My first guitar was a 335 ii that me and my dad shared. He was a teacher and took it to school with him everyday and played songs for the kids and events. Anyway, I was with him when he bought it from a Pawn shop around 1988, for Maybe $180 Canadian. It was his first guitar, and I was 5 years old. He died but I still have it. It's worn and got scratches and a nice dent/hole in the back. I just started playing again last year , so I took it out today and cleaned it, cleaned the fretboard, repaired the dent, polished the frets and put on new strings. It plays great! Like it always has
My big bro had one of these and once I played it, I knew I had to have it. He ended up giving it to me for my 50th birthday. (Thanks big bro!) Just love this guitar. I have a few acoustics and this one just plays and feels so smooth. Delicate, nuanced finger-style, to chunky strums all sounds great! This may become one of my favorites as well. Thanks for sharing this video...
Hi Dave, I was lucky enough to find a 1981 Yamaha FG335e summer of 2016. I feel so LUCKY to have this guitar. I go to all these music shops around Los Angeles, play all these high end Taylors and Martins (like the HD-28) and.....nope, my Yamaha is where it's at. I just recently had the good folks at McCabe's in Santa Monica put in a K&K Pure Mini and now she's all set. God shown His light on me and granted me a good buddy with my Yamaha. Amen.
Just bought the same model yesterday as my first Guitar and I'm a tell u when I seen her it was a instant bond lol..great video I've been further motivated by you much appreciated...wish me luck!
The first acoustic guitar I ever bought in either 1980 or 1981 was a Yamaha FG-335. I loved that guitar and regret selling it. My parents bought my first guitar for Christmas 1971, it was a Yamaha FG-75. The FG-335 had a great sound and played easily--like butter! Nice video!
Living on the road my friend - I was in Shreveport LA n checked into the old Holiday in about 10 years ago now. Got my stuff in the room and headed down to lounge and Amelia Blake was playing to about 2 other hotel guests but man could she sing and she was playing old classic stuff that I like so I sat down and got a beer or something. The second thing I noticed was how wonderful her guitar sounded. So, when she took a break I asked her what it was I could see it was a Yamaha. Turns out it was an FG345 just like yours except with the big diamond shaped inlays in the fretboard. Her parents had given it to her for her 16th bday so it was probably about 20 or so years old at that time. Anyway I was so impressed I started looking for one and ironically a few weeks later I stopped into a pawn shop in Pearl MS and there it was the same freakin guitar with old as hell rusted strings and beat to hell as well. But I picked it up, tuned it as best I could and played a D chord and OMG my jaw was on the floor! I bought it with a gig back and a couple other accessories for $100 cash what a deal. This things are built to last and have and they sound wonderful!! Dents and dings don't mean a thing, it's the TONE that matters. If you find one for $200 or less jump on it assuming no major repairs are needed. Take it to someone to get new strings and proper set up -- another $40-50 ish. Then if you want to play it through an amp get a pickup installed or a Baggs M1 or M1A soundhole, K&K pure mini, whatever you like, and you'll fall in love just like the rest of us have! :)
I hear you've! I also have an fg 335 . Gorgeous sound. Its my favorite also. I feel it more than any other ♡ mine was my mom's. Just picked it up from the shop today...little guitar spa day for the old girl ❤
I love this! Thanks! I have an 81 Yamaha 335ii bought new that is the best, sweetest, loudest, quiet, sweet tank ever. People scoff when I tell them mine sounds WAY better than $5000 Martin. I really appreciate you confirming my perceptions.
Great video, Dave! I came across an FG-335 on kijiji today, July 13, 2019. I contacted the seller and then I started searching for info online about the 335. And of course I came across this video of yours. I'm not sure what sold me more on the guitar -- the 10 years without being kept in a case or the fact it still sounds great after krazy glue fixes. I dropped by the seller's house. We had a great chat. He'd owned the 335 for 20+ years and couldn't remember where he'd gotten it from. He said after tuning it and listening to it again, he was almost having second thoughts about selling it. But he went through with it to thin his collection and make some money for a TRIC bag he was buying. Well, after giving him a hundred bucks, I bought the FG-335 home and it plays, sounds and even looks amazing. It's got bumps and bruises and wear and tear, and a clear case of buckle rash ... all of which make it a player's guitar with a history. Now it's time to add my own chapter to this demure beauty's story. I've already checked the serial number and found that it was made July 11, 1979, precisely 40 years and 2 days ago. So I'll do my best to put it to good use for another 40 years and 2 days, which would make me about 98 years and 7 months old. LOL!! Well, let's see if i can push it to 20 years and 2 days, then give it to my sons. Keep enjoying your FG-335 and using it to create those amazing sounds, Dave! Isn't it great to have an old friend you can pick up and count on to make you sound great? :)
I picked up a Yamaha FG200D in Japan ( 1985)while stationed there with the military . Wrote a lot of songs with it and it feels like home when I pick it up.
I have owned probably close to 50 guitars from inexpensive to several thousand dollars and I appreciate each and every one if I was only able to keep just one it would be the Yamaha
My older brother bought one of these in'83. I fell in love with it and immediately went looking for one. I settled for an FG450 which I still have. The 335 is a rare gem. They inspired me to become a bit of a Yamaha collector. I have 7 or 8 now but the FG 335 is my favorite. (I have two) Hard to believe such a rich tone can come from a laminate top. Thanks for sharing...yours sounds great!
dppackfa I just refurbished mine and made some upgrades. I was surprised when I found out the top was a laminate gonna do another video soon to show what I did to her. Tru oil finish bone nut saddle and bridge pins and Fishman blender. The thing got even better!!
I look forward to the video Dave. The first one I bought for 60 bucks. Its borderline ready for a neck reset and the frets are so worn out on her, I cant help but think someone really enjoyed her. I've been dabbling in acoustic tech stuff as a hobby. Gonna try my first neck reset on an old Yamaha FG110 over the winter and maybe a refret on the old 335.
Right on the screws! I have one too, and it's still my favorite guitar as well. Certainly not the most expensive one I own, but I would be heartbroken if anything ever happened to it! :)
I really like your story about your guitar. I’m looking at buying a 1975 or so Yamaha FG-301 here in the Philippines it an orange label and I think I will be happy with it.
I just bought a Yamaha FS800 almost 2 weeks ago. I've got an Ibanez Artwood AW100 that has followed me from one side of the US to the other. Still plays great. It's almost a 20 year old guitar now. Always wanted a Yamaha thought. My first guitar teacher had a Yamaha FS something. That was around 1978ish. He used Ernie Ball Regular Slinky's on it. Next to my cheap guitar it might as well have been a Martin.
I own several acoustics, a couple of them higher end, and I still play my '75 Yamaha FG-101-1 more than anything else. For here around the house, and for creative moments, the Yamaha just works. Fine instruments.
I have a FG335 and a FG335ll . I pick them up and play them a couple times a week . They play so easy and have a very warm sound that is like , so reassuring when you hear it . The 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings are so warm when you play in C chord and D chord is absolutely Beautiful. I have a Yamaha FG110E I bought in 1976 and my daughter just took it to her Church. Everyone told her how good it sounds , especially plugged in . All these are all laminate , but sound so smooth and warm and they have all been camping many times !
My first guitar was, and still is an FG-332. I have had professionals play it and compliment it, even with worn strings. Now at 35 years old it still plays and sounds better that my Norman B 18 cedar, that I bought five years ago for a small gig. The Norman sounds great and plays really well and is more crisp, but the warmth of my Yamaha still makes me play it more. Thanks old buddy. Cheers!
My story of my fg160 made around 1974, is similar to yours. My dad bought it at a pawnshop in Elkhart Indiana for Christmas of 1987. I lost it illegally to a pawnshop in 2001. Im searching for another one. The sound of those old yamahas are unreal for their cost. The easy notability I incredible. Thanks for your story...
I just acquired a 1977 FG335 from a relative for $20.00 who stopped by to visit us a couple weeks ago. He bought it while in college and said that after a few attempts to learn he put it away and forgot about it. It apparently sat in it's case for 30 years untouched--the case practically self-destructed, tuners were frozen in place (rusted) and the strings were like barbed wire. Aside from that, the neck appears straight and the body is in good condition. I purchased Grover 18:1 tuners and a K&K pure mini and in the process of installing them---NOTE: if you are removing frozen tuner bushings spend the extra $$ and get a Bushing install/removal tool!! My haste resulted in extra work repairing a few wood chips on the headstock.
Hey Dave! Just stumbled onto your video. I really connect with your story bro! All I can say is "ditto"! My mom bought one new in 1980 for $199 because she decided she would take lessons. She took only one and then gave it up to me! Ive been dragging this around with me for 37+ years now and have only heard one or two that sound anything like it. I'm in western NC where bluegrass is tops and there is not ONE person who has played it that isn't amazed that a Yamaha sounds THAT GOOD!! I have a hard time getting it back from them :-)! I've taken exceptional care of mine over the years and recently adjusted the truss rod for only the second time and as a result, she got twice as fun to play! I look forward to handing this down to my sons one day. PS: I went into Guitar Center; into that small little room where they keep the expensive guitars, and after playing them all, Taylor, Guild, Martin, etc., I found only one that sounded as good as mine and it was a Martin for $7,800. SO, I figure my guitar is worth $7,800!?
If you pay top dollar for a Taylor, Martin or Collins then you are paying mostly for the name. Yamaha's range compete's with US made guitars but for about 60%-70% less in terms of quality to price.
Just picked up a Yamaha FG 335II for $80 off of Facebook Market Place - Oh my God - The sound this guitar makes - Its has some issues - but the way this guitar sounds blows me away - I never thought my Martin and Seagull would be replaced as my favorite but it happen - I gambled and won on this one!!!!
I have a Yamaha fg 420 with the cutaway it's amazing it's about 35 years old and now my son has it on the other side of the country I don't think it's ever had a tuneup just strings now and then
My grandma kept me from touching her 1982 Washburn. She bought it new and left it in its case hidden in closet from me. I never saw her play it! I don't think she played it more than a couple times if that. Not a single scratch on it. I always tried to get her to let me play it as a kid and even as I got older and had a few guitars of my own she still wouldn't let me touch it. A couple months before she had passed she surprised me by showing up to my front door step with the guitar in her hand and told me I could have it as long as I'd never get rid of it! I loved playing that guitar. Sounded so good. Guitar still had original manufacture tag and all the other stuff that came with it when she bought it. A few years ago I noticed it missing and turns out my Girlfriend at that time sold it. I'm still trying to find it to buy it back but still no luck yet.
I bought my 78’ FG335 about 6 months ago for just over $120, in the original cheap hard case, with the original tag on the handle from the music shop where it was first purchased all the way in Colorado. I just love how good it sounds, we’re teaching each other now! Hopefully me and it can work together to tell our stories… I just know that it’s going to “fine wine” on me and just sound better the longer I own it…
I have one too... I think it's a 78 or so. They really do sound and play fantastic. My bridge is bowi g upwards a tad and the action is a lil high, but STILL!!! I don't know what they did but they got sumpin right on this one. I dig the wood truss cover.
i just bought an old FG 180 at an estate sale. it has a couple dings thru the back that need repairing. Covered in dust, full of cat hair and cobwebs, with what look like 40 year old strings. It sounds amazing; the notes ring so long.
I just purchased a Yamaha FG830 model for $329 on Amazon with quality hard shell case from Austin bazzar, even came with polishing cloth headstock tuner and picks. This deal probably wont last long. The poor mans Martin D-28...lol. And the guitar came very playable and immaculate.
She still sounds beautiful, I do know what you mean when I was fifteen I bought a 1970s kiso suzuki Japanese made knock off of a Gibson J200 and even the headstock writing of cf suzuki & co is written to make it look like cf Martin & Co lol. I love the sound it's gotten better and better, it's been on beaches, camping trips, bars, house partys it's got scratches and dings it has a real lived in look about it but I love it to bits. In a fire situation I'm taking that before my Gibson les Paul. I'm 59 now it wasn't bad value 50 pounds for all those years of fun and pleasure. Cool that it's a link with your dad too.
Hey buddy just wanna say great video !!! I am just looking around online for a yamaha acoustic, singer / songwriter here been playing for the last 30 yrs mostly always acoustic . Just purchased a Squier strat a few days ago for putting down on tracks it's not half bad :) Watching this video, this may sound weird, but it takes me back to my school days I remember growing up going to a small private christian school, the guys in the praise band at the church used these kind of guitars, and one of the teachers / also principal had a guitar like this his was a yamaha acoustic, not sure the model lol I wanna say I remember it being around 1986 when I first saw him play it. Thing I remember most about it was the sound, you would think it being a yamaha would be kind of like most at it's price range, but no this one it had a very deep rich tone, I wanna say it almost sounded on par " almost " lol as a martin. Maybe you can help me out here, I have went to my local guitar center, and even the new FG730's and most of em did not sound like what I remember, I mean it really had that 70's -80's deep rich folk sound. Is yamaha not making them with the same quality these days ? Any suggestions for what I might wanna look for, I have been looking at used old yamaha guitars, but get a feeling may need a setup what's your thoughts on this ? I thank you much for your time & may GOD BLESS. P.S btw great playing :)
My naturally musical especially guitar younger brother picked me out a Yamaha FG 336SB in the 90s. Little did I know, until a few years ago, thanks to Google and CZcams what a legacy guitar I had lucked across!
I just got a FG 300M made in Japan 1982 recently and it sounds amazing ,need to drop action a little still have a little room left on saddle figuring in a few years I will have to reset the neck
I have a Yamaha FG450SA. Bought it new, had 2 lessons, put it in the wardrobe and forgot about it. 28 years later I decided that I wanted to learn to play... still have the guitar, and it sounds great !!! Ha, how many guitars have sat untouched for 28 years?!
They sound better the more you play and vibrate the soundboard. You probably have to break it in! I've placed new acoustic guitars in front of speakers. The louder the better!
You know you absolutely love your guitar when you talk about it and slowly pick while telling the story.. very beautiful guitar on the low end of prices. What strings do you use on it?
Had an old 3/4 size guitar my dad gave me when I was 14. Learned on it and played it until after I got married at 28. Had to sell it to pay rent, didn't break my heart. They make new ones every day. A few months later,things picked up and the wife bought me a new Yamaha FG335ii. That would have been 81 or 82. Still have it. A friend has an old Martin but prefers to play my Yamaha if he can get his hands on it.
Gotta agree ole hoss!!! I bought a Yamaha FG800 yesterday. Guy in our S W Bluegrass Club sometimes brings his Red Label 1966 Yamaha FG150., Best Yamaha on this planet IMO. Offered him $1,200.00 for it and he rejected my offer.I also own a Martin Dred which I bought in 1969 but it was bilt in 1968. The FG800 I bought yesterday punches well above it's weight. Hard to reconcile it's Nato back in sdes with Marin 80-20 medium gauge strings mounted.
Hi Dave. I bought my Yamaha FG-335, back in 1978 at an Army Post Exchange. It has been with me for the rest of my military career and now as a retired soldier (21 years) every now and then I play the guitar. I have Ernie Ball medium light 12-54 strings. What brand do you use and what gauge? I love the sound of your guitar. Thank you.
You know, I know exactly what you are saying when it comes to this guitar. There are certainly better guitars to play, especially when it comes to the sound you get when you play up the neck, but this guitar, which I have owned and played for over 35 years (fg-335ii) has a special tone that is, indeed, hard to find elsewhere. It's hard to believe it's all laminate, and I think that's part of the magic. When I compare it to my Martin HD28, although a different beast altogether, there are elements about the Yamaha I prefer, like the note separation and clarity, and how much volume is produced by such a light touch of the strings. In any case, I join you in your sentiments regarding this particular guitar.
Got a crazy question for you. This goes along I guess with your "how many guitars do you need" video. I'm more of an acoustic player than anything. I have a Yamaha A3R. I want to get another acoustic. Debating on the A3M or a Takamine. What is your thoughts? Would you say more benefit to have similar models with different tonewoods like rosewood and mahogany or a different make and model altogether?
Joshua Taylor I really haven’t had much luck finding new acoustics that do much for me. The best thing to do is go out and play a bunch of different things. There’s always one that will speak to you.
Awesome thanks for the video , I have a 335 that I bought in 1980 but it is a left hand and I have changed it to a right hand , I reversed the bridge and the neck string guide and took off pick guard and replaced with a copper one but the Intimation seems to be off , any suggestions for me
I have one FG 325. It looks almost as brand new. They were made from 1977 to 1978 only. I am waiting for "that" offer. Never take from the bag to avoid scrach it.
Hey Dave, I happen to have one of those FG 335 guitars as well. Bought mine new around 1980. Still love that guitar. What string gage do you find sounds best to you on the guitar? I have been using Martin Custom Lights .11 but thinking about other options. Thanks
+Truth of 73 I'm using elixer 11 right now because mine is a little fragile. I think a little heavier strings give a fuller sound when you strum hard and a little more tuning stability. It a lot easier to get around on the 11's though.
Tony D elixir nano webs. I was using 11's on it when I made this video. I did a complete refurb on it recently and went up a gauge. There is a video of that on here also. Thanks for watching.
Bob Ross! lol Video did have a kind of "Storytellers" feel. I currently have a Martin-DXR1, Luna 3/4 and just recently picked up a FG-410A. I was blown away with the overall sound and ease of play on the neck. Yamaha obviously took some pride in their Acoustic Guitar market. For the price, robust and it sounds phenomenal. Makes me sick paying $600 for my Martin and getting the FG-410A for under $100 w/ case. The FG sounds just as good as plays just as well as the more expensive Martin. #FG-335/410A
Bought my FG335 (Taiwan model) in 1980 for $140 CAD..... Never thought much of it, but it DID get better sounding as it mellowed with age. Recently had frets and bridge replaced and neck adjusted by a qualified guitar tech (for $250!) and can hardly put it down now...... sounds great! Time to buy a hard case to protect my musical investment!
my dad also still has a yamaha fg 335, sounds great, ive always tried to find that guitar, but its awfully hard, however, i just bought myself and old yamaha fg 375s 1978, sounds beautiful too, and it looks awesome, because it has the same wood as the 335
Thanks Dave - awesome story. Eyeing one of those on CL - Is yours the 335II or just 335? My guess is that the quality has gone down as the model number got longer. But who knows??
thank you for the answer. . I do good i replace the FG700 with the FG800? The replace is was $10. in the store i buy my guitar yestarday make one hour free lesson for begginers. is teach one finger chord the e a and d. And 3 finger chords e a and d. How i can start teach my self. i cant afford pay teacher noiw.
John Chaumont I just picked up an Epiphone Masterbuilt. Pretty blown away with it. All solid wood. Super dynamic and sound very similar tone to my old Yamaha.
I guessed wrong. I thought it was going to be a FG-441s for sure. Best guitar on the planet. I would climb a pile of Lowdens, wearing cleats, just to get to the 441s at the top :) Here's a theory. There is a subset of guitarists who can only play "their" guitar. It doesn't matter what that guitar is. I hate picking up someone else guitar. I sound like I can't play when I do. Maybe it's the LSD and mushrooms talking, but as the Dog tribe of West Africa believes, I too believe that not only do humans and the higher animals have souls, but so do inanimate objects. I think musicians sometimes form feedback loops with their instruments to the point where the instrument becomes more obviously alive than most other inanimate objects. Other people can sense it. I can't tell you how many people.have picked up my main guitar (Yamaha FG441s) played a little bit and then said some variation of: "There's something special about this guitar. I don't know why I love it so much." I have a suspicion that it's because when those special bonds between an instrument and player are formed, it opens the floodgates of the soul and the instrument becomes full of the soul of the human. Other humans can sense this when they pick up the instrument. Or maybe the guitars are just good. I dunno. That's my stoner theory. Anyway. Now I'm going to go buy a FG-335. Thank you for your video. I think I'll pick one of these up, with the intention of making it my standard tuning guitar. The one that never goes into an alternate tuning. I need one of those, so I can just play those three chords you mentioned, without having to figure out what tuning the guitar is in and if a G chord is even possible without dislocating my thumb :)
My first guitar was a 335 ii that me and my dad shared. He was a teacher and took it to school with him everyday and played songs for the kids and events. Anyway, I was with him when he bought it from a Pawn shop around 1988, for Maybe $180 Canadian. It was his first guitar, and I was 5 years old.
He died but I still have it. It's worn and got scratches and a nice dent/hole in the back. I just started playing again last year , so I took it out today and cleaned it, cleaned the fretboard, repaired the dent, polished the frets and put on new strings. It plays great! Like it always has
My big bro had one of these and once I played it, I knew I had to have it. He ended up giving it to me for my 50th birthday. (Thanks big bro!) Just love this guitar. I have a few acoustics and this one just plays and feels so smooth. Delicate, nuanced finger-style, to chunky strums all sounds great! This may become one of my favorites as well. Thanks for sharing this video...
Hi Dave, I was lucky enough to find a 1981 Yamaha FG335e summer of 2016. I feel so LUCKY to have this guitar. I go to all these music shops around Los Angeles, play all these high end Taylors and Martins (like the HD-28) and.....nope, my Yamaha is where it's at. I just recently had the good folks at McCabe's in Santa Monica put in a K&K Pure Mini and now she's all set. God shown His light on me and granted me a good buddy with my Yamaha. Amen.
Thanks for the motivation...just bought this model yesterday as my first Guitar...hope to be able to play like u guys one day!!!
I came for the guitar review, now I wanna just wanna sit around and hear you strum some more stories
Just bought the same model yesterday as my first Guitar and I'm a tell u when I seen her it was a instant bond lol..great video I've been further motivated by you much appreciated...wish me luck!
The first acoustic guitar I ever bought in either 1980 or 1981 was a Yamaha FG-335. I loved that guitar and regret selling it. My parents bought my first guitar for Christmas 1971, it was a Yamaha FG-75. The FG-335 had a great sound and played easily--like butter! Nice video!
Sweet vid. I feel the same way a bout my FG332, earlt 80's. 17th birthday, he he.
Warm crisp, and easy to play.
Cheers from Montreal, ey!
Living on the road my friend - I was in Shreveport LA n checked into the old Holiday in about 10 years ago now. Got my stuff in the room and headed down to lounge and Amelia Blake was playing to about 2 other hotel guests but man could she sing and she was playing old classic stuff that I like so I sat down and got a beer or something. The second thing I noticed was how wonderful her guitar sounded. So, when she took a break I asked her what it was I could see it was a Yamaha. Turns out it was an FG345 just like yours except with the big diamond shaped inlays in the fretboard. Her parents had given it to her for her 16th bday so it was probably about 20 or so years old at that time. Anyway I was so impressed I started looking for one and ironically a few weeks later I stopped into a pawn shop in Pearl MS and there it was the same freakin guitar with old as hell rusted strings and beat to hell as well. But I picked it up, tuned it as best I could and played a D chord and OMG my jaw was on the floor! I bought it with a gig back and a couple other accessories for $100 cash what a deal. This things are built to last and have and they sound wonderful!! Dents and dings don't mean a thing, it's the TONE that matters. If you find one for $200 or less jump on it assuming no major repairs are needed. Take it to someone to get new strings and proper set up -- another $40-50 ish. Then if you want to play it through an amp get a pickup installed or a Baggs M1 or M1A soundhole, K&K pure mini, whatever you like, and you'll fall in love just like the rest of us have! :)
Man and his beloved guitar. The passion is palpable.
I hear you've! I also have an fg 335 . Gorgeous sound. Its my favorite also. I feel it more than any other ♡ mine was my mom's. Just picked it up from the shop today...little guitar spa day for the old girl ❤
I love this! Thanks! I have an 81 Yamaha 335ii bought new that is the best, sweetest, loudest, quiet, sweet tank ever. People scoff when I tell them mine sounds WAY better than $5000 Martin. I really appreciate you confirming my perceptions.
Bought my Yamaha 160e in the mid 80's still love it and play it. Still no case.
Great video, Dave! I came across an FG-335 on kijiji today, July 13, 2019. I contacted the seller and then I started searching for info online about the 335. And of course I came across this video of yours. I'm not sure what sold me more on the guitar -- the 10 years without being kept in a case or the fact it still sounds great after krazy glue fixes. I dropped by the seller's house. We had a great chat. He'd owned the 335 for 20+ years and couldn't remember where he'd gotten it from. He said after tuning it and listening to it again, he was almost having second thoughts about selling it. But he went through with it to thin his collection and make some money for a TRIC bag he was buying. Well, after giving him a hundred bucks, I bought the FG-335 home and it plays, sounds and even looks amazing. It's got bumps and bruises and wear and tear, and a clear case of buckle rash ... all of which make it a player's guitar with a history. Now it's time to add my own chapter to this demure beauty's story. I've already checked the serial number and found that it was made July 11, 1979, precisely 40 years and 2 days ago. So I'll do my best to put it to good use for another 40 years and 2 days, which would make me about 98 years and 7 months old. LOL!! Well, let's see if i can push it to 20 years and 2 days, then give it to my sons. Keep enjoying your FG-335 and using it to create those amazing sounds, Dave! Isn't it great to have an old friend you can pick up and count on to make you sound great? :)
I love your love for your old lovely guitar.
I picked up a Yamaha FG200D in Japan ( 1985)while stationed there with the military . Wrote a lot of songs with it and it feels like home when I pick it up.
I have owned probably close to 50 guitars from inexpensive to several thousand dollars and I appreciate each and every one if I was only able to keep just one it would be the Yamaha
My older brother bought one of these in'83. I fell in love with it and immediately went looking for one. I settled for an FG450 which I still have. The 335 is a rare gem. They inspired me to become a bit of a Yamaha collector. I have 7 or 8 now but the FG 335 is my favorite. (I have two) Hard to believe such a rich tone can come from a laminate top. Thanks for sharing...yours sounds great!
dppackfa I just refurbished mine and made some upgrades. I was surprised when I found out the top was a laminate gonna do another video soon to show what I did to her. Tru oil finish bone nut saddle and bridge pins and Fishman blender. The thing got even better!!
I look forward to the video Dave. The first one I bought for 60 bucks. Its borderline ready for a neck reset and the frets are so worn out on her, I cant help but think someone really enjoyed her. I've been dabbling in acoustic tech stuff as a hobby. Gonna try my first neck reset on an old Yamaha FG110 over the winter and maybe a refret on the old 335.
My dad had one since i was a baby. Handed it to me then i have it to my little brother. I bought a fg830. But the first is a family thing now
Right on the screws! I have one too, and it's still my favorite guitar as well. Certainly not the most expensive one I own, but I would be heartbroken if anything ever happened to it! :)
I really like your story about your guitar. I’m looking at buying a 1975 or so Yamaha FG-301 here in the Philippines it an orange label and I think I will be happy with it.
I just bought a Yamaha FS800 almost 2 weeks ago. I've got an Ibanez Artwood AW100 that has followed me from one side of the US to the other. Still plays great. It's almost a 20 year old guitar now. Always wanted a Yamaha thought. My first guitar teacher had a Yamaha FS something. That was around 1978ish. He used Ernie Ball Regular Slinky's on it. Next to my cheap guitar it might as well have been a Martin.
Great story!! Love hearing from you…
I own several acoustics, a couple of them higher end, and I still play my '75 Yamaha FG-101-1 more than anything else. For here around the house, and for creative moments, the Yamaha just works. Fine instruments.
I have a FG335 and a FG335ll . I pick them up and play them a couple times a week . They play so easy and have a very warm sound that is like , so reassuring when you hear it . The 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings are so warm when you play in C chord and D chord is absolutely Beautiful. I have a Yamaha FG110E I bought in 1976 and my daughter just took it to her Church. Everyone told her how good it sounds , especially plugged in . All these are all laminate , but sound so smooth and warm and they have all been camping many times !
My first guitar was, and still is an FG-332. I have had professionals play it and compliment it, even with worn strings. Now at 35 years old it still plays and sounds better that my Norman B 18 cedar, that I bought five years ago for a small gig. The Norman sounds great and plays really well and is more crisp, but the warmth of my Yamaha still makes me play it more. Thanks old buddy. Cheers!
Excellent sound!
My first guitar. It was my grandfather’s but he gave it to me since he has never played it XD it’s an amazing guitar!
I just bought one of similar vintage with a pickup strapped on it it from my neighbor. Love it soo much
So warm. Makes you feel good to play it
My story of my fg160 made around 1974, is similar to yours. My dad bought it at a pawnshop in Elkhart Indiana for Christmas of 1987. I lost it illegally to a pawnshop in 2001. Im searching for another one. The sound of those old yamahas are unreal for their cost. The easy notability I incredible. Thanks for your story...
I just acquired a 1977 FG335 from a relative for $20.00 who stopped by to visit us a couple weeks ago. He bought it while in college and said that after a few attempts to learn he put it away and forgot about it. It apparently sat in it's case for 30 years untouched--the case practically self-destructed, tuners were frozen in place (rusted) and the strings were like barbed wire. Aside from that, the neck appears straight and the body is in good condition. I purchased Grover 18:1 tuners and a K&K pure mini and in the process of installing them---NOTE: if you are removing frozen tuner bushings spend the extra $$ and get a Bushing install/removal tool!! My haste resulted in extra work repairing a few wood chips on the headstock.
Hey Dave! Just stumbled onto your video. I really connect with your story bro! All I can say is "ditto"! My mom bought one new in 1980 for $199 because she decided she would take lessons. She took only one and then gave it up to me! Ive been dragging this around with me for 37+ years now and have only heard one or two that sound anything like it. I'm in western NC where bluegrass is tops and there is not ONE person who has played it that isn't amazed that a Yamaha sounds THAT GOOD!! I have a hard time getting it back from them :-)! I've taken exceptional care of mine over the years and recently adjusted the truss rod for only the second time and as a result, she got twice as fun to play! I look forward to handing this down to my sons one day.
PS: I went into Guitar Center; into that small little room where they keep the expensive guitars, and after playing them all, Taylor, Guild, Martin, etc., I found only one that sounded as good as mine and it was a Martin for $7,800. SO, I figure my guitar is worth $7,800!?
Children of Light yep I just completely redid mine. Played it tonight in Daytona. Better than it ever was. Thanks for watching brother.
If you pay top dollar for a Taylor, Martin or Collins then you are paying mostly for the name. Yamaha's range compete's with US made guitars but for about 60%-70% less in terms of quality to price.
Excellent! I have had mine for close to 40 years. Better than most high end guitars!
caseypw1 I agree. I'm in the process of restoring and refinishing mine. Making a few upgrades too. Fingers crossed. Lol
Just picked up a Yamaha FG 335II for $80 off of Facebook Market Place - Oh my God - The sound this guitar makes - Its has some issues - but the way this guitar sounds blows me away - I never thought my Martin and Seagull would be replaced as my favorite but it happen - I gambled and won on this one!!!!
I hear you. When I let go of the Name Snobbery, I found my #1 for a lot less $, and never felt the need to upgrade since. 2006 Epi Masterbilt R/C.
Got one of those myself last year. Really good!!
gotta feel the love ...oh yeah!
I have a Yamaha fg 420 with the cutaway it's amazing it's about 35 years old and now my son has it on the other side of the country I don't think it's ever had a tuneup just strings now and then
wade wilson very cool wade
My grandma kept me from touching her 1982 Washburn. She bought it new and left it in its case hidden in closet from me. I never saw her play it! I don't think she played it more than a couple times if that. Not a single scratch on it. I always tried to get her to let me play it as a kid and even as I got older and had a few guitars of my own she still wouldn't let me touch it. A couple months before she had passed she surprised me by showing up to my front door step with the guitar in her hand and told me I could have it as long as I'd never get rid of it! I loved playing that guitar. Sounded so good. Guitar still had original manufacture tag and all the other stuff that came with it when she bought it. A few years ago I noticed it missing and turns out my Girlfriend at that time sold it. I'm still trying to find it to buy it back but still no luck yet.
I have the FG - 430 from the '70s and it's sounds great after all those years.
Thats truly a vintage.i just got the FG435 but cant find any info about it anywhere.Kindly share if you have any.thanks.
Just bought same guitar love it, my Takamine TNV-360 goin to be in its case for a bit
I bought my 78’ FG335 about 6 months ago for just over $120, in the original cheap hard case, with the original tag on the handle from the music shop where it was first purchased all the way in Colorado. I just love how good it sounds, we’re teaching each other now! Hopefully me and it can work together to tell our stories… I just know that it’s going to “fine wine” on me and just sound better the longer I own it…
Excellent. Congrats man 😊
I have one too... I think it's a 78 or so. They really do sound and play fantastic. My bridge is bowi g upwards a tad and the action is a lil high, but STILL!!! I don't know what they did but they got sumpin right on this one. I dig the wood truss cover.
i just bought an old FG 180 at an estate sale. it has a couple dings thru the back that need repairing. Covered in dust, full of cat hair and cobwebs, with what look like 40 year old strings. It sounds amazing; the notes ring so long.
I just purchased a Yamaha FG830 model for $329 on Amazon with quality hard shell case from Austin bazzar, even came with polishing cloth headstock tuner and picks. This deal probably wont last long. The poor mans Martin D-28...lol. And the guitar came very playable and immaculate.
She still sounds beautiful, I do know what you mean when I was fifteen I bought a 1970s kiso suzuki Japanese made knock off of a Gibson J200 and even the headstock writing of cf suzuki & co is written to make it look like cf Martin & Co lol. I love the sound it's gotten better and better, it's been on beaches, camping trips, bars, house partys it's got scratches and dings it has a real lived in look about it but I love it to bits. In a fire situation I'm taking that before my Gibson les Paul. I'm 59 now it wasn't bad value 50 pounds for all those years of fun and pleasure. Cool that it's a link with your dad too.
Hey buddy just wanna say great video !!! I am just looking around online for a yamaha acoustic, singer / songwriter here been playing for the last 30 yrs mostly always acoustic . Just purchased a Squier strat a few days ago for putting down on tracks it's not half bad :) Watching this video, this may sound weird, but it takes me back to my school days I remember growing up going to a small private christian school, the guys in the praise band at the church used these kind of guitars, and one of the teachers / also principal had a guitar like this his was a yamaha acoustic, not sure the model lol I wanna say I remember it being around 1986 when I first saw him play it. Thing I remember most about it was the sound, you would think it being a yamaha would be kind of like most at it's price range, but no this one it had a very deep rich tone, I wanna say it almost sounded on par " almost " lol as a martin. Maybe you can help me out here, I have went to my local guitar center, and even the new FG730's and most of em did not sound like what I remember, I mean it really had that 70's -80's deep rich folk sound. Is yamaha not making them with the same quality these days ? Any suggestions for what I might wanna look for, I have been looking at used old yamaha guitars, but get a feeling may need a setup what's your thoughts on this ? I thank you much for your time & may GOD BLESS. P.S btw great playing :)
Mike Meier I suggest pawn shops. There are a lot of these guitar floating around out there. Thanks for watching.
Very nice!
My naturally musical especially guitar younger brother picked me out a Yamaha FG 336SB in the 90s. Little did I know, until a few years ago, thanks to Google and CZcams what a legacy guitar I had lucked across!
I just got a FG 300M made in Japan 1982 recently and it sounds amazing ,need to drop action a little still have a little room left on saddle figuring in a few years I will have to reset the neck
I have a Yamaha FG450SA. Bought it new, had 2 lessons, put it in the wardrobe and forgot about it. 28 years later I decided that I wanted to learn to play... still have the guitar, and it sounds great !!! Ha, how many guitars have sat untouched for 28 years?!
They sound better the more you play and vibrate the soundboard.
You probably have to break it in!
I've placed new acoustic guitars
in front of speakers.
The louder the better!
@@roenvalenzuela2492 Ha. That's a good idea.
You know you absolutely love your guitar when you talk about it and slowly pick while telling the story.. very beautiful guitar on the low end of prices. What strings do you use on it?
Josh Clark elixirs 12’s. Thanks brother. I haven’t made any videos in a while gonna get back at it soon. Thanks for watching.
Had an old 3/4 size guitar my dad gave me when I was 14. Learned on it and played it until after I got married at 28. Had to sell it to pay rent, didn't break my heart. They make new ones every day. A few months later,things picked up and the wife bought me a new Yamaha FG335ii. That would have been 81 or 82. Still have it. A friend has an old Martin but prefers to play my Yamaha if he can get his hands on it.
Gotta agree ole hoss!!! I bought a Yamaha FG800 yesterday. Guy in our S W Bluegrass Club sometimes brings his Red Label 1966 Yamaha FG150., Best
Yamaha on this planet IMO. Offered him $1,200.00 for it and he rejected my offer.I also own a Martin Dred which I bought in 1969 but it was bilt in 1968.
The FG800 I bought yesterday punches well above it's weight. Hard to reconcile it's Nato back in sdes with Marin 80-20 medium gauge strings mounted.
Yes siree Mine is a Yamaha too, a close cousin FG-375 S ii
FG 335 is one of the best sounding & easiest playing acoustic/box/flat top guitars.
Hi Dave. I bought my Yamaha FG-335, back in 1978 at an Army Post Exchange. It has been with me for the rest of my military career and now as a retired soldier (21 years) every now and then I play the guitar. I have Ernie Ball medium light 12-54 strings. What brand do you use and what gauge? I love the sound of your guitar. Thank you.
You know, I know exactly what you are saying when it comes to this guitar. There are certainly better guitars to play, especially when it comes to the sound you get when you play up the neck, but this guitar, which I have owned and played for over 35 years (fg-335ii) has a special tone that is, indeed, hard to find elsewhere. It's hard to believe it's all laminate, and I think that's part of the magic. When I compare it to my Martin HD28, although a different beast altogether, there are elements about the Yamaha I prefer, like the note separation and clarity, and how much volume is produced by such a light touch of the strings. In any case, I join you in your sentiments regarding this particular guitar.
@Jay Orange The FG335ii is all laminate. Great sound for its makeup.
Dave I love this video and the guitar. Take care x
Just got one similar today FG-340T, sounds awesome, loudest acoustic I've ever played, $100 off Craigslist. :-)
Billdo O'Reilly been promising an update on mine. As soon as I get off the road. Stay tuned and thanks for watching
Where ya at? I spent about 10 years playing on the road in the 90's, good times! :-)
Billdo O'Reilly On my way home from East Tennessee right now. Louisiana Texas and Florida up next. Playing bike rallies mainly
Got a crazy question for you. This goes along I guess with your "how many guitars do you need" video. I'm more of an acoustic player than anything. I have a Yamaha A3R. I want to get another acoustic. Debating on the A3M or a Takamine. What is your thoughts? Would you say more benefit to have similar models with different tonewoods like rosewood and mahogany or a different make and model altogether?
Joshua Taylor I really haven’t had much luck finding new acoustics that do much for me. The best thing to do is go out and play a bunch of different things. There’s always one that will speak to you.
Awesome thanks for the video , I have a 335 that I bought in 1980 but it is a left hand and I have changed it to a right hand , I reversed the bridge and the neck string guide and took off pick guard and replaced with a copper one but the Intimation seems to be off , any suggestions for me
Find a right hand one on ebay or interwebs. Problem solved.
I had one myself. Thanks
I have one FG 325. It looks almost as brand new. They were made from 1977 to 1978 only. I am waiting for "that" offer. Never take from the bag to avoid scrach it.
Hey Dave, I happen to have one of those FG 335 guitars as well. Bought mine new around 1980. Still love that guitar. What string gage do you find sounds best to you on the guitar? I have been using Martin Custom Lights .11 but thinking about other options. Thanks
+Truth of 73 I'm using elixer 11 right now because mine is a little fragile. I think a little heavier strings give a fuller sound when you strum hard and a little more tuning stability. It a lot easier to get around on the 11's though.
Hello Dave, what stings to you use on this guitar? Thanks for sharing this video.
Tony D elixir nano webs. I was using 11's on it when I made this video. I did a complete refurb on it recently and went up a gauge. There is a video of that on here also. Thanks for watching.
Bob Ross! lol Video did have a kind of "Storytellers" feel. I currently have a Martin-DXR1, Luna 3/4 and just recently picked up a FG-410A. I was blown away with the overall sound and ease of play on the neck. Yamaha obviously took some pride in their Acoustic Guitar market. For the price, robust and it sounds phenomenal. Makes me sick paying $600 for my Martin and getting the FG-410A for under $100 w/ case. The FG sounds just as good as plays just as well as the more expensive Martin.
#FG-335/410A
Bought my FG335 (Taiwan model) in 1980 for $140 CAD..... Never thought much of it, but it DID get better sounding as it mellowed with age. Recently had frets and bridge replaced and neck adjusted by a qualified guitar tech (for $250!) and can hardly put it down now...... sounds great! Time to buy a hard case to protect my musical investment!
Perry Dee I was the same way with mine. It was just a ok guitar for years and then it was great. Thanks for watching I appreciate it.
my dad also still has a yamaha fg 335, sounds great, ive always tried to find that guitar, but its awfully hard, however, i just bought myself and old yamaha fg 375s 1978, sounds beautiful too, and it looks awesome, because it has the same wood as the 335
Bidart Bauer Very cool. Just found a used epiphone master built. Amazing for the money. All solid wood.
Dave Jennette how much?🧐😱👀
Bidart Bauer $300. Not too bad for solid wood
Dave Jennette thats a fair price, habing that guitar, i wouldnt even buy a martin
It’s getting a little fragile. Needed something else to play out.
Yes,the Epi master builts are very underated imho. If you can try an Australian Maton guitar. Cheers!
John Chaumont yeah. I’d love to get my hands on one of those for sure.
why yours sounds that well is it a because its USA export?
Thanks Dave - awesome story. Eyeing one of those on CL - Is yours the 335II or just 335? My guess is that the quality has gone down as the model number got longer. But who knows??
It's a FG -335. Yamaha still make some good stuff but nothing I've seen is close to this one.
The FG-335II is not as desirable as is the FG-335.
@@TheLarryBrown yeah I had both and the fg-335 better
i am beginner. I had buy the fg700s two weeks ago. But yesterday i replace the guitar with the FG800S. Any opinions is welcome for this two guitars.
Haralabos Lukatos Yamaha don't make crap. It's all solid. Great place to start.
thank you for the answer. . I do good i replace the FG700 with the FG800? The replace is was $10. in the store i buy my guitar yestarday make one hour free lesson for begginers. is teach one finger chord the e a and d. And 3 finger chords e a and d. How i can start teach my self. i cant afford pay teacher noiw.
I'm about an hour south of you in Chapel Hill.
Just bought one! 200USD :-))))
I have one. Has some type of magic! What strings / guage do you use please?
John Chaumont elixirs 12s. I agree
@@gdave902 thinking of getting one of the new fg or fs 800 solid top yamahas to compare. Thanks for your reply. I use martin lifespan 11s
John Chaumont I just picked up an Epiphone Masterbuilt. Pretty blown away with it. All solid wood. Super dynamic and sound very similar tone to my old Yamaha.
Do you know what saddle, bridge pin and nut is made of?
They are bone now for sure. Not positive what they were originally.
My dad's got one and I got to dad's is a 78 and my two door 79 s
I guessed wrong. I thought it was going to be a FG-441s for sure. Best guitar on the planet. I would climb a pile of Lowdens, wearing cleats, just to get to the 441s at the top :)
Here's a theory. There is a subset of guitarists who can only play "their" guitar. It doesn't matter what that guitar is. I hate picking up someone else guitar. I sound like I can't play when I do. Maybe it's the LSD and mushrooms talking, but as the Dog tribe of West Africa believes, I too believe that not only do humans and the higher animals have souls, but so do inanimate objects. I think musicians sometimes form feedback loops with their instruments to the point where the instrument becomes more obviously alive than most other inanimate objects. Other people can sense it. I can't tell you how many people.have picked up my main guitar (Yamaha FG441s) played a little bit and then said some variation of: "There's something special about this guitar. I don't know why I love it so much." I have a suspicion that it's because when those special bonds between an instrument and player are formed, it opens the floodgates of the soul and the instrument becomes full of the soul of the human. Other humans can sense this when they pick up the instrument. Or maybe the guitars are just good. I dunno. That's my stoner theory.
Anyway. Now I'm going to go buy a FG-335. Thank you for your video. I think I'll pick one of these up, with the intention of making it my standard tuning guitar. The one that never goes into an alternate tuning. I need one of those, so I can just play those three chords you mentioned, without having to figure out what tuning the guitar is in and if a G chord is even possible without dislocating my thumb :)
😊
Hello Dave. Do you still own this guitar? I am planning to sell my Taylor 310 for buying one like yourse.
Santa Monica Still got it still love it. Playing an acoustic gig with it tonight.
@@gdave902 Did you ever played a Taylor 310? Wich one you love more?
Taylor’s are very popular. I’ve never been a fan. They are just a little to bright for me.
I’m buying a Yamaha FG800 for my daughter. Hope I’m buying the right guitar for an intermediate guitar player
Persi A. Should be just fine.
Dave Jennette
I appreciate your reply!
Thank you
one of these is for sale near me for $150
james milewski Did you get it? If so was it worth it?
$110 near me with gig bag, but by the time I finished researching it, it'd sold lol. Thinking about just buying it from Guitar Center for $130 now. :)
Does she made in china or japan?
Indonesia, I think. :)
Taiwan
Jag förstår exakt hur han tycker o tänker, jag är inne på min 3e yamaha....
Channel 8 Public Television? You must live in Nashville.
Joshua Taylor born and raised.
I am just amazed at the stuff Yamaha puts out
Joshua Taylor yep even the low end stuff is solid.
* * * MARTIN D-18 could replace that Yamaha...
For about $2000 more, yeah.
Exactly. A much more expensive guitar to match the affordable one. Tells you volumes about the quality of Yamaha.
that would be 84.lol
C’e solo il problema che il tipo parla ma nn sa ‘ suonare