yamaha all solid dreads?

Daveyo · #1 02-19-2018, 02:38 PM

Looking for a Yamaha dread that is not
An LL series
I bought my daughter an fg800 and am so impressed
That I would maybe like an all solid wood Yamaha
Dread,what models would I be looking for ?
Rosewood preferred
Thanks in advance
David

MrErikJ · #2 02-19-2018, 02:54 PM

I think the A-Series and the L-Series are the only Yamaha product lines with solid back and sides. The FG are laminate back and sides, which is their trademark, but they're still very nice guitars.

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musi...fgx/index.html

I do recommend the L-series, though. I have a LL16 with rosewood b/s and it's very nice.

adaw2821 · #3 02-19-2018, 03:02 PM

Can I ask why your not interested in an LL? not trying to argue just might help the suggestions.

A series are very good. I own an A3R that I absolutely love. The new A5 models are supposed to be even better!

A little bit of overview on the models

A1 series: laminate back and sides.
A3: all solid, gets you the SRT modeling preamp

Anything that starts with an AC is there concert body size. just an A is dreadnought. So a A3R is a rosewood dred, an A3M is a mahogany dred, AC3R is a rosewood but concert body size ect.

The A5s are new, have a torrified top, scalloped braces, simplified electronics..

CASD57 · #4 02-19-2018, 05:23 PM

I've got the A3M you can't go wrong with it, unless it's too big

Quick Cal · #5 02-19-2018, 05:45 PM

Just to clarify.

The new 2017 A3's have the new scalloped bracing, SRT 2 electronics, and tortured tops.

If you're looking at an A3 make sure what year it was made or you could be buying the older version.

jed1894 · #6 02-19-2018, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveyo

Looking for a Yamaha dread that is not
An LL series
I bought my daughter an fg800 and am so impressed
That I would maybe like an all solid wood Yamaha
Dread,what models would I be looking for ?
Rosewood preferred
Thanks in advance
David

That would be a perfect guitar. Unless someone knows different, the closet may be fg830 or 850. If you haven't tried one, play the 830. I like the 850 because of mello sound.

Also, if you plan on L series, play one first. I have an LL6 and mine sounds NOTHING like my FG800. I wish it did. It also has larger neck which was an adjustment for me. They are built better (very solid), but it's like a totally different guitar company to me.

YamahaGuy · #7 02-19-2018, 07:18 PM

If you can get your hands on one, there is the FG 180 limited re release that goes for about about $1500 US.

Daveyo · #8 02-19-2018, 07:44 PM

This is David,the op
I do like the LL series very much
But the neck is a little thick for me
I do like the fg neck,this is why I ask
There is an old stock dw15 in my local
Music store which is really nice,all solid wood dread
But a little expensive for a Taiwan made guitar
Woud love a Japanese made Yamaha dread
Is there such a thing?
Dave

Claren Guitars · #9 02-19-2018, 08:21 PM

To David the OP...

If you like the FG neck, get an FG. Or stick with your existing FG. Getting all-solid may not always mean better.

Sometimes all soild or solid top differs only on paper and price. Tone wise, it's the solid top that does most of the job. I have played many all-solid construction guitars that didn't sound any better than solid top ones.

Case in point for Yamaha from my experience, I have owned the AC5R (Japan made all-solid) series before but I still prefer my humble FG700S. Hard to pinpoint, but the FG700S just feels better and possibly sounds better to me.

CASD57 · #10 02-19-2018, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suaku

To David the OP...

If you like the FG neck, get an FG. Or stick with your existing FG. Getting all-solid may not always mean better.

Sometimes all soild or solid top differs only on paper and price. Tone wise, it's the solid top that does most of the job. I have played many all-solid construction guitars that didn't sound any better than solid top ones.

Case in point for Yamaha from my experience, I have owned the AC5R (Japan made all-solid) series before but I still prefer my humble FG700S. Hard to pinpoint, but the FG700S just feels better and possibly sounds better to me.

I just played most of these, I actually liked the 335 also but the fit and finish on the 830 was better still love my A3M tho

Ruppster · #11 02-19-2018, 08:51 PM

I finally received my AC5R two weeks ago and, thought not a dread, is a ridiculously good guitar for the money. Worth playing the five series if you get a chance. The non-rosewood models are readily available from places like Sweetwater and Kraft Music.

ChalkLitIScream · #12 02-19-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveyo

This is David,the op
I do like the LL series very much
But the neck is a little thick for me
I do like the fg neck,this is why I ask
Dave

David, The A series has 1 11/16'' nut width whereas the L series have 1 3/4'' nut width. The A series also has a different neck profile and feel. I would highly recommend trying it out. People have loved the open pore neck feel...others have hated it. See for yourself.

Jaden · #13 02-19-2018, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suaku

To David the OP...

If you like the FG neck, get an FG. Or stick with your existing FG. Getting all-solid may not always mean better.

Sometimes all soild or solid top differs only on paper and price. Tone wise, it's the solid top that does most of the job. I have played many all-solid construction guitars that didn't sound any better than solid top ones.

Case in point for Yamaha from my experience, I have owned the AC5R (Japan made all-solid) series before but I still prefer my humble FG700S. Hard to pinpoint, but the FG700S just feels better and possibly sounds better to me.

This has been my experience as well - sometimes a laminate b&s guitar with an exceptional top that has aged gracefully will outperform all solid wood instruments.

GHS · #14 02-20-2018, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

If you can get your hands on one, there is the FG 180 limited re release that goes for about about $1500 US.

I had one of the originals from '71. Neck is shot. Also an FG-230 12 string, neck is bad too. They were good, all laminate but I dont know about the 1500 tag on the re issue. I have not seen one but thats a really competitive price range with lots of options available. I do have a newer FG-730s that is my go to guitar. Cost under 300 and has just amazing tone. You can get a new FG, put a Lyric or Fishman in it and have a really good reliable guitar.

Claren Guitars · #15 02-20-2018, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

If you can get your hands on one, there is the FG 180 limited re release that goes for about about $1500 US.

If you're referring to the FG-180 50th released in 2016, nope, that has the same nut width as the L series. 44mm or 1.75inch.

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musi...l#product-tabs