On 2003-01-01, Louis Bianchi gave this Yamaha Acoustic Guitar a 5


Purchase: This guitar was purchased new at Manny's Music in New York City. It cost $90 in July 1976.
Pros: The timbre of the instrument is incredible for the budget price. The neck intonation is near perfect. It's characteristics are affected a food deal dependent on your choice of strings. For the 25 plus years that I have this instrument, it's finish has changed beautifuly with the darkening of it's varnish. I recently have been looking at other acoustics and so far the only guitars I like better than this unit are Martins and Gibsons in the $1000 plus range. I guess I have gotten way more than my $90 worth out of this guitar.
Cons: The machine heads always bothered me on this unit. They have covers over the gears that always losen up and buzz over time. A minor problem that is kept in check during normal maintainence.
Quality: Other than the machine head problem that I described, the unit is built like a brick s**t house. This guitar has taken so much abuse over the years, and still plays like a fine instrument. It is a beautiful thing. Yamaha knew what they were doing when they designed this guitar. The neck has never developed any problems, where as my fine Stratocasters always had very tempermental necks that needed adjustments frequently. The fact that this is not in Yamahas product line anymore is a great disappointment. This was the perfect beginners guitar, so perfect that I still own and cherish it after 25 plus years.

Summary: If you can get your hands on one that is still in good shape, snatch it up.

On 2002-02-17, ed gave this Yamaha Acoustic Guitar a 3


Purchase: Well, this is an old story as I purchased the guitar used in 1974 from a friend and have recently given it to my nephew as his first guitar. I bought it for $75 with no case and in need of new strings. The axe itself was and is in excellent condition as I bought a good hard case for it as soon as I could afford it. Being in college money was tight, but the guitar was beautiful and I wanted to protect it. The case cost me $35. A nice braided strap was added and it served me for over 25 years! Maybe not the best out there, but it is still a nice guitar, especially for the beginner, which I was at the time.
Pros: I like the finish and style. It may not have the best playing abilities, but is still a good solid guitar for the beginner. I hope my nephew appreciates it. Cosmetically, it is a very nice looking guitar and plays well. It's action could be better, but is manageable.
Cons: The action could be better.
Quality: Not being an expert, I cannot compare to the higher quality units out there, but it has served me well.

Summary: A good beginner unit for a serious learner.

On 2001-07-15, E. Lawrence gave this Yamaha Acoustic Guitar a 4


Purchase: In 1972 I borrowed $225 to purchase this guitar (with hard case) new at a local music store in Marietta, GA. Before I walked in the store I didn't even know Yamaha made guitars. I couldn't afford a Martin (Back then EVERYONE wanted a Martin). I figured I would trade-up later on when I could afford a nicer guitar. Joel, the owner of the store took down this FG-160 and said, 'Try this one..nice guitar for the buck.'
Pros: I discovered that this guitar is very responsive to the paricular types of strings. With light guage it has almost a classical quality - great for jazz rifs. With a medium or studio guage the bass comes out very rich - especially for country or Spanish. I recently tried an electric pick-up on it (removable type) and without an equalizer it has great clarity plugged in.
Cons: It's difficult to come up with a dislike about this guitar. It came with only one strap button...I've never put a second one on it.
Quality: Since I've kept the guitar cased all its life (when not in use) the finish has maintained extremely well. The finish has developed a rich patina, slightly darker than the original. I've never used anything but a soft cloth on it. It's a very well built guitar. It has never warped. Everything on it is still original, even the tuning gears.

Summary: At first, my motives for keeping this guitar were mostly sentimental - after all, it was my 'first' and has given me years of pleasure. But I have come to appreciate its quality and craftsmanship even more. It's not the most expensive or elaborate guitar I've played, but it will always be my favorite.