Yamaha FG-401W
The Yamaha FG-401W is a dreadnought built in Japan from 1975 to 1978, produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. Because it was sold under the orange interior label — Yamaha's Japan-only label used from 1974 to 1985 — these guitars rarely surface outside Japan, making them genuinely scarce on the international vintage market. The FG-401W carries an Ezo spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, and an African mahogany neck. Regarding label eras, the broader FG line spanned tan labels (1972–1975, Japan and Taiwan), black labels (1974–1977, Japan and Taiwan), orange labels (1974–1985, Japan only), and white oval labels (1977–2001, Taiwan only); a surviving FG-401W will most likely show an orange label given its Japan-only distribution. Owners describe clear projection, strong note definition, and a sustain that rewards players who dig in, with the rosewood back and sides delivering a depth and resonance that mahogany-back FGs cannot match. No players are documented in association with the model.
- Years produced
- 1975–1978
- Body type
- 6 String Jumbo
- Top
- Spruce, Ezo
- Back & sides
- Rosewood, Indian
- Neck
- Mahogany, African
- Fingerboard
- Rosewood, Indian
- Colors
- natural
- Current market
- $99.99–$1199.99 (16 listings)
No US Distribution