Yamaha FG-300

I bought mine used in 1970 from a friend who needed money. He bought it new. Not sure how much he paid, but he wanted $75. I bought it from him to help him out. I can tell you it's the only acoustic I've owned and I play alot. I've window shopped for all these years, but could never find a better playing, better sounding guitar for the money. The only guitar that comes close is Taylor for alot more money in my opinion. The pick guard did come off and I replaced it. The handle on the hard shell case came off which I replaced, but other than that the guitar is all original and still plays and sounds great.

The multi adjustable bridge lets you set up just the way you like. I did install a fishman pickup / mic assembly which sounds great when going electric. Even without electronics, highs are bright, lows are resonant and harmonics are brilliant. Elixirs (light gauge)are best.

Action is as good as any. After almost 40 years of playing, the guitar might need to be re-fretted and I did have to replace the nut several years ago. The tuners do need to be oiled, but still function well.

This guitar has been played mostly at home, but I did use it on stage for many years in the 70's and it has always held up well. I use it for home recording now and I can get all types of sounds using mic / pickup thru an EQ or just the pickup thru a Line 6 POD. For some reason, the neck did not have a strap button on my model, not sure why.

I use my local music shop to work on my Yamaha. They take good care and I think its important to support them. I don't mind paying a little more for their service and friendship.

Very happy to own this guitar. I thought I wanted to buy a "heirloom" guitar I could pass down to my kids, but I realize now I already have one.

satin finish with a wood finish on top no electronics it is a gakki

sounds really good, sounds better than any taylor or martin i've played

action is absolutely perfect i can play almost the same things on this guitar as i can on my electric guitar

awesome

im so lucky to have this guitar, its not in oroginal condition, the previous owner that i didnt know sanded off the top for a wood finish and put a new pick guard on it

The FG 300 was made in the famous Gakki plant in Japan. This dreadnought guitar features an adjustable bridge for height and string length to get the perfect pitch. Adjustable neck too. Spruce top and mahogany body. The pick-up is a stylized version of the Gibson Dove pickup. This was considered the flagship Yamaha acoustic guitar of the late 1960's. It also comes with a custom-sized hardshell case for a perfect fit. There is a built-in electronic pickup which sounds very good but I don't know what type or name brand. It is probably an after-market pick-up. I bought this guitar on Ebay last year for $750 and I plan to keep this one!

This guitar has a solid bass, a smooth midrange and a crisp treble. I love to pick and strum through bluesy songs. It sounds really good and my guitar friends always remark about how good it sounds and then they get freaky when they learn it did not cost $2000 like a Taylor or Martin.

This is a late sixties guitar and there are many finish issues of course but the neck, bridge, tuners and top are all performing well. The pickguard is showing wear too.

The word "workhorse" applies to this guitar. It is very solidly built. That is probably an advantage of a guitar built when craftsmanship played a more prominent role in the late sixties than it does now unless you have the cash to hire a luthier.

Don't know. I do know a guitar tech who used to work for Yamaha and he said that the guitars were so well built that they sold them with a lifetime warranty. Corporate re-selling and re-structuring has long ago ditched the lifetime warranty concept but it does indicate the confidence that the company had in this guitar.

I have been playing guitars all my life and have owned many vintage acoustics including Gibson, Guild, Martin and Taylor. This FG 300 sounds great for the price. You can really spend a lot more dough without getting better sound. If I find another one, I will buy it to give to my son who currently plays a Martin but always picks-up my Yamaha when he comes home!

This a review of my Yamaha FG-300
serial number not recognised on Yamaha web site , however info points to it being made between 1968 and 1972 ,features have been covered elsewhere in other reviews, debate over solid or laminated top, seems no one sure , Yamaha advertising brochure from that era says select spruce top (meaning ?).
No one seems to comment on similarity to Gibson Hummingbird , i think this guitar was Yamahas take on that guitar.
As this guitar is in good shape i would rate it highly on features

This guitar has quite a unique voice , low end very defined and rounded top end not as loud but sweet.
Nice for pretty fingerstyle stuff , handles other styles well also

Fit and finish must rate highly , guitar still highly playable after so many years .Action can be adjusted also intonation, a great idea !

Havent yet gigged with this guitar but plan to , i think it would be fine , no pickup so will likely just do the soundhole thing through my AER alpha amp .

Have heard of lifetime warranty on Yamaha guitars , they seem to build a solid instrument

Been playing 35 years own another Yamaha acoustic DW-5S which i also like a lot , several electrics etc. and a Yamaha Les Paul style v. heavy.
would replace with another same if lost ,what i like most about this guitar is that when you pick it up you want to keep playing .
would like to add that i swapped a Seagull mini jumbo for this guitar
it was dead as a dodo , i would not write that brand off, perhaps i just got a dud . am very happy with the Yamaha FG-300 .

I bought this guitar used about 2 months ago (Dec 08) from a music teacher in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I think it was made in 1972, as the serial number starts with "I". I believe it's Yamaha's knockoff of the Gibson Hummingbird. It's an old guitar, has some minor surface dings and scratches, etc, but plays beautifully. The pick guard looks like it's been re-glued, which I hear is very common for this model of guitar. The neck is nice and straight, without a lot of wear on it.

I love this guitar. I don't have a pickup or anything built into it, but that's ok, because it has a huge booming sound. I've tried newer more expensive guitars at my local music shop, and they don't sound nearly as nice. I have silk and steel strings on it now (I'm switching from a nylon string classical and I needed something a little easier on my hands.) My music teacher said it was one of the nicest guitars he's heard. It's also very pretty. I love the flowery pick guard. (What can I say? I'm a girly girl. :)

The action is good, not too high, but no fret buzz, so not too low. It has an adjustable bridge if I ever wanted to change it.

This guitar has lasted 37 years, I think it'll probably last another 37 easily if taken care of. I think if I was playing a gig, the only thing I'd need is extra strings and picks!

No customer support what so ever. Everything I found out about this guitar I had to look up online.

I've only been playing guitar about a year. So I don't really have a lot of experience. However, I went to shop after shop looking for a folk guitar that I liked. Tried probably about 30 guitars. The ones I thought sounded great were all very expensive. When I saw this one, it was in a crappy old case, and I was a little dubious. But when I saw it, and strummed it, I was in love. I think this is the only folk guitar I will ever own. If it was lost or stolen I would be heartbroken. I can see replacing my old classical guitar, but this one, never.

I bought it at second hand in 1976 in Canary Islands and no info about year made, but must be before 1975 (probably 1973)It has no serial number or be deleted, so it was impossible for me to get more information. It's a japanese unit.
Dreadnought acoustic without amplification devices.
Laminated top mahogany back and neck, 20 fret, Tune-O-Matic style bridge,
Glossy transparent natural finished.

I only use it to play in parties with friends and some others in recording in my studio, and it has a very rich sound that many people compare with Martins! even in some music stores. Is very loudly, if you are singing without micro you may go hoarse trying to stick out your voice. The best sound that I have got in this guitar was due to the use of Elixir 011 cords. I have to say that I redicover this guitar, just after restore it and replace cords for that brand. WOW!

Very strong made and durable even in my hands... and my damn friends ones.
The plastic made strap button mades me have some doubts at first sight but 30 years later it stills being there so... but being honest pickguard glue fell down some years ago and I had to stick it again.
Hardware, rollers -in fact- have being tuning the guitar decades and now, only one started having some problems, a stiff touch.

Yamaha in Canary Islands gets you a very good service, in my opinion.

Start playing 32 years ago.
Also I have 3 electric solid body guitars (brands: Yamaha Rgx, Epiphone LP & Fender Tele) and an electric bass (Yamaha Rbx) Efect pedals, PA system, and some more...
I particularly love its strong sound and beautiful shape, aspect, finish, fretboard inlays, picguard design, bridge calibrations.
I bought it because the guy who was giving me lessons of guitar in the seventies, recomends me to do it after test it and compared with sound and features of others in that price ratio, it was a budget.
I only wish it have a cutaway, in order to make easier fretboard work and it's impossible to change the bridge to instal a piezo because of design.

Major feature of this guitar is it's adjustable bridge/string setup. Very handy for configuring to taste. Mine was new in '73 I think when I got it with hardshell case.

Good, full, rich sound. Lot of texture and tone potentials.

Great, light action. Can be set quite low with relative ease. Sales outlet did initial setup. Only flaw in construction I'm aware of was the eventual failure of the pickguard adhesive, a fairly common problem as I understand it.

No problems, and I used it a lot, though not out much.

Service easy and great. Supplied by local distributor, not Yamaha directly. (see below)

My Dad bought one of these for me new in '73, my first "real" guitar, on the advice of professional sales folk. I'd been playing for a couple years maybe. Mine was "lost or stolen" and I'm looking for one to replace it -- Please contact me if you've got one to sell. It's just a good all around guitar. It was a good value at it's retail price then and they seem to hold their vaue.

Dreadnought, Mahogany, Adjustable Bridge(sweet), Made c. 1970, Red Label "Nippon Gakki", Nice touches and it is gorgeous! After 38 years

I just entertain myself with simple styled folk tunes from the 60s. So I am not really any kind of an expert, but I have it set for a super low action and the intonation is soooo sweet. I get compliments from my friends who actually can play, when they try it.

This puppy was set up so-so from the factory (very High action) but it takes only a few meinutes to set-up with the adjustable bridge. The bridge has action adjustments (up and down via screws) and Intonation adjustments like (an electric) for each string.

Finish is great! Still loooks great after 38 years! They even shot a couple of clear coats on the interior (humidity control???). No buzzes, etc. Original tuners, I need to remove and refasten the pick gaurd (pickey, pickey) though.

I am not a professional and don't play enough to have an opinion that counts, but, this guitar has held up to countless basement/campfire "hootenannies" :-)

Never had a problem that I couldn't solve myself

Only guitar I own, never needed another one. Easy action, great tone, loud enough to hold it's own.

Favorite features: adjustable bridge and the thing is a beauty! Bought it new in about 1970 I think it cost about $200.00 new???? (maybe less). One owner, only played on Sunday (heh heh), If I needed to replace it, and if I could find one in decent shape, I'd do it in a heart-beat!

Yamaha FG300; gloss finish(inside, too--why?); dreadnought 'jumbo' style(according to Yamaha); tune-o-matic bridge; Yamaha tuners, thin neck, low frets, laminated top?--looks like spruce. Definitely laminated back/sides of mahoghany. 1 3/4"nut. Very lightweight instrument. Flowered pickguard, kind of translucent red/brown--reminiscient of a Gibson Hummingbird. This is my 1st of two that I had--kept this one, sold the other because this one played better. The original Yamaha case is junk, very thin---buy a stronger case.
By the way, I don't think any of them are solid wood, as some on Ebay love to claim. So what? They still sound great. This one has the "Nippon Gakki" Red Label

Has a tight, midrangy tone to it, maybe like a Martin D-18. The FG300's have a sound all their own, yet there is another model Yamaha that has an even BETTER sound yet no cult following---The Yamaha FG350W from the late 1970's. Anyway, the mahoghany FG300's sound different than the Rosewood/laminate FG300's. This FG has lots of volume to it and has that vintage tone.

I had the nut raised and the truss rod adjusted for a nice low action; very easy to play.
The finish has various marks of a 30 year-old instrument that have no effect on the sound.

I think it would withstand live playing; so many are still out there in many forms of condition.

Been playing 25+years; own many of the other major brands; they all have their own 'voice', as does the FG300. I still think the Yamaha FG350W sounds even better than the FG300. How did they do it so well? We'll never know...

I hope I can put another review in ,because I just got my 2nd fg 300.Orig. tuners missing one cover but I have the ones I took off my first one. Got this one off E-bay. She's in great shape

Red lable what can I say..

Action was a little high but a few turns of the adj. bridge fixed that..Had to adj. the truss rod also. The nut was worn tried a trick I read about...super glue(very small amount) & baking soda let it set up and sand then file in the grooves

Serial # wiz sez 69 or 70, she's still in good shape

Accually the Serial # wiz didn't work had to call yamaha. they found the info

It's my 2nd 300... Is another in the future??? My fiance would kill me ..

i love my fg
wouldnt trade it for the world

trashes more expensive boxes to bits

like playing with cotton

although it has done by me very well the bridge is comming apart
i would like to get my hands on a new one if anyone knows where i can get oneit would be great you can e-mail me at donna_randy2@yahoo.com

This is an FG300 red label.. I got off ebay, no pick up, all acoustic, and all laminated too.. Ahhhh dont you love it, an all ply guitar that kills my martin, go figure!! Good neck, strings a bit close together, my fingers are skinny, but my friend has sausage fingers... I changed the tuners to grover. Ajustable bridge is very cool, but not to attractive..Back and sides lam. rosewood, very nice.. An all around busker..

Well Well Well, How? Why? Who? How did they do it? Why did they do it? And who did it? Great guitar man, Thunderous lows, nice highs, and for the love of god LOUD!!! I dont think there is any body out there that can build a guitar quite like Yamaha can, I mean this thing is not even solid wood, But you would never no it. I also have a fg180 also that great too.. But the 300 is a keeper, has that old to die for low dry tight martin sound... But it only cost 480.00 with shipping.. I am getting another one this week...Im hooked, For years I have reading about these old red labels, nippon somthing or other, So one day I just ordered the 180, And I was like WOW.. They are right..Great old sound, durable, and theres just somthing about these old yammys man.... They are becoming a cult thingy..I love these axes.. Buy one or two.

Really good, for 30+ years, allgood inside and out..Although the fg180 needed lots of help..

Come on there Yammys

Dont no, sorry

Just Amazing, What a sound ya...

When I first saw this guitar she had 5 rusted strings,a loose pick guard, worn tuners, a few nicks and most of all a "RED LABEL". It love at first sight!

Even with the 5 rusted strings it didn't sound real bad, but when I got her home and strung her up... WOW. I don't know alot about solid wood tops, Koa bodys etc. couldn't care less. Does a guitar sound and play good? That's what I know... And this one does.

She is easy to to play. I love the adj. bridge though I've only messed with it once when I first got her. I also like the idea of the laquer on the inside.

The guy I bought her from had bought this guitar for his father in the early-mid 70's,his dad had passed away 10 yrs. earlier and she sat all alone in his closet 'till I came along..Durable?? sure..I put new Grovers on her thats it. And of course the pick guard...easy fix.

nope

I got my 1st guitar when I was in 5th grade I'm 51 now (u do da math).I also have 2 other Yams-fg180 and a fg335 an Ovation a Washburn Agusta. I also have a Alvaraz 12 string and a cheep elec.guitar.If the house caught fire I'd grab the 300 first. I also keep my eyes open for another one, I'd buy it in a minute. I love these old "red labels". My uncle (he passed away 2 months ago) had a fg140 that I would love to have,they are good instruments also.

Finish is mellow and durable. No damage except where pickguard came off. Missing when I bought it. Not sure of year made. Typical red label also has K encircled on brace and serial number on brace next to sound hole on inside.

Incredible sound. No buzzing , highs and lows like I've never heard on any guitar.

Action set low, perfect condition of all hardware and wood. Tuners still perform as new.

With the exception of the pickguard missing, it looks like the instrument will last forever. Finish thick and solid, strap button solid, may have been replaced.

WOuldn't expect support at this age.

I began playing in about 1965. Had a cheap Silvertone that I thought was the best back then, moved on to Teisco electric couple years after that. Quit playing around 1970 until deciding to relearn about 3 months ago. I bought a couple of guitars on eBay, cheap and affordable. Found an Epiphone acoustic elec. at local music store and put it in layaway. The other night when going to pay a bit more down on it, I saw this little Yamaha FG-300 laying on the floor in its original case looking like an orphan. Picked it up, saw it's sad looking wood where pickguard used to be, played a few notes and fell in love. I paid the price, it was on consignment. Store people thought I was silly for wanting it. I knew nothing of it's age or history. Been wearing the ends of my soft fingers off playing it. Next day paid off my Epiphone and took it home, it's ok but no comparison. Just because I'm all the sudden getting silly with this guitar thing, I bought a slightly used Alvarez PD-90 at same store, got it home today and it does not even come close to the Yanaha. I will sell the Alvarez, keep the Epiphone for now, but never part with the Yamaha. If I'd had one like it in the 60's I would have never stopped playing.

I bought my FG-300 at a pawn shop in Houston for 90.00
I love this guitar. The neck is straight, the pick guard hums, and I put it on the pillow next to me at night ! Maybe that's why I don't sleep too well.

Lot's of Cash, Williams, & Coe. The action on this guitar is incredible.

Couple of dings, but it sounds better every time i pick it up !

Can't beat the adjustable bridge....

NOPE.

Been playing since I was a kid, also have a 1964 Gibson ES-150, and an old Strat...The FG-300 is my Favorite !

This Model Was Began In 1969 As The Top Line Yamaha. It Is Advertised In The Literature As Having A "Select Spruce Top." Mine appears to be solid. I have read both that it is "solid" and some say "laminate." This guitar listed for $360 in 1973 when my red label model was built, and I am 99+ percent certain that the top is solid. The lines go through from top to bottom. Plus, the literature advertises a "select spruce top." That typically means solid wood. Mine has laminate sides and back, with Brazilian Rosewood as the outside wood. Mine is complete, and it appears that the pickguard has never had any issues (like most others).

This is a wonderful loud and distinct sounding guitar. It is a boomer, and I would put it up against anything I have. I do a lot of folk and some bluegrass. There is nothing to complain about. I have a Guild DV52, and a Martin 00028EC. This guitar compares favorably with the Guild. The Martin is a 000 sized body and is not comparable to the booming sound this Yamaha gives.

Action, Fit and Finish are Spectacular. Great guitar. Well made, and at 43 years old will only get better. The tuners were replaced some time in the past with neat grovers.

This is the guitar that I would have no problem bringing to a gig.

Solid top?Rosewood back and sides.Beautiful inlays and the most user friendly bridge ever.

I got this Yamaha at a local Flea market.The fella said he knew nothing about guitars and boy was he right.It had 4 rusty strings on it and was as grubby as a guitar could be.I had never seen an FG300 before and what caught my eye was the adjustable bridge.Long story short I got it for $60.When I got it home I put on some Martin lights and when I played it I almost got teary.This flea market find is probably the sweetest sounding acoustic I have ever played.Bar none.This one needs a refret or at least dressed and has some fretboard wear to the 3rd fret but action is wonderfully low and playability is awesome.I play a lot of Neil Young and Johnny Cash and suits both perfectly.

Have to give a lower rating for this due to the pickguard problems(mine is not origional and poorly handmade)Also the tuner screws have a habit of coming loose.The finish of this guitar is thick and lovely and has aged very well.There seems to be some confusion wheither these are solid tops or not.With a mirror inside I am sure that the grain matches inside to outside and wonder if some were solid and some were laminate.Inlays,bindings and headstock are well done and have past the test of time.Choice of woods are excellent.Don,t know how old this guitar is (serial#0063925 red label Nippon Gakki) but it has held up very very well.All origional hardware works like new

I never play live.I only play to the squirrels and racoons off of my back porch so most of my guitars lead a pretty charmed life but this guitar was well played before I got it and has held up perfectly.Straight neck no bulges on the top and no cracks or loose bracing.Finish is very tough and has no cracking or crazing.I am confident that this guitar will still be around for another 50 odd years.origional tuners are holding up well and the bridge is perfect.Wish I had the origional pickguard

NA

I am a true guitar junky and own over 30 guitars of varying pedigree.I always seem to find odd and interesting guitars.I don't own any truly high end guitars but I own a few beauties.My favorite electrics that I own are my SG and a Switch Oscar Vibracell or my son,s Les paul.For acoustics my regular players are a Yamaki western;an Fg75 and a Dobro but the guitar I always seem to to pick up is the 300.I lucked into this guitar and with the prices they are going for now so would probably be my last one.I found the guitar that I will never part with.

Red label FG-300. Usual pick guard

I took this instument on my raft down the Grand Canyon. 18 days of all the river could give us and we tried to give back. Had it in the original case and a big dry bag. Scorching sun, monstrous rapids and many nights of libation inspired guitar silliness. Not a problem at all and I still play it. I was going to sell it but it seems like a sort of cult instrument, so I think I'll just keep it for fun and exceitment...

I have a Yamaha FG 300 I bought it in Nassau Bahamas...My wife says I had it whee we got married in May 71. My recollection is late 69 or early 70 It is relatively mint except as others have pointed out the pickguard came off years ago. I would like to repair this with an original. Does anyone know wher I can purchase a replacement pickguard??
Thanks
Gord

The guitar plays just as it did when I bought it. It has a beautiful resonance

Its over 35 years old now and has travelled with me around the world several times and has suffered no ill effect (apart from pickguard)

Finish is as I bought it with a nfew minor nicks
I have the original case as well

40 years but dont practice enough these days

I bought my FG300 Red Lable in 1972, the year it was made, and it sounds even richer today then it did then. Its a great guitar, beautifully made. I've kept it in great condition over the years and yes the pick gards do loosen but that's a minor fix. The neck is pretty darned straight after all these years even though I could use the tensioner if I needed to. The sound is balanced, rich (although maybe not quite as deep as a Martin D35 but real close), and true. I'd have a hard time ever letting it go not just because its a great guitar but also because of all of the things we've been through together in the last 33 years. I still have the case I bought with it. Long live the FG300!

30 years playing....same as others on the pick guard. Everyone loves the sound and thin neck. Almost like playing an electric as far as finger action. Strings low to fret board. QUALITY guitar...played against martin d28 etc...those guys always would rather play my fg300...AWESOME guitar! Tuners faded long ago. replaced them. adj. bridge is nice.

30 years playing....same as others on the pick guard. Everyone loves the sound and thin neck. Almost like playing an electric as far as finger action. Strings low to fret board. QUALITY guitar...played against martin d28 etc...those guys always would rather play my fg300...AWESOME guitar!

My FG-300 was a recent gift from a friend in Colorado. He and I bought it together in 1973, new, in Denver. I loaned him the money to buy it (about $175, if I recall correctly). The guitar remained in Colorado up until Sep 2005 when he brought it here to Maine and gave it to me as a gift. The guitar survived all those years in a very dry climate without being humidifed and it is in excellent condition...no cracks or warpage. It even arrived at baggage claim in it's original chipboard case completely undamaged! I installed a new set of strings and was amazed to find that the tone is as good if not better than my 1999 D-28. The serial number is 00917322, and it says "made in Japan" on the back of the peghead.

I am a folk-style flat-picker and find it has excellent volume, much like my Mossman 12 string, and more volume than my D-28. It has a full volume, and better bass than my D-28, although the D-28 is a bit easier to play, perhaps because I'm more used to it.

The fit and finish, for a 32 year old guitar, are as good as new, with the exception of the pickguard, which has loosened a bit.

yes, yes , yes, & yes!

n/a

44 years. I have several banjos and guitars. It has sentimental value, as it was given to me as a gift.

This is a Red Label, but is not marked with the usual Nippon Gakki, which means made in Japan, but there is no other marking of where it was made. I have not been able to find an explanation of why it is missing the Nippon Gakki. However, most of the advice I have received indicates is was made in Japan because of the red label. The original owner purchased it in the early 70's.

The top is clearly solid spruce, as I can see the wood grain through the entire thickness. Maybe some of these have a laminated top, but not this one. All the other features are as described in previous reviews.

When I bought it the strings were very old and corroded, and it sounded so bad, I expected that new strings would bring it up to just OK or acceptable. Was I wrong! It compares with, or is better than, a good Martin D-28, and runs a respectable second to my HD-28 Adirondack from the custom shop. I feel like I hit the jackpot.

The E,A, and D strings are clear and powerful, and the G, B, and E are clear, and not overmatched by the strong bass.

I play a variety of music, and this guitar is perfect for much of it, including of course, bluegrass.

I am the third owner, so I have no idea how it was set up originally. However, the intonation is perfect (adjustable saddles)and the action is low up and down the neck, with no buzzing. It compares to the professional set ups on my two Martins.

This guitar has seen a lot of use with dings and scratches, etc. but close inpection shows excellent craftsmanship. The finish and fit on the inside was also perfect. The pickguard is in very good condition, with only minor scratches.

Even though this guitar is collectible, I don't think it has to be babied too much. The finish seems to be quite durable and the hardware is good, even after all these years. There is no evidence of anything ever being fixed or replaced. I was amazed that it was hard to detect any fret wear.

I have no experience with this.

I have been playing casually off and on, for 40 years. I have a total of 9 guitars, of many flavors, including a D-18, an HD-28 Adirondack from the custom shop. My only electric is a 91 American Standard Strat. I like guitars, but do not play that well.

I love how this guitar looks, plays, and sounds. I will never sell it. If lost or stolen, I would definitely look for another. I am always popping into guitar stores, and I try out a lot of the better instruments in the $1,500 to $3,000 range. This guitar beats most of the many I have tried.

I always knew cheaper Yamaha acoustics were excellent guitars,and just this month I bought the (red label) 300 off the e-bay.W/shipping $480.00 I would not sell for $1000.00 I reglued the pick guard,w/ fiddle glue,and put new Martin strings13-58.A devoted love began.I own a 1970 d-28,a j-45,a lgo,and a j-55 Gospel Gibson.Also a ce24 p r s,and a Japan made Tele,AND A GIBSON BLUES HAWK,also a Fender nashville b-bender.I'll sell any of the above but not the Yamaha !!

I play mostly porch music and cookouts,senior dances,country and popular classics.Love the sweet and clean sounds,(w/new strings)

Suits me totally,in all the above..

Yes,Yes Yes Yes Yes

no,no,no,no

Playing for 40 years.
If it were stolen or lost I'd try for another.
Love everything,even the loose pickguard!Fav feature Intonation ease.
Maybe a good fishman p/u ! Maybe a soft leather Strap. Thats it!!

i just want to say that whatever about the back and sides the top of the fg 300 is solid spruce. what some people are describing as laminate signs in the soundhole are in fact woodgrain.

My Yamaha FG-300 red label was given to me by a friend, in the early 80's It appears to have a solid top and sides, with a laminated back. It is a mahogany guitar, but the inside of the back appears to be rosewood. The neck is mahogany with a rosewood fretboard. Its a beautifully playing guitar, put a new set of martin marquis lights on and wow! Mine has had the same old pick guard problems, and I have adjusted the truss rod once. There is a dent in the back of the lower neck and a crack in the heel of the neck that needs to be repaired.that's the only reason I'm looking for a replacement guitar, just so I,ll get the yamaha fixed. It seems to be a very durable instrument, with plenty of backbone to stand up with the more popular brand guitars.

I acquired this guitar in 1973, and it was a year or two old then.
It has a red label under varnish that says YAMAHA GUITAR / FG-300 / NIPPON GAKKI. The serial number 1223282 is lightly stamped in ink on the reinforcement block which anchors the neck rod. The top laminations are visible in the soundhole. The back is a beautiful, dark wood, split so that it is symmetrical about a three piece inlay that runs from top to bottom. The back is laminated, as the inside grain pattern is different, and not symmetrical. The sides appear to be the same dark wood as the back, and they have also been split so that the grain pattern is the same on both sides. I would guess they are also laminated. My flowery, engraved pickguard never fell off, but it came loose little by little. I used to be able to get a good percussive slap out of it until I finally glued it down about 5 years ago. I have huge hands, but somehow I love the thin neck. It has twenty frets, but I never use the last seven as they are on top of the body. I have found the covered Yamaha tuners to have really nice action, and they still work fine. This guitar holds its tune incredibly well. No pickups. The Tune-O-Matic bridge is unique, although I have never needed to adjust it.
I have the original hardcase, but a piece of rope replaced the handle, which fell off in 1973.

I learned finger picking back in the 60's, by listening to Peter Paul & Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, etc. In the 70's I found myself doing a lot of songleading, and needed a little more acoustic volume, so I developed my own style where I hold a flat pick with my thumb and first finger, then wear finger picks on the next two fingers. I love the sound and feel of this guitar, and have never played a Martin or Gibson that I would trade it for. (I'll admit I once played a jumbo Guild that was nicer, but no trade was offered.)

Other than the pickguard coming loose, this is one honey of a guitar.

I have played this guitar live for 33 years, and it is nearly like new.
The first three frets and the fretboard show slight wear. The finish is still nice, though I rarely clean or polish it. The top has darkened to a beautiful gold color

N/A

In 1972, I was living in Ames, Iowa. I was into bicycle racing, and had ambitions to enter the Race Across America. After blowing out my knees, I was sitting at home lamenting my situation when a knock came upon my door. A guy said, "I heard you couldn't ride anymore, and wondered if you wanted to trade your bike for my guitar?" I said, "no." He said, "You haven't even seen it. Let me show it to you." He brought it in, and when he opened the case, I was stunned at its beauty. As soon as I picked it up and played it, I wanted it. We traded straight across. I have never regretted it. I'll bet he doesn't have my bike anymore.

According to Yamaha My Red Label FG300 was made on November 30 1971. (the serial number is located on the brace that runs across the top directly above the sound hole, and Yamaha has a serial number search on thier web site.)The instrument was Purchased new by my Mother in 1972. This is the guitar I learned to play on, and I inherited it from her when she died.
I'll skip a long description as there are plenty of them already here. I really love the bridge though.

What can I say? I've played many acoustic guitars over the years, and this one can hold it's own with any of them. no buzzes, or muted sound despite some serious fret wear. It does Have a bit of a discrepancy between the volume of the srtings I think is caused by loose brace near the bridge, that I need to get repaired.

This guitar was very well made for it's price range. The action is fairly light, and low, It is easily the best feeling acoustic I have played.

It's 32 years old now, And is showing some wear. The pickguard is a little loose, and there are many minor dings and scratches. Once I get the Brace reglued I would take it anywhere with no worries.

Got good info on it from the web site, that's about it.

I've been playing off and on for about fifteen years, this guitar has always been there, and hopefully always will. Words cannot describe how I would feel if it were lost or destroyed. I plan on passing it on to my daughter, if she takes an interest in guitar.

I bought my FG 300 in the early 70's, in France.
It was made in Japan like all FG300 mentionned in this page.
I really think it has a solid top ; but difficult to check.
It is very easy to play

I really love its sound. G, B and E are just crystal clear, warm, soft and bright. They also can be pretty hard, depending on your attack.
E, A and D very much depend on the kind of strings you put. With new, Martin light gauge, they are just fantastic. Powerfull and very clear.
I cannot compare with very expensive guitars as I have never plaid such instruments, but I can swear that I never met such a good one and all friends are impressed by the fantastic sound it produces.
I would love to hear what Doc Watson could get out of it !

Excellent fit and finish

My guitar is now a more than 30 year old lady ! It is still in perfect conditions ! Nothing has been changed or replaced. It is just like it was when I bought it.

Not applicable

I have been playing guitar for now 37 years. But I am far from beeing an expert. I play folksong (Doc Watson, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Judy Colins, Pete Seeger are some of my favorits). If I would loose this guitar, I would loose a part of my life ! I would probably try to find a similar one ; but it probably wouldn't be as good as mine which is just brand new ! It would also be a different instrument, not mine, a foreigner...

I bought my FG300 (Red Label) in Dorset UK in 1970 using the money from selling my Lambretta. The guy who bought the Lambretta crashed it straight away. I still mourn that scooter.

I was seventeen and used the guitar for playing in folk clubs, pubs and at university. Features are as dexcribed by other contributors. It has worn well and the pickguard has not fallen off. The machine heads and action are still excellent. Best features are its resilliance and great sound - I still get excited by the classy looking pickguard too.

Th guitar still sounds as good as ever. My son (now 17) borrowed the guitar and discovered a talent far greater than mine. He now writes and gigs with a band and owns four guitars (including a Santana PRS second edition and a Simon and Patrick twelve string. We recently played every twelve string in Birmingham (UK) before choosing the S&P which sounds better than anything at any price. But, my lad still uses the FG300 in his recordings. I would let him use it on stage if he asked, but he hasn't yet - don't encourage him please. For my fiftieth birthday he bought me a new set of strings and set it up beautifully. I think that was its first new full set ever - shame on me.

I am a lifelong Richard Thompson follower and try to play his stuff. I am poor.

Action is low and precise, never have I needed to adjust it. Its a big guitar for a big person but the neck is thin enough for the hands of a true artiste, and me. I have thumbs that do not bend very much and have to bar most chords, the thin neck helps.
The finish has held up well over thirty three years.

It has had a modest beating, in and out of cars and fallen over a few times. It has risen to the abuse well. I have just stopped to stroke it.

I believe the warranty has expired now. I never had contact with Yamaha. Someone at work was playing an FG350 and waxing lyrical. I concurred but was thinking how much better is my guitar.

If it is lost or stolen - end of the world, but I would have a look at a Simon and Patrick six string.
It has been a lifelong companion and my lack of talent must have been a disappointment for it. However, although it is a mere object its importance is immense, mainly because my son discovered his musical talent through it. As Jools Holland replied when asked whether he has encouraged his kids to learn an instrument "No, music will find you." Through my FG300 music found my son.

I will state for the record that I do not own this guitar. It belongs to my sister-in-law, who inherited it when her father passed away. As such, it has been "in the family" for 26 years. I have played it on numerous occasions over the years and have just spent a couple of weeks repairing and adjusting this fine old guitar. I feel this qualifies me to give the review that follows.

What we have here is a "red label" Yamaha FG-300 acoustic guitar. This example has no serial number, but I believe it dates from about 1970, and was made in Japan by Nippon Gakki. The guitar is a dreadnaught body style, with a spruce top, rosewood sides and back, and a mahogany neck. Despite what several reviewers below indicate, the top, sides and back are laminated, not solid wood, at least on this example. I can see the cross ply laminations on the edge of the soundhole, and the wood grain on the back is markedly different on the inside and outside of the body. The guitar appears to be styled after the Gibson Hummingbird or Dove family, though it's not a direct copy. Like the Hummingbird, it has a short scale, measuring only 25", and an large, elaborate pickguard with a floral pattern engraved on it. Like the late 60's Dove, the Yamaha has a large rosewood bridge, with pearloid inlays, which incorporates a "tuneamatic" style adjustable bridge. There are 20 frets on a rosewood fingerboard with small split paralellogram pearloid inlays. The covered tuners and bridge are of Yamaha's own design and manufacture. The neck is rather narrow, with a comfortable soft "v" shape, and is bound with a single layer of white binding. The body and headstock are bound with alternating layers of white and black plastic and the "Yamaha" logo is inlayed on the rosewood peghead veneer in pearl. The finish is a gloss poly or urethane varnish.

The guitar came with a simple hard shell case, also made by Yamaha. It has a rather thin yellow plush lining, and is unusual in that all the hardware is screwed to the case rather than being riveted.

I'm not sure how you rate an acoustic guitar for "features." It does have a case, an adjustable bridge and fancy inlays, so I'll give it an "8"

Over the years I've played this guitar on many occasions, Usually at parties at my brother's house. Unfortunately, the guitar was usually equipped with old, dead, rusty and mismatched strings, so I never was able to evaluate it fairly. After performing necessary repairs (see below) and stringing it with Martin SP custom lights, I was able to give this guitar a fair evaluation. I am impressed. After 33 years of aging, the wood is very dry and the guitar is toneful and lively.

I also own a new Gibson Hummingbird and a three year old Gibson SJ200, and this little Yamaha holds its own with them. Compared to the Hummingbird, the Yamaha lacks the deep, warm bass and sparkling presence in the high notes of the Gibson. The Yamaha has a sound that is more focused, with strong mids and a slight compression. The Yamaha's tone makes the most of its limited volume and cuts through a mix very well. This focused sound would make the guitar a good choice for ensemble playing. Where the Hummingbird tends to get lost in a large room, the Yamaha cuts through and makes itself heard.

I was so impressed that I took the guitar to my church and played it in last Sunday's service. I was very pleased with the way it sounded in the large hall, and I got several compliments on the sound from the congregation.

The sound is so good that my rating is not just against other guitars in its price range, but against all other acoustics I've played. The "8" in this category may, therefore, seem low, but I'm comparing it to high end Gibsons, Martins and Taylors. In this company the rating I'm giving it is nothing to be ashamed of

The guitar is pretty old, so I don't really know what the factory setup was like except for a couple of things. The original nut is cut with very close string spacing, making the already narrow neck seem even more tight. My playing style includes a lot of fairly intricate left hand work and elaborate flat picking, so I'm used to a fairly wide board with generous string spacing.

Although my sister-in-law does not remember it, the guitar was worked on at some point. The frets have been dressed quite low between the 3rd and 12th frets. I believe that the neck developed a back bow at some point in its early life, and that someone attempted to correct it by dressing the frets to obtain some neck relief. With fresh strings and a truss rod adjustment, the guitar plays very well despite these issues. I think the guitar would play even better with a new nut and a professional refret, but it's not my choice to make.

Overall, the woodwork was neat and tidy. Yamaha even varnished the INSIDE of the body. The hardware (tuners and truss rod cover) were installed a little crooked, but those are the only issues I can find with the guitar as built.

As I mentioned before, the case hardware is attached with screws rather than rivets. Some of the latch screws near the lower end of the case are long enough to penetrate the thin case lining and scratch the guitar. It's something to watch for.

This guitar is over 33 years old now and has survived years of abuse and neglect. It has been stored under beds and forgotten in closets during damp summers and dry, cold winters. About six years ago, my nephew decided to take up guitar and "borrowed" mom's guitar for the next five years. My nephew is now a working professional musician, and the guitar he learned on shows the scars and dings that time and careless youth have inflicted on it. The finish is showing many dings and scratches, but hasn't worn through except for some pick wear around the soundhole.

This past year, my sister-in-law asked me to clean, adjust and restring the guitar for her, as it has achieved "family heirloom" status. As it turned out, the guitar needed a bit more work than that, but nothing out of the ordinary for an instrument its age. The top was beginning to sink ahead of the bridge due to a loose brace, which I easily reglued. This cured the sinking top. The neck set proved to be excellent after all these years. One of the tuners was stripped from wear and neglect, so I installed a set of Grover Rotomatics. The pick guard had come loose (apparently they all do on this model, according to the other reviews). I cleaned off all of the loose glue, sanded the guard and top smooth, then reattached the pickguard with 3M double sided adhesive.

All the guitar required after this was a good cleaning, a fret polish, a little oil on the fretboard, and a careful setup. Now it plays and sounds as good as ever.

Of course it will withstand live playing, and has for many years. My nephew has subjected this guitar to far more abuse than I ever would, and it has come through with only the minor troubles I've noted. In my opinion, this guitar is as durable as any acoustic guitar could be expected to be.

I've never contacted Yamaha, but I doubt they could be of much help. This guitar is, after all, over 33 years old. I'm sure that original replacement parts (tuners, pickguards, etc.) are long gone.

This guitar belongs to my sister-in-law, who, although she rarely plays it herself, cherishes it because it was her father's guitar,and because her son learned to play on it. Our whole family plays music and we own many guitars, as well as drums, keyboards and other instruments. This Yamaha is the oldest of the bunch, and the only instrument to have achieved "heirloom" status. It's a fine guitar that only needed a little love to be restored to health. I'm glad I had the chance to do this. It's a great little guitar.

I bought my Yamaha FG300 red label about a year or so ago. The serial number is 20124484. There is a small "k" stamped above the label with a circle around it. The guitar is in great shape. The only 2 flaws I've seen are the pickguard which I reglued with a contact adhesive, and a small dent on the back of the neck where someone had evidently knocked it over. The finish is great. I came with the original case,which still had the little made in Japan stickers on it. The frets are in almost new shape. This guitar has not been abused or played heavily.I love the adjustable bridge-it makes sense.

I play my guitar mostly at home because I'm usually playing electric live. I've really been afraid to use it much live because of the rowdy kids at all of the youth band functions related to the church, etc.This guitar has a very mellow tone as well. The highs are great, the lows are thundering. I've played some bluegrass next to an early 60's brazilian Martin and an older Gibson j50. It blew the drawers off the Gibson and hung valiantly with the Martin.Martin won the lows.

This guitar was built solidly. The pickguard was raised when I bought it. I fixed that. Great woods-I thought it was solid but was informed it was probably laminated. The adjustable bridge is great.

This is an awesome player. It still has the original tuners which do fine. All the woods in fine order. I got rid of my Alvarez pd series guitar after I got this one. It sounded like a cigar box. It is my only acoustic-I can't justify the money difference to buy its equivalent. I own a 93 American strat,G & L asat special, Yamaga sbg 500, 95 American strat limited edition, 65 Fender p-bass. Bang for the buck this is THE winner hands down.

The only experience I've had with yamaha is when they sent me a free catalog for a sequencer I had. They were really nice, though.

I have been playing guitar for 20 or so years. If was lost or stolen, it would be devastating. I would be forced to go buy that new Taylor and sell the kids to the slave traders.I will buy another 300 right now if one comes available.

The bridge is to die for, like a tune-o-matic for acoustic

Warm tone, resonates where it should, sings out strong

Plays like a dream, looks like a million... or it would if the pick guard would stay on the darn top....

No problems since the day it was new ... except that pickguard

I am waiting for a reply from Yamaha on how to properly repair the pickguard. I need a replacement guard and am having problems finding one. The old one is in pieces from being brittle from age. I have yet to hear back....

I have owned Gibson, Taylor, Martin, Ovation, and Guild acoustics. They all have thier ups and downs (mostly ups) but they can't touch this thing for value on the dollar. Not many 35 year old acoustic guitars look as good as this one ... except for the pickguard. As soon as I get a response from Yamaha, I will post the info how to repair the common pickguard problem.

playing for 30 + years
When god invented the guitar this is the one he was talking about!
With the tone quality that this old yamaha has
and the perfect action that compares to a top dollar gretch
it is hard to set it down
and it doesnt matter what kind of strings are on it some cheap ghs or marques this guitar brings out the best in any brand
even dead strings sound good on this old fg300
I just wish that I bought it ealier in life, for it would have saved me from buying about 13 other aquistic guitars that dont get very much play anymore now that I have this one
I just dont understand why yamaha cant duplicate the quality of this old guitar on any of their newer models
nor any of the computition
I bet that Neil Young has at least one

late 60's or early 70's
never counted the frets .all's I knowns is if-in I can't them I start in a lower key
metinks it's solid
naw-thing onboard as far as electronics
fg300
shoot I don't know what wood it tis

full bodied sound
non-amplified
well hit don't bark or moo or sound like no cat or aminail
most times it's user error when I screw up up, trying to play her

guitar was givin to me by a friend
his son tried to refinish it and FAILED
LOOKS LIKE HELL

welp it set in my buddy's celler fer about 20 year and it has been in my basement fer about 20 year
so's you finger it out

HA___HA_____why ask-------whatis customer support

action on this unit is fantatic; I would put it up against any guitar in the world today
other than my 59 gibson les paul or my 63 fender strat
but these are electric guitars

How many features can you have in an acoustic? Not many but this is my favorite acoustic I've ever played on. I may only be 17 but I've been playing since i was about 11 years old. This is a wonderful guitar and possibly one of the best buys you can find. Esspecially with the red nippon ghakki (rare version, japenese) After buying these in 2002 I felt i had ripped th eguy off once iI got home. I got it for only $80 dollars!!!

Two words..GOD LIKE... no guitar under a thousand bucks has the sound this does. If you fnd one buy one..but they can be hard to get!

Very well! Although after time the pickguard trends to warp off the wood... other than that wonderful!

Very good except for the pickgaurd like i said.

dont know..this guitar is over thirty years so there would eb no need for customer service.

W - O - W

1974 FG-300
Black Label: Yamaha + Nippon nomenclature under varnish (watch for early model fakes as labels are peeling yellowed paper, not under shellac.
Serial number at front of sound hold bracing near neck side in blue.
Dreadnaught body style (fat waist, wide body acoustic).
Solid Rosewood sides, book matched rosewood back, rosewood neck, binding includes headstock!
Solid spruce top (use dental mirror to verify grain patterns when purchasing), with rosewood tailpiece, mother of pearl neck inlays, flower pattern 3 color painted pickguard is a must for true value.
Adjustable tailpiece (action, and intonation).

I'm comparing the sound to overal guitar tone. Since I'm not primarily an acounstic player this is based on an odd set of circumstances. However, my extensive/eclectic guitar collection and involvment in music makes me feel this is an unbiased opinion.

Some of my more recognizable guitars currently owned:
91 Fender USA Stratocaster 'Ultra' Model with Fender Lace sensors
84 Ibanez Signature series Alan Holdworth AH-10
76 Hagstrom Super Swede
79 Les Paul Standard
98 Les Paul Zak Wylde Signature model

This acoustic is ultimately a very warm guitar. Whom ever posted (see other reviews) that there is a lamitated top has never seen the original literature for this guitar, or looked inside with a dental mirror. The guitar features a solid spruce top with incredible solid rosewood book-match back and sides. No laminates here at all. Even the interior skeleton is made with rosewood, or spruce supports. Include the fact that there is close to 2 milimeters of gloss sealant on the guitar and you have a very dense, high sustain, warm tone. The fundamental notes ring true and last for days. If you match features with any new guitar of the same caliber, expect to empty your bank account for more than 2K us. That is the bottom line.

I received this guitar from my wife, who's father died at an early age. The guitar was in storage for 20 years. SInce I've had it, I have adjusted the intonation depending on the string gauges I use with it (try that with a solid tail piece!) and have had no problems with the playabilty of this guitar. There are even frets, and no dead-spots on the neck.

I have had the same standard pick guard problem. Ironically this is due to Yamaha trying to make a better pickguard mounting system. Instead of clear coating the top, and sanding where the pickguard was to be glued, they clamped a slightly smaller version of the pickguard before the shellac process. After the thick shellac was placed, the pickguard was removed and glue was poured into the cavity and the pickguard placed on top. The reasoning being that the glue adheres to the wood better than the clear shellac or varnish. Unfortunately for Yamaha, they didn't realize these guitars would be played 30 years later, and the glue shrank at a quicker rate than the shellac. With the edge of the pickguard overlapping the now-higher shellac, the two separated and the pickguard falls off. No big deal, my local luthier glued it back on for $40 during a Winter (the dry season) tune-up.

Otherwise the guitar features, a nicely shellacked interior...could of been sanded inside, but this is no boutique model and back in the 70's nobody did that when making $300 guitars!

This is an acoustic that can last a lifetime. It is the kind that you refret and pass on to your children. 2 mils of shellac all over the thing, and solid tuners with thick gears. The heel of the neck is robust and will not warp (my guitar was left outside for a week in -10 Celcius weather when dropped off by a delivery service) My luthier says it is straight as an arrow.

Who knows.....

Considering you can buy one used for half of what a top of the line Martin Dreadnaught costs there is no question this is a great value. Try one and see for yourself.

I bought my FG300 at a music shop in Douglasville Georgia in about 1970. It was new and a friends parents owned the shop. I paid $250 for it with a case. It is a Red Label with all the look of a Gibson Hummingbird. Lots of pearl and attention to detail. I do not know the wood or the finish...it does have an adjustable neck to keep it easy to fret. It is a dreadnought. Everything is original. The keys are still perfect.

When I bought it...I just wanted the top of the line Yamaha...I had no idea what I was getting into.......I knew it sounded good compared to my old Kay (which I wish I still had), Silvertone (Sears Craftsman..lol) and some classical guitar that I learned on.

This is perhaps one of the few guitars in the world where the bridge can be adjusted to fine tune each string. What a cool feature.

Here is the big thing. I have always wanted a Martin. I've been looking at D28's anywhere from 1299 to 1699. I gotta tell you...they are way over priced. Put a set of Martin Marquise medium gauge strings on this baby and it will kick the Martin at any time...and believe me I've played at least 10 Martin D28's and other models in the last two months. This is a killer...and can do bluegrass, country and rock...I bet John Denver knew about this guitary.

The guitar has been perfect. After 30 years I've only had to adjust the neck slightly two times. I gotta tell you...compare the ease of fretting to a factory martin...way down the bridge...and the FG300 will kick a Martin every time...and the baby never rattles.

Only issue I have ever had was the original pick guard coming loose. I have glued it with "super glue"....because super glue is light and will not affect the harmonics of the wood deck. No problem since.

Finish...to consider that this baby has been in my hands for 30 years..and the fact that it got played by a lot of people...it has held up remarkably well. It looks like the kind of guitar that a lot of people have enjoyed.

Got kinda routy with it a couple of times and left some pick marks on the deck....but it looks like a guitar with "character"...what a nice guitar.

One little place on the top edge has pulled away a little. It was like that the day I got it.....a good luthier could fix it in 10 minutes.

Withstand? 30 years of me and she is still perfect...I think that answers the question.

Never had to deal with anyone at Yamaha. Just no problems.

I have been playing since 1964...albiet pick it up and put it down for years at a time. At age 56 I am working on a lot of things to improve my playing. With retirement not so far away it will be nice to have a hobby that brings so much joy....

Rating...hummm...I mean this from the bottom of my heart....as mentioned earlier I've (since life has been good to me) been looking to buy a really good guitar. Everyone told me get a Martin, get a Guild, get a Taylor, get an Alvarez. You gotta be kidding me. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar...I guarantee there is nothing that comes close to the sound, sustain and performance of this guitar.

I have a 1977 F385 Takamine 12 string....the Martin lawsuit model. What a gem and a Yamaha G-231II classical... They funny thing is that all of the models that I have are rated above 9.5 on the Harmony Central web site. Thank goodness I made some good choice.

If you can find a FG 300...with the orginal pick guard and fairly taken care of...it would be a real value. Today, if I had to replace the FG300 I would pay the equivalent of a Martin D28 to do so. The value proposition is certainly there. I do believe that the newer models of Yamaha don't touch the quality of their first guitars....the fit and finish are just not there....maybe the current pricing is reflective of that...since you can buy one today for what I paid 30 years ago.

To hell with Martin...I think they are overated badly....I play a little bluegrass with my cousins husband and he says...Can I play the Yamaha....he has a D12 Martin...this is a funny world.

Hey ! Just found this site...nice ! I beleave my FG-300 was made in the early 70-s. It has the standard features...20 frets ,ajustable bridge, double m-p inlay on neck + bridge,"dreadnought"solid spruce soundboard,
rosewood body+ fret board,m-p inlayed insignia...

The sound is quite moving...exuisite ! Lovely deep bass vipes with
soothing over tones with above average volume...in all ..
rich,solefull harmonics...A pure delite to hear. I play any and all type of music with this FG-300!

Ive experiensed the pickgard comming lose.my only minnor complaint.
Ive had this FG-300 for 4 years. I traded a "Guild Starfire 3" for it.
...go figure. I just fell in luv with it...ya know ? It may not have been taken the best care of...because it has a few "tweeks"..
A bit of fret vibrations here and there, neck could use a peck or two..and the nut needs replaced,it has uneven notchs. The finish is quite nice, everything is tite and true. There is some darkening of
the finish...gives it a antuige apearense. the action will be perfect
when i get the tweeks out , ill have a pro do it..no doupt too valuble ! if i sold it as is ied have to get $1500. easy !

Oh yea i'ed use this in any pro live gigs or recordings,A VERY WELL MADE GUITAR..SUPURB SOUND, Ofcorse age has someTHING to do with that.

Ive never dealt with company... im sure they are great.

Been playing for 20 years ,Have several guitars electics,dreads, clasical,and a "slide". If i find a good deal on the FG-#s i'ed get it
in a heatbeat , love the sound... "deep sole". Infact the nicest sounding guitars ive played havE been yamahas... true !

I'm not sure what year this guitar was made, But I bought it from a very close friend of mine in 1997.It has a red nippon gakki label inside, so I'm thinking probably around the same time as most in the previous reviews.It has a laminated top, no pick-ups or any electronics.It does have an adjustable bridge, with individual tuners.Standard Yamaha covered tuners.Last but not least, a black yamaha cap covering the adjustment rod on the head.

The sound sends those cold chills down your spine. Nothing under $1500-$2000 can touch it in my opinion. Oh yeah, and new strings just make the chills that much colder.On a scale of 1-10 I'd have to give it a 12 or so, but 10 is all they allow!!!Perfect for almost any style of music(pre-1990, as if anything later is even considered music)bluegrass, folk, rock, etc.

Compared to many guitars I've had priveledge to play, nothing comes even in close proximity to the playability, without doubling or even tripling the price. the only problem so far is, like many of the other reviews, I have had to re-glue the pickguard down.Other than this minor detail, the action, fit, and finish are all perfect.

I would not be afraid to stand in front of 10,000 people and play this instrument, it is as faithful as the sun rising and setting,even now 30+ years old. Also haven't had any trouble at all with tuners sticking or neck warping or anything of that nature. Very low-maintenance!!!!

Never had to deal with Yamaha for repair or warranty!

I've been playing for nearly 10 years( still an ametuer by all means )I also own a Gibson Les Paul Custom 1978/black. From the very first time I played the FG-300, I fell in love with the sound and playability and pretty much begged for my buddy to sell me this guitar, and when he practically gave it to me($200)I've never regretted spending the money. If it were stolen,well, we'd better not go there.It'd be pretty drastic!!You'd have to have one to understand!!!

My FG-300 was purchased in Battle Creek, Mi. in 1976 for $300. I'm told it is modeled similar to the Gibson Hummingbird acoustics. Very distinctive pick guard. The wood has aged very nicely. You can check out the rest of the reviews to find out the body and neck woods used. I just recently replaced the original tuners with Pings because my son broke one of them a couple of years ago. It has an adjustable bridge which I have never touched.

I still consider myself a novice...much more so when I purchased the instrument. To put it simply, I have always loved the rich sound. I play a lot of Eagles, Jackson Browne etc. and it sounds great.

I am amazed at how playable this guitar is. It has a thin neck and the string action is very close. I have never had to have the guitar serviced. The neck is straight and true.

The only thing I can say is that I have owned this guitar for 27 years. There have been many years of it simply being kept in a closet or dragged around from home to home and It is still in near mint condition.

I was little more than a beginner when I bought this guitar and over the years have not committed to getting better. This past Christmas season, I put some new strings, played a little and kind of rediscovered what a great guitar this is. I play every day for at least an hour and in just a couple of months have improved noticably. Not only is this a wonderful sounding guitar that is easy to play, it is also about as pretty an instrument as I've seen around. The pick guard may be seen by some as gaudy but I just think it enhances the appearance. I would be very upset to lose this guitar not only for the sound and looks but also for the sentimental value. As a side note, I have watched e-bay for auctions of Yamaha FG-300s and have seen them sell for nearly $700. It appears that there are more than a few people who appreciate this instrument.

I bought mine new somewhere in Wyoming in 1975, and it's evolved over the years:
~replaced the tuners with Grovers in about 1980;
~after the pickguard fell off for the 3rd time, I made my own out of suede leather and glued it on. It changed the sound subtly but nicely and gets lots of comments;
~had a Hot Dot pickup installed in the bridge when I bought it - totally discrete as it plugs in thru the tail strap pin. No controls, but a clean acoustic sound, amplified.
~the biggest one is that I had the adjustable bridge removed. Because of the height of it, it was exerting too much pressure on the top and actually cracked a support rib, causing the top to bulge alarmingly and destroying the action. Replaced it with a plain piece of bone set in rosewood in '89 and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

It's just fine for everything I play. Mostly folk-rock, a little finger-picking, occasional backup for rock'n'roll.

Real clean, full sound plugged or unplugged. I've had it through lots of amps - liked the options with a Peavy best. I usually run Martin Marqees. With light strings it's a little soft in the high end, but it's so much fun to play!

It's very well made - matched wood and clean inlays. It's hard to say if the cracked rib/bridge problem was a flaw or just over-use. It was a hassle, thus the lower score, but once fixed it's been solid.

I haven't giged a lot, but she's a tough old girl! What's left of the original hardware still shows no signs of problems. There are some belt buckle scratches and lots of small dings, but nothing thru the varnish. Everything's solid and I'd pull it out for any occasion without hesitation. Both the color and sound have mellowed beautifully thru the years.

Never had to deal w/ Yamaha. Either did the work myself or had a professional luthier do it. Don't remember about the warranty, but it was 14 yrs old before it needed any pro help.

I've been playing since 8th grade, bought this guitar at age 17. Also have a Sigma 12-string, Fender acoustic bass and an old Univox hollow-body electric. Currently just have a Fender Champ practise amp - haven't needed more for a long time, but who knows?

I'd look for another one if this were lost or stolen, after my broken heart mended! I haven't played another guitar that I like as well for under $1000.

My favorite feature is the ease of playing. The action's real low and you hardly know you're playing it.

Originally chose it because of the cool pick-guard - which dissapeared into a box 20 years ago!

Late 1960's, unsure of the year, label is Nippon Gakki FG 300. My guitar tech thinks it has a solid top, but reading these reviews leads me to believe otherwise. Adjustable saddles on the bridge, very unusual for an acoustic. Thick pickguard - that's why it is in the shop now. Great playability on the neck, nice finish on the back and sides, worn from years of being on the road.

Everyone raves about the sound of this guitar. I use it for rock songs, accompanying myself. I use Martin Light Gauge, nothing sounds like a new set of strings. It has a rich, full sound. I am considering getting a bridge pickup added using saddle pickups - something new I just learned about.

Everything about this guitar was always top-rate. The fit and finish have aged very well. The wood is getting mellow but the overall action is always good. I am getting the frets dressed and the intonation set (after 20+ years!)

This guitar has crossed the US and been played everywhere from clubs to open fields, camping trips to showcases. It has always been reliable. I replaced the tuning heads with Schallers about 20 years ago, the original Yamaha heads were starting to stick. The pickguard started to come loose, was re-glued. The re-glue job is now warping, causing damage to the top. I am having the whole pickguard replaced with a newer, thinner one. Can't get the original flower design, though, without shelling out major $$.

Never had to call them.

My father traded his D35 Martin for this guitar and cash in late '60's, early 70's, not sure. He liked the sound, it was exactly like the Martin to him. Back then, Gretsch and Martin guitars were everywhere. He gave it to me in '76, I have played it ever since. I love this guitar. It was my first, you know, so it will always be special. I have traveled all over the US, it is always with me. I play rock and blues, own a '77 (Kalamazoo) Gibson RD Custom, a bass, a Framus 12-string, bunch of electronic gear. I play this guitar every other day or so, always use it to work out pieces of music. The only problem I've ever had is the pickguard, detailed in another section of this review.

Solid top of spruce...bottom rosewood...wonderful finish...mohogany neck...dreadnought style...tune-o-matic tail...thin rosewood neck...

Deep and rich sound...other players enjoy the sound...very mellow, especially with silk and steel strings

I have done nothing to the guitar...soon, I will probably get a fret job, I've had it since 1973...new...had no flaws...now there are very few minor scratches and dents, have to look hard to see most of them...rating for this is due to need for professional adjustment after years of use

I have used this guitar in many performances with my folk group...hole pickup works well with it...strap buttons are solid as the day bought...I use other guitars with varying tampre for appropriate songs...my FG 300 is great when finger picking, especially with silk and steel

I have had no interface with Yamaha since my 1973 purchase...I will probably go to a professional luthier for fret replacement some day

I have played many other Yamahas and own a classical too...none of them come close to it...would never think of trade in or resale...it is like an appendage...if it was lost or stolen, I would hunt one down of the same era and be glad to pay for it, if it met my need in replacement...I have two Framus---they are great for beat around and are very deep and loud, but not close to my FG 300

Features on this one is the same as on all the other ones mentioned here. Flawless in the assembly-like most of Yamaha prod. Sealed tuners, full bound neck,head and body.Big, thick flowered pickguard-thick being the key here-guessing about a sixteenth of an inch. Pick guard warped and started coming loose about 15 years ago. More on that later. Being a basic accoustic features are sort of limited-but will give it a 9 comparing it to other guitars this age.

The sound of this thing is awsome comparing it to a five hundred to one thousand dollar Epiphone of Fender or just about any other accoustic in its class.It may not be a Taylor or a Martin but what it lacks in sound is very minimal-and for 2500 less.The big boys should take a lesson from Yamaha-think quality-not money.There is no pickguard on it right now and after reading one of the reviews I may not put one back on it.

Like I said earlier-fit and finish was flawless. Some of the most beautiful wood and the bookmatched top and backsides are utterly flawless. It has aged to a beautiful darker tan colored top and the insides are flawless-varnished completely inside. I took it to a local guitar shop last month-thinking about getting a bridge pickup put on it-and the fellow there liked to have fell over. Said you couldn't get one made like it any more-with some big bucks maybe.

Only thing to happen to this one is the pickguard. I just play to suit myself and in church some. All the hardware is intact. I oil the keys about once a year.Don't know if it helps but can't hurt.The finish is still beautiful with just some very tiny hairline cracks in a few places. Guitar guy says it is still in remarkable shape for its age.

I have been in contact with Yamaha about 3 times in the last few months. They are absolutely super with their help. No warranty on this old baby. Never needed one LOL.

Now to the good stuff. This guitar was bought new by my wife for our first anniversary in 1968.Makes this jewel about 33 years and 8 months old.I believe it is the oldest one on this particular review. Red label-NIPPON GAKKI FG 300. This was before they started putting serial numbers in them evidently.No one can find one anywhere. I play mostly to suit myself.Finger picking and strumming.This guitar sat in the closet for about15 years up until about 4 months ago.Went to see my brother and one of his buddies was into bluegrass and started the old flame. Played his HD35 Martin(yawn)and came back home and took this one out of the closet.Had 4 old rusty old strings on it. Got me a new set of fender bullets-nothing special happened-than a set of martin lights -things started looking up-played them out for a while-then let my guitar man talk me into a set of DP med-12's-54's-gosh a mity-you aint believing how this thing sounds. Tear your heart out-just like a long lost love-I can't believe I let it set for that long hidden in a dusty closet. Now it gets played about 2 hours a day regardless. Oh about the pickguard-I talked to the people at yamaha again about the pickguard. She said she would talk to one of her techs. about it. I told her sorta how it was made. She said there wasn't a record of ot anywhere and they didn't stock something that old but she would see if they could find one.She called me back-that's right-about 3 times in all-very helpful-and said that there was an old warehouse they were cleaning out and there might be one there. Sure I thought. About a monthe later the phone rang one eve and sure as heck it was her. Said they had found one. Liked to peed on myself.I asked her how much I owed her and she said this one cost about 69 bucks-but get this-she said being I had been through so much they would pick up the tab on it and send it to me for free.Can't beat that. GOt the new one-guess what-it is exactly like the original one-only about one quarter inch smaller-made me want to cry. Called her back-said she would keep looking but there wasn't much hope.Maybe some on here will be able to help. But I got to thinking-maybe the old one was so thick and heavy it really did hurt the sound. Now if I could get that impression off where the old one was -but what the heck-the way it sounds now just close your eyes and enjoy it.And one more thing-that D35 martin could sure use the neck and finger board off of this old yamaha.I played about 10 different accoustics at guitar center recently-some high end ones might sound a little better but I can honestly say-Martin-Taylor-Guild-Gibson-ther wasn't one i played could touch the playability of this old baby. Gonna give to my grandson when it gets 50 years old. Sure it will still be going strong. Stolen-don't even go there. Hunt you down and nail your eyelids to the headstock. Then beat you to death with it.

I bought mine new when I was 15 or so--around 1972. I found out after removing the the half-unglued pickguard that the top was laminated, as the glue had eaten away a 50-cent-piece sized chunk of the top layer (either that or it was a mistake they simply covered up). No electronics, adjustable bridge, and I used the case from my old Yamaha 12-string; tight fit, but it worked for years.

I mostly strung it (strang it?) with light-guage strings, sometimes switching over to Super or Hybrid Slinkies. Of course it sounded like total crap most of the time. I yanked the pickguard after reading an article online that said it deadened the highes, but it sounded really thin after that, so I broke down and put some medium-guage D'Angelicos on it, adjusted the harmonics, and WOW--I can't believe how good a $230, 30-year-old, laminated guitar sounds! I was getting ready to go out and buy a Seagull, but I really see no need for that now. The neck's a little narrow for me (6'1", 200#), but I'm out of practice, too.

It's certainly picked up a few dings and scratches (not to mention the pickguard scar) from various camping trips and what-have-you over the years, but now it sounds as good as new--maybe even better. All the original hardware is still there and still working well.

30 years? Camping? Used the case as a seat? I will never get rid of this guitar. In fact the next step is looking into getting it refinished!

Never had any reason to call.

I've been playing guitar since I was eight, keyboards since I was 14, and drums since I was 22--and I'm 45 now. I flirted with accordian, bass, mandolin and percussion, but I always come back to the guitar. I'd really be bummed if I lost this guitar, but I'd probably buy a new Seagull or a Guild to replace it; finding another one would probably be next to impossible.

Label inside says Nippon. In very good condition and I've treated it well. The guitar has aged nicely in sound and its mellow look (similar to a Martin J.Buffet top) of the top; I didn't know it was a laminated top. The sides and back appear to be rosewood. Even with an adjustable bridge, I've never adjusted it; I don't want to mess with a good thing. Seven years ago the first 5 frets were replaced due to wear. The pickguard (thicker than many today) needed glue about 15 years ago.

The FG300 has always sounded good to me, in rock, folk and jazz. My style blends a counter-rhythm jazz strum (high to low strings) and use of 1 or 2 bass strings picked while finger-picking/strumming higher stringsI typically use a soundhole insert pickup (D.Markley) and make no audio change. John Pearse Lt-wt. strings have been my standard for 12 years: when new they ring sweetly for about two weeks. I change strings monthly. The FG300's thin neck allows me to solo all over, high and bass, and I love that switchability.
When I play other guitars at music shops I think, Will I find a replacement? Very few come close to consideration! (No Martins do.) Perhaps a Gibson could replace it, for over $1,000.

Since I bought this Yamaha FG300 thirty years ago, I've never adjusted the bridge or the neck. It played great from the start. Fine appearance (elegant) and no flaws. Over the years people have commented on what a beautiful guitar this is.

This is an oft-played, cared-for guitar. The finish looks wonderful. I cannot remember if the wood looked mellow years ago, or if change was gradual. Some wear is at the edge of the soundhole from strum-stroke. Pickguard needed adhesive years ago. Nothing has fallen off. This guitar was built solidly, though I thought it lacked weight, at least compared to many other guitars.

Never even tried to contact Yamaha, or the music dealer who sold the guitar. The dealer gave me a "bring it back" warranty for a year, but no Yamaha paper.

Played guitar since 1966. Dumped my first $25 guitar and bought the Yamaha FG300 in 1971, with Yamaha hard case. I also play a Fender Strat.
If I lost this guitar, a comparable replacement might be a Gibson J150 or a Hummingbird. I hate the fact that I want to buy another acoustic but nothing plays as sweetly in the under-$1,000 price range. Sometimes I wonder how it would sound with a thin-line pickup inside.

I have not been able to determine exactly when my FG 300 was made. Although it has a laminated top, the resonance and volume equal most solid tops. My father-in-law bought this guitar at a yard sale and after playing it for a few years, gave it to me because I liked it so much. When I got it it needed a few minor repairs. The fancy western style pickguard, (which really sets this guitar apart) needed reglued. Nothing a little Duco cement couldn't fix. The adjustable bridge needed some new screws as some were stripped out by someone who obviosly didn't know what they were doing. Again, a very simple fix. Although this guitar seems to stay in tune forever, the tuner screws have a tendancy to work themselves loose from the headstock from time to time so I check them and retighten if necessary whenever I change strings. As a machinist I would have to say that the tuners themselves are not the best.

The sound quality of this guitar is very well suited to my playing in our bluegrass group. The other members of my group often comment on the sweet sound of my FG 300. I play through a mic. mounted on a goosneck from my vocal mic. stand. This guitar mics very well and looses none of its excellent tone through the mic. I use Martin bluegrass strings which produce the low end I need when playing rhythm and the high end on the upper strings really cuts through when playing solo breaks. Overall, I would have to say I am very pleased with the tone of this guitar for this type of music. It is very comparable to the most popular bluegrass guitar made by the company that makes my strings.

Although this guitar needed some TLC when I got it, from the factory this was a very well crafted and very good looking instrument. I prefer a thin neck which this instrument has. The neck is as straight as an arrow. I have the action set super low and there is absolutely no buzzing at any position on the fretboard. As far as the finish, it is in as new condition except at the top of the neck where I do most of my playing. The finish has worn through about 3/4" long at the thumb position. The binding has yellowed slightly, probably from polishes, but the inlays are still as beautiful as when they were new. Being that we play mainly in 2 or 3 keys, the guitar has developed some very slight fretboard indentation and minimal fret wear at these positions. This has not affected the overall playability whatsoever.

Right now this is the only acoustic I own and I feel very secure playing live with it. It never have to re-tune while playing. Just some minor tuning with new strings between sets. We used to take our mandolin players Martin for a backup but never had to use it. A few broken strings have been changed in the time it took our frontman to tell 1 or 2 jokes. The FG 300 is very light but the construction, bracing, and craftsmanship is rock solid.

I have been playing guitar for 32 years and I have played everything from Folk Masses (church) to hard rock. I have owned a couple of acoustics and several electrics of which my late seventies Les Paul Deluxe was my favorite. It was the only guitar that had an action close to my Yamaha. I would not have chosen this guitar for purchase before I owned it. I did not even know what it was when I first saw it. After playing my FG 300 for about 10 years now, I feel very fortunate that my father-in-law chose to give it to me. I am forever gratefull and can honestly say that I will never be so stupid as to sell it as was the case with my Les Paul. This is the guitar I will take to the grave.

I checked with Yamaha, and they said this guitar was built around 1970
in Japan. It has a laminated top, but pshaw! I have another yamaha vintage 1980 with a laminated top, and have gone head to head with a Martin D-35, and the Yamaha won! This guitar was bought out of a pawn shop for 90 bucks with the hard case, it still had the original store tag, and neck wrench. it has a western style pickguard with a thistle ornamentation, seemed gaudy at first, but it grows on you, it has a unique adjustable bridge, with individual string adjusters, beautiful abalone inlay on the head, with mother of pearl inlays on the fingerboard. the neck is thin, and the action is awesome. I have added a piezio pickup, and use this for live performances.

I have an '80's Yamaha FG340 that makes martin owners weep (paid $156 new in 1975) this guitar has a lighter sound, but the guitar is much lighter weight. I play Rock, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, pop, and my own stuff, this is a great playing guitar, and I use it plugged in, but I rather use my other yamaha for straight acoustic work, fuller sound.

with the adjustible bridge, a couple turns with the screwdriver will adjust the action. the neck is straight as an arrow, I have the action set double extra low, and as long as I don't get excited and bang on the guitar, there is no buzzing, or dead spots on the neck. when I got it out of the pawn shop, it was missing strings, and it looks like somebody dropped it and crunched one spot on the bottom edge near the strap pin, but other than looking close, you can hardly notice it, and the guitar is fully intact, no buzzing, this guitar is built like a light weight tank. probably great for a beach guitar, tennis or what ever.

I use this guitar for gigs all the time, the hardware is solid, it holds tune very well, it has never let me down, I never bring a back up. as far as lasting goes, Thirty years, obviously some abuse during it's life, and still going strong!

Don't know

I have been playing guitar for about 36 years, I have owned Yamaha guitars for just about all of them, I have an '75 FG 340, '80 SGB 2000, this FG 300, and a fender strat. I admit, if I lost this guitar, I would just keep on truckin, it is not my numero uno, but it is a great peice of yamaha history, and a great playing guitar. I definitly would have to replace it hopefully with a CPX 15. but some day maybe... I especially like the western look of this guitar, its lightness, its thin neck, and definitely its playability. I also like how cheap I got it. Sorry pawn guys, this thing was worth a LOT more!!

I was interested to see a review of a Yamaha FG 300. This is an old guitar. I bought mine in 1982. It was the first fairly good guitar I owned and I still have it. I bought it in Hong Kong for the equivalent of about $120.
Even though I have acquired several other guitars over the years, including a Martin, two Guilds, a Taylor, a Lowden and two Ovations, I still have a fondness for the FG 300. Some of my attachment is sentimental, however, it's not a bad guitar. My assessment follows.
The FG-300 has a laminated top, and generally laminated top guitars don't have the resonance that a solid top guitar has, however, the FG 300's top is very lightly built. Mine has that slight swelling behind the bridge, such as one might see on old solid top guitars. Nowadays manufacturers tend to overbuild tops to reduce the risk of stress cracking. This obviously reduces the resonance so in fact the lightly built FG 300 can compete sonically with some more heavily built solid top guitars. For example, I have an Epiphone Hummingbird with a solid top which is about twice as thick as the Yamaha's top. I would rate the Yahama's sound at least as good as the Epiphone's, probably a little better.
The other features on the FG-300 include a bridge with individually adjustable saddles. Covered, Yamaha manufactured tuners. MOP inlays on a rosewood fingerboard, and figured mahogony back and sides (I'm can't really tell if these are laminated or not)

Sound is good. Comparable to many solid top guitars.
Conventional wisdom is that laminated tops and adjustable bridges won't do much to help sound however, as mentioned above in the case of the top this is offset to a large extent by the light build of the top. In the case of the adjustable bridge the two main screws at the ends of the bridge are anchored pretty firmly through the top of the guitar and so the acoustic coupling doesn't really seem to have been compromised.
My guitar is as bought in that I haven't fitted a pick up or altered it in any way.

Action is excellent, even after 27 years. I have made minor truss rod and intonation (adjustable bridge) adjustments but that's all the maintenance its had. It is a good playing guitar.
The inside is well finished and varnished. This may help the sound. Some guitars are very poorly finished inside.

When I bought this guitar I didn't have much money and all I could afford was a cheap fibre case. I brought it back from Hong Kong to Ireland as conventional luggage in the hold of a 747. When I moved to the U.S. it was in storage in Scotland for four years and when it was eventually shipped to the states the case was badly damaged and the neck of the guitar had marks where it was supported in the case. Evidently other stuff had been loaded on top of the case. In short, this guitar has been around the world and thrown about a bit but has stood up to it very well.

I've never had to deal with Yamaha since the guitar didn't need any follow-up.

I've been playing for 29 years. I have 12 other guitars (9 acoustics, two electrics and a bass). Acoustics - Martin, Taylor, Lowden, Guild (2), Ovation (2), Epiphone, Mitchell. Electrics - Fender and Yamaha (SA 2000).

this guitars feature are awsome, actually some of the best i've ever seen on an acoustic guitar. this guitar was purchased in 1980 at uncle bob's in milwaukee. it has the individual string adjustment settings, pearl in-lays, a steel neck, and we just installed a dean markley pickup (Z-70). This guitar came with one of the best cases it's a heavy duty one with no damage to it in 20 years.

This is a great sounding acoustic guitar! This guitar gives a crisp clean sound and with the newly installed pick-up there is not many other guitar's I can think of that have this kind of quality sound.

this guitar's action is awesome it contains no flaws every thing on this guitar was made with quality.

this guitar's reliability is outstanding! I had this guitar for 20 years and I havent had one single problem.

This guitar is so durable this hasn't ever had to go through customer service, in fact this guitar hasn't ever had to be delt with for any repairs.