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Epiphone DR-100 Review – Dollar for Dollar, Is This The Best Acoustic Guitar For The Money?

The Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic at a glance:

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Overview

Given Gibson’s long history of quality acoustic guitars it should be no surprise that Epiphone has a quality budget option of their own.

Much like Yamaha and Fender’s offerings, the Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic is targeted at serving beginners and pros alike, especially electric guitar players who will love the DR-100’s neck.

Available in black, natural, or sunburst, it should be pretty easy for any player to enjoy the DR-100. The familiar dreadnought shape and Epiphone’s long track record of customer satisfaction make it a must try acoustic.

From a Storied Acoustic Maker Comes a Budget Friendly Option: The Epiphone DR-100

An Acoustic Meant for Players of All Levels

Much like Fender/Squier, Epiphone is the little brother of the guitar giants Gibson. Their lineage of high quality acoustic and electric guitars helped them craft the DR-100 to be incredibly player friendly.

The DR-100 features upgraded tone woods when compared to some similarly priced acoustics, but retains the slim, fast neck that makes it easy for beginners to play.

That same slim neck profile also makes the acoustic a great option for players who mainly play the electric guitar.

Who is the Epiphone DR-100 for?

The Epiphone DR-100 is certainly best suited for beginners, thanks to the affordable price tag and friendly features.

Despite having somewhat rough fret edges, the neck is fast, smooth, and slim making it easy on the hands of beginner guitarists.

Having a guitar that doesn’t discourage you from playing it can do wonders for students, making it an important part of the DR-100’s appeal.

For experienced players who just want an acoustic guitar to add to their arsenal, the DR-100 is an affordable options from a company they likely know and trust already.

What’s In the Box?

Unlike some of its competitors, the Epiphone DR-100 isn’t often sold as part of a value or beginner pack. You’re more likely to find the guitar available by itself, as they often don’t even come with a gig bag or case.

To some beginner’s this may limit the value of the DR-100, as others come with a bag, guitar strap, tuner, picks, and extra strings.

However, the DR-100 is still really affordable, well under $200, and is a quality product that won’t let you down. Plus you can tailor your accessories to suit your specific needs later.

If you’re strongly considering a DR-100, carefully consider how much budget room you will have left for the necessary accessories.

Read the Latest DR-100 Acoustic Reviews Here! >>

DR-100 Acoustic Features

Epiphone’s DR-100 is a very straightforward and simple acoustic guitar, which helps keep the price so low. The Select Spruce top is paired with a Mahogany body and neck, giving it a bass heavy, full bodied acoustic tone.

The slim taper neck features a Rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays, and the neck meets the body at the 15th fret. The Rosewood bridge is also carefully selected to help stand up the high tension points where the strings meet the pin holders.

Epiphone’s DR-100 features their well known sloped dove-wing headstock as well as die cast hardware, including chrome tuners.

The dreadnought shape gives the guitar a balanced acoustic tone, making it great for rock, folk, or country players alike. Beginner guitarists and songwriters will both be impressed by the volume of the guitar, making it easy to hear and play.

However, without many of the extras featured included in the competitors value packages, you may be left wanting for a capo or guitar strap.

Highlights

• Select Spruce top
• Reliable chrome tuners
• Rosewood bridge looks great against top
• Resonant, bass heavy tones
• Slim, fast neck

See it in Action

For a look at the DR-100 in action, check out this linked video demonstration! You’ll notice the full, warm tones of the Mahogany-made acoustic, as well as all the styles it can cover thanks to its versatile and fast neck taper.

Available Colors:

Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic...

Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic...

Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic...

Pros and Cons

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar Review

Waht are DR-100 Acoustic Customers Saying? >>

Other Affordable Acoustics to Try

There are plenty of sub-$200 acoustics on the market, some of which stack up just as good as the Epiphone DR-100.

Another top seller, the Squier SA-150 is considered to be a bit more resonant and lightweight thanks to the Basswood body. Plus you can get it as part of a nice beginner package, that will set you up with picks, a strap, tuner, and capo!

Yamaha’s FG800 is another high quality, sub-$200 guitar that many people would call the SA-150’s rival. The FG800 is a bit more of a bright sounding acoustic, that chimes and rings out.

The lighter Nato tone wood is what causes this, as opposed to the bass heavy Mahogany used in the Squier SA-150.

Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic...

YAMAHA FG800 Solid Top Acoustic...

Takamine GD20-NS Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar...

Overall though, it has many similarities including chrome die cast tuners, a laminated top wood, and can be bought as part of a value pack.

Willing to go a bit above $200? Takamine’s G Series GD20 Dreadnought is comparable in quality but for an extra hundred or so dollars.

With a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, the upgraded tone wood will provide a bit more volume and bass response from the G Series dreadnought.

The slim-satin finish on this guitar is a bit nicer than the gloss on the SA-150, making it feel and cost a bit more than the SA-150 Dreadnought.

Final Thoughts: Is the DR-100 Acoustic a Good Guitar for You?

It’s hard to go wrong the Epiphone DR-100 guitar, and it is one of their top selling acoustics for a reason.

Epiphone’s affordable take on the dreadnought body design is warm, loud, and comfortable to play. The longstanding legacy of Epiphone and Gibson acoustics also should give you plenty of confidence in the brand to meet your demands.

Some players may wish the acoustic had a bit more top end, but for under $200 it is still quite a bargain. It’s a versatile and fun guitar, simple as that!

While some of the fret ends can be a bit rough, I think any player who picks it up will feel right at home.

Check Today's Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Price! >>

The post Epiphone DR-100 Review [Acoustic Guitar by Gibson] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar Review: Is it the Best Affordable Acoustic on the Market?

The Yamaha FG830 Folk Guitar at a glance:

Click Here to Check Yamaha FG830 Availability! >>

The Yamaha FG800 Folk Guitar is one of the best values on the acoustic guitar market, for beginners and experienced players alike.

The guitar features laminated Nato wood on the back and sides, with a solid Sitka Spruce top and satin finish. The neck meets the body at the 14th fret on this 25” scale length dreadnought acoustic.

The comfy feel makes it ideal for singer-songwriters who are looking to string a few chords together or practice.

A New Edition to Yamaha’s FG Series

Yamaha’s FG800 is the newest entry into Yamaha’s Acoustic Guitar line, based on the classic FG series. This series has been a top seller and player favorite since its 1966 inception.

The FG800 is the most budget friendly of the new FG family, coming in just under $200. Laminated Nato wood makes up the back, sides, and neck with a solid Sitka Spruce top and Rosewood fretboard.

The guitar is a 25” scale length instrument with the same familiar V-shaped headstock that makes all Yamaha’s recognizable. Die-cast chrome tuners and a  urea nut and saddle round out the construction.

Who is the Yamaha FG800 for?

The FG800 is a versatile product in that it should serve beginners and guitar veterans equally well. The budget friendly price and comfortable feel certainly make it a great option for students.

Furthermore, the tuning stability is far superior to most other cheap acoustics. This guitar puts performance above all else, making it a great option for more experienced players too.

Especially, if you aren’t willing or able to shell out big money for a premium acoustic guitar. Overall, it’s a must try acoustic guitar model from any player from one of the most trusted and familiar brands on the market.

Opening the Box

You can purchase the FG800 in a variety of packages, including a value pack, accessory kit, or just as the individual guitar. If you purchase just the guitar, the only extra feature you’ll get is a hex wrench.

You can add a case, picks, tuner, or other sweet extras via the value packs. There is no assembly necessary with this guitar, and it should be ready to go with a quick tune-up straight out of the box.

For pickier players, you may want to get it setup to lower the action a bit. Otherwise beginner players may want to go stock up on picks, capos, and a strap to get the most out the FG800 Acoustic.

Read the Latest Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Guitar Reviews >>

FG800 Acoustic Guitar Highlights

• Solid Sitka Spruce top
• Reliable chrome tuners
• Rosewood bridge
• Resonant, bright sounds
• Classic V-shaped headstock
• Fast, Rosewood fretboard

See it in Action

There’s nothing too crazy here, the Yamaha FG800 should be ready to go out of the box, after tuning it up that is. Check out this helpful review and demo to see how great the FG800 can be for fingerstyle and solo playing!

Yamaha FG800 Folk Guitar Features

As we said before, there aren’t a lot of extra frills or features to prop up the cost of this quality acoustic guitar. The FG800 Folk Guitar features unbranded but reliable die-cast chrome tuners that hold tune great alongside a rosewood bridge and comfortable satin finish.

With no electronics or name brand parts, you end up with an ideal inexpensive acoustic guitar for at-home songwriters and students. More advanced acoustic players may feel limited by the dreadnought-shape, with access to the higher frets pretty difficult.

The Rosewood fretboard is fast and comfortable, making it a good option for players of all skill levels. Because the body meets the neck at the 14th fret, this guitar is definitely more suited for staying within one octave.

The solid Sitka Spruce top is supported by scalloped-bracing, giving it rock solid construction underneath the glossy finish and multi-ply binding.

The Nato wood sides and back sound great, but not quite as warm and loud as higher quality tonewoods like high pressure Mahogany.

You do get bright, very top heavy chime and the chords ring out at a still reasonable volume for jamming. Practicing along to songs, or song writing with a partner should come second nature on the FG800.

Pros and Cons

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar Review

What are Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Guitar Owners Saying? >>

Other Affordable Acoustics to Try

There are plenty of sub-$200 acoustics on the market, but not necessarily any as great as the FG800. Another top seller, the Epiphone DR-100 is not lauded for the same playability but is a bit cheaper at under $150.

Many of Epiphone’s more expensive options are superior guitars, but come at a steep cost. While the construction is pretty similar, Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, the build quality is often more spotty with some rough fretwork and less tuning stability.

Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, Dreadnought Acoustic...

Takamine GD20-NS Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar...

Fender’s FA-115 dreadnought is a bit more comparable in terms of quality and price. Retailing around $150, the FA-115 features a Nato set neck, a laminated Spruce top, and Agathis back and sides. Thanks to its light weight, this also is a similarly comfortable and balanced guitar.

Willing to go a bit above $200? Takamine’s G Series GD20 Dreadnought is comparable in quality but for an extra hundred or so dollars.

With a solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, the upgraded tone wood will provide a bit more volume and bass response from the G Series dreadnought. The slim-satin finish on this guitar is comparable to the FG800, making it feel and look familiar when comparing them side by side.

Final Thoughts: Is the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic a Good Fit for You?

Overall, the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar is one of the best budget acoustic guitars on the market. It has a ton of great features like the smooth Rosewood fretboard and quality tuning stability.

We think most players will be genuinely surprised by how great this guitar feels for the price. It’s an equally great option for beginners and experts alike, and the pros far outweigh the cons.

Once you get the FG800 set up properly it should be ready to go. Without a set up it is definitely best suited as a practice instrument as opposed to a stage instrument.

For $200, it’s hard to find any serious faults with the FG800. It’s absolutely worth checking out if you’re looking for an acoustic guitar. Get your hands on one today, you won’t be disappointed!

What Do Yamaha FG830 Guitar Owners Think? >>

The post Yamaha FG800 Review [Solid Top Acoustic] first appeared on GuitarNiche.