Ngd Yamaha FG 180 50th Anniversary

[fastestlouigie]

Mmm, tried to attach the pictures to the Agf Forum page with no success. Oh well. Looks a lot nicer in the flesh but there are some very small imperfections, like some tiny gaps in the black binding. None of this on my Lj16, which was perfect from the shop.



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[ohYew812]

Is it a poly or nitro finish, what are the nut width/ string spacing specs?

[fastestlouigie]

Originally Posted by ohYew812

Is it a poly or nitro finish, what are the nut width/ string spacing specs?

Nut Width 44mm (1 3/4")
Fingerboard Radius R400mm (15 3/4")
Not sure about the string spacing.
Finish- It says Gloss on the website. I think that only high-end Yamaha L series get a nitro finish but I could be wrong.

[GuitarsLover]

Beautiful guitar! how does it sound?

[Drive914]

I received mine this past Wednesday. It really is a beautiful instrument and I especially love the sound. Quite different then my D-18V (not better or worse, just different) and they are both made of the same woods. However, one thing caught my attention as soon as I removed it from its plastic bag. I didn't realize the spruce top was 2 different pieces of wood (I assume glued together) with the seam right down the center. And in my case, the right side is much darker then the left side and the grain is not even close to being the same. So I guess I got myself a two tone guitar. I'm not very happy about that but I guess I'll get used to it. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the D-18V cost 3 times a much. Am I the only one that didn't know the spruce top was 2 pieces of wood glued together down the center?

[sospel65]

Congratulations. That's really a beauty. I am looking forward to playing one. How would you describe the way it sounds?

[Texsunburst59]

That's a very sweet looking guitar.

Congrats!!!

I hope to get to play one in person before they're all gone.

I'd really like hear how they sound and feel compared to my original FG-180.

[Fresh1985]

Just received mine today, not better or worse than I expected. As stated the finish quality isn't fantastic but sounds good out the box. Strings maybe a bit cheap and obviously the plastic nut and saddle will have to go at some point. I really would have thought If they were upgrading the back and sides to solid wood then they could have upgraded the nut and saddle too bone!! but anyway early days but I really like it, especially the looks. Looking forward to experimenting with strings and maybe a new saddle/nut. Also plastic pins is another area where I though they could have upgraded. Sound wise I would describe it as typical Yamaha, bright but well balanced.

[fastestlouigie]

Originally Posted by Drive914

I However, one thing caught my attention as soon as I removed it from its plastic bag. I didn't realize the spruce top was 2 different pieces of wood (I assume glued together) with the seam right down the center. And in my case, the right side is much darker then the left side and the grain is not even close to being the same. So I guess I got myself a two tone guitar. I'm not very happy about that but I guess I'll get used to it. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the D-18V cost 3 times a much. Am I the only one that didn't know the spruce top was 2 pieces of wood glued together down the center?

Mine also has a "two-tone" top and like yours, the grain doesn't exactly match up. However, the colour of the two sides is the same on my guitar, although you can notice differences in reflection if you hold it up to a strong light source. Worth noting is that my 2010 vintage Yamaha LJ16 also has a two-piece spruce top but as it is a much lighter "stain" (not sure if this is the right description?), it's less noticeable in average light. Difficult to compare the two, as one of my daughters swiped the LJ16 when she went to University two years ago
I've been taking a closer look at the FG180 and it really is a great looking instrument, top and all! I hope to get started with learning to play the thing at the weekend, when I have some time to devote to this...

[Drive914]

Thanks for your imput Louigue. I realize that it is common to use 2 pieces of wood even when it is advertised as solid wood. I guess solid wood only means "not laminated, like plywood). Looking at my D18V, the left and right sides of the spruce top have the exact same grain. It like the piece of wood was sliced and then folded like opening a book. My new FG-180-50th is like the two pieces of wood came from two different trees. This cheepens the guitar in my opinion. Having said all this, I still love the guitar and I'm very happy to have it.

Note: I've seen hi-resolution photos of this guitar on the internet that clearly show the grain to be exactly the same on the left and right. That is what I thought I was getting when I pre-ordered mine. But now most everyone I see seem to be 2 tone because of the different grains. Did they pull a fast one on us?

[stuco]

Originally Posted by Drive914

I received mine this past Wednesday. It really is a beautiful instrument and I especially love the sound. Quite different then my D-18V (not better or worse, just different) and they are both made of the same woods. However, one thing caught my attention as soon as I removed it from its plastic bag. I didn't realize the spruce top was 2 different pieces of wood (I assume glued together) with the seam right down the center. And in my case, the right side is much darker then the left side and the grain is not even close to being the same. So I guess I got myself a two tone guitar. I'm not very happy about that but I guess I'll get used to it. Maybe that's one of the reasons why the D-18V cost 3 times a much. Am I the only one that didn't know the spruce top was 2 pieces of wood glued together down the center?

The vast majority of acoustic guitars, including your martins, have a book matched (2 piece) top and back.

[Drive914]

sorry, double post.

[Drive914]

Originally Posted by stuco

The vast majority of acoustic guitars, including your martins, have a book matched (2 piece) top and back.

Thanks Stuco. Makes sense. For whatever reason, Yamaha didn't think it was necessary to do the book match thing on this guitar. I wish they would have.

[GHS]

Originally Posted by Drive914

Thanks Stuco. Makes sense. For whatever reason, Yamaha didn't think it was necessary to do the book match thing on this guitar. I wish they would have.

Its not a problem with them. My Yamaha LS6 has the same type of look to the top, one side light and the other darker. Someone here with build experience said they just flipped the book matched top. Quite common.

[robj144]

Originally Posted by Drive914

Thanks Stuco. Makes sense. For whatever reason, Yamaha didn't think it was necessary to do the book match thing on this guitar. I wish they would have.

Can you post a pic? I've never seen a guitar top that wasn't bookmatched.