Yamaha FG-420-12
The Yamaha FG-420-12 is a decent 12-string guitar. If you really need that 12-string sound, this is a great entry-level instrument that is very affordable. It plays well and is impressive for the money.
The Overview
It’s tough to find information on the Yamaha FG-420-12, so most of what I’ll describe for you is based solely on what I can decipher from looking at the instrument in person. I’m sure you can find something on the internet to confirm or contradict what I’ll describe next, but be prepared to go through 8 pages of Google search results or more. A lot of results are not in English, so the information might be available, but I can’t read it. Womp Womp. Stay in school kids.
This 12-string acoustic appears to have a solid spruce top with a nice tight grain. Looking at the back, the pattern of the grain appears to be solid wood and not laminate. The grain’s color has long light and dark sections, which leads me to believe the back and sides are nato wood. I think new, these guitars would retail at $500 or $600 which leads me to believe this guitar is made of solid wood.
The bridge appears to be either plastic, Richlite, or other manufactured material. There is a beautiful 3-part rosette inlay, and the 6-part edge binding alternates between black and white. The back is bound with a simple 4-part binding, and the center of the back is inlaid with a cool block pattern
The neck appears to be solid mahogany, and the Bubinga fretboard has some fancy looking cross inlay. I can see the adjustment end of the truss rod through the soundhole. There’s a plastic nut which appears to be cut well. The headstock has a Yamaha decal at the top, and the block for the tuners is elongated to make room for all 12 tuners.
How Does it Sound
You know, I didn’t know what to expect when I started playing the Yamaha FG-420-12. I will say this, you are going to be impressed by how great this used $300 guitar sounds and plays. Yamaha never seems to let me down in the sound department.
Figuring out what lick to play was a challenge. Since this is a 12-string, I didn’t want to give you the same old comparison sound bites like it’s 6-string sibling. So I Googled some of the best 12-strings tunes of all time. Different results appeared, but I ended up settling on Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. I think this is a good combination of strumming with flat-picking mixed in there.
It really does sound good! You’re going to love the bigger and brighter sound a 12 string delivers! The highs are nice and airy, and the low end gets big and fat. Take a listen! I recorded this sound bite using Presonus Studio One Artist 4, Presonus’s AudioBox iTwo, and a Shure SM7B microphone.
The Wrap Up
Honestly, I think the Yamaha FG-420-12 is a great value guitar. It’s got a good sound, and you can find a used one for under $300. Given that 12-strings are not in high demand, there’s not a lot of 12-strings manufactured, and therefore supply is low, I’m amazed that you can pick one of these up for so cheap. The FG-420-12 delivers a bright, chimey, and classic 12-string tone.
If you’re able to find one with the original hardshell case, I found the case to be a bit flimsy. The guitar I demoed had been sitting in a closet, so I think the case was in excellent condition. That said, I don’t think this case will hold up to rough handling or bouncing around in a truck bed traveling from gig to gig.
Action
The Yamaha has great low action. The neck profile feels pretty standard, and while this guitar has a comfortable feel, you need to be aware of one thing. 12-string guitars take more finger strength than 6-string guitars. Why? For each note you fret, you’re now playing two strings instead of one, so you’re going to feel more string tension. You’ll find this comfortable to play as far as twelve strings go. Be aware that your hand will fatigue a bit faster the first few weeks you’re playing a 12-string.
Intonation
No complaints in the intonation department. The saddle appears to be hard plastic and is EXTREMELY low to the bridge. While the saddle doesn’t appear to be compensated, I don’t hear any glaring issues with the intonation. Once the Yamaha FG-420-12 is tuned to pitch, you’ll find that you don’t need to fiddle with the tuners much.
Overall Sound
You’re not going to get the absolute best, holy grail sound from the Yamaha FG-420-12. But it does sound great for a guitar that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. After checking Reverb.com, it looks like these range from $180 to $200 used. This guitar is a steal!
Modifications
There were no modifications made to the guitar I demoed for this post. I’ve seen a few of the Yamaha FG-420-12’s with pickups installed in them, but I don’t believe Yamaha made a version of this guitar with a pickup installed from the factory.
Final Thoughts
I think the Yamaha FG-420-12 is a fantastic budget guitar. My limited experience in the realm of 12-string guitars limits me somewhat, but I think you’re going to enjoy this instrument.
Other Guitars to Consider in the Same Price Range
Pending more 12-string guitar reviews, I’ll return to this post in the future and make some suggestions for you.
For a similarly priced guitar, check out the Washburn WD32S! It’s not a 12-string, so you can’t truly compare the two, but it’s worth checking all of your options!
Higher End and Better Sounding Guitars
Pending more 12-string guitar reviews, I’ll return to this post in the future and make some suggestions for you.
In the meantime, why not check out the Guild G-37! I really enjoyed reviewing this guitar for you.
