Yamaha red label or new FG730s,which is better?

After alot of searching for a Yamaha FG730s on the web ,ebay,and local
CL,i have come across alot of used Yamaha red labels for the same
price as a new Yamaha FG730s,which is the better guitar?I know they
make good guitars in Japan,and the new yamaha FG730s are great quality
also.Should i go with a new Yamaha or take a chance on a older made in
Japan one?
Cheers,
James

i own a 2007 fg730s (taiwan) which is, IMHO, the best dreadnaught acoustic $300 can by. my sister-in-law has a red label fg from the late '70's, and, while it's a nice guitar, the only thing comparable to my fg730s is the body. the tone is good, volume is ok, like all yammies it's built like a tank, but overall it possesses those qualities with a lesser degree of refinement, quality "feel", and user-friendliness than the fg730s.

hence, i suspect the "legendary" status being foisted upon older fgs is largely unwarranted, and has pushed their prices (perhaps) beyond what might reasonably be expected. if you find a nice one a fair amount cheaper than a fg730s, it may be worth a try.

BTW, if you are not hung up on the dreadnaught train you may be interested to note: i own a brand new, made in china, yamaha fs720s which (didn't expect this) is a superior guitar compared to the fg730s !

Remember that the "s" in the FG730S means it has a solid wood top. While I am not up on my Red Lable Yammie stuff, I am pretty sure those guitars were 100% laminate? If so, I would certainly prefer the solid top on the FG730S. The top of an acoustic is the most important part to be solid wood for best tone. Also I agree with the poster above me. Try out the smaller body Yamaha FG720S suggested above, you may find it more comfortable to play than a Dread and still have the tone you are looking for.

The 730s is a really nice guitar and I've played ones that were way more than nice. They're everywhere so it's pretty easy to find an exceptional one. Wonder what they'll sound like in 20 years?

I've owned solid top Yamies and I prefer red labels for tone. They have their own sound and presence to them which newer ones can't match. Newer ones are easier to play however, especially up the neck (I'm sure a good setup can make it play just as well though).

Thanks for the info on the red labels,,I will be buying a FG730s.I have a half of a year
of back pay coming from the VA in the next 2 or 3 months,and when i get the money
i will get me another acoustic,it will a Alvarez Yairi.I only have one guitar now a electric,
a CV50s blonde Telecaster with a 4way switch,it does a fine job covering all the types
of music i play.I cant wait until i get my Yamaha FG730s,i will be ordering it on January
the 3rd.Cheers,
James