I've been playing this FGX3 for the last two months and really put it through its paces. What I thought would be a decent road guitar has turned out to be so much more!
I walked in the shop yesterday dead set on a Taylor 214 ce walked out with the FGX3. I just couldn’t deny how comfortable the Yamaha was and how much better it sounded to me plugged in. Haven’t put it down since Friday
Loved your review and your flowing, conversational tone. I really appreciated your impressions of the guitar. I’m excited to go find one locally (I hope) to test out. Thank you.
Thank you very much for the time and expertise you put into this video. I have been wanting one of these for a while now and it is nice to hear a clear subjective opinion. Personally, I think the guitar looks beautiful and wouldn't have wanted it designed any other way, plus, I was born in 1966 and so I would have that on my headstock.
Well done! 1. I paused the video and typed my impressions before the reveal. 2. After the reveal, I was pleased to know I chose the YAMAHA both times. I don't own this, but have played all manner of YAMAHA musical instruments, and stand by YAMAHA as a company. 3. Interesting that my impression mirrors yours. (Microphone test: (I watched this on a MacBook and listened via Bluetooth through the decent-sounding EOZ Air earphones): Guitar #2 was my preference. It struck a balance between the darker, not as clearly-defined low-end tone of guitar #1(2nd pick), and the slightly shrill high-end tone of guitar #3 (3rd pick). (#2 and #3 were the most similar-sounding.) Pickup test: Guitar #1 (1st pick*) was my preference. Yes, the tone was still darker, but I liked it best in this context. The tone of guitar #2 (2nd pick*) was the most open, alive, and present of the three. (Gotta love describing stuff!) Guitar #3 (3rd pick) had the most typical piezoelectric tone of the three. * I would employ the tonal differences between #1 and #2 for different musical applications. (As you said.) I may (will, and have elsewhere!) catch flak for this, but the "ya" in YAMAHA, as pronounced in Japanese, is "yaw" as in in "yawn." (I live in Japan.)
I've got a FG3 (no pickup) and these guitars are fantastic. Plays nice, feels great, sounds amazing, looks awesome. Love the vintage tuners and overall look. I'm primarily and electric player and this thing is very smooth and easy to play with the factory gauge strings. If you're looking for a great sounding guitar at a decent price, this is a great option.
I recently bought this guitar. I have a Martin D28MDE and love it. I had just sold my D18GE and missed my mahogany sound which led to this purchase. I love this guitar. Played it with some friends and they were blown away by the sound, quality, and feel of this guitar for 1100.00 with the pickup. I won’t sell it and it will get a major portion of my playing time. Most likely most of it. It is that good.
It’s an unbelievably underrated guitar for sure. The pickup is a misi air. Weird pickup but holy man. Did a session this spring in universal music Canada where they had a producer from Nashville there and he was floored at how it sounded plugged in. If you go to my community tab I shared a link to a video from that session.
Really good "pickup test" nice music choice. Really gave us something to "chew" on. On first listen there was something about the character of #3 that stood out as "less than", the first two.(slightly more harsh or trebly).
Thanks so much for this great review. My main road guitar is a rain song, and if I am outdoors in the sun, it gets so hot. It’s ridiculous. I have been looking for a lower cost alternative and this just may be the ticket. I loved the blind, mic and pick up test. To my ears, the Yamaha sounded best on the mic and a little boxy in the pick up. I thought the Stonebridge pickup sounded the best - but I totally get the feedback factor. Thanks again for a really fair review.
On the 1st test, I thought all sounded pretty good. On the second test, I had a clearer choice of the first guitar. BTW I have the FG5, and it is definitely one I choose to play a lot. It took me almost a year to find one available, but now that I have it, it will outlast me.
I’ve ordered one of these - the FSX5 but I just came across this video. Just wanted to say thank you. One of the best and most informative videos on this guitar line.
@@geremycope9042 That's great. Until recently I was all about small body guitars but have been digging the dreads a bit more these days. Have yet to try an fs in either model and hope to soon enough.
Bought FGX5. Neck was outstanding. Sound was very small and boxy and being a torrified guitar I didn't expect it to open up. Returned it for the best J45 I have ever played.
I own a LL16 and a A3R which are fantastic but for sure the FG3. is just a bit better, maybe because it is mahogany rather than rosewood. Great review!
Thank you. Well done. I used headphones of course and picked the Yamaha correctly in both rounds. The Gibson and Yamaha sound quite similar to me in the first round (no pickup). I give the Gibson a slight edge. I like the Yamaha best in the second round (pickups). The other two had too much piezo quack, which I hate. I like the Stonebridge the least in both rounds. It isn't bad, I just don't think it measures up to the other two.
When I was twenty back in 1968 I had a Chinese made fender strat and I thought it a cheap copy . I just got it out for the first time in 50 years and man that is a nice nice axe they make real good guitars I was wrong . Awesome instruments .
I sold my Taylor to get this Yamaha FGX3. I had been waiting for one of these to hit stores for awhile and when it did, I tried it out and was back in there the next day to get it. The sound was much warmer and fuller than my Taylor. The build quality was also much better. I’ve had nothing but good experiences with Yamaha guitars.
Fantastic demo. I ordered an FGX5 last month and expect shipment early November (at least that’s what I was told). I am big on Yamaha’s and own an AC5R as well as an FGX800C. Strum on…..
@@minimalistmusician tonewise I suspect that the diff between the X3 and the X5 will be minimal (no pun intended). Having said that, one can believe there is an upgrade of the X5 because of the bone nut/saddle and “maybe” a slight upgrade on the woods selected. Hope you can do a comparative video and share with us. Thanks…..
Love the review! I own the FG5X. It truly is the finest acoustic guitar that I’ve ever owned. I love great acoustics, and I think every major brand makes great guitars at every price point. But, overall, the FG5X is really the best acoustic that I’ve ever owned. I’d like to say that these Yamahas are really a sleeper in this category, but the truth is that they’re sold out everywhere and tough to find, so I think that people are figuring out just what great instruments that these are. Kudos to Yamaha. They hit these right out of the park.
Personally I liked number 3 as it was just a tad bit brighter and janglier with a little more high end than the first two, but nothing sounded bad. The first two sounded very similar.
Great review. I have the FG5 and love it. I installed a K&K mini. I wish I would have gotten the FGX after learning more about it. What song are you playing? sounds great
Long Time ago but I’m interested in your feedback. I own the LL16 (which I love) and thinking about a smaller body with good sound. Can you comment on volume / projection / sound differences and whether you use both and find them both useful?
I was able to play the FG3 for about an hour yesterday. It broke me. I have to have it. Shocking how good it sounds and how great it plays. Now Im selling my epiphone IBG J45 so I can buy this guitar. Easily one of the best guitars I’ve ever played or heard. It’s not all jangly and bright like a lot of modern guitars, but more warm and refined. You can play loud with it, but it doesnt scream at you. I gotta buy myself one. Lol!
It's much lighter than the IBG epiphone too. I spent 30 mins in a room with both and the yammy was way better. Actually I think those epiphones are overrated. The red label Yamaha's are unbeatable at the price point. Only Eastman can compete.
@@kaberigomes2117 Yes. But the FG is more of a strummer, and the FS more fingerstyle. But that goes without saying. Personally, I like fingerpicking dreads more than I like strumming OMs.
@@banjo1434 ya the FG3 is about a pound lighter than my Epi IBG J45. And thats with that stupid thick pickguard removed also. With that on the fg3 would be more than a pound lighter. I’ll tell you though, the sound is great with the pickguard off and tusq bridge pins in. The FG3 I still think sounds way better though. Hopefully picking one up this weekend.
That Yamaha is a balanced guitar. That bass is deep and smooth. The blending is great. I’m impressed. Action may get me too. Wonder how it will age at its price range?
I had a Taylor that I loved. I bought a Yamaha to kick around with and now I own 4. Sold the Taylor even though I still liked it cause it sat in the stand all the time. For the Money Yamaha's are fantastic.
Great review! Really like the blind taste test. I was # 2 on the mic test. BUT wasnt much of a difference in all 3 really to me. BUT I thought the pickup test was hands down # 1 So to my untrained non professional ear I picked the Yamaha on both test. Gotta have low action. And I do like having a good looking hard shell case that might have the brand name on it . A matching pair you might say. Would like to test drive one of theses Yamahas. I bought a Cole Clark awhile back . Most money for the worse guitar ever . Maybe I can trade it for a Yammy 😁 👍
I have yet to try a Cole Clark. My biggest issue with the Yamaha is that they all come with too high of a nut but quick trip to the repair guy and it’s all good
In order: 1st test Liked the 2nd one a lot (i was surprised that was the yamaha, i thought it was a martin-ish) 2nd test Absolutely in love with the 2nd one still (wow, never knew about that brand). Anyway tbh i thought you were bling playing this yamaha against a martin and a taylor. Anyway thank you for your important information! ^_^
#2 for the mic. More open top end and a slightly tighter bottom end. #2 for the pickup as well... Something special going on there. It even inspired you to play differently, more strummy strum ;)
YAMAHA guitars are manufactured in China under a severe environment where quality is not compromised. Even in Japan, the sound of YAMAHA guitars remains popular. Thank you from 🇯🇵🙇♂️
If only I wasn't such a snob.... I hate myself for it, because I don't have a lot of money, yet I've always wanted Martins and Gibsons and over the last couple of years I've been living on bread and water, saving everything I could save, not allowing myself to treat myself with anything, just to be able to save enough money to buy me those guitars. And yes, off course I'm happy with what I have right now. But at the same time I feel terrified to take my expensive stuff to bar gigs and such. Funny thing is... I've always had a weak spot for Yamaha guitars (and other musical gear they make). Not everything, but what's not to like about the Revstar series guitars? They're great! And indeed, this guitar, or this series of guitars, they're all amazing. I like the natural sound, I like the versatility of the pickup system and I like the prize! Especially of the Chinese made versions. And now that I have my share of Martins and Gibsons, I know I feel perfectly fine playing one of these Yamaha's. That's how my brain works. When I started to play the guitar 42 years ago (yes, I'm that old and I still behalve like a child), I was playing merely electrics and I had to have a bunch of USA made Fenders and Gibsons first before I started to become okay with playing cheaper guitars. I don't care anymore now. I don't really NEED more guitars, but the virus got me again. And I suffer from a severe case of Gear Aquisition Syndrome. Now that I saw this video, I'm tempted. Really tempted. I'm a mess. 😖
I ordered both an FGX3 and an FGX5. the FGX5 arrived with a cracked neck in its beautiful case. Yet the nice case seems to be ineffective since it does not keep the neck still. No guide near headstock like in high end cases. The tone was Different but not better in my opinion than the FGX3. I did not bother to get another FFX5. Kept the FGX3.
Both samples of the Gibson were 'lacking' somewhat. The acoustic Yamaha was my favorite while the Yamaha and Stonebridge electronics sounded exactly the same to me. All the being equal - and the yare not - The Yamaha is a clear winner. I'd really like to hear your review of the FGX5.
@@minimalistmusician cool were abouts I have friends that live in warren and sturgeon about half way between Nbay and suds I grew up mostly in Garson but I'm heading back to Vancouver now and leaving good old northern Ontario lol
Nice video and nice blind test "touch". Unplugged sound, I would say 2-1-3 and as for the plugged again, 2-1-3. Nr 1 and 2 on mic test were very close but I liked the more bell like sound and clarity on number 2. As for number 3 sumething buzzed on the high notes and I did not like that at all. Plugged, again 2 and 1 were very close but Nr 2 sounded cleaner and more natural. Nr 3 had some piezo-ish sound to it. Not too bad, but the most unnatural of the 3. Did you mention what were the pickups maybe?
Thank you so much for your art and work it takes to do what you do. This video played a role in what my calling is in this life. So many pieces of the puzzle were put together today. It was His will I met you today. The day ended with my gift From Him, and I purchased this ax today. You are one piece of my puzzle, and when I put you in my puzzle it made a change in my life. You make me smile and my heart sang helplessly holding along with you. May you be blessed beyond your wildest imagination. Love michael.
It certainly leaves a lot to be desired. I do love that guitar but pickups have come a long way and it would be nice to get something better than a basic piezo in a Gibson.
Pausing to keep myself honest. I like 3 the best. 2 has a slightly odd treble/high mid which I'm not crazy about but only in comparison to the other two. Edit: for amplified, 2 is head and shoulders about 1 and 3. But I don't really love the sound of acoustic pickup systems and I'd probably just use an IR on stage. None of them sound great to me. Edit 2: ok that was informative. I've noticed that I don't love the high end sound of a good Yamaha - just like I really don't like the strong mids from Taylors. Even when Bert Jansch was playing Yamahas in the '70s I didn't love that sound on records. So it's a pure taste thing. What I do like are Gibson J45 types. So that's pretty consistent for me.
I have had the FGX3 now for 2 years and it is my go to guitar. I have a LR Baggs Anthem in my Eastman and a B Band in my Martin D28 and the Yamaha out shines them along with every other guitar I played. And I jam with a very loud group of people and I have had it up to 9 on a 100 watt amp with no feed back and am very happy with the Yamaha so much I very seldom play the Martin & Eastman
Hi, my favorites were 3,2 and 1 far behind then 2,3 and 1, I didn’t knew stonebridge before. The Yamaha sounds great as well, not a fan of the gibson here.
I agree plugged in the Gibson doesn’t even hold a candle to either of the other guitars. On the mic they all sound good to me and really it’s just about the sound you’re looking for. When I brought that Gibson home last year and played it against the Stonebridge my first thought was that it sounded worse because it wasn’t as full but recording it in a mixed sometimes it’s the perfect guitar
Turns out I liked the Stonebridge both times. It appears I have to go look into this brand. Edit to add: ahh that makes sense, Stonebridge appears to be affiliated with Boucher, and I absolutely love Boucher guitars.
I played an fg-ta and hated it. But wanted the trans acoustic feature. I rolled the dice on an ll-ta and its basically the best guitar i have. I had to keep some parts from rattling inside and and the battery compartment. But after that it’s the best bang for buck guitar. I reach for it in most circumstances.
I adore this guitar after playing it in store, nothing compared in any price range. However, I can't stand how plain and uninspired it looks hahaha I wish the A series sounded like this.
Stonebridge sounded best on the mic, Yamaha on the pickup, IMO. Yamaha's higher end guitars are great, I have a couple of APX-1200IIs that I use for almost all my acoustic stuff. Really tempted by one of these though (maybe the FG5) - damn you, I'd just got my collection down below 14 for the first time in years! Thought we were supposed to be minimising! 😀
They do make great stuff for sure. The Stonebridge is certainly the fullest sounding but they all sound good to me on a mic and it’s so subjective and depends on what sound you’re looking for when you’re recording. I actually reach for the Gibson more often than not when I’m doing recording sessions because it sits in a mix so well. I know! I’m waiting to hopefully get my hands on a five early in the new year and I’m really curious to see how the two compare.
I own a Yamaha FG5 and a Gibson J-50...I love them both...but IMHO the FG5 is just a better guitar...i.e. easier to play, build quality, tuning stability & sound quality. My J-50 is a very good guitar, but price/value combination of the FG5 is crazy good. 👍
My Yamaha FG830 plays and sounds as good if not better than some guitars 3X the price. My go-to guitars are my FG830 and my Alvarez AD66SHB Mahogany Top guitar. Martin is great, and I do have a DX1RAE X Series model that is great. That being said, I would take these guitars over a high-end Martin.
I bought a Fg830 for my stepson for his birthday. Played some Mexican Martins and some others like a Breedlove and a Guild. Yammie beat them all. Interested in a Hog, may spring for that Alvarez myself.
