Yamaha FG800J Review: The First Acoustic to Beat
A Yamaha FG800J review covering the solid spruce top, nato and mahogany back and sides, why solid tops matter, and what a setup adds to a budget guitar.
A solid spruce top at two hundred and sixty dollars, which is the specification cheap guitars leave out.
The verdict: A solid spruce top on a two hundred and sixty dollar guitar is the reason the Yamaha FG line has been the default beginner acoustic for decades, because laminate tops do not open up and solid ones do. Buy it as a first acoustic for a teenager or adult. Skip it for a small child, where a 3/4 size guitar fits and a full dreadnought does not.
Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
~$260
A dreadnought acoustic guitar with a solid spruce top and nato and mahogany back and sides, giving a bright balanced tone with strong low end projection.
Check price on AmazonSpecifications
| Top | Solid spruce |
|---|---|
| Back and sides | Nato and mahogany |
| Body | Large dreadnought style |
| Tone | Bright and balanced with bold low end projection per Yamaha |
| Level | Beginner to intermediate |
Specifications above come from Yamaha's published specifications. Treat pricing as approximate, since Amazon pricing moves.
What it does well
- A solid top is the single specification that separates a guitar from a guitar shaped object at this price, and it is why the FG line has the reputation it does.
- Yamaha's quality control means the guitar you receive is very likely to be the guitar reviewed, which is not true of every budget brand.
- The full body projects properly, so a player is heard when singing along or playing with others.
- At two hundred and sixty dollars it leaves budget for a setup, a tuner, a stand and a few lessons, all of which matter more than a dearer guitar.
Where it falls short
- A full dreadnought is a large body. Smaller players and children find it uncomfortable to reach around, which is the main reason to consider a smaller guitar instead.
- Acoustic strings are heavier than electric strings, so beginner fingertips take longer to toughen and some players give up at that point.
- Factory setups vary and the action can be higher than ideal. A setup by a technician is the highest value thing you can do to a budget acoustic.
- Nato and mahogany back and sides are laminate rather than solid, which is normal at the price and does limit how the instrument develops.
What owners report
Published owner reports and teacher recommendations have named the Yamaha FG series as the default first acoustic for many years, and the reason given is consistency: they arrive playable and they sound good for the money. The solid top is repeatedly cited.
The recurring practical note is the setup, with several reports describing a noticeable improvement after a technician lowered the action. The second recurring theme is body size, with smaller players and children finding the dreadnought a stretch.
Who it suits
- Teenagers and adults starting acoustic guitar.
- Anyone who wants a solid top at the lowest sensible price.
- Players who want volume and low end for strumming and singing.
Who should skip it
- Young children, who need a 3/4 or 1/2 size guitar.
- Players with smaller frames who find a dreadnought awkward, where a small body guitar is more comfortable.
- Anyone who wants an electric sound, where a starter pack is the route.
Alternatives worth considering
Taylor Guitars GS Mini Sapele Acoustic Guitar
~$499
Two hundred and forty dollars more for a small bodied Taylor with a short scale that is easier to fret and far more comfortable for smaller players. Less volume and low end, and a guitar people tend to keep.
Check price on AmazonFender Squier Affinity Stratocaster HSS Pack with Frontman 15G amplifier
~$442
A hundred and eighty dollars more for a complete electric setup including the amplifier. Lighter strings are gentler on new fingers, and headphone practice is possible with the right amp.
Check price on AmazonKeep reading
- Yamaha FG800J vs Fender CD-60S
- Nylon vs steel strings
- Best beginner guitar
- Taylor GS Mini review
- Squier Affinity Strat pack review
- Best guitar tuners
This review draws on published specifications, manufacturer figures and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not tested this product ourselves, and we say so rather than implying otherwise. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a solid top matter?
A solid piece of wood vibrates as one and its tone opens up over years of playing; a laminate top is layers of thin wood bonded together and it does not. At two hundred and sixty dollars a solid top is unusual, and it is the main reason to choose this over a cheaper guitar.
Should a beginner get a setup?
Yes. A setup adjusts the neck relief, the string height and the intonation so that chords are physically easier to fret and the guitar plays in tune up the neck. High action is the most common reason beginners conclude they are not musical. It costs a fraction of the guitar.
Is a dreadnought too big for a child?
Usually. Children need a 3/4 or 1/2 size instrument with a shorter scale and a narrower neck, and handing a small child a full dreadnought teaches bad posture and discourages them. Our size chart by age and our 3/4 versus full size comparison cover the right choice.
FG800J or a Taylor GS Mini?
The Yamaha is a quarter of the price and a genuinely good guitar. The Taylor is more comfortable, better finished and much more likely to be kept for decades. For a first guitar where commitment is unknown, the Yamaha is the sensible bet.
What accessories do I need?
A clip on tuner, spare strings, picks, and a stand so the guitar is visible and reachable. A capo follows soon after. Our guitar tuner and capo guides cover sensible first choices, and our cost chart gives the realistic total.