Yamaha FG-140

This is 'Made In Japan' - its printed on the headstock - Red Label model. Incredibly 'plain Jane' looks, very similar to a Martin D18." Piece top and what appears to be mahogany back and sides. Mahogany neck, rosewood board. Very simple soundhole 'decorations'. Cream cheap plastic tuners which still work perfectly. Not sure of the age, serial number is 112214--. can anyone help? I'm not sure if 'features' is gradeable, seeing as how there arent any, but then again, what more would you want?

This is more like it. It sings like no other acoustic - with the exception of a '64 D18 I once owned, but that cost me ??1800 in '96 and I sold it 4 years later for ??2000 to buy a '63 Precsision. The guitar is exceptionally light, probably the lightest Ive ever tried, and it resonates like a thing possessed! Ive owned so many acoustics, but none have had the sparkle and clarity of this FG140. I use Martin 11's, which are a perfect match.

I'm told by my guitar tech, that due to Yamaha's manufacturing methods of this period - guessing early 70's - , the set neck postition tends to raise the action after the 7th fret, having said that, I dont play much higher up the neck than that anyway, so its not a big problem, and I suppose, I could always get the bridge filed down if I wanted to get it lower. To be honest, my Alvarez DY77 had a lower action higher up the neck, but compared to the FG, it sounded dead. Honestly. The Alvarez is a beautifully made guitar, probably the best looking acoustic I've owned and beautifully made, but it really lacked the sparkle and clarity of the Yam. Working on the premise that the FG is at 35 years old, the finish is remarkable. When I got it, the frets needed cleaning and I think it still had the original strings - they were black. Using some fine sandpaper and a liberal amount of lemon oil, the frets and fingerboard have come up like new. The frets are showing virtually no wear, and the fingerboard is a stunning piece if figured rosewood which wouldn't look out of place on a ??3000 guitar as would the beautifully figured,mahogany? back. You just don't see this quality of timber on newer guitars, unless that is, you are looking at the really serious and expensive,custom made models.

After 30+ years, everything is perfect. The finish, apart from a few light scratches is bright and shiny. There are no cracks or signs of the bridge lifting. I use Martin 11's, but Im sure that if you wanted to use 13's, it should be fine, but it really does sound perfect with the 11's.
Of course I'd gig with it, but a backup's useful if a string breaks!

Ive not tried, but Yamaha are a top company so I'm sure they'd be helpful despite the original warrenty having probably expired!!!!!

ive been playing since the early 60's and have owned countless acoustics in my search for the Holy Grail, including.. a 64 Martin D18, an '82 Guild D35 and an '86 D25, a couple of Alvarez, including the beautiful DY77, a Yamaha, made in Taiwan FG180, a Lowden a Larivee and Santa Cruz - quite a list. Maybe its the age or who knows what, but none have impressed me in terms of tone - forget the cost - as much as this FG140. Yes, I'd replace it with another if it were damaged or stolen, which I probably wouldnt have done with any of the others, including the Martin.[I'd buy an FG and pocket the ??2000 difference!]I cannot praise these guitars high enough and even though these early Japanese FG's seem to be shooting up in price, you can still buy them for well under ??500, so they are the best bargains out there.

I bought this new in 1971 for my high school graduation present. With case it was $110. Has all the features I expect in a flattop. Six strings, tuners, and soundhole!

After high school, I went to music school. We would play in the auditorium whenever we could. I never was able to play my Yamaha because everyone else had their Martins and Gibsons and wanted to play my guitar. From day one it has had a rich strong sound that has only gotten better with time.

Out of the box it has played great. The action was fantatic. I did replace the tuners in the late 70's and that is the only thing that has ever been done to it. It loves new strings and you can tell the difference of the strings you have. Mine prefers light strings or silk and steel. Wonderful wood!!

It has withstood 37 years of my playing. My son wants to use it all the time when he is playing or recording. I don't plan on making any changes don't need too.

Never even thought of using customer support

near perfect sound Have never found anything under $5000 that sounds as good as my Yamaha.

My Yamaha FG140 has been owned by me from new since the early 1970's. It's a straightforward dreadnought design with no frills. Two piece spruce top.

I bought this guitar because a friend had one and it sounded terrific. He also worked in a music shop in Pompey (Portsmouth UK) so I got a little discount and the choice of all the new models he had in . This guitar sounded great then, and sounds even better now it's aged a bit. I was also heavily influenced by the fact that John Martyn (of John and Beverley Martyn) had recorded with one. The sound is full and rich.

Great action, even today. Still a straight neck.

It's lasted 30+ years of playing in scholls and other venues on a regular basis. Solid.

Never had to use it

I've been playing for over 40 years and have owned many guitars, electric and acoustic, but this is the only guitar I still have from the early days. The only reason it's lasted so long is the sound and the general playability. Most guitars have a fault with the sound somewhere, too bassy, or too bright. This is just perfect and always has been. It's actually got better.

I've had it from new - bought in 1972 for my 20th birthday for ??41 in Exeter, Devon where I was at university. No frills, just good quality, sound, and for many years, action.

It's my only guitar, apart from basses and Spanish, but it's a great sound, quite bright, but plenty of tone and volume

Used to be great to play, but not so good now. It had a partial refret - not a success. It's in for repair now, and the guy says the neck is out, but he can do a major job on it and put it right.I thought it was me who could no longer play, but it was the horrible state of the action and frets. Decision - is it worth it, or buy a new one for not much more. Having read all these reviews, I'm going to have it repaired and keep it.

After 35 years, it's a bit battered - my younger self was less careful, and I've played it on stage, round campfires, in classrooms etc. Never bought a case, so it's weathered, but still beautiful.

35 years and more to come. I hope to pass it on to my younger son when I shuffle off ........

It's a proper musical instrument, and it should last.

not applicable

Great guitar, hope it will be restored to former glory.

Mine has a red label Nippon Gakki sticker inside and a Blabk letter K stamped just above the sticker. There is no serial number.

I can't tell for sure, but it looks like mahoganny back and sides and neck with spruce top. The neck joins at the 14 fret and there are 20 frets. Mine has the original cream plastic tuners which are quite smooth (one is missing a bolt, but the cog stays on once the string is tightened). There is no pickup, but then I assume it was made long before they became a standard feature. I fitted my own strap button on the heel of the neck.

The sound is awesome. I have played a few accoustics in my time and this one blows them all away. The bass tones are nicely rounded. When you start playing, it is very hard to stop. I often hunch over and rest my chin on it when I'm playing in an effort to hear more. The natural reverb when you strike a note is fabulous. In fact you can just hold a chord shape and tap the guitar and it starts ringing. Truly amazing.

The reason I bought this guitar all those years ago was for the action. It is incredibly low for an accoustic and so easy to play. It is just like playing a quality electric with heavy strings, even at the top of the fretboard. Also the neck is quite narrow, nearly the same as my fender strat at the nut and even narrower at the bridge.

Tuning is sometimes problematic when the strings get a bit old. The finish is excellent; great workmanship.

The frets are beginning to show their age; I suspect they have been leveled a few times over the years. The rest of the guitar has aged wonderfully with no structural problems.

Never used it.

I just love this guitar. If I ever move on to building my own accoustic (building an electric at the moment) I will base it on this Yamaha. I would never sell it and am debating whether or not to fit a pickup to it. I would love to gig with it, but am scared to let anyone start drilling holes and such to get one fitted.

This is the red label model of this guitar, which is the more desirable model...I guess it's older.

Although I've been fooling with guitars for four decades, I'm just a dufus...a thrashing strummer with limited abilities. That said, when I start playing I frequently see shock followed by happy approval on listeners faces...it's a humble looking guitar and folks don't expect it to sound so good. It's got a LOT of volume.

I always thought of this guitar as a cheap, thrift store, seventeen dollar guitar...so I didn't worry about it. I didn't have a case for it for many years, and it was just kickin' around the house. Anyone and everyone played it, and I loaned it out to many people over the years. It was in a New Orleans crack house for a month or so before being returned to me, and someone who was high decided one of the tuners needed to be disassembled...and then they lost the parts. I replaced the lost tuner with some crappy alternative, and then one of the plastic gizmos fell off and I had to carry around pliers to tune the thing. That's when I considered buying a new guitar, and went out for a coupla days shopping for a new guitar. I only played guitars under three hundred bucks, but they all sounded like crap by comparison, so I had a new appreciation for my old and abused guitar. It's got nicks and dings all over it, and I decided to remove the pick guard awhile back, but I replaced the tuners with Grover Rotomatics, and the bridge pins with brass Caraco's. Now it looks good, plays great, and sounds terrific. I feel lucky to own it.

I've had a number of guitars over the years, but this is currently my only one. And I've only had one other acoustic guitar that I liked anywhere near as much as I like this one...an old Harmony guitar. but this one's far better. If you wanna see a picture of me with it, maybe this link will work...

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=341962739&size=l

It's the best acoustic guitar I've ever had, and given the price, an incredible value.

As far as I know it has a spruce top with mahogony elsewhere. the pegs are an ivory coloured plastic which isn't very aesthetically pleasing. It could be improved if there were a cut away in the body to reach the higher frets.

I have re-strung my FG-140 to play left-handed which causes all sorts of problems, though I still adore it. I play all styles on this guitar (blues, country, folk, rock, jazz and even punk). The overall sound is still deep and rich. It responds well to picking or strumming and always drowns out other, newer guitars when playing vigourously. very versitile.

I don't know whether this is a result of my re-stringing, because it was obviously never meant to be a Left-handed instrument, but the action is a bit dodgy after the seventh fret. My dad and uncle owned it before me and they never complained about this. The only flaws that aren't of my own making are the loose tuning-peg mounts.

I have REALLY given this guitar a bashing! Many people reading this will cringe when I say that it has been all over the country without a case. It has spent countless nights outdoors (around campfires and the like).There is a great deal of cracking, scratching and denting on the body, especially around where the pick-guard would be if it were designed for a lefty (though I'm sure a good guitar restorer could rectify this). Despite all this neglect and carelessness, this guitar is a beast! It would doubtlessly survive a nuclear holocaust. I enjoy this instrument immensely and treat it better now I'm a bit older and wiser.

Never tried to have it professionally converted as I should imagine it costing a small fortune.

I had this guitar handed down to me by my uncle, who it was given to by my dad, who bought it second-hand in about 1972 (it was pristine when I recieved it in 1991. I have been abusing it regularly since then). I think I would shed a few tears if anything were to happen to my Yammy. Other guitars I own are electric (left-handed Burns Marquee and L/H Black Fender Strat) so I can't compare them to this. But the few modern acoustics I have tinkered with all sound tinny and clunky in comparison.

Like someone before said features belong in cars and movie theaters... not on this beauty.

When new strings are put on this, it seems as though the guitar breathes and gets new life. The sound quality on this is by far better than most out today.

Nothing except for the finish is wrong. The only place that the finish is bad is on the back of the neck, because of my thumb ring.

I use it in church 3 times a week, plus I play when not in church everyday. I still have the original tuners on mine. The finish still shines with a little clean up ebery once in a while.

Never dealt with them.

I've had this guitar since I was 14 (now 17), and it has put up with my abuse. My grandpa bought it in 1970, so he could pick up a past time. Before my grandpa died in 1989, before my 1st birthday I would always dance when he would play or any music for that matter. That day he told my grandma that when he died he wanted me to have when I was ready because I had music in my soul. Thanks to this guitar I'll be playing it till the day I die.

Not sure when this was made. It was bought by my Father in Law (an excellent Folk guitarist before he passed away 10 years ago) as a backup guitar. He replaced the original tuners with a nice set of Grovers. It looks like the original tuners were pretty cheap and I've been told that swapping them out for Grovers was pretty common.

I've since added a Fishman pickup and play it at church a couple of times a month.

Looks to me like it is not a solid top as I can see a seam running from the bridge to the tail.

I love how this guitar sounds. I'm not an expert or particularly picky, but to my ear, its a rich, full sound. It seems to amplify nicely with the Fishman. I sometimes run it through a Digitech pedal to add a notch or two of compression and reverb and that seems to sound pretty nice.

Nice soft action - fun and comfortable to play.

It's a pretty plain guitar - no details in the fretboard and it even has a kind of klunky square head. That's alright with me though - its fun to have a guitar that sounds so nice without looking like much.

Its been around a long time and is still a great guitar.

I love this guitar. I've got the chance to spend some money on a guitar right now and am planning on putting it into an amp and a semi-hollow electric rather than a new acoustic. A Taylor would look flashier, but I love this guitar, and love the connection to my Father in Law.

Do not know what year this guitar was produced. Not sure if it is a solid top, but it sure sounds like one. I bought this guitar from my barber who knew absolutely nothing about it. It was rather neglected and even has a bb imbedded in the top. Definitely adds character. The tuners are horrible and need replaced, but the sound and durability of the guitar far overshadow this.

Although the neck needs adjustment, and the nut needs replaced, the potential for this guitar is great and I have had a blast playing it the way it is. It has a great full sound and playing it up and down the fretboard is smooth and easy. I especially like fingerpicking with it. Many more experienced players I know who have played it are amazed.

The quality of this guitar is awesome and has obviously withstood alot of abuse. The pickguard is starting to peel up and besides the dings, that is it.

I've never dealt with the company, but I would really like to plug in the serial number and find out when it was manufactured if possible.

I feel really lucky to have found this guitar, because it was purely incidental. I do not think I will ever get rid of it.

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!!!!

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.