
( Brand: Yamaha ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: FG-500 ), ( Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Series: Vintage ), ( Body Type: Dreadnought ), ( Handedness: Right-handed ), ( Model Year: 1970 ), ( Performance Level: Professional ), ( Size: 4/4 ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Japan ), ( Number Of Frets: 20 )
The Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki label acoustic guitar is a vintage piece that hails from 1970, showcasing the rich history of this iconic Japanese instrument manufacturer. The FG-500 model was a part of Yamaha's celebrated FG series, which was first introduced in the late 1960s and quickly gained a reputation for delivering high-quality, affordable acoustic guitars.
This particular guitar boasts the desirable Nippon Gakki label, which signifies that it was crafted in Japan during Yamaha's peak period of guitar production. Nippon Gakki, or Japan Craft, was a label used by Yamaha for their premium, handcrafted instruments made at their MPOS facility in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan.
The body of the Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki label acoustic guitar is made from a solid Sitka spruce top with a beautiful, natural satin finish. The back and sides are constructed from laminate mahogany, ensuring durability and providing a warm, rich tone. The neck is made of mahogany, with a rosewood fretboard adorned with dot inlays. The traditional 25.3-inch scale length and 1.72-inch nut width make the guitar comfortable and easy to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
The FG-500 Nippon Gakki label guitar features a distinctive rosette and multi-ply bodybinding, adding to its timeless aesthetic appeal. The top and back are adorned with delicate purfling, and the bridge and fingerboard feature elegant mother-of-pearl inlays. The chrome tuning machines ensure that the guitar stays in tune and maintain their shine, even with extended playing sessions.
Under the hood, this vintage Yamaha guitar is equipped with a select spruce top and scalloped bracing design, which provides strong structural integrity and improves the tonal quality by allowing the top to vibrate more freely. The guitar offers great volume, clarity, and balance, making it suitable for various playing styles, from strumming to fingerpicking.
The Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki label acoustic guitar is not just a musical instrument, but a piece of history that represents the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship in the golden age of acoustic guitar-making. Its deep, resonant tone and classic design make it a sought-after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts as well as a fantastic instrument for players who appreciate the rich sound and character that comes with authentically aging wood.
Bring home this vintage, Japanese-made Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki label guitar, and immerse yourself in the warm, full-bodied sound that only a truly classic instrument can deliver. Whether you're an aspiring musician, an experienced player, or a dedicated collector, you'll appreciate the craftsmanship, tone, and soul of this iconic piece of guitar history.
The Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki Label acoustic guitar produced in 1970 is a well-regarded vintage instrument, known for its rich sound and classic design. In deciding to purchase one, it is essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:1. Authentic Vintage Sound: The FG-500, with its solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing, was designed to provide an excellent sound quality, well-balanced tone, and impressive volume.
2. Durability: Known for their durability, Yamaha guitars, including the FG-500, were built using high-quality materials and craftsmanship that ensures longevity.
3. Affordability: Compared to other vintage acoustic guitars in the market, the FG-500 tends to be more affordable, making it a good investment for musicians with budget constraints.
4. Versatility: The FG-500's versatile tone and robust construction make it suitable for various music genres, including folk, rock, blues, and country.
Cons:1. Potential Wear and Tear: Since the guitar is vintage, it may have signs of wear, such as scratches, minor cracks, or frets that need replacement. Repairs and restorations might be necessary, which could add to the overall cost.
2. No Electronics: The FG-500 does not come with any electronics, which can limit its use in amplified performances or recording situations without the need for external amplification or pickups.
Conclusion:The Yamaha FG-500 Nippon Gakki Label acoustic guitar from 1970 is an impressive, durable, and affordable vintage instrument that provides an authentic sound and is versatile enough for various music genres. However, due to its age, it might require repairs or restorations, adding to the total investment. For musicians who desire an electric capability, consider purchasing an electric guitar or looking for a model with an integrated pickup instead. Ultimately, the FG-500 is an excellent choice for guitar enthusiasts seeking a rich-sounding acoustic guitar with a classic look and a historical pedigree.
Minor finish checking. Proper relief in the neck. This guitar sounds like the epitome of classic Yamaha tone. Recently crowned frets with very little wear that can't be felt when running a finger across the fret.
Set up to play well with strumming or finger picking. No bellying on the top. Easy, smooth play ability. Surprisingly loud with great sustain.
Comes with a Fisherman Matrix Infinity VT pickup that works very well. Medium action at the 12th fret: About 0.105 2.7mm for low E; 0.095 2.4mm high E. No cracks in the wood. This legendary guitar has incredibly balanced tone with rich lows, punchy Midas, and sparkling highs.
This vintage 1970 Yamaha FG-500 Red Label Nippon Gakki has a solid spruce top, laminated Jacaranda back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fret board. See photos for examples of wear and tear. Original hard shell case in incredible condition. The FG-500 is considered to be Yamaha's top-of-the-line guitar back when it was released.
Tuners/hardware have normal expected tarnishing from but work normally. Watch a video demo of this guitar: s://youth.be/y1OlZmFGaEs.