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Yamaha FG-300

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Manufacturer URL http://www.yamaha.com/
Features 8.3 (4 responses)
Sound 9.5 (4 responses)
Action, Fit, & Finish 9.3 (4 responses)
Reliability/Durability 9.3 (4 responses)
Customer Support 9.0 (2 responses)
Overall Rating 9.3 (4 responses)
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Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 75 USED
Submitted 09/01/2009 at 03:04pm by Sam
Email: samscloud<at>yahoo dot com

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 9
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, Fit, & Finish : 9
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.

Reliability/Durability : 9
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.

Customer Support : 9
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.

Overall Rating : 9
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 07/08/2009 at 06:46am by Jules
Email: redraider88 at juno<dot>com

Features : 7
satin finish with a wood finish on top no electronics it is a gakki

Sound : 10
sounds really good, sounds better than any taylor or martin i've played

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
action is absolutely perfect i can play almost the same things on this guitar as i can on my electric guitar

Reliability/Durability : 10
awesome

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 9
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


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 750 USED
Submitted 03/12/2009 at 02:03pm by Lonestar

Features : 8
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!

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
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.

Reliability/Durability : 10
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.

Customer Support : No Opinion
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.

Overall Rating : 10
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!


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 02/10/2009 at 07:49pm by ian wilson

Features : 9
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


Sound : 9
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


Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
Fit and finish must rate highly , guitar still highly playable after so many years .Action can be adjusted also intonation, a great idea !

Reliability/Durability : 8
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 .

Customer Support : 9
Have heard of lifetime warranty on Yamaha guitars , they seem to build a solid instrument

Overall Rating : 9
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 .


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: CAD 400 USED
Submitted 01/31/2009 at 02:02pm by Steph

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 10
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. :)

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
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.

Reliability/Durability : 10
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!

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

Overall Rating : 10
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 70 USED
Submitted 05/30/2008 at 03:12pm by Reinaldo
Email: reimorlu at gmail<dot>com

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 8
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!

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8

Reliability/Durability : 8
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.

Customer Support : 8
Yamaha in Canary Islands gets you a very good service, in my opinion.

Overall Rating : 8
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 325350
Submitted 05/14/2008 at 11:19pm by Steve
Email: gotospm at hotmail<dot>com

Features : 7
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.

Sound : 7
Good, full, rich sound. Lot of texture and tone potentials.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
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.

Reliability/Durability : 8
No problems, and I used it a lot, though not out much.

Customer Support : 10
Service easy and great. Supplied by local distributor, not Yamaha directly. (see below)

Overall Rating : 8
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 200
Submitted 01/01/2008 at 11:57am by Park_Ridge_Dave

Features : 9
Dreadnought, Mahogany, Adjustable Bridge(sweet), Made c. 1970, Red Label "Nippon Gakki", Nice touches and it is gorgeous! After 38 years

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
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.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
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" :-)

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never had a problem that I couldn't solve myself

Overall Rating : 9
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!


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 04/04/2007 at 05:49pm by guitarguy92

Features : 7
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

Sound : 9
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
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.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
I think it would withstand live playing; so many are still out there in many forms of condition.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
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...


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 300 USED
Submitted 02/23/2007 at 11:18am by Birdman
Email: birdman at gcronline<dot>com

Features : 9
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

Sound : 10
Red lable what can I say..

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
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

Reliability/Durability : 9
Serial # wiz sez 69 or 70, she's still in good shape

Customer Support : 10
Accually the Serial # wiz didn't work had to call yamaha. they found the info

Overall Rating : 10
It's my 2nd 300... Is another in the future??? My fiance would kill me ..


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 02/01/2007 at 06:05pm by Randy

Features : 8
i love my fg
wouldnt trade it for the world

Sound : 10
trashes more expensive boxes to bits

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
like playing with cotton

Reliability/Durability : 9
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

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 01/28/2007 at 05:40pm by curtistee
Email: grecoposty at aol<dot>com

Features : 5
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..

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
Really good, for 30+ years, allgood inside and out..Although the fg180 needed lots of help..

Reliability/Durability : 10
Come on there Yammys

Customer Support : No Opinion
Dont no, sorry

Overall Rating : 10
Just Amazing, What a sound ya...


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 300 USED
Submitted 12/24/2006 at 04:02am by Birdman
Email: birdman at gcronline<dot>com

Features : 9
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!

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
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.

Reliability/Durability : 10
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.

Customer Support : No Opinion
nope

Overall Rating : 10
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 12/23/2006 at 11:59pm by Doug C
Email: scootrdr at aol<dot>com

Features : 8
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.

Sound : 10
Incredible sound. No buzzing , highs and lows like I've never heard on any guitar.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Action set low, perfect condition of all hardware and wood. Tuners still perform as new.

Reliability/Durability : 10
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.

Customer Support : No Opinion
WOuldn't expect support at this age.

Overall Rating : 10
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: USD 90.00
Submitted 12/06/2006 at 10:24pm by Bill
Email: w_ralston at msn<dot>com

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 10
Lot's of Cash, Williams, & Coe. The action on this guitar is incredible.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
Couple of dings, but it sounds better every time i pick it up !

Reliability/Durability : 10
Can't beat the adjustable bridge....

Customer Support : No Opinion
NOPE.

Overall Rating : 10
Been playing since I was a kid, also have a 1964 Gibson ES-150, and an old Strat...The FG-300 is my Favorite !


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 11/14/2006 at 07:31pm by Banjo-Tam

Features : 10
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).

Sound : 10
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, & Finish : 10
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.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
This is the guitar that I would have no problem bringing to a gig.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 09/23/2006 at 12:27am by Rich woodward

Features : 8
Solid top?Rosewood back and sides.Beautiful inlays and the most user friendly bridge ever.

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
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

Reliability/Durability : 9
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

Customer Support : No Opinion
NA

Overall Rating : 10
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 02/08/2006 at 08:56pm by Tom
Email: popsons at msn<dot>com

Features : 8
Red label FG-300. Usual pick guard

Sound : 8

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion

Reliability/Durability : 10
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...

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: US $150
Submitted 02/04/2006 at 09:27pm by Gord

Features : 9
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

Sound : 9
The guitar plays just as it did when I bought it. It has a beautiful resonance

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
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)

Reliability/Durability : 9
Finish is as I bought it with a nfew minor nicks
I have the original case as well

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 9
40 years but dont practice enough these days


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 12/23/2005 at 02:36pm by Marksg
Email: marksg1 at ix<dot>netcom<dot>com

Features : 9
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!

Sound : 9

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9

Reliability/Durability : 10

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 12/17/2005 at 03:14am by scott

Features : 8
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.

Sound : 10

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10

Reliability/Durability : 8

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
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!


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: US about $175
Submitted 11/01/2005 at 08:05pm by John Coleman
Email: jbotscole<at>aol dot com

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
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.

Reliability/Durability : 9
yes, yes , yes, & yes!

Customer Support : No Opinion
n/a

Overall Rating : 10
44 years. I have several banjos and guitars. It has sentimental value, as it was given to me as a gift.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: US $320 used
Submitted 08/29/2005 at 10:19am by Roadtripper

Features : 9
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.

Sound : 10
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.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
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.

Reliability/Durability : 9
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.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I have no experience with this.

Overall Rating : 10
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.


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: US $480.00 used
Submitted 05/20/2005 at 11:53am by sherman glover
Email: shermanglover at msn<dot>com

Features : 10
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 !!

Sound : 10
I play mostly porch music and cookouts,senior dances,country and popular classics.Love the sweet and clean sounds,(w/new strings)

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Suits me totally,in all the above..

Reliability/Durability : 10
Yes,Yes Yes Yes Yes

Customer Support : 10
no,no,no,no

Overall Rating : 10
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!!


Product: Yamaha FG-300
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 04/26/2005 at 11:50am by ger mcgrath
Email: germcgra<at>hotmail dot com

Features : No Opinion
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.

Sound : No Opinion

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : No Opinion

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