Yamaha 12 string acousic guitars?

[dylanheeg]

Hi everyone.....hate to post a question about a yamaha guitar but I can't find anything onthe web anywhere about this axe...it is a yamaha FG12-250....12 string...looks like all solid wood....it is certainly a number of years old however I don't know how to date yamaha's...it doesn't look like a cheap guitar but I don't think it is a real fine one either...It says it is made in japan but I can't find anything on it online...

Is a guitar like this worth anything?...anyone have any info on it at all?

thanks any insight would be appreciated!
Dylan

[CoMando]

Here is a link for the Yamaha Serial number wizard. It will tell you when it was manufactured if you know the serial number.

http://www.yamaha.com/apps/guitararc...mberwizard.asp

[theotigno]

Did some searching. "FG-250" yeilded better results.

Most of the FG-250 guitars found were in Japan. Here's what Yamaha's Web site said:

Year(s) Sold: 1972-74
Top: Spruce
Back / Sides: Indian Rosewood
Neck: African Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Rosewood
Color(s): Natural
String Length: 637mm
Notes: No MSRP/No US distribution

My "guess" (and that's all it is) is that you have the 12 string version of the FG-250. I found a picture at on this page.

[dylanheeg]

Yeah I though it looked like mahagony....but it certainly could be indian rosewood....hmmm...it is definitely all solid wood...it really sounds good too...perhaps this is a decent guitar after all....It does say made in japan on the paper insert.

Thanks for the replies!
Dylan

[Freeman]

Dylan, I am a great believer in old Yamies being great bang for the buck guitars assuming they are in good shape (I still own and play an FG-150). However, I owned a FG-2(something) 12 string that had to represent every reason to be careful about old 12's - the neck angle (and thus action) was terrible, the bridge was pulling loose and it had a bellied lower bout.

Because they use dovetail neckjoints the repair would have been 3xx dollars minimum - IMHO not worth it on a guitar that might only sell for that much in perfect shape. So, it sounds like your git is a copy of something like my present D12-28, which I dearly love, and if it is structurally sound could be a wonderful instrument.

[dylanheeg]

Originally Posted by Freeman

Dylan, I am a great believer in old Yamies being great bang for the buck guitars assuming they are in good shape (I still own and play an FG-150). However, I owned a FG-2(something) 12 string that had to represent every reason to be careful about old 12's - the neck angle (and thus action) was terrible, the bridge was pulling loose and it had a bellied lower bout.

Because they use dovetail neckjoints the repair would have been 3xx dollars minimum - IMHO not worth it on a guitar that might only sell for that much in perfect shape. So, it sounds like your git is a copy of something like my present D12-28, which I dearly love, and if it is structurally sound could be a wonderful instrument.

Thanks for the reply...After inspecting it more, the neck looks to be straight and true...action is nice....hmmmm...maybe this could be a winner....honestly it sounds really nice....clear and loud...

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by dylanheeg

Thanks for the reply...After inspecting it more, the neck looks to be straight and true...action is nice....hmmmm...maybe this could be a winner....honestly it sounds really nice....clear and loud...

Of course what I mean is neck angle - most guitars after 20 or 30 years will need a reset. The quickie check is that IF the action is acceptable AND you've got say an 1/8 inch of saddle sticking out of the bridge it is probably good. The better check is a 24 inch straightedge on the fretboard - the end should not be lower (closer to the top) than the top of the bridge. If that is OK then you probably do have a winner!

btw, bring your Yamie and come on over to the Cafe'

UMGF 12 String Cafe'

[martinedwards]

I have an 85 FG420 12. had it since 89, Love it to bits.

[Freeman]

Could it be an FG-260 (which I think is what I had)? The HC database doesn't show a 250

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...ha/FG-260/10/1

[Folkstrum]

Just be aware that listing a "wood" B/S does NOT mean a non-laminate! Now, if it really sounds great, who cares? BUT---a lam will not have the re-sale value of solid, and it affects both ends: its sale, and its re-sale, should you decide to upgrade, and put it on a guitar site, or even Ebay.

[dylanheeg]

It is definitely solid wood on the back...Not sure about the sides....

I dont' know if it similar to a 260, the paper inside says FG12-250.

[River52]

I have a FG12-250 also. Looks like a faded red label with Nipton Gakke Co Ltd
Just checking if there is any new information since the 2007 post.

[fazool]

I owned one from 1977.

Avoid it like the plague.

They are built like tanks and terrible to play (and I like Yamaha instruments).

In that era, Yamaha had the "brilliant" idea to epoxy the neck in place, thinking it would be more stable. It made it 100% unrepairable when you need an eventual neck reset.

[Wellington]

Originally Posted by fazool

I owned one from 1977.

Avoid it like the plague.

They are built like tanks and terrible to play (and I like Yamaha instruments).

In that era, Yamaha had the "brilliant" idea to epoxy the neck in place, thinking it would be more stable. It made it 100% unrepairable when you need an eventual neck reset.

And then 30 years later Godin saw what a disaster that was for Yamaha and thought "we should do that too"

[Brucebubs]

15 year old thread revived - correct me guys if I'm wrong but I seem to recall the old slot-head Yamaha 12-string guitars with 6-on-a-strip tuners have an odd string post spacing that makes renovating or upgrading tuners a nightmare?