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Average Price: $200

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$200

$601+

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Description

Discover the timeless charm and exceptional playability of the Yamaha FG-331, a classic steel-string acoustic guitar from Yamaha's revered FG series. Designed with both beginner and seasoned musicians in mind, the FG-331 offers a warm and resonant tone that is sure to inspire. Crafted with a spruce top, this guitar delivers a balanced sound with clear highs and rich lows, perfect for a variety of musical styles. Its durable construction ensures reliability for practice sessions or performances.

The FG-331's mahogany back and sides complement the spruce top, producing a full-bodied sound while enhancing its visual appeal. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add both aesthetic beauty and functional precision, allowing for smooth transitions and accurate intonation. With a comfortable neck profile, this guitar is tailored for easy playability, making it an excellent choice for long practice sessions.

The Yamaha FG-331 is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and sound excellence. Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, this guitar delivers consistent performance and an enjoyable playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Spruce top for a balanced and resonant sound
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability
  • Comfortable neck profile for easy playing
  • Designed for both beginner and experienced guitarists
  • Reliable construction ideal for practice and performance

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model FG-331 Grand Concert
Finish Natural
Year 1978 - 1981
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Yamaha FG-331?

The Yamaha FG-331 features a concert body shape, which is slightly smaller than a dreadnought, offering a balanced tone and comfortable playability suitable for fingerstyle and strumming.

What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha FG-331?

The Yamaha FG-331 is constructed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm, resonant sound and durability.

Is the Yamaha FG-331 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha FG-331 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable concert body shape and easy playability, making it a great choice for those starting out on acoustic guitar.

Does the Yamaha FG-331 have a built-in pickup?

No, the Yamaha FG-331 does not have a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for unplugged play.

How many frets does the Yamaha FG-331 have?

The Yamaha FG-331 has 20 frets, providing a full range for playing a variety of musical styles.

rockaway25

rockaway25

SUPER RARE 1978 Yamaha FG-331 for sale!!

Video thumbnail for SUPER RARE 1978 Yamaha FG-331 for sale!! by rockaway25

SUPER RARE 1978 Yamaha FG-331 for sale!!

rockaway25

rockaway25

Video thumbnail for 1970s Yamaha FG-331 000-size flattop guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1970s Yamaha FG-331 000-size flattop guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for FG YAMAHA 331 VLOG INFO by warriorcycles

FG YAMAHA 331 VLOG INFO

warriorcycles

warriorcycles

Video thumbnail for FG 331 INFO by warriorcycles

FG 331 INFO

warriorcycles

warriorcycles

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent bass and midrange tone, perfect for diverse musical styles

  • Impressive projection and sound vibration enhances playing experience

  • Smooth, nice action makes for easy playability

  • Well-constructed with a flexible, resonant top for superior sound quality

  • Highly durable, can last for decades with proper care

  • Tuners are reliable, maintaining tuning stability

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha FG-331.

Build quality

  • After significant use, the Yamaha FG-331 frets show minimal wear, even after 30-40,000 hours of playing, highlighting durability.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar's unique aesthetic includes spray paint patterns applied manually, resulting in a personalized and well-worn look over years of intense play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This model adapts well to diverse genres, from pop punk and metal to folk and neo-soul, with players noting its versatility in chord structures and fingerpicking.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners of multiple Yamaha models, including the FG180, often highlight the FG-331's distinct sound as particularly memorable, even regretting selling it.

    Source
  • Some users claim the FG-331 sounds better than newer Martin 000s, including the Clapton signature model, despite its laminate construction.

    Source
  • The FG-331 is noted to be rarer and less common compared to the FG-335 dreadnought, offering a unique tonal character.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Despite heavy use, the FG-331 often retains original components like frets and pegs, with only strings needing routine replacement.

    Source
  • Owners recommend keeping the FG-331 at stable room temperature with moderate humidity to prevent the top from bulging or sinking.

    Source
  • It's suggested to use lighter gauge strings like .11's or .10's to reduce strain on the bridge and prevent structural issues over time.

    Source
  • To improve playability, tuning down half a step is recommended, which can also enhance the acoustic tone of older models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to a bone nut and saddle is advised for better durability and sound, as the original bridge saddle is prone to cracking.

    Source

Other

  • The FG-331 was only produced between 1979 and 1981, making it a relatively rare find among Yamaha’s lineup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1970s Yamaha FG-331 000-Size Flattop Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

This review of the 1970s Yamaha FG-331 offers a balanced look at a well-regarded guitar from the era. Praised for its solid construction, durability, and impressive sound projection, it caters to both fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques. While the guitar's playability is highlighted, with effective setup and maintenance ensuring it performs well, the reviewer notes cosmetic imperfections, including dings and scuffs, that might deter some buyers. Overall, the FG-331 presents a compelling option for budget-conscious musicians, but its vintage wear may not appeal to everyone.

Yamaha FG-331 Review - A Great Vintage Acoustic Guitar | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

The Yamaha FG-331 delivers exceptional sound and playability, standing out as an impressive budget-friendly option. Its laminated tonewood might raise eyebrows, but this guitar defies expectations with a warm, deep bass and clear treble that appeals to both beginners and seasoned players. While it lacks the premium materials of pricier models, it compensates with robust performance and versatility, particularly favoring fingerpicking. Its simple design may not wow aesthetically, but the tonal richness it offers is a pleasant surprise. Overall, the FG-331 is a solid choice for anyone seeking quality without breaking the bank.

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3.5 out of 5

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Genre Usage

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