Yamaha Marks Six Decades of the FG Series with the FG9 60th Anniversary Edition

Yamaha has introduced a limited FG9 60th Anniversary Edition to mark sixty years of its FG acoustic line. The model draws on traditional materials and Japanese design influences, with the aim of presenting a modern interpretation of the company’s long‑running steel‑string heritage.

Construction and Materials

The guitar follows a dreadnought outline, a shape that has been central to the FG series since its early years. Yamaha has paired an Adirondack spruce top with scalloped X‑bracing, a combination chosen for its strength and responsiveness. The back and sides are made from Guatemalan rosewood, a timber known for pronounced low‑end presence and clear high frequencies. Grain variation in this species means that no two sets look quite the same, which gives each instrument a slightly individual appearance.

A rounded V‑profile mahogany neck is fitted using a bolt‑on joint. Yamaha has used this approach on the FG9 platform to support long‑term serviceability and to influence how the neck and body transfer vibration. The nut and saddle are made from bone, a traditional choice that many builders still favour for its consistency and durability. The finish is a thin nitrocellulose lacquer intended to allow the wood to resonate more freely as it ages.

Sound and Playing Character

According to Yamaha’s outline of the model, the FG9 60th Anniversary Edition has been designed with strong projection and a clear top end in mind. The combination of Adirondack spruce, a thicker back plate, and the bolt‑on neck joint contributes to a focused and articulate response. Players who accompany vocals or rely on strummed patterns may find this voicing familiar, as it aligns with the broader FG9 design philosophy.

Visual and Cultural Details

The instrument incorporates several Japanese design elements that set it apart from standard FG9 models. The inner label is printed on washi paper, a traditional handmade material. The rosette uses rope‑style inlays and purfling that reference historic Japanese patterns. Fingerboard inlays draw from Kumiki woodworking, a craft known for interlocking wooden forms that require precise cutting and fitting.

Anniversary Context

The FG series has been part of Yamaha’s catalogue since the mid‑1960s. Over that time it has moved through numerous design revisions, factory locations, and material changes. The FG9 60th Anniversary Edition is presented as a reflection of that history, combining long‑standing construction ideas with more recent developments in the company’s acoustic line. Each guitar is supplied with a hardshell case and a certificate of authenticity.