For sale is a rare and high-end Yamaha model FG500, dating from between 1969-72, made in Japan.
 
One of Yamaha's first 'serious' export offerings for a flat top, steel-strung acoustic. A very well built model with some lovely specs, my research informs me that these were available from 1969-72 in this configuration.
 
There is some discussion as to whether these used Brazilian Rosewood for their back / sides - it most certainly has the visual hallmarks of this, however they were specified as having pressed/laminate 'Jacaranda' rosewood backs/sides at the time. I believe Braz rosewood can fall into this category, though it's impossible to tell without a lab test - either way, there is some beautiful figuring present.
 
Further high end specs include a solid Spruce (not laminate) top, what appears to be an ebony/ebonised darkwood fingerboard/bridge, unique wood-grained binding and a jumbo body modelled on contemporary Martin models.
 
This one has never had a neck break, the bridge is solid and it is structurally sound, though a few running repairs place it firmly in the 'player grade' category, which is why I'm asking half of the going rate.
 
The nut and bridge pins have been replaced and it's playing well with a comfortable low action and a huge sound, thanks to the solid Spruce top. There has been minor repairs to the bass side binding (pictured) and the guitar is definitely well-played, not a mint example. There have been some minor top split repairs as pictured, though again nothing structural or that has an undue impact on playability. There is a filled hole to the bridge from a previous (now removed) pickup. Some minor binding loss to headstock as pictured.
 
The tuners have been replaced with excellent quality 80s German Schallers, worth a fair bit in their own right. 
 
As above, it plays nicely with a comfortable playing action - there is good reason for mint examples commanding high prices as they are fantastically built guitars made with quality materials, definitely living up to the 'Red Label' hype.