Thanks for the Yamaha stories. My first guitar was an fg-150 red label that I bought in Yokosuka in 1972. It cost me 52.00 new with a hard case. I was on an American aircraft carrier in the Vietnam War and taught myself to play with "Gingles" magazines from the Philippines. I still have that little gem along with a '73 D-28 that I also bought new in '74. Rounding out my little collection is a 1923 Washburn type 1 parlor guitar that a friend gave me back in 1975. It needed work so I spent the 127.88 to have 2 cracks repaired and a neck reset. That was a lot of money to me at the time but the little guitar has more than payed me back. Keep up the good work.

Believe me ..I own this model. Damn this model is the real GOAT. Perfect japanese quality....magic sound. This guitar I will give away.....just with my cold hand.

John, I’ve had one of these fine LL56s now for coming up on a year. I have you to partially thank for that. Reason being, it was some of your earlier general commentary on high end Yamaha, along with some other research of mine, that made me pull the trigger. It was a real leap of faith buying an instrument this expensive sight unseen, but things more than worked out. With this said, your comments in this video about having no fear about purchasing one of these guitars without having played it first is good advice in my experience. The standards these things are made to makes that a possibility without a doubt. I went into this purchase with the concept in my mind that I wanted to buy a well rounded high quality instrument, one that would stay with me forever, and one that would give me the maximum value for my hard earned money. I was originally shopping the regular high dollar brand name factory made suspects, but in the end my pragmatic side and good advice like yours lead me down the right path. Still pinching myself. What a dream it is to own a guitar like this. Really and truly. It is a real shame that so many are in the dark about the fact that Yamaha on the high end goes far beyond the “beach guitar” mentality that so many folks out there have. Thanks for your thoughts. It certainly helped me. This video here only further consolidated the fact that I made the right choice. All the best.

Absolutely, nailed it “ never stop searching for your perfect guitar “.

Hearing you play "Clouds" on that instrument brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely stunning!!!

Sweetwater has one in stock. It is a beautiful guitar! It has an Engelmann Spruce Top, I would buy this over any Martin or Taylor IMO. Thank you J.P. for all of the work that you do and keep up the great videos. I have learned a lot from your videos and your lessons!

@cosmocalypse3708

9 ай бұрын

I just ordered an LS56

@stevewhite3753

8 ай бұрын

I have a 800yamaha that sounds fantastic

I've watched all three videos in the series but I've got to say....OMG. Holy Mother of Abalone Pearls. The minute you just played that LL-56 custom guitar, the bass resonance from the guitar just hits you. As per who builds the instrument, I think it is Hiroshi Sakurai, though I could be wrong because I know that a craftsmen Shintaro Yasuura is also the production supervisor of this guitar as well. Without a doubt, this guitar has tone written all over it. I agree with you on the comment that special thing about the 56 series compared to the 26 and 36, that since it isn't built by the 12-13 or so craftsmen employed under the master craftsmen, the builder's spirit just makes itself into the guitar, and just lives in there every single time you play this guitar. Honestly, JP I've enjoyed this series. Hopefully you can review the TransAcoustic guitar from Yamaha. As well, you should try reviewing the Yamaha LL-86 custom which is the absolute highest guitar you can go in this series. And like the 56 series, it does take 7 months to build.

J.P., you've done Yamaha a solid worth more than 6K with this series, and your 20,000 followers. They should have told you to hang on to all three of these beauties.

Although there are very few, every video I've watched on these guitars the sound has been just absolutely incredible. I have a LS56 on the way.

@pankajjoshi2032

3 ай бұрын

How is it? Are they significantly more comfortable than the LL's series? Thank you.

@cosmocalypse3708

3 ай бұрын

@@pankajjoshi2032 unfortunately I have nothing to compare it to as far as other Yamaha guitars. I can tell you the guitar sounds unlike anything I have ever heard. It really does ring like a piano. Fit and finish, superb. Action, intonation, playability, so good. I paid retail price and have never regretted it. Opposite of buyer's remorse every time I pick it up.

@pankajjoshi2032

3 ай бұрын

Is it more comfortable than a dreadnought? My shoulder hurts when playing, so I'm thinking of replacing my LL16D with an LS36.Thank you@@cosmocalypse3708

That was so beautiful, John, thank you!

Mr. Cormier, thanks for sharing your knowledge and love about these instruments. This guitar just comes to life with your playing, well worth watching to the end! Great video, fantastic audio on everything as usual, and some damn good content, you're doin' it right!

That was really interesting and well presented, thanks, I really enjoyed this video.

Thanks JP! What a magnificent instrument. Love your channel!

Shit John, you moved me! You are a poet! Your words and the sound of the guitar moved me. At the end I cried, I swear! Also because of the song you played at the end (you knew it would work!): I also play Both Sides Now (Randy Scruggs version) and it's my favorite song with acoustic guitar. I took it as a message from heaven! You're right, a guitar like this can change your life. It can make you love life more. If I could afford it I would buy it now. Unfortunately I can't afford the LL36 either. But the LL16D does! (aesthetically it is almost the same). Yes I know, she is a girl who has nothing to do with this noble lady, but she is the one I can afford, she still has a great sound and excellent workmanship. The first time I tried to play her, a couple weeks ago or so, I immediately fell in love with her. Since then, all I can think about is her. And anyway, even though I know there are better guitars, like the ones you presented in this Holy Trinity, I think the LL16D is the best instrument you can buy for 1K Dollars (or Euros, I'm in Italy), and I really think i will do this week! Thanks a lot dude.

I've been waiting for part 4 with the LL86.

@deejay.s

Жыл бұрын

Part 4 should be the LL66.. Yup...I was shocked to find out that it actually exist! 🤣

@dennispham7849

Жыл бұрын

@Robert Mays yes, it's engelmann spruce top and jacaranda back and sides, costs over $10000 😅😅😅

Beautiful playing,

She just caught me watching this again, after we'd 'talked about this'. I hope you're satisfied with all the trouble you've caused.

Love the Yamaha reviews JP!!

That is incredible man that instrument just about brought me to tears. Oh my goodness.

I thought I had the perfect guitar. Thanks for keeping the door open for another one. Love your playing and the channel.

I totally get it. The spirit inside and warming up after you play for a while. At first it is hard to find the overtones but as you play it starts sounding like there is a choir inside. When you first strum it cold it will sound in tune but a tuner will indicate the strings are uniformly off slightly. Don't tune it, just play and as the neck warms up it will come into tune. Once the overtones come to life, hit the right note and lift both hands off the guitar and you can hear the overtones ring forever like angels in Heaven. I just described my 1995 standard braced Martin J-40 forever guitar by the way. You can quote me on this, "The perfect guitar for every guitar player is the next one." At least I thought so until I got my J-40. The problem with finding the perfect guitar is that it takes the fun out of searching for a perfect guitar. That being said, the perfect guitar is a moving target and that Yamaha L56 has me thinkin'... And that brings me back to my quote. Thanks (I think) for reigniting the thrill of the hunt.

That’s a beautiful guitar and Both Sides Now sounds beautiful. Awesome JP 👍👍👍

Never stop looking for your perfect guitar. I love this quote and it just makes me feel that there's one out there for me. I'm not a great guitar player, but I am a great listener. Thank you JP, you always open my ears more!!!!

Holy Moly!! Incredible sound across the strings! Words fail me. I cannot put the sound of that instrument into words.

Love my LL56. It's a true players model and keeps me inspired! Never owned a high end Taylor or Martin but I would put the LL56 right up there! Thanks for making this video!

Amazing sounding guitar....fantastic fluid playing too.....so many rich overtones going on with that guitar....a treat.....my Dad brought an old FG-110 red label into our house in Belfast Northern Ireland in 1970....we all learned on it....I was 4 years old.....i am 55 now and the guitar is still with me and still going strong...I saw 2 of these in a guitar shop in the early 80s....they were kept in a locked glass case...the Gibsons and Martins were on the wall....says a lot really...stunning.

Beautiful guitar and playing! Thanks!

Great Review, I love it.

Amazing. Amazing. The beauty of that sound alone has earned you a new subscriber. Amazing. I am speechless. ....amazing.

what a superb video , thank you

The word is 'soul'. It's the luthier's soul. I love Yamahas.

Stunning guitar, great playing too.

Wow! That is insane how good that thing sounds

When you said it was the "spirit" of the builder that made the guitar so fantastic....I work with wood a lot and you hit the nail on the head.....not too many people have that depth of knowledge. Your videos are great JP!

Wow. That rendition of both sides now brought a tear to my eye. Thanks.

Wow what a magnificent sounding guitar 👌big fan of yamaha guitars love your channel John keep em coming👍

From both sides now, waoh !!!! so musical. Player and instrument moving as one. Someday I'll buy one of these

I've owned several Red Lables over the years. Love them...

Superb Review!!! I have played many and these guitars are some the World's best

Such a cool guitar. Thanks for video!

Wow, that guitar is stunning, and so is your playing.

Truly amazing! Quite possibly, one of the best sounding acoustic guitars I have ever heard. Your version of “Both Sides Now” is awesome!!!!

I Love it I want one ! Beautiful !

It's the most beautiful guitar I've heard no doubt

That was incredible

@NotTelling51

Жыл бұрын

I came back and listened to that last song again. J.P., that was absolutely amazing. I never ever use the word "amazing". The guitar is off the chart but the guy playing it makes a cardboard box sound good. Thank you for posting this video.

I had the great good fortune today to find an LL56 being sold for less than the price of an LL36. I bought it bc of this episode. Thanks for putting on the radar! I can't believe it... :O

Very nice . . . that arrangement of both sides now, really lets the guitar sound out. Cheers.

Your playing is awesome John!

Great review buddy, BEAUTIFUL guitar.. 😊🎶

I totally agree. Yamaha makes top quality of everything they make.WOW That thing rings Your awesome man

Oh ! What Joy you bring at this Time.. Just Love it.. That guitar is even Better than my Nippon Gakki S50 an oldie but still a goodie..

That is an amazing guitar, wow! Yamaha are amazing guitars I have a couple myself, my pride and joy being the Yamaha LS500 which I bought new in 2002, and would never let go of. Love your reviews, great info and knowledge. 👍

Ive just recently discovered your channel. I have never heard a guitar ever like that guitar barr none. Nice playing.

Thank you sir...

Well Sir,,,,,,,I waited until I could be uninterrupted to listen to this video. I knew, from listening to the other two of the trinity, this was going to be the best!! It is!! Your version of Both Sides Now is by far the best I have heard!! One word, PURITY, came to mind. Incredible purity of tone! Seven months is not too long to wait to let the wood adjust to and accept the shape the master luthier has put it into. Perfect tone and balance and eye appeal befitting this masterpiece!!

Needed to rewatch this demo to fully understand the greatness of Yamaha Guitars. The sound is mind blowing

You are great salesman. My friend bought a LL26. Thanks to you I drove an hour and half one direction to try it out. It sounded great. It also had an indestructible vibe to it. Super solid. As far as the sound I was cautious. I wasn't sure if I would eventually feel like it was too dark sounding. He's had it now about three weeks and he's still enamored with it. He knows a lot about guitars and has owned the most expensive so based on his consistent love for it I will drive up again and check it out. The workmanship was outstanding and the tuning machines were really great. I'm thinking I may get one soon.

Hi John, It was freaking me out also. Thank you!

Yamaha's are great - and you Sir are a truly fine musician!

I was already sitting on the toilet, jokes on you 🤣

Wow. Spirit Guitar! It takes you to a higher level. Like meditation music. Thanks.

I find my perfect guitare! ...and it's a "Boucher"SG42 G! Thank you M.Cormier !!! ...and it's a very long story, my very first guitare was a old "NORMAN" i by in the '90 , perfect circle time!!! Love from Québec!!!

Damn that is a nice guitar, I just gave my Yamaha to a much younger friend, and only because he loves it and I know he will play it and enjoy it (and I just picked up a 37 year old Yairi). I've have had several Yamahas and loved them all! Wish I could afford one of these. Your playing is mesmerizing, the last bit of playing just gives me chills.

Such a gorgeous guitar! Love it! Thanks for playing Joni Mitchell!!

This is deceiving because I saw 3 other people play this guitar and the 36. You blew them all away. You sound perfect to my ears. You are a high end player excellent.

Dude. You almost killed me. I was actually on the toilet when you said: you better sit on the toilet. I laughed so hard. Had to pressed pause and comment.

wow that sounds amazing!!! just got a flawless FG300M Nippon Gakki and its close to that sound but is getting bone nut ,saddle and pins and elixers very soon just waiting on my bench

How did you know I was sitting on the toilet? 😜 Thanks for these three great reviews! I picked up a free all plywood Yamaha on Kijiji that was sat on just to hone my repair skills and was blown away how great it sounds. It competes with guitars worth 3 times as much by the big names. I picked up an 07 Boucher the other week on a bargain (I’m blown away) and I can’t wait to chase down your reviews!

Treasure Joni , lovely interpretation of clouds.

It's freaking me out, too! So rich, that is probably the best-sounding acoustic guitar on it's own that I've heard yet. I especially enjoyed your rendition of Joni's "Clouds" on it and thank you for the series, it is extremely informative. 40 years ago I had K Yairi that looked like a D 45 but it didn't sound like one or anywhere in the league of this guitar. The only other guitar that comes close (and blew my mind completely) was the blind sock test and reveal of the Sigma D 45 clone (with the "K" wood) that still leaves me speechless. On more of a budget? The Sigma. But I looked around and have seen these L 56's for as low as $4,100 US dollars...not bad. Both are steals compared with the usual players in this premium echelon of guitars. Thanks for the series, John, and all the other videos that you do...extremely informative.

Years ago I had the honor of playing John Denver’s L53. I fell in love with it, and wish I had one.

Oh wow, I just wish I had that kind of money. I love my 830, but this is just an incredible instrument built with love and perfection. Just gorgeous. Right, better buy a lottery ticket!

love your channel. Your points are so well-taken. Lots of highly skilled craftsmen out there. I want to try a Boucher but so rare in US. one that fits, I think, your scrutiny is a custom shop George Gruhn inspired 0000-28 Martin. A little less than 4K and full bodied tone all over the fretboard.

First guitar owned is Yamaha fg830 and I was impressed. 2nd guitar, yamaha Slg200s silent guitar, very impressed. Yamaha is amazing.

Wow that's the most beautiful/best sound guitar I've ever heard 🤯🤯 it is gorgeous 😍

Received my Yamaha LL36 last week and love it! I wouldn't have thought about it unless I saw your video and so again, m thank you! I also have a 1993 Yamaha LL23 which is amazing made by legendary developer Fumio Naruse. Love the Yamaha's and hope to get a Gibson J-45 or J-50 someday.

Hi! Stunning ! I live in Japan and have been searching for a guitar to spend the rest of my life. Perhaps I will choose this one ! I am excited...

Beautiful instrument...

Really nice guitar and wonderful playing. I was looking at one of these on Sweetwater when I got my "lifetime" guitar. It was between this and a Takamine EF75M-TT and the Tak won out. They're pretty much on par with each other, I just liked the styling better on my Tak. The EF75M-TT is also a master luthier made guitar. They made 100 for the world, and I think something like 42 made it to North America. Great video of a great guitar :)

Thanks John for showing us the higher-end Yamaha L series. I own an LLX16 & consider it to be a quality instrument - the 26 & 36er's are very difficult to purchase in Australia.

It reminds me of the Yamaha that Bruce Cockburn used back in the day. Its got that same high-end zing and tight bottom end.

Great synopsis! Can’t wait for the Yairi videos.

holy hell the sound

I love your guitar videos and value your opinion so I bought an LL56 off of Reverb with no return. I love this guitar, it was born in 2021 and the first owner had it for less than one year before I bought it. I hate to see anyone having money problems but I'm glad I could help him out and save over $ll00.00 off the new price. Thanks JP

I have the LL16D A.R.E and this one sounds very very similiar if not same as this one.Great guitars.

Goodness gracious. That rich, piano-meets-harp low-end...

Amazing! I have heard you play a LOT of guitars but not 1 like this! I officially have a new grail guitar

WOW! The Master bings the Masterpiece to life...

Jp you were right i should've been on the toilet!!!

I really like your content.

Very, very impressive

Fossilized horned owl talons make decent bridge pins if you can't find sting ray barbs.

Yamaha Guitar review wearing a Boucher Guitar T-Shirt ! Love it 😊 J.P. doesn’t get the credit he deserves for all he has given of himself to us. In my life J.P.’s music and knowledge is as important as any color, number, or letter that I need to use daily.

Today is 5/1/21, a Saturday. A great day for great guitars and a great player! How I wish I could play like this... practice, practice, practice is in my future! I have a Yamaha, but mine is an inexpensive half size... but it, too, has fantastic sound! I was so very surprised when I first played it. Amazed, actually! Nothing like this, but for what I got it for and gave for it, it's pretty darn good. Some kids, 4 & 9, that came to my home with their mother, kept messing with my Alvarez, which is my pride and joy! I'd get incredibly upset when that happened! I gave $285 for this Alvarez classical back in the late '70s, or early '80s... don't remember exactly that part. I'm just very protective of it... So, I got my little Yamaha to use and hid my Alvarez, so I could relax. I've heard many good things Yamaha and mine and the one you're playing confirm it a hundred times over! Thank you!

I owned (yes,i stupidly got rid) a Yamaha LD10e ,laminate back/sides in a gorgeous yellowish brown rosewood. Worn around the soundhole with a few bumps and bruises on top,and a well repaired crack on the top too. It was built like a tank and looked like it had been to war,but it was a fabulously versatile machine...not a 'high end' guitar,but i honestly much preferred it to my friends Martin hd28. Just like your 'G' at the 15th fret,my ex-guitar (😭😭) had perfect intonation and the tuning was so stable it was incredible. Capo on/off,altered tunings galore,made virtually no difference aside from maybe a tiny tweak on the B string. Damn thing resonated when i walked past it sitting on it's stand...i swear this thing knew i was there and didn't like being ignored. I had heard of Recording King guitars,but i called my Yamaha my 'Stephen King' because it was so spookily good for what it was. 🎶Regrets,i have a few...but then again,too many to mention....etc 🎶

Perhaps the best sounding guitar ive heard?😋 The player is awesome tas well.❤️

Sublime

Great review as a yammie junkie this is prob my dream guitar, and the fg1500 pleasure to watch

@CommViewer

3 жыл бұрын

Noticed your comment...could you point me to a web-site or other info source that breaks down the different red label models from the 60s and 70s. I'd love to understand the difference between a 1970s FG 335ii and a FG 180 and which ones are worth chasing down....

Just ordered it today from Mike at Long and McQuade in Halifax. 7 months is no joke. Looks like its worth the wait 🥰 Lemme know if you want to play it JP.

Thank you! Yea, Tusk does it.