I love the way you present this and your personality. I too have reviewed this guitar on my channel, and I think Yamaha has blown most American guitars of these materials out of the water for a third of the price. I have the 3 and the 5 and I won’t part with either one.
J.P. Cormier lol I just watched your test drive of the yammie fgx5, I just parted with a Breedlove today and I'm buying the fgx5 for myself for Christmas
I just received my fg5 last week and i feel plenty of happyness, it,s so well made and sounds so beautifull. It,s hard to stop playing it. Jarvis and J.P are both guilty of my choice with their reviews 🤣. Thanks, Fg5 worths!!
I don't know why Martin owners are so closed to the idea that a Yamaha can be as good as a Martin. I own both brands. Martin dreads have always been knowned for their bottom end, boomy sound. High end quality Yammies for their mids. But the FG5 just filled the gap. I even think that the FG5 besides being as boomy as the D18, is more balanced and provides better mids. Im getting one. Good job Yamaha !
@@ryanbloom1738 And many states in the USA will force a woman who was raped to have the child. They will also force an underage incest victim to have the child. Every country has flaws. It has nothing to do with this guitar.
your video of the fg5 is probably the only one out there right now that really highlights the treble side of the fg5, thanks and great playing, yamaha wins this one for sure.
The A.R.E process on the Yamaha FG5 Sitka top, makes a big difference in the tone and sounds beautiful, especially for just under $1,500 as of Jan. 2024. But I still prefer the tone separation & smooth sound of the Martin D-18. That's why I'm selling my FG5.
I am a Martin fanboy having owned Martin’s d-18, 000-18, and 000-15m. The Yamaha here has such a sweet sound that to me makes it a more versatile instrument. Definitely don’t mind buying both!
I own a Yamaha LL6 and a Martin D18. Both are excellent guitars just like I am sure is the FG5. But when I play the D18 it just takes over for me. The aroma and feel of the guitar is sublime. Plus it is so easy to play it. So resonant! There is a sweetness to a Martin D18 that I have not heard from any other guitar. If it was just about the money the Yamaha sure is a great value and a nice sounding guitar. But the reason I spent so much money to buy the D18 is the beauty of its sound, the feel of playing it. The wood that is used is simple yet elegant at the same time. My D18 will stay with me as long am able to have it!
feel same way about my 1970 yamaha FG180. $125 / CASE...great build with spruce top mahogny body rose wood finger board. perfect knock off of martin D18. plays as well, sounds as sweet. for several hundreds of $ less. carried it all over country for 55+ years...played family functions, bands, bars, duo's, churches, picnics, camping, vacations and many miles in my work truck for solo evening entertainment. great musical toy. love it. always.
Just checked the prices. On Sweetwater the FG is US$1199 while the D18 is US$2499. No comparison, the Yamaha is a massively better value. You can buy two Yams for one Martin. I did not notice much of a difference in tone both sound fantastic in Jarvis' hands. Thanks for this!
You could buy an FG and an A5R for the price of one D18. The Martin is nice but i don't know if it's that nice. The Yamaha A5R is also a really nice guitar plus you get an FG for free basically.
FGX5 is 200.00 more than I paid 1.5 years ago. My Martin D16E is 400.00 more than I paid 2.5 years ago. I say my FGX5 sounds nicer than the Martin but I like the smaller 000 body size. Can't complain much about either guitar.
Most people, as they advance as a guitarist, aren't willing to sacrifice tone for the value. I used to go for value now that little extra sparkle makes the difference.
Red label didn’t like the capo very much, could just be string stretch, I loved both but the D-18 wins buy a small margin, mostly because I’ve always wanted one 🤦♂️
to my ear, the Martin is a ringer, with overtones that flood your ears. i love the consistent quality of Yamaha instruments, and I'm tempted to buy one of these low cost craftings, but if my top priority is harmonic timbre, there's really no comparison to my ears.
The D18 is very nice. The FG5 is more alive sounding, and multi dimensional. The FG5 has a superb high treble shimmer, and more separation between Highs , Mids and Bass response.
I think I'm going to pull the trigger on an FG5X for my 50th birthday in January. I have two other LL16 guitars, a transacoustic and a 12 string and I love them both. I have no doubt the FG5X will be dearly loved as well. Love the channel man. Hope I can jam with you one day!
Great comparison of two phenomenal guitars. The D18 sounded a tad sweeter to my ears and more balanced to my ears. The FG5 is significantly cheaper in price-FG5 for the win on budget with the D18 win for tone.
I have a Yamaha FSX5. I can hardly keep my hands off of it. It's my fingerpicking guitar and sounds better than my Martin HD-28 for fingerpicking. Nice job on the demos. Thanks!
I have both. My preference stay on my 14 years old D18V, mainly because the harmonics are richer in the high register. The lows are deeper too , and a better note to note separation. But my new FG5 is more resonant with a gutural voice in lows and low-middles that is very beautyful. The voice is full and I think an overall better projection than my D18. Give the feeling to play a (more) old guitar. A very nice guitar, for songwriters ! A keeper. Hurry to see what it will become after 10 years of playing.
Its nice to hear FG5 can stand up to D18, Yamaha has hevier bracing and thicker top, and to me FG5 sounds more dark and mellow, but I dont have direct comparsion. I am really happy with my FGX5, best spent money on any of my gear ever ;)
@@podfuk For sure, a (my) FG5 is a keeper ! Where she take advantage on my D18V is : - the spontaneity of the resonant character of the guitar, - the fullness of the voice. She push the air very hard !
They are both great. I would give a slight edge to the D-18, more robust sound to my ears. But, between these 2, I would choose the one that feels the best in my hands. The sound differences are not that important to me. Using a capo often requires a bit of tuning touch-up. This might have to do with frets, but likely adjusting the exact tension provided by the capo itself could compensate.
I have several FG Yams (Vintage Red Labels) and I love them so, but I always go to my D-18, it wears the crown! It has the tone and playability I like, or I should say love, the combination of mahogany and spruce, the richness is just beauty to my ears!
They both sound like their name brands . The Martin is warm with scooped mid definition while the Yamaha has well defined mids . The "D" chord 1st position , I like the Martin but the Yamaha has a great clean and clear "E" chord . Very informative vid , I just ordered the Yamaha FG5 , hopefully get it by Friday .
Great guitar shootout Jarvis! I prefer the Yamaha because it has more high-end shimmer than the Martin... while also still possesing low end bass and a decent amount of midrange; basically the Yamaha sounds more balanced to my ears.
Your impressions are well guessed. d(^_^o) If you are comparing YAMAHA to Martin, it’s appropriate to compare it above the LL26 class.I guess I couldn't help it because it was a mahogany comparison in this video.Originally, the YAMAHAFG series has a concept for singers.It’s similar to Gibson, which uses mahogany wood.And the LL series is based on the sound and balance of beautiful treble tones.They range from LL-36 classes made in Japan to custom LL.Among them, the expensive custom LL-56 and 86 of YAMAHA made in Japan are high-end guitars that can be compared to Martin's D41-45.from🇯🇵🙇🏻♂️
Hey Man , awesome video !! I'm sitting here working on my Yamaha A1R listening to your video and the music you started playing at 11:20 in the video is BEAUTIFUL !!!!! I just put my guitar down and listened to it about 40 times ! LOL Thank You for sharing it . Loved it !!
I prefer a blind comparison. After your intro video, number the guitars 1 & 2 and record audio only, then ask which one sounds best to ones personal preference. That takes the emotional attachment to a brand out of the picture. Given that, I preferred the Martin D-18, it all around had better string/note separation and sustain. The Yami sounded muddied in several positions. Great choice of chord progressions... Thank you
I think the Yamaha is far more dynamic both are very full and sound nice. The Yamaha seems to have a better balance over all. Of course a d-18 will have a warmer sound both sound gorgeous I personally feel like the high end gets lost when strumming the Martin but doesn’t make it inferior just different. I like that you can clearly hear every note of a chord on the Yamaha. Which I love. If I had to choose only one I’d buy the Yamaha first. I’d still want the d-18 though. Lol
I think I prefer the Martin tone still, but there's no question that for half the price the Yamaha is incredible. It has a nice dense, strong sound. The Martin has those bell like overtones and bit more character. I'm sure the Yamaha would record really well, and probably sound better amplified with less effort for a sound engineer.
If I could drop USD 2,500 without even noticing it was gone, I'd buy the D18; otherwise, I'd get the FG5 and invest some of my savings in lessons with a good teacher.
Always wished someone will do a comparison test on this two legendary guitars. You did it, thank you so much man. Now I’m confused which one which one shall I buy 😂😂
Strumming, it’s still the Martin. The D-18 doesn’t flatten out when strummed like even this great sounding Yamaha does. This gentleman gives a good sound example being a heavy strummer (like myself) you can hear (with good headphones) the Martin’s depth keep going because of the harmonics, where as the Yamaha flattens at the same strum point. But the Yamaha is a great guitar for the price point. Great job, and Thank You for taking the time to do this demo.
I was considering a martin 000 and played a FS5 and totally fell in love with it. I’d still like a martin small bodied guitar some day, but the fs5 is super underrated.
I have listened to far too many of these comparisons ! :D But as an FSX5 owner I must say that the sound of the Martin is a little better to my ears. The Yamaha is a bit warmer and it is up to what you prefer, but those high tones of the D-18 is just so appealing to me. Price vs sound easy win to Yammie, but just sound Martin for me. Also the Yammie is ARE, the Martin will probably be better in time.
Jim Miller yes the martin is warmer and the Yamaha has that warmness coupled with the ringing trebles .. a hybrid tone I would say between a traditional over a Modern sounding tone
There is just something about a martin. Even my little martin. It just makes me want to play. Love the FG5 and originally was going to buy one, but i think i would always want the D-18.
I agree with some of the other comments on here, Martin sounds tailor-made for strummers (probably due to the more pronounced scalloped bracing) while the Yamaha actually beats it in the finger-picking department. I'm more of a picker myself so naturally the Yamaha resonated a lot more with me by comparison, plus that price-point is damn near impossible to beat for that level of quality. Like I said before, Martin's not the only game in town as far as high-end acoustic guitars go and haven't been for quite some time now... ;-)
Great review - you kept things simple sand conversational. Most reviewers yap for about five minutes before you get to the actual comparison; refreshing to watch you introduce them and just play. Very nice job! As far as the better guitar, it's close; but the Yamaha won me over. I own a couple Martins, they're fantastic guitars. They're pricey, but you know what you're getting, and that's key. I believe that FG is a Japanese made Yamaha, so build and materials seem to be on par with the Martin. I need another guitar like I need a hole in my head, but if I was buying I'd pick up the FG - there's no way the D-18's worth 2.5x the price. The Martin has better resale sure, but who wants to sell their guitars? More fun to collect them!
Thanks for this. What a tough one to have to pick a winner. For first position strumming , the Martin seems to outperform the Yamaha, but everywhere else, I think the Yamaha seems to be a little more warm and resonant. Love the capo test. Selling my strat to buy one of these two...may be the Yamaha.
I own the Yamaha FG5 and loved your video. In my experience the issue with intonation when the Yamaha is capoed has to do with the fact that the Yamaha is a shorter scale neck. This is not a manufacturing or string fault, but an issue common to most shorter scale length guitars. I learned to adjust and the FG5 is the best acoustic I have ever owned. My Martin guitar is a D25K [Koa back and sides] , but is used very little now that I have the Yamaha.
I bought an FG5 to replace an FG180 that I've had since the 60's and gave to my son. I also own an AC5r and A3r. The FG5 has become my favorite guitar for fingerpicking. I like the 45mm nut which gives my big fingers more room to move around on the fretboard. The tone is wonderful. I've sent a few demo recordings out and the first question I get back is: "What is that guitar?". If you can find one, BUY IT!!!
@@liquidlogic7426 The A3 is loud. It generates a lot of volume. The nut width is slightly wider than the AC5 and, for me, a bit easier to fingerpick. I really like it. The FG5 has a mellow tone due to the mohagany, but the A3 is crisp due to the rosewood. The price differential is fairly significant between the A5 and A3, so it depends on whether that is more than you are willing to spend. I figure that the Made in Japan label is important to many and will help on resale value. But both guitars sound great.
Thank you so much for replying. I honestly played like 20 guitars at my two local big box stores in their guitar rooms. My local shop folded. They one had a great guitar priced at 150O on the wall for over a year. It was a an American made Martin GCPPA 2, with a gorgeous cherry mahogany with y Aura + pick up and tuner on side. I al it’s bought it but someone beat me to it. I think it was made in 2010, and I loved the sound and feel. On Martin website, it’s price 3,499. Wish I got it since I okayed it a lot. I’m looking for a versatile guitar that is something I’ll live but also want a good value. I don’t know whether I like Rosewood or Mahogany better? At my local shop, a used Taylor 214c sounded best to me. I don’t know if strings made a difference. I liked Yamaha . I saw Yamaha A5CR abs was stoked. I wasn’t sure if it’s set up was too low but it was more challenging for powerful strumming. The other store has a A3R abs A3M. I also really enjoy the GS Mini RW. Now I like A1CR with its lower price, tuner and gorgeous looks, but would it be better to go up, In a perfect world, I get get this Martin OOO28 or something. Saw one or another number, at 2000 discounted down from 4000. What do you think is best guitar, among such things. I like the Martin sound and the Taylor handling. I want something I can enjoy and never think about other guitars. The GS mini is 699 and same price as used Taylor, 750, or so. AC3 ate just a bit above. Now red label? Or AC5? Full wood over laminate? Electronic getting better? Should I buy a new Yamaha, or a used Taylor, or used Martin?
@@liquidlogic7426 I like the sound of Taylors, but their necks don't suit me very well. I cramp up after 15 minutes of playing. And they are snowflakes: each one sounds different...which is surprising because of all the CNC milling and assembly. But if you find a good one that suits your ear, a Taylor can be a wonderful thing. I like Martins, but they are very overpriced at the moment. A D18 is one of my favorites, but a Yamaha FG5 sounds just as good for $1000 less. If you believe setup on the guitar is too low for you, a tech can install a taller saddle. That will give the guitar a bit more volume at the cost of more difficult fingerpicking and bar chords. It all depends on your playing style. Take your time. Eventually, a guitar will speak to you and call you by name. That's the one you should take home. I've bought guitars "just because" in the past and they stay in the case. You have to want to pick it up and play it every day. My FG5 is like that.
I wish it wasn't true, but the D18 sounds so beautiful and defined. It has definition and clarity, and each note never steps on the others. It's so pleasing to hear and reminds me of Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, and America. I just purchased the Yamaha, and it's not in the same class as the Martin D18. It just goes to show that these guitars are like recipes. Using the same ingredients will make a delicious cake, but the outcome will be different flavors, textures, and responses from those who consume it. However, mic placement is everything. I have heard the internal pickup in the Yamaha and it is killer. It really comes alive unlike other guitars with pickup systems that are just there. If the Yamaha comes alive with it's own internal pickups then it should also sound as good or better on a mic. No two guitars are the same and 12th fret recording should balance it out. If not then experiment with different mics. I don't believe the Yamaha sounds as undefined as this video. To me it was like a room before acoustical treatment. The Martin in this test sounded like a room after acoustical treatment. I really believe that you have to find the mic placement that sounds the best. Should you have to do this I would say no. The Yamaha has a louder presence which can be a blessing or a curse based on mic placement. Watch this video which shows how great the Yamaha Red Label FGX5 really can sound and with it's internal pickup and a mic. It's night and day from what is heard here. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hh3radBnXWs.htmlsi=4NaZc1IarTlywLDo
Ive been waiting for this comparison👍🏽 american vs japanese; ive been looking forward for hearing fg5 against d18, both sounded great, but the difference is that the d18 sounds really great on strumming, fg5 on picking👍🏽
Contest, or comparison? People don't always have the ability to see / hear these guitars at their local shops. It's extremely helpful to have someone who knows their way around a guitar explain, and demo each of the guitars so people can make educated decisions.
That was great comparison, think i like the tone from the Yamaha over the martin. Yamaha makes some serious musical tools. Love my yamaha. It aint high end but plays well and sounds like it likes me. Getting better as it gets older. Thank you Singapore
I don’t know about rolled fretboards, but the necks on both instruments appeared to bend as you held them up - or was it that nightcap I had earlier? No, it was the lens producing an illusion! Great review .
On the recording, to my ears the Martin is by far the most balanced, well-intonated guitar. I'm confident the Martin would sound best in a mix with other instruments. Your playing is very nice, by the way, tasteful and lyrical.
The Martin has a nice scooped sound with very strong bass while the Yamaha had a strong upper mids and better balance. Both have a nice dry mahogany sound. The Yamaha is a great compromise for a more modern style pop and a helluvah deal compared to the likes of Taylor, which are overly bright on the upper register. Martin is always a safe bet for collectability, but the Yamaha is not too bad with the FG line and IMO far more guitar for your money.
The FG5 is current 1449 everywhere, as it was nearly a year ago when I got mine. I contacted my Sweetwater rep via email and he quoted me 1250 for it. YMMV. I LOVE mine. The sound has really opened up more with tons of playing. The action on mine is also perfect.
Jarvis, great video - I own that Martin D-18 and it's my favorite acoustic for sure. I wanted to add that the Martin actually doesn't have black binding, it's tortoise shell, but unfortunately it's extremely dark instead of being more attractive. Ends up looking almost totally black unless you are out in the sun or hold it under a bright light. I love tortoise binding and it's a really cool way to spruce up this simple guitar, I just wish it showed more.
Thanks I have been waiting for this. I sold my not all wood Martin and I am looking for an all wood guitar to replace it under $2000 USA. I would say a tie. Yamaha seemed a little out of tune later. I like the non gloss look of the Yamaha. Will have to go play both to feel the playability and the way the guitar feel. But My Oh My, I just saw the Price difference for average street prices in the USA. Yamaha FG5 Red Label$ $1199 Martin D18 $2499 Both All wood with excellent Hard cases. I think I may be leaning more to the Yamaha, unless the Martin really shows me why I should pay $1300 more in the store.
@@StoicTrader- Congrats, great choice, it will give you years of great service. As a former Martin, fender, and various other guitar owner, I know how good they are, My Martin punched above it's weight and sold for a good price used for a laminated sides and back acoustic. And I have been sampling taylors, Martins, and other top brands, I am leaning toward the Yamaha, nothing so far has shown me it is worth $1000 more, unless I am really into it's tone, feel playability, pickups and looks that much more, and of course, I can do a lot with $1300, maybe save and get both🧐🤫😻
@@Tigerex966 Tell you what, it isn't just the tone that blows me away with my d18, the neck is the most comfortable I've held yet. The performance taper isn't just marketing talk, your hand literally glides down the neck, the higher frets are so easy to play with this neck.
Update a got the Yamaha fg3 all wood China made. Hard bag plastic nut saddle pins pick guard. I love it after a pro set up. Out the box action was to high. Build quality 100% fretwork not as good as the hand made Japan as models, just average not plek like Martin's and Taylor or dressed like the Yamaha 5 series . Only problem was the initial semi gloss finish had some wet spots if you will which seems to have faded. I keep my humidity checked. The tone is truly amazing. And a got a great deal almost impossible under $700. I will be upgrading the saddle and pins to bone and putting a brass bridgeplate to protect the bridge. And maybe try different strings. At this price you could have the Martin and this. Edit added a bone saddle and man oh man that enhance the tone sustain and clarity a lot. Now I am deciding on pins and nut tusq or bone? And fret leveling if needed. Overall I would say the fs5 and Fg5 are worth the $400 extra. However if you do not mind upgrading over time thefg3can be just as good but will cost the same if a pro does it, cheaper if you do it. Pins nut saddle hard case wood pick guard. Plek and fret dressing. Professional setup...
I bought the FGX5 a couple of weeks ago and I am not too satisfied with the purchase. In comparison to the d-18, the FGX5 has dull high frequencies, espicually at the 6th string. The mids on the FGX5 are more pronounced and the base might also be more present than the d18 but I think the d18 wins the race because of it's more detailed higher frequencies. I am thinking of selling the FGX5 to save up for the d18. Many thanks for the great video!
I have been Sold on Yammies since the late 60's. I have every vintage Red Label form the 110 to the 300. When I pick up my 69 bell cover FG 180, with new Grover tuners, it's hard for me to imagine a better sounding acoustic. Great video! I will be searching for the FG-3 and 5!! I do have a Martin D-28 and its a great guitar, it just COST SO MUCH....Why? Martin could sell 5x's as many if they would just LOWER THEIR COST!!
I own an FGX5 and it’s an incredible guitar. Side by side, the Martin tone is sweeter to me with more bass. I think the strings on the FG5 make a big difference. The elxirs nanoweb that comes from the factory on the FG5 can sound too metallic. There are warmer strings that could bridge the gap a bit more. Great comparison!
After I bought my FGX5 I tried several different brands of strings to get the sound I wanted. I've been happy with D'Adderio XS, 11's. This doesn't mean the search is over, I just won't be looking as hard.
You’re 100% correct. People are doing out of then box comparisons and the strings are super bright that come on the Yamaha. Switching to 92/8’s made mine blow away my American guitars.
@@douglaswesson2458 I own my FG5 recently and would try the Martin stings later, may be in Dec 2022. I will keep trying other stings and include the D'Adderio XS into the list! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. Nice playing. While I have deep respect for Yamaha instruments (I’ve owned and enjoyed my FG-160 steel string since 1973), the D18 had a clarity and fullness of sound that the FG5 lacked.
The FG5sounds a bit scooped for me with the plectrum. I liked it better when finger picking. If I’m going that route I’d prob go with the FG3 and save $500. This d18 sounds phenomenal.
Both guitars sounding great to my ears. Martin D18 has always been my dream guitar despite of its steep price but it’ll hold its value over time. But this Yamaha FG5 is something else and irresistible, we’ll I guess, I have to keep dreaming to own both of these great guitars. Jarvis, which one would you pick? Many thanks! great reviews as always my friend.
First of all I appreciate your reviews very much and your great skill in playing. I lean more toward the d-18 because rich warmth. The FGX5 sound great even better the longer you listen to it . Thanks a lot ! Jeff Clark from ROCKDALE Texas
Agree. I have an Eastman E1OM, and I like just as much - if not better - then the Yamaha FS5 I owned some years ago. The neck was too chunky for me. The Eastman has a great feel. A bit heavy, but incredible tone and specs for the price.
Guys even the L-Series Japan will do me fine back then. Great reviews JP and Jarvis....I have the FG-180/335/460 Dove headstock myself & they are keepers IMHO.
Tones are very close, for my ears. But when you introduced the CAPO, Martin was exactly how it was without. The Fg5 was completely out of tune. Was the action higher in the FG? Or is it a case of wrong intonation?
The Yamaha has a slightly shorter scale. It is braced a bit differently as well. I think viewers do a disservice to the Yamaha if they think they are getting a cheaper D18. Their tones are designed to differ just enough. My thought is enjoy each guitar for what it is. The Yamaha need not apologize for anything.
Great Review, I like the Yamaha better until you used the capo, very troubling that the Yamaha seemed to go out of tune, but the Martin stayed in tune is it the Guitar or the Capo, I know Martin comes from the factory plecked would that make a difference, I can't afford the Martin but the Yamaha is affordable but again the tuning issue has me concerned, both are Great Guitars.
Most likely capo and strings. I like the finger style on Yamaha and strumming of Martin. I think having the same height is wrong for different guitars. Both are great though.
I had a D-28 and a J-45. When I got my hands on a FG5, I got rid of the first two. Crazy good guitar, regardless of price range. I don't know how they did it.
While the FG5 does well and Yamaha deserves a lot of credit for putting out a great guitar, when compared with the D-18, the Martin just had that little extra and uniqueness in tone that puts it over the edge. I say if you’re into a more modern sound the Yamaha would fit that bill
Thanks for the review. Your playing is outstanding sir. As difficult as it is to honestly assess guitars on RU-vid, your comparison is very well done. Which guitar should you buy? I have to say I’m partial to Yamaha as I’ve played them for 40 years, but the Martin sounded wonderful. If money is not a factor then buy the Martin. However, money is nearly always a factor. I can’t tell a big difference between the two and it’s a bit unfair to judge guitars with such a dramatic price difference. I would have to recommend the Yamaha because the sound difference is negligible and the cost is half that of the Martin.
The FG is on the way as I type. So excited to be getting it! But I definitely hear more distinctive separation of notes in the D18. The clarity factor is just a little bit different. The Yamaha seems to make the chords almost sound like a more condensed whole while it feels like everything shines through on the D18. I wonder if strings/mic placements/etc would make a difference on that though. Hoping the FG will be a really good recording guitar.
