#31
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I kinda think the reputation of the red-labels has worked against them. Folks started seeing them as "holy grail" guitars and in many cases the prices have gone up beyond their worth, IMHO.
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Martin J40 Alvarez Yairi FY-40 Yamaha FG180 Yamaha FG730S 1950 Epiphone Triumph |
#32
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Labels
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Then the labels changed to tan and black, and black on some Taiwan guitars. That might not be all of the colors.
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TOO Stinkin' MANY GITS! Buncha Les Pauls Buncha Strats Martin HD-28, 2012-000CNylon Taylor 310K Taylor 214CE Taylor 110 Larrivee D-05 FG-375S FG-180 (5) FG-300 (5) FG-360 FG-350W APX-10 FG160E Woodsong K100,SW400 Paul Beard GRE Many other Yamahas (25 others- Garrison, Seagull, PRS, Squier 51, Dynamic) BigMike sez: I tried to be good, but there were just too many options. |
#33
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The problem with many Yamahas, is that the mechanical fit of the dovetail is so tight, that the steam locks them up. I don't steam out Yamaha necks anymore, I do a saw-off conversion to a bolt-on. And, yes, they do like a good JLD install! |
#34
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all laminates Yamaha FG180 Red Label sounds like $3,000 all-solid wood Martin or Taylor. watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l47Gu4tU0xQ
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#35
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Yamaha FG180 Red Label was used by singer-songwriter Elliott Smith during the Oscars Awards Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PcJO81ubI8
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#36
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Yes, they sound great. I stated in a previous post in this thread I had/have and FG180 and FG230. They were great but need work now. I purchased an FG730s and LS6 for what the neck resets would cost on both. They are solid other wise minus fret wear. Did they/do they sound great, yes, but these two new should last me till I leave the planet.
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Free speech...its' not for everybody |
#37
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I just purchased an FG 180 black label Taiwan. I am aware of the red label NIPPON GAKKI reputation, so when I bought this one my expectations were modest. After some tinkering and restringing I am unable to distinguish the sound quality of it from some of the top shelf guitars I own(ed,) including luthier-built dreads, many Martins, etc. It is mind boggling how an all-laminated guitar can sound this good. It's in great shape with a good neck angle and adequate saddle.
(right click on icon for pics ) I'd like to know the year it was born and have two serial numbers. The one on the neck block: 0834553 on the soundhole brace: 60305500 Dave
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I've cut this thing twice and it's still too short. |
#38
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Fg180
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I have a fg180 Nippon Ghakki, a fg180 red label Taiwan, and a black label fg180-1. All sound awesome. Congrats on finding one.
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TOO Stinkin' MANY GITS! Buncha Les Pauls Buncha Strats Martin HD-28, 2012-000CNylon Taylor 310K Taylor 214CE Taylor 110 Larrivee D-05 FG-375S FG-180 (5) FG-300 (5) FG-360 FG-350W APX-10 FG160E Woodsong K100,SW400 Paul Beard GRE Many other Yamahas (25 others- Garrison, Seagull, PRS, Squier 51, Dynamic) BigMike sez: I tried to be good, but there were just too many options. |
#39
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Stardot, thanks for that detailed info. With you just up the interstate in Lutz, we should try to hook up sometime and you could share your collection and knowledge with me.
I took a closer look and there is indeed a "-1" after the 180 on the label. It also has the maple center wedge on the back. The only thing it is lacking is a trussrod cover, needs a refret on the cowboy positions, maybe 4-5 frets, and a plug for the oversize endpin hole and re-drill for standard pin. Any suggestions on where I could find a trussrod cover for the headstock? Dave
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I've cut this thing twice and it's still too short. |
#40
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I never knew those guitars were so sought after, I have an immaculate FG180 in my wardrobe that my father bought me new when I was a kid, to learn on.
The guitar is in perfect condition and has never needed any work, or adjustments, maybe I should get it out! Ian. |
#41
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Truss rod cover
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I'll be around a lot this summer, send me a pm, come up and we'll do lunch and compare guitars.
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TOO Stinkin' MANY GITS! Buncha Les Pauls Buncha Strats Martin HD-28, 2012-000CNylon Taylor 310K Taylor 214CE Taylor 110 Larrivee D-05 FG-375S FG-180 (5) FG-300 (5) FG-360 FG-350W APX-10 FG160E Woodsong K100,SW400 Paul Beard GRE Many other Yamahas (25 others- Garrison, Seagull, PRS, Squier 51, Dynamic) BigMike sez: I tried to be good, but there were just too many options. |
#42
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Fg180
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TOO Stinkin' MANY GITS! Buncha Les Pauls Buncha Strats Martin HD-28, 2012-000CNylon Taylor 310K Taylor 214CE Taylor 110 Larrivee D-05 FG-375S FG-180 (5) FG-300 (5) FG-360 FG-350W APX-10 FG160E Woodsong K100,SW400 Paul Beard GRE Many other Yamahas (25 others- Garrison, Seagull, PRS, Squier 51, Dynamic) BigMike sez: I tried to be good, but there were just too many options. |
#43
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Free speech...its' not for everybody |
#44
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I traded a trumpet plus a little cash for a brand new red label Nippon Gakki Yamaha FG-150 in a Nashville pawn shop in 1972 when I was 15. It was my first good guitar. I wanted a Martin but couldn't afford one and the Yamahas were great Martin clones. I kept that guitar for a long time and even had the neck reset on it - it's not impossible but that neck joint is glued with something really stubborn. I found a luthier who wanted a challenge and didn't charge me a ton of money to do it. Whoever said that using steam wasn't the preferred method of removing the neck is right, my guy used a heat lamp and a lot of patience. Eventually I did get a Martin and a bunch of other nice guitars and I sold the Yamaha to someone else who was looking for a nice inexpensive guitar. I think my story is very similar to a lot of folks who came of age during that time period and learned to play on these red label guitars, and that accounts for their popularity. Today I miss that FG-150 primarily for sentimental reasons, although it would make a great camping guitar...
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#45
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