Yamaha FG800
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- We are an independent review website and do not sell products. Purchases are made with the retailer you choose.
The FG800 is the successor to Yamaha's long-running FG700S and one of the best-value acoustic guitars available. Its headline feature is a solid spruce top — something rarely found at this price — combined with Yamaha's scalloped bracing for a fuller, louder sound.
Specifications
| Body shape | Traditional Western (dreadnought) |
| Top | Solid spruce |
| Back and sides | Nato / okoume |
| Neck | Nato |
| Fingerboard and bridge | Walnut |
| Scale length | 634 mm (25") |
| Nut width | 43 mm |
| Bracing | Scalloped |
Why the solid top matters
A solid wood top vibrates more freely than laminate, giving more volume, sustain and a richer range of overtones. It also tends to "open up" with years of playing. Most guitars at this price use laminated tops, which are durable but sound flatter.
Sound and feel
The FG800 has a big, balanced dreadnought voice: solid low end for strumming, clear mids for vocals to sit on top of, and enough sparkle in the trebles for fingerpicking. The neck is comfortable for most hands. As with any budget acoustic, a set-up with lower action can make it much easier to play.
Things to know
- No pickup — choose the FGX800C if you need electronics for gigs.
- Dreadnoughts are large; smaller or younger players may prefer a concert or travel size like the Taylor GS Mini.
- A gig bag is usually not included.
Verdict
Probably the safest recommendation for a first steel-string acoustic. Compare it with the Fender CD-60S, its closest rival.
