Mike Clarke's Yamaha FG-360

I received an e-mail from Mike Clarke on February 16, 2010. Mike didn't mention where he lives, but I got the impression it is somewhere in the British Isles.  Here is his story:

I was trawling the web for guitar sites and came across your website and the article about your FG-360. I have one I bought in London in 1974 for £100, not sure what the $ exchange rate was then but probably around 3 or 4 to 1 would be about right. I had no idea what I was buying at the time, I just liked the guitar and the price allowed me to get the guitar I wanted and have enough money for the rest of my holiday and get me home.

It was never gigged, just a fun guitar. I used to drag it around everywhere and it has a few minor scars to show for it but in general is in very good condition. I stopped playing for a few years then got back into it about ten to fifteen years ago and having a bit more disposable income I bought a couple of nice guitars but I always came back to the Yamaha.

I had it set-up professionally in a small guitar shop/workshop in Glasgow a couple of years ago because the action was getting a bit high. The techs in the shop were all over it because I think acoustics with Brazilian rosewood back and sides are either rare or very expensive. I had the bridge shaved and saddle sanded because the top was starting to lift a little under the bridge but the neck was OK. It plays better than ever now.

I too was unaware of the history until a few years ago when I started looking into it but history or not it would be the first guitar I would rescue if my house was on fire.

I am afraid my story isn't as interesting as the one of Dr. Dave Bradley but thought I would get in touch as you seemed interested in this particular model of guitar. I have attached a recent photo of my guitar, the strap is one my mother made for me for my first guitar a long time ago and is still going strong.

Best Regards

Mike Clarke

Our thanks to Mike for sharing his story with us.