The
all solid
FS3
from
Yamaha's Red Label Series
combines traditional 1960s aesthetics with modern and innovative features. Accordingly, the new
scalloped bracing
in combination with a
thermally treated Sitka spruce top
on a
mahogany body
provides a warm, powerful tone with clear basses, nuanced and striking mids, as well as brilliant and radiant highs. In addition, the
thermal Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) treatment
conveys the sound and sustain of aged wood. The Yamaha FS Concert shape is a good choice for players who prefer a smaller and more compact body, while offering a slightly brighter sound that ideally complements fingerstyle playing. The
shortened scale length of 634 mm
makes for comfortable playing, whereas the
chrome-plated open vintage tuners
keep the tuning clean. Last but not least, a
hardbag
is included in the delivery.
This is a surprisingly good guitar. The last time I tried Yamaha guitars was 40+ years ago, and wasn't impressed. This guitar impressed me a lot!
The sound is exactly what I've been looking for for the last 4 years, and I kept trying other brands, and kept selling them because they didn't deliver, even after a proper set up.
The guitar is lightly built (around 4 lbs, <2 kgs), resonant, and is easy to play. Fingerpicking is excellent, and it can take strumming perfectly fine, with some tasty compression from the small size. The scalloped braces gives this guitar the 'oomph' to set it apart from others in this price range.
The FS3 did need a proper setup, the hard bag isn't impressive (to me). I've tried a LOT of small-body Spruce/Mahogany over the last 4 years. If I'd tried the new Red Label series sooner, I would've saved a lot of time, money, and headaches.
This is the best guitar I've tried against some costing > 2x as much.
Best acoustic Spruce/Mahogany guitars under 1000€, imo.