Yamaha has been a trusted name in musical instruments for decades, and their acoustic guitars are often recommended for beginners and experienced players alike. Having previously owned Yamaha classical guitars and reviewed the Revstar Standard, I approached the FG800 acoustic guitar with a positive predisposition. However, my expectations were genuinely exceeded when I experienced the FG800J firsthand. Priced at an incredibly affordable $319.99 CAD (Manufacturer’s Advertised Price), this dreadnought-sized guitar delivers a rich, warm tone that defies its budget-friendly price tag. In fact, its sound quality impressed me so much that it rivaled guitars costing three times as much, including models like the Martin DX2. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the Yamaha FG800 such a standout instrument.
Yamaha FG800 Specifications: A Closer Look
The Yamaha Fg800 Acoustic Guitar is manufactured in China, a detail that often raises concerns about quality. However, many Chinese-made guitars, including the FG800, demonstrate excellent craftsmanship, especially considering their affordable price range. The FG800 features a solid Spruce top, which is crucial for resonant sound projection. Tapping the top reveals its sonorous nature, indicating good quality tonewood. The back and sides are constructed from a laminate of Mahogany and Nato. While some may initially view laminate as inferior to solid wood, it’s important to note that even high-end custom guitar builders utilize laminate for backs and sides. Laminate construction offers enhanced durability and stability, making the guitar less susceptible to temperature and humidity fluctuations. In this case, “Nato” wood, as Yamaha specifies, refers to Mora, a South American wood known for its resilience and hardness, similar to Nyatoh, another wood sometimes marketed as Nato. While Yamaha doesn’t explicitly state the neck wood, it’s likely also Mora, given its common usage and properties.
The fingerboard and bridge are made of Rosewood, a premium touch rarely found in guitars at this price point. Many guitars in significantly higher price brackets often use alternative materials like Richlite, which is essentially treated paper pulp, for fingerboards. The FG800 is equipped with sealed chrome tuners that operate smoothly and reliably. As expected at this price, the nut and saddle are likely made of plastic, a common material even on more expensive “brand name” guitars. A simple black binding neatly joins the sides to the top and back, complemented by a three-line purfling inside the top binding that harmonizes with the rosette inlay. A faux tortoiseshell pickguard completes the visual aesthetics.
Yamaha FG800 Construction Quality: Inside and Out
The Yamaha FG800’s external finish is undeniably well-executed. However, the true test of a guitar’s construction often lies in the unseen internal details. To assess this, an endoscope was used to inspect the inside of the FG800’s soundhole. The findings were impressive. Starting from the back and side joint, the kerfing is cleanly applied without any excess glue seepage, indicating careful assembly.
Moving to the bridge pin holes, even though brad point drill bits weren’t used, the holes are clean and free of splintering, which is notable given Spruce’s tendency to tear easily.
Finally, the carved braces, designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity, are cleanly cut and finished. The overall internal construction of the Yamaha FG800 surpasses expectations for a guitar in this price range and even exhibits a higher level of craftsmanship than some guitars from more expensive manufacturers.
Yamaha FG800: An Exceptional Value Proposition
The Yamaha FG800 acoustic guitar stands out as an exceptional instrument, particularly when considering its remarkably affordable price. It delivers a rich and warm dreadnought sound, boasts impressive construction quality both inside and out, and utilizes surprisingly high-quality materials for its price point, such as a solid Spruce top and Rosewood fingerboard. For players seeking an entry-level acoustic guitar that doesn’t compromise on sound or build quality, or for experienced guitarists looking for a reliable and great-sounding practice instrument without breaking the bank, the Yamaha FG800 is an outstanding choice. It truly redefines what’s possible in an affordable acoustic guitar.
