Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,660
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha Red Label FSX5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Crafted by Yamaha at its Custom Shop in Hammamatsu, Japan, the Yamaha Red Label FSX5 - Natural presents a sublime blend of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation. Paying homage to Yamaha's "Red Label" Folk Guitar series of the '60s, this instrument successfully encapsulates its iconic legacy while incorporating Yamaha's refined techniques developed over half a century of acoustic guitar craftsmanship.
At the heart of the Yamaha Red Label FSX5 lies an A.R.E. treated solid Sitka spruce top that offers a vibrant midrange and low-frequency response. The solid mahogany back and sides complement this by infusing a warm, woody tone that enhances its robust midrange.
The FSX5 is no ordinary acoustic-electric guitar. It is equipped with the Atmosfeel 3-way pickup system, a new addition as of 2019. This state-of-the-art system combines piezo, mic, and sheet sensor pickups to deliver a full, natural-sounding plugged-in performance.
This guitar is a modern tribute to Yamaha's first production of steel-string acoustics, retaining the vintage aesthetic of the original '60s models. The semi-gloss finish, open-gear tuners, the original V-shaped headstock with the time-honored "tuning fork" logo, and, of course, the red label inside, all contribute to its timeless design.
Key Features:
- A.R.E. treated solid Sitka spruce top for a rich midrange and low-frequency response
- Solid mahogany back and sides for a warm, woody tone
- Atmosfeel 3-way pickup system for a full, natural-sounding plugged-in sound
- Retains the vintage aesthetic of Yamaha's original '60s models
- New scalloped bracing for a louder, more balanced tone
- Yamaha’s Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) process for a rich, vintage-quality tone and response
- Classic V-shaped headstock with Yamaha’s tuning fork logo
- Bone nut and saddle for a loud, clear voice
- Eye-catching semi-gloss finish
Product specs
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | FSX5 Red Label Concert |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Color Family | Natural, Tan |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Hybrid System |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25" |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of pickup system does the Yamaha Red Label FSX5 use?
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The Yamaha Red Label FSX5 is equipped with the Atmosfeel™ pickup system, which combines a piezo sensor, a microphone, and a unique preamp to deliver a natural and balanced amplified sound.
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Is the Yamaha FSX5 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Yamaha FSX5's concert body shape and solid spruce top offer excellent responsiveness and articulation, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha FSX5?
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The Yamaha FSX5 features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, an ebony fretboard, and a mahogany neck, providing a warm and balanced tone with great projection.
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Does the Yamaha FSX5 come with a built-in tuner?
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No, the Yamaha FSX5 does not have a built-in tuner. However, it is equipped with the Atmosfeel™ pickup system for amplification.
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Where is the Yamaha FSX5 manufactured?
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The Yamaha FSX5 is made in Japan, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
Yamaha Red Label FGX5 and FSX5 | Best Acoustic Guitars of the year?!
Yamaha Red Label FGX5 and FSX5 | Best Acoustic Guitars of the year?!
Alamo Music Center
Yamaha FSX5 Red Label Guitar - How Does it Sound?
Acoustic Letter
Yamaha Red Label FSX5
Jon is just TOO LouD!!
Yamaha FG Red Label Demo | FSX5
Yamaha Guitars
Yamaha FSX5 Red Label
Guitar Gallery
YAMAHA Red Label FSX5- The Guitar Other Manufactures Don't Want You To Know About
David Murphey
YAMAHA FSX5 RED LABEL
Tweed Hut Music
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with clear, articulate tones and impressive sustain
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High-quality craftsmanship with all solid wood construction and excellent build quality
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Gloss finish enhances aesthetic appeal; feels upscale and durable
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Comfortable concert size design, ideal for fingerpicking and ease of play
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Highly regarded A.R.E. pickup system provides superior plugged-in sound
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Ebony fretboard, bridge, and pins enhance playability and durability
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Great value for the price; rivals more expensive brands like Martin and Taylor
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Beautiful hard-shell case included, offering protection and style
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Versatile tone, suitable for various playing styles, with balance of highs, mids, and lows
CONS
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Action setup may be high for some, requiring adjustment for low-action preferences
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Volume may not match expectations for those accustomed to larger dreadnoughts
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Textured pickguard can produce noise when fingers are rested on it during play
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Red Label FSX5.
Comparisons
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The FSX5 is likened to models like the Martin OOO-28 for sound quality, offering a more affordable alternative without compromising on performance.
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The FSX5 is likened to the Martin 000-18, with some preferring the Yamaha for its tone.
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Owners compare the FS3 to the Taylor 314ce, noting it competes well despite being significantly cheaper.
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Chinese-made FS3 and Japanese FS5 differ mainly in materials like nut and saddle (urea vs. bone), and bridge pins (plastic vs. ebony), affecting tonal nuances.
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FSX5 preferred for its pickup, whereas FS5 is noted for unaltered acoustic resonance; choice depends on whether live amplification is needed.
Source
Value and pricing
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Yamaha's Red Label series is considered an excellent value, offering all solid wood construction at a price where other brands offer laminates.
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"B" stock models offer significant savings, with minor blemishes often undetectable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Source
User experience
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A user with multiple Yamaha models noted they often outperform $2K Martins, especially when bought used due to lower resale value.
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One owner, after acquiring an FS5, found it superior in setup, intonation, and sustain compared to their Martin models.
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After long-term use, owners report continued satisfaction with sound quality and tuning stability, requiring no major adjustments.
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FSX5 praised for responsiveness to light touch, particularly favored by fingerstyle players for its ability to resonate with minimal effort.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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The plastic pickguard on the FS5 can be removed by heating with a hairdryer, revealing a similar underlying guard as the FS3.
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Factory setup generally good, but some find action slightly high; minor saddle adjustments (about 0.5 mm) can perfect playability.
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Some owners find initial action comparable to "Martin" guitars, often requiring lowering for optimal playability.
Source
Build quality
Mods and upgrades
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Martin Retro strings are recommended for enhancing tone on the FSX5, according to a long-term owner.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Facebook post Yamaha shows Kelly Jones playing the Fsx5 and names the model. He can be seen using it in a performance of Maybe Tomorrow at the Global Awards 2020 as well: https://youtu.be/yhbnKPDtQNk
Album Usage
The Yamaha Red Label FSX5 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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