Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$1,699.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$1,449.99
Amazon
$1,699.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$1,692.31 New
$1,444.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,699.99
zZounds
$1,549.99

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.

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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.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Yamaha Red Label Guitars - FG5 vs FS5 Comparison

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Red Label Guitars - FG5 vs FS5 Comparison by Acoustic Letter

Yamaha Red Label Guitars - FG5 vs FS5 Comparison

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for New Yamaha FS5 Red Label Guitars Review In Singapore by Jarvis Wong of THE GUITAR SPA by The Guitar Spa Singapore

New Yamaha FS5 Red Label Guitars Review In Singapore by Jarvis Wong of THE GUITAR SPA

The Guitar Spa Singapore

The Guitar Spa Singapore

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Red Label FS5 12 months on by Jason McKell

Yamaha Red Label FS5 12 months on

Jason McKell

Jason McKell

Video thumbnail for Long term YAMAHA FS5 Red Label owner report by Jason McKell

Long term YAMAHA FS5 Red Label owner report

Jason McKell

Jason McKell

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Red Label FS5 Concert Acoustic Guitar Demo with Carl Tosten at The Music Zoo! by The Music Zoo

Yamaha Red Label FS5 Concert Acoustic Guitar Demo with Carl Tosten at The Music Zoo!

The Music Zoo

The Music Zoo

Video thumbnail for What Makes Yamaha's Red Label SO GOOD!? New Look FG5 and FS5 by Acoustic Letter

What Makes Yamaha's Red Label SO GOOD!? New Look FG5 and FS5

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

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

  • The FS5 is deemed a versatile choice, appealing to players who appreciate a spruce top yet seek rich, balanced tones for various musical styles.

    Source
  • The FG5 excels as a "strum machine" with punchy mids and good bass tones, while the FS5 is more suited to fingerpicking styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Yamaha Red Label Acoustic Series - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

Yamaha's FS5 Red Label Acoustic Guitar delivers powerful sound and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a joy to play. Its beautiful aesthetics and rich tonal quality, enhanced by the solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany body, truly stand out. The Atmosfeel pickup system offers impressive control over amplified sound, perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. However, while the Japanese models shine in projection and action, the more affordable Chinese versions fall short in comparison, feeling slightly less refined. Overall, this guitar is a solid investment for serious musicians, but those on a budget may want to consider their options carefully.

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