Yamaha Red Label FGX3

[BenBreeg]

Originally Posted by Kale88

You may want to take a look at this video review.
Jarvis also did some comparison between FG3 & FG5 as well as with Martin.

https://youtu.be/PfzsTAseq8M

Wow that led me down a rabbit hole! . I like his reviews, lots of playing with the same progressions in the different videos. But I was pretty much heavily leaning toward Eastman and I think I really like the sound of the Yamahas. Both the mahogany sides/backs and the rosewood. Different but really nice. Ugg, I can see why some of you guys have so many guitars!

Weird because as much as I like gear, I've used the same Carvin 5-string bass for over 20 years in a bunch of different style bands so I'm used to be able to dial in my tone vs. having it be such an intrinsic part of the build.

[Dbone]

Originally Posted by BenBreeg

Wow that led me down a rabbit hole! . I like his reviews, lots of playing with the same progressions in the different videos. But I was pretty much heavily leaning toward Eastman and I think I really like the sound of the Yamahas. Both the mahogany sides/backs and the rosewood. Different but really nice. Ugg, I can see why some of you guys have so many guitars!

Weird because as much as I like gear, I've used the same Carvin 5-string bass for over 20 years in a bunch of different style bands so I'm used to be able to dial in my tone vs. having it be such an intrinsic part of the build.

Do yourself a favour and consider an FG. I have never played an Eastman, and I have the impression they make great instruments, but these FGs are pretty great. I have direct experience with them. The video doesn’t lie. Yamaha know what they are doing.

[jkilgour2000]

Ok, after a few beers I was eyeing my FGX3 and realized the pickguard was fugly. So I removed it. Man, what kind of insipid black tar did they use to affix that thing? Lol. I’m still cleaning it up but here’s a pic IMG_1638.jpgIMG_1642.jpg

[jweave69]

Originally Posted by jkilgour2000

Ok, after a few beers I was eyeing my FGX3 and realized the pickguard was fugly. So I removed it. Man, what kind of insipid black tar did they use to affix that thing? Lol. I’m still cleaning it up but here’s a pic Attachment 35713Attachment 35714

I'm glad to know it can be done. Love the guitar but not a fan of the pickguard. I assume you used a blow-dryer. How exactly did you remove it?

For me, I'm really itching for a smaller guitar (shorter scale length), and the FS5 fits the bill perfectly!

[Wellington]

Originally Posted by jkilgour2000

Ok, after a few beers I was eyeing my FGX3 and realized the pickguard was fugly. So I removed it. Man, what kind of insipid black tar did they use to affix that thing? Lol. I’m still cleaning it up but here’s a pic Attachment 35713Attachment 35714

Will you put a new pick guard on? Don’t leave the poor thing naked!

[Dbone]

Originally Posted by jkilgour2000

Ok, after a few beers I was eyeing my FGX3 and realized the pickguard was fugly. So I removed it. Man, what kind of insipid black tar did they use to affix that thing? Lol. I’m still cleaning it up but here’s a pic Attachment 35713Attachment 35714

Looks better for sure. If it was a FG5 I personally would have left it on, as I like the guards on those. For the 3 though, good call.

[YamahaGuy]

That tar was a nightmare to deal with...worse than window tint glue. Anyway, I like mine. The "noisy" pickguard didn't work for me being a strummer. Percussive loop guys or fingerstyle players might like it, but for me, it had to go.

[YamahaGuy]

Originally Posted by jweave69

I'm glad to know it can be done. Love the guitar but not a fan of the pickguard. I assume you used a blow-dryer. How exactly did you remove it?

For me, I'm really itching for a smaller guitar (shorter scale length), and the FS5 fits the bill perfectly!

I just peeled it off leaving part of the paper film in place. The paper film was very thin. Then I tried using my fingernails to remove it and that was futile. It actually put a couple small dents in the top. Anyway, friction rubbing with my bare fingers made enough heat and slowly it roll over the paper into little waves of gel/paper balls. I got a blister on one finger in the process. Then for final cleanup I used a flute polishing cloth and a little bit of water. One final wipe down with normal polish.

[Dbone]

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

That tar was a nightmare to deal with...worse than window tint glue. Anyway, I like mine. The "noisy" pickguard didn't work for me being a strummer. Percussive loop guys or fingerstyle players might like it, but for me, it had to go.

Rocking a slight tan line there I see...or is it just residue making it look like that?

[jkilgour2000]

Originally Posted by jweave69

How exactly did you remove it?

For me, I'm really itching for a smaller guitar (shorter scale length), and the FS5 fits the bill perfectly!

Hair dryer, brute strength and Goo Gone

[YamahaGuy]

Originally Posted by Dbone

Rocking a slight tan line there I see...or is it just residue making it look like that?

Could be the slightest of tan lines. When I took the guard off my AC3R, it has a very noticeable tan line. I can live with this one.

[Shortfinger]

The 3s are made in China. The 5s aren’t. Buy the 5.

Before the current big thing, lots of posts here said not-good things about whether one should buy a guitar made in China.

But I’m gonna unload my gear made there.

[RP]

I was watching this FSX5/FGX5 video from Alamo Music, and the on-screen reviewer said that the 5s have a wider nut. Have others found that to be the case or was that just a bit of inconsistency on Yamaha's part? I ask because I've owned several L models, and the stated nut size seemed to be a little generous...

[jkilgour2000]

The nuts on the FG3 and 5 are the same. 1-3/4”

[jweave69]

Originally Posted by jkilgour2000

Hair dryer, brute strength and Goo Gone

I was worried that a wooden pick guard would not come off very easy without damage, but glad to hear it turned out ok. I'll definitely remove it if and when I purchase one!