Yamaha FG850 Solid Mahogany Top Acoustic Guitar Review

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Yamaha FG850 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar Review – Real Thoughts on This Mahogany Beauty

Ever stumbled upon a guitar that feels like it was custom-built for you? That’s exactly how I felt when I picked up the Yamaha FG850 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (Model FG850). From the first strum, I knew this was no ordinary instrument. Let me share my experience, both the highs and the few quirks, about this all-mahogany dreadnought acoustic guitar.

It was a Saturday afternoon, and I had just unboxed my new FG850 guitar. The first thing that caught my eye? The mahogany wood finish. The natural tone was simply stunning – the kind of guitar that makes you want to display it in your living room, even if you’re not playing it. The craftsmanship was top-notch, and the attention to detail, like the mother-of-pearl inlay, made it feel way more premium than its price point.

Sound Quality: Warmth That Resonates

Strumming the FG850 for the first time was like stepping into a cozy room with a roaring fireplace. Its solid mahogany top, back, and sides create a warm, rich tone. The midrange was particularly impressive – full-bodied without being overwhelming. I played a few folk and jazz tunes, and this guitar just delivered. Bar chords were a breeze, and the sound projection was great, even in a small space.

However, I noticed something interesting. While the FG850 excels in producing that mellow mahogany sound, it’s not as bright or loud as guitars with spruce tops. This might not work for someone looking for a super-bright tone for rock or pop genres. For me, though? Perfect for fingerpicking and soulful ballads.

The Build: Designed for Durability

Let’s talk about the build quality. The FG850 feels solid and durable, yet surprisingly lightweight. The fixed bridge system and diecast tuners were precise, holding the tuning even after hours of play. The fretboard, made of mahogany wood, was smooth, and the neck had just the right thickness for comfortable gripping. The adjustable truss rod is a handy feature for tweaking the action to your preference.

I did notice the frets were slightly inset lower than expected. While this allowed for a lower action and easier lead playing, it might take a bit of getting used to for beginners.

Features: More Than Meets the Eye

One feature that stood out was the scalloped bracing. It’s subtle but adds to the resonance and enhances tonal accuracy. The phosphor bronze strings sounded great, though I swapped them out for higher-quality ones to suit my style better.

The guitar also came ready to play – no setup was required. However, if you’re someone who likes ultra-low action, you may want to tweak the truss rod.

Comparing the FG850 to Competitors

I’ve owned a few guitars in this price range, including the Yamaha FG830 and a Taylor GS Mini. Compared to the FG830, the FG850 offers warmer tones thanks to its all-mahogany construction. The GS Mini, on the other hand, has a brighter tone and is more portable, but it’s also pricier. If you’re after rich, warm tones and excellent value for money, the FG850 is hard to beat.

Is It Worth the Investment?

While I can’t quote the exact price (since it fluctuates), I can confidently say the FG850 punches above its weight. Many guitars in the same range don’t offer a solid mahogany top, scalloped bracing, and this level of craftsmanship. It’s an ideal choice for intermediate players or even beginners who want an upgrade.

Final Thoughts on Design

Aesthetically, the FG850 is a stunner. The natural color of the mahogany and the understated elegance of its design make it a joy to look at. Every detail, from the rosary pattern to the smooth edges, speaks of quality. It’s not just a guitar; it’s a piece of art.

That said, it’s not without quirks. The slightly thicker neck might be challenging for those with smaller hands, and the factory strings, while decent, could be improved for better tonal quality.

Pros

• Rich, Warm Sound: The all-mahogany body produces a mellow, resonant tone, ideal for jazz, folk, and ballads.
• Durable Build Quality: Solid construction ensures it can withstand regular play, making it a reliable partner for years.
• Scalloped Bracing: Enhances tonal accuracy and resonance for an even better sound quality.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: The natural mahogany finish and mother-of-pearl inlay give it a premium, elegant look.
• Adjustable Truss Rod: Allows for easy action adjustments to suit different playing styles.

Cons

• Limited Brightness: The warm tone might not suit those looking for a bright, crisp sound.
• Thicker Neck: Players with smaller hands may find the neck slightly hard to grip.
• Packaging Issues: Some reviews mention poor packaging during shipping, which could risk minor damage.
• Factory Strings: While playable, upgrading to premium strings can significantly improve sound quality.
• Not Ideal for Rock or Pop: Its tone is better suited for softer genres.

What Comes With the Product

• Guitar (Yamaha FG850 Solid Top Acoustic)
• Phosphor Bronze Strings (pre-installed)

Warranty & Support Information

Yamaha backs the FG850 with a limited lifetime warranty on its materials and craftsmanship, a testament to the confidence they have in their product. Should you encounter any manufacturing defects, they’ve got you covered. Additionally, Yamaha offers excellent customer support, both online and through their authorized dealers. Whether you need advice on setup or troubleshooting, help is just a call or email away.

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