Yamaha Fs800 vs Fg800: Which Acoustic Guitar Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your first acoustic guitar can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know where to start? Today, we’re diving deep into a classic head-to-head matchup: the Yamaha FS800 versus the FG800. These popular models from Yamaha offer exceptional value, but which one is right for you?
Both the Yamaha FS800 and the FG800 are renowned for their quality and affordability. They both share similar features, but have key differences in body shape, which can significantly impact the sound and playability. This comparison will break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, understanding the nuances of these two guitars is crucial. We’ll explore their construction, sound characteristics, playability, and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the Yamaha FS800 vs FG800 and be well-equipped to choose the perfect acoustic guitar for your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | FS800 | FG800 |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Concert | Dreadnought |
| Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back/Side Wood | Nato | Nato |
| Bracing Pattern | Scalloped X-bracing | Scalloped X-bracing |
| Scale Length | 25.0″ | 25.6″ |
| Nut Width | 1.69″ | 1.69″ |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Bridge Material | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Tuners | Die-cast Chrome | Die-cast Chrome |
| Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
| Electronics | None | None |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Body Shape
- Yamaha Fs800: Features a Concert body shape, which is smaller and more comfortable for players of all sizes. This shape provides a balanced tone with good projection, making it suitable for fingerpicking and smaller hands.
- Fg800: Boasts a Dreadnought body shape, known for its larger size and powerful sound. This shape delivers a booming low-end and strong projection, ideal for strumming and playing with a band.
- Winner: FS800
Top Wood
- Yamaha Fs800: Constructed with a solid Sitka Spruce top. Solid tops generally improve with age, developing a richer tone over time. Spruce offers a bright and articulate sound.
- Fg800: Also features a solid Sitka Spruce top. This shared feature contributes to the similar tonal characteristics of both guitars, offering brightness and clarity.
- Winner: Tie
Back and Sides Wood
- Yamaha Fs800: Utilizes Nato wood for the back and sides. Nato offers a tone similar to mahogany, providing warmth and a balanced sound. It’s a cost-effective alternative.
- Fg800: Also uses Nato wood for the back and sides, contributing to its warm and balanced tonal profile. This material helps keep the price point affordable.
- Winner: Tie
Bracing Pattern
- Yamaha Fs800: Employs a scalloped bracing pattern, which contributes to its lighter build and enhances the guitar’s resonance. This results in greater responsiveness and projection.
- Fg800: Also features scalloped bracing, contributing to its overall responsiveness and projection. This design feature helps enhance the guitar’s tonal qualities.
- Winner: Tie
Scale Length
- Yamaha Fs800: Has a shorter scale length (25.0″) compared to the FG800. This makes the strings feel slacker, making it easier to fret chords and bend notes, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands.
- Fg800: Features a longer scale length (25.5″), which results in a slightly tighter feel and a bit more volume and projection. It can be beneficial for players who prefer a more robust playing experience.
- Winner: FS800
Playability
- Yamaha Fs800: Generally considered easier to play due to its smaller body and shorter scale length. This makes it a great choice for beginners and those seeking comfort.
- Fg800: Can be slightly more challenging to play for beginners due to its larger size and longer scale length. However, many players find the wider string spacing comfortable.
- Winner: FS800
Tone/Sound
- Yamaha Fs800: Delivers a balanced and articulate tone, well-suited for fingerpicking and lighter strumming. Its smaller body provides a focused sound that cuts through well.
- Fg800: Produces a louder and more powerful sound with a strong low-end, ideal for strumming and playing with a band. Offers a more robust and commanding sonic presence.
- Winner: FG800
Price
- Yamaha Fs800: Typically priced similarly to the FG800, both being incredibly affordable and offering exceptional value for the quality.
- Fg800: Usually priced around the same as the FS800, making both guitars accessible to a wide range of players.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Body Shape Preference | Tie (Depends on personal preference) |
| Overall Tone | Tie (Depends on personal preference) |
| Comfort/Portability | FS800 |
| Projection/Volume | FG800 |
| Fingerstyle | FS800 |
| Strumming | FG800 |
What They Have in Common:
- Solid Spruce Top: Both guitars feature a solid Sitka Spruce top, contributing to their resonant sound and tonal clarity, which improves with age.
- Nato Back and Sides: Both models share Nato for the back and sides, providing a balanced tone and contributing to the instrument’s overall durability.
- Scalloped X-Bracing: Yamaha’s scalloped X-bracing is present in both guitars, enhancing the projection and resonance of the sound.
- Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge: Both guitars use Rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge, which contributes to a warm and balanced tone.
- Die-Cast Tuners: Both guitars are equipped with die-cast chrome tuners, ensuring reliable tuning stability.
- Gloss Finish: Both guitars feature a gloss finish, protecting the wood and enhancing the visual appeal.
Yamaha FS800 vs FG800 Buying Guide
Understanding the Differences
The Yamaha FS800 and FG800 are both highly regarded acoustic guitars, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The primary difference lies in their body shapes. The FS800 features a concert body, also known as a folk or small-bodied guitar, which is smaller and more compact. This makes it easier to handle for players of smaller stature or those who prefer a more comfortable playing experience. Conversely, the FG800 boasts a dreadnought body, a larger and more traditional shape known for its powerful projection and rich, full sound. The choice depends entirely on your playing style and physical build. Consider what sound you prefer and how comfortable you are with the guitar’s size.
Sound and Tone Comparison
The FS800 and FG800, while both Yamaha guitars, produce distinct tonal qualities due to their different body shapes. The FS800’s concert body delivers a balanced and clear tone, with a focused midrange, making it ideal for fingerpicking and intricate playing styles. It provides a more intimate sound that is well-suited for recording or smaller venues. The FG800, on the other hand, excels in projection and volume, offering a booming bass response and a brighter overall sound. This makes it an excellent choice for strumming, playing in ensembles, and filling larger spaces. The FG800 is known for its powerful sound.
Playability and Comfort
Playability and comfort are crucial factors when choosing a guitar. The FS800, with its smaller concert body, often provides a more comfortable playing experience, especially for beginners or those with smaller hands. The narrower waist and shorter scale length can make it easier to reach chords and navigate the fretboard. The FG800, while offering a larger sound, may feel slightly bulkier, which might be a consideration for some players. However, its standard dreadnought shape is familiar to many guitarists. Try holding both guitars to see which feels more comfortable. Consider your physical build.
Ideal Player and Playing Style
The ideal player for each guitar varies. The FS800 is often preferred by fingerstyle guitarists, singer-songwriters, and players who value a balanced tone and comfortable feel. Its smaller size and focused sound make it ideal for practicing at home or playing in intimate settings. The FG800 is a great fit for strummers, flatpickers, and players who enjoy a loud, full sound. It is well-suited for genres like folk, country, and rock. If you primarily strum chords, the FG800 may be best. Consider your preferred genre.
Construction and Materials
Both the FS800 and FG800 share similar construction and materials, ensuring consistent quality and durability. They both feature a solid spruce top, which contributes to their excellent sound quality and resonance. The back and sides are made of nato, a tonewood that provides a balanced tone and good projection. Yamaha’s construction methods are known for their reliability. The FS800 and FG800 have rosewood fingerboards and bridges, enhancing their playability and aesthetic appeal. Both are constructed to last. Consider build quality.
Price and Value
Both the Yamaha FS800 and FG800 offer exceptional value for their price point. They are both affordable, making them excellent choices for beginners and intermediate players. The cost is generally similar. They offer a high-quality sound and construction that rivals guitars costing significantly more. Yamaha’s reputation for consistency and reliability adds to their value proposition. The FS800 and FG800 are both great investments. Consider your budget when selecting.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy FS800 If…
- You prefer a smaller body size for comfort and portability.
- You like a brighter, more focused sound.
- You are looking for a guitar more suitable for fingerstyle playing.
- You want a guitar that is slightly easier to handle for beginners.
Buy FG800 If…
- You prefer a classic dreadnought body shape and its powerful sound.
- You want a guitar with a fuller, richer tone with more bass response.
- You are looking for a guitar suited for strumming and playing with a band.
- You prefer a larger body for a more commanding presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the FS800 and FG800?
The main difference is the body shape. The FS800 has a concert body (smaller), and the FG800 has a dreadnought body (larger). This impacts the sound and comfort, with the FS800 offering a more balanced tone and the FG800 providing a louder, fuller sound. The choice depends on your playing style and preferences for comfort and sound projection.
Which guitar is better for fingerpicking?
The FS800 is generally better for fingerpicking. Its smaller body and focused sound make it easier to handle and produce a more balanced tone, which is ideal for intricate fingerstyle techniques. While the FG800 can be used for fingerpicking, its larger body and louder projection may not be as suitable for this style.
Which guitar is louder?
The FG800 is noticeably louder than the FS800. The dreadnought body shape of the FG800 provides greater volume and projection, making it a better choice for playing in ensembles or for those who prefer a louder sound. The FS800 is more suited for intimate settings.
Are these guitars suitable for beginners?
Yes, both the FS800 and FG800 are excellent choices for beginners. They are affordable, well-made, and offer great playability. The FS800 might be slightly easier for beginners with smaller hands due to its smaller body. However, both are easy to play.
What is the scale length of the FS800 and FG800?
Both the FS800 and FG800 have a scale length of approximately 25.5 inches (648 mm). This is a standard scale length for acoustic guitars, contributing to their familiar feel and playability. The scale length impacts the string tension and spacing between frets.
What kind of wood is used on the top of these guitars?
Both guitars feature a solid Sitka spruce top. Spruce is a popular choice for guitar tops due to its excellent tonal qualities, producing a clear and resonant sound. Solid spruce tops improve the sound of the guitar over time as the wood ages and opens up.
Where are these guitars manufactured?
Yamaha guitars, including the FS800 and FG800, are primarily manufactured in Yamaha’s factories in China and Indonesia. These factories adhere to strict quality control standards, ensuring consistent build quality and performance. Yamaha uses modern techniques.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha FS800 and FG800 are both outstanding acoustic guitars, each with unique strengths. The FS800 shines with its balanced tone and comfortable feel, making it ideal for fingerstyle and smaller venues. The FG800 delivers powerful projection and a full sound, perfect for strumming and larger settings. The best choice depends on your playing style and preference.
Winner: FG800