Description
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 is the reaction the Yamaha FG850 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar (Model FG850) tends to get. From the first strum, it is clear this is no ordinary instrument. Here is a closer look, both the highs and the few quirks, at this all-mahogany dreadnought acoustic guitar.
Straight out of the box, the FG850 makes its case. The first thing to catch the eye? The mahogany wood finish. The natural tone is 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 is top-notch, and the attention to detail, like the mother-of-pearl inlay, makes it feel way more premium than its price point.
Sound Quality: Warmth That Resonates
Strumming the FG850 is like stepping into a cozy room with a roaring fireplace. Its solid mahogany top, back, and sides create a warm, rich tone. The midrange is particularly impressive: full-bodied without being overwhelming. On folk and jazz tunes, this guitar simply delivers. Bar chords are a breeze, and the sound projection is great, even in a small space.
There is a trade-off worth noting, though. 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 fingerpicking and soulful ballads, though? A strong match.
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 are precise, holding the tuning even after hours of play. The fretboard, made of mahogany wood, is smooth, and the neck has just the right thickness for comfortable gripping. The adjustable truss rod is a handy feature for tweaking the action to your preference.
The frets are set slightly lower than expected. While this allows 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 sound great, though many players swap them out for higher-quality ones to suit their style better.
The guitar also arrives ready to play, with no setup required. However, if you’re someone who likes ultra-low action, you may want to tweak the truss rod.
Comparing the FG850 to Competitors
Within the FG line the FG820 and the FG830 are the spruce topped alternatives to this all mahogany version. Other guitars in this price range, including the Yamaha FG830 and the Taylor GS Mini, make for useful comparisons. 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?
Players drawn to mahogany often look at the far dearer Martin D-15M as well, and the acoustic guitars section shows the ground between them. The exact price is not quoted here (since it fluctuates), but the FG850 clearly 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
Mahogany and spruce tops behave differently over time, a difference the guide on solid top versus laminate acoustics puts in context. 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.
