JP Cormier reviews the Yamaha FGX 3 

Thank you JP for this review. I tried an FG3 in the music store this week after watching the reviews and I was surprised by the sound, feel and overall playability. Yamaha did justice for this instrument using the right wood and technology with an affordable prize.

Hello from West Texas J.P. I have been looking at that guitar and very close to getting one. I saw your reviews of the original 70's red label FGs. Your review and demo of it convinced me Yamaha's re-issues are indeed worth it. Pulled the trigger on it from Sweetwater today. 👍😎

Thank you sir for the incredible review of this Yamaha FGX3. Must say your awesome playing can make any guitar sound great. For myself, gigging 5 nights a week in a noisy resort hotel lounge (pre-pandemic), this guitar would serve it's purpose quite well. I think once an acceptable sound quality has been decided on, for me, it's the fret feel & wear, reliability of the pickup system and stability of the tuning that are probably the top features on my check off list.

Picked up an FG3 today. Beautifully simple and warm. The neck is just right for me. Love it.

I just bought the FGX3 a few days ago and it's on a different level of good. It resonates like nothing else in its class. Gorgeous tone and excellent build. At that $1000 price point, there's nothing that can compete with it. My Taylor 214ce was easily outclassed by the FGX3 in every way which is why I traded it in for this. Easy swap with no regrets. This is my 3rd Yamaha now and my conclusion is that they just make great guitars and you'd be hard pressed to find a dud at any of their price ranges. I recommend them to anyone at any skill level.

I am reviewing this video because I have a Yamaha FG830, and I believe it is one of the best guitars on the planet in its price range.

I think you're mistaken my friend. Richie Havens did not play a Yamaha at Woodstock. He played a Guild. Country Joe McDonald, on the other hand, played a Yamaha FG 150 when he did his solo folk set early in the festivities.

Hi John! I’m so glad I found your channel, other than you’re making me want to fill up more rooms in my home with Yamaha guitars. I already own two Yamaha tubas, a Yamaha trombone, and five Yamaha trumpets!

I just bought one of the FGX3 today in Australia and it blew me away compared to my Martins. Love your reviews.

I bought my first guitar in 1979 and it was a guild d40, the same model guitar that Richy Havens played at Woodstock. He knew what a good guitar was and I found out He was right. I have never seen him with anything but a guild d40.Thanks for all the info you pass along.

I play a Yamaha FG 430 I bought around 40 yrs ago and it still plays and sounds great. I got a chance to play the FGX3 at a guitar center, but I think I'm going to hold out and buy the FG5. I think?

Even the subtle nuances are more than audible. I love the authenticity, God bless you in Jesus name

I played a Yamaha FGX3 last week and it’s everything you say it is. $999 down here in NH at the Manchester Music Mill. Great review ! And the great effects are just one more thing to look forward to. Lol. Thank you.

I recently sold a Martin 000M that I had for 22 years and bought a Yamaha A3R. I don't regret it at all. Very happy with the Yamaha.

This guitar is amazing. It's one of my main gigging guitars.

Thank you very much for these reviews JP! I bought an FSX3 because of this particular review and it was the best purchase I’ve ever made. I’m not knocking Martin, Gibson or Taylor but all I can say is, I grabbed several $5000 models of each at L&M both unplugged and plugged in and my $1300 Yamaha beat all of them in both tonal balance, volume and electronics! I too fell into the trap of thinking Yamaha only built decent sounding “low end” party guitars but I was very wrong. Folks, my advice is not to leave Yamaha out of the mix when buying your next great acoustic! They are unreal in every way

I just got a used fg3 red label for 850 bucks and I love it,

Man, I'm hooked. You have a great style, and--as an old newbie--I'm like a sponge with all things guitar. You never fail to bring me a chuckle or three, and there are so many nuggets of great info. Love the channel! I'm not very bluegrass-y, so my style is very different, but you've inspired me to try a little flat-picking. Thanks!

Great review. I once had a Yamaha acoustic in the 70's and loved it. I'm now thinking I need another, and I've been looking online at this guitar and the FG-5s. I'm a new subscriber to your channel and have been enjoying it, thank you

This Guitar Will Punch You In The Face!! that's just the way it is!!! Love IT!!!

RU-vid is a great stage for us all to get together while self distancing. The Yamaha FGX 3 certainly resonates great sound, it looks like a jumbo guitar? The sound is very clear coming through your amp.

The "Red" labels of yesterday are hard to find in playable shape. The color meant US import and the number was the sale price (roughly) in 1k yen. There are jems in Brown label, and yellow as well like the FG400 hummingbird, and the black label concert grand CG. Point being the color isnt the be all end all, some outside the US found their way. Yamaha collecting is a fun sport. Thanks for the demo

You're right Yamaha has made many wonderful acoustics. Boucher makes sick acoustics..I want one. Great licks sir!

The top is NOT chemically treated. They take great pride in the fact that no chemicals are used to treat that top. It’s pressure, heat and humidity control only.

I just bout a Yamaha FGX3. It is really a nice guitar. Easy to play, sounds great without an amp, and really comes alive with an amp.

My FGX3 is one of the best guitars I've ever played. The bass response shocked me (in a good way). My guitar had high action at the bridge and nut so if you buy one be prepared to set it up.

Yamaha forever my friends. From a young age I knew they were the best. Keeps a guy in good company

I'd definitely love to see more reviews. You've got me almost sold on buying a Recording King RD-328.

Took JP's advice and tried the LL16D. Excellent quality, feel and sound, as he said. For my purposes it was a bit bright with the gloss finish and rosewood, and I wasn't crazy about the pickup, but the sustain, power and sparkling highs really set it apart! Instead, though, I'm getting the FGX3 owing to the mahogany's more balanced sound/mids, and satin/matte finish. Had a 300 series in the 70s that was a great sound. Thanks for the info, JP, and great playing.

I’m a bit late to the party JP but I picked up a FGX5 today. Really pleased with it. Action was just where I like out of the box and the intonation was spot on. Amazing sustain and so comfortable to play. Beautiful guitar. Thanks for the heads up. I enjoy everything you do in here. Health and happiness to you.

Your ending for this video was very funny, thanks for the laugh along with the great guitar content. I am currently waiting for my FGX5 from Sweetwater.

Fit and finish is impeccable for an affordable acoustic. It's got such a nice punch for mahogany. Really impressive unplugged even. Outstanding as always. Bravo Yamaha ❤

What an absolute legend, I have the fgx3+ fgx5 and they are fantastic, thanks for the review, wish I could play like you 🇨🇮❤🎶🎵

Recently got my FG3 (no pickup). Put in horn pins and it sustains forever after upgrading the saddle to bone and put on Pearse PB 12s.. Makes me want to play Four Strong Winds all day! Thanks JP. You also convinced me to get the LL16D ( not black though). You can stop now.....please?

I played up this exact Guitar at Guitar Center in Carle Place Long island today. Easily the best sounding guitar in the acoustic room under 2800. It rang like a bell! Im torn between the Alvarez Md60BG and this Yamaha now!

I bought an FSX3 and I have to say that I have played Gibsons and Taylors and Martins... But this red Label is on par if not better sounding than most anything that I've played. Its a canon! I love it! Great vid and you have another subscriber.... Cheers from Newfoundland!

Just noticed this review. Great review, loved the costumes! I had almost decided on the fsx3 (because I prefer a concert sized guitar) and this video has eroded the final thin veneer of resistance I had, so I’m getting one. I can’t wait! One more guitar can’t hurt!

The nut and saddle are not bone. Nice review. Beautiful guitar. Tomorrow I get my FG9r

Great stuff who cares about the hat/shirt a great guitar badly needed in these troubled times

I received my FG3 tonight ... I know this is an old Vid, but dude I'm excited to play it once it settles a bit.

thank you, just bought the FS3, on your recommendation. Cannot wait for it to arrive!!

That guitar has THE sound I like in a guitar. If I could find one, I'd buy it!

Wow this guitar sounds amazing as do most Yamaha guitars.

I always recognize a Yamaha by the pick guard, and for some never liked to see the pick guard based on an Yamaha "experience" of the past. But this is very interesting and I want to revisit Yamaha dreadnoughts.

Yamaha makes some incredible instruments

Just bought the Yamaha LS TA concert model, can' wait to try it out

You love gear and that’s why I love this channel. Because I love gear 🤣👍🏻 I can’t help myself as well 😜

Hey J.P. ❤ you are the Best guitar show bar none!+! Love your show 🎉

No bone nut. Urea on both ends. Nice sincere sounding review, thanks

Thanks John. I really enjoy your videos.

Still enjoying your videos my friend, keep recording and playing.

Thanks heaps for the review. I have been keeping an eye on the Yamaha FSX5 for a while. Would love to see more great affordable acoustic guitar reviews from you. By the way, I got my Alvarez MD60EBG from watching one of your videos. Big fan!

Richie Havens played a Guild D40 at Woodstock.... On another note you give great reviews!

Last year I was so consumed with a film project that I listened to virtually NO music. Just never took the time. By the time the year was over I could feel the loss of music in my life. It was almost like a mild illness. I've since upgraded to an audiophile system and have dedicated a room to ONLY the enjoyment of great sound and great songs. (Including yours, dude) I don't know who said it but they were right; "Without music, life would simply be wrong."

You provided a great review and gave me reasons to buy one, though I have US built guild and Martin guitars. Thank you!

J.P. - Don’t sell yourself short: Even people living in “”wooden rooms in Nova Scotia” deserve our love!

Yamaha blueridge all they way if you come across an johnson jd 17 or jd 27 at a pawn shop you might want to buy it. Yes I said johnson I got a jd 17 with hard case that is a absolutely cannon for 80$ rosewood back and sides with a solid top . From what I have gathered the same builders that built the br blueridge series built them for johnson . I plan on buying a fg3 and fg5 in the near future thanks for your videos

Your a fantastic player sir.

Went to L&M to buy an Epiphone IBG J45EC. Played 3 and did not care at all for them. Limited tonal range, low volume, no sustain. Pick up a Gibson J45 and...ya..had the groceries. Also played Martin D-18, 0028. Star of the day was a Yamaha FG3. It sounded fuller than any of them costing 4X as much. Punched me in the face! Currently own quite a few...Gibby J45, J35, Martin D28 (cannon), Yamaha LL6ARE among others. Disappointed in the Epi IBG but blown away by the Yamaha FG3.

Some of the best tuning pegs I've felt on that guitar

Top is torrefied + finish is yellow tinted. A.R.E. is Yamaha's wood-torrefaction technology, they were using this proces with their pianos way before any other guitar company started torrefied their guitar tops ;)

Hey John. Love your channel..guestion for you,, would you get the fsx3 or fs3 and put in your own pickup? Or spend the extra and get the fs5

Richie Havens played a Guild D-40 at Woodstock.However Country Joe MacDonald (Country Joe and the fish) played a Yamaha FG -150, giving it alot of exposure in The USA.

Great guitar. But the more I watch your videos, the more I want t Boucher or Collinngs or Gallagher! 🙃

Just got this! One of the last left in Europe. It does sound AMAZING. Actually better than my martin d16. Also very easy and fun to play. Maybe a future classic? However the finish was a bit dissapointing. With cloudy / milky areas. Anybody else experienced this? Should I complain to the seller?

I've been visiting the store in Bedford playing one without the pick up...blows me away...

Great review JP. Makes me appreciate Yamaha a lot more. I would love to join but I don’t see the Join button.

Awesome...have you done a review on the Eastman E20D? Ran across your page on RU-vid's suggestions, just listened to 'Hometown Battlefield', you did a brilliant job of conveying a tough message to the listener and the musicianship was top notch. Great song!

Tried a ll16 and it blew me away. ❤

It's gorgeous. But as recommended by you previously i would go for RD 328. Coz i like the projection of Rosewood. Mahogany is always warmer then Rosewood.

Already on my 'must try' list, although I'd go for the non-atmosfeel version as I don't gig. By reputation an incredible guitar, I just need to compare with the LL16. I've seen a comparison with the Martin D18 and It's hard to pick which one is better!

Good review, thanks!

Just ordered this from L&M in Markham. First time I ever got an acoustic new without playing it. Hopefully all good. You obviously know a good guitar. My current acoustic is a Martin DX1AE which is a great guitar for the money, however am hoping the Yammy will have a bit more sustain and ring. Thanks for the review J.P. !

Hi. John just picked your video. You convinced me that fg3x are not junk. Would a tusk saddle and bridge improve tonality. Tx Daryl from Missouri

What is your favourite in terms of a work horse and studio buddy. This guitar or the ll16d ?

J.P. Great review. I have always loved Yamaha guitars (also love the Boucher guitars). I'm wondering if you've ever played a Godin Metropolis? I played one prior to Christmas and fell in love with it as well....I think I 'll need another job to afford all those guitars...LOL. Anyway, another great Canadian guitar company. I'm wondering how they would stack up against the Yamaha that you reviewed. All the best!

Have you ever done a review on the Yamaha LL6? They say they are hand made, but at a discount price of about $500 USD. They are laminated sides and back, but have the aged top, and totally bound.

JP, I had to do it. I joined!

Hey J.P., Great review on the Yamaha FGX-3, that thing is a cannon, love it. I sure wish my hand was good enough to play again. But you said it, RU-vid is my saviour.

Ginger’s editing skills are getting sharper. Good work, guys.

Great review. FGx3 vs LL16 …. I’m not sure…. Which would you recommend? … I have Martin Dx Cash that I’m losing interest in !

4:38 music is a great escape

Impressive amplified sound indeed.

Is there a chance that you could do a review on a Yamaha AC5M vs AC5R thanks . Your video has the best recording of the guitars that play. It also dosn't hurt that you are a wonderful player.

great guitar

i wonder how this compares to the simply awesome value for money that is the Recording King RD-318. (all solid Adi/hog)

05:56 Review starts. :-)

Hey J.P. I have the FG5 and this one looks so close in every way ....I have to wonder if the fg5 is made in China and finished in Japan. Any thoughts?

Hello from lake Huron. I have several Yammy's but my FG3 is special. It is tuned D to D and it handles it really well. How many acoustics can do that? A Taylor or Martin that would rival this guitar would be 3-4 thousand....no bull.

J.P., I've been looking at the Red Label dreadnoughts for a while now. I know the 3 series is made in China, and the 5 series is made is Japan. Is there that much of a difference tonally between the two, and which of the two would you recommend if I wanted to buy one. I do know the 5 series is about 400 dollars more.

J.P. ~ I have a question for you... Are you able to know by the sound or tone of a guitar, a person is playing, WITHOUT seeing them, what brand of guitar they are playing? I know you have very keen hearing, so just wondered if you know a guitar brand by it's tone or sound. Also, do you know or have you heard of Corey Zink of "Zink and Company"? He loves his Boucher guitars also. He now is one of the musicians at Dollywood, but has a bluegrass band also.

I have attempted to buy one of these new red label series 2 separate times....each had SIGNIFICANT manufacturing flaws. Many reviews, much like yours, comment on the impressive attention to detail and fit and finish. I have seen the opposite in the ones I bought ( and returned) and kept trying, assuming the next would be a clean one. The most recent one had the cloudiest finish I've ever seen, terrible sanding quality around the headstock and, shockingly, some horrific tearout all over top when they cut the binding channels. It was just awful. I have had several and still have a couple Yamahas and the $150 one I have had better overall quality in the assembly/build/finishing. I loved the look and feel and sound of the guitars, but buying a brand new guitar of any price point with such bad finish quality isn't a good buy. I am tempted to try one more time...I just might.

It doesn’t have a bone nut and saddle it has a urea nut and saddle

Thank you for the inspiration! 🎉🙏🎸🎶

Great review JP. I’d like to buy either the fg3 or fg5 but struggling to decide which. Do you think the fg5 is worth the extra $? They both seem nice

Mr. Cormier, do favor the LL16 or the FGX3 (or FGX5)?

Richie Havens played a Guild at Woodstock

John, I wonder if you can hear a high pitched " beeping " when your room mic's are on? It sounds like a low level alarm or something in the background.Also I was curious when you said Richie Havens played s Yamaha at Woodstock. I still have an old Guild ( D40) I think literally falling apart at home here in New Zealand. It looks much like what Havens was playing on the spontaneous song" freedom". I have also been told that this was s Guild by some article somewhere in HP magazine. Maybe he used the Yamaha elsewhere at Woodstock that I didn't see? Anyway, my Guild has had a neck break and repair near the nut which has opened again. I think the problem is that there is little wood at that point of the neck, the trussrod cover is just north of the break and because of the hollow there is not much wood. The neck is extremely thin at this point, and I wondered if someone had the neck thinned down before I owned the instrument . I 'be heard Doyle Dykes say that putting strengthening rods in the neck is not needed if the repair is done right, but I wonder if it is possible to fix this once and for all. I love the sound and playability of this gat so at the moment it is gathering dust while I play on my only spare-a Chinese made Takamine I bought cheap as s spare( it's actually a good gat but I miss my old Guild.Could or would you email me with a comment at dulcet9@icloud.com if you have the time(I'm not sure who to send my instrument to for repair, or if I should retire it and hang it on the wall)My name is Chris-I live in Auckland NZ.(apologies for my shocking typing on this old iPhone).

7:20 Bert Jansch ❤️

HI J.P.Cormier it is GARRY I Have a HD-35 Martin Guitar.And i have a custom shop Made Gibson Guitar nice. Have good day,bye for now.From ontario canada,i had D-41 Martin 40 years old nice $10,000 Guitar,Sunburst finish Spruce top sides and back indian rose wood.Very loud sustain good,nice sweet sound the string will vibrate.Around the sound hole ,mother of pearl.Has the nice grain in back and sides of the guitar.it is a dreadnought guitar,one of the kind,has a pickup in side to.has C F Martin on the head stock to.O.K. My Friend have a nice day,bye for now,i like Smiley Bates picking on the guitar,he is from ontario canada.He is the very good at it.you ken see him on you tube.Take Care. Yours Truly GARRY