Yamaha FG 340

Classic 70s-made acoustic guitar that includes a large, comfortable c-shaped neck, large lower bout, beautiful fretboard and wonderful overall soul or feel on the lap. This is a dreadnought in every sense of the word. Woods are laminate, but one would never know given the sound. Tuners are marked Yamaha Japan and are fine. Top has aged to beautiful, honey-color brown.

In a word: Unbelievable. I am not sure if the way that Yamaha made these guitars in the 70s or what, but this baby just bursts with tone and gorgeous sound. I can't say enough about how unique and great this guitar sounds -- fantastic, woodsy bass tone with wonderful midrange. I own 4 (yes, 4) 70s Guilds (D25, D25M, D35, and D40) and this Yamaha is absolutely in the same league sound-wise. Just wonderful! I have one made in 1978 and believe the 70s-made FG-340s are completely different guitars than those made in the 80s. From looking online, I learned that Yamaha made the Fg-340 from 1977 to 1980 or 1981. The 1977 and 1978 models are a bread apart. The lower bout is larger, the neck is more c-shaped and I have to think that the bracing and quality of woods are better. Get one made in the 70s.

Finish and fit are exemplary and consistent with other 70s-made Yamahas.

As with other guitars made by Yamaha in the 70s, this baby is built to last. Durability and reliability don't get any better

No experience with Yamaha customer support but imagine they take care of you given how long they have been in business.

I bought this guitar new around 79 - 80. I decided on this guitar because it was by far the loudest acoustic in the shop. It still is one of the loudest acoustic guitars I have heard.
The top is spruce laminate and the back and sides are also a laminate. Yes, it's all plywood but if plywood can sound like this who needs solid woods?! I don't know, you read so much about the merits of all the different woods available (eg cedar=mellow, spruce=bright etc etc) and feel that anything that is not made of solid construction must be inferior. Well, usually, it is but this FG340 defies all the conventions. It's laminate but it's deep, rich and LOUD across the whole tonal range.
The finish on the guitar is the old Yamaha plastic edge binding etc which looks ok but dated. Nice distinctive three piece laminate back.
Plastic nut, bridge and pins could all be upgraded but... if it aint broke why fix it? Mine still has original tuners which are getting a bit worn but still work fine and this guitar stays in tune.

The tone is a very rich solid sound. A strum and pick style can produce a sound akin to 12 string, with all the tonal colours.
It's a sweet sound for finger picking and compares favourably with any acoustic, including the Taylors and Martins. I'm not saying it's better, it's not, but it holds its own with some of the best.
When it comes to strumming, this guitar is bloody amazing! Compared with anything! If you were to busk with this people will hear you even out on a busy street and the sound is melodic, not that horrible sound of thrashing strings when someone is playing too hard. In fact, you can't really play this guitar too hard. Ok maybe with a hammer!

I've never touched the truss rod or bridge in 28 years and the action is as good as the day I bought it. It is low for an acoustic and very playable the length of the neck. My guitar has been through a lot of different conditions hot, cold, damp, never kept in a case and the neck has been rock solid whatever weight of strings used.
It's a well built guitar of it's day for what it is ie entry level guitar. Not the most pretty but rock solid.

Rock solid. Proven track record

No idea

Dogs nuts of a guitar. Real workhorse but also has the ability to produce some very sweet sound.
If I lost it I wouldn't replace it with the same model, it might be crap. Guitars, no matter what the make, are individuals and each has to be played and listened to. You can't buy a guitar because of the logo on the headstock. Listen to it, then have a look.
How philosophical...pass the sick bag.