Yamaha FG-740 dreadnought, made in Taiwan 1975, natural finish. These old Yams are lovely guitars; this definitely has a certain charm. The FG series launched in the sixties to wide acclaim; this was a high end offering from the mid 70s. The ebony board and bridge, gold tuners and bird inlays are all classy touches you don't see on the 'run of the mill' models from this era. Digging around, it's pretty tricky to find many examples of this model; it seems they weren't produced in huge numbers. It's super easy to play: the neck is slim, round and straight, the action medium-low and the body very resonant. There's a lot of attack and shimmer to the tone; the definition and crispness through the treble end is lovely and it's balanced by a certain understated-yet-assertive low end. This is a classy old character, it looks the business and makes for an agreeable, steady handed companion.

Model: Yamaha FG-740
Made: 1975, Kaohsiung Taiwan (serial 51203241)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: dreadnought style shape; laminate spruce top, laminate rosewood back and sides, ebony bridge
Neck: mahogany, ebony fingerboard, dovetail joint, 25.5" scale, 15" radius
Weight: 2.145kg
Pickup: none
Mods: none
Case: basic non-original vintage hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and some surface scratches near the middle, no major marks. The sides have a dent and scratch on the bottom back corner, nothing nasty, as well as light scuffs around the body. The front has some light dimples on both shoulders, the elbow area and bottom edge as well as some standard play wear. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: action is moderately low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets look have some minor wear but are in good shape, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings.