Yamaha FG-180

Affordable red-label dreadnought that anchored countless first records.

Yamaha launched the FG series in 1966, and the Nippon Gakki-made FG-180 offered solid spruce tops, nato bodies, and robust bracing at student prices. Its durability and warm voice made it a folk favorite and a cult classic among songwriters chasing vintage red-label mojo.

Introduced: 1966 (red-label Nippon Gakki production)
Signature traits: Solid spruce top, nato back and sides, slim neck
Notable players: Elliott Smith, Country Joe McDonald, songwriting hobbyists