The Yamaha FS800 is a well-known acoustic guitar that’s part of Yamaha’s popular 800 series, which is celebrated for offering great sound and build quality at an affordable price. Designed as a concert-sized guitar, the FS800 is a more compact sibling of the FG800. Despite its smaller size, the FS800 delivers impressive tone, playability, and durability, making it a strong contender for both beginners and more seasoned players.
In this detailed review, we’ll dive into the key aspects of the Yamaha FS800 and explore why it’s such a popular choice.
Key Features of the Yamaha FS800
- Body Shape: Concert-size (slightly smaller than a dreadnought)
- Top Wood: Solid spruce top
- Back and Sides: Nato/Okume
- Neck: Nato wood
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Bracing: Scalloped bracing
- Finish: Gloss
- Tone: Bright and balanced sound with rich projection
Build Quality
The Yamaha FS800 stands out for its excellent build quality, especially considering its affordable price range. The guitar features a solid spruce top, which significantly contributes to its dynamic and resonant sound. Spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitar tops due to its strength and responsiveness, providing a bright tone with clear articulation.
The back and sides are made from nato and okume, which are affordable tonewoods used by Yamaha in many of their budget-friendly models. While they don’t offer the same tonal complexity as higher-end woods like mahogany or rosewood, they still provide decent resonance and durability.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the FS800 is its scalloped bracing, which is a design feature typically found on more expensive guitars. This bracing helps the top resonate more freely, resulting in better projection and tone balance across the frequency range.
Sound Quality
Despite its smaller concert-size body, the Yamaha FS800 delivers a rich and balanced tone. The solid spruce top combined with the scalloped bracing allows the guitar to produce a clear and articulate sound with good projection. The mid-range and treble are particularly strong, making the FS800 a great choice for fingerstyle players and those who prefer a brighter tone.
While the smaller body does mean the bass isn’t as pronounced as on larger dreadnoughts, the FS800 still holds its own in terms of volume and depth. It’s perfect for smaller settings or intimate performances where a big, boomy sound isn’t necessary.
Ideal Sound Profile:
- Great for fingerstyle and folk music
- Balanced tone across all frequencies
- Bright and articulate with a clear mid-range
Playability and Comfort
One of the standout features of the FS800 is its playability. The concert body shape is more compact than a full-sized dreadnought, making it comfortable to hold and play, especially for those with smaller hands or beginners who may find larger guitars cumbersome. The neck profile is slim, and the action (string height) is usually well set up out of the box, making it easier for players to press down on the strings.
The FS800’s smaller size also makes it a great option for players who frequently travel with their instrument or for younger musicians who need a more manageable guitar. Despite the smaller body, it still produces enough sound for practice, small gigs, or jam sessions.
Durability and Finish
The Yamaha FS800 is built to last, with its durable nato/okume back and sides and the solid spruce top protected by a glossy finish. This finish not only enhances the guitar’s appearance but also adds a layer of protection against wear and tear.
Yamaha guitars are known for their reliability, and the FS800 is no exception. Whether you’re a beginner who’s still learning how to take care of a guitar or an experienced player who plans to take the FS800 on the road, this guitar will stand up to regular use.
Who is the FS800 Best Suited For?
The Yamaha FS800 is a versatile guitar that caters to a variety of players, from beginners to more experienced musicians. Its affordable price makes it a great option for those just starting, while its solid construction and high-quality sound will appeal to more advanced players looking for a reliable, travel-friendly instrument.
Here’s who might benefit the most from the FS800:
- Beginners: The FS800’s manageable size, easy playability, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for those just starting out.
- Fingerstyle Players: Its bright, clear tone and balanced mid-range make it ideal for fingerpicking.
- Travelers or Smaller Musicians: The compact size is perfect for those who need a portable guitar or find dreadnoughts too bulky.
Pros and Cons of the Yamaha FS800
Pros:
- Affordable price for a guitar with a solid top
- Excellent build quality with scalloped bracing for better sound projection
- Bright, clear tone that works well for fingerstyle and strumming
- Comfortable and compact size for easier playability
- Durable construction with a sleek, glossy finish
Cons:
- Less bass response compared to larger dreadnought guitars
- Nato/okume back and sides don’t offer the richness of higher-end tonewoods like mahogany
Conclusion
The Yamaha FS800 is an outstanding guitar for those seeking quality sound and playability at an affordable price. Its solid spruce top, scalloped bracing, and balanced tone make it a versatile instrument that works well for a wide range of music styles, particularly for fingerstyle players and beginners. While it may not have the booming bass of larger dreadnoughts, it more than makes up for it with its clarity, projection, and ease of play.
For those looking for a reliable, well-built acoustic guitar that won’t break the bank, the Yamaha FS800 is a fantastic choice.