Martin D-18 Inside an Old Yamaha FG-140

I picked up an old Yamaha FG-140 "Red Label" Guitar...

...on eBay a couple months back and, even though it is pretty beat up, it has a truly wonderful sound. I bought it because I was looking for an old Guitar similar to the old Yamaha Guitar I bought new in 1991.

The "Red Label" signifies a Yamaha manufactured in Japan (MIJ) by Nippon Gakki. Shortly after this guitar was made the production was moved to Taiwan and the label color changed to green or tan. The serial numbers (supposedly) had the letter "T" added to the numbers. My guitar has seven digits in the serial number, no letters.

I participate in a Facebook Group for Yamaha Guitar Players that has members from all over the world. Many of them seem to be quite knowledgeable about this brand. Recently photograph old Yamaha Acoustic Guitar was posted with a "guess the model" label - and it evoked some serious discussion. Highlights below...

The owner of the guitar stated: "But its a 1969-1971 Yamaha FG-140 red label Nippon Gakki made in Japan one of the last fg series made in Japan they didn't make many as they where moving production to Taiwan an then they made them in green an tan label which sound pretty undertone compared to the MIJ the fg-140 was one of few made by hand mahogany neck back an sides maple fret spruce top ivory but an bridge an tuning pegs also known as a Yamaha 3 hole due to the Yamaha plate screwed on the head stock it's serial number is 7 numbers no letters the letter T is a big giveaway for a Taiwan made which are lower quality the fg 140 is a copy of the 1957 Martin D-18. I love this guitar I will never part with it I will have it buried with me or giving it to one of my kids if they end up playing guitar an get good. Lol"

I responded a bit later with this: "Yup, a 1969-1971 Yamaha FG-140 red. I have the same model. Mine is in pretty rough shape - just got it a few weeks ago - but everything works and it sounds wonderful and plays beautifully (not me, the guitar). I knew many of the Japanese guitars were based on Martins (often called "lawsuit guitars") - but didn't know this was a copy of the 1957 D-18. Sweet! (Photo of my sound hole and label.) BTW, serial number is 7 digits, no letters. Thank you for posting that info, Kyle." I included the photo shown above.

Here is an interesting quote from Guitar World magazine - "Even if you have only the most basic, rudimentary knowledge of the guitar, you probably already know that the Martin D-18 is one of the greatest steel-string acoustic guitars of all time."

A real Martin D-18 knock-off. Who woulda thunk it, eh? What a sweet sounding guitar - I always wondered why this old eBay-find sounded so good and played so easily. Now I know. Happy camper? You betcha.