Description
Yamaha FG840 Guitar Review: Worth the Hype or Just Another Acoustic?
For anyone who has been strumming guitars for years, the Yamaha FG840 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar is worth a serious look. With its flamed maple back and sides and solid Sitka spruce top, this guitar has a lot of buzz online. Naturally, it deserves a closer inspection. The short version: it is an intriguing package.
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.
In the hands it feels 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 you’re fingerpicking or strumming chords, every note is distinct. The bass is boomy yet balanced, while the highs are crisp. Set alongside a more expensive Martin, the FG840 holds 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, there is one small issue. Owners have reported a tiny piece of wood floating inside the body, and it turns up often enough that it is not an isolated case. It’s minor and doesn’t affect playability, so most players shrug it off.
Features That Stand Out
Flame maple here is a back and sides material rather than a top, and the guide on solid top versus laminate acoustics explains why the top matters most. 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.
One modification is worth making: switching out the plastic saddle and nut for bone ones. This improves the tone and reduces buzzing on the higher strings. If you’re serious about sound, this upgrade is worth considering.
Comparing the FG840 to Competitors
Yamaha’s own FG range gives the clearest context, with the FG830 below it and the mahogany topped FG850 alongside. Other guitars in the same price range, like the Fender CD-60S and the Taylor Academy 10e, are the natural comparisons. 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 cheaper FG820 shares the same solid top idea, and the acoustic guitars section shows what other brands offer at the money. The FG840 delivers incredible value. Exact prices aside, 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. Accidental bumps tend not to leave 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 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.
