they are .025” to .030”. I consider .025” the absolute minimum fret height. At that height, there’s nothing available to level them. I’ll check them closer after the neck is off.
The guitar on my messy work table.
The headstock is pretty clean!
No cracks in the bridge, and beautiful straight grain!
A few pick marks, but certainly not bad, and expected.
The pickguard is coming off, which is very common.
LOW saddle!
And near zero string break angle!
A few scratches on the sides.
And a few drag marks on the bottom of the lower bout.
Capo damage??
That's some odd damage. What look to be long dents to the right are reflections.
Just a few scratches and minor buckle rash.
The ball ends are a little up in the bridge plate, but this is possibly the best I've seen. I'll get better detail when I take the interior pics.
The action is a bit high!
The FG-150 holds a mythical status among discerning players, and as I cradled this vintage beauty, it whispered tales of bygone eras, filled with soulful strums and heartfelt melodies. Its aged Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides showcased the patina of countless hours spent resonating with its owner's deepest emotions. The familiar warmth and depth that emanated from the FG 150's timbre were nothing short of mesmerizing, but I knew this old girl could sound a little bit better with Dave’s special tweaks.
One cannot help but be drawn to the FG-150's unadulterated sonic character. The instrument's voice possesses a certain organic quality that elicits a profound connection between player and guitar. It captures the essence of the wood, effortlessly translating the subtle nuances of one's touch into a sonic palette that is rich and captivating.
As I strummed the FG-150, as a life long big bodied Gibson player, I was struck but by the its notes unfurling like wisps of smoke from a smoldering campfire, enveloping the room with a distinctive vintage charm. The midrange blossomed with presence, offering a delightful balance that seamlessly bridged the gap between complexity and clarity. Each string resonated with an unwavering sense of purpose, crafting a harmonic tapestry that entranced both player, me, and listener, my dog Lucky, alike. It has a distinct twinkle.
While the FG-150's tone could be described as warm and inviting, it also possesses a surprising versatility. From delicate fingerpicking to hearty strumming, this acoustic marvel navigates diverse musical landscapes with ease. The sustain is ample, allowing notes to linger and bloom, adding an ethereal quality to every passage. Whether indulging in soulful blues, tender folk melodies, or even more contemporary stylings, the FG-150 is a reliable companion that never fails to inspire.
What truly sets the Yamaha FG-150 apart is its heritage. Its vintage allure is a testament to the instrument's enduring craftsmanship, which has stood the test of time. One cannot help but be transported back to a golden era of acoustic excellence, where musicians sought tone above all else.
The FG-150 carries the legacy of its predecessors, embracing the spirit of a bygone era while remaining relevant and coveted among modern players. It’s a true gem in the realm of vintage acoustic guitars. Its authentic tone, resplendent with warmth and character, resonates deeply with those who seek a connection with the roots of acoustic music. Its timeless allure and ability to adapt to a myriad of musical styles make it a steadfast companion for any discerning player. The FG-150 reigns as a true legend, deserving of the highest praise and the hearts of guitarists seeking the embodiment of the vintage acoustic experience. I can’t thank Dave enough for taking this 50 year old guitar to the next level.
Observations: There are a few dings here and there, but pretty good for its age. The first thing I notice is the pickguard is loose, maybe half off. No cracks in the bridge (typically thru the pin holes) and nice straight grain! The bridge is full height, at .31”. The saddle sticks out a very low .05”/.04”, with near zero string break angle. With that short of a saddle, and the typical chewed up Yamaha bridge plate, I’d expect the string windings to be laying on the saddle, but they aren’t! Looking inside, the string ball ends are partially up in the bridge plate, the strings must have short windings, or it’s because the bridge is at the full thickness. Tuned to “E”, the nut action is OK to low (D & high E), the neck relief is a little high, and the action is a little under 1/8” low E and 7/64” high E. The Martin Monel strings sound muffled. The frets are a bit low and flat, .030” to .035” in the middle, but on the treble side they are .025” to .030”. I consider .025” the absolute minimum fret height. At that height, there’s nothing available to level them. I’ll check them closer after the neck is off.
The guitar on my messy work table.
The headstock is pretty clean!
No cracks in the bridge, and beautiful straight grain!
A few pick marks, but certainly not bad, and expected.
The pickguard is coming off, which is very common.
LOW saddle!
And near zero string break angle!
A few scratches on the sides.
And a few drag marks on the bottom of the lower bout.
Capo damage??
That's some odd damage. What look to be long dents to the right are reflections.
Just a few scratches and minor buckle rash.
The ball ends are a little up in the bridge plate, but this is possibly the best I've seen. I'll get better detail when I take the interior pics.
The action is a bit high!