The purpose of this article is to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, internal markings, and labels. The serial numbers are 8 digits on the brace under the fretboard (YYMMDDUUU) and a 7 digit number on neck block. The purpose of this article is to solve the mystery of the early Yamaha FG serial numbers, internal markings, and labels. Some guitars did not get a serial number or it has faded over the years, so the only way to know about when the guitar was made is by this date code. The top selling acoustic guitar series of all time. This guitar is a solid workhorse acoustic-electric, and I would recommend it for virtually any style of play. Everyone has been guessing for years. It seems some of these were made during the time of the Tan label Nippon Gakki’s. I’ve found Nippon Gakki Red Labels with 8 digit serial numbers ranging from an FG-180 with 10001471 (which makes no sense) & no date code, and the latest an FG-75 with 20829541 (no date code) (mid-1972). This date code was probably stamped when they made the sides, not when the guitar was assembled. 20 Unit Number Month, April Year, 1999 (P=9) System # A 13 2001- Yamaha Music Craft Made in Japan Serial Number: QIKOOIA 2002, April 00 Internal Code Unit Number Month, April (K=4) Year, 2002 (0=0, 1=2) System # A 14 All Black label Taiwan models have the headstock logo with the 3 tuning forks inside a circle with “YAMAHA” underneath. But they’re very rare. This date code will be very close to when the guitar was built. Please check the fields highlighted in red. Plays very A few curious people I’ve asked have found date codes inside their guitars, but I can’t expect many people to go that far. Year 1 is 1926, therefore year 41 is 1966. Discussion in 'Acoustic Heaven' started by sixty4fairlane, Aug 18, 2006. The first FG’s were built in 1966 (Green label): The FG’s were first exported in 1967 (Red label): Nippon Gakki FG’s after mid-1972 (Tan label): The first FG’s made in Taiwan (Red label): The Taiwan FG’s after late 1972 (Tan label): In 1975 the Taiwan FG’s models changed (Black label): New models starting in 1977 (Oval label): Inspecting a New-To-You Vintage Yamaha FG, Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981, Red Label FG’s, Differences Between the EARLY & COMMON Versions, Yamaha Early FG 6 & 7 Digit Serial Numbers, History of the Yamaha FG – 1966-1981 (US Models), Yamaha FG 5 Digit Japan Only Serial Numbers, Deconstructing a 1972 Yamaha FG-160 – 21107695, Added “Inspecting a New-To-You Yamaha FG” Article and PDF. Currently I am up to 1729 serial numbers and 267 date codes. Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981. Joined: Sep 26, 2004 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana. We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. While the serial number is visible, although not always usable to determine the date of manufacture, there is a Date Code ink stamped on the inside of all early FG’s, except most FG-75’s. And to be able to fairly accurately determine when they were made. The best way to find it is to put a flashlight inside the guitar and use the camera on your cell phone to look around inside. He also has a website (in Japanese) dedicated to the FG-150. The Yamaha Guitar Archive data says these models ended in 1974 but the last Tan label serial number I’ve found is 50830182 (8/30/1975). I believe the date codes are in all vintage Yamaha guitars, except for most FG-75/FG-75-1’s. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Oddly I’ve found 6 guitars that have 8 digit numbers 201XXXXX, but the T number but puts the guitar in the range of 210XXXXX. I’ve been collecting data and in most cases can tell when a guitar with a 6 or 7 digit serial number was made (within a month or so). The latest is an FG-170 with serial number 41227 & date code 49.12.7. Yamaha FG Serial Numbers, Interior Markings, and Labels – 1966 to 1981. They have Green labels and were made for Japan only. All you risk are shipping costs. I also recorded the link of where I found the data, just in case I had to go back. Those are hard to find. This serial number system continued until 2001.