Description

70s MIJ Yamaha FG-280 with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Nice medium chunky neck. $599!

The Yamaha FG-280 is a vintage acoustic guitar from the 1970s, known for its excellent craftsmanship and warm, resonant tone. As part of Yamaha’s FG series, which has become renowned for producing high-quality, affordable guitars, the FG-280 was made during the era when Yamaha guitars were manufactured in Japan and Taiwan. Its dreadnought body shape and tonewood combination give it a full-bodied sound that appeals to both strummers and fingerpickers. Yamaha’s FG models are often sought after for their durability and consistently great tone, making the FG-280 a popular choice among vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Key Features

  • Dreadnought body for a rich, full sound with strong projection
  • Spruce top for bright, articulate tones and excellent resonance
  • Mahogany back and sides for warmth and depth in the midrange and low end
  • Nato neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing smooth playability and durability
  • 20 frets with dot inlays for easy navigation along the fingerboard
  • Traditional X-bracing for added strength and improved tonal projection
  • Vintage-style tuning machines for stable tuning and classic aesthetic appeal
  • Natural gloss finish, highlighting the wood grain and giving the guitar a timeless look

Sound Profile
The Yamaha FG-280 produces a warm, balanced tone with a good blend of brightness from the spruce top and warmth from the mahogany back and sides. This combination makes it versatile for different playing styles, whether you’re strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle patterns. The dreadnought body ensures plenty of volume and projection, making the FG-280 suitable for solo performances or playing in ensemble settings. Its tone has a vintage character, with slightly mellowed highs and strong mids, providing a classic acoustic sound that’s ideal for folk, rock, country, and blues.

Applications
The FG-280 is ideal for singer-songwriters, folk musicians, and anyone looking for a solid, reliable acoustic guitar with a rich, vintage tone. Its dreadnought size makes it perfect for players who want strong projection and a full sound, whether for solo playing, jamming with others, or recording. The guitar’s warm tonal character and clear highs make it well-suited for fingerpicking, while its full-bodied sound is perfect for strumming. Whether for live performances or home recording, the FG-280 delivers a consistent and well-rounded acoustic sound.

Build Quality and Aesthetic
The FG-280 features solid craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. Its spruce top and mahogany back and sides are known for their durability and resonance, aging well over the years to produce an even richer tone. The Nato neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth playing surface and solid construction. The natural gloss finish highlights the guitar’s wood grain, giving it a classic, vintage appearance. The vintage-style tuners not only offer reliable tuning stability but also add to the guitar’s timeless look, fitting in well with its overall aesthetic.

Country of Manufacture
Japan and Taiwan (depending on the year of production)

Collectibility and Market Value
The Yamaha FG-280 is considered a desirable vintage guitar, especially among players and collectors who appreciate Yamaha’s early Japanese and Taiwanese models. While it’s not as rare or collectible as some high-end vintage guitars, the FG-280 has gained a solid reputation for its excellent tone and durability, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable vintage acoustic guitar. Its market value has remained strong due to its high build quality and the growing appreciation for vintage Yamaha acoustics. It holds particular appeal to those looking for a well-made vintage guitar without the high price tag of more famous brands like Gibson or Martin.

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