Yamaha’s official Acoustic Guitar Archive is a fantastic resource, but it’s known to have a few gaps. As enthusiasts delve deeper, they often uncover models missing from the official records. At guitarplayers.net, we’re dedicated to expanding this knowledge base, and through our research and community contributions, we’ve started to piece together a more complete picture. One intriguing area is the story of the rare Black And White Guitar models from Yamaha’s iconic FG series.
It turns out there’s a small, undocumented lineage of vintage FG guitars that deviate from the standard natural wood finishes. These guitars are distinguished by their striking black paint jobs and contrasting white pickguards. So far, we’ve identified eight distinct models in this unique color scheme: FG-75-1BK, FG-110-1SBK (featuring a sunburst top), FG-160-1BK, FG-331 (Black & white), FG-335 (black & white), FG-340 (black & white), FG-335IIBK, and FG-435BL.
The earliest of these black and white guitar models appear to have had a very limited production run, seemingly for just a single month in November 1976. This initial group includes the FG-75-1BK, FG-110-1SBK, and FG-160-1BK. While the FG-75-1BK and FG-160-1BK are uniformly black with white pickguards, the FG-110-1SBK adds a touch of visual flair with a sunburst top, maintaining the black sides and back and the signature white pickguard.
The FG-75-1BK seems to be particularly scarce. To date, we’ve only confirmed the existence of two, one of which is in our own collection. Listings for the FG-75-1BK are incredibly rare, and upon closer inspection, often turn out to be the same instrument, identified by unique markings or serial numbers. The only other confirmed FG-75-1BK we’ve located is in Japan, highlighting its rarity even in Yamaha’s home market.
The FG-110-1SBK is slightly more prevalent, with a few listings appearing on platforms like Reverb (including two from the same seller) and eBay. We’ve been able to differentiate at least two distinct guitars among these listings and have compiled three serial numbers for the FG-110-1SBK, including one from our own inventory.
The FG-160-1BK appears to be the most commonly found among this initial trio, although still rare. We’ve documented eight FG-160-1BK guitars and have five serial numbers in our list, having previously owned one ourselves. These first three black and white guitar models share another unusual characteristic: they feature larger, simpler labels, and what seems to be a partially obscured “Tan” size label underneath. This has led to speculation that Yamaha might have repurposed existing models, applying a new label over the original. Could these unique black and white guitar releases have been intended as limited edition 10-year anniversary models, commemorating the launch of the original Yamaha FG series? It’s certainly a compelling coincidence.
Moving into the 1980s, we see a resurgence of the black and white guitar theme in the FG series with the FG-331, FG-335, and FG-340. These models feature the standard white oval Yamaha labels, notably lacking the “BK” suffix seen on the earlier models. We’ve recorded serial numbers for an FG-331 and FG-335 that are just 48 days apart in November/December 1980, suggesting a limited production window. A listing for a black and white FG-340 surfaced, though without label or serial number photos, leading us to believe it was likely produced around the same time as the FG-331 and FG-335. This 1980 run of black and white guitar models appears approximately four years after the initial 1976 releases, further adding to their enigmatic nature.
Another four years later, the black and white guitar aesthetic reappears with the FG-335IIBK. We’ve found two listings for this model, both from the same vendor, with one identified as a 1984 model. These listings showcase two distinct guitars. Intriguingly, one of these FG-335IIBK guitars has the “YAMAHA” logo on the headstock blacked out, and some of the black finish sanded away, revealing the wood underneath. The label on this model does include the “BK” suffix, linking it back to the earlier black models.
Finally, the FG-435BL, unlike the others, is actually documented in Yamaha’s official Guitar Archive. Produced only in 1986, it continues the black and white guitar tradition, featuring a black finish, white pickguard, and the distinctive “Dove” logo on the headstock. Despite being officially documented, it remains rare, with only two examples found to date. This model emerges 20 years after the original FG series launch, perhaps marking another milestone. Interestingly, the standard FG-435 model from the same era is very similar, differing primarily in its tinted lacquer top and the absence of a white pickguard. Adding to the complexity, the FG-435T, also produced only in 1986, features a tinted top as well.
While Yamaha has released a few black FG models since the 1980s, our focus here is on the vintage era and these models lack the defining white pickguard. It begs the question: was there a particular individual at Yamaha with a penchant for black and white guitar designs who championed these special models, perhaps retiring after 1986 and bringing this unique aesthetic chapter to a close?
The story of these black and white Yamaha guitars remains partly shrouded in mystery. Their rarity and limited production runs suggest they were special editions, possibly anniversary models or experimental designs. Further research, community input, and discovery of more examples are crucial to fully unraveling their history and place within the Yamaha FG legacy. If you own or have information about any of these rare black and white guitar models, we encourage you to reach out and contribute to our growing archive at guitarplayers.net!
