FS5 and 000-18

Performance

Have a Martin 000-18. Have been contemplating a Yamaha FS5 for awhile. I just did not want a clone sounding guitar. Listening to online comparisons helped a little. Saw a bargain I just could not pass up. Got the FS5 yesterday. Sounds nothing like the 000-18. Not even close. Sounds like that spot between a Martin and a Taylor. Which is what I was hoping for. It's a lot brighter and a bit louder. Does not have that warmth that Martin has but fills that niche when you want something that rings out. But like another Yamaha I used to have, it is not forgiving when your fingering is a little off. It tells you right away. Th Martin covers for me. The Yamaha says get it right. Took a little while but starting to like it a lot. Not as a replacement. The only thing that can replace a Martin is another Martin.

Posted Feb 28, 2026, 1:17 PM UTC

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