The Schryver Family

Gary Benson's Yamaha FG-360

 

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I received the first e-mail from Gary Benson on August 7, 2015. Here is what he had to say:


Hi David:

I just found a Yamaha FG360 that was made in 1974/Nippon Gakki tan label. Your website was very helpful in learning about them.  The one I found has been played a lot…it shows, but that's a sign of a great sounding guitar.

Just strung it up and from what I hear, it's got that 'Martin' sound for sure.

I paid $20 for it; and it's got an aftermarket pickup installed in it; have not tried it out 'plugged in' yet.

FYI the Nippon Gakki FG140 Red Label model is also  a great sounding guitar… brighter in sound than the FG360, but with a resounding bass also.   It's a great guitar to find….the FG180 Red Label is more popular, more expensive--- but there is no difference sonically between the FG140 and the FG180 Red Label Nippon Gakki---just minor cosmetic differences.

Best,
Gary Benson/Seattle

A later e-mail included the following info ...

Hi David:

There has been a lot of speculation about whether there are laminates on the FG360..  I will confirm that the back and sides are laminate, because mine has a ding on the back where there is a small crack in the top wood; a small piece has flicked off, showing the thin laminate Jacaranda wood over the base wood….a very thin laminate.

The guitar still sounds great…I will probably update the nut to one that has a bit wider string spacing…the Yamaha's string spacing is a bit narrower for some reason.

You can add this to my earlier description to your site.

Thanks,
Gary Benson/Seattle  

Our thanks to Gary for sharing his story with us.  He got a real bargain.

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