Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$1,029.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$1,029.99
Amazon
5.0 (2)
$929.99
Reverb
$929.99 New
$875.49 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$1,029.99
Thomann
4.5 (8)
$1,025.00 $1,019.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $966

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha Red Label FS3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Yamaha Red Label FS3. This concert-style acoustic guitar captures the iconic essence of Yamaha's celebrated Red Label series from the 1960s while integrating modern enhancements for today's musicians. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the FS3 features a solid Sitka spruce top treated with Yamaha's A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) to deliver a tone that feels like it has been played for years. This torrefaction process not only adds a rich, vintage-quality sound but also enhances the guitar's visual allure.

The solid mahogany back and sides contribute to a warm, resonant tone with a robust midrange, perfect for singer-songwriters and folk enthusiasts. An ebony fingerboard and bridge offer durability and a smooth playing experience, while the updated scalloped bracing pattern enhances the guitar's low-frequency response without compromising its structural integrity. The sleek concert body design ensures comfort, making it an ideal companion for both fingerstyle enthusiasts and flatpickers.

Embrace the legacy of Yamaha's craftsmanship and step into a new era of acoustic excellence with the FS3. Whether you're strumming in your living room or performing on stage, this guitar promises to deliver a sound that transcends its size.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with A.R.E. treatment
  • Solid mahogany back and sides
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge
  • Scalloped top-bracing for enhanced tone
  • 20 frets with dot inlays
  • Comfortable concert body shape
  • Nut width: 44 mm (1.73")
  • Scale length: 634 mm (25")
  • Includes a hard bag

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Concert
Back & Sides Wood Solid Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Finish Semi-gloss
Body Bracing Modified Scalloping
Neck Wood African Mahogany
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Urea/Urea
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Gotoh Open-gear
Strings Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha Red Label FS3?

The Yamaha Red Label FS3 features a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and an African mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, all contributing to its rich tone and durability.

Is the Yamaha Red Label FS3 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha Red Label FS3's concert body shape is comfortable for beginners, while its high-quality construction appeals to experienced players, making it a versatile choice for various skill levels.

How would you describe the sound profile of the Yamaha Red Label FS3?

The Yamaha Red Label FS3 offers a warm, balanced tone with clear highs and a focused midrange, thanks to its solid wood construction and modified scalloped bracing.

What type of strings come with the Yamaha Red Label FS3?

The Yamaha Red Label FS3 comes equipped with Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light strings, known for their long-lasting tone and smooth feel.

Does the Yamaha Red Label FS3 come with a case?

Yes, the Yamaha Red Label FS3 includes a softshell case, providing protection and easy transport for your guitar.

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YAMAHA FS3

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Video thumbnail for YAMAHA RED LABEL FS3 GUITAR REVIEW IN SINGAPORE by The Guitar Spa Singapore

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Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, vibrant tone with robust projection for a concert-sized guitar

  • Comfortable, slimmer neck design compared to vintage 1960s models

  • High-quality open-back tuners maintain tuning stability over time

  • All-solid wood construction at an accessible price point

  • Well-polished bridge with smooth edges enhances playability

  • Resonant and balanced sound with deep bass and sparkling mids

  • Superior build quality despite being manufactured in China

  • Soft case with a durable frame for added protection

CONS

  • Uneven lacquer application with visible brush strokes

  • Sharp fret ends due to dryness, requiring setup adjustments

  • Higher saddle out of the box, needing professional adjustment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Red Label FS3.

Comparisons

  • FS3 is made in China with plastic bridge pins, nut, and saddle, while FS5 is made in Japan with ebony pins and bone components.

    Source
  • Some players find the FS3 easier to play than a Martin 000-15 due to its torrefied spruce top and mahogany back, offering a distinct tonal brightness.

    Source
  • Yamaha acoustics, like the FS3, are often compared favorably to more expensive brands, with some owners feeling they outperform models costing twice as much.

    Source
  • An FSX5 owner noted a significant tonal disparity when comparing it to an FG3, suspecting issues with the strings or specific setup of the FG3.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • FS3 owners noted the setup can be poor out of the box, making it harder to play compared to the FS5, which has a better factory setup.

    Source
  • Replacing the FS3’s nut requires a luthier for fitting and gluing, while the saddle can be custom-made and sanded for action height by Bob Colosi.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading the FS3 with bone nut, saddle, and ebony bridge pins can enhance the guitar's tonal quality and playability.

    Source
  • Owners have successfully upgraded their FS3 with Amazon-sourced bone nuts and generic ebony pins, which require sanding for proper action and fit.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner noted that the FS3's low action and comfortable size contributed significantly to their rapid improvement as a beginner guitarist.

    Source
  • Owners of Yamaha's Red Label guitars, including the FS3, frequently express satisfaction with their balanced sound and overall playability.

    Source
  • Some users noted sharper frets on the FS3 compared to the FS5, impacting playability until addressed.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Yamaha is known for offering instruments that punch above their price point, providing excellent value for the FS3 at $840 USD.

    Source
  • The FS5 includes a hardshell case that adds significant value to its price difference, with some estimating the case alone as worth $200+.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The FS3 is particularly appreciated for fingerstyle music, offering balanced tonal qualities suitable for this playing style.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keb' Mo' uses Yamaha Red Label FS3

Keb' Mo'

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via reverb.com

"I’ve got a Yamaha Red Label, an Orange Label, but I’m not into vintage; not the ones you just sit and look at. I like variety, I don’t want $50,000 tied up in one guitar. I want to play them." In an interview for Reverb published in April 2016 https://www.instagram.com/p/B_gYkY8ByvY/

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Red Label FS3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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