Yamaha FG-160

The Yamaha FG-160 is a dreadnought produced from 1972 to 1974, built in both Japan and Taiwan, with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a nato neck. Depending on when a particular example was made, it may carry one of several label variants: the Red label ran from 1967 to 1972 across both Japan and Taiwan; the Tan label from 1972 to 1975 in both countries; the Black label from 1974 to 1977 in both countries; and the Orange label from 1974 to 1985 in Japan only. Because the FG-160's production window spans the Red-to-Tan transition, and briefly overlaps the introduction of the Black and Orange labels, the label color is one of the most reliable tools for narrowing down a specific guitar's date of manufacture. Owners describe strong projection, huge bass, strong mids, and clear highs from a body that carries itself well. Common service issues on survivors include neck block reglues, replaced tuners, and 12th-fret action that creeps high; clean examples with original Yamaha cases still surface regularly.

Years produced

1972–1974

Body type

6 String Jumbo

Top

Spruce

Back & sides

Mahogany

Neck

Nato

Fingerboard

Rosewood, Indian

Colors

black

Original MSRP

$166

Current market

$100–$878.43 (28 listings)