Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha Fg800
Strumtrove Review
The Yamaha FG800 is a fantastic value acoustic guitar that delivers professional-level tone and playability at a beginner-friendly price, making it one of the best choices for new players and budget-conscious musicians alike.
Yamaha Fg800
- Reviewed against 53 other instruments & gear
- Site average rating: 4.5/5
- Price & availability confirmed at retailer
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- Solid Sitka spruce top for rich, resonant tone
- Nato/okume back and sides for durability and warmth
- Scalloped bracing for improved top vibration and volume
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability
- Die-cast chrome tuners for stable tuning
- Dreadnought body shape for balanced, powerful sound
- Natural gloss finish highlighting the wood grain
Yamaha Fg800 Specifications
Pros
- ✓ Excellent tone for the price, thanks to solid spruce top
- ✓ Comfortable neck profile suitable for beginners and experienced players
- ✓ Reliable tuning stability with quality die-cast tuners
- ✓ Great projection and volume for a dreadnought guitar
- ✓ Durable construction that withstands regular practice and gigging
- ✓ Wide tonal versatility across musical genres
Cons
- ✕ No electronics included, requires external pickup for amplification
- ✕ Stock strings are average quality and often need replacing
- ✕ Nato back and sides lack the resonance of all-solid-wood guitars
- ✕ Gloss finish shows fingerprints and smudges easily
The Yamaha FG800 is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar that has become a benchmark for quality entry-level instruments since its introduction as part of Yamaha's redesigned FG series. Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top paired with nato/okume back and sides, the FG800 delivers a surprisingly rich, resonant tone that punches well above its price point. Yamaha's scalloped bracing pattern, inherited from their more expensive models, allows the top to vibrate more freely, producing enhanced projection and a fuller low-end response than typical budget guitars. Built with beginner and intermediate players in mind, the FG800 doesn't sacrifice playability for affordability. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge offer smooth action and durability, while the nato neck provides a comfortable, medium C-shaped profile that suits a wide range of hand sizes. Die-cast chrome tuners keep the guitar in tune reliably, an essential feature for players still developing their ear and technique. The satin finish on the neck reduces friction, making chord transitions and fretwork feel natural even during long practice sessions. Whether used for strumming campfire songs, fingerstyle folk, or as a reliable backup instrument for gigging musicians, the FG800 has earned a loyal following among guitar teachers, students, and hobbyists alike. Its balanced tonal character makes it versatile across genres including folk, pop, country, and singer-songwriter styles. For players seeking their first serious acoustic guitar—or an affordable solid-top instrument to complement a collection—the FG800 remains one of the most trusted names in its category.
Customer reviews
I upgraded from a cheap starter pack guitar and the difference is night and day. The solid top really makes the sound richer and louder than I expected.
My guitar teacher recommended the FG800 and I'm so glad I listened. It's easy to play, stays in tune, and sounds great even when I'm still learning chords.
Solid build and nice tone out of the box, but I swapped the stock strings for a better set and it sounds even better now. Highly recommend for beginners.
Love the sound and feel of this guitar, but wish it came with electronics for small gigs. Still, for practicing and casual playing it's fantastic.
