The Yamaha hand-crafted FG9 M acoustic combines old-world craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology

Yamaha has long been a leader in the beginning-to-intermediate guitar market, offering both unparalleled quality and value in its acoustics. But with the recent introduction of their FG9 steel-string flattops, Yamaha has demonstrated, once again, that the company also makes uncompromising, professional-quality acoustics. Designed by its custom shop luthiers with cutting-edge 3D structural design technology and hand-crafted attention to detail, Yamaha may have just produced its boldest and most elegant acoustics yet. 

The result? The stunning FG9 series.

Currently, Yamaha offers two FG9 models: the FG9 R, with rosewood back and sides, and the mahogany back-and-side-equipped FG9 M.

For the above demo video, Guitar World Tech Editor, and avowed Yamaha devotee, Paul Riario grabbed the FG9 M, which sports an Adirondack spruce top with tapered edges, a nitrocellulose lacquer finish and scalloped X bracing. Other premium features include Yamaha’s one-piece mahogany neck – “it combines a new structural design of bolt-on and glued-in construction for stability and increased body vibration,” Paul explains – an ebony fingerboard and bridge, and a bone nut and saddle.

The FG9 M’s excellence “becomes all the more apparent once you hear its clear projection and shimmering top-end voice,” Paul continues. “Add some tastefully understated appointments  and outstanding playability and you’ll find the FG9 M exudes first-class all the way through.”

Those appointments, Paul points out, “are relatively minimalistic.” Not to mention beautiful: The FG9 M’s body is bound with ebony strips, and the rope-shaped inlay and purfling on the rosette is a motif rooted in Japanese culture. The layered wooden rectangular fretmarker inlays, meanwhile, resemble traditional Japanese Kumiki woodworking patterns.

“The FG9 M is an elegant and classic square-shouldered mahogany dreadnought built to Yamaha’s finest standards that combine old-world craftsmanship paired with state-of-the-art technology,” Paul summarizes. 

For more information, head to Yamaha.