Yamaha FS3 NT

Yamaha are the best selling acoustic guitar company in the world & for very good reason.
This is a special reissue of the iconic Red Label 60’s guitar. All solid wood. Rich tone {very Martin like!}. The neck {unlike the “baseball” necks of the era, is actually slimmer & much more comfortable for me than those 1960’s guitars {although, many people love those thick necks}. I own a Martin 0028 which is marvellous too, but was at least 5 times the price. This comes from the Chinese factory, but it is superb thanks to Yamaha’s quality control. Superb open back tuners {I’ve had this since the beginning of #Lockdown & it’s always in tune}. I love the case too! Robust, elegant & a back pack! This is my favourite acoustic ever. Highly recommend.

I have been trying to find a decent 000 spruce/mahogany guitar at a non-Martin price for the last few years, with no success. This is is close, but not the One for a couple of reasons. First, the lacquer on the top is very unevenly applied. It is patchy, and I can see brush strokes where it was applied. Second, the fret ends are sharp from dryness; Third, the frets, while quite level, are not well polished, which gives a bit of a grating sound when doing vibrato. Fourth, the nut and saddle could use some reduction.
Having said that, the sound is excellent. I'm quite surprised at that. The last Yammies that I played were 40+ years ago, and they didn't impress. I figured I'd give this and the FS-5 a try, but the FS-5 is currently unavailable. The sound of the FS-3 is robust, with excellent projection, more than adequate bass, strong mids I'd expect from a mahogany top. The neck is comfortable enough. My 'Gold Standard' for acoustic guitar necks is Martin's 'Low Modified Oval.' The Yamaha doesn't quite meet that standard, but it is fine. The Yamaha is fairly light, and resonant.
The 'soft case' is a gigbag with a frame. I can't speak to how much protection it will offer.
I won't be keeping this guitar due to the inadequate finish application, and because I don't feel like spending another 60+€ for a proper setup. I would certainly recommend it in the 'all-solid wood guitar under 1000€ category.' I'll wait on the FS-5.

EDIT: 10/09/23. I decided to keep this guitar. The setup didn't cost me very much, and its tone and playability make up for any aesthetic shortcomings. I'd buy it again.