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Yamaha’s FG Red Label Acoustic line marries vintage design with modern tech

Inspired by the Japanese brand’s folk guitars from the 60s.

Yamaha FG Red Label Series hero
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Back in the 60s, Yamaha unveiled its first-ever steel-string guitars with the FG Red Label Acoustic line. The brand has now revived this acoustic series, retaining vintage aesthetics and classic tone while applying modern innovation in the area of pickups and tonewood treatment.

One new feature you’ll see on selected models is Yamaha’s Atmosfeel pickup and preamp system, which is capable of producing a “uniquely natural plugged-in sound”, according to the Japanese company. This is achieved through a three-way sensor setup, comprising a piezo sensor, an internal microphone and a sheet sensor designed to capture the topboard’s vibrations.

Yamaha FSX5 Acoustic Guitar
The FSX5

To elevate tone, the instruments’ top has been treated with Yamaha’s patented process known as Acoustic Resonance Enhancement. The process involves precise control of temperature, humidity and pressure to transform the wood’s structure into a material that you’d find on a well-played guitar, as Yamaha claims.

As for tonewoods, all models in this line feature solid Sitka spruce tops – with scalloped bracing – mahogany back and sides as well as ebony fingerboards.

The new line is available in Traditional Western (FG) and a smaller Concert (FS) shape. Listed here are the various models and prices.

  • FG3/FS3: $1,275
  • FGX3/FSX3: $1,585
  • FG5/FS5: $1,900
  • FGX5/FSX5: $2,320

More info at yamaha.com.

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