Quote:
Originally Posted by skatalite
I love my FG730S, which has laminated rosewood back and sides. I want a Yamaha dread with mahogany-like back and sides for a different sound. I know nato is supposed to be mahogany-like, but I've never been able to play a Yamaha with nato (like the FG700 and FG720S).
Can anyone with experience with both describe the tonal differences between the two? Are the nato-equipped Yamahas more mahogany-ish in terms of tone?
Thanks!
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Just to be clear, the FG720S is listed as having a mahogany back and sides, the FG700 (1972-1974) Jacaranda. The newer FG700S From 2004 up to now has NATO back and sides. The Original FG700 is one of the anomalies that drive us Yamaha nuts in circles, as it DID 100% for sure have a solid spruce top, but no "S" in the model number designation.
Steveyam is correct in all that he says there, and I'm in agreement. Most of the early FG models were mahogany bodied, and it's hard to go wrong with any of them. I'd look for a 140, 150, 160, or if you can find one, a Nippon Ghakki red label 180. As long as the neck doesn't need reset, you are going to like it. The Taiwan 180 guitars are also very good, including the FG180E (3 piece back).