Yamaha FG-180
The Yamaha FG-180 is the dreadnought that launched the FG series in 1966, built at Nippon Gakki in Japan with a spruce top and mahogany or agathis back and sides. It remained in production until 1995, passing through six distinct label eras that collectors use to date examples: a green label covering 1966 in Japan only; a red label from 1967 to 1972 in Japan and Taiwan; a tan label from 1972 to 1975 in Japan and Taiwan; a black label from 1974 to 1977 in Japan and Taiwan; an orange label from 1974 to 1985 in Japan only; and a white oval label from 1977 to 2001 in Taiwan only. Necks on surviving examples may be mahogany or nato depending on era. Elliott Smith played his FG-180 on every album he made and used it live with a soundhole pickup. Owners describe a dry, woody voice with warm punchy mids and strong projection that improves with playing. Many Nippon Gakki examples eventually need a neck reset.
- Years produced
- 1966–1995
- Body type
- 6 String Jumbo
- Top
- Spruce
- Back & sides
- Agathis, Mahogany
- Neck
- Mahogany, Nato
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood, Indian
- Colors
- black, natural, red
- Original MSRP
- $130
- Current market
- $24.99–$1618.98 (49 listings)
No US Distribution. Reissue. Called the FG-30LTD in the US.