Yamaha FG-140

I purchased my Yamaha FG-140 Red Label in the 60's and has been my best friend for 35+ years now. I had the neck re-done by someone in LA in the 80's and it plays just great.
I keep going out to music stores and playing 3,000 dollar plus guitars and keep coming home to my FG-140 and wondering why it is better. I am thinking of maybe putting good tuners on it though.
I am thinking of even recording my 4th CD , a few of the songs with the FG-140.

stevemasseyguitar.com

Sounds better then some really expensive guitars I have played out there.

After neck re-build action is great now.

Is like new after almost 40 years. amazing

This is a Red Label "Nippon Gakki" FG-140 made in Japan. Probably made in the late 60s. It is a dreadnought size, actually a bit larger across the widest point of the soundboard than my Martin D-18, so when it came to buying a new case, we had to actually go "up" one size from the Martin dreadnought size. It looks at first glance like a Martin D-18, a fairly unadorned basic mahogany guitar, with spruce top.
I believe it is a solid top, but my instructor has not confirmed that yet.
Tuners are stock Yamaha open-back, and they are really junk, like most people say in these reviews- every time I try to turn one, it feels like it is going to snap off. But even though they are junk, I really find them more tasteful than the shiny chrome ones on my Martin. The Yammies have subdued yellow plastic buttons, and open gears, and a duller metal finish. They really fit the age and patina of the rest of the guitar, unlike the D-18's glittery tuners, which in my opinion are distracting, and definitely out of place.

Everyone is blown away by the sound of it. My guitar teacher played a few chords, paused, and said "wow" out loud and couldn't believe I bought it on eBay for $230. He called this guitar a "freak of nature" and gave it the old "cannon" pronouncement it sounds so good. He called a musician friend over to it and said: "you've got to listen to this guitar". My brother, who has been playing for 40 years, also remarked on its great sound. We played it alongside my 34 year old D-18 and it sounds better but there is a reason: the D-18 has been in hibernation for the past 26 years and is essentially a new guitar as a result, and has only recently been "opening up". It will be interesting to keep a comparative head-to-head on these two.

I can't comment on the "factory" setup on a 35 year old instrument. My instructor said the existing setup could "maybe be lowered a bit" but that I really shouldn't mess with it in view of the sound.
The grain of the soundboard wood is so tight, it looks like a solid piece of plastic laminate. The annual rings are MUCH tighter than my 1971 D-18's. Fit and finish is excellent, with exception of tuners mentioned earlier

Everything I heard about these old Red Label FGs indicates they are tanks, and I have to agree. It appears that since they were generally perceived as being Poor Man's Martins, they were sometimes abuse or neglected.... maybe this is a reason for their great sound, who knows??

I own three (3) Yamaha FGs (two FG-75s) and my first efforts at finding out their age of manufacture were not successful. My opinion is based on this limited experience. I believe they have banker's hours, and I also believe they should make it a simple matter of allowing the customer to go the web site and plug in the serial numbers to obtain the results, which they apparently have not done.

Fantasic value, and it doesn't make me as nervous as pulling out my pristine D-18. Also sounds at LEAST as good, making the D-18 likely to appear on the selling block as soon as it opens up fully (see comments above). My instructor said he wouldn't hesitate to buy it for $600 if I decided to sell it. Although I am a relatively new player I am basing my comments on what other people say, as well as my own inexperienced, albeit functioning ears. I wish there was a club for Yamaha FG Owners, any person interested in forming one, please write to me.

FG140 Red Label
I bought this guitar from a friend who was down on his luck for #30 in 1971. It has survived a thousand plus gigs and been a constant friend. Its tone has improved with age. I sold it it in 1980 to a girl who didn't like it who sold it back a year later. I have played it so hard the top was in danger of wearing away - I 'improved' it by covering it in window platic (for holding cracks). I have added a strap stud, as it once dropped off its strap at the beginning of a gig and smashed two significant notches to the back. It has been set up once only and has a fantastic action.

finger picking is a joy with trhis instrument

I have played it for34 years
I have a fender resonator
Simon Patrick semi
Vintage semi
Egmond

My FG 140 was my first guitar, purchased in SF in 1968. Thirty-six years later it is still my main thing, having taken on a voice that rivals, perhaps even surpasses the best of the best. And I'm not kidding, it is an amazing instrument, but to look at it you wouldn't give it a second glance...the pickguard is long-gone, removed in search of an even better sound...and got it (I'm not advocating this method as it will disfigure your top). The back of the neck has been played smooth of all varnish and finish, and the tuners were replaced many years ago. God forbid the house ever burned, but on my way out the door I'd be reaching for the 68 yammy 140 and the 59 strat.

I have a Yamaha FG-140 Made in Japan. Everything is wonderful about it.

It a rich sound. The bass on it kicks ass. No other sound is better from an acoustic standpoint. I havn't found one yet.

The wood was sanded and reglazed with a drawing of a beach and palm trees on it. It did not effect the sound and it looks better than ever.

My Guitar has been through hell and back.This was my first steel string. Then i fugured out that y guitar is the shit. I should have taken more care of it, but surprisingly it held up perfectly fine. Its a soldier. The strap buttons are solid. And i would definately use it for a gig.

Never Dealt with company

I've been playing for 4 years and have not found another guitar that i would rather play with. I got lucky. Or blessed.

An acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar. "Features" belong to computers and stereo systems. Hell, I'd play a guitar made from a tree trunk, a fishing pole and shoelaces if it sounded half decent.

This particular FG-140 has a great jangly treble sound similiar to the early Beatles recordings. I can't compare this with other FG-140s, which may sound different because of the environment the guitar is played/stored in. Dynamics change. Anyway, the sound is VERY full and it sounds infinitely better than the Taylor acoustics I've played at Guitar Center. I'm still looking for a good acoustic pickup so that I can run my FG-140 through a Fender HRD.

Despite the fact that I bought this used, it's in GREAT condition. Looks like it never even left the orignal owner's house. It has a few dings, but the main annoyance is that the pickguard looks like it's about to fall off. Maybe humidity got to it and softened the glue? I dunno.

This guitar has stood the test of time. It's from the late 60s/early 70s and it STILL rocks. The tuners are a bit iffy, so I'm going to get those replaced as soon as I save up the cash. The finish is excellent, and I would definitely depend on it for a gig, even without a backup.

I always have the Folk Guitar Shop across town to fix any of my acoustic guitars. I wouldn't depend on Yamaha for any sort of repairs. At all.

I'm 15, and I've only been playing a few months - but I know more than the average teenager who listens to that pop-punk or nu-metal crap. (I play music that sounds like a weird bastardization of the JAMC, Sonic Youth, The Pixies and My Bloody Valentine.)
If this guitar were stolen, I'd be heartbroken to say the least. My only problem with this guitar is the lack of a cutaway so I can reach the higher frets.

My first guitar bought new in 1969 aged 15 for 28.00 pounds. Agree with others tuners are not the best.

Excellent all round sound. Equally good for finger style, flat picking and slide. Good base/treble balance with sufficient volume for such an inexpensive guitar.

Action and general playability is excellent. Maybe these earlier late sixties guitars were better. A friend bought the same model around 1972 and it was not nearly as good. Much heavier and the neck was nowhere near as good.

Used it live for many years in early days with no problems. I have never had any work done on it - didn't need to. It is as good if not better today that ever.

N/A

I have been playing this guitar for 35 years and have found I can use it to play any style successfully. I have not had much experience with other guitars but promised myself a 'quality' guitar for my 50th. Have tried Martins, but was not overly impressed. I thought they were not so good for fingerstyle, maybe meant more for flatpicking. The only Martin that really impressed me was the Eric Clapton edition. Saving hard.

mine is 1968 japanese made fg-140 w/ 20 frets everything original

This is the best guitar I have ever played, it is wonderful and I am gearing up to record an album with it.

Considering how old this guitar is it is looking really nice. nothing is broken or falling apart.

This guitar will last through anything. It has been uncased and floating around my many homes growing up. My father got it new for his wedding and he didn't know what he really had. As a kid I hated playing it because I think it had the original strings on it from 68 and the action was way off, but I took it to get shopped and the guy told me what I had. Since then I have never set it down, it is my baby, but my dad keeps asking for it back...no way!!!!

none

This is the best guitar I have ever had and Iv'e had 10 or so

This happened to be my 21st birthday pressy from my folks, chose for me by my hippy mate Dirk Dry (a mean finger picker) purchassed from Barnards in Tunbridge Wells ,England for #39.50p in 1973.Never did get a proper case so she could be looking better but still sound and plays nice machine heads let it down. .

Justin Hayward used to use in preference to his Martin say no more!

Action not bad the finish is what you would expect for the price.

Still used after all these years and keeps in tune without any problem truss rod untouched.

The shop I bought it from closed donkeys years ago never needed to contact Yamaha.

Still trying to play since I was 12 now 51!Still really enjoy playing even if it is in the garage (with a large scotch and cigar)smoking and my guitar playing aint compatible with the missus .My taste in music varies from Isaac Guillory,Cat Stevens James Taylor Dave Gillmour Satch Van Halen Jan Cyrka etc etc . My other guitars are a Pinkyish eargh! seventys Charvel Tanglewood electro acoustic, Washburn K40v electric and a g string Banjo .Any one out there living a parallel life!!!

I WAS INFORMED BY GENYOUTAI GUITAR SHOP IN JAPAN THAT I HAD A 1967 FG-140. EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL ON THE GUITAR AND IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE FOR A 35+ YEAR OLD GUITAR.

I PLAY PREDOMINENTLY BLUEGRASS HERE IN KENTUCKY AND IT HAS HELD UP AGAINST JUST ABOUT ANYTHING IT COMES UP AGAINST.IT'S GOT QUITE A BIT OF BASS YET IT'S NOT TOO BOOMY. I USE ELIXIR MEDIUM GAUGE STRINGS ON IT.IT PLAYS LIKE BUTTER AND CUTS A MIKE REAL WELL.

I HAD TO HAVE THE NECK ADJUSTED, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, EVERYTHING ELSE IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER,TUNERS INCLUDED.

IT'S BEEN AROUND THE BLOCK AND WE PLAY OUTSIDE IN THE ELEMENTS. SO FAR, IT HASN'T DISAPPOINTED ME AT ALL.

NEVER DEALT WITH THE COMPANY

I'VE BEEN PLAYING FOR 25 YEARS AND HAVE OWNED A NUMBER OF NICE GUITARS... MOSSMAN, TAKAMINE,SAMICK,AND SEVERAL OLD YAMAHAS AND THIS ONE OUTDOES THEM ALL. I JUST BOUGHT ANOTHER FG-140 OFF OF EBAY, BUT I HAVEN'T RECEIVED IT YET........I MAY SET IT UP FOR FINGERSTYLE PICKIN'.I PLAY MANDOLIN IN A BLUEGRASS GROUP AND OWN A NEWER KENTUCKY A-MODEL ALSO. BUT I NEVER PASS UP THE CHANCE TO HIT A G-RUN ON MY YAMMY!!!!