1970s Yamaha (Taiwan-made) FG-160 Jumbo Guitar

Old Yamahas! What more? They're some of the best-designed general-use acoustics that have been mass-manufactured. They all sound good and, after repairs, they all have the ability to play great. Post-repairs, this one plays perfectly and, of course, it has that sound.

That sound means a good, full bass and plenty of mids -- but a slightly-zippy top-end. That's what you get when you mix lightweight x-bracing plus a really thin ply top. It makes a guitar that sounds lush and even for chordal strumming or fingerpicking, but doesn't make the best flatpicker. One of the guitars I play around the house most, however, is this same basic model but in sunburst. They're reliable and mine's almost always in tune when I pick it up to head to the porch or garden.

Repairs included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, cleaning, and setup.

Setup notes: action is perfect at 3/32" EA and 1/16" DGBE at the 12th fret with good saddle height. The truss rod works (though it's close to the end of its travel) and the neck is straight. String gauges are 52w-11 because I often find that 54w-12 gauges sound a little compressed/over-tense on these guys. The 11s seem to make them sing better.

Scale length: 25"

Nut width: 1 3/4"

String spacing at nut: 1 3/8"

String spacing at bridge: 2"

Body length: 19 5/8"

Lower bout width: 16 1/4"

Side depth at endpin: 4 1/2"

Top wood: ply spruce

Back & sides wood: ply mahogany

Bracing type: x-braced

Fretboard: rosewood

Bridge: rosewood

Neck feel: medium C-shape, ~12" board radius

Neck wood: mahogany
Weight: 4lb 8oz

Condition notes: the guitar's all original and in good shape, with minor wear and tear throughout. It is, afterall, getting older. There are minor scuffs, nicks, dings, and scratches here and there overall, but none too obvious to distract.

It comes with: a decent old case.