Yamaha, a leading manufacturer of guitars, has, over the years, continually and consistently produced beautifully crafted and excellent guitars.
Yamaha has a wide range of acoustic guitars with varying degrees of characteristics and features.
The company sought to establish that one does not have to pay an arm and a leg to own an acoustic guitar by introducing FG series in 1966.
The company has consistently maintained a unique balance in design characteristics and sound quality of acoustic guitars, at affordable prices, across the FG series (dreadnought) as well as its FS-series (concert size) counterpart.
Whether you play guitar as a hobby, or you are a new beginner learning to play, or an amateur or a professional performing artist, there is more than one Yamaha acoustic guitar that will capture your attention and your needs and requirements.
In this article, we shall be comparing and contrasting four of such acoustic guitars, namely the FS800 vs FG800 vs FG820 vs FG830.
Related Posts:
Comparison Table: Yamaha FS800 vs FG800 vs FG820 vs FG830
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:00 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Similarities Of Guitars
There are a lot of similarities between these four models of Yamaha’s acoustic guitars.
Some similarities cut across all the models while some cuts across a couple of models.
These are the characteristics and features they are common to all the models:
- None of the guitars come with a carrying case
- There are no connections, controls or electronics with these guitars
- The bridge and fingerboard are made from Rosewood material on all models
- They all have a gloss satin body finish
- The neck is made from Nato and has a matt finish
- The nut is made from urea across and measures 1-11/16 inches
- The saddle material is made from urea
- All models have a Sitka Spruce top
- All have Die-cast Chrome tuners
- Bridge pins are black ABS with white dot
- Fingerboard radius is the same 15 ¾ inches across all models
- Guitar strings are made from Yamaha FS50BT or D’Addario EXP11
- All models have one-year labor and parts warranty and a limited lifetime warranty
The Differences
In comparing their differences, in most cases, features or specifications are the same for the FG models, i.e. FG800, FG820 and FG830 models.
Only the FS800 differ in characteristics from these three models.
Available Colors
The FG800 and FS800 are available in Natural and Ruby Red colors.
The FG820 is available in Natural Autumn Burst, Black, Brown Sunburst, Sunset Blue, Turquoise, and Ruby Red.
You can obtain the FG830 in Autumn Burst, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, and Dusk Sun Red.
Back Material
The back on the FG800 and FS800 is made from Nato and Okume.
The back on the FG8320 is made from Mahogany and that of the FG830 from Rosewood.
Body Binding
On the FG800 and FS800 models, the body binding is in black but cream on the FG820 and FG830 models.
Body Depth
The body depth is the same, 3-15/16 to 4-5/8 inches, on the FG models.
The body depth on the FS800 is 3-9/16 to 4-5/16 inches.
Body Length
In the same token, the body length on the FG models is 19-7/8 inches. It is 19-9/16 inches on the FS800 model.
Body Shape
The FG models all have traditional western (dreadnought) body shape, but the FS800 has a concert (small) body.
Body Width
Our three FG models have a body width of 16-1/4 inches. The FS800 has a body width of 14-15/16 inches.
Pickguard
All the models have a tortoise pattern pickguard but, on the FG800 and FG830 models, the pickguard is black for the Black and Sunburst colors.
Product Dimensions
The FG models have the same dimensions, 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches, but the FS800 model measures 41.6 x 19.1 x 6 inches.
Scale length
The FG models measure 25-9/16 inches in scale length. The FS800 measures 25 inches.
Side Material
The FG800 and FS800 side is made from Nato and Okume. The FG820 has a Mahogany side, and the FG830 is made from Rosewood.
Soundhole inlay
The soundhole on all the four models is laid with black and white, but on the FG830 model, the soundhole is laid with Abalone in addition to the black and white.
String Spacing
All the FG models under our consideration have an 11mm string spacing. The string spacing on the FS800 is 10 mm.
Total Length
The total length of the FG models is 40-7/8 inches while the FS800 has an overall length of 40-3/16 inches.
Weight
The FG800 weights 6.48 pounds; the FS800, 5.9 pounds; the FG820, 6.55 pounds, and the FG830, 6.7 pounds.
Yamaha FG800 vs FS800
Yamaha FS800 Overview - Small Guitar
FS800 is built with superior materials and constructed to last you for many years.
This guitar is small in size and thinner than most guitars, and this makes it an ideal choice for women and young children.
Also, new and aspiring guitarists, as well as experienced guitarists, will appreciate the unique features of this guitar despite it being on the lower end of guitar models.
The FS800 has a warmer but lighter sound. The guitar’s small and thin body ensures that the sound is real, well-projected, and well-balanced. Its sweet tones make it ideal for recording and fingerpicking.
It has a Sitka Spruce top, rosewood sides and Nato neck, back, and side – all of which contributes to its ruggedness and vibrant sound.
It measures 41.6 x 19.1 x 6 inches, weighs 5.9 pounds, and is available in Natural and Ruby Red.
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Nato back & sides
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:00 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Yamaha FS800?
If you would like a guitar to carry around, one that can withstand the rigors of traveling, you should consider the FS800. Young children and women seeking a light and comfortable guitar would also find this guitar appealing. It is suited to new guitarists or intermediate players.
Yamaha FG800 Overview - Good Sound Guitar
The Yamaha FG800 guitar is designed basically as a barebones package for the guitar beginner. It has a 25-inch long body, covered with Sitka Spruce on the top and laminated Nato wood on the sides and back.
The body has a glossy finish with black and white bindings and a tortoiseshell pickguard to add variety to its design.
The neck has a satin finish, while the fretboard is made of Rosewood and has 20 frets. At the bottom of the fretboard, you have the urea saddle, urea nut, and a standard Rosewood bridge.
The guitar is very comfortable to hold and feels well-built – a combination which is rare among guitars in its category. The Die-cast chrome tuners keep this guitar in tune.
The secret to the FG800’s loud and resonant sound is its scalloped bracing and dreadnought shaped body.
In general, you may detect some flaws in its finish, and it is prone to wear and tear. It measures 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches, weighs 6.48 pounds, is available in Natural and Ruby Red.
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Nato back & sides
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 16:01 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Yamaha FG800?
If you are new to playing guitar, or you need a 2nd guitar for rough practice, then the Yamaha FG800 might be a good choice for you. It is easy to make and delivers excellent sound.
Yamaha FG820 Overview - Warm Sound
The Yamaha FG820 Acoustic Guitar has some design characteristics that give this model some very desirable features.
Also built with a traditional western body, it has a solid Sitka Spruce top which contributes to its crispness and proper sound articulation. The Mahogany sides and back add depth and resonance to its output.
These two combinations, the Spruce top, and the Mahogany back and sides, gives the FG820 its warm, rich and robust sound.
Also built with a traditional western body, it has a solid Sitka Spruce top which contributes to its crispness and proper sound articulation. The Mahogany sides and back add depth and resonance to its output.
These two combinations, the Spruce top, and the Mahogany back and sides, gives the FG820 its warm, rich and robust sound. The neck of the guitar is made with Mahogany and has a Matt finish.
This prevents smudges when holding and playing the guitar as you slide your hands up and down the neck.
Add to these, its Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, die-cast tuners, and urea nut and saddle and you have a guitar, not only unique in its design and build, but more importantly in its sound and quality.
There are no connections, controls or electronics in the FG820.
It measures 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches, weighs 6.55 pounds, and is available in a variety of colors: Natural, Autumn Burst, Black, Brown Sunburst, Sunset Blue, Turquoise, and Ruby Red.
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back & Sides
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 21:41 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Yamaha FG820?
If rich, quality, strong sound matters to you, if you need a guitar that projects sound loud and clear, the FG820 should interest you. Beginners, regular performing artists, and even professionals will enjoy the unique qualities of the Yamaha FG820.
Yamaha FG830 Overview - The Best?
If you have read this far, maybe you are wondering about yamaha FG830 vs FG800, right?
As with other guitars in the FG series, the FG830 is built with some unique features and characteristics.
Its dreadnought design has a total length of 25-9/16 inches. The top is covered with Sitka Spruce top, in a gloss finish, which adds to its durability.
Its backs and sides, fingerboard, and bridge material are made from Rosewood. The scalloped bracing increases the durability of the guitar and gives it a loud sound projection.
The guitar is also notable for its loud and robust low-end tones. It has a tapered neck made from Nato finished with smooth satin to facilitate fast playing.
The fret edges are rounded to make the FS830 comfortable and easier to play. The saddle and nut are made from Urea with the latter measuring 1-11/16 inches.
It has a tortoise pattern for the pickup guard and the sound hole has an abalone inlay with black and white.
The Die-cast chrome tuners allow for proper tuning, though, once tuned, the instrument might not need to be tuned again.
It measures 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches, weighs 6.7 pounds, and is available in a variety of colors: Natural, Autumn Burst, Tobacco Sunburst, and Dusk Sun Red.
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Nato back & sides
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 11:00 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Yamaha FG830?
If you need a strong guitar to last, not only in build but also in sound, then you should consider the FG830. Beginner, intermediate and professional guitarists would appreciate the balanced and clean tone of the FG830. It is ideal for live performances, recordings, jamming, and even the new learner.
Conclusion
First, you can never go wrong with Yamaha products. The company is true to its reputation and the products profess what they claim.
Second, Yamaha designed its acoustic guitars with the sole intention of making quality acoustic guitars affordable.
Whichever model you choose would be a matter of personal taste and preferences. The guitars are durable and their sound quality improves with time as the wood dries and mature.
So, whether you are an outright beginner, an intermediate or professional player, feel free to choose any one of FG800, FS800, FG820 or FG830 that suits your needs and taste.
Futher Reading:
https://www.wikihow.com/Rapidly-Learn-to-Play-the-Acoustic-Guitar-Yourself
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-the-Acoustic-Guitar
https://www.uberchord.com/blog/10-tips-technique-how-to-play-the-guitar/
https://www.guitarworld.com/features/100-ways-to-be-a-better-guitar-player
https://www.fender.com/articles/play/5-beginner-tips-learning-play-guitar
Thank you for your thorough review. As a beginner guitar for a teenage boy, would you recommend the FG800 or FS800?
Thanks again!
Hi Adam, I will choose FG800 for beginners!