The earliest I’ve found is T0008406 but I’d assume they started with T0000001. Yamaha Music Craft Made in Japan Serial Number: PK201 1999, April Starting in this year, each month the unit number started with 200. That didn’t work for a few guitars I found. What got me started was a curiosity of what the early (1966-71) Japan built FG 6 & 7 digit serial numbers meant. Not affiliated with the Yamaha Corporation. unchanged condition. Set to standard action, with no The earliest serial numbers I have are 21101470 (11/1/1972) & T0225201. Year 1 is 1926, therefore year 41 is 1966. It’s the Japanese year based on the reign of the current Emperor. The first 8 digit serial numbers I’ve found are 20510248 (5/10/1972) & T0135230. All models have the headstock logo “YAMAHA”. The latest is an FG-170 with serial number 41227 & date code 49.12.7. The latest are 40829095 (8/29/1974) & 0587267. this guitar, you may return it within 14 days for a full refund upon arrival in I’d assume there are some serial numbers outside this range but probably not more than 2 weeks total. one’s playing style prefers it. I believe the date codes are in all vintage Yamaha guitars, except for most FG-75/FG-75-1’s. The earliest I have are 70130074 (1/30/1977) & 1003893. Previously, all guitars had been made by other companies. 41.6.18 would be June 18, 1966. Search & ask. Plays very And to be able to fairly accurately determine when they were made. It seems some of these were made during the time of the Tan label Nippon Gakki’s. This date code was probably stamped when they made the sides, not when the guitar was assembled. Currently I am up to 1729 serial numbers and 267 date codes. In mid-1972 8 digit serial numbers (YMMDDUUU) were added on the brace under the end of the fretboard. In 1966 Yamaha opened the Tenryu factory in Hamamatsu to produce the new FG series. It seems not many people in the US know about the date codes, although they must be better known in Japan. The first FG’s were built in 1966 (Green label): The FG’s were first exported in 1967 (Red label): Nippon Gakki FG’s after mid-1972 (Tan label): The first FG’s made in Taiwan (Red label): The Taiwan FG’s after late 1972 (Tan label): In 1975 the Taiwan FG’s models changed (Black label): New models starting in 1977 (Oval label): Inspecting a New-To-You Vintage Yamaha FG, Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981, Red Label FG’s, Differences Between the EARLY & COMMON Versions, Yamaha Early FG 6 & 7 Digit Serial Numbers, History of the Yamaha FG – 1966-1981 (US Models), Yamaha FG 5 Digit Japan Only Serial Numbers, Deconstructing a 1972 Yamaha FG-160 – 21107695, Added “Inspecting a New-To-You Yamaha FG” Article and PDF. Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981. So I started searching and asking for serial numbers and date codes and putting them in a spread sheet. Finding serial numbers isn’t too hard. The latest date code is an FG-180 with 47.2.7 (no s/n), built in 1972. But the next Orange label Nippon Gakki I have recorded is 51006 with no date code. The latest 30907255 (9/7/1973) & 0380306. Another option is a USB endoscope that is plugged into your cell phone. The latest Red Label 7 digit serial number I’ve found is an FG-180 with 20315XX (no date code). In stock and shipping now. I’ve found Nippon Gakki Red Labels with 8 digit serial numbers ranging from an FG-180 with 10001471 (which makes no sense) & no date code, and the latest an FG-75 with 20829541 (no date code) (mid-1972). Then they changed the labels to the same size as the Tan Nippon Gakki labels except they say “Made in Taiwan”. Oddly I’ve found 6 guitars that have 8 digit numbers 201XXXXX, but the T number but puts the guitar in the range of 210XXXXX. I’ve only found (2) FG-75 date codes, many were examined and there were no visible internal markings other than the serial number.. A few curious people I’ve asked have found date codes inside their guitars, but I can’t expect many people to go that far. Those are hard to find. The earliest Red Label serial number & date code set I’ve found is an FG-150 with 599XXX & 41.12.2. It’s possible this one was made in July 1966. I’m assuming these were models made for Japan. Initially the headstock logo was the 3 tuning forks inside of a circle, but at the beginning of November 1973“YAMAHA” was added, assumed for brand recognition. The Red label is identical to the green label, except for the color and the small piano changed to the familiar 3 tuning fork symbol. All Black label Taiwan models have the headstock logo with the 3 tuning forks inside a circle with “YAMAHA” underneath. They don’t always agree with Yamaha’s Guitar Archive data. The latest are 70215483 (1/21/1977) & 1025186). This guitar was purchased new in 1995. Quick-release capo. This guitar is a solid workhorse acoustic-electric, and I would recommend it for virtually any style of play. This error looks to have been fixed by 21014XXX. The date code isn’t always visible thru the sound hole. The purpose of this article is to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, internal markings, and labels. The earliest 5 digit Tan Label serial number is an FG-580 with 30426. Everyone has been guessing for years. The facts presented are based on personal observations, data collected, and data donated. I’ve found them in all that I have (up to 1980) except for 2 rosewood models because the dark wood obscured the date code and my FG-75/FG-75-1’s. The best way to find it is to put a flashlight inside the guitar and use the camera on your cell phone to look around inside. After recording serial numbers I realized I could probably figure out when the various labels changed, based on the pictures on the pages I saved the links for. By continuing to use Reverb, you agree to these updates, and to our cookie policy. Typically 3 to 6 weeks before it’s finished. And the Orange label continues beyond 1981. The Yamaha Guitar Archive data says these models ended in 1974 but the last Tan label serial number I’ve found is 50830182 (8/30/1975). Yamaha doesn’t know exactly when the earliest FG’s were made. But they’re very rare. Sometimes both or on the end block. The top selling acoustic guitar series of all time. The Yamaha Guitar Archive data says these models started in 1974 but so far I’ve found. By clicking Subscribe, I agree my data may be used for marketing purposes including email communications and third party marketing. This article will be updated as I find further information. And there are still a few assumptions. 20 Unit Number Month, April Year, 1999 (P=9) System # A 13 2001- Yamaha Music Craft Made in Japan Serial Number: QIKOOIA 2002, April 00 Internal Code Unit Number Month, April (K=4) Year, 2002 (0=0, 1=2) System # A 14 The purpose of this article is to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, internal markings, and labels. The labels are shorter and wider than the Tan labels. Late 1973 they were changed the location to “Made in Taiwan / Republic of China” which lasted until late 1974. The Date Code is typically next to one of these large numbers. Mid 1974 the reversed the location to “Republic of China/Made in Taiwan” which lasted until the models changed in 1975. The latest Green label serial number I have is an FG-180 with 611587 (no date code). Here's a demo for my Yamaha FG-410E. The earliest Tan Label 8 digit serial number & date code set I’ve found is an FG200 with 20502098 & 47.4.6. The latest is an FG-360 with 30419296 (no date code). The neck is at standard relief, and the action is excellent with no fret buzz. A site dedicated to identifying and repairing vintage Yamaha FG acoustic guitars. The earliest Green label serial number I have found is an FG-180 with 499751, no date code. The earliest serial number/date code set I’ve found is T0015094 & 60.7.1 (1971). The year isn’t the normal year we are used to. I also recorded the link of where I found the data, just in case I had to go back. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. The serial numbers are 8 digits on the brace under the fretboard (YYMMDDUUU) and a 7 digit number on neck block. fret buzz (see photo), so the action could be lowered slightly without buzz if The serial numbers for the FG’s continued with the existing consecutive number system used by the Dynamic series. Taiwan models made from late-1972 to early-1975 have a rectangular tan label, very similar to the Nippon Gakki label of the same period. I’ve seen a couple of guitars where the date code is partially under the kerfing. Therefore year 60 would be 1971. He also has a website (in Japanese) dedicated to the FG-150. They seemed to continue the 8 digit serial numbers up to mid-1973, then they changed to 5 digit numbers (YMMDD), basically the same as the export 8 digit (YMMDDUUU) numbers except there’s no unit number. Some guitars did not get a serial number or it has faded over the years, so the only way to know about when the guitar was made is by this date code. It plays exceptionally well. We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. The date code is located on either side of the lower bout. It looks like there was a month or 2 overlap with the Green label. For the first 2 months (very late 8/72 to very early 11/72) the label was shorter than the Nippon Gakki label, with only the model number, no location. They have 2 sets of serial numbers. All you risk are shipping costs. Although there seem to be a few FG-360’s with 8 digit serial numbers made for export in 1973, breaking the above rule. The labels are tan and rectangular, and are marked with the model number and “Nippon Gakki”. Please check the fields highlighted in red. Some FG models were produced by both locations, with the label, serial numbers, and date codes being the only difference. The earliest serial numbers I have are 40610478 (6/10/1974) & 0539508. They initially only had serial numbers located on the neck block, 7 consecutive numbers (no relation to date), preceded with a “T”. I’ve found 45 Green label serial numbers, and 18 of them have date codes. FGs have earned their respect due to their quality, dependability, playability and value. I had assumed those are detail numbers so they use the right side pieces for that model guitar, but I’ve found some inconsistencies and it’s possible they are inspection marks. I only have 29 serial numbers with this label, ranging from 20830243 to 21107695. Support independent music stores & gear makers. Learn More. There is typically a single larger number ink stamped on each of the sides. For over 40 years, millions of musicians have used a Yamaha FG as the perfect tool to express their music. The earliest serial numbers I have are 50604395 (6/19/1975) & 0716558. I’ve also seen an Orange label Nippon Gakki with serial number 40418 & date code 49.3.7. Ship Method: UPS Ground (Continental US only). If not totally satisfied with An 8 digit serial number (YMMDDUUU) is on the brace under the end of the fretboard, and a sequential 7 digit number beginning with “T” on the neck block. While my primary focus has been the Export models, I’ll have to watch for these more closely. The earliest serial numbers I have are 30901051 (9/1/1973) & 0387179. They have Green labels and were made for Japan only. The visual quality isn’t as good as the cell phone camera but the length and flexibility allows you to get closer. Anyone got a Yamaha FG 410 ??? Which I have many times, as I’ve found more changes and differences. The labels are nearly identical to the Japan FG’s Red labels except without the words “Nippon Gakki” and the tuning fork symbol moved to next to the model number. Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981. So the 6 & 7 digit serial numbers must not be related to date the guitars were built. In this case it’s the SHOWA period, the reign of Emperor Hirohito, which started in 1926. The 5 digit serial numbers may have started for special export models, such as the FG-360, and also shared by the domestic models. I have found a few Red label Nippon Gakki FG’s without a visible serial number. The first models were the FG-150 & FG-180, starting in August 1966, until February 1967. This serial number system continued until 2001. I found a Japanese guy on Youtube who made videos of himself playing many early FG, and he mentioned the serial number and date code most of the time. Once I discovered the internal date codes I knew I could compare known 6 & 7 digit serial number/date code sets with other serial numbers and make a good guess as to when other guitars were made. Joined: Sep 26, 2004 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana. This date code will be very close to when the guitar was built. When I find vintage FG’s locally on CraigsList I will ask if I can see the guitar and take pictures. Discussion in 'Acoustic Heaven' started by sixty4fairlane, Aug 18, 2006. Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape. In mid-1973 they dropped the “T” from the 7 digit serial number, somewhere around 30609XXX & 033XXX. Oops, looks like you forgot something. Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > Aug 18, 2006 #1. sixty4fairlane Tele-Meister. But the date codes are needed as reference points. While the serial number is visible, although not always usable to determine the date of manufacture, there is a Date Code ink stamped on the inside of all early FG’s, except most FG-75’s. To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. Added -1 (in small characters) after the model numbers. I’ve been collecting data and in most cases can tell when a guitar with a 6 or 7 digit serial number was made (within a month or so). In 1968 the Yamaha FG line came to America, consisting of the FG-75, FG-110, FG-140, FG-150, FG-180, FG-300 and the 12 string FG-230. They have the familiar red Nippon Gakki label, the larger Yamaha headstock logo, and the Yamaha truss rod cover with the 3 tuning fork symbol. Posts: 293. I’ve read the first digit in the serial number is the year, then a 2 digit month, 2 digits for the day, and the rest is a unit number. These are very rare. easy. The Taiwan made FG’s also have internal date codes, but they are based on the Minguo era, the reign of Kim II-sung, starting at his birth year of 1912, which is year 1. And to be able to fairly accurately determine when they were made.