ReviewFinder Acoustic Guitars

Yamaha FG800

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Features
Sound quality
Durability
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15 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [15]

86
Total expert reviews: 15
  • with a score: 7
  • without a score: 8
Highest score by strumavenue.com
90
Average score based on 15 reviews
86
Lowest score by Guitar Chalk
81

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
The Yamaha FG800 is an excellent entry-level acoustic guitar that offers a solid wood top, providing a warm and full sound that is typically found in higher-priced guitars. It is beginner-friendly, affordable, and built to last, making it a great choice for those starting their guitar journey.
+ pros
  • Hard-to-beat value: The Yamaha FG800 offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid-top tone and beginner-friendly features.
  • Warm solid-top tone: The solid Sitka spruce top produces a warm and full sound, surpassing the quality of most budget guitars.
  • Beginner-friendly: The Yamaha FG800 is easy to play, with a fast neck and a nut width that reduces the need for stretching.
  • So affordable: The price of the Yamaha FG800 is impressively low for a solid-top acoustic guitar.
- cons
  • Some find the action too high: The string action on the Yamaha FG800 may be too high for some beginners, requiring adjustment by a professional for optimal playability.
  • Cheap materials: While the guitar has impressive specs for its price range, it still utilizes plastic details and laminated wood, which may not resonate as well as higher-quality materials.
86
The Yamaha FG800 is an exceptional entry-level acoustic guitar that offers both an awesome sound and a good price. With its solid Sitka spruce top and innovative scalloped bracing, it produces a warm, full, and rich tone that is rare for a guitar in this price range.
+ pros
  • The scalloped bracing improves sound projection and bass frequencies.
  • The solid Sitka spruce top board produces a warmer, fuller, and richer sound.
  • The slick rosewood fingerboard and narrow nut make it easy to play and execute complicated chords.
  • The sound quality of the FG800 is impressive, with a well-rounded and warm tone that is perfect for strumming or fingerpicking.
  • The FG800 offers unbeatable value for its price, with excellent performance that is rare in an entry-level acoustic guitar.
- cons
  • The high action of the FG800 may be challenging for beginner guitarists and can cause fatigue and problems with intonation.
  • The use of inexpensive materials, such as a plastic nut and saddle and a laminated body, may be a drawback for some players.
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Expert consensus

The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction.

The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar that offers a traditional western body shape. It is praised for its powerful and balanced sound projection, delivering a rich and full tone. The guitar is comfortable to play, with a smooth neck made of nato wood and a rosewood fingerboard.

The narrow neck profile with a 43mm nut width makes it easier for beginners or those with smaller hands to play chords and notes. The FG800 is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, with a well-rounded, warm tone that lends itself well to both rough strumming and precision fingerpicking.

Its clarity, punch, and ability to blend well with vocals make it suitable for a variety of musical genres and styles. The solid spruce top and scalloped bracing contribute to its exceptional sound characteristics. The FG800 is also highly regarded for its durability and solid construction, with high-quality materials and attention to detail.

It is suitable for various use cases, including regular practice, live performances, and recording sessions. Overall, the Yamaha FG800 is a reliable and long-lasting option for players of all levels.

Features

The Yamaha FG800 is a full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar praised for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playing experience, and rich tone.

Based on expert reviews, the Yamaha FG800 is a full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar that offers a traditional western body shape. It is praised for its powerful and balanced sound projection, delivering a rich and full tone. The guitar is comfortable to play, with a smooth neck made of nato wood and a rosewood fingerboard.

The narrow neck profile with a 43mm nut width makes it easier for beginners or those with smaller hands to play chords and notes. However, due to its size, the FG800 is not the most portable option and is more suitable for playing at home, in studios, or on stage. For those looking for a more travel-friendly option, Yamaha's FS800 model is recommended.

Overall, the Yamaha FG800 is highly regarded for its features, sound quality, and comfortable playing experience.

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Sound quality

The Yamaha FG800 is praised for its exceptional sound quality, with a thick, loud, and consistent tone that is well-rounded and balanced, making it suitable for players of all levels and a variety of musical genres.

The Yamaha FG800 is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality by both expert reviewers and customers worldwide. Its tone is described as thick, loud, and consistent, striking a balance between strength and focus. The guitar has a well-rounded, warm tone that lends itself well to both rough strumming and precision fingerpicking.

It is neither too bright nor too booming, offering a rich and balanced sound. The FG800's sound has been compared to guitars that are far more expensive, making it a great choice for players of all levels. Its clarity, punch, and ability to blend well with vocals make it suitable for a variety of musical genres and styles.

The solid spruce top and scalloped bracing contribute to its exceptional sound characteristics. Overall, the Yamaha FG800 is highly regarded for its sound quality and is recommended for both beginners and experienced players.

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Durability

The Yamaha FG800 is a highly durable and well-constructed guitar that is suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

The Yamaha FG800 is highly praised for its durability and solid construction. It is built with high-quality materials, including a solid spruce top, nato wood neck, and urea saddle. The guitar is designed to withstand regular use and has been reported to last for several years without any issues.

Its attention to detail, such as scalloped bracing and hand-sprayed finishes, contribute to its exceptional build quality. The FG800 is suitable for various use cases, including regular practice, live performances, and recording sessions. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the Yamaha FG800 is a reliable and long-lasting option.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all acoustic guitars.

Rank Change Price Acoustic Guitar
American Songwriter
reviewed.usatoday.com
Music Critic
Guitar Chalk
Guitar World
Six String Acoustic
GuitarPlayer
Music Radar
The Strategist
10stunninghomes.com
1
+1 $599
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels.
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5
2
6
1
3
5
-
-
2
-1 $210
Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction.
-
-
6
3
3
6
2
6
-
-
3
+1 Check price
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500
The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels.
-
-
2
-
2
-
-
2
2
15
4
-1 $200
Fender CD 60S
The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
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-
-
-
1
-
-
1
-
4
Show all rows
Best Value For Beginners
16 Feb 2024 (9 months ago)
Read article
A reliable best-seller that’s ideal for adults
11 Oct 2024 (1 month ago)
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Best Acoustic Guitar
7 Feb 2023 (1 year ago)
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Yamaha’s budget acoustic delivers tone beyond its call of duty
10 Jul 2024 (4 months ago)
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A brilliant acoustic guitar with a solid top for a bargain price
16 May 2024 (6 months ago)
Read article

Highest recommended acoustic guitars this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. acoustic guitars below are at the top of our ranking this November.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the acoustic guitar for more details.
Taylor GS Mini Yamaha FG800 (this item) Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 Fender CD 60S
Reviews
In comparison:
Taylor GS Mini rank #1 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Yamaha FG800 rank #2 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 rank #3 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.6
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Fender CD 60S rank #4 out of 141. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.4
Great
Price
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels. The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction. The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels. The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
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