Ben's Yamaha FG-360

I received my first email from Ben on April 6, 2014. Here is his story:

Hi.

I'm writing after viewing your Yamaha FG-360 web page.  I own several Martins from a travel Martin to a D28.  None of them seem to sound as good or play as well as the FG-360.  I am very fond of the guitar, in fact I'm so fond of it I own three of them.  I don't know if you're still receiving mail or if you are still interested in this topic, but you can let me know about that.

If you are receiving mail, I will add that the "S" appendage theory you discuss on your site is likely a figment of someone's imagination that may be morphing into a myth.  I have studied my guitars in detail and I can find no sign of any laminated woods.  Top, back and sides on all three appear to be solid.  Not only are the backs and sides solid Jacaranda (according to a Yamaha representative), they are also obviously made of matching bookend wood stock.  (Like you, I took the trouble to get in touch with Yamaha directly about the FG-360.) 

Additionally, the grain of the wood is superior on each of my guitars.  (On one in particular I think the grain is even exceptionally beautiful, but it is exceptionally beautiful on all three of my guitars.  The wood is obviously not thin.  The pattern of the grain does show itself on the inside as well as the outside of my guitars.  Both the Yamaha representative and my own examination tells me the backs and sides are not laminated.  Likewise, in the soundholes of each guitar the grain is uniform.

To think that any part of the FG-360 is laminated seems ludicrous to me.

I think the "S" appendage came along in the Yamaha model numbering system much later in years than the age during which the FG-360 was made.

I see I have rambled.  This was intended to be a short note to see if you are getting mail.  Like your page.  All the best.

Ben