GSWJ - RESURRECTION!! JP Reviews a 45 Year old YAMAHA 375S that was Never Sold! 

JP, I seriously can't understand why your channel doesn't have 320 THOUSAND subscribers vs only 32k. Because you most certainly deserve at least 10 times the subs that you do now.

I used to play guitar and mandolin until i got cancer. after a year of a cocktail of chemotherapies (and 46 shots of radiation) the chemo killed the nerve endings in my fingers and toes. Common neuropathy from too much chemo. After 12 years of not playing anything i wandered into a music store and bought a Taylor GS Mini just to see if i could manage to play a bit. Not so good so i kind of forgot about it mostly. Yesterday i wandered into a different music store while my wife was shopping. I was reluctant but the store owner kind of made me try a few guitars in my limited capacity. He was raving about a Yamaha parlour guitar he had there so i tried it and wow! I could manage a few chords on it and it sounded really good and was so much more playable for me than the Taylor. The Yamaha was an all solid wood parlour for about $1000 Canadian and i dont remember the model #. I am hooked. I am inspired again to give it a try. He then showed me the parlour TA and it really caught my attention too. I am going to go back there and walk out with one or the other (or both because i am impulsive once i find things i like and my son plays my old Yamaha from the 70s and could inherit these too). I am kind of excited to give it another try because of that easy playing Yamaha. I have about 20 mandolins here that i should start selling anyway so money is no issue. Whats the worst that could happen? LOL !!!

This guitar is saying: “Finally, I can breathe and I’m in great hands.” What an incredible find. Thank you JP.

Fan-bloody-tastic!! What a story. I also have a 375S, it was the 1st guitar I ever bought, 2nd hand (from a 1 owner) in 1990. Over time the sound has warmed up and become fuller with just enough bite from the highs. They are absolutely beautiful instruments. 👍

OMG. It beats anything I have heard produced by the majors. Hands down. Congrats J.P.!

I’m glad someone who genuinely loves guitars got this one and I can’t think of anyone more appreciative and deserving. Kudos J.P. you da man da gawd dam !

holy sheet mang! what a find! I'm glad you played it thru the mic! just awesome voice and with the added history does make it a keeper!

I love my Yamaha FG5. I got it cause JP recommended it ! !

That's the best present any guitar player could get. What fabulously rare find, brand new, never played... I'm jealous 😄.. Love Yamaha's I have an old 72 fg160 Nippon gakki and and a 1980 fg350w both sound great... They were a musical instrument company before they started making motorbikes!

What an incredible sounding instrument. Sustain, depth, warmth, brightness...it's got it all and more...thanks JP.....

That's sweet! My first guitar was my Dad's 1983 fg335ii bar guitar. Started playing it when I was 7 or so in 1990. I never got around to asking him how that suspicious head-sized dent happened, though. That was his favorite guitar, and, thankfully, I still have it.

Now it has come full circle and is in the hands that will make it sing!!! 👍🤗

Magical JP, Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet-'SUSAN' I'm an Old man now But, I own an FG- 180 Yamaha ( Taiwanese, '74-5 ) Georgous sound, and Recently a Trans-acoustic Cutaway ( Bell- like tone, speaker assisted of course) and BOTH equal to my Martin. I love your videos, keep 'em coming, 'n' Take care 😊😊😊

I bought a Yamaha FS 850 just because you love the brand

My first guitar was an all laminated Yamaha from 1969 or 70. I learned to play with it during my Army Basic Training. I knew nothing about caring for guitars and after about 10 years, some braces came loose. I took it back to the shop where I got it and they offered to trade it in on a new Yamaha that had a solid top. I made the trade but only kept that guitar for a few years before selling it and getting my first Martin. I would love to have both of those guitars back.

I FOUND ONE! IT'S CHERRY!! BOUGHT FROM A PREACHER MAN!!! VIRGINALLY PERFECT!!! 😂😂😂❣ I bought an FG-180 a year ago with a case full of gospel sheet music, and it's the cleanest thing I've ever seen too. I think this might be a thing for me now - buy from preachers! They take care of their gear.

Worse treated guitar ever is right! My Dad still has his original 70’s FG that he used to entertain thousands of folks over his 70 some years. I’ll never forget his wife telling me about the night he just up and threw his old Yamaha in a roaring camp fire when she wouldn’t go make and bring him a drink! Lol! She was pretty quick to pull it out of the fire but not before it scorched the headstock. The mark is still there to this day. Sounds like he had a few already but it’s kind of a small price to pay for a fella to play, sing and entertain dozens of people all night long when you think about it. At least that’s what my father figured. He loved to do it for folks and he was quite good at it and he quite often did so for nothing. People used to call him ‘the man of a thousand songs.’

JP , you could play a cod fish and it would sound fantastic. Beautiful guitar!

Add to the story: And then it came to an incredibly great Guitarist who made it sing like Heaven,

I’m not jealous. I promise. Well, maybe a tiny bit... I should add that I’m pleased it landed with an excellent guitarist. I’m sure you’ll show it some love

That thing sounds absolutely majestic!!! Big CONGRATS to you JP, for literally stumbling across this treasure that was locked away & hidden for 45 freakin' years!!! And to think the majority of this video of you playing it was with the microphone OFF. This gem DESERVES to come home to none other than you JP, and I can't think of anyone else who could give it the life of singing loud & proud like you can.

Beautiful J.P. sounds great! I have a Yamaha A5R & a FG-800 love my Yamaha guitars!

I was impressed with just the i phone mic. In fact.... I actually preferred the audio through the iPhone by literal leaps and bounds John ....and I am an andriod person. You should consider continuing with just the phone audio . It was truly more pleasant .... less treblely or zzzzz sounding ... something along that line . The 375 sounded insanely fantastic , and it wasn't even pointed towards the camera. Beats the crap out of my FG800M . I still have my first guitar from when I was a kid in 1977...... My FG 325 . Completely 100% O.E. ... and that's the way she is staying for sentimental reasons . Once again please consider using your phone audio in future reviews ... I think it gave a more true and genuine yet full sound . Just saying .

Holy shitballs!! That guitar sounds phenomenal miced up.

Dam awesome story and even better great sounding axe.

That’s really beautiful sounding and looks great too! What a FIND! Super cool. Congrats.

Wonderful sound.....nice playing JP.

NICE! Glad you turned on the mic. LOL I'm blown away every day by my LL56. Yamaha rules!

This specimen will put every Matin in it's place. Amazing tone, beautiful instrument, looking forward to see and hear it in your future concerts :)

JP, I am trying to find one of those, but no luck so far. What a gem you found! I read something about your model being built with some ooooold Yamaha spruce stash, which was dropped when the 375Sii came out, and some new stock was used for those. Wonder whether you'd ever heard anything like that? Also, is the solid spruce the difference (apart from the age issue) between this and the 365S, if you know, the latter being laminate? I see a few more of them around and available. Thanks - I'm a big fan of yours and this channel. I'm swimming in old FGs, not the premium stuff, but I love 'em all, and have a couple of -180s. If you can help on the question, thanks!

Absolute incredible sounding Yamaha and picking as well.

What a find! Just wicked👍

You are so much fun and one of the best guitar players on youtube. I'm going to be downloading some of your videos to cop some of your wonderful licks. Love the channel

Needle in a haystack. Wow. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Wow! You’ve had some great guitars on here, and that one has a unique sound!

WOW! It's beautiful! You play some amazing guitars and that one stands up to the best of the..........to my ears! UNREAL! I'm glad you're taking that on the road!

That is awesome JP, what a find, I've always loved Yamahas., But this one is one of a lifetime find, congrats on finding this one.

That is one fantastic sounding guitar. Just rings beautifully and deeply. Thanks for sharing that unique instrument with us, John!

J.P your praise of Yamaha sent me looking for a guitar and I found a Yamaha ll16D in natural, incredible for the price.

I stumbled on your channel because I bought an FGX5 Red Label (en route) and watched your review. Great channel man! Your playing is fantastic as well!

Awsome more than awsome no words .... can describe the sound it comes to life

Man that guitar sounds good!!!!! It's epic... I watch all of your stuff and this thing blew me away!!!!

Great review, favorite segment of your channel. You deserve huge thanks for showcasing Yamaha, always great quality. Looks exactly like one I sold back in the 80's, couldn't remember the model number. Cheers.

I was impressed, very impressed, then you put it on the mic and I have never heard such beauty, Love you JP!!! (and Yamaha)

That is one amazing sounding guitar! I think the bass range is better than most Martin guitars I've heard. Thanks for sharing!

Primo is definitely a good word to describe it. Absolutely awesome.

Absolutely gorgeous & what a voice! I've got two FG340s, also 45 years old. They're a pleasure to play.

I just bought a Yamaha 365sii a few months agoI love it it was made in 1983. Love the content JP 👍😁

When you turned the microphone on, consider my mind blown. As a Yamaha fan, it was very exciting to see this discovery and this beautiful guitar couldnt have found a better home!

Love the deep sound, the sustain and separation. I wish my FG800 sounded this good 😂 Glad it's getting its voice with a master player!

I still have an FG 460 I bought in 1989 . Still plays great

I need to be checking "Reverb" more often!! Wow, what a beautiful sounding guitar!

Good to see you J.P and that's a great guitar. Speaking of Yamaha, I bought a ruby red trans-acoustic after seeing your review: love it!

Very cool JP and thanks for sharing. I recently acquired two older model Yamaha's, one is a 1976 FG401 with spruce top and coral rosewood back and sides. The other one that I just got last week is a 1980 L10 "Luxury" series with spruce top and EI Rosewood back and sides. The older Yamaha's are tremendous values and stunning visually and sonically! Cheers!!

Beautiful great review love a yammie

I cannot think of a better place for this treasure to end up but with you, John! Your videos (and others) convinced me to buy a Yamaha recently, an FS5. Thank you, it is so beautiful to play and the sound...as you would say: wow!

Great find!!

J P, You are the man for the job to christen this wonderful instrument. God bless. Keep up the great work.

Wow....what a dream instrument....love those Yamaha Guitars.

Are you still in love with this guitar? I just bought one on reverb that is its twin. Looks to be in great shape but of course has been played. Can’t wait for it to get here.

Incredible tone

I believe that guitar was made in 1974 in Taiwan. I saw one exactly like that. I could be wrong. That guitar sounds incredible, been a fan of yours since day one. I learned guitar by sneaking my dad's 12-string Yamaha when I was 10 years old. I'm pretty sure it was made in 1968. Boy it was tough with that fat neck and little hands. But when I bought my first six string, it was like butter. I sure learned a lot off of you, you are a amazing gifted artist. Thank you for your videos.

Hey JP. I was hoping you would post this video after you discussed the guitar in the Yamaha Y440 session at a Markham Brewery. That guitar though. Oh my god, does it ever sound amazing. It was an amazing find.

Great review and great playing as always. I had an FG-340 for a few years that will always hold a special place in my heart because it's the guitar I''ve written my first decent songs on. The action was so-so when I got it and it got worse and worse. Eventually, the guitar needed a neck reset, which seemed like an exorbitant luxury for an old beater that I paid 180 € for. In hindsight, I wish I'd gone through with it. That thing had a way of pulling ideas out of me that I haven't quite found in any other guitars. This era of Yamaha is just special.

I am in awe

i'd be really curious to know how this compares to newer LL Yamahas.. Torrefied wood versus naturally aged wood. Always inspiring to hear you play JP!

Gorgeous guitar

That guitar waited 45 years for YOU! It's a very lucky and happy guitar now.

someone gave me a Yamaha Fg 340 which is about the same vintage as you are playing. It was in a case but really never played. Looks like new. It is a laminate top but is amazingly powerful. I have nice higher end guitars this keeps up quite well.

John,... good seeing one in your hands. Can vouch for the voice and depth. It was Ys attempt to match the D28. Mine has some minor dings, but she shouts and can whisper too. Congratulations on your find. Got mine in 1980, small shop where took lessons. Paid $150.oo 1980 dollars. I also have a D28. Wouldnt let go of either. Kudos.

I have a Yamaha FG180 built on 1970 it’s a cannon and in remarkable condition, bought one in 1973 in Japan but sold it 10 years later, bought an FG300 a few weeks later also in Japan but sadly sold it in 1980. But I found this FG180 a few years ago will never let this one go!

Amazing ❤

I would love to hear Robin's thoughts about this guitar too. Primo score JP !!!!

Love those jumbos. I have the FG 365 Sii, which some people claim is really a Martin. I dunno, before my time. These instruments are exhausting. I've always felt lucky, that I learned the secret about Yamaha's in the early 80's. Owning one of these is a blessing and a curse. It makes you play. It makes you write. It's fun, pardon me noticing you are having way to good a time with your's. You and I are lucky to have been the first caretakers. We'll never sell them. Sure you can have it, when you take it from my cold dead hands...

Whoa, big difference with the right mic. I remember these guitars and 400.00 was a good guitar price. Beginner guitars were 100.00 or so. Some pretty bad ones could be had for less, Eatons, Sears, etc. So this guitar would have been owned by serious musicians. I bought an Eko 12 string in that era for 400.00. Still got it, got some thermal cracks in the finish from winter gigs but she still sounds good. Great find for you, hope you enjoy it.

JP, can you share what strings you put on that beauty in the minimal setup you had done?

Got a few amazing guitars from Reverb but nothing so cool as that!!!

Second to your amazing guitar playing….the excitement, love and respect you show for this instrument inspires me to keep playing and collecting! My wallet curses you but my heart thanks you lol!

THAT is One Fabulous Guitar, yes Play, play, play that baby!

The FG 180's were much prized in the 70's by Irish players but I guess not many could have afforded this high end model.

Pick on John!! That's a lot of decades to just be sitting around. That guitar needs to be played and treasured. Great sounding Yamaha. I'd like to hear how it sounds in 10 years.👍👍

I was wondering... I wasn't hearing much tone.... Forgot to plug in the mic! That's better buttery resonance...

Through the Aston sounds transcendental!

what a story, what a huge voice

The 375s stopped in 79 then they had the II model , mine was a 75

Really nice story

What a find!

glorious.

Holy shot that’s gorgeous

Sweet guitar!!

any chance you could do a video showing the removal of the wood type pick guard on a Yamaha FGX5,DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BRIGHTEN THE SOUND?

This guitar was made between 77-81, the later ones after 81 had the same model numbers and followed with ii, like fg375sii. The later ones also had the truss rod access at the soundhole, but the early ones have the nice wooden truss rod cover with the yamaha symbol. It is the flagship FG from this time, but there was the fg365s too, which also had a solid top. Great guitars and you can grab a bargain with these models.

Sounds great holy shit

We want to hear the new FG-9!

Sweet Yamaha. I've owned a bunch of 'em over the years but nothing sounding as sweet as your new/old 335S. Last year I found an absolute mint condition, 45 year old, 1977 S. Yairi case queen dreadnought, solid top, laminate mahogany (inside and out) back and sides for $600. Previously owned by a young student who gave up before developing calluses. It's lighter than most solid wood guitars I own and sounds great. All it needed to be perfect after 45 years in the case was a neck reset, new bridge and the Gotoh tuners replaced... aargh. I wound up spending more to get my guitar up and running than you did. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but I broke out the calculator because like most artistic types, I am mathematically challenged but mid 80's didn't seem like 45 years ago. You might need to change the title of this video because 2023 - 1985 = 38. However, I just read the response from Family4742 that was written 5 days ago. He said your guitar was built between 77 and 81 so instead of being built in mid to late 80's, it might actually be a 1978, which would make it 45 years old. So don't change your title quite yet.

Hey JP I have an FG365SA which also has a solid top, rosewood back and sides, it has been played for the last 45 years and been subjected to all sorts of conditions here in Australia still sounds great, I am reluctant to put anything but light strings on it, what gauge strings did you fit to this one?

Wow! What a find! How does the sound compare to the modern FG5? Great review, as always!

It really changes one's mind about laminate back & sides and what can be done. What a great tone out of that thing. it's a much darker voice than most of your guitars (and most of mine), making it soooo well-suited for singer-songwriter stuff. It reminds me of an old Martin D-35, but better. I own an LL16D which of course is all solid woods. A student of mine recently bought an FG-800 for like hardly any money...laminate back/sides, and guess what? It sounds awesome. What a world. Thanks for sharing, J.P.

Hi John have you had the chance to play or see the new Yamaha FG9-r/m many thanks John.

The 365 s with the three piece back was number two in the series I think also a great guitar