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Yamaha FG180

by Peter Smith
(UK)

FG-180 Peter Smith

FG-180 Peter Smith

Red label inside body with the words "YAMAHA GUITAR" and "FG-180"

"Made in Taiwan" on the back of the back of the headstock.

Serial number printed inside the body on the inside heel of the neck: T0184625

Could you give me a valuation and any interesting background info on this guitar please and, if you know how second hand prices compare in the UK where I live, that would be appreciated, although not expected.

Thanks for your help, I have made a 2 dollar donation through paypal.

Peter

ANSWER

Hi, Peter--

Pretty guitar--thanks for the pics!

Here is the Blue Book general info:

FG-180
- dreadnought-style body, select spruce top, mahogany back and sides, round soundhole with multi-ring rosette, multi-ply body binding, mahogany neck, 14/20-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, three-per-side nickel-plated tuners, rosewood bridge, black pickguard, available in Natural finish, mfg. 1969-1971.

The pricing info:

Excellent $250 - 300
Average $135 - 175

The FG-140, FG-180, and the FG-300 were the original six-string jumbo guitars introduced in 1969.

I don't know why the Blue Book value is so low. Owners of these guitars swear by them, but apparently, according to the Blue Book, they are not in great demand as collectors items.

There is an interesting discussion about these guitars here: Harmony Central

As you can tell from the discussion, some owners have paid quite a bit more than the Blue Book price.

I am sorry, but I have no access to specific prices in the UK.

Lynne

Comments for
Yamaha FG180

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

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Dec 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bob b.
by: Anonymous

i have one of these fg180 models that i purchased new and loved and enjoyed for many years and am constantly getting comments on how good it sounds.
i do have to say the action is kinda high and i have modified the action about all i can, but it is a great gitar and i would never want to part with it, but am curious as to what it should actually be worth.
Nov 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		fg180s
by: david

Peter, I have the exact same guitar. Got it from a second-hand shop in 1975. Red Label, but also Taiwan made, not NikonGakki. For a guitarist rather than a collector that doesn't matter, because they are fantastic.

The point is, the FG 180 was in a different class to all the other Yamaha FGs. They didn't make them for long. I paid 10 pounds for mine (in part exchange with a useless, unplayable 12 string that cost 20 pounds at the time).

They tend to have a high action, but a couple of years ago I got mine -- which had got rather worn down on the neck -- done up by a guitar workshop for 200 euro, and they reckoned I had a bargain. It's now absolutely fantastic. Wouldn't part with it for all the money in the world. You shouldn't sell yours for anything under 400 pounds. And that's almost cheap.
Jul 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Yamaha FG 180
by: Dan Rowland

I know why the Blue Book is low on these guitars...those
people that write & depend on the Blue Book are collectors,
not players.
I used to use one of these FG180s in Nashville as a rhythm
guitar...engineers were amazed by them. They have a
fast response with a quick delay....exactly what sound
people like. They are proof that laminate instruments
don't necessarily sound bad. The intonation was perfect
as well.
If I was still doing sessions every day I'd use this guitar
or something very close.
Dan

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