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Average Price: $251

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Description

Discover the harmonious blend of craft and sound with the Yahama FG-512 ii 12 String Guitar, a remarkable instrument nestled in the heart of Yamaha's esteemed acoustic guitar collection. Designed for musicians who crave a rich, resonant tone, this guitar's 12-string configuration offers a fuller, more immersive sound experience compared to its 6-string counterparts. Perfect for strummers and fingerpickers alike, the FG-512 ii elevates your musical expression with its layered sound and dynamic range.

Crafted with a solid spruce top and a nato/okume back and sides, this guitar is built to deliver both durability and a warm, balanced tone. Its dreadnought body shape ensures powerful projection, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, responsive touch for effortless playability. Whether you're performing on stage or composing new tunes at home, the Yahama FG-512 ii is your reliable companion for any musical journey.

This guitar also features a comfortable neck profile that accommodates a wide range of playing styles, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking to expand their acoustic palette.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for richer sound
  • Solid spruce top with nato/okume back and sides
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Dreadnought body shape for powerful projection
  • Comfortable neck profile suitable for various playing styles

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model FG-512 II 12-String Jumbo Dreadnought
Finish Natural
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Yamaha FG-512 II 12-String Guitar?

The Yamaha FG-512 II features a jumbo dreadnought body shape, which provides a full, resonant sound ideal for strumming and fingerpicking.

Is the Yamaha FG-512 II suitable for beginners?

While the Yamaha FG-512 II offers rich sound quality, its 12-string configuration can be challenging for beginners due to the increased tension and complexity. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with 12-string guitars.

What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha FG-512 II?

The Yamaha FG-512 II is constructed with a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a mahogany neck, providing a warm and balanced tone.

Does the Yamaha FG-512 II have a built-in pickup?

No, the Yamaha FG-512 II does not include a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar.

How many frets does the Yamaha FG-512 II have?

The Yamaha FG-512 II is equipped with 20 frets on its rosewood fretboard.

What type of strings does the Yamaha FG-512 II use?

The Yamaha FG-512 II uses steel strings, contributing to its bright and clear sound characteristic of 12-string guitars.

Reviews

PROS

  • Consistently stays in tune, even after extensive use

  • Warm, cutting sound that fills the room

  • Reliable for live performances

  • Durable with no depreciation over time

  • Wide flat neck suitable for specific playing styles

CONS

  • Action and intonation may require adjustments

  • Challenging to play without proper setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yahama FG-512 ii 12 String Guitar.

Build quality

  • The FG-512 from the 70s-80s era is praised for using high-quality wood, contributing to its impressive tone and durability over decades.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Changing strings on the FG-512 can be time-consuming, taking about an hour due to the slotted headstock, which complicates string changes.

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  • Light gauge strings (.09s) are recommended to avoid tuning peg slippage and ease the tension on the machine heads.

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  • Cleaning and lubricating tuners with naphtha and Teflon lubricant can significantly improve ease of tuning without damaging the finish.

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  • Disassembling machine heads for maintenance is advised to prevent oils from affecting the guitar's finish; microfiber towels can protect during lubrication.

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User experience

  • A 42-year-old FG-512 showed no bridge swelling, a common issue in older 12-string guitars, but did have some fret wear causing a buzz on the 1st string's 5th fret.

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Comparisons

  • Owners compare the FG-512's tone favorably against mid to high-end Taylors and Martins, suggesting an impressive sound quality for its price and age.

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Mods and upgrades

  • StewMac's drop-in replacement tuners are considered, though they may not be cost-effective or perfectly fitting for the FG-512.

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  • Using individual tuners has been explored but finding narrow enough options remains a challenge, suggesting limited compatibility with the FG-512's headstock.

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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vinnyedwardjansen

Reliable

Although a bitch to play, it has a warm yet punchy tone and is a reliable gigging guitar, as long as it's setup.

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