Yamaha FG-411S 1994 - Natural

This is a Yamaha FG-411S acoustic guitar. The serial number tells me it is 1994 vintage, and the "S" in the model number indicates that it has a "solid top" (as opposed to the laminate on some other models).

This guitar has the booming, resonating projection that characterizes these Yamaha FG's. As for cosmetic issues, it has very little buckle rash on the back and just one noticeable scratch on the front (which I have pictured), pretty much what you would expect from a thirty-year-old guitar. It does, however, have a very noticeable case of that cloudy, milky feature of the lacquer on the back and sides (which was difficult for me to capture in the photos). I've seen some of this on other Yamahas from this era, including one that I owned, but this is pretty extensive. One expert told me it is the result of humidification issues at the Taiwan factory during this time period. Since the lacquer dries from the outside in, moisture got trapped underneath and eventually produced this cloudy, milky discoloration. I don't have a better explanation, so I'll go with that.

Obviously, that cosmetic issue does not affect the playability of the guitar. The action at the 12th fret (6th string) is one-eighth inch, low enough for most players, but I've become lazy and spoiled. I'd like it a bit lower. There's enough saddle to make that happen. I have not worked on this guitar, but if I were so inclined, I'd probably install a bone saddle slightly lower than this one and maybe a bone nut to give it even more projection. I did just put a new set of strings on this one (Martin custom light = .11 to .52).

I'm setting the price a little lower because of the lacquer issue. I want any prospective buyer to be aware of it, even though it's not all that evident from the photos. It is noticeable/prominent.

I don’t have a case for this one, but I’ll pack it securely when I send it along. Speaking of "sending," I got quite a shock last month when I shipped a guitar for the first time since pre-Covid days (2019). It was roughly the same size/weight and box size and went about the same distance (900 miles) as the 2019 one, but the cost had nearly tripled ($37.50 to $110.00 USPS) in those four years. FedEx and UPS were even higher. I have adjusted my pricing to reflect that new reality after offering the "free" shipping and taking a bit of a bath. Reverb shipping rates will help some. Thanks for looking.