Just spent a couple of hours in the local music shop. I tried everything. My preference is a bass-y loud projection, without muddiness, usually rosewood. Best 2 guitars in the store, confirmed by staff, was Yamaha LS16 and a Yamaha FG5. It was up against Martin’s, Gibson’s, Taylor’s, and Larrivees. Many double the price. It’s a bomb!!!

JP, that's a fantastic review. What a wonderful sound. Your understanding of what makes a great sounding guitar, combined with your playing makes your insights invaluable. Thank you.

It sounds so clear. You have me shaking my head up and down. Well presented. Beautiful guitar!

What an amazing sounding guitar John. One of the best you’ve had on this channel. Awesome 👏👏👏

Fantastic review, thank you! I was thinking of buying the FSX5 (concert size version) and now you have just stopped me thinking about it and I'm going for it! Great to see a review from someone that knows Yamaha guitars so well and can play beautifully.

Really enjoyed your demonstration of this guitar’s capabilities. Thank you!

Finally tracked one of these down and purchased it. Luv it. Thx, JP.

You're the perfect person to do these demos/reviews, so many who review can't really play well enough to shine the best light on an instrument. Great review, I think this will result in more people visiting their music store to check them out in person!!

Excellent review! I've had my eye on one of these for a while and I'd love to get one

Great review , I’m glad I stumbled across your channel , I love your playing your an amazing player and I can’t wait to check out your music.

I have to have one of these. I’m getting quite the collection of Yamaha guitars. I thought they were just cheap until I picked one up. Now I’m a fan for life. Thanks for the video!

JP. You do the best reviews from a guitarist and luthier perspective combined! Awesome details. I just ordered this guitar 12/4/22 for $1,600 new. Thanks for this awesome and detailed review.

Watching this again. J.P I've just listened to some of your tracks. Wow. Great music and amazing playing. New fan. This yamaha is grabbing my attention a lot.

@Phobosmusic

3 жыл бұрын

Highly recommend you play one first and don't based your purchase on other people's opinion. Acoustic guitars are so personal, I returned my FG5X as it didn't at all live up to the hype.

The guitar sounds wonderful. I’m sure you have played thousands of guitars. It cool to see you excited about this one. Of course a player of your experience and make any guitar sound great. Nice video.

Great Review. Great playing and a great sounding git!

Thank you J.P. Due to this very video, I bought the FXG5 as my first guitar. I love it. I'm a percussionist by nature and this is my first dive into guitar.....I love it. Such a great instrument.

Great instrument. This guitar is easily the best acoustic instrument that I’ve ever owned. This instrument has an ebony pick guard, bridge, and bridge pins, as well as a bone nut and saddle. It’s an immaculate and exquisite instrument. They knocked it out of the park with this guitar. Depends on what strings that you prefer, but I string mine with either Gabriel Tenorio Phosphor Bronze (hand wound) strings, or Stringjoy Phosphor Bronze strings. They really sing on this guitar.

Just discovered you through your review of the Yamaha FGX5. Like your manner, and your playing is fantastic. Will keep checking out your channel. Greetings from Florida.

I have a yamaha a5r torified top, mic modeling pickup. Extremely solid. Yamaha is a world class brand.

wow..thanks JP..I am leaning now on a purchase of an FG5, and you sold me..

Love the sound of the fgx5 red label.i watched jp and that did it for me I went and bought one just been waiting for 6 months to get it but I will wait for as long as it takes.would like to say thanks to jp for helping me make up my mind.i can't wait to put hands on it and play the hell out of.i would highly recommend getting one if your looking for a new guitar.i have play for over 20 years and this is by far my favorite sounding guitar.thanks again jp

Exceptional. And the electronics are amazing - as good as I have ever heard.

Between you and Jarvis at Singapore saddles I pulled the trigger on and FG5 sight unseen from long-mcquade in North Vancouver... I live in Ontario and couldn't sleep till it got here!! I couldn't be happier... when you said it sounds as good as martin D-18 that was it I paused the video and completed my order!!! I only recently found your channel!!! " There's no 18 that can stand up to this!!! " Love it!!

John, I just stumbled upon your channel today from searching for reviews on these smashing FGX5 guitars, and boy, am I happy I found you! Most excellent and compelling playing, I came for the guitar and stayed for your musicality! Yamaha knocked it out of the park with these new japanese made Red Label guitars and you proofed it in the pudding, as they say. Thank you, good Sir!

Hey J.P. This video review clinched it for me on my new purchase. I was feeling a bit unsure of the FGX5 because as you know it has a price that most people can not wrap their heads around for a Yamaha. A musician friend of mine basically said I was making a mistake by considering a Yamaha. Your video was the kick in the arse I needed. I ordered the FGX5 and waited for it to arrive; something I have never done before because I have zero patience and have always opted in the past for the shiny “big name” off the wall (and been disappointed more than once). The FGX5 came in yesterday and it is amazing!! From the minute we unboxed it to the first chords everything about this Yamaha makes me smile. Amazing guitar and I have your review and you to thank for it! Next I’ll start saving for one of Yamaha’s handmades that you reviewed in your 3 part “Holy Trinity” reviews. Keep up the amazing videos bud.

What the heck took this Channel so long to show up in my feed? Hell yes I subscribed. Now I’ve got to hunt down an FS X5 and take it out for a spin. Great video and Channel.

I bought an Yamaha FG450SA in 1989, it had a small brown not on spruce top. After 3 months the brown knot cracked and separated leaving a 3/16 hole in top. I took the guitar back to store, they sent it back to Yamaha and I had another new Yamaha 3 weeks later. I still own that guitar to this day and love it. I can personally vouch for Yamaha warranty, it was a good experience and hassle free. Love the channel and enjoy your videos very much!

Beast! Best guitar I’ve ever owned. A total freak! Big lows, nice highs. Perfect neck.

Nice review, very helpful - and you are a great player too!

Guitars with John! They certainly are well done JP you nailed it again for me sitting listening with my 1971 FG 110 ,a gift from my son on my birthday.

Just picked up a Yamaha FG5 from Sweetwater. What a price $1045.00 and I'm excited about. They were not expected in until November of 2020 but I reserved one anyway. Next they called and said they got one in and did I want it...an easy yes.

I come back from time to time, just to watch you play. so nice!

My ears just went to HEAVEN!!! I have the FGX800C and love it but now I want this guitar!!! Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

That sounds fantastic!

GREAT REVIEW OF GUITAR AND PUP SYSYTEM. I bought the FG5 a few months back . The laminate pick guard had to go. Replaced it with a Greven type OM style . It took me sometime to get all the rubberized laminate goo from under the paper thin wood top layer.. These Yamahas are simply the goods. Thanks for doing the cool service you do for us all . Waiting on my LL36 to arrive soon!

Just found a 2019 FGX5. Bought it in large part to your review! Thanks JPC!

So excited to have bought this guitar from JP at a show last weekend. Thanks for letting me take care of this for you JP ❤️ it will be well loved for years to come.

Picked one up a few days ago and haven’t been able to out it down since. Almost almost all of my free time is spent on it. I LOVE it. Shot it out with a Martin d16 and this thing sounded so much better to my ear

Sounds bloody amazing!

Great guitar.....I’ve always loved yamaha.....even their motorcycles kick ass!!!!!!!!

I bought an FG5 earlier this year. It is the first guitar I go to almost every day. Great sound and one of the most playable necks I've found,

@GiantRock62

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, fg5 is amazing guitar, love it..

@Steven-Duffy

3 жыл бұрын

Just got mine today. Love it so much. Such a rich clear tone . After getting a Ll16d i was a Yamaha convert for sure 👍 😊🤠

@AS-iq7sx

3 жыл бұрын

Can i play classic guitar with FGX5 ?

@maykolllopez1585

2 жыл бұрын

@@AS-iq7sx You can do whatever you want man. That's the beauty of playing an instrument. Yamaha AC5R owner. Best guitar I own out of 10 guitars I have.

@SunnysideViews

Жыл бұрын

Which one is better ll16 or this one?

These are the best guitar reviews on KZread. Crystal-clear audio, faithful reproduction, comprehensive playing, very fun, informative and inspiring. (if horrible for my wallet :D )

@stevec-b6214

2 жыл бұрын

you said it all buddy ;)

@JasonMckellMusic

Жыл бұрын

So true.. I fell in love with the Red Label Yamahas because of the quality of this review and the genuine enthusiasm that comes across from JP. I saved for an FS-3 but an FS-5 came available. Had to buy it.. (So Glad I did)

@anthonygalarza4707

Жыл бұрын

I was looking for an LL16 but ended up with a FSX5 and have been happily discovering music thru playing it. Many many thanks JP!

@jankattelaar4747

4 ай бұрын

Hi, I'm from The Netherlands and like your reviews and talks very much. Do you think there is - besides the few differences in specs - the FGX5 is a better guitar ( sound, volume, playabillity, construction etc ) than the FGX3. I am very much biassed for the Japanese version, because of perhaps emotional reasons but like to know if there also are objective and rational reasons to buy the FGX5 instead of the FGX3? I think I'll buy the FGX5 anyway 😊 Thanks in advance for your answer, Jan

Hi J.P, greetings from Denmark 😀 I just wanna say thank you for making this review on the Yamaha FGX5. That made me go order one at my lokal music store. Now I'm waiting for it to show up, can hardly wait 😀

@jasper_north

4 ай бұрын

Got it??

Thanks JP, I just ordered a used FSX5 from the Cunard street store! They're bringing it in from Waterloo for me. What a deal, can't wait to get it! Two of my favourite things in life are motorcycles and guitars, how can you not love a company that makes incredible motorcycles and some of the best musical instruments in the world!

JP I'm relatively new here but I've really enjoyed the frankness of your videos. First one was Recording King vs. Martin. A used Master Built Recording King for $200 - $300 may be the best guitar value on the planet. I've gone out 3 times to "finally buy my Martin". I live in NYC and can pretty easily play 100 top guitars in a day. First time, I didn't buy. 2nd time, I bought a Yamaha FS800 because I wanted to cut my own sound ports and have friends sign / carve their initials in it. Sounds fine, and best factory set up I've ever seen. Last time, I bought a Yamaha AC1R. Even with layered back and sides it out played every think under $3,500 for $659. It was so good, I didn't even want to wait to try an AC3R or AC5R. I thought, like your Red Label would be for me, they'd just be to exquisite for my playing. Congrats on your new acquisition. Enjoy the heck out of it. BTW, while some guitar makers take a production manager and maybe a luthier to visit their China factories, I heard Yamaha sent 20 of their master luthiers to China for 2 months for knowledge transfer. I don't seen anything touching the value of a Yamaha China made guitar.

Holy Snot that guitar sounds amazing! I'm sold. I'll order it.

I just picked one of these up and cannot believe how amazing it is! I have many guitars including high end Martins, Gibson’s, and Taylor’s, some of which cost literally almost 4 times as much. I would put this Yamaha up against any of them. I went with the FG5 (no pick-up). I will be sticking a K&K in it. Thanks for the recommendation J.P.!

That thing sounds absolutely incredible. I thought you were blowing smoke till I heard it.

@AnkitSingh-vx4dy

9 ай бұрын

Haha indeed

@susanroycroft89

9 ай бұрын

Yes indeed they simply are fantastic, I too in my time of playing guitars have Always loved YAMAHA'S, yes I play and own ( finally) a Martin, but it's no better than the Yamaha, just different 😊😊😊

Yes J.P. the man that stood over that guitar while he made it, took some real pride in what he was building. that is a real cannon. would love to have one of those. Great review of the FGX5.

I just purchased my third one of these (different tunings) ....looked at Martins and Taylors But nothing came close to the FGX5 sound or price range....build is first class.. Pickups in these make tracking a dream...tone is top of the line ....way underpriced (dont tell) The best money i ever spent on a guitar.....no compromise in any way....at half the cost.....literally... I live in Nashville Tennessee.....home of acoustic guitar music....and i have seen every kind of guitar Imaginable....costing into the multi thousands.....these FGX5's are the holy grail brother... The only difference between these and multi thousand dollar acoustics is the bling.... not the sound or feel...really.....find one and try it.....just try it...

I've got a 1960's FG75. It was my first guitar. My Mother bought it used in 1976. It sits in a case under my bed at the camp so I always have a guitar to play. I pulled it out yesterday after at least a year of not being played. It was in tune and sounded like it always does, great. These were cheap laminate small body guitars. Looks like a kids guitar, which it was when I got it, but I've always liked the sound.

I can't believe how great it sounded especially when you combined the pick up system. I'm seriously considering Yamaha again for my next guitar. I currently own three Ibanez acoustics and two masterbuilt Framus electrics but I had a Yamaha for years in the seventies that put up with a lot from me.

You just answered a question I've asked you on a couple of videos about Yamaha's on board pickup system. Thanks JP. Love Yamaha.

I am getting one of those ! Awesome review. You know your shit man and explain things in guitar speak ! Oh and you are a badass musician too !

Many thanks for your review. I've just ordered the guitar. Many greetings from Germany.

Great review... waiting for my FGX5 to be delivered.

I got an FG5 after watching JP's review. no kidding, it sounds fantastic. and the ebony fretboard and fret dressing is smooooth. It looks vintage right out of the box, and sounds like an old good Martin.

This video makes me smile 😁 I love it.

thanks for the scoop, JP

I’ve probably watched this review four times. That’s about all. Love you, J.P.!

Hi JP. I finally managed to buy this guitar, it arrived yesterday evening. As soon as I played the first chord, the sound reminded me immediately why I feel in love with the guitar many years ago (I started playing 26 years ago, when I was 12): it’s so emotional… I would like ti thank you so much, because your review was the key to determine this guitar was the best choice for me. 🙏🏻

I am very grateful for your review. I 'm going to the shop in Rome to try it out and possibly buy this guitar. Thanks John!!!

I've been considering the D28 until I saw this video. Half the price and sounds just as good. Great Video! thanks

Awesome I have several old 70s yamaha fg guitars and a 76 L-5 that I absolutely love I will have to look into this guitar in the future thanks for the video

I need this in my life.

When you plugged it in...just wow!

Last time I commented on this video I’d just bought my own FGX5. Now I’ve had it for a while and I want to thank you! Your review seemed very trustworthy and helped convince me to go through with buying this guitar. No small expense for me but I needed something that sounded fuller in a solo or duo situation and this thing has made such a big difference for me. Both in acoustic jams and plugged in live I couldn’t be happier with the sound.

Fabulous review as always, I own the nylon strings version, and as far as I understand, the atmosfeel system has both a piezo and some sensors in k&k style premixed in their blend, AND a mic as a third source you can add.. when the mic knob is set to 10, you get 50% blend of mic and the two pickups

Picked mine up a couple of days ago..I am very pleased!! JP has convinced me to buy two Yamahas now lol this and the LL16, love them both

I always enjoy your videos and playing . I am so lucky to have seen this . I was about to buy a Gibson . I am now considering this .

Got chills on the first amplified strum! Dang!

LOVE THE AMAZING RICH SOUND OF FGX5

We just got one of these in stock yesterday!

@dionst.michael1482

9 ай бұрын

No you didn’t

Thank you for this video. I’m getting one.

I have always loved Yamaha guitars (and keyboards)...I have a LL16M ARE and it sounds and feels great--but now I want a FGX5..sounds BEAUTIFUL!

Great review! I love my Yamaha FGX5 best spend money on any gear I ever purchased. Fun fact, I watched Music Villas review of custom 25" scale Martin D-18 made from sinker mahogany, and it sounded exactly like this Yamaha ;)

Thanks JP for this video. I agree you don't have to buy a big name to get a quality built guitar. Guitar manufactures like Recoding king have done their homework and coming out with amazing guitars. I have an incredible sound Martin D28 Reimagine I will never sell. I do want a Mahogany guitar and since watching your comparisons I have ordered the Japanese built Yamaha FGX5. It will be four to six months before it arrives. I am looking forward to it. Thanks again.

John just picked up a AC3M DLX recently to play out with. It hung out in a jam with a Goodall Jumbo, and a Bedell dred as well as a Martin D28 from 1965. Wife and I are going to Sweetwater end of July and you bet your ass I'm getting the FGX5. Thanks for the review. Just plain awesome.

love you John for a wonderful review of a truly deserving instrument🙋

@UncannyAleman

2 жыл бұрын

It strikes me that this guitar in sound at least, is up there with Bourgeois, Collings etc. but it won't sell in anywhere near similar numbers because it's predictably decent quality MIJ. It doesn't have that (so-called) star quality luthier who sounds tops in his sleep. There's no 'face' to head up the brand. So the Yamaha is kind of a sneaky choice for smarter players. Just my 10c worth!

Just ordered one . Thanks JP.

Got a Martin 000-16 and a Martin J-40 Love em both Ordered one of these Yamahas today Cant wait to play it Thanks!

Great review amazing playing

I bought my FG fifty years ago for about £55 and still play it every day.....love it....that’s value for money❗️👍

@tedbownas2748

3 жыл бұрын

My FG410 is over 35 years old, sounds awesome, and I still play it. Need to put frets on it when I get a free day or two (hah).

@rodsimmons9337

3 жыл бұрын

Got my FG450SA 31 years ago. Had 2 lessons and didn't continue, put it in a wardrobe for 29 years, now finally learning to play and love my guitar.

Wow that sounds incredible 😍👌

I want one of these so bad!! I do want to try the FSX5 (OOO body). I normally like a OOO body for fingerstyle, but man, this one has some great tone. Amazing brother.

Atmosfeel has the piezo, a mic (built into the circuit board which sits near the control knobs) and a body sensor near the bridge. A total of 3 pickup sources.

One hell of a guitar, I've used Yamaha acoustic and electric since I was a kid. They are the best!

The Red Label FG5 is 1300. 1699 Cdn for FGx5. I own a 000-15m and it was 1759.00. When are we going to realize that there is life after Gibson, Martin and Taylor. Listen to this man! He has changed my 30 years of playing on my ear. Thank you J.P.

I bought an Yamaha FG300 when I was serving in the military in Japan in 1973, sold it for tuition money when I got home. Loved it dearly, I'm playing a DW-5s I paid 300 bucks for 15 years ago, I have a nice Breedlove that stays in the case and a Martin D28 that I haven't played in months, just love my Yamaha sits on the stand next to my recliner just love it.

@MelodyMaker

Жыл бұрын

Often overlooked is the "playability" (comfort) of the Yamaha which may also have something to do with it sitting next to your recliner.

What a beautiful rich tone! Yamaha acoustics cannot be beat! I just bought a new Seagull Maritime a few days ago. They're listed at $900 on the Seagull site, and my local shop sold it to me for $711. Seagull are a Canadian made guitar owned by Godin and this guitar has a bright tone, with a slightly wider nut it's awesome for picking. I love the Seagull, it's bright but not too bright, but my favorite acoustic is still my black FG340, it has a richer, warm mid tone that I love! Great channel! Jack ~'()'~ Southern Ontario

@gui-texzan7477

3 жыл бұрын

Godin/Seagull are damned fine guitars for the money. ✌️

Love the sound and the way you play it, I have 2 Yamaha and love them, I've go a FG-TA and an old FG340 II

@ClaytonWain

3 жыл бұрын

340 mk 2 was my first yammie great guitar

I just bought this guitar today at Corner Music in Nashville. I played it for a few hours one day then went back and got it. Its everything you said it is, the best guitar I've played in many years! Great video new Subscriber

That is one beautiful sounding guitar

I just love that wood pick guard a nice guitar thanks

Hey JP. I hope the guitar buliders realize how importment your reviews are. My buddy and I both just purchased Yamaha FG5's based on this review. Great guitars! Keep them coming, you're one of the best guitar players on the planet!

@TheHenkka65

8 ай бұрын

Agreed! 🎶🙌

TY what a superb review, Congrats on a beautiful Yamaha. I have had Yamaha's over the years also, always delivered. I have been looking at the FS5, but thinking I need a FG5 also, why not they would be a match made in heaven. Anyone who has not played these needs to run to the nearest store and check them out~

I love my FGX5! I bought it as a backup stage guitar to my A5R but I find myself going to the FGX5 more and more.

@matthewi.minnick5845

3 жыл бұрын

I sold an A5R due to the preferred tone of the pickup in the FGX5

@kalampathan8397

2 жыл бұрын

What is good a3r or fgx5

When I play this, It's like having an orchestra at my fingertips. JP thanks, you really did this instrument justice.

After months of figuring out a way to buy one, I just put my order in for the (non-electronics) FG5. If needed, I'll get a K&K dropped in later. As you mentioned, this model plays as wild and as wide open a '73 D18 I played a few months ago, at a fraction of the cost. Thanks for the reco, JP.

Omg, that's a guitar to get excited about ain't it.... WOW! Love your stuff, playing, and passion for the instrument ✌️