Yamaha FGX5 review 

Just spent a couple of hours in the local music shop. I tried everything. My preference is a bass-y loud projection, without muddiness, usually rosewood. Best 2 guitars in the store, confirmed by staff, was Yamaha LS16 and a Yamaha FG5. It was up against Martin’s, Gibson’s, Taylor’s, and Larrivees. Many double the price. It’s a bomb!!!

You're the perfect person to do these demos/reviews, so many who review can't really play well enough to shine the best light on an instrument. Great review, I think this will result in more people visiting their music store to check them out in person!!

Great instrument. This guitar is easily the best acoustic instrument that I’ve ever owned. This instrument has an ebony pick guard, bridge, and bridge pins, as well as a bone nut and saddle. It’s an immaculate and exquisite instrument. They knocked it out of the park with this guitar. Depends on what strings that you prefer, but I string mine with either Gabriel Tenorio Phosphor Bronze (hand wound) strings, or Stringjoy Phosphor Bronze strings. They really sing on this guitar.

So excited to have bought this guitar from JP at a show last weekend. Thanks for letting me take care of this for you JP ❤️ it will be well loved for years to come.

Really enjoyed your demonstration of this guitar’s capabilities. Thank you!

I have a yamaha a5r torified top, mic modeling pickup. Extremely solid. Yamaha is a world class brand.

Just picked up a Yamaha FG5 from Sweetwater. What a price $1045.00 and I'm excited about. They were not expected in until November of 2020 but I reserved one anyway. Next they called and said they got one in and did I want it...an easy yes.

These are the best guitar reviews on RU-vid. Crystal-clear audio, faithful reproduction, comprehensive playing, very fun, informative and inspiring. (if horrible for my wallet :D )

It sounds so clear. You have me shaking my head up and down. Well presented. Beautiful guitar!

JP, that's a fantastic review. What a wonderful sound. Your understanding of what makes a great sounding guitar, combined with your playing makes your insights invaluable. Thank you.

Damn i fell in love with this guitar so hard..its sounds like a dream and forever keeper

I just purchased my third one of these (different tunings) ....looked at Martins and Taylors But nothing came close to the FGX5 sound or price range....build is first class.. Pickups in these make tracking a dream...tone is top of the line ....way underpriced (dont tell) The best money i ever spent on a guitar.....no compromise in any way....at half the cost.....literally... I live in Nashville Tennessee.....home of acoustic guitar music....and i have seen every kind of guitar Imaginable....costing into the multi thousands.....these FGX5's are the holy grail brother... The only difference between these and multi thousand dollar acoustics is the bling.... not the sound or feel...really.....find one and try it.....just try it...

i bet the thumbs down is from a Martin fan :P

Fantastic review, thank you! I was thinking of buying the FSX5 (concert size version) and now you have just stopped me thinking about it and I'm going for it! Great to see a review from someone that knows Yamaha guitars so well and can play beautifully.

What an amazing sounding guitar John. One of the best you’ve had on this channel. Awesome 👏👏👏

Finally tracked one of these down and purchased it. Luv it. Thx, JP.

I tried martins and Taylor's worth 4000$ range. This Yamaha blew them all out of the water. Amazing value and an amazing guitar

What the heck took this Channel so long to show up in my feed? Hell yes I subscribed. Now I’ve got to hunt down an FS X5 and take it out for a spin. Great video and Channel.

Great guitar.....I’ve always loved yamaha.....even their motorcycles kick ass!!!!!!!!

Great review , I’m glad I stumbled across your channel , I love your playing your an amazing player and I can’t wait to check out your music.

Excellent review! I've had my eye on one of these for a while and I'd love to get one

I have to have one of these. I’m getting quite the collection of Yamaha guitars. I thought they were just cheap until I picked one up. Now I’m a fan for life. Thanks for the video!

I bought an FG5 earlier this year. It is the first guitar I go to almost every day. Great sound and one of the most playable necks I've found,

JP. You do the best reviews from a guitarist and luthier perspective combined! Awesome details. I just ordered this guitar 12/4/22 for $1,600 new. Thanks for this awesome and detailed review.

I come back from time to time, just to watch you play. so nice!

I can't believe how great it sounded especially when you combined the pick up system. I'm seriously considering Yamaha again for my next guitar. I currently own three Ibanez acoustics and two masterbuilt Framus electrics but I had a Yamaha for years in the seventies that put up with a lot from me.

That thing sounds absolutely incredible. I thought you were blowing smoke till I heard it.

Watching this again. J.P I've just listened to some of your tracks. Wow. Great music and amazing playing. New fan. This yamaha is grabbing my attention a lot.

Hi J.P, greetings from Denmark 😀 I just wanna say thank you for making this review on the Yamaha FGX5. That made me go order one at my lokal music store. Now I'm waiting for it to show up, can hardly wait 😀

Just discovered you through your review of the Yamaha FGX5. Like your manner, and your playing is fantastic. Will keep checking out your channel. Greetings from Florida.

I bought an Yamaha FG450SA in 1989, it had a small brown not on spruce top. After 3 months the brown knot cracked and separated leaving a 3/16 hole in top. I took the guitar back to store, they sent it back to Yamaha and I had another new Yamaha 3 weeks later. I still own that guitar to this day and love it. I can personally vouch for Yamaha warranty, it was a good experience and hassle free. Love the channel and enjoy your videos very much!

Thank you J.P. Due to this very video, I bought the FXG5 as my first guitar. I love it. I'm a percussionist by nature and this is my first dive into guitar.....I love it. Such a great instrument.

Between you and Jarvis at Singapore saddles I pulled the trigger on and FG5 sight unseen from long-mcquade in North Vancouver... I live in Ontario and couldn't sleep till it got here!! I couldn't be happier... when you said it sounds as good as martin D-18 that was it I paused the video and completed my order!!! I only recently found your channel!!! " There's no 18 that can stand up to this!!! " Love it!!

Exceptional. And the electronics are amazing - as good as I have ever heard.

Love the sound of the fgx5 red label.i watched jp and that did it for me I went and bought one just been waiting for 6 months to get it but I will wait for as long as it takes.would like to say thanks to jp for helping me make up my mind.i can't wait to put hands on it and play the hell out of.i would highly recommend getting one if your looking for a new guitar.i have play for over 20 years and this is by far my favorite sounding guitar.thanks again jp

Sounds bloody amazing!

Guitars with John! They certainly are well done JP you nailed it again for me sitting listening with my 1971 FG 110 ,a gift from my son on my birthday.

John, I just stumbled upon your channel today from searching for reviews on these smashing FGX5 guitars, and boy, am I happy I found you! Most excellent and compelling playing, I came for the guitar and stayed for your musicality! Yamaha knocked it out of the park with these new japanese made Red Label guitars and you proofed it in the pudding, as they say. Thank you, good Sir!

That sounds fantastic!

thanks for the scoop, JP

We just got one of these in stock yesterday!

Hey J.P. This video review clinched it for me on my new purchase. I was feeling a bit unsure of the FGX5 because as you know it has a price that most people can not wrap their heads around for a Yamaha. A musician friend of mine basically said I was making a mistake by considering a Yamaha. Your video was the kick in the arse I needed. I ordered the FGX5 and waited for it to arrive; something I have never done before because I have zero patience and have always opted in the past for the shiny “big name” off the wall (and been disappointed more than once). The FGX5 came in yesterday and it is amazing!! From the minute we unboxed it to the first chords everything about this Yamaha makes me smile. Amazing guitar and I have your review and you to thank for it! Next I’ll start saving for one of Yamaha’s handmades that you reviewed in your 3 part “Holy Trinity” reviews. Keep up the amazing videos bud.

When you plugged it in...just wow!

I just bought one to play out with, leaving my HD-35 at home. I’ve never heard a D-18 that sounds as good as this model. It’s much more guitar for the money than any one else is selling.

wow..thanks JP..I am leaning now on a purchase of an FG5, and you sold me..

Great Review. Great playing and a great sounding git!

Tolle Sendung - Danke.

The guitar sounds wonderful. I’m sure you have played thousands of guitars. It cool to see you excited about this one. Of course a player of your experience and make any guitar sound great. Nice video.

Just found a 2019 FGX5. Bought it in large part to your review! Thanks JPC!

My ears just went to HEAVEN!!! I have the FGX800C and love it but now I want this guitar!!! Just BEAUTIFUL!!!

You just answered a question I've asked you on a couple of videos about Yamaha's on board pickup system. Thanks JP. Love Yamaha.

Nice review, very helpful - and you are a great player too!

Got chills on the first amplified strum! Dang!

This video makes me smile 😁 I love it.

I’ve probably watched this review four times. That’s about all. Love you, J.P.!

Beast! Best guitar I’ve ever owned. A total freak! Big lows, nice highs. Perfect neck.

Just ordered one . Thanks JP.

I need this in my life.

Picked one up a few days ago and haven’t been able to out it down since. Almost almost all of my free time is spent on it. I LOVE it. Shot it out with a Martin d16 and this thing sounded so much better to my ear

GREAT GREAT guitar!!! I love mine...paid US$1,200. Wouldn't trade it for anything...

Awesome I have several old 70s yamaha fg guitars and a 76 L-5 that I absolutely love I will have to look into this guitar in the future thanks for the video

Yes J.P. the man that stood over that guitar while he made it, took some real pride in what he was building. that is a real cannon. would love to have one of those. Great review of the FGX5.

LOVE THE AMAZING RICH SOUND OF FGX5

Thanks JP, I just ordered a used FSX5 from the Cunard street store! They're bringing it in from Waterloo for me. What a deal, can't wait to get it! Two of my favourite things in life are motorcycles and guitars, how can you not love a company that makes incredible motorcycles and some of the best musical instruments in the world!

Many thanks for your review. I've just ordered the guitar. Many greetings from Germany.

GREAT REVIEW OF GUITAR AND PUP SYSYTEM. I bought the FG5 a few months back . The laminate pick guard had to go. Replaced it with a Greven type OM style . It took me sometime to get all the rubberized laminate goo from under the paper thin wood top layer.. These Yamahas are simply the goods. Thanks for doing the cool service you do for us all . Waiting on my LL36 to arrive soon!

Last time I commented on this video I’d just bought my own FGX5. Now I’ve had it for a while and I want to thank you! Your review seemed very trustworthy and helped convince me to go through with buying this guitar. No small expense for me but I needed something that sounded fuller in a solo or duo situation and this thing has made such a big difference for me. Both in acoustic jams and plugged in live I couldn’t be happier with the sound.

Great review amazing playing

Thank you for this video. I’m getting one.

Great review... waiting for my FGX5 to be delivered.

I've got a 1960's FG75. It was my first guitar. My Mother bought it used in 1976. It sits in a case under my bed at the camp so I always have a guitar to play. I pulled it out yesterday after at least a year of not being played. It was in tune and sounded like it always does, great. These were cheap laminate small body guitars. Looks like a kids guitar, which it was when I got it, but I've always liked the sound.

Holy Snot that guitar sounds amazing! I'm sold. I'll order it.

John just picked up a AC3M DLX recently to play out with. It hung out in a jam with a Goodall Jumbo, and a Bedell dred as well as a Martin D28 from 1965. Wife and I are going to Sweetwater end of July and you bet your ass I'm getting the FGX5. Thanks for the review. Just plain awesome.

Hi JP. I finally managed to buy this guitar, it arrived yesterday evening. As soon as I played the first chord, the sound reminded me immediately why I feel in love with the guitar many years ago (I started playing 26 years ago, when I was 12): it’s so emotional… I would like ti thank you so much, because your review was the key to determine this guitar was the best choice for me. 🙏🏻

I am very grateful for your review. I 'm going to the shop in Rome to try it out and possibly buy this guitar. Thanks John!!!

I just picked one of these up and cannot believe how amazing it is! I have many guitars including high end Martins, Gibson’s, and Taylor’s, some of which cost literally almost 4 times as much. I would put this Yamaha up against any of them. I went with the FG5 (no pick-up). I will be sticking a K&K in it. Thanks for the recommendation J.P.!

Wow that sounds incredible 😍👌

I am getting one of those ! Awesome review. You know your shit man and explain things in guitar speak ! Oh and you are a badass musician too !

I always enjoy your videos and playing . I am so lucky to have seen this . I was about to buy a Gibson . I am now considering this .

I just love that wood pick guard a nice guitar thanks

Got a Martin 000-16 and a Martin J-40 Love em both Ordered one of these Yamahas today Cant wait to play it Thanks!

JP I'm relatively new here but I've really enjoyed the frankness of your videos. First one was Recording King vs. Martin. A used Master Built Recording King for $200 - $300 may be the best guitar value on the planet. I've gone out 3 times to "finally buy my Martin". I live in NYC and can pretty easily play 100 top guitars in a day. First time, I didn't buy. 2nd time, I bought a Yamaha FS800 because I wanted to cut my own sound ports and have friends sign / carve their initials in it. Sounds fine, and best factory set up I've ever seen. Last time, I bought a Yamaha AC1R. Even with layered back and sides it out played every think under $3,500 for $659. It was so good, I didn't even want to wait to try an AC3R or AC5R. I thought, like your Red Label would be for me, they'd just be to exquisite for my playing. Congrats on your new acquisition. Enjoy the heck out of it. BTW, while some guitar makers take a production manager and maybe a luthier to visit their China factories, I heard Yamaha sent 20 of their master luthiers to China for 2 months for knowledge transfer. I don't seen anything touching the value of a Yamaha China made guitar.

I bought my FG fifty years ago for about £55 and still play it every day.....love it....that’s value for money❗️👍

I just got an FG5. The pick guard is plastic cover of some kind not wood! I peeled it right off and it has the Black plastic pick guard underneath. As for the guitar itself. It’s gorgeous and sounds fabulous. I wish I could send a picture of the guitar sans fake wood pick guard.

The Red Label FG5 is 1300. 1699 Cdn for FGx5. I own a 000-15m and it was 1759.00. When are we going to realize that there is life after Gibson, Martin and Taylor. Listen to this man! He has changed my 30 years of playing on my ear. Thank you J.P.

I got an FG5 after watching JP's review. no kidding, it sounds fantastic. and the ebony fretboard and fret dressing is smooooth. It looks vintage right out of the box, and sounds like an old good Martin.

Fabulous review as always, I own the nylon strings version, and as far as I understand, the atmosfeel system has both a piezo and some sensors in k&k style premixed in their blend, AND a mic as a third source you can add.. when the mic knob is set to 10, you get 50% blend of mic and the two pickups

Picked mine up a couple of days ago..I am very pleased!! JP has convinced me to buy two Yamahas now lol this and the LL16, love them both

When I play this, It's like having an orchestra at my fingertips. JP thanks, you really did this instrument justice.

Grinning ear to ear I love it!!

pretty sound love the yamaha pianos as well

Atmosfeel has the piezo, a mic (built into the circuit board which sits near the control knobs) and a body sensor near the bridge. A total of 3 pickup sources.

I've been considering the D28 until I saw this video. Half the price and sounds just as good. Great Video! thanks

love you John for a wonderful review of a truly deserving instrument🙋

I purchased the FG5 a while back and I am ecstatic over the tones I’m able to get out of it. I have a mid 80’s D-28, an early 60’s J45, a walnut back and sides Gibson G45 studio, and an Eastman E1D. I’m not the best picker out there but I know what I like and I definitely like my FG5. This guitar has that broken in sound that my older guitars have but it has also has something that they do not, near perfect tone and clarity. It has deep, rich lows but not so boomy as to muddy up the sound when strumming. The mids are articulate and woody. The highs ring true to life without sounding tinny and metallic. I honestly can say this is the best sounding guitar that I own. Hands down. Yamaha knocked it out of the park with this one. On a side note, I played the FGX3 in a local store and it sounds great for the price but it doesn’t hold a candle to these handcrafted Japanese FG5’s. First time watching your channel but I’m now subscribed. Amazing picking!

That is one beautiful sounding guitar

Love the sound and the way you play it, I have 2 Yamaha and love them, I've go a FG-TA and an old FG340 II

Great review! I love my Yamaha FGX5 best spend money on any gear I ever purchased. Fun fact, I watched Music Villas review of custom 25" scale Martin D-18 made from sinker mahogany, and it sounded exactly like this Yamaha ;)

I have always loved Yamaha guitars (and keyboards)...I have a LL16M ARE and it sounds and feels great--but now I want a FGX5..sounds BEAUTIFUL!

Awesome review! Thx