Welcome to the channel folks. My name is Randy Cox and I live in East Texas. I spent most of my life unsatisfied with my guitar progress. So, if you are like I was, I look forward to helping you make some measurable progress. On this channel we do a mix of guitar topics, such as guitar reviews and basic fingerstyle guitar. From time to time we also feature other RU-vid artists for a variety of different, but well worth it, reasons. My videos will almost always have commentary as an accompaniment to the music that I either teach, or play. I like getting to know the subscribers on this channel, so that I can better serve them. That said, we'd love to have you on the channel and very much appreciate the opportunity to help you, and/or learn from you. I will always respond to comments that are respectful. One last thing, if you don't ask me for money, I won't ask you for money. Do we have a deal?
Great video thumbs up. That guitar sounds good. I always liked the older Yamaha and Ephoines. Seems like most of them sounded pretty good. I don't think I would have paid 1500 without playing it some. But you made a good buy here. Stay well my friend.
I think the mistake on the pick guard could be chalked up to the fact that they speak a different language.I don't know where you will find a solid wood guitar for 700 bucks.
I cannot justify paying $500 more for the FSX5. I first played the FSX5 and was smitten, one of the best guitars I’ve ever heard or played. When I say it can almost hold its own against Collings or even SCGC of comparable bodies and wood pairings, I mean it. The shop owner also agreed. Later I found an FSX3 at Guitar Center and, other than the fact that the FSX5 has a bone nut and saddle and comes with a hard case instead of a gig bag, there are no other differences I can see or hear. I will be making the purchase on a FSX3❤
I’m really glad to hear you’ve found one. In my case, I wish now that I had bought the 3 as well. Perhaps it wouldn’t have had as many issues. Either way, as irritated as I am with Yamaha right now, it is one sweet sounding guitar!
Hi Michael, I think you’ll find her in the comments on this one. I’m pretty sure you’re referring to Ms Cindy over at Guitar, Notes & Notions. I saw that video. Her nephew Tim was in that video, if I recall correctly. She’s a very nice lady and we’ve mutually sub’d.
Hello Randy, a little off topic, but I love your knowledge and honesty! Do you know anything about "Epphone masterbilt frontier" guitars? They look/sound to my not very knowledgeable eyes/ears a lot like the Inspired by Gibson range, am I way off? (I know nothing about them at all, where they are or were made or anything..... I looked through your channel but it seems you don't have one..... hmm maybe a good reason for that!! Thanks if you can shed any light!
Odd you mention it, because I’ve tried to find one to play, but have only found and played the USA version. I don’t have to tell you, I was drooling. From what I’ve seen on RU-vid, they are very well crafted, but only the Indonesian ones. I may see if I can find a used one. If I do, I’ll let you know, brother man 👍🏻
If the truss rod takes more turn to adjust that means it’s a more finite adjustment and the top is probably still giving in to the strings tension perhaps I’m not trying to argue I like hearing you play and that fs5 sounds really good I love the ebony fingerboard and bridge I currently play the IBG j45 and a Hudson by orangewood if you haven’t tried an orangewood I think you’d be impressed
I’ll take a look at that. That’s something I haven’t thought of, so I really appreciate the insights. By the way, always feel free to argue, if you need to. I promise you, I want open/honest dialogue on this channel. I’m no guitar guru and I have learned most of what I know about guitars from folks on this channel. I’ve seen Orangewood guitars before, but never played one, or thought about playing one. I’ll take your advice on this. Is there one in particular that you would recommend? Appreciate having you on the channel, brother man 👍🏻
I can see where your coming from on the Pickguard however do I think they are trying to trick us I don’t think Yamaha is dumb enough to pull that I think their intention was to put something other than a plain satin smooth pickguard the person in charge of the description should have said textured plastic honestly I wasn’t that exited about it being wood because I would probably want to peel it if any how a Martin 000-18 has a plastic pickguard at 2800 dollars they messed up on the description but I would find it hard to believe they intend to deceive I’m guessing some one is gonna get an ass chewing at Yamaha
I get your point, for sure. I’m normally going to assume someone simply didn’t have a command of the English language, but in this case, Yamaha seemed to be trying to pass that off. The reason I say that is because it’s been several years now, with no correction. While I’m still investigating this, I was told that they build part of the FS5 in China and then finish them in Japan. If true, the pickguard seems rather a mild issue. If the latter is true, and I’m going to find out, I’ll be doing another video. That would be a really big deal, considering that most buy the 5 because they think it’s made in Japan. I really appreciate your thoughts about this. You may be right and I certainly hope you are, brother man 👍🏻
Hi Jimmy, great hearing from you. It’s a conundrum for sure. These days it’s just more common for folks to attempt to mislead their customers. However, over a stupid pickguard?? That may not be the only misleading piece of the pie from what I hear with Yamaha. Always appreciate your feedback, brother man 👍🏻
I agree, everybody thinks thats a wooden pickgard. Thats what i tought.. Everybody i seen review that series said it was a wooden pickgard. Anyway yea, for 1500$ theres so many more options that i think are better. This series of guitars is kinda generic looking to me. Its got that modern/vintage look to it that i dont think is really original. For that money id probably go for a Eastman or even a Sigma or a blueridge.
Great points! I don’t think I’ll ever get past the deceptive advertising on this. I really appreciate the insights and thoughts. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻
Yamaha missed a few things on this series for sure, and to be honest, it seems strange. The FG3's (China) have a plain black pickguard, and for the FG5's (Japan) they stick a decal on it....why? The FG3 looks more like the 60s version. Anyway, I agree with you, Randy. The points you made in the video are understandably frustrating.
Hi Steve, always great to get your insights. What I’m hearing is that they start the build in China and finish them in Japan. I haven’t confirmed it, but a commenter in the first video mentioned it. I don’t doubt it. Take a great design and bounce it around for the build 😂. Yamaha has a command of the English language, so there’s really no excuse for this, not to mention the truss rod challenges. I kept it so I could do a few videos. Hopefully It’ll help someone. Always appreciate you, brother man 👍🏻
Nothing better than this with my morning coffee... so calming... entertaining... your knowledge is immense dear one... your evaluations are outstanding 🙏🌹
Ms Therese, it’s wonderful to hear from you. Every time I hear from you, you’re drinking coffee, which means we’ve a great deal in common 😁. Thank you! You’re too kind, ma’am 👍🏻
Hi Anthony, I’m afraid I was so irritated when this happened, I just didn’t want to deal with them anymore. That said, I’m old enough to know better, but my irritation got the better of me after it took them weeks to even call me back. Something has changed at that company. I’m a good enough tinkerer to turn it into something I can use. You have to admit, it sounds pretty dadgum good 😁. The other thing I wanted to do was hang onto it for several months, so that I could do a few videos with a proper warning to the channel. Had it been over $2K, I am pretty sure it would have been boxed up the next day. Either way, you’re exactly right, brother man 👍🏻
Yeah, your right about the sound, it has a beautiful sustain. I bought a FS800 for my granddaughter last Christmas, i changed the nut, saddle & bridge pins to bone + change out the strings to DAddario xs 10/47. It sounds fantastic for a small guitar. She loves it. For $300 AUD it was a steal.
Hello Randy nice to hear your history and that is a long time not to pick up your guitar, I don't pick my guitar up like I use to because music is sent to me and then I work on that try to make it in a song but like to get back to doing my own thing. I do love your sense of humour and don't delete just make it private and good advice I need to buy some monitors what kind do you have ? I can get dead ear as well pretty darn fast... Thanks and have a great day :-))))
Hi Ms Kathy, yes’m, make private and don’t delete. I’ll remember that. I have Frazier studio monitors, made in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, they are no longer in production. I wish I had some good advice here, but I’ve never needed another pair since getting those. For my own mixing with this very small studio I work in these days, I use some reasonably higher end headphones. They work great for guitar/vocals mixing. They are Shure SRH1840 Open back Mastering and Studio Headphones. If however you have a full blown recording board, I’ll ask Paul Osborn at Audio Dallas, when I get in touch with him. Always appreciate your kindness, Ms Kathy 👍🏻
Hey Randy . . . very honest review. You don't sound too impressed. I reckon mostly one gets what they pay for. I have higher end guitars and lower end guitars as I think you know and in my humble opinion higher end guitars leave lower end guitars in their wake . . . . and then you mentioned 'after-sales' complaints . . . . that's unacceptable. Not good business. Cheers ol' friend.
John, I am so glad to hear from you, my friend. I hope you’ve been on top of down under 😁. Yes sir, both Yamaha and Sweetwater disappointed me. I’ve spent thousands with Sweetwater, so that was the most disappointing of all. I don’t think Yamaha’s honesty and quality is where it once was. Great hearing from you, brother man 👍🏻
Hi Randy good to know, I like how small it is and does have a nice sound and I like your honesty too.... I think if I buy another guitar be and Takamine but first I like to buy a good bass not sure what kind. Have a great Sunday and thanks for the info! :-)))))
Thank you, Ms Kathy. Takamine operates on a whole other level. That’s a company that’s only gotten better over the years. Great choice! I had no idea that you played a bass. I learn something new about you every time I see you. Always appreciate your friendship and feedback, ma’am 👍🏻
Hi Randy.great to see you again. Hope you all are doing well. Another great video. I totally agree with you. I’ve got the same guitar. I have the issues with the tuners as well. I’ve said it before I’m pretty disappointed with the instrument too. Not sure of I’m keeping it or not. It sounds good but if I sell it I’ll probably lose some money so l think I’m going to keep it and modify it to suit me. God bless you and all your family.
Yes sir, we are doing well over here and hope the same for you and yours. I think QC went to sleep on ours. Your truss rod may also be a problem, so you might check that, if you haven’t already done so. It wouldn’t surprise me to find out that our serial numbers are one digit apart 😂. Great input and great to see you, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm glad to hear it.we are doing pretty well too. Starting to get warm again here, but nothing compared to Texas. Lol. Yeah I’m going to work with the truss rod a bit and maybe look into upgrading the tuners. God bless and have a good week.
Hi Terry, that’s a great question. The spec says Japan, but others have told me that it starts out in China and ends up in Japan, where they put the final touches on it. To your question, at this point I’m inclined to believe what I’ve been told, as opposed to what Yamaha say. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻
Hmm…I like my FS5, it sounds very good, unique sweet sound. The sustain is what sold me and traded my perfect FGX3 for it. I like the look of the very thin faux wood sticker over the same plastic pickguard that is on the 3 series. I agree the setup was terrible, way too high at the 12th fret and too low for most people at the nut, not good but I’m pretty good at setup so I fixed mine to my liking. My local shop said to bring it in and they would set it up but there was no need. I also noticed my FS5 bridge is semi slotted, meaning not completely so you could use unslotted pins but enough where the pins can be pulled out and the string stays in place. That may explain the added sustain. Maybe if I slotted my FGX3, it would have the same sustain. I slotted my LL16D and it really went over the top, almost too much. I paid 1399, half what I paid for the Martin 000-18. So I feel good about it. Would I buy it again, yes. But I totally get what you are saying, once I get down on something I have a lot of trouble looking past it. With acoustic guitars, the sound, loudness and sustain seems to win me over. My Epiphone hummingbird IBG wasn’t loud enough so it seemed like a 700-800 guitar, and there was glue around the frets and I couldn’t get past that. Just saying…
Yes sir, I think it started with a bad taste in my mouth over the deceptive spec and the un-attentive set up from my go-to folks at Sweetwater. Then, the truss rod… almost non-functional on mine. It should have never left Japan like that. One thing I will say, it sounds pretty amazing. Always appreciate getting your input, and I particularly love that you landed a great one. I hate to hear about the IBG Hummingbird. I can’t remember, if you already told me, was yours a factory code 15, or 23? Always appreciate your input, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm my IBG hummingbird was Indonesia made. My story is similar to yours in that the Guitar Center gave me a big run around that left a bad taste. I tried to cancel the order within the hour on a Sunday, but was told I had to wait to Monday to cancel when they had a shipping number. Called Monday 9am and they said once they have a shipping number, it can’t be cancelled. So I took delivery and was kind of impressed, didn’t like the weight, and in the end I returned
@@randysrhythm it works well on real bone nuts and Bone Bridges, also tip 💥Make sure💥 that the nut slots do not muscle the strings. That’s usually corrects the stay in tune issues, especially with the larger acoustic guitar strings .013-..056 and largerHope it helps! It fixed all my issues with my Les Pauls. Do you use a String STREATCHA when stringing??? This is a great tool for 13.00 bucks and it will stabilize the new strings, pre stretch will be your friend for life! Total stability instantly! Five passes up and back per string. Careful the strings will get hot ⚠️during this process! Be safe and may God Bless you and the Family! PeAce ✌🏻 Dana
Hi Dana, these are all great suggestions. Actually, it almost makes my point though. Of all the guitars that I’ve owned, of any quality, only this particular guitar is dealing me misery. The strings are 3 months old and played in. I think I just landed a poorly designed guitar, as it relates to details. Always appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻
Colonel, you bring up two interesting points here ,,,, I am like you what else did/are the hiding ? Just say plastic pick guard and go with it as everyone has a plastic guard or just say it is photoflame from back in the day. Once you get a bad taste in your mouth , it is hard to get rid of. I wished it would have worked out better but it is what or how it was made. Now on to Sweetwater , I have noticed some change`s that are taking place there. I think the Private-equity company that bought them are now cutting cost. I may be wrong but I do not think so ! Now we come to this , she does sound Great , I hope she keeps getting better and no other issues shows her head !
Colonel Terry, great to hear your thoughts on this. Yes sir, what else are the “covering up” so to speak? Something sure seems to be happening at Sweetwater. That just broke my heart. Onward and upward. Always appreciate getting your input and thanks for the continued support, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm It is not the Yamaha of the 60`s for sure , bet if you left it in a hot car with windows up on a Hoy Kentucky day while you were hanging tobacco and pull it out it would be in Very bad shape but the one back in the day did just fine , turn the truss rod just a hair and BAM you were Rock`n (or as good as you could be 10/12 hrs in a hot barn LOL)
Yep. Spot on Randy. So disappointed in Yamaha,which is my personal favourite guitar maker. In the case of these models, and the FG9, they are on the drugs with the price, and who knows, now, what they are lying about overall. So sad. In yamahas defence though. They do make some exceptionaly good guitars. I have four examples Ill never part with. Anyway, hope all is well my friend and thanks always for your wise words. And please dont give up entirely on the great company that is yamaha. Peace.
Hi Wonbs, you nailed it. What else are they not telling us? My thoughts exactly. I have always thought of Yamaha as exceptional. Now, I think their marketing department lacks integrity, brother man 👍🏻 Always great to hear from you!
That is the new type of plastic wood. Would you like to buy some of the new gold type quarters. Just joking , Don't think I have ever had or ever saw a guitar with a wood pick guard. Guitar sounds good.
😂, perfect humor, Stager! There are several guitars out there that come with wooden pickguards, some as an option. It does sound good, but the longevity of the truss rod concerns me. Always great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻
Aintcha sweet, Ms Cindy! Yes’m, how someone understands wooden type really depends on whether or not English is their first language. Type = Species, as you have rightly pointed out. This guitar sounds amazing, but I fear that an unhealthy truss rod is going to make the guitar about a 5 year plan. While I did harp on the pickguard, it wasn’t what the pickguard was, it was what they said it was. When I see things like this, it always makes me wonder what else they are not telling me. You’re a bright spot in a dark world, ma’am 👍🏻
Great video Sir and I completely agree. It's a shame that they went the route they did though, with the deceptions. Oh that logo, on the headstock, that's 3 crossed tuning forks. I still think it sounds great though, especially for that size of a guitar. I would definitely own one but not at the price they are asking. I loved the videos and I'll talk to you soon.
Hi David, thanks for the description of the logo and the kind words. It does sound great. I should have said it in the video, but I this one will eventually go to garbage, due to a less than stellar truss rod. There’s very little movement on that neck. Hopefully I get 5 years out of it before I use it for firewood. Always appreciate your insights, brother man 👍🏻
Randy, that bogus pickguard reminds me of the old Burma Shave signs: Cheap imitations/would irk a saint/You hope they are/what you know they ain’t: Burma Shave.
Yes sir, Jim. I wonder what else they aren’t telling us? Someone in the first video told me that it some of it was done in China, then sent to Japan for finishing. I haven’t been able to confirm it, but I wouldn’t doubt it. Great hearing from you, brother man 👍🏻
YamaHAHAHAHAHA oh well atleast you have a cool hat to wear while playing it sir and it does sound nice. By the way i got my Excellente and i love it now to learn some country/delta songs happy strumming from little old England ✌🏻
Hey Mark, great hearing from you. My only long term concern is that truss rod. I was just sick over this, all the way around. Yamahahahaha.. I do see the humor in that 😂, so thanks for the smile. Stay warm over there, winter is just around the corner, brother man 👍🏻
Hey brother man, great to hear from you. Actually, in the English language (correctly utilized), it is wood. Type merely indicates that it could be any species of wood. That said, I do appreciate you sympathizing with me on the subject. Pickguards are not a dealbreaker for me, but dishonesty is. When’s your next upload coming? I’m looking forward to it, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm Haha, thanks, pleased to hear that! :) I have a few reviews/comparisons recorded, but I'd need to expand my system disk memory to edit them, so it might take a month.🥲
Hey Rodney, all I did was slightly tweak the truss rod to remove a little relief. The nut and saddle were perfect. I had it 30 seconds in my hands and the affair began, brother man 👍🏻
I have a new hummingbird coming. I'm hoping it's the Indonesian model. I couldn't get the serial number off of ZZound. But is says made in Indonesia on the back of the head stock. We'll see what I actually get.
Hi Rodney, I hope so too. I have my doubts, unless they sent you a picture of the exact one you are buying. I hope that is the case. Let me know, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm The picture I see shows 23 in the S.N. And it was ready to ship. The others are on back order. So I'm crossing my fingers. It's the Aged Natural instead of the Aged Cherry Sunburst. So there's a chance.
@@mrteedubya1865 Thank you Mr T! My email is in every description of the videos, just FYI. I will give you my email here, but highly recommend you read the description on this video, as it contains some very interesting information. My email is: asmallstone1977@gmail.com
The new ones made in China are Hand Crafted and then sent back to the US to be 100% set up and inspected in the US. Hopefully these are good guitars as well. That is the case with the Miranda Lambert Bluebird, which is simply a Hummingbird painted blue with a different pick guard.
Hi Rodney, I’m with you, hopefully they are quality instruments. The feedback I’ve received thus far leans more on the side of problematic at this point. The China factory has historically only built electrics, and from what I’ve seen are very quality instruments. Acoustics seem to be a new journey for that factory. I looked at the Miranda Hummingbird and there’s one major difference between hers and the Inspired by Gibson models, which is the Miranda Lambert Hummingbird back and sides are layered mahogany, as opposed to the IBG’s all solid woods. It is a nice looking guitar and I’m sure sounds great. Appreciate you taking the time to comment, brother man 👍🏻
I have to agree with you about the guitar opening up , i bought my J45 this year in May , without a doubt a beautiful sounding guitar , I'm definitely waiting for it to feel worked in. I have a 2007 Epiphone DR200 inexpensive guitar but it still sounds amazing.
Hi Shane, I’ve heard a few DR200’s that made my head turn a bit. Inexpensive yes, but if it was made on the right day, so to speak, it’s a cannon. Did you get the Standard 45? I think those are my favorites of the lot. There’s nothing standard about the sound. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts here, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythm hi Randy mine is a 2022 Standard , the DR200 is a good campfire guitar , it usually sits in the living room of my house where i can pick it up when ever i want to dable and not too worried if it gets dinged where as the J45 is locked away and I'll bring it out to play.
Hi Randy thanks for sharing this wonderful story of your music journey, I too was lucky growing up in that my Mom and Dad bought me my first instruments and paid for music lessons etc, anyway great video my friend, I hope that you are well and God bless you and yours 👏👏👏👏🙏🙏
I have both. I kind of think the j45 sounds better, it's brighter and punchier and has just as big of a sound. Less overtones. My ibg j45 sounds more resonate than the one you're playing. Are you using light or medium gauge strings?
Hi PJ, I’m using Martin Retro 12’s, so light gauge. My 45 Epi is a cannon, while the Hummingbird is a tad softer and sweeter, if that makes sense? Appreciate the view and the question, brother man 👍🏻
@@randysrhythmI use mediums on my j45 and combo light with medium on my hummingbird 12/56. I lean towards the j45 more, depends on the song I'm recording. D'addario or elixir. Usually the D'addario.
My 45 sounds great, but I might, based on hearing your thoughts, try a set of mediums. In fact, you’ve just given me a video idea. Appreciate that, brother man 👍🏻
