Yamaha Introduces the FS9 Acoustic Guitar
A New Flagship Model Perfect for Singer-Songwriters
Yamaha Corporation has unveiled its latest addition to the world of acoustic guitars: the FS9. This new concert-style model joins the esteemed lineup of Yamaha’s flagship acoustic guitars, offering unparalleled expressiveness tailored for singer-songwriters.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since the introduction of the FG150 and FG180 models in 1966, Yamaha has been at the forefront of acoustic guitar innovation, catering to a broad spectrum of musicians from beginners to professionals. The FG series has consistently evolved, embodying the perfect blend of quality and technological advancements. The release of the FG9 in April 2023 marked a significant milestone in this ongoing journey. Building on this success, Yamaha now presents the FS9, a guitar designed to deliver the ultimate acoustic experience for singer-songwriters.
Designed for the Singer-Songwriter
The FS9 stands out with its compact, concert-style body, making it an excellent choice for fingerpicking. The top boards are crafted from precious Adirondack spruce, known for its exceptional projection and clarity. A thicker backboard enhances the guitar’s sound, making it more powerful and expressive. The FS9’s 25-inch scale and slightly rounded V-shaped neck ensure exceptional playability, providing a comfortable grip and facilitating stress-free performance.
Key Features of the FS9
- Balance of Projection and Clarity: The FS9’s top boards, made from rare Adirondack spruce, are paired with unique scalloped bracing designed by Yamaha’s skilled luthiers. This combination allows the body to vibrate more efficiently, resulting in outstanding projection and clarity. The bolt-on neck joint configuration enhances the transfer of energy from the neck to the body, providing greater volume and resonance.
- Exceptional Playability: The slightly rounded V-shaped neck offers a comfortable hold, preserving the smaller body and shorter scale of a traditional concert-style guitar. This design ensures that musicians can perform with ease, achieving ideal expressiveness.
- Distinct Sound Profiles: The FS9 is available in two models, each with its unique sound profile. The FS9 R features Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering resonant overtones with deep lows and crisp highs. The FS9 M, on the other hand, uses African mahogany, offering mid-focused warm tones.
- Refined, Simple Design: The FS9’s design emphasizes simplicity while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The sound hole rosette and body purfling feature a rope-shaped inlay rooted in Japanese culture, and the label seen through the sound hole is made from traditional Japanese washi paper. The fingerboard inlays resemble kumiki woodworking, showcasing Yamaha’s commitment to cultural craftsmanship.
A Guitar That Puts the Player First
The FS9 acoustic guitar is not just an instrument; it is a testament to Yamaha’s dedication to quality, innovation, and cultural heritage. By combining these elements, Yamaha has created a guitar that not only sounds amazing but also feels comfortable and looks exquisite. The FS9 ensures that the spotlight remains on the musician, providing an instrument that supports and enhances their performance.
For singer-songwriters seeking an acoustic guitar that offers exceptional expressiveness and playability, the Yamaha FS9 is an outstanding choice. Whether fingerpicking or strumming, the FS9 delivers a rich, resonant sound that will inspire and captivate both the player and their audience.
Explore the Yamaha FS9 today and experience the fusion of tradition and innovation that makes this guitar a true flagship model.
Yamaha FS9 R vs. FS9 M Specifications Comparison
| Specification | FS9 R | FS9 M* |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Concert Style | Concert Style |
| Scale Length | 634 mm (25″) | 634 mm (25″) |
| Body Length | 497 mm (19 9/16″) | 497 mm (19 9/16″) |
| Total Length | 1022 mm (40 1/4″) | 1022 mm (40 1/4″) |
| Body Width | 380 mm (14 15/16″) | 380 mm (14 15/16″) |
| Body Depth | 90-115 mm (3 9/16″ – 4 1/2″) | 90-115 mm (3 9/16″ – 4 1/2″) |
| Nut Width | 44 mm (1 3/4″) | 44 mm (1 3/4″) |
| String Spacing | 11 mm | 11 mm |
| Top Material | Solid Adirondack Spruce | Solid Adirondack Spruce |
| Back Material | Solid Indian Rosewood | Solid African Mahogany |
| Side Material | Solid Indian Rosewood | Solid African Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius | R400 mm (15 3/4″) | R400 mm (15 3/4″) |
| Bridge Material | Ebony | Ebony |
| Nut Material | Bone | Bone |
| Saddle Material | Bone | Bone |
| Bridge Pins | Ebony | Ebony |
| Tuners | Gotoh SXN510 Cosmo Black | Gotoh SXN510 Cosmo Black |
| Body Binding | Ebony + Wooden Rope-Pattern Purfling | Ebony + Wooden Rope-Pattern Purfling |
| Sound Hole Inlay | Wooden Rope Pattern | Wooden Rope Pattern |
| Pickguard | Tortoise Pattern | Tortoise Pattern |
| Body Finish | Gloss (Nitrocellulose Lacquer) | Gloss (Nitrocellulose Lacquer) |
| Neck Finish | Semi-Gloss (Polyurethane) | Semi-Gloss (Polyurethane) |
| Strings | Elixir NANOWEB 80/20 Bronze Light | Elixir NANOWEB 80/20 Bronze Light |
| Accessories | Hex Wrench / Certification Paper | Hex Wrench / Certification Paper |
| Case | Hardshell | Hardshell |
The primary difference between the FS9 R and FS9 M lies in the materials used for the back and sides: the FS9 R uses Indian Rosewood for resonant overtones and crisp highs, while the FS9 M uses African Mahogany for warm, mid-focused tones.
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