Yamaha FG-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar 1973 – Vintage MIJ Dreadnought, Built-In Pickup

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1973 Yamaha FG-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a rare vintage gem from the golden era of Yamaha’s Made in Japan (MIJ) production. Known for their exceptional build quality and rich, balanced tone, the FG-series guitars from the early '70s have become sought-after by both collectors and players.

The FG-160E features a dreadnought body, offering full, resonant projection perfect for strumming and flatpicking. It’s equipped with a factory-installed pickup system, making it one of Yamaha’s earliest acoustic-electric models—ideal for stage or studio use. The warm spruce top, matched with mahogany back and sides, delivers a clear low end and articulate highs, with a vintage character that only time can create.

This example is in nice shape, with light playwear and fully functional electronics. Whether you’re a vintage guitar enthusiast or a gigging musician looking for an affordable, road-tested classic, this FG-160E blends tone, style, and utility in a true piece of Yamaha history.

The factory saddle was aluminum, and it had been mistakenly shaped by the previous owner.  Aluminum is perhaps the worst possible material to use for a saddle!  We added a generic, plastic replacement.  

The action is a bit high, and the saddle is a little low, but the guitar plays well up to the 7th fret and does what you'd expect it to do for a guitar of its ilk.  The pickup is magnetic, like an electric guitar pickup, so it doesn't sound like a Taylor or something.  It would be a great guitar if you want to start a Cake cover band!

A period correct, and possibly original chipboard case is included.

• Color: Natural
• Weight: 4lbs 10oz
• Top: Spruce
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
  
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Abalone Dot
• Frets: Original, in great shape
• Fret count: 20
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Scale: 25"
• Radius: 12"
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .92"
• Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.3"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 4/32"
• Overall length: 40"
• Body length: 19-7/8"
• Lower bout: 16-1/4"
• Waist: 10-3/4"
• Upper bout: 11-1/2"
• Body depth/thickness: 4-3/8"
• String gauge: 12-53
• Electronics?: Yes, single coil at the neck
• Electronics Original? Yes
• Pickguard: Original
• Bridge: Original, new saddle
• Tuners: Original
• Case: Era Correct Chipboard with super cool Cheap Trick sticker!!
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are two shipping cost options for purchases made on our site for these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas.  Select Standard shipping at checkout and your item will be shipped via UPS three-day-air.  Select Economy shipping and your item will ship via UPS ground.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.