For guitar players seeking exceptional quality without breaking the bank, the Yamaha FS820 acoustic guitar stands out as a remarkable instrument. While Yamaha offers a range of excellent acoustic guitars under the $1000 mark, including the FS800, FS830, and FS850, the FS820, with a MAP price of around $399 CAD (significantly below $1000 USD), delivers a playing experience that rivals guitars in a much higher price range. This review will delve into why the FS820 is considered by many to be a top choice for beginners and intermediate players alike, offering incredible value and performance.
Yamaha FS820 Specifications: Key Features and Construction
Let’s explore the specifications of the Yamaha FS820 that contribute to its impressive sound and playability:
- Top Wood: Solid Spruce – The solid spruce top is a crucial feature, contributing significantly to the guitar’s resonance and projection. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops due to its stiffness and lightweight nature, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic tone.
- Back and Sides: Layered Mahogany – Mahogany back and sides provide a warm and balanced tonal character. While layered, the mahogany still contributes to a rich sound profile that complements the spruce top beautifully.
- Neck: Nato – The Nato neck offers stability and durability. Nato is a hardwood that is often used as a substitute for mahogany and provides a comfortable and familiar feel for players.
- Fingerboard: Rosewood or Walnut – Depending on the specific model, the FS820 comes with either a rosewood or walnut fingerboard. Rosewood is traditionally favored for its smooth feel and warm tonal properties, while walnut offers a similar playing experience with a slightly different aesthetic.
- Body Size: Concert (000) – Yamaha describes the body size as “small concert,” but it is closer to a 000 size. This body shape is known for its comfortable feel and balanced tone, making it suitable for various playing styles. Contrary to some beliefs, a well-designed 000 body can be as loud as a dreadnought, although it may have a slightly different bass response.
- Tuners: Smooth, Enclosed Tuners – The FS820 features smooth and reliable tuners that ensure stable tuning.
- Nut and Saddle: Urea – The nut and saddle are made from Urea, a synthetic material that is more durable and consistent than plastic, offering good sound transmission and reliability.
- Bracing: Updated Bracing System – Yamaha has incorporated an enhanced bracing system in this model, which contributes to a stronger voice and improved high and low-end frequencies, resulting in a more resonant and balanced sound.
- Strings: Yamaha FS50BT or D’Addario XT – The guitar comes factory-strung with either Yamaha’s own FS50BT strings or D’Addario XT acoustic strings, both of which are reputable brands and provide a good starting point for players.
First Impressions: Fit, Finish, and Initial Playability
The Yamaha FS820 makes a strong first impression right out of the box. The setup is generally good, and the guitar tunes up quickly and holds its tuning well. The fit and finish are surprisingly refined for a guitar in this price range. The gloss finish is well-applied and gives the guitar a visually appealing and premium look. While gloss finishes are sometimes debated in terms of tone, the quality finish on the FS820 enhances its overall value. The back of the neck has a satin feel, which is comfortable for playing, and can be further enhanced with guitar wax for an even smoother experience.
The fretwork is commendable, especially considering the guitar’s affordability. The bound fretboard shows no signs of fret sprout, a common issue in guitars at this price point. The factory action is acceptable, but it is always recommended to have a guitar shop check the neck relief and action to ensure optimal playability, especially before gifting the instrument.
One aspect to note is that, like many guitars in this range, the FS820 does not include a case or gig bag. Yamaha’s decision to omit a low-quality gig bag is understandable as it keeps the price down. Investing in a separate, अच्छी quality gig bag is highly recommended to protect the guitar during transport and storage. A good gig bag with neck support and adequate padding will provide significantly better protection and last for years.
Despite its smaller 000 body size, the FS820 projects a surprisingly loud and full voice. It is more than adequate for home practice, singer-songwriters, and even small coffee house performances. For larger venues, simple amplification with a microphone in front of the guitar and vocals will suffice.
Playability and Sound: A Delight for Players
The Yamaha FS820 truly shines in terms of playability. While the factory strings are likely 12-53 gauge, new players, or those with smaller hands, may find lighter gauge strings (10-47) more comfortable and easier to fret. Lighter strings will not negatively impact the tone significantly and can enhance the playing experience for many.
The neck profile is comfortable and allows for easy movement across the fretboard. Access to the upper frets is decent up to the 14th fret, typical for non-cutaway acoustic guitars. The guitar is well-balanced both when played on the lap and with a strap. While Yamaha does not include a front strap button, having a guitar shop install one on the underside of the neck heel is a worthwhile upgrade for added convenience and security.
The solid spruce top is key to the FS820’s tonal development over time. As the guitar is played, the solid top will vibrate more freely and the tone will mature and become even richer. The mahogany back and sides contribute to a balanced and warm tonal character, making it versatile for various musical genres. The guitar responds well to different playing styles, whether fingerpicking, flatpicking, or using fingerpicks. It delivers a pleasant tone and volume regardless of the playing technique.
Sound Quality and Versatility
The Yamaha FS820 offers a balanced and articulate sound. The mahogany and spruce combination provides a warm midrange, clear highs, and a respectable low-end response for its body size. It is not overly bass-heavy like some dreadnoughts, but it offers a balanced and pleasing tonal spectrum. This makes it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from folk and fingerstyle to strumming and light to medium picking.
While the original article mentions sound samples, in this text format, we cannot directly provide audio examples. However, descriptions in the original review and user feedback consistently praise the FS820’s sound quality as being exceptional for its price point. The guitar offers a clear and resonant tone that belies its affordable price tag.
Who Should Choose the Yamaha FS820 Acoustic Guitar?
The Yamaha FS820 is an ideal choice for a wide range of players:
- Beginner Guitarists: The comfortable 000 body size, easy playability, and excellent sound make it a fantastic instrument for beginners. It is forgiving to play and encourages practice, while also providing a quality tone that will inspire new players.
- Intermediate Players: Intermediate players seeking a reliable and great-sounding acoustic for practice, songwriting, or smaller performances will find the FS820 to be a valuable asset. Its balanced tone and comfortable playability make it a versatile tool for various musical endeavors.
- Players on a Budget: The FS820 excels in providing exceptional value. It offers features and sound quality that are often found in guitars at much higher price points, making it an unbeatable option for budget-conscious musicians.
- Smaller-framed Players: The 000 body size is particularly comfortable for players with smaller frames or those who prefer a smaller-bodied guitar. It is also suitable for younger players above the age of 10.
Conclusion: The Yamaha FS820 – A Top Recommendation
In conclusion, the Yamaha FS820 acoustic guitar is an outstanding instrument that delivers exceptional value, playability, and tone, especially for its price. It surpasses many acoustic guitars in higher price ranges and is highly recommended for beginners to intermediate players seeking a quality instrument without exceeding a budget. Its solid spruce top, comfortable 000 body, and balanced sound make it a versatile and rewarding guitar to own and play. If you are looking for a “yamaha acoustic guitar” that offers incredible bang for your buck, the FS820 should be at the top of your list.
