Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,605
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar is a harmonious blend of vintage inspiration and modern craftsmanship, perfect for musicians who crave both style and substance. Drawing from the iconic Red Label series of the 1960s, the FS5 captures the essence of Yamaha's storied craftsmanship in a sleek concert body design. This guitar is not just about looks; its solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides deliver a resonant, balanced tone, making it ideal for fingerstyle performers and delicate strummers alike.
What sets the FS5 apart is Yamaha's A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) treatment, which imbues the guitar with the rich, mature sound of a well-aged instrument straight out of the box. This process, along with the updated scalloped bracing, provides a louder and more balanced tone, ensuring that every note is as clear and full-bodied as the last. The African mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard offer smooth playability, while the bone nut and saddle enhance resonance and tuning stability.
Whether in a studio session, a songwriting retreat, or an intimate live performance, the FS5 is a versatile companion that promises to make your music shine. Its compact size offers comfort during extended play, and its vintage aesthetic, complete with a classic V-shaped headstock, ensures you look as good as you sound.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top with A.R.E. treatment for aged tone and sustain
- Solid mahogany back and sides for warm, resonant sound
- Concert-style body for clear, intimate tone ideal for fingerpicking
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability and stability
- Bone nut and saddle for enhanced resonance and tuning stability
- Classic V-shaped headstock with Yamaha’s tuning fork logo
Product specs
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | FS Concert |
| Back & Sides Wood | Solid Mahogany |
| Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Top Finish | Gloss |
| Body Bracing | Scalloped Bracing |
| Binding | Black/Cream |
| Neck Wood | African Mahogany |
| Radius | 15.75" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" |
| Nut/Saddle Material | Bone/Bone |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuning Machines | Open-gear |
| Strings | Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light, .012-.053 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
-
What type of wood is used for the Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar's body?
-
The Yamaha FS5 features a solid Sitka spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides, offering a warm, resonant tone with excellent projection and clarity.
-
Is the Yamaha FS5 Red Label suitable for fingerstyle playing?
-
Yes, the Yamaha FS5's concert body shape and scalloped bracing enhance its responsiveness and clarity, making it well-suited for fingerstyle guitarists.
-
What kind of strings come with the Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar?
-
The Yamaha FS5 comes with Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light strings, known for their long-lasting tone and smooth feel.
-
Does the Yamaha FS5 Red Label come with a case?
-
Yes, the Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar includes a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.
-
How does the neck profile of the Yamaha FS5 Red Label affect playability?
-
The Yamaha FS5 features a comfortable neck profile with a 15.75" radius, providing smooth playability and ease of chord transitions for most hand sizes.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Yamaha Red Label Guitars - FG5 vs FS5 Comparison
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar.
Comparisons
-
Yamaha FS5 is noted for its brighter and clearer tone compared to the Martin 000-15M, which has a warmer, boxy mahogany sound.
Source -
Owners report that Yamaha Red Label guitars are better built and more feature-rich than most guitars in the $1,000-$1,500 range from other brands like Taylor and Martin.
Source -
Owners who have played both the Yamaha FS5 and Martin 000-18 note the FS5 offers a balanced sound without the thumpiness often associated with the Martin.
Source -
The FG5 offers more bass and volume due to its larger body compared to the FS5, which is more comfortable for smaller players.
Source -
The FG5, even when compared to models like the Martin 000-28, was noted as the best sounding guitar in a Guitar Center showroom.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Yamaha FS5 pickup is praised for superior sound, outperforming aftermarket options like the LR Baggs Anthem.
Source
User experience
-
The FS5 is particularly well-suited for fingerpicking, offering significant sustain and clarity.
Source -
A long-term owner of the FS5 describes it as a "lifer" guitar, eliminating the need for additional purchases and providing lasting satisfaction.
Source -
One owner, after testing multiple brands, found the FS5 superior even compared to guitars priced up to $4,000 CAD, highlighting its exceptional value and sound quality.
Source -
Some found the FS5 action high out of the box, requiring a setup for optimal playability, contrary to other reports of it being perfectly playable immediately.
Source -
An FG5 was favored by an employee saving up to purchase it, indicating a strong in-store preference among staff.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
One owner found the FS5 perfectly setup straight from the factory, a rare experience compared to other models.
Source
Build quality
-
Some owners have noted small pores or 'holes' in the body work, resembling woodworm holes, although not universally reported.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Some users recommend replacing the stock pickguard with a thinner, real wood pickguard from Artisan Guitar Creations for improved aesthetics and sound openness.
Source
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Yamaha Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-