Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar Value Guide

Vintage 1974 Yamaha FG-200 Green Label Acoustic Guitar Japan ... — Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar

Estimated Value

$250 – $275

Period: 1972-1974
Origin: Taiwan
Materials: Spruce top, Sapele back and sides, Nato neck, Rosewood fingerboard
Category: Yamaha guitar

The Yamaha FG-160 is a legendary 'Green Label' dreadnought produced between 1972 and 1974, representing a pivotal era in Yamaha's Folk Guitar series. While designed by the Nippon Gakki team in Japan, these instruments were assembled in Taiwan and have become highly collectible for their ability to rival premium American-made guitars in both durability and sound quality.

What Is Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar Worth?

The typical price range for Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar is $250 - $275 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Structural integrity is paramount, specifically the neck angle and bridge stability which are common issues in vintage Yamahas.
The presence and condition of the original 'Green Label' significantly impact the desirability for collectors.
Cosmetic condition of the Sapele back and sides, including the presence of original finish versus heavy play wear or cracks.
The functionality of the original tuning machines and the height of the remaining fret wire.

How to Identify Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar?

Look for the distinctive rectangular green paper label inside the soundhole indicating the FG-160 model number.
Verify the tonewoods, which should feature a Spruce top paired with Sapele back and sides and a Rosewood fingerboard.
Check the headstock and internal markings for 'Taiwan' origin, consistent with the 1972-1974 production run.
Confirm the Nippon Gakki design influence through the specific dreadnought body shape and internal bracing patterns.

History of Yamaha FG-160 Acoustic Guitar

The FG-160 was part of Yamaha's legendary Folk Guitar series. Introduced in the early 1970s, these 'Green Label' guitars were designed by the Nippon Gakki team in Japan but often assembled in Taiwan as Yamaha expanded production. They earned a reputation for exceptional durability and a rich, resonant tone that rivaled much more expensive American-made instruments of the era.