Yamaha FG-140

While this is a no-frills steel acoustic, it has an adjusable neck. The neck is narrow, for small fingers like mine.

I use Martin Silk and Steel strings. The strings mellow the guitar, is a copy of a Gibson. I have played rock, jazz, folk, and

I have played this guitar since 1975. I the finish has help up well. My friends prefer to play this guitar.

Never talked with Yamaha

I have played guitar since 1969. This is the mate for my Yamaha FG-230 12 string. The sound is outstandng for the low cost.

About eight months ago, I had the opportunity to purchase my FG-140 Yamaha Acoustic at a local garage sale. At first, I thought this was just your average instrument but found out later at home, that I found an exceptional bargan. I only paid $40.00 for this item and that included the case. This thirty-year-old guitar has some wear on the top but still retains a crisp, clear, distinct, loud tone that I have never heard in guitars manufactured in recent times. The durability seems to be excellent. The tuners are not the best(as stated in other owner's commentary) but I have had no problem with keeping my strings in tune. If you find this model guitar, I suggest you buy it soon as you will be pleased by its performance and low cost value.

This is a '67 or '68 model. I am the original owner.

This guitar has an amazingly rich tone. You can really hear the wood resonate, particularly when playing fingerstyle. For higher tones or leads, it also sounds great with a pick. I have yet to hear any acoustic (including Martins) that has the same richness. When playing live, I prefer to mic it if possible. The sound comes through really well with sennheisers!

The original action was rather poor. I have had a lot of work done to improve this...including replacing the original tuners. Now it plays like an electric.

I have owned this guitar since I was 13 years old...including a number of years in the begining when I tried to play it like Pete Towshend. It has held up amazingly well. And over the years, the sound of the wood has continued to improve. The only problem was (as mentioned) the original tuners which were stiff and very hard to use. It holds a tune very well.

I have been playing for 33 years and have a small collection of 16 electric and acoustic guitars. Of the acoustics, this one outshines them all; I have really never heard its equal for sound anywhere. I'm sure they exist, but I've yet to find one...and I have looked. Since I play live, I would love to add active electronics to this guitar, but just can't bring myself to mess with it like that.

The odd thing is, I have heard a lot of other Yamaha models from the '60s, and although they all sound good, none measure up to the FG140. If anyone knows why, I'd love to find out!

Late 60s, early 70s, bought used at auction recently. Had had a Yamaha Hummingbird int he late 60s and, aside from the bridge was a helluva guitar...this one (has had the saddle planed - otherwise original) beats the pants off a D-18 Martin in terms of in tune-ness, overall consistency of sound and punch and general ease of playing...shockingly, although I have about 30 guitars, and almost always have remained true to my Gibsons, this is definitely a keeper - particularly for working out arrangements and lead parts.

Great

Overall flawless execution aside from the original action which needed tweaking - perhaps rare for this axe, but I've seen other early Yamahas that were as good. Probably the most underrated guitar of the 60s and 70s.

Seems to be unkillable

I've been playing 45 years - have never found an axe which is so basically acceptable on all fronts - doesn't play like my Gibsons, but nothing does. Beats the crap out of any Martin I've ever owned and sounds better, to boot.

I bought my FG-140 brand-new for $99.00 back in 1973. It's a spruce-top dreadnaught; very plain, but nice looking; cheap open tuners I replaced mine with a set of Schallers after about 3 years. The width (not the depth) of the neck is a little too narrow for some people, but plays very smoothly. About 3 years ago I had a Martin Thinline bridge transducer installed.

Although it's a full-sized dreadnaught, the body is not that deep. This coupled with the fact that I prefer to use light/extra/light strings, means that it sometimes suffers for volume. The tone is very "earthy", very good for folk and acoustic blues. I've used it both live and in the studio with very plaesing results in both arenas.

Contrary to the others who have already responded, I've never had any complaints about the action or condition of the neck. I had to have the frets hoed a few years ago, but I also logged a lot of playing miles on this guitar (it was my only one for years). It's a little chewed up around the soundhole, but again, with all of theplaying and travelling I've done, that's "character".

Other than the cheesy tuning gears, very durable, dependable.

When I bought this guitar my decision was based on two factors: 1) I had heard the name, 2)I could afford it. I've added to my collection (Fender Strat, Martin N-10, and an old Regal archtop)but have never let this guitar go. It's frequency of use depends on what style of music I feel like playing at the moment. There are better guitars, but not for the price I paid!

Early 70s model. Non-descript open tuners.

Good full sound for fingerpicking style.

Factory action set too high, needed professional help. Now plays nicely. Finish outstanding.

After 30 years, this guitar still looks new - finish has held up well.
Replaced tuners, which made a huge difference for keeping in tune.

No experience.

This was my first guitar - like first loves, there are many sweet memories which have grown sweeter over time. I have recently passed my beloved FG140 on to my son, who treasures it just as I did. I now have a Washburn D21S which is a better instrument in most every way, but when I am at my son's home, the FG140 is like a magnet and I can't resist its familiar feel and tone. It is my hope that the FG140 will eventually be passed on to my grandson, now six weeks old!

Made in the early Seventies, Japanese, has a spruce top, mahogany sides & a rather thick neck. A fairly largesimple folk guitar, very plain,I bought this one from my pal for 40 pounds (about 60 dollars) in 1975 & have had it ever since.

Good rich sound, poor action to start with, had the bridge planed & is now very nice.

Good finish, almost indestructable, has been used but not abused. Very poor action from factory, but with a nice straight (albeit thick) neck, was much better after an expert set it up.

Reliable, very solid, owned now for over 30 years, i would take it anywhere.

Never had a problem with it, eventually replaced the machine heads, but that's about it

Have been playing (on & off, more off than on !) since age 10 - now 45. Wouldn't part with the Yam, especially seeing as it will give a Martin a run for it's money for one tenth of the price !! Could have had a much nicer action from the factory (the neck is great) but it's fine now.