Yamaha FG-230, 1968-1972, 12-String Dreadnought, Red Label - Used - As-Is
The Yamaha Red Label FG-230 occupies a genuinely respected place in vintage guitar circles. Built at the Nippon Gakki factory in Japan between 1968 and 1972, these were Yamaha's serious early attempt to compete directly with American flat-tops, and the spruce top over mahogany back and sides construction has aged into a tone that vintage guitar enthusiasts specifically seek out — warm, chimey, and remarkably lively for a 12-string. This one lives up to that reputation. It is chimey and lively, with the kind of complex overtone shimmer that only comes from a well-aged solid-top instrument doubled up across twelve strings.
We are selling this one as-is and want to be completely upfront about the specifics. The action currently sits over spec, and the saddle is bottomed out — meaning the usual path to lowering the action through saddle adjustment is not available without further service, such as a neck reset or bridge work. As it sits, the guitar plays okay in the cowboy chord zone — open chords and lower-position playing are workable, though it is not a low-action instrument right now and a buyer should go in with that expectation. There is also lots of cosmetic wear and bumps throughout consistent with a guitar of this age that has clearly been played and loved. Check the photos carefully for the full picture before purchasing. No case included.
A genuinely characterful vintage 12-string at a price that reflects its current playing condition, with real upside for a buyer willing to invest in a proper setup or neck work.
- Make: Yamaha
- Model: FG-230
- Era: 1968-1972 (Red Label, Nippon Gakki)
- Serial number: 1296472
- Country of origin: Japan
- Body style: Dreadnought, 12-string
- Top: Select spruce
- Back and sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, dot inlays, 14/20-fret join
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Saddle: Bottomed out — action cannot be lowered through normal adjustment, see description
- Rosette: Multi-ring
- Binding: Multi-ply
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Tuners: Chrome-plated, six-per-side
- Finish: Natural
- Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz
- Modifications: None confirmed
- Includes: None
This item is sold as-is. The bottomed saddle and over-spec action described above are known conditions at time of sale.
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
