Yamaha FG-300

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never had a problem that I couldn't solve myself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red lable what can I say..

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

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

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

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

i love my fg
wouldnt trade it for the world

trashes more expensive boxes to bits

like playing with cotton

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

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

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

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

Come on there Yammys

Dont no, sorry

Just Amazing, What a sound ya...

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

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

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

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

nope

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

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

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

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

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

WOuldn't expect support at this age.

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

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

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

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

Can't beat the adjustable bridge....

NOPE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NA

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

Red label FG-300. Usual pick guard

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

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

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

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

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

40 years but dont practice enough these days

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

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

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

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

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

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

yes, yes , yes, & yes!

n/a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have no experience with this.

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

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

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

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

Suits me totally,in all the above..

Yes,Yes Yes Yes Yes

no,no,no,no

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N/A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent fit and finish

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

Not applicable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This guitar is over 33 years old now and has survived years of abuse and neglect. It has been stored under beds and forgotten in closets during damp summers and dry, cold winters. About six years a