Yamaha FG-160 1974 with Vintage Folk Art Hard Shell Case

Up for sale is this vintage 1974 Yamaha FG-160, tan label made in Taiwan. As with all the FG's from this era it has a great big, clear sound, due to the 3 ply top made of all tone wood (no cheaper layers in the middle). The purpose-built Taiwan Yamaha factory made excellent guitars to easily rival the Japanese-made guitars back in the 1970s. There is nothing like an old Yamaha; thought by some to be the best laminated tops ever built! The build quality is very good as the Taiwan factory was a Japanese Yamaha factory simply moved to Taiwan, so the quality control was high. It has a spruce top with mahogany back, sides and neck. Beautiful rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Tuning keys are original and work smoothly. The guitar sounds just as good or better than the best of the FG-180 models I've owned and played. A real sleeper in the "FG" lineup.

Overall, the guitar is in great playing condition. There are very few superficial scrapes and nicks, far less than one would expect in a nearly 50 year old guitar -- none of which affect the playability or sound of the guitar. Comfortable action and plays and sounds great -- nice woody tone similar to a vintage Martin D-18. Just cleaned, fretboard conditioned and setup with 11 gauge strings. Truss rod confirmed to be functioning and turns both directions as it should. Here's a chance to grab a that great vintage tone without the price tag of a Martin or old Gibson! Vintage Made in Japan (Takabe made and Takamine branded) hard case that has folk art of the time painted on it. Case is in fair condition, with several large cracks, but all clasps work as they should and it reasonably protects the guitar.

Made in Taiwan on June 1, 1974, Serial #40601423, with Tan Label inside. The 423th guitar built that week.