Yamaha FG800 Review – A Solid Performer for the Price

There are more budget guitars than high-end, $1,000+ guitars on the market.

The majority of the less-expensive guitars, however, are rarely worth a mention. Only a handful of inexpensive guitars excel or even make the cut.

The Yamaha FG800 is one of the excellent performers. The FG800 is part of Yamaha’s FG series of acoustic guitars, which represent no-nonsense guitars that are performance-focused.

In fact, I think it is one of the 3 best beginner acoustic guitars you can buy in 2024.

Build quality of the Yamaha FG800

Unlike the FG830, which is the more expensive variant, the FG800 isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing model. However, it still manages to look solid.

The guitar has an uncluttered, classic non-cutaway 25″ scale length dreadnought body. It is quite large, so if you prefer something a little smaller, have a look at the Yamaha FS800, which has a concert body.

The top is scalloped-braced solid Sitka spruce. The sides and back are laminated nato wood.

The FG800 feels well made – particularly for the price. The finish is sleek and glossy; the multi-ply binding is black and white, and the faux tortoiseshell pickguard gives the guitar some much-needed character.

The older models could be found in different finishes, such as the sunburst color.

The neck has its joining in the 14^th fret. Complementing the sides and rear, the guitar’s neck is made of nato wood too, with a smooth-to-the-touch satin finish, 20 frets, and a rosewood fretboard.

Compared to most dreadnoughts, the neck is slightly on the slimmer side, which makes playing it easier.

The build and design are, no doubt, on point for the most part.

The only areas where the guitar gives away its inexpensive price tag are the laminated body, and plastic nut and saddle.

Having said that, the guitar would last you more than a few years if you take decent care of it. You can also upgrade the FG800 and swap the plastic nut and saddle with bone.

Sound and tone of the Yamaha FG800

The FG800’s sound performance is one of the best among budget acoustic guitars. It has resonance and is loud, thanks to the scalloped bracing and dreadnought shaped body.

The scalloping bracing pattern lends strength to the top and enhances sound projection and bass frequencies.

Typical of budget-friendly acoustic guitars, the string action on the FG800 is pretty high. This would make it a bit difficult for new guitarists to play the guitar initially, but this can be corrected. Get the guitar set up by a pro guitar tech, and its playability will be increased 10 fold.

The setup will also get you new strings, which further enhance the sound of the guitar.

Once the setup is complete, you should not have any trouble extracting the best sounds and tones from the guitar.

Compared to the FG830, the FG800 is quite warm and sweet. When you hear the guitar for the first time, you would be shockingly surprised to learn its price.

Video review of the Yamaha FG800

Yamaha FG800 + Axepack Guitar Package

You can get the FG800 with the Yamaha Axepack. The Axepack is a separate item, so if you can’t find the guitar bundled with it, you can buy the guitar and the Axepack separately.

The guitar package contains several things a beginner will need:

• GCT-1 clip-on tuner that works well
• Plain black guitar strap
• A-frame guitar stand
• Guitar picks
• String winder for changing strings
• Polish clots

The pack does not contain a gig pack, so you might want to get one if you plan on taking the guitar out of the house. Here are some quality gig bags and hard cases for acoustic guitars.

About Yamaha Guitars

Most people don’t know it, but Yamaha has been making instruments for a very long time. Yamaha was established back in 1887, making organs and pianos. They applied for the famous tuning for logo trademark in 1916, over 100 years ago.

Yamaha is actually a big name in the music industry, though not a high-end name like Martin or Taylor. They build quality instruments at an affordable price point.

Opinion of the Yamaha FG800 acoustic

The FG800 makes you fall in love with its build and sound within a few minutes of playing it.

The finish and fit are certainly not the best, but that’s to be expected of a guitar that’s mass-produced and selling for less than $200. Overall, you would come out impressed by the Yamaha FG800. In fact, it’s a beginner guitar that even experienced guitarists would not shun outright.

I can recommend the FG800 to beginners who are looking for a quality instrument without having to pay much. In fact, after you get the setup and perhaps change the plastic bits to bone, the FG800 will sound like much more expensive guitar.