Yamaha FG800J NT Acoustic Dreadnought Guitar Review for Beginners

  • Bright and balanced tone, thanks to its solid spruce top, providing excellent sound projection and clarity.
  • Comfortable playability, featuring a slightly smaller dreadnought design, making it easier to handle for extended playing sessions.
  • Durable and well-constructed body, with high-quality materials like mahogany and rosewood for long-lasting reliability.
  • Versatile for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players, offering a professional sound at an affordable price.
  • Elegant natural finish, delivering a classic look that appeals to a wide range of musicians.
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Description

Yamaha FG800J NT Acoustic Guitar Review: My Honest Take

Music has always been a part of my life, but picking up the Yamaha FG800J NT Acoustic Guitar felt like reconnecting with an old friend. I’ve tried my fair share of guitars, but this one manages to stand out. Let me tell you why, though not without sharing a few quirks along the way.

Features That Shine

The solid spruce top is one of the first things that caught my attention. It delivers a balanced tone that’s as crisp as a fresh morning breeze, with a nice projection that fills the room. The mahogany and nato wood back and sides add a warm and earthy touch to the sound, making it perfect for strumming and fingerpicking alike. Whether you’re playing a bluesy riff or a gentle folk tune, the guitar responds beautifully.

One of the most notable features is the scalloped bracing design, which Yamaha has fine-tuned to perfection. This innovation enhances the guitar’s resonance without compromising its durability, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike. But wait, it gets better: the fixed bridge system ensures stability and keeps your tuning locked in place even during intense jam sessions.

My Experience

I’ve been using this guitar for a few months now, and it’s been a joy to play. My nephew, who’s just starting to learn his first chords, also gave it a try, and the comfortable dreadnought size made it easy for him to handle. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth under your fingers, and the phosphor bronze strings resonate beautifully. That said, I did swap out the factory strings for a set of Elixirs, which noticeably improved the tone and playability.

A Few Things to Consider

Now, no product is perfect, and the FG800J is no exception. The action was a bit high out of the box, which meant a trip to the local guitar shop for adjustments. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but if you’re new to guitars, you might not know how to fix this on your own.

Also, while the guitar excels in tone quality, it doesn’t come with any built-in electronics. For those planning to perform live or record directly, you’ll need to mic it up or invest in a pickup system.

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to similar guitars like the Fender CD-60 or the Epiphone DR-100, the FG800J emerges as a clear winner in terms of build quality and sound projection. The Fender might offer a slightly glossier finish, but it doesn’t match the Yamaha’s rich tone. The Epiphone, while more affordable, lacks the solid wood top, which makes a huge difference in tonal complexity.

Is It Worth the Investment?

While I can’t disclose the exact price (you know, fluctuating market and all), I can confidently say that the FG800J offers incredible value for money. With its durable construction, premium materials, and pleasing aesthetics, it’s a guitar that both beginners and intermediate players can grow with. If you’re looking for a reliable companion without breaking the bank, this one is worth every penny.

About the Design and Build

The natural finish is absolutely stunning, giving the guitar a timeless, classic look. At just 5.07 pounds, it’s lightweight yet solidly built. The dimensions (40.51 x 16.22 x 4.65 inches) make it a standard dreadnought size, ensuring it fits comfortably whether you’re sitting or standing. The craftsmanship is top-notch, with no rough edges or uneven surfaces, a testament to Yamaha’s attention to detail.

Pros

  • Excellent Sound Quality: The solid spruce top and scalloped bracing deliver a bright, balanced tone.
  • Durable Build: Mahogany and nato wood ensure longevity.
  • User-Friendly: Comfortable for beginners, yet versatile enough for experienced players.
  • Stable Tuning: Fixed bridge system keeps the strings in place.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Natural finish and classic design make it visually appealing.

Cons

  • High Action Out of the Box: May require professional adjustments.
  • No Electronics: Lacks built-in pickups, limiting its utility for live performances.
  • Factory Strings: Changing to higher-quality strings is highly recommended for better sound.
  • No Accessories Included: You’ll need to purchase a case, strap, and tuner separately.

What Comes with the Product

  • Yamaha FG800J NT Acoustic Guitar
  • Phosphor bronze strings (factory-installed)
  • Warranty card
  • Instruction manual

Warranty & Support Information

Yamaha provides a limited warranty for the FG800J NT, covering manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty doesn’t include wear and tear or damage caused by misuse. For support, Yamaha has an extensive customer service network, and you can reach out via their website or authorized dealers. Replacement parts and repairs are readily available, ensuring your guitar stays in top condition for years to come.

Additional information

Item Weight

5.07 pounds

Product Dimensions

40.51 x 16.22 x 4.65 inches

Item model number

FG800J NT

Date First Available

March 13, 2023

Back Material

Rosewood

Body Material

Mahogany

Color Name

Natural

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

String Material

Phosphor Bronze

Top Material

Spruce Wood

Neck Material Type

Nato Wood

Number of Strings

6

Guitar Bridge System

Fixed

Size

Dreadnought

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