From the mid-1970's yield of handcrafted Yamaha guitars, the FG1000 is a revered model owing to its incredible tonewoods and great craftsmanship. The FGs was a staple of the period (and remains so), and the '1000 combines all-solid timbers with beautiful aesthetics to make a collectable and unrepeatable handcrafted piece. The FG1000 specification appoints Solid Rosewood for the back and sides - which is certainly the case here. On the regular FG-1000 this is East Indian, but in line with other models from around the time, the 'J' designation is reserved for those guitars where Jacaranda is used. Jacaranda is a South American Fern, and there are many references to the Japanese luthiers (Typically Takamine, Yamaha Nippon Gakki and Alvarez Yairi) using the term as a synonym for Brazilian Rosewood. As manufacturing records from the time are almost non-existent, and most online resources are compilations of anecdotal and disparate information collated by enthusiasts, it is impossible to be 100% certain without having the timber sample-tested. It would however be logical to accept that there is a high likelihood of this being a Brazilian Rosewood instrument. The 5-digit serial number, along with the lack of a visible date code (which is normal with Rosewood due to the dark timber) suggests a manufacture date of between late-1974 and mid-1975. This is in line with the Black Labels which were manufactured during this time. Yamaha Serial Numbers information: https://yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/644/yamaha-serial-numbers-interior-markings Specific thread on the Black Label series: https://yamahavintagefg.boards.net/thread/652/japan-black-label-1974-1976 It is responsive to play, and the tone is incredible: full, warm and with plenty of voice. Condition: Very good for the age. Typical light scuffs and signs of use, with a very small indent on the table - lower edge. There is also a small mark on the neck, just under the bass-side binding at fr8. Frets: clearly been dressed as they are not full height, but there is no undue wear, so it has probably been serviced quite recently. Action: 2.25mm @ fret 12 bass 'e'. 1.75mm @ fret 12 treble 'e'. Little available on the saddle to reduce further Strings: 12-54 Phosphor Bronze It is also supplied with a hardcase from the period. It is likely the new owner would want to replace this with something more modern and suitable for day-to-day use, but it really adds to the provenance as a package. Brand - Yamaha Model - FG- 1000J Finish - Gloss Natural Made In - Japan Top - Solid Spruce Back​/​Sides - Solid Rosewood (Jacaranda). 3-pc with wedge Neck - Mahogany Neck Profile - Modified Fingerboard - Ebony Fingerboard Radius - 12" Frets - 14 Clear, 20 Total Scale Length- 25" Nut Width - 1.747"