Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
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
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What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha Red Label FS3?
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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.
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Is the Yamaha Red Label FS3 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How would you describe the sound profile of the Yamaha Red Label FS3?
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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.
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What type of strings come with the Yamaha Red Label FS3?
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The Yamaha Red Label FS3 comes equipped with Elixir Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze Light strings, known for their long-lasting tone and smooth feel.
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Does the Yamaha Red Label FS3 come with a case?
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Yes, the Yamaha Red Label FS3 includes a softshell case, providing protection and easy transport for your guitar.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Rich, vibrant tone with robust projection for a concert-sized guitar
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Comfortable, slimmer neck design compared to vintage 1960s models
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High-quality open-back tuners maintain tuning stability over time
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All-solid wood construction at an accessible price point
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Well-polished bridge with smooth edges enhances playability
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Resonant and balanced sound with deep bass and sparkling mids
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Superior build quality despite being manufactured in China
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Soft case with a durable frame for added protection
CONS
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Uneven lacquer application with visible brush strokes
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Sharp fret ends due to dryness, requiring setup adjustments
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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
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FS3 is made in China with plastic bridge pins, nut, and saddle, while FS5 is made in Japan with ebony pins and bone components.
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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.
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Yamaha acoustics, like the FS3, are often compared favorably to more expensive brands, with some owners feeling they outperform models costing twice as much.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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An owner noted that the FS3's low action and comfortable size contributed significantly to their rapid improvement as a beginner guitarist.
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Owners of Yamaha's Red Label guitars, including the FS3, frequently express satisfaction with their balanced sound and overall playability.
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Some users noted sharper frets on the FS3 compared to the FS5, impacting playability until addressed.
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Value and pricing
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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"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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