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Average Price: $149

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$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

Discover the charm and reliability of the Yamaha FG-340, a classic in the world of steel-string acoustic guitars. Designed for both aspiring musicians and seasoned performers, this guitar embodies the essence of Yamaha's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The FG-340 is renowned for its rich, balanced sound, making it a favorite among guitar enthusiasts who seek a full-bodied acoustic experience.

Crafted with a traditional dreadnought body shape, the FG-340 delivers a powerful sound with excellent projection. Its top is made from select spruce, offering a bright and clear tone, while the back and sides are constructed from high-quality mahogany, contributing to its warm and resonant sound. This combination of woods not only enhances the acoustic performance but also ensures durability for years of playing.

The neck of the FG-340 is designed for comfort and ease, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The rosewood fingerboard provides smooth playability, allowing for precise finger movements across the frets. With a reliable tuning system, this guitar ensures you stay in tune whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage.

Key Features:

  • Traditional dreadnought body shape for enhanced projection and sound
  • Select spruce top for bright, clear tones
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, resonant sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Reliable tuning system for consistent performance
  • Ideal for both beginners and experienced players

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model FG-340 Jumbo Dreadnought
Finish Natural
Year 1977 - 1981
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
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 type of wood is used for the Yamaha FG-340's back and sides?

The Yamaha FG-340 features mahogany for both the back and sides, which contributes to its warm and rich tonal qualities.

Is the Yamaha FG-340 suitable for beginners?

While the Yamaha FG-340 is a quality instrument with a rich sound, its dreadnought body size might be more comfortable for intermediate players or those familiar with larger guitars.

Does the Yamaha FG-340 have any built-in electronics?

No, the Yamaha FG-340 is a purely acoustic guitar with no built-in electronics or active preamp.

What is the top material of the Yamaha FG-340?

The top of the Yamaha FG-340 is made from spruce, known for its bright and resonant sound.

How many frets does the Yamaha FG-340 have?

The Yamaha FG-340 features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of playability.

What is the body shape of the Yamaha FG-340?

The Yamaha FG-340 has a dreadnought body shape, which is known for its powerful and full sound projection.

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Yamaha FG-340 1981 Vintage Acoustic Guitar Soundcheck

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG-340 1981 Vintage Acoustic Guitar Soundcheck by Tamás Pógyor

Yamaha FG-340 1981 Vintage Acoustic Guitar Soundcheck

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Video thumbnail for Starting Off Easy 1980 Yamaha FG-340 Setup by Caleb Mills Guitars

Starting Off Easy 1980 Yamaha FG-340 Setup

Caleb Mills Guitars

Caleb Mills Guitars

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA FG-340 BUILT IN 1978 by Ralph König

YAMAHA FG-340 BUILT IN 1978

Ralph König

Ralph König

Video thumbnail for Should You Buy a Guitar with a Large Ding?  Two Yamaha FG-340’s by Brian’s Unique Guitars

Should You Buy a Guitar with a Large Ding? Two Yamaha FG-340’s

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG-340 vs FG-340T Comparison by Brian’s Unique Guitars

Yamaha FG-340 vs FG-340T Comparison

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Brian’s Unique Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Loud, rich tone comparable to $1k guitars

  • Excellent playability with easy finger action

  • Durable in harsh climates, ideal for dry areas

  • Strong, all-plywood construction prevents bending and cracking

  • Classic 1970s build quality from the Taiwan plant

  • Jumbo tone from a three-piece dreadnought design

  • Offers exceptional value for its price range

  • Holds its own against vintage Martin guitars

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha FG-340.

Mods and upgrades

  • A Fishman single coil pickup was successfully added for enhanced playability and sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have reported that even after decades of storage, the guitar remains playable with minimal maintenance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha FG-340 is nostalgically compared to vintage tech like the Rockman, highlighting its enduring appeal.

    Source
  • The Yamaha FG-340ii is noted for its large jumbo dreadnought body, which might be challenging for beginners compared to smaller parlor guitars like the Fender Paramount.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is described as "perfect" for users since the early 80s, indicating long-term satisfaction and reliability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's highlighted that the FG-340 does not have a solid top, which may affect tonal quality compared to solid top guitars.

    Source
  • Detailed setup advice includes checking neck relief at 0.005”/0.13mm, ensuring nut slots aren't too deep, and adjusting saddle height for optimal playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its age and laminate top, the FG-340 is often compared favorably to newer models due to its enduring appeal and playability.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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1979 Yahama FG-340

1979 Yamaha FG-340. The original FG-340 was made at the Kaohsiung Plant, Taiwan. This is not a FG-340ii made in China or the FG-340 remake that sounded like a first act. This Yamaha was made before they moved the plant to China. It has a Beautiful sound that I would put up agents any Martin made in the same time period...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how George Harrison uses Yamaha FG-340

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Phillips

"Played by George Harrison during a jam session with local musicians whilst on holiday in Goa, 1994. Signed twice by Harrison on the body and additionally inscribed ‘To Orlando’ and annotated with the Om symbol. Accompanied by a cassette recording of the jam session, a photograph of Harrison signing the guitar and two letters of provenance. "

See how Charley Crockett uses Yamaha FG-340

Charley Crockett

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Charley can be seen using his FG-340 in this YouTube video, where he performs the song "The Poplar Tree": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRf7OIcDdVA

In this interview, he describes it as his favorite guitar, and says that it's a 1971 model he got from a co-worker on a farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CtQ4_UFxKw

In the photo embedded in this article, the soundhole label is visible enough to read if zoomed in: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/charley-crockett-tom-t-hall-memphis-823198/

The soundhole label clearly reads FG-340.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

2 alternative and related items for Yamaha FG-340, curated by the Equipboard community.

Yamaha FG340ii

 

newer

The Yamaha FG340 (often known as the "FG-340") and the FG340II (FG-340II) are vintage acoustic guitars from the late 1970s to early 1980s, both featuring a "Jumbo" (or large dreadnought) body shape, which produces a very large, boomy sound.

Here is an explanation of the differences in English based on their general vintage characteristics: 1. Production Era and Headstock Logo (Major Difference) FG340 (Original/First Gen): Typically produced in the late 1970s. Earlier models often feature the classic "YAMAHA" block logo in white or cream, sometimes with a red label inside the soundhole (depending on the exact year, it might be a beige label, but it is from the earlier era). FG340II (Second Gen/II): Produced from the late 1970s to the early 1980s (roughly 1978–1982). This version often features the "Tuning Fork" logo (three tuning forks) on the headstock.

  1. Cosmetics and Tuning Machines FG340: Frequently featured open-gear tuning machines (depending on the specific sub-model/year). FG340II: Usually upgraded with more modern, enclosed tuning machines for better tuning stability. The "II" often denotes minor cosmetic refinements, such as slightly different binding or purfling patterns, aimed at improving durability and looks.

  2. Sound Characteristics Both guitars are known for a very large, robust sound due to the jumbo body. However, due to aging, the FG340 (older) might have a more matured, "opened up" sound, while the FG340II might have slightly more structural stability, as it was produced during the transition to more modern construction methods.

Summary The FG340II is an updated version of the FG340, mainly featuring refinements in hardware (tuning machines) and cosmetic details (logo/binding), while maintaining the same popular, large jumbo body shape designed for powerful projection.

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