Yamaha FG800 Review [Solid Top Acoustic]

In this Yamaha FG800 review, we find out if it really is one of the best values on the acoustic guitar market.

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

The Yamaha FG830 Folk Guitar at a glance:

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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