Yamaha FS800 Concert-Sized Acoustic Guitar Review
The Yamaha FS800 is a low-cost acoustic guitar ideal for small unplugged performances. In terms of build quality and performance, it misses some of the nuances seen in higher-end guitars. However, the $200 price range, however, delivers the most value for money.
After looking at its features, playability, and sound, we'll compare the Yamaha FS800 to two of its closest competitors, the FG800 and the Fender CC-60S.
Overview
The Yamaha FS800 is an excellent initial pick if you are just getting started in the beautiful world of acoustic guitars. The Yamaha FS800 is not just the most outstanding guitar under $200, but it also has fantastic sound.
A soft sand-burst finish perfectly complements the solid spruce top and rosewood bridge. The back's laminate inside is constructed of Nato, or Okoume, a tree.
Beginners will appreciate the navigational dots placed on the sides of the fingerboard.
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Features
The following are the Yamaha FS800's basic technical specifications:
Strings
String Type: Steel
Number of strings: 6
Strings: D'Addario, .012-.053
Body
Color: Natural
Finish: Gloss
Body Shape: Concert
Body Bracing: X-bracing
Binding: Cream
Back & Sides Wood: Nato/Okoume
Top Wood: Solid Spruce
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Neck
Neck Shape: Standard
Neck Wood: Nato
Fingerboard
Number of Frets: 20
Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
Nut/Saddle Material: Urea/Urea
Fingerboard Material: Walnut
Bridge Material: Walnut
Dimensions
Scale Length: 25″
Nut Width: 1.6875″
Radius: 15.75″
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Other
Tuning Machines: Chrome Die-cast
Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
How Does The FS800 Sound?
Expecting a 2,000-dollar sound quality from a $200 acoustic guitar is ludicrous. Nonetheless, the sound is rather lovely, thanks to Yamaha's improved internal bracing. When you bang on your Yamaha FS800, the scalloped X-bracing on the top naturally intensifies the loudness.
The robust spruce top increases the quality of the high and midrange tones substantially, while the sharp high-end works well with country and folk music.
Playability
The Yamaha FS800's narrow neck shape provides greater comfort for the player's hand, which is ideal for smaller-framed players.
The Nato wood neck and walnut fingerboard make the FS800 incredibly simple to play, while the Nato wood neck and walnut fingerboard boost its responsiveness.
Quality
The Yamaha FS800's construction is strong enough to resist improper storage or handling. Young fingerpickers who are still learning to care for their acoustic guitars should anticipate both.
Although the back is laminated, the solid spruce top and rosewood bridge give strength and style, and the nut is plastic rather than genuine bone.
The tuners are based on the late 1960s Grover Automatic design, but they are still a cheap knockoff of the superb original. You'll need a pick because the steel D'Addario strings aren't particularly forgiving to the fingertips.
Should You Buy Yamaha FS800?
The Yamaha FS series is noted for its excellent build quality and small size. It is designed for beginning and intermediate guitarists. Regardless of skill level, the well-balanced tones and superior materials used in their construction make every guitar in the series worthwhile. The Yamaha FS800 is an excellent example of the series.
Considering all of the benefits — the sturdy Sitka spruce top, the fantastic neck profile, and the incredible sound — the Yamaha FS800 is a terrific value. This instrument is so superb that it punches above its weight in terms of design, playability, and sound, and it can easily compete with more expensive acoustic guitars.
The Yamaha FS800 should be on your list of guitars to try if you're seeking an acoustic guitar for around $200. You will be startled.
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Alternatives
Yamaha FG800
The significant differences between the Yamaha FS800 and the Yamaha FG800 are below.
Size
FG and FS are "Folk Guitar" and "Folk Small," respectively. As a result, FG is somewhat larger than its sibling.
Design
Aside from size, the FS800 and FG800 vary in terms of design. The FS800 is designed in the Grand Concert style. It's more petite body makes it better suited to playing in concerts. FG 800, on the other hand, has a typical Dreadnought body, which is great for strumming.
Sound
The FG800 is a louder dreadnought acoustic guitar than the FS800, making it more appropriate for band performance. For concert solos, however, the FS800 is the superior option.
Fender CC-60S
Let's compare the Yamaha FS800 to the Fender CC-60S.
Price
Even though both the FS800 and the CC-60S are suitable for novices, the latter looks significantly more expensive, with retail pricing beginning at $220.
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Design
Fender's 'Easy-to-Play' form and rolled fingerboard edges are featured on the CC-60S. The "S" in the Yamaha model's name stands for "small," but it implies "solid" in this case, suggesting that this is a solid-top acoustic guitar.
The FS800 has a spruce top, whereas the CC-60S has a Sitka spruce or mahogany top. Fender's classic design, on the whole, appeals to us more.
Scale
The Yamaha FS800 has a conventional 25-inch scale; however, the Fender has a 25.3-inch scale.
Sound
The reality is that there isn't much published about the sound of the CC-60S. I think Fender's tone is sharper and clearer after listening to both guitars on YouTube. Both versions, however, lack bass punch.
FAQs
The answers to these questions below provide more insight into the design and performance of this dependable and cheap acoustic guitar.
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Is the Yamaha FS800 an excellent guitar?
Yes, it is an amazing starter acoustic guitar.
What is the Yamaha FS800's size?
The FS800 is a concert-style acoustic guitar. Because of its modest size, it is ideal for playing in tiny country clubs.
What Is The Difference Between A Dreadnought And A Concert Guitar?
Concert guitars are smaller and more sensitive, making them ideal for performing in front of an audience. On the other hand, Dreadnought guitars are more prominent, louder, and suitable for band use.
Is There A Truss Rod On The Yamaha FS800?
Yamaha's FS and FG models include a truss rod along the neck. A truss rod is a metal bar that regulates how far the hardwood neck bends under the stress of the strings.
Conclusion
The Yamaha FS800 is a solid and well-made acoustic guitar with sound quality that greatly outweighs its low price. The FS800 is a great first guitar since it is simple to play and responsive.
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