Found one of these (Jan 1973 fg160) on offerup for $40, the seller was not a player. After a little cleaning, fingerboard finishing, truss rod adjustment, and new strings, this thing plays better than any acoustic ive ever played, minus some high end martin and taylor guitars. An absolute beauty
i found one of these in a dumpster because a guy i knew was renovating a house and was told to trash everything..ive had fenders, epiphones, even other yamahas but i still got this one. replaced a tuner from one of my old ibanez electrics i used for parts and i been stuck on this guitar since and its been 12 years
Awesome! Over the years, I've found a few guitars in the trash here & there, but nothing nice. Is your FG-160 a red, tan or black label? Did you determine it's year?
How informative! Thank you so much, you helped me pinpoint my year! Have one almost identical, SN401xxxxx. So mine is a 1974! Same tan rectangle logo. fg 160, made in taiwan then R.O.C.
I've got a 1973 FG-160 that was made on July 30th, which was 5 days after yours. The sound is my favorite with Martin 80/20 Phosphor Bronze SP strings. Love the twang and sustain as well as the overtones and mids. Much joy for $150.
I have what I believe in 1973 Yamaha FG75 top serial number 20906229 the number on the Neck heel 20197898 Tan rectangle label does not indicate where the guitar was made, as you say rare! Three tuning forks on the head stock. Best sounding blues guitar ever…
I have a 1972 Tan label Nippon Gakki fg-160 and its a fabulous guitar. There were no serials on it only a number barely legible on the inside stamped on the side. I play in pub trad sessions here in Ireland, Ive heard expensive Taylors and Martins and swear to god I think it sounds better. First off its quite loud, it rings like a bell is how I would best describe it.and really resonates so much. there are lovely bass tones and it just sounds great. I had to to replace a few frets and get the action down, but would not part with it for the world. I paid around 250 euro for it from an elederly man in England about 3 Years ago. But htey arte going for 400 and up now on ebay. I would say there would hardly be any difference in sounf to a red label fg-180 since they really all look the same construction wise. If you see one buy it. BTW your FG-160 looks immaculate good video man.
I bought an identical one new for £55 in 1973 from a guitar shop in Birmingham. I’ve played it every day since and for the last 19 years it been with me up a Spanish mountain. Sounds even better now and the action is great. I’ve had my moneys worth from it 👍🍷
I have 2 FG-75-1s, an FG-345, an FG-160-1, an FG-160 (with an unbelievably unblemished finish), and FG-830 and an old 70s vintage Citation - a Martin knock-off, with beautiful warm tone. I love them all. Oh, and an Alvarez acoustic and an electric. But the Yamahas are the bomb to me.
Hi Kris, I recently bought a Yamaha f310, suntanning it in indirect sunlight daytime n using UV lamp on it at night. It's darkening nicely. Then I recreated the fg180 red label exactly using PowerPoint n Microsoft paint to lift the logo from scanned copy of the red labels on the net. I printed the fg180 red label Nippon gakki labels n stuck it inside my Yamaha f310. The original label I tore it off. Next I bought butter bean tuning pegs n change it and I also bought a truss cover n drill holes over the headstock. Now I own a remodeled fg180. I own an original fg200 circa 1970 and decided to make myself an fg180 Yamaha. It's great, using a real Yamaha all laminate f310 and making it into a fg180 red label yammie. Just sharing, thanks for your advice. Cheers man :)
Oh wow that's a cool project. I've had two F310's in the past, one of em I only paid $30 for! The other was like $50. Interesting trick with the UV light! I think some people would give you a hard time for this project, accuse you of forgery...but man it's your guitar, you can do what you want! You're not trying to rip someone off, you're making aesthetic modifications to your personal instrument!
Awesome Mike, congratulations! Hopefully you got a good deal on it...I like visiting antique shops, but I'm always very wary of the prices they ask there
I just bought one of these today. Tan Taiwan label. Found it on OfferUp for $195. Great condition considering it’s almost 50 years old. The action is a bit high but the neck is still straight as an arrow. Very impressed. It sounds unbelievably good and the really resonates. Its quickly become my favorite acoustic I own. I love Yamahas and am glad to have found a vintage model to enjoy for many years to come.
@@PinetopJackson Thanks. And thank you for the helpful information. Because of you, I'm able to determine that mine was made on 1/24/73. Good to know. 👍🏻
awesome. Thanks so much for this information - super helpful! I was just given one from 8/72-11/72. Need to clean it before reading the date on the inside neck part.
Hi from the UK. Very interesting video. I bought my black label FG-160 from a music shop in Shaftesbury Avenue , London in 1977 .Along with a hard case it cost £180 ( I think ). I would have been earning about £80 a week then, so it was quite expensive. I find the neck too chunky for my old hands these days, so it;s just hanging on the wall. Always liked the tone of it.
Beautiful info thanx exactly what I was looking for and this was only the second place I looked and it had all the information for my 1974 Tan Label acoustic Yamaha which I got from a friend who did not want to let it go because she had it from the beginning since a young lady😊
After getting stranded in NC during Covid (9 months ago), I bought one of these from the original owner off Craigslist . The seller had arthritis and said playing his acoustics hurts his hands too much, so he was selling them. It's banged up and scratched...not abused, but used. Haha, he said the guitar saw many camping expeditions, hikes, and travels, survived raising kids, moves across the country, and it shows. He said it sat in the corner unused for a while. Paid $125 for it, because I liked it had a history, and I trust old Yamahas. Sounds good, as I like the warmer Yamaha tones. I never looked at anything inside except for label, but now I see my neck block # is T0251186, and my sn on the brace is 21218448, thanks for that. Great video.
Awesome! I bought mine from Craigslist too. Don't know any history from it's previous owner...but with me it's seeing hiking, camping trips, and trying to survive raising kids! (Don't think I'll be moving cross country though)
@@PinetopJackson Hahaha, good old Clist! It's nice to have a guitar that you don't have to worry about when you take along on adventures, building your own history with it. Subbed.
@@PinetopJackson I plan to make a video. I have to file down the bridge a bit and do some general cleanup but this thing sounds really great as is. I’m glad I found your video 👍
50227487 is the sn. What is the 487? Was that really the 487th of that day? Thx. Loved the video. Not sure how much luster I can bring back to it. Got the 1st layer of grime off. It'll be a fun project. It is going to be a nice complement to my dreadnought and parlor guitars. Let me know if you'd like to see pics of how it progresses.
Great work Pinetop. I purchased a Yamaha FG-160 in around 1973. It has the skinny tan label with just Yamaha FG-160 inside no more wording and the reference no inside the soundhole is 21017235. I continue to play this guitar and the tone is superior to guitars made of all solid wood costing many amny times more. The FG-160 Taiwan made is a classic.
Just bought a one-owner July '73 FG160, original case, minor scratches but I've good condition. Very musty smelling in the sound hole and case. Lots of dust collected inside as well along with what appears to be mildewed chrome tuners. Has two numbers inside and tan label. High action. Airing it out for a few days then I'll adjust action accordingly. I own a Seagull, Taylor, Fender and Epiphone, playing 45+ years. Yamaha has always been my favorite brand though. Nice informative post you created, thanks!
Cool info! I have an FG 165s with Black label made in Taiwan. Getting ready to do some fret work on it. She's got some dings in her but it's a good sounding guitar.
Thanks! Just bought an old FG-75. From the label as you explained, and the sn, i deduced it was made feb. 22, 1975. It is grimy, action too high, tuners are great shape, saddle is tight, neck is tight. Even with the old strings, tuned up very easily, and the intonation is spot on. Just a little high at the 12th fret. It really booms. Will make a nice traveler when I get it cleaned up and see if I can tweak the truss rod. Paid 36.00.
I am the original owner of a 1977...didn't remember the year I bought it until I saw this video...............the serial number is 70115453. The interesting thing is the label inside shows FG-160-1....the last 1 is tiny and never noticed it until now...
Yeah, this is the one I took on the last family camping trip tomorrow Mt. Rainier! Incidentally, if you like, you can see a video about that trip on my 2nd channel here czcams.com/video/x0Fy-vyQg7Y/video.html
Wow, so much knowledge here! Do you know how I can figure out what year my FG 425 was manufactured? The serial number is 41208078 and it was manufactured in Taiwan - so I've narrowed it down to 1974, 1984 or 1994. I wish they didn't use the 1 digit system to indicate year on those Taiwan-built guitars!
You channel is amazing. I’m looking for a 1970 red label FG-75 and it’s hard to tell since almost every Reverb listing says 1970s. I’d like for some consulting or pay a finders fee. Do you have much info on a 1970 that’s the year I want. It’s the year I was born.
Nice information 👍 My first "proper" guitar was an early 70s FG300 bought in the late 70s. My memory isn't that good but it was a Japan guitar with red label, I think, but don't quote me. Yamaha guitars weren't liked much because they were laminate and purists put them down, but they are great sounding guitars and well made ☺👍☺
This was great! Thanks. Question: What is your thought on this vs a ‘92 Taylor 812ce (very bright, but gorgeous sound), - and on the opposite end, I have a ‘o6 Martin DM-15 (bought for bigger sound. I want to be able to strum hard in open tuning and not have it sound like John Denver came back to life. I was wondering where you thought this FG-160 “lands” in that spectrum. Someone is selling one for $200, but I don’t want a redundancy. Sorry this is so long!
I have a FG 160 that I bought in Malaysia in 1975. It has a tan label Nippon Gakki made in Japan. So I was wondering if you know if some tan labels were made in Japan.
I have a FG 160 Special Edition 1BK that I bought new in 1967. Serial #61111612. I love the old friend. I just bought an new Red Label FG5 this year. It is even better.
That's awesome! I hear those new Red Label models are pretty nice! About your FG-160 1BK... I've read a little about them, they seem to be pretty rare! I'd love to see some photos of it...if you're on Facebook you can find me under Pinetop Jackson!
Hi. Thanks for your video. I just bought one but its got a tan label with the Nippon Gakki co Ltd Under that ... nakazawacho hamamatdu Japan. No other place stated. Serial # 21117381 Any ideas on the date manufactured? Cheers.
We have an FG200 Tan Label, Serial Number indicates 'July 5th 1973' however the tan label is smaller as used prior to late 73 while it also states Made in Taiwan AND (as is yours I think, couldn't tell from the video 100%), it also does not contain a T in the serial.... From my research it seems as if these fit into a small window between mid 1973 and late 1973 due to smaller label, without the T, and also includes Made In Taiwan... Has your research also lead you to this conclusion (I didn't see that detail mentioned in the video) ? Thanks
I see a yamaha fg160 IT has a rectangular label that only says Yamaha FG160 Made In Tawain. But there's no logo on the headstock.... is this common?? Thank you.
Interesting... The soundhole label reading just "Made in Taiwan" means it was made between Nov.1973 - Sept.1973 as far as our current research shows. Having NO logo on the headstock? I haven't seen or heard of a case before. Interesting...
Awesome vid, thanks for the info. I'm a little confused as for I have the (FG 110) ROC_MIT tan label, but it's serial starts 41118. This translates, 1974 Nov 18th? I thought this ended earlier than Nov, am I wrong? Thanks anyone..
Awesome video. I have two fg-160s because I prefer the warmer tones of these early plywood Yamahas. But from your video I have one of those "rare" 1972 Taiwan short tan labels. The brace # is 2102430 (and then a hand written "3" at the end! And the neck block # is T0220127). And to boot, the short tan label has on it another small, thin label stuck underneath the "FG-160" that says "Made in Taiwan"--it's the short label for sure but it's as though someone was making a correction or something. Is there any more "value" in those more rare short, tan 1972 labels, do you think?
That's awesome Jimmy! Really interesting about the extra sticker & hand-written number Just because something is more 'rare' doesn't always make it worth more. You'd have to find a Yamaha FG collector who really geeks out about this stuff and would be willing to pay more cuz he appreciates the rarity of it. I'd love to see photos of your FG-160s...look me up on Facebook when you have time, we can compare Yamahas!
Can I seek your opinion - Martin drsgt Vs Yamaha fg5? Both are solid wood guitars n priced close to each other, which would you recommend? Thank you in advance :)
Oh man Jimmy, you know, I've never owned a Martin. Too rich for my blood! It seems to me like with these two, your looking at a TOP of the line Yamaha, vs. a lower-tier Martin... similar price...I think I'd lean towards the new red label Yamaha. Of course the Martin DRSGT has that USB port to plug right into your interface & record... But honestly if I had $1000 to spend on a guitar, I wouldn't buy EITHER... I'd buy 7 or 8 local used guitars with that cash instead! Good luck Jimmy, please keep me updated!
I bought the FG5. It sounds better than a D-18 any day. The FG5 is hand made and they are extremely well built in the custom shop in Japan and are consistent in tone and quality. Check out J.C. Cormiers review on utube.
@@haroldmclellan3042 congratulations on new guitar day! I'll check out his channel, but may I suggest...now that you have one, you're in a perfect position to post your own review video! 😁
I have a 1973 Yamaha FG -160 in excellent condition what do you think it is worth? Thanks I am thinking of selling it or possibly trading it in at a music store in Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks
Hello Stephen! You'd get more for it by listing on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace than if you sold it to a music shop. Up here in Seattle, I'd expect it to sell for around $200
My FG160 Has been a great guitar. But after playing it about 25 minutes it’s start burning my fingers and I have been playing for 21 years and my other guitars don’t burn my fingers. It’s only the FG’160
@@tunedime when I said the guitar burns of fingers while playing the guitar. As far as I know this guitar has never had no kind of set up on it,, I bought the FG-160 from a older lady said the guitar was hard to push the strings down and play this guitar not much more than 8 minutes or so,,,Now since you understand where I’m coming from. There are guitars that is easy to play and you can play for hours on them with out your fingers tips from burning. When you apply presser on each string for a Period of time this pressure starts working your finger over with pain from pressure on each string
@@tonywalters9436 I have a 48 year old FG160 that was also hard to play. I took it to a tech and had a new saddle put on along with a bone nut. We took the action down and put on Martin 80/20 phosphor bronze light strings. Now it plays very nicely.
Found one of these (Jan 1973 fg160) on offerup for $40, the seller was not a player. After a little cleaning, fingerboard finishing, truss rod adjustment, and new strings, this thing plays better than any acoustic ive ever played, minus some high end martin and taylor guitars. An absolute beauty
i found one of these in a dumpster because a guy i knew was renovating a house and was told to trash everything..ive had fenders, epiphones, even other yamahas but i still got this one. replaced a tuner from one of my old ibanez electrics i used for parts and i been stuck on this guitar since and its been 12 years
Awesome! Over the years, I've found a few guitars in the trash here & there, but nothing nice.
Is your FG-160 a red, tan or black label? Did you determine it's year?
Thanks so much man, April 9th 1975 for me. Still love to lay down some chords on my late uncles guitar
Mine was made 6-6-74 and your data is spot on
How informative! Thank you so much, you helped me pinpoint my year! Have one almost identical, SN401xxxxx. So mine is a 1974! Same tan rectangle logo. fg 160, made in taiwan then R.O.C.
I've got a 1973 FG-160 that was made on July 30th, which was 5 days after yours. The sound is my favorite with Martin 80/20 Phosphor Bronze SP strings. Love the twang and sustain as well as the overtones and mids. Much joy for $150.
I have what I believe in 1973 Yamaha FG75 top serial number 20906229 the number on the Neck heel 20197898 Tan rectangle label does not indicate where the guitar was made, as you say rare! Three tuning forks on the head stock. Best sounding blues guitar ever…
I have a 1972 Tan label Nippon Gakki fg-160 and its a fabulous guitar. There were no serials on it only a number barely legible on the inside stamped on the side.
I play in pub trad sessions here in Ireland, Ive heard expensive Taylors and Martins and swear to god
I think it sounds better. First off its quite loud, it rings like a bell is how I would best describe it.and really resonates so much. there are lovely bass tones and it just sounds great.
I had to to replace a few frets and get the action down, but would not part with it for the world. I paid around 250 euro for it from an elederly man in England about 3 Years ago.
But htey arte going for 400 and up now on ebay. I would say there would hardly be any difference in sounf to a red label fg-180 since they really all look the same construction wise. If you see one buy it. BTW your FG-160 looks immaculate good video man.
I bought an identical one new for £55 in 1973 from a guitar shop in Birmingham. I’ve played it every day since and for the last 19 years it been with me up a Spanish mountain. Sounds even better now and the action is great. I’ve had my moneys worth from it 👍🍷
Mines March of 1974 which is my birthday month so that’s exciting!!
That's a happy coincidence!
I have 2 FG-75-1s, an FG-345, an FG-160-1, an FG-160 (with an unbelievably unblemished finish), and FG-830 and an old 70s vintage Citation - a Martin knock-off, with beautiful warm tone. I love them all. Oh, and an Alvarez acoustic and an electric. But the Yamahas are the bomb to me.
Awesome collection!
Hi Kris, I recently bought a Yamaha f310, suntanning it in indirect sunlight daytime n using UV lamp on it at night. It's darkening nicely. Then I recreated the fg180 red label exactly using PowerPoint n Microsoft paint to lift the logo from scanned copy of the red labels on the net. I printed the fg180 red label Nippon gakki labels n stuck it inside my Yamaha f310. The original label I tore it off. Next I bought butter bean tuning pegs n change it and I also bought a truss cover n drill holes over the headstock. Now I own a remodeled fg180. I own an original fg200 circa 1970 and decided to make myself an fg180 Yamaha. It's great, using a real Yamaha all laminate f310 and making it into a fg180 red label yammie. Just sharing, thanks for your advice. Cheers man :)
Oh wow that's a cool project.
I've had two F310's in the past, one of em I only paid $30 for! The other was like $50.
Interesting trick with the UV light!
I think some people would give you a hard time for this project, accuse you of forgery...but man it's your guitar, you can do what you want! You're not trying to rip someone off, you're making aesthetic modifications to your personal instrument!
Hello dear im murad and I have a Yamaha fg 160 and I just love it 😊
Thank you for the information!!! Looks like I just picked up a 1973 Taiwan FG 160 at an antique store. Plays great.
Awesome Mike, congratulations!
Hopefully you got a good deal on it...I like visiting antique shops, but I'm always very wary of the prices they ask there
I have one made in June of 73, thanks for the tips on dating. It sounds better every year.
I just bought one of these today. Tan Taiwan label. Found it on OfferUp for $195. Great condition considering it’s almost 50 years old. The action is a bit high but the neck is still straight as an arrow. Very impressed. It sounds unbelievably good and the really resonates. Its quickly become my favorite acoustic I own. I love Yamahas and am glad to have found a vintage model to enjoy for many years to come.
That's awesome Pete, congratulations!
@@PinetopJackson Thanks. And thank you for the helpful information. Because of you, I'm able to determine that mine was made on 1/24/73. Good to know. 👍🏻
awesome. Thanks so much for this information - super helpful! I was just given one from 8/72-11/72. Need to clean it before reading the date on the inside neck part.
Hi from the UK. Very interesting video. I bought my black label FG-160 from a music shop in Shaftesbury Avenue , London in 1977 .Along with a hard case it cost £180 ( I think ). I would have been earning about £80 a week then, so it was quite expensive. I find the neck too chunky for my old hands these days, so it;s just hanging on the wall. Always liked the tone of it.
My dad just gave me his FG200. Made in Nippon Gakki. 🙂
Beautiful info thanx exactly what I was looking for and this was only the second place I looked and it had all the information for my 1974 Tan Label acoustic Yamaha which I got from a friend who did not want to let it go because she had it from the beginning since a young lady😊
That's awesome man!
For those of us who aren't going to buy a Martin, these old Yamaha FGs make great family heirlooms
@@PinetopJackson exactly and when and where the Yamaha was made means a lot to me
After getting stranded in NC during Covid (9 months ago), I bought one of these from the original owner off Craigslist . The seller had arthritis and said playing his acoustics hurts his hands too much, so he was selling them. It's banged up and scratched...not abused, but used. Haha, he said the guitar saw many camping expeditions, hikes, and travels, survived raising kids, moves across the country, and it shows. He said it sat in the corner unused for a while. Paid $125 for it, because I liked it had a history, and I trust old Yamahas. Sounds good, as I like the warmer Yamaha tones. I never looked at anything inside except for label, but now I see my neck block # is T0251186, and my sn on the brace is 21218448, thanks for that. Great video.
Awesome!
I bought mine from Craigslist too. Don't know any history from it's previous owner...but with me it's seeing hiking, camping trips, and trying to survive raising kids! (Don't think I'll be moving cross country though)
@@PinetopJackson Hahaha, good old Clist! It's nice to have a guitar that you don't have to worry about when you take along on adventures, building your own history with it. Subbed.
TY. Great video. Tons of useful info.
Just picked up a 1973 FG160. This video was very helpful in confirming the year. Thank You
Right on! Are you gonna make a video with your FG160?
@@PinetopJackson I plan to make a video. I have to file down the bridge a bit and do some general cleanup but this thing sounds really great as is. I’m glad I found your video 👍
Love it! And a brilliant video too - really informative! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
50227487 is the sn. What is the 487? Was that really the 487th of that day? Thx. Loved the video. Not sure how much luster I can bring back to it. Got the 1st layer of grime off. It'll be a fun project. It is going to be a nice complement to my dreadnought and parlor guitars. Let me know if you'd like to see pics of how it progresses.
Great work Pinetop. I purchased a Yamaha FG-160 in around 1973. It has the skinny tan label with just Yamaha FG-160 inside no more wording and the reference no inside the soundhole is 21017235. I continue to play this guitar and the tone is superior to guitars made of all solid wood costing many amny times more. The FG-160 Taiwan made is a classic.
Awesome man thanks for sharing!
I just sold this one recently...kinda regret it...but can't keep em all
Just bought a one-owner July '73 FG160, original case, minor scratches but I've good condition. Very musty smelling in the sound hole and case. Lots of dust collected inside as well along with what appears to be mildewed chrome tuners. Has two numbers inside and tan label. High action. Airing it out for a few days then I'll adjust action accordingly. I own a Seagull, Taylor, Fender and Epiphone, playing 45+ years. Yamaha has always been my favorite brand though. Nice informative post you created, thanks!
Awesome!
I just checked out your channel... hopefully you can show off your new FG-160 in a video...I'd love to see that original case too!
I just picked one up for $100 and it dates to aug 28 1972. Sounds great!
Cool info! I have an FG 165s with Black label made in Taiwan. Getting ready to do some fret work on it. She's got some dings in her but it's a good sounding guitar.
Ah, is it sunburst finish?
They were only made for 4 years, from 1974 - 77
You should upload a quick video to show it off!
@@PinetopJackson Yes a Sunburst! If fret work goes well I may post a before and after video.
Had an FG-180 red laBEL stolen years ago. Now looking to replace it with another FG. Thanks for this informative & entertaining video.
Always heartbreaking to hear of a stolen guitar. Have you found a replacement?
I have a '75 FG160 in lovely condition. Also have a '66 FG150, and a '74 FG110. Love them all.
Sounds like a fantastic collection!
Ive got the same one mines a bit road worn and actions a little high but it sounds amazing its my favorite acoustic
Thanks! Just bought an old FG-75. From the label as you explained, and the sn, i deduced it was made feb. 22, 1975. It is grimy, action too high, tuners are great shape, saddle is tight, neck is tight. Even with the old strings, tuned up very easily, and the intonation is spot on. Just a little high at the 12th fret. It really booms. Will make a nice traveler when I get it cleaned up and see if I can tweak the truss rod. Paid 36.00.
That's fantastic man, congratulations and thanks for sharing!
I am the original owner of a 1977...didn't remember the year I bought it until I saw this video...............the serial number is 70115453. The interesting thing is the label inside shows FG-160-1....the last 1 is tiny and never noticed it until now...
Just got my hand on a made-in-Japan FG160, tan label. Possibly 1973. Great guitar!
Oh that's awesome!
Japanese tan label, that's kind of rare!
More likely to be 1972 I think, than '73.
What's your serial number?
The serial might be partially faded out. What I can still see is "31025".
you are enjoying playing that Yamaha guitar! have fun!
Yeah, this is the one I took on the last family camping trip tomorrow Mt. Rainier! Incidentally, if you like, you can see a video about that trip on my 2nd channel here czcams.com/video/x0Fy-vyQg7Y/video.html
Спасибо bro!
Mine IS from 1977. Thanks for the informations. (From France)
Great video. Informative and to the point.
Thanks man. This video was fun to make!
Awesome 🕺💃
Wow, so much knowledge here! Do you know how I can figure out what year my FG 425 was manufactured? The serial number is 41208078 and it was manufactured in Taiwan - so I've narrowed it down to 1974, 1984 or 1994. I wish they didn't use the 1 digit system to indicate year on those Taiwan-built guitars!
You channel is amazing. I’m looking for a 1970 red label FG-75 and it’s hard to tell since almost every Reverb listing says 1970s. I’d like for some consulting or pay a finders fee. Do you have much info on a 1970 that’s the year I want. It’s the year I was born.
Nice information 👍
My first "proper" guitar was an early 70s FG300 bought in the late 70s.
My memory isn't that good but it was a Japan guitar with red label, I think, but don't quote me.
Yamaha guitars weren't liked much because they were laminate and purists put them down, but they are great sounding guitars and well made ☺👍☺
Yamaha was making laminate tops WAY better than Harmony's Chicago solid tops of the same era
I guess it’s true all those Yamaha’s had laminate tops ?
@@robertmay5091 all laminate bodies Robert 👍
This was great! Thanks. Question: What is your thought on this vs a ‘92 Taylor 812ce (very bright, but gorgeous sound), - and on the opposite end, I have a ‘o6 Martin DM-15 (bought for bigger sound.
I want to be able to strum hard in open tuning and not have it sound like John Denver came back to life.
I was wondering where you thought this FG-160 “lands” in that spectrum. Someone is selling one for $200, but I don’t want a redundancy.
Sorry this is so long!
I have a FG 160 that I bought in Malaysia in 1975. It has a tan label Nippon Gakki made in Japan. So I was wondering if you know if some tan labels were made in Japan.
I have a FG 160 Special Edition 1BK that I bought new in 1967. Serial #61111612. I love the old friend. I just bought an new Red Label FG5 this year. It is even better.
That's awesome!
I hear those new Red Label models are pretty nice!
About your FG-160 1BK... I've read a little about them, they seem to be pretty rare! I'd love to see some photos of it...if you're on Facebook you can find me under Pinetop Jackson!
Hi. Thanks for your video.
I just bought one but its got a tan label with the Nippon Gakki co Ltd
Under that ... nakazawacho hamamatdu Japan.
No other place stated.
Serial # 21117381
Any ideas on the date manufactured?
Cheers.
We have an FG200 Tan Label, Serial Number indicates 'July 5th 1973' however the tan label is smaller as used prior to late 73 while it also states Made in Taiwan AND (as is yours I think, couldn't tell from the video 100%), it also does not contain a T in the serial.... From my research it seems as if these fit into a small window between mid 1973 and late 1973 due to smaller label, without the T, and also includes Made In Taiwan... Has your research also lead you to this conclusion (I didn't see that detail mentioned in the video) ? Thanks
I see a yamaha fg160 IT has a rectangular label that only says Yamaha FG160 Made In Tawain. But there's no logo on the headstock.... is this common?? Thank you.
Interesting...
The soundhole label reading just "Made in Taiwan" means it was made between Nov.1973 - Sept.1973 as far as our current research shows.
Having NO logo on the headstock? I haven't seen or heard of a case before. Interesting...
@@PinetopJackson Did you mean Nov. 1972 - Sept.1973 ??
@@Zepster77 whoops...yes that must be what I meant!
Awesome vid, thanks for the info. I'm a little confused as for I have the (FG 110) ROC_MIT tan label, but it's serial starts 41118. This translates, 1974 Nov 18th? I thought this ended earlier than Nov, am I wrong? Thanks anyone..
Ouch, plywood top? Think I'll pass on that one.
Those are cool
Definitely!
I just recently sold this one to fund another guitar...a 1961 Yamaki Deluxe Folk 115!
@@PinetopJackson my 12 str is a mij TAMA I love it is made at the Seisakusho .co in Japan
I’ve owned one of these but it was a 12 string. The poor guitar didn’t have a truss rod but I used it as a slide guitar
Oh no!
I thought all these old Yamaha's had truss rods?
Awesome video. I have two fg-160s because I prefer the warmer tones of these early plywood Yamahas. But from your video I have one of those "rare" 1972 Taiwan short tan labels. The brace # is 2102430 (and then a hand written "3" at the end! And the neck block # is T0220127). And to boot, the short tan label has on it another small, thin label stuck underneath the "FG-160" that says "Made in Taiwan"--it's the short label for sure but it's as though someone was making a correction or something. Is there any more "value" in those more rare short, tan 1972 labels, do you think?
That's awesome Jimmy! Really interesting about the extra sticker & hand-written number
Just because something is more 'rare' doesn't always make it worth more. You'd have to find a Yamaha FG collector who really geeks out about this stuff and would be willing to pay more cuz he appreciates the rarity of it.
I'd love to see photos of your FG-160s...look me up on Facebook when you have time, we can compare Yamahas!
Can I seek your opinion - Martin drsgt Vs Yamaha fg5? Both are solid wood guitars n priced close to each other, which would you recommend? Thank you in advance :)
Oh man Jimmy, you know, I've never owned a Martin. Too rich for my blood!
It seems to me like with these two, your looking at a TOP of the line Yamaha, vs. a lower-tier Martin... similar price...I think I'd lean towards the new red label Yamaha.
Of course the Martin DRSGT has that USB port to plug right into your interface & record...
But honestly if I had $1000 to spend on a guitar, I wouldn't buy EITHER... I'd buy 7 or 8 local used guitars with that cash instead!
Good luck Jimmy, please keep me updated!
@@PinetopJackson Thanks man, appreciate your views :-)
I bought the FG5. It sounds better than a D-18 any day. The FG5 is hand made and they are extremely well built in the custom shop in Japan and are consistent in tone and quality. Check out J.C. Cormiers review on utube.
@@haroldmclellan3042 congratulations on new guitar day!
I'll check out his channel, but may I suggest...now that you have one, you're in a perfect position to post your own review video! 😁
Last numbers on the serial read 9?8
There is a guitar someone is selling it's Yamaha g65a is that really a Yamaha help me . And should I buy that one is it worth it m
They are much cheaper then fg180 although they look almost identical.
I have a 1973 Yamaha FG -160 in excellent condition what do you think it is worth? Thanks I am thinking of selling it or possibly trading it in at a music store in Cleveland, Ohio. Thanks
Hello Stephen!
You'd get more for it by listing on OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace than if you sold it to a music shop.
Up here in Seattle, I'd expect it to sell for around $200
My FG160 Has been a great guitar. But after playing it about 25 minutes it’s start burning my fingers and I have been playing for 21 years and my other guitars don’t burn my fingers. It’s only the FG’160
Burning ur fingers? Explain please!
Have you had a tech work on the action?
@@thelinkslover8406 no sir I have not had a guitar technician to look it over
@@tunedime when I said the guitar burns of fingers while playing the guitar. As far as I know this guitar has never had no kind of set up on it,, I bought the FG-160 from a older lady said the guitar was hard to push the strings down and play this guitar not much more than 8 minutes or so,,,Now since you understand where I’m coming from. There are guitars that is easy to play and you can play for hours on them with out your fingers tips from burning. When you apply presser on each string for a Period of time this pressure starts working your finger over with pain from pressure on each string
@@tonywalters9436 I have a 48 year old FG160 that was also hard to play. I took it to a tech and had a new saddle put on along with a bone nut. We took the action down and put on Martin 80/20 phosphor bronze light strings. Now it plays very nicely.