Yamaha FG840 Acoustic Guitar Review – Detailed Insights and Feedback

Description

Yamaha FG840 Guitar Review: Worth the Hype or Just Another Acoustic?

As someone who’s been strumming guitars for years, I was curious to try the Yamaha FG840 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar. With its flamed maple back and sides and solid Sitka spruce top, this guitar had a lot of buzz online. Naturally, I had to put it to the test. Let me just say, it’s been an intriguing journey.

First Impressions: The Look That Turns Heads

The FG840 is a stunner. The flamed maple back and sides scream sophistication. It’s a guitar you’d proudly display in your living room, even if you never played it. The gloss finish adds an extra layer of elegance, making it look far more expensive than it is. You’ll notice a mother-of-pearl inlay around the soundhole, which is subtle yet classy—like the cherry on top of a fancy sundae.

When I first held it, it felt incredibly lightweight (just 6.69 lbs), but not flimsy. The dimensions (42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches) are just right for most players, whether you’re jamming on a couch or performing on stage.

Sound Quality: A Symphony in Your Hands

The sound? Oh, it’s transparent and bright, with a resonance that fills the room. The solid spruce top does wonders for clarity. Whether I was fingerpicking or strumming chords, every note was distinct. The bass is boomy yet balanced, while the highs are crisp. I even played it alongside a more expensive Martin, and honestly, the FG840 held its own remarkably well.

One thing to note: it shines in genres like folk, blues, and even soft rock. If you’re into heavy strumming or aggressive playing, you might find the feedback a tad overwhelming, but nothing that can’t be managed with some tweaks.

Design and Build Quality

Yamaha has clearly put thought into the FG840’s build quality. The nato neck is sturdy and smooth, allowing easy movement up and down the fretboard. The rosewood fretboard and bridge are not just beautiful but feel premium. The diecast tuners hold tuning exceptionally well, even after hours of playing.

That said, I did notice a small issue. A fellow guitarist once mentioned a tiny piece of wood floating inside the body—I laughed, thinking it was an isolated case. But guess what? Mine had the same! It’s minor and doesn’t affect playability, so I shrugged it off.

Features That Stand Out

This guitar is packed with features that elevate it:

• Adjustable truss rod: Perfect for customizing the action to your liking.
• Scalloped bracing: Enhances resonance and sustain.
• Fixed bridge system: Ensures stability during performances.

I did make one modification: I switched out the plastic saddle and nut for bone ones. This improved the tone and reduced buzzing on the higher strings. If you’re serious about sound, this upgrade is worth considering.

Comparing the FG840 to Competitors

I’ve tried other guitars in the same price range, like the Fender CD-60S and the Taylor Academy 10e. Here’s how the FG840 stacks up:

• Taylor Academy 10e: Better for fingerstyle, but it’s pricier and lacks the FG840’s rich bass.
• Fender CD-60S: Great for beginners, but its tone isn’t as balanced or dynamic as the FG840’s.

The FG840 excels in durability and aesthetics, making it a fantastic choice for players seeking a visually striking and long-lasting guitar.

Is It Worth the Money?

The FG840 delivers incredible value. While I can’t mention exact prices, it’s safe to say this guitar punches way above its weight class. Its sound quality, build, and visual appeal make it feel like a guitar that should cost twice as much. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this is an investment you won’t regret.

Pros

• Exceptional Sound Quality: The FG840 offers a bright, transparent tone with remarkable clarity. Its balanced bass and crisp highs make it versatile for various music genres.
• Premium Build and Durability: With its solid Sitka spruce top and flamed maple back, this guitar is built to last while looking stunning. Even after accidental bumps, there were no scratches or dents!
• Comfortable Playability: The nato neck and smooth finish make long practice sessions enjoyable. It’s especially great for players with larger fingers due to its accommodating string action.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The mother-of-pearl inlay and gloss finish make it a true showpiece, perfect for gigs or casual strumming.
• Value for Money: For its features and build quality, the FG840 is a steal compared to competitors.

Cons

• Floating Wood Issue: Some units, including mine, have a small piece of wood inside the body. While it doesn’t affect the sound, it’s a minor annoyance.
• Plastic Nut and Saddle: The stock components could cause buzzing over time. Replacing them with bone upgrades is recommended for optimal performance.
• Boomy Bass Feedback: The guitar’s natural bass tones can cause feedback issues when using electronics, so it’s not ideal for loud, amplified settings.
• No Gig Bag or Accessories: It doesn’t come with a case, which feels like a missed opportunity for a guitar of this quality.
• Action Adjustment Required: Some players might need to tweak the string action for personal comfort.

What Comes With the Product

• Guitar (FG840)

Warranty & Support Information
Yamaha offers a limited lifetime warranty on the FG840. This covers defects in materials and workmanship but doesn’t extend to wear-and-tear or accidental damage. For support, Yamaha’s customer service is highly rated. They provide assistance via email, phone, and even live chat through their website. Additionally, Yamaha has a network of authorized service centers for repairs and maintenance. Register your guitar online to streamline the warranty process.

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