Ted, you'd be literally the only creator I would ever consider becoming a Patreon member of. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything in return, only that you continue teaching us all.
Agreed, 100%. I apply everything I learn here in my own work at Emerald City Guitars. My bench is right out in the middle of the sales floor in our acoustic room, and when customers ask how I've learned what I do, I always include that Ted's videos are a major part of my continuing education program. Every week when I'm absorbing Ted's latest videos, my wife will say, "Are you watching your guy?" My guy, indeed! I'd gladly help support these weekly master classes.
My first guitar was this one's bigger bro, a FG 335 made in 81. Still have it and while not a high end instrument it is a work horse. Neck straight, action good, no buzz or rattles. Same fingerboard and fret wear as this example in the cowboy chord areas. Good to see a Yammi getting some love. All the best to all.
Sorry to hear your troubles TED…In my opinion you sir deserve way more for your efforts…very conscientious and talented you are… wished I access to your services because of my 30 plus instruments that need some TLC from time time! So glad your gonna stick around TED,thanks for all you do!!! Wish you all the best!!!
Mr Yamaha, what a fella. Trained and made organs, went solo guitars and pianos.... Then decided motobikes.. As well ... Engines.... The tuning fork logo used on musical instruments to motorcycles to this day.. 🙂
I was able to cure some of the belly bow with a bridge doctor and it actually made it sound even better. Shaved the bridge, cut the string ramps up to the bridge, bone pins, gold Grover's, Bodda Boom Bodda Bing.
Had a music store in a small town in Arizona back in the '70s and '80s. We were a Yamaha dealer we sold a ton of those FG series acoustic guitars. They were despite the laminated tops a very nice sounding guitar and seem to hold up well. That said, if anything major ever went wrong with them they became a throwaway item really quickly. You did a great job on this one and it sounds wonderful.
The luthier going by Driftwood Guitars controversially cuts guitars in half in their reviews. I reckon this is a really great service as it gives buyers of less expensive guitars not only the knowledge of how well the top bracing is finished, but also how the neck joint is constructed which can tell you whether you have to ditch or severely compromise the guitar when the day comes where it needs a neck reset. As this video shows - just because a guitar is inexpensive doesn't mean people want to just relegate them to firewood when they age.
I sold a lot of CG-110 classical guitars in the early 80's as they were good sounding very affordable guitars that I could stand behind. My personal guitar is a G-255sll (cedar top) that I was lucky to find in new condition some years ago. I started with the G-255 spruce top as my first real guitar 🙂
The real Yamaha gem was the FG180 with the red label made in Japan. 4/5ths of a Martin sound for 1/5 of the price!! Was a well known thing in the early 70's
Sorry to hear about your troubles with your supplier and the Tax Man. I'm thankful that you'll stick with it as you are a pleasure to watch work. Thank you!
You know, if the CZcams thing ain't worth it, and there are more profitable things to be doing with your time... I doubt anyone would hold it against you if you made the more financially rewarding choice. I'm betting most people have followed you long enough to wish the best for you. I will say though, I watch a video or two before bed and seeing a new video from yourself did put a smile on my face tonight.
As ever Ted, thank you soooo much for taking the time and effort to do these outstanding videos, it is VERY much appreciated. By the way, those old Yamahas sure do sound good and I`ve had a few over the years. Keep safe and thank you once again.
Another fine teaching video from an outstanding teacher. I was thankful to hear you aren't throwing in the towel here on CZcams. We love you, Ted and are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to the channel. Happy Holidays, kind sir. 🙏
Man I sure hope you don't stop your videos, to be totally honest your channel is my favorite.Even if you don't do a repair I enjoy your discussion and knowledge. I would gladly join you on patrion.I only wish your videos were longer, even if most of it was talking. But I kind of understand the hard work, time, and frustrations dealing with it all. Anyway thanks for all you do and all the many many skills and knowledge you have shared on youtube. I hope the best for you and again thank you.
There's definitely something to the sound old Yamahas. I wouldn't believe it either but I have an FG-160 that turned 50 this year and it has a sound and resonance that inspires me more than any other acoustic I've played or owned. Many have come and gone but the old Yamaha is still here. I'll gladly pay the price for the neck reset when I need it but will never sell it. If you know then you know.
I got one as my first guitar, and I was a drummer. Self taught to amuse myself around a campfire. If my guitar could talk....We got lots of adventures just the two of us. Great video and I will continue to follow.
Well Ted, other than buying a few pieces of memory from ya. All I can do is say a very sincere thank you. I do actually realize how much time goes into making these videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us and sharing your thoughts. The comforting sounds of Ted 2frd 😁. With that I’ll give ya the old school CZcams show of appreciation. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the video uncle Ted. The week isn't complete without you and your content. Glad to hear that you will continue. Yes patreon is a good idea. Many of us would love to help, and you deserve it without a doubt. We would like to hear a much more reasonable analytics report next year. Patreon could make that a reality. Thanks again Happy Holidays from the U.S.
Oh Ted, if you could only watch and see from our perspective, how much you, your expertise, your funny lines your ethics and your hard work could monetize, a rough diamond, thank you very much indeed, for sharing it. Cheers.
Love your content. I am so happy you stated that despite all the problems you would still keep the channel running. I am not a guitar player or in any way linked to the manufacture or sale of guitars. But I love music, and the craftsmanship you employ.
Please keep the excellent content coming Ted. You are my moment of Zen in a normally busy week. I would happily donate to your Patreon to keep the videos coming.
I've had a number of these vintage Yamahas. You just can't beat them for cheap, vintage, and sounding good. I have a couple 12 strings... that need neck resets. Le sigh.
I've got a 72 f150 yamaha, Iz still sounds and play great.It has been taken very good care of and kept in a controlled enviroment.Merry Christmas to you and family.
I love your content! I think you are one of the best repair guys I've ever seen. I don't really know how patreon works for sure but maybe at a certain level of giving, your patreons could ask and received answers to lutherie questions. I'm not sure you would have time for that but I'm spitballing here.
Hi Ted, I ordered one of your headstock recapitation tee's early on in the UK, its was great quality and I've totally worn it out now, I was under the impression they were limited run so didn't think I could grab another! I hope I can re order soon. I work in a big music store and always got great feedback on it. Thanks for the excellent content, not only do i find it relaxing but I've also learnt a lot, enough to make successful repairs on my own instruments.
Same here - I ordered mine a couple of years ago and it arrived so fast here in the UK. Around the same time I ordered some Martin stuff and it was terrible. The hoody is barely thicker than a tee and the tee was a rag after the starch washed out.
You are not the first channel to have trouble with Spring having outrageously long delivery times. I have heard several of the channels I subscribe to complain about them and many have switched to other print on demand services. Love your channel Ted! I really enjoyed your appearance on Psionic Audio last Saturday. You and Lyle are two of a kind!
I have an FG-770S, the all solid top and back/sides dreadnought from this era. My grandpa bought it new in 1980 for my mom, and she passed it to me. I did a refret and a bone nut/saddle and the guitar was totally transformed! It's a bluegrass rhythm machine now and plays excellently. I used extra tall frets in order to stave off an impending neck reset. Funnily enough the bridge plate on mine is rosewood, just a cool little detail I noticed when poking around inside with a mirror. Also the neck is GIGANTIC, with a sort of soft V shape. Easily the biggest neck I've ever felt on an acoustic guitar
Great video Ted . I have a friend who wants me to put one of those pickups in his old Sigma . After I repair all the loose braces ..... So now I know where to put the pickups , thanks . Peace ✌
I love what you're doing, always looking forward to seeing your latest! My approach to luthiery is the reverse of yours: I'm retired, hoping guitar geeking can reverse the condition. 😊 For giggles, I'm making a Frankengeetar out of a plywood gso (guitar shaped object) that has been danced on with high heels. The frets are as worn as this Yamaha ha ha, which I also interpreted as "It must have sounded ok for while, at least...". Clean break at the headstock repaired nicely, making new nut and saddle next, but will use "The Intonator" to attempt inverted tuning setup to confuse my fellow pickers. A good carcass to practice refretting on, if it sounds like a guitar, maybe? Time will tell. Keep squirrel and carry on 😅
Ted, thanks for yet another great video. I learn something every time I watch one of your creations. You've built an amazing channel here and I think it should be worth your time and energy. I would eagerly and happily join your paid CZcams membership channel or Patreon if you choose to go that route. You give so much to this community. I'd love to give back. Cheers.
Had the Japenese equivalent in about 68 - 69. Great guitar to learn and have fun with. And a good sound. Passed on to a friend for not much money and replaced with a mahogany Guild D25, a rather fine guitar. Keep on truckin', and looking forward to the next video.
The first guitar I ever bought myself was a FG410, in 1986- just a few years newer than that one. I still have it, and I'm under no illusions as to its value. But it's an old friend, and I enjoy playing it as much as some of my newer, more expensive guitars.
About 5 years ago I found a Yamaha acoustic sitting at someone’s curb. I didn’t even know what it was on sight, I just saw a guitar neck sticking out of a pile so I did a u turn and grabbed it. It was full of potting soil and ants(score). Ended up being a red label fg300 and in really good shape. I sold it on eBay for about a thousand dollars
Great work as always Ted. Despite taking it on faith that you’d tested the cheap Piezos off camera before installing it, I did have a moment of relief at the end!
My first "decent" guitar was the $125 Yamaha that I bought locally (remember that?) circa 1970 or 1972. I think it was an FG-180 red label dreadnaught. On my way from New Jersey to Wisconsin for college, Greyhound made us change buses in Cleveland. My guitar never made the transfer, and I never saw it again. Now, about 50 years later, I have moved to the Cleveland area to be near my granddaughters. I suppose that if I watch the local Craigslist and Marketplace listings, I might find my own old Yamaha in the hands of someone asking $400 for it. Actually, I just bought a 1971 Madeira (Guild import line from Japan) that is an absolutely wonderful guitar. Solid spruce top and laminate rosewood sides and back for which I paid $140.
I have a mid-seventies Classical Yamaha with a solid cedar soundboard. She has a gorgeous voice and is very dear to me, but she has developed a few “character traits”. Your video gives me hope that she may be “rejuvenated “ for another 50 years! Thank you for that hope.
Hi Ted. I own a 1970 FG180... I bought 1970 in a Dundee store (Scotland) £37- 10/-. And like yerself I've been doing guitar repairs/setups since the Berlin Wall was torn down & the military electronics business collapsed overnight. Felt like freedom to me! I only really purchased a handful of special tools - made the rest as trial turned to success and happy musicians. Good to see you work. All the very best... the guitar man fae Fife. :)
I'll stop you right there if I may. I love watching the long videos i only have CZcams as a social media "App"? Not all of us get to learn the best possible way to tweak guitars like you show us man. love it
Have one of your decapitation t-shirts, is a Hanes. Have washed it about half a dozen times and the lettering is flaking off. Glad you are changing suppliers. Love your videos and look forward to them weekly!
I'm a former collector, and current vintage Yamaha acoustic enthusiast, so I speak from a position of many years of experience. I'm also an amateur luthier, which is why I watch your excellent work/videos. That said, anyone who says that the early laminate-top Yamahas sound BETTER than a decent solid top is delusional. I've owned several 1971 FG180s that sounded better than a number of inexpensive solid-tops, but such a blanket statement isn't warranted. However, the combination of a thinner laminate and lighter bracing produced a sound quality that could seldom be matched by other guitars costing 3-4 times as much. To this day, Yamaha's L-series guitars have 90% of the sound of a similar Martin or Taylor for 50% of the cost, AND have a more consistently excellent build quality. To me, that's a hell of an accomplishment! Interestingly, I've only come across two FGs (out of hundreds) that needed a neck reset in over 25 years, and I didn't want to tackle either of them due to their notoriously difficult disassembly. Love your work, I wish I was half as good!
Your videos are pure gold. There must be a rainbow over your shop every day. 🌈🪙🎸 You made that old inexpensive guitar playable again and it sounds very nice from what I can tell.
I have 3 Yamaha's but the one I play the most is a brown sunburst FS830 I bought a few years ago. They hold up really well when taken care of but, the FS830 is a solid top, the other two are plywood (yes there is a pretty noticeable sound difference). The plywood guitars sound good but, the wood never breaks in tonally over the years like a solid top does.
Had that very same Yamaha model back in the late 70's! Was my only acoustic at the time, and had a dreamy action. Ex-girlfriend took it with her when she left....I miss that guitar. Great video; don't stop! and thanks for the trip down memory lane. :)
*Cranking truss rods is why I am a huge advocate for clamping and baking necks, but anyone that has done it knows the risks and potential side effects.* I baked a few necks roughly 8 to 10 months ago, and made some critical mistakes that were fortunately easy to resolve. Melted neck binding, and some very slight headstock clear coat blistering that will buff out easily. *Unfortunately, the neck that melted whose truss rod I didn't bother retightening ended up with an INSANE amount of forward bow while remaining off the neck! lol* I should have taken better care of it after the process instead of leaving it to sit for several months and with the truss nut completely tension free. Some details for anyone bothering to read my wordy posts. I heated the binding and was able to start flattening it out, but it proved too tedious to be worth it, so I sanded it carefully and filled the dips with Plaid bone white craft paint; *this worked amazingly well and once cured I had a very solid and invisible repair.* One critical event that occurred is 2 of the necks that were over glued, in Asia speed manufacturing of course, squeezed out some of the excess glue, and though there was never a visible gap, it was clear that the boards were seated *much better* and the joint helped retain the flatness of the neck down their entire length. *Aside from marking my heater to ensure I never get the box that hot again, I decided to wrap headstocks in aluminum kitchen foil which is adequate protection.* I have read about baking necks from some that have done literally hundreds and oppose it even though it worked, and others who swear by it. *IMHO, it's a much better first tactic for a squirrely neck rather than the woodwork others suggest that goes with the bend or twist, and is considered a permanent fix.* A lot of necks will be permanently repaired because it was an excess glue issue or the climate where you live, and others will need the process maybe once a year to every few years. *One critical detail a "baker" specified was that he clamps and bakes most of his guitars once a year, and has done this for many years.* If you don't apply excessive heat, you can greatly minimize if not eliminate the risks of potential long term damage from repeated heat exposure accumulatively over many years. *In the end, it can salvage a neck entirely, or at least, temporarily return it to perfection a few times until you are willing to replace it.*
Yami acoustics are great bang for the buck and tend to play quite well too. I have both a steel string and classical that have been wonderful for decades. Don't be afraid of using revenue streams like Patreon. It will give a bit of breathing room and free you up to make the content you want, rather than what you think YT thinks people want. You're providing a great service to the Guitar Community(tm)(CRINGE, but you know what I mean). We need more Pros like you passing on good info. to people who will take it to heart and do more good work with it. Thank you so much for all the vids and lessons over the years. Let us know how we can help and we'll do it.
I bought one of these exact guitars second hand in 1981 in Washington State. My girlfriend at the time bought me a Levi jacket and embroidered a beautiful picture of it on the shoulder panel. Both came back to England with me. The guitar got smashed beyond repair and the jacket got stolen. Six years ago I bought another Yamaha FG 331, had it tinkered with by my luthier and gave it to my nephew on condition that if he ever tired of it or decided to sell it, he sells it to me. He loves it and has all but given up on electric guitar to play it all the time. I don't have a great ear for tone but both sounded real sweet to me.
I have an 80s FG335ii. It was my Dad's guitar, then he gave it to me when I was a kid to start playing. He used it for gigs and shows at the pubs, and it was full of cracks and had huge divots on every fret. Not to mention the huge hole in the back that's exactly the same size as Larry O'Keefe's face.😂 I fixed it up a bit recently and still play it. I'd love to repair it properly, but still keep all the damage visible, Kintsugi style.
Great video Ted, thanks. Enjoy your week! Sorry about your CZcams funds issues and our trusty American IRS dopes…….they’re no fun from our side of the Ambassador Bridge either man…running a small business down here is tough..please keep up your channel! You are the absolute best stringed instrument repair person I have ever seen!
I have a early 80s Taiwan Yamaha 340T that I love so much. I got it new when I was 10 and it's always my go to acoustic guitar and its sound gets better every year. My parents worked at a piano factory that made Yamaha pianos so they would get overstock anything Yamaha for cheap. They paud $50 for this guitar! My first electric guitar was a Yamaha SC300t and it was brand new for $15. Wish they had gotten more!!
I can't even count the number of my guitar playing buddies who owned Yamahas back in the 1970's... Did they sound as good as my 1970 Martin D18... Oh certainly not.. I still have the D18 probably needs something done to it..but it is now just a hobby and still sounds great...love your videos and I always learn something
I've had an SJ-180, since it was new. 1980 vintage. No real value to it, but it does have sentimental value, as my father gave it to me. The action had become quite high, so a few years ago, I decided to attempt a neck reset, even though I knew about the "epoxy issue". But even after a couple hours of heat, the glue wasn't about to give up, so I did. And then I did something I said I would never do........shave down the bridge. 😮 The bridge plate was in good shape, but I reinforced it with a thin piece of maple. I did a full re-fret on it, and added a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins. Put 11-52 strings on it, and I leave it detuned when not in use. It is now playable again, but at the end of the day, it's still not a great guitar, and I always reach for my Martin first. Still, it was a fun project, and there was no way I was going to throw it away.
Ah. Sunday. 20 minutes of sanity from Ted. Needed.
At first glance I thought that said "Sunday with Saint Ted" which is also appropriate.
21:35 of sanity to be exact.
See, me stressed out prior, relaxed post-op, cheers, Ted.
Beautiful sound
Ted, you'd be literally the only creator I would ever consider becoming a Patreon member of. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything in return, only that you continue teaching us all.
Yeah, no need for anything extra.
Yes I'd absolouetley support Ted on Patreon without any special rewards!
Me too. Even a super thanks. Everyone pay a dollar a video. Worth every penny
would happily throw a few euros a month at you for just doing what you do.
Agreed, 100%. I apply everything I learn here in my own work at Emerald City Guitars. My bench is right out in the middle of the sales floor in our acoustic room, and when customers ask how I've learned what I do, I always include that Ted's videos are a major part of my continuing education program. Every week when I'm absorbing Ted's latest videos, my wife will say, "Are you watching your guy?" My guy, indeed! I'd gladly help support these weekly master classes.
I had an FJ dreadnought in the late 70's. I preformed with it for about a year. A decent and sturdy guitar A poor man's D-18. Served me well.
My first guitar was this one's bigger bro, a FG 335 made in 81. Still have it and while not a high end instrument it is a work horse. Neck straight, action good, no buzz or rattles. Same fingerboard and fret wear as this example in the cowboy chord areas. Good to see a Yammi getting some love. All the best to all.
Me too. Left handed.
So sorry to hear about your tax situation but I'm very glad to know you're still going to make these videos.
Great video. I'm looking forward to every episode. Thank you for you work and efforts.
Regardless of what it’s worth, it’s always great to see you breath new life into an instrument. As always, well done.
Sorry to hear your troubles TED…In my opinion you sir deserve way more for your efforts…very conscientious and talented you are… wished I access to your services because of my 30 plus instruments that need some TLC from time time! So glad your gonna stick around TED,thanks for all you do!!! Wish you all the best!!!
We really appreciate the work you put into these. Thank you from Nova Scotia
Stradivarius, of course, used only the highest quality plywood to create his instruments.
Thanks man your videos got me thru some dark times! I still watch them today from the other side of the mist.
Mr Yamaha, what a fella.
Trained and made organs, went solo guitars and pianos.... Then decided motobikes.. As well ... Engines.... The tuning fork logo used on musical instruments to motorcycles to this day.. 🙂
Don't forget the jetskis!
I have one of these and it's possibly the greatest acoustic I've ever played let alone owned. 99 bucks at a pawn shop in Michigan.
I was able to cure some of the belly bow with a bridge doctor and it actually made it sound even better. Shaved the bridge, cut the string ramps up to the bridge, bone pins, gold Grover's, Bodda Boom Bodda Bing.
Had a music store in a small town in Arizona back in the '70s and '80s. We were a Yamaha dealer we sold a ton of those FG series acoustic guitars. They were despite the laminated tops a very nice sounding guitar and seem to hold up well. That said, if anything major ever went wrong with them they became a throwaway item really quickly. You did a great job on this one and it sounds wonderful.
The luthier going by Driftwood Guitars controversially cuts guitars in half in their reviews. I reckon this is a really great service as it gives buyers of less expensive guitars not only the knowledge of how well the top bracing is finished, but also how the neck joint is constructed which can tell you whether you have to ditch or severely compromise the guitar when the day comes where it needs a neck reset. As this video shows - just because a guitar is inexpensive doesn't mean people want to just relegate them to firewood when they age.
I sold a lot of CG-110 classical guitars in the early 80's as they were good sounding very affordable guitars that I could stand behind. My personal guitar is a G-255sll (cedar top) that I was lucky to find in new condition some years ago. I started with the G-255 spruce top as my first real guitar 🙂
The real Yamaha gem was the FG180 with the red label made in Japan. 4/5ths of a Martin sound for 1/5 of the price!! Was a well known thing in the early 70's
Sorry to hear about your troubles with your supplier and the Tax Man. I'm thankful that you'll stick with it as you are a pleasure to watch work. Thank you!
Thanky you for another great video. I very much enjoyed your live stream with Psionic Audio, too.
You know, if the CZcams thing ain't worth it, and there are more profitable things to be doing with your time... I doubt anyone would hold it against you if you made the more financially rewarding choice. I'm betting most people have followed you long enough to wish the best for you.
I will say though, I watch a video or two before bed and seeing a new video from yourself did put a smile on my face tonight.
As ever Ted, thank you soooo much for taking the time and effort to do these outstanding videos, it is VERY much appreciated. By the way, those old Yamahas sure do sound good and I`ve had a few over the years. Keep safe and thank you once again.
Another fine teaching video from an outstanding teacher. I was thankful to hear you aren't throwing in the towel here on CZcams. We love you, Ted and are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to the channel. Happy Holidays, kind sir. 🙏
Man I sure hope you don't stop your videos, to be totally honest your channel is my favorite.Even if you don't do a repair I enjoy your discussion and knowledge. I would gladly join you on patrion.I only wish your videos were longer, even if most of it was talking. But I kind of understand the hard work, time, and frustrations dealing with it all. Anyway thanks for all you do and all the many many skills and knowledge you have shared on youtube. I hope the best for you and again thank you.
Great live stream with Psionic Audio. Awesome job, and great info!!
There's definitely something to the sound old Yamahas. I wouldn't believe it either but I have an FG-160 that turned 50 this year and it has a sound and resonance that inspires me more than any other acoustic I've played or owned. Many have come and gone but the old Yamaha is still here. I'll gladly pay the price for the neck reset when I need it but will never sell it. If you know then you know.
Keep up the good work, Ted! I listen to these in my shop while I work on customer guitars!
Always enjoy watching you work on theses guitars!
Great vid as always. Really appreciate your integrity. Happy holidays.
Thanks for all the work Ted! Always a pleasure to watch and listen
Thank you Ted from Dallas, TX! Big fan of your luthier knowledge, skills and jokes!
I thoroughly enjoy your shows, thank you!
I got one as my first guitar, and I was a drummer. Self taught to amuse myself around a campfire. If my guitar could talk....We got lots of adventures just the two of us. Great video and I will continue to follow.
Well Ted, other than buying a few pieces of memory from ya. All I can do is say a very sincere thank you. I do actually realize how much time goes into making these videos. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us and sharing your thoughts. The comforting sounds of Ted 2frd 😁. With that I’ll give ya the old school CZcams show of appreciation. Thanks for sharing!
Appreciate the time and effort you put into crafting these presentations. Thank You !!!
Ricky from IBM, now Guitar Tech
I used to busk with one of these in the 80s. Great little basher.
There was merch? I obviously wasn't paying attention. A "Polishing,polishing,polishing" t-shirt would be a thing of wonder.
Ha!
Thanks for the video uncle Ted. The week isn't complete without you and your content. Glad to hear that you will continue. Yes patreon is a good idea. Many of us would love to help, and you deserve it without a doubt. We would like to hear a much more reasonable analytics report next year. Patreon could make that a reality. Thanks again Happy Holidays from the U.S.
Oh Ted, if you could only watch and see from our perspective, how much you, your expertise, your funny lines your ethics and your hard work could monetize, a rough diamond, thank you very much indeed, for sharing it. Cheers.
Nice blues playing.
Love your content. I am so happy you stated that despite all the problems you would still keep the channel running. I am not a guitar player or in any way linked to the manufacture or sale of guitars. But I love music, and the craftsmanship you employ.
A relaxing Sunday with Uncle Ted. Nothing better. :). Hit the LIKE button and show your appreciation for this master luthier.
Please keep the excellent content coming Ted. You are my moment of Zen in a normally busy week. I would happily donate to your Patreon to keep the videos coming.
I've had a number of these vintage Yamahas. You just can't beat them for cheap, vintage, and sounding good. I have a couple 12 strings... that need neck resets. Le sigh.
I'll subscribe to your patreon when you make it. The knowledge you pass on is priceless.
I had one of those. It was my first acoustic way back in '83.
Fine work, well-founded rant, and a beautiful sounding Yamahaha with decent picking ..ty🔥
Fantastic. Good sounding guitar.
I've got a 72 f150 yamaha, Iz still sounds and play great.It has been taken very good care of and kept in a controlled enviroment.Merry Christmas to you and family.
I love your content! I think you are one of the best repair guys I've ever seen. I don't really know how patreon works for sure but maybe at a certain level of giving, your patreons could ask and received answers to lutherie questions. I'm not sure you would have time for that but I'm spitballing here.
Very nice guitar for me, I had one like it from the mid 80's to the early 90's
You are my Monday morning viewing. I’m a day ahead here in NewZealand. Thank you for these videos, you have taught me a lot.
Hi Ted, I ordered one of your headstock recapitation tee's early on in the UK, its was great quality and I've totally worn it out now, I was under the impression they were limited run so didn't think I could grab another! I hope I can re order soon. I work in a big music store and always got great feedback on it. Thanks for the excellent content, not only do i find it relaxing but I've also learnt a lot, enough to make successful repairs on my own instruments.
Same here - I ordered mine a couple of years ago and it arrived so fast here in the UK. Around the same time I ordered some Martin stuff and it was terrible. The hoody is barely thicker than a tee and the tee was a rag after the starch washed out.
Thank you for all the work.
May the value you bring to others return 1000 fold☺
Sorry about the tax situation! Love your stuff! You are awesome! ❤
You are not the first channel to have trouble with Spring having outrageously long delivery times. I have heard several of the channels I subscribe to complain about them and many have switched to other print on demand services. Love your channel Ted! I really enjoyed your appearance on Psionic Audio last Saturday. You and Lyle are two of a kind!
Thanks Ted. (Shops teacher here) I hope people realize, the coolest machines ever to have been created are our hands and our brain. You rock Ted.
Looks like one of the rare models that shipped from Yamaha with the KORN inscription.
Massive fan here. Keep going Ted - you are one of the few CZcamsrs I really learn from.
I have an FG-770S, the all solid top and back/sides dreadnought from this era. My grandpa bought it new in 1980 for my mom, and she passed it to me. I did a refret and a bone nut/saddle and the guitar was totally transformed! It's a bluegrass rhythm machine now and plays excellently. I used extra tall frets in order to stave off an impending neck reset.
Funnily enough the bridge plate on mine is rosewood, just a cool little detail I noticed when poking around inside with a mirror. Also the neck is GIGANTIC, with a sort of soft V shape. Easily the biggest neck I've ever felt on an acoustic guitar
I have a fg 77O's (great guitar and big sustain) I have so a fg 75 red label from Japan. I'm french.
Great job! I enjoy watching a Expert do his job. Thanks for the video.
Great video Ted . I have a friend who wants me to put one of those pickups in his old Sigma . After I repair all the loose braces ..... So now I know where to put the pickups , thanks . Peace ✌
I love what you're doing, always looking forward to seeing your latest! My approach to luthiery is the reverse of yours: I'm retired, hoping guitar geeking can reverse the condition. 😊 For giggles, I'm making a Frankengeetar out of a plywood gso (guitar shaped object) that has been danced on with high heels. The frets are as worn as this Yamaha ha ha, which I also interpreted as "It must have sounded ok for while, at least...". Clean break at the headstock repaired nicely, making new nut and saddle next, but will use "The Intonator" to attempt inverted tuning setup to confuse my fellow pickers. A good carcass to practice refretting on, if it sounds like a guitar, maybe? Time will tell. Keep squirrel and carry on 😅
I've played a handful of these guitars. They're really great.
Ted, thanks for yet another great video. I learn something every time I watch one of your creations. You've built an amazing channel here and I think it should be worth your time and energy. I would eagerly and happily join your paid CZcams membership channel or Patreon if you choose to go that route. You give so much to this community. I'd love to give back. Cheers.
Had the Japenese equivalent in about 68 - 69. Great guitar to learn and have fun with. And a good sound. Passed on to a friend for not much money and replaced with a mahogany Guild D25, a rather fine guitar. Keep on truckin', and looking forward to the next video.
The first guitar I ever bought myself was a FG410, in 1986- just a few years newer than that one. I still have it, and I'm under no illusions as to its value. But it's an old friend, and I enjoy playing it as much as some of my newer, more expensive guitars.
Thanks Mr. W. Nice meat & spuds type job perfecly executed as always. Well done sir.
About 5 years ago I found a Yamaha acoustic sitting at someone’s curb. I didn’t even know what it was on sight, I just saw a guitar neck sticking out of a pile so I did a u turn and grabbed it. It was full of potting soil and ants(score). Ended up being a red label fg300 and in really good shape. I sold it on eBay for about a thousand dollars
Great work as always Ted. Despite taking it on faith that you’d tested the cheap Piezos off camera before installing it, I did have a moment of relief at the end!
My first "decent" guitar was the $125 Yamaha that I bought locally (remember that?) circa 1970 or 1972. I think it was an FG-180 red label dreadnaught. On my way from New Jersey to Wisconsin for college, Greyhound made us change buses in Cleveland. My guitar never made the transfer, and I never saw it again. Now, about 50 years later, I have moved to the Cleveland area to be near my granddaughters. I suppose that if I watch the local Craigslist and Marketplace listings, I might find my own old Yamaha in the hands of someone asking $400 for it.
Actually, I just bought a 1971 Madeira (Guild import line from Japan) that is an absolutely wonderful guitar. Solid spruce top and laminate rosewood sides and back for which I paid $140.
Please, don’t stop making videos. You bring joy to my life. Thank you.
Just what I was looking for Ted haha thanks! Great channel!
Between repairing the guitars and your sense of humor, I'm glad you're still making videos.
Sounds way better acoustic . I always enjoy your videos!!
I have a mid-seventies Classical Yamaha with a solid cedar soundboard. She has a gorgeous voice and is very dear to me, but she has developed a few “character traits”. Your video gives me hope that she may be “rejuvenated “ for another 50 years!
Thank you for that hope.
Hi Ted. I own a 1970 FG180... I bought 1970 in a Dundee store (Scotland) £37- 10/-. And like yerself I've been doing guitar repairs/setups since the Berlin Wall was torn down & the military electronics business collapsed overnight. Felt like freedom to me! I only really purchased a handful of special tools - made the rest as trial turned to success and happy musicians. Good to see you work. All the very best... the guitar man fae Fife. :)
I'll stop you right there if I may. I love watching the long videos i only have CZcams as a social media "App"?
Not all of us get to learn the best possible way to tweak guitars like you show us man. love it
Thanks Ted. Sorry for your troubles but I sure enjoy your content
Great sounding guitar!
Have one of your decapitation t-shirts, is a Hanes. Have washed it about half a dozen times and the lettering is flaking off. Glad you are changing suppliers. Love your videos and look forward to them weekly!
Mine too
Particularly nice acoustic sound. Good job. 👍
Wish my Martin D10e sounded that crisp. That sounds amazing
I have a 1993 FG411c I bought new in 1994. Still in good condition after many years on stage. Still one of my favorite guitars in my collection.
Another awesome video...I love'em.
I'm a former collector, and current vintage Yamaha acoustic enthusiast, so I speak from a position of many years of experience. I'm also an amateur luthier, which is why I watch your excellent work/videos. That said, anyone who says that the early laminate-top Yamahas sound BETTER than a decent solid top is delusional. I've owned several 1971 FG180s that sounded better than a number of inexpensive solid-tops, but such a blanket statement isn't warranted. However, the combination of a thinner laminate and lighter bracing produced a sound quality that could seldom be matched by other guitars costing 3-4 times as much. To this day, Yamaha's L-series guitars have 90% of the sound of a similar Martin or Taylor for 50% of the cost, AND have a more consistently excellent build quality. To me, that's a hell of an accomplishment! Interestingly, I've only come across two FGs (out of hundreds) that needed a neck reset in over 25 years, and I didn't want to tackle either of them due to their notoriously difficult disassembly. Love your work, I wish I was half as good!
Glad I found your channel. I've got a 79 mij Fender F65 that needs about the same things done. I appreciate the information from this video! TY
I just got my Yamaha FG5 Red Label Dreadnought set up last week - sounds fantastic! ....smothered in glue at the neck just like you said
Your videos are pure gold. There must be a rainbow over your shop every day. 🌈🪙🎸 You made that old inexpensive guitar playable again and it sounds very nice from what I can tell.
I have 3 Yamaha's but the one I play the most is a brown sunburst FS830 I bought a few years ago. They hold up really well when taken care of but, the FS830 is a solid top, the other two are plywood (yes there is a pretty noticeable sound difference). The plywood guitars sound good but, the wood never breaks in tonally over the years like a solid top does.
Had that very same Yamaha model back in the late 70's! Was my only acoustic at the time, and had a dreamy action. Ex-girlfriend took it with her when she left....I miss that guitar. Great video; don't stop! and thanks for the trip down memory lane. :)
Guitars are more reliable than women.
*Cranking truss rods is why I am a huge advocate for clamping and baking necks, but anyone that has done it knows the risks and potential side effects.*
I baked a few necks roughly 8 to 10 months ago, and made some critical mistakes that were fortunately easy to resolve. Melted neck binding, and some very slight headstock clear coat blistering that will buff out easily.
*Unfortunately, the neck that melted whose truss rod I didn't bother retightening ended up with an INSANE amount of forward bow while remaining off the neck! lol* I should have taken better care of it after the process instead of leaving it to sit for several months and with the truss nut completely tension free. Some details for anyone bothering to read my wordy posts.
I heated the binding and was able to start flattening it out, but it proved too tedious to be worth it, so I sanded it carefully and filled the dips with Plaid bone white craft paint; *this worked amazingly well and once cured I had a very solid and invisible repair.*
One critical event that occurred is 2 of the necks that were over glued, in Asia speed manufacturing of course, squeezed out some of the excess glue, and though there was never a visible gap, it was clear that the boards were seated *much better* and the joint helped retain the flatness of the neck down their entire length.
*Aside from marking my heater to ensure I never get the box that hot again, I decided to wrap headstocks in aluminum kitchen foil which is adequate protection.*
I have read about baking necks from some that have done literally hundreds and oppose it even though it worked, and others who swear by it.
*IMHO, it's a much better first tactic for a squirrely neck rather than the woodwork others suggest that goes with the bend or twist, and is considered a permanent fix.* A lot of necks will be permanently repaired because it was an excess glue issue or the climate where you live, and others will need the process maybe once a year to every few years. *One critical detail a "baker" specified was that he clamps and bakes most of his guitars once a year, and has done this for many years.* If you don't apply excessive heat, you can greatly minimize if not eliminate the risks of potential long term damage from repeated heat exposure accumulatively over many years.
*In the end, it can salvage a neck entirely, or at least, temporarily return it to perfection a few times until you are willing to replace it.*
I always love the Django at the beginning!
✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶
Yami acoustics are great bang for the buck and tend to play quite well too. I have both a steel string and classical that have been wonderful for decades. Don't be afraid of using revenue streams like Patreon. It will give a bit of breathing room and free you up to make the content you want, rather than what you think YT thinks people want. You're providing a great service to the Guitar Community(tm)(CRINGE, but you know what I mean). We need more Pros like you passing on good info. to people who will take it to heart and do more good work with it.
Thank you so much for all the vids and lessons over the years. Let us know how we can help and we'll do it.
I bought one of these exact guitars second hand in 1981 in Washington State. My girlfriend at the time bought me a Levi jacket and embroidered a beautiful picture of it on the shoulder panel. Both came back to England with me. The guitar got smashed beyond repair and the jacket got stolen.
Six years ago I bought another Yamaha FG 331, had it tinkered with by my luthier and gave it to my nephew on condition that if he ever tired of it or decided to sell it, he sells it to me. He loves it and has all but given up on electric guitar to play it all the time.
I don't have a great ear for tone but both sounded real sweet to me.
Youre the best Ted thanks for sharing what you do with us
I have an 80s FG335ii. It was my Dad's guitar, then he gave it to me when I was a kid to start playing. He used it for gigs and shows at the pubs, and it was full of cracks and had huge divots on every fret. Not to mention the huge hole in the back that's exactly the same size as Larry O'Keefe's face.😂
I fixed it up a bit recently and still play it. I'd love to repair it properly, but still keep all the damage visible, Kintsugi style.
Mine is 43 years old on Monday
I love it and enjoy it.
Merry Christmas (to me 😂)
Love your videos man! Love from Uruguay ❤❤
Great video Ted, thanks. Enjoy your week! Sorry about your CZcams funds issues and our trusty American IRS dopes…….they’re no fun from our side of the Ambassador Bridge either man…running a small business down here is tough..please keep up your channel! You are the absolute best stringed instrument repair person I have ever seen!
I have a early 80s Taiwan Yamaha 340T that I love so much.
I got it new when I was 10 and it's always my go to acoustic guitar and its sound gets better every year.
My parents worked at a piano factory that made Yamaha pianos so they would get overstock anything Yamaha for cheap. They paud $50 for this guitar! My first electric guitar was a Yamaha SC300t and it was brand new for $15.
Wish they had gotten more!!
I will treasure my Woodford Instruments hat. Shoulda bought two! :) Thanks for your great videos!
I can't even count the number of my guitar playing buddies who owned Yamahas back in the 1970's... Did they sound as good as my 1970 Martin D18...
Oh certainly not..
I still have the D18 probably needs something done to it..but it is now just a hobby and still sounds great...love your videos and I always learn something
I've had an SJ-180, since it was new. 1980 vintage. No real value to it, but it does have sentimental value, as my father gave it to me. The action had become quite high, so a few years ago, I decided to attempt a neck reset, even though I knew about the "epoxy issue". But even after a couple hours of heat, the glue wasn't about to give up, so I did. And then I did something I said I would never do........shave down the bridge. 😮 The bridge plate was in good shape, but I reinforced it with a thin piece of maple. I did a full re-fret on it, and added a bone nut, saddle, and bridge pins. Put 11-52 strings on it, and I leave it detuned when not in use. It is now playable again, but at the end of the day, it's still not a great guitar, and I always reach for my Martin first. Still, it was a fun project, and there was no way I was going to throw it away.