All Laminate Yamaha Acoustics

[Howie22]

Are all of these pretty decent? The FG 335 is the one I have played at GC, and I guess it's around $150.

 

I've been scouring craigslist looking for a new one. But there's the 310, 315, 325, 335?? They all seem to be all lam, so is there really much difference?

 

Are any of them okay? Just looking for a "beater" and want all laminate

[guitarist21]

"All" is a scary term, because every guitar is different.

 

But they are generally pretty good guitars.

 

Ellen

[Howie22]

 

"All" is a scary term, because every guitar is different. Ellen

 

 

Of course. However, we are speaking in general terms here. Particularly interested in the F and FG series. I guess what I'm asking is whether there's really much difference between the all-laminate dread that Yamaha sells for $150 or the one they sell for $125, or the one that looks just like it that they sell for roughly the same price that comes in a box with a strap and tuner. There's just a number of models in that price range that they produce. I'm thinking that maybe the FG335 is the Guitar Center version of another guitar that they sell under a different model number somewhere else?

[mc5nrg]

Yamaha models designated FG335 go back at least 30 years or so.One difference between these different models is the quality of the tuning machines. A few years back Costco was stocking Yamahas, if you are a member might be worth checking.

 

However, if you look around you can probably find a decent name brand guitar with a solid top for about $200 ,sometimes priced withh a HSC. A couple years ago I found a decent solid top Alvarez model w/hsc at a nonchain MI store near Elkton,MD for $200...so there are deals out there and GC can be topped pretty easily. Don't be afraid of Samick Greg Bennett guitars -also pretty decent guitars for low $ if you want a laminated top. Or for a bit over the two bills figure you can find used Seagull/A&L etc.

 

A minor tip: its not uncommon for many brands of less expensive flattops to have a Ovation-style shim under the bridge saddle. If the action seems a little stiff but the neck is straight/nut cut properly check for a shim under the saddle and pull it for more comfortable action.

[babablowfish]

As Ellen said, the all laminate Yamahas are generally very well made, last a very long time, stand up to a lot of abuse and give you a decent sound and playability for the money. Some of the older FGs are highly regarded for having far exceeded what the theory said a laminate was capable of. Freeman's FG-150 and my FG-340 are 2 cases in point. We had several folks on the forum who insisted the FG-150 was a solid top and it took a correspondence with Yamaha to show that it was not. Go the the HC Review section and read the reviews on the various models - I did and that is what led me to my FG-340. For a "beater" I believe a laminate Yamaha can't be beat.

[Simon76]

Are there any decent 12 stringers with a laminate top?

[guit30]

They can be fine, had a 12 string yammie from 1970 til 1995, no problems whatsoever, never thought about the sound quality, was too busy playing, I think in these modern times we have been spoiled by new ways of making better guitars cheaper, back in the 70s, there were lots of all laminates, no complaints

Jim