[greco]

I recently tried a Yamaha FG 800 and was impressed. Please understand that this is a $300.00 (CDN...taxes in) guitar. I was impressed GIVEN the price point.

I did some reading about them and found that Yamaha changed the neck profile and and the bracing and introduced these in 2016. Apparently they are also reasonably consistent with fit, finish, tone, etc. (as is somewhat typically seen with Yamaha).

The other thing is that they have the "concert" size (i.e., FS) and offer it in a tinted finish.
Yamaha - FS800 Acoustic Guitar - Small Body, Solid Spruce Top, Tinted Finish
I am looking for a similar guitar to my 70's FG 110-1 (which needs a neck reset) and this appeals to me.

Any comments about the FG 800 or the FS 800 series? ...especially the FS 800.

Edit: A bit long...

Thanks

Cheers

Dave

 

[Scotty]

Sounds great, especially for the money. If I NEEDED another...

 

[Wooly]

Yamaha guitars are quality made no matter what price point. I think the FS800 and FG800 both have solid tops. Yamaha's are good value for the dollar and one of the better brands in the price range you're looking.

I would have considered the FS800 but I prefer a wider nut.

 

[Guncho]

I don't think the new FG800 series are great guitars for the money I think they are great guitars period. As was the 700 series. When I was on the hunt for my new (rest of my life) guitar I tried probably 3/4 of the acoustics at L &M Burlington. I randomly picked up a 700 series FG and played it for a bit before looking at the price tag. In my head I thought "This sounds and feels like a $600-$700 guitar. Turned over the price tag, $249 or something? Impressed. Since buying my Martin D-18 I have been on the hunt for a guitar I would feel more comfortable bringing to a campfire jam and after trying many guitars have settled on the FG830 or maybe FG820. I'm just waiting to see if one comes up used if not I will buy new before summer.

Here's my top 5 under $1000 rated out of 5, 5 being the best
4.00 Yamaha FG830 $399
4.00 Simon & Patrick Showcase Mahogany $899
3.75 Sigma DM-18 $549.99
3.5 Martin DX1AE $779
3.25 Taylor 110e $779

So as you can see even if I had $1000 to spend I would still buy the FG830.

The 700 series sounded great and now with the scalloped bracing the 800 series sounds even better. It has this shimmery, chimey sound which is what I look for in an acoustic which is probably why I bought the D-18.

 

[cboutilier]

Yamaha is always my #1 choice for acoustics. I'd take one mid range Yammie over a pair of high end Taylors anyday.

 

[greco]

So as you can see even if I had $1000 to spend I would still buy the FG830.

The 700 series sounded great and now with the scalloped bracing the 800 series sounds even better. It has this shimmery, chimey sound which is what I look for in an acoustic which is probably why I bought the D-18.

WOW...Yamaha needs you in their advertising/marketing/sales department..LOL

Seriously now, thanks for the long and informative response.

I am also waiting to try the new Taylor Academy series. It has a "concert" size body with an arm rest and is $755.00 CDN (taxes in)

However, the FS 800 (tinted) certainly appeals to me visually. I like old looking acoustics.

This is my 70's FG 110-1

 

[Guncho]

I have an FG441S which is what I'm looking to replace for campfire jams.

 

[isoneedacoffee]

I have had this FS720S for a few months and love it.

I was also interested in getting an FS from the 800 series for the scalloped bracing. But I'm not even sure if it's that important as thousands of people have loved the 700 series for a long time without this bracing. In the end, I found a killer deal on this guitar, it was essentially untouched with a case, and couldn't pass it up. I would think the same would be true still today. The 800 serries would likely be substantially more difficult to find used than a 700. But new, it's a different story.

 

[JHarasym]

My favourite Yammies are the L series, of which I have two. Probably in your price range if you can find them used : Yamaha LS6 ARE Small Type Acoustic Guitar: Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

 

[Guncho]

My understanding is the FG series is better for strumming and the L series are better for fingerpicking.

 

[greco]

My favourite Yammies are the L series, of which I have two. Probably in your price range if you can find them used : Yamaha LS6 ARE Small Type Acoustic Guitar: Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

I really want to like the L series as I have read such wonderful things about them. However, unfortunately, every L series guitar I have played to date has not impressed me. Possibly they all needed new strings (that would not surprise me at all) ...or I just haven't been lucky.

 

[greco]

The local L&M is bringing one of these in for me to try.

FS 800 (tinted)

 

[Steadfastly]

I tried out both of them about two months ago at our local L & M. I was very impressed with the sound and couldn't believe the sustain.

 

[cboutilier]

I really want to like the L series as I have read such wonderful things about them. However, unfortunately, every L series guitar I have played to date has not impressed me. Possibly they all needed new strings (that would not surprise me at all) ...or I just haven't been lucky.

I've only played one L series and it was great. Blew my FG401S out of the water

 

[JHarasym]

My understanding is the FG series is better for strumming and the L series are better for fingerpicking.

I wouldn't mind hearing them side-by-side. Since you're not far from Burlington, maybe we could do a taste test?

 

[greco]

My understanding is the FG series is better for strumming and the L series are better for fingerpicking.

Does this mean I need to tell Mrs. Greco that I now need TWO guitars?

 

[greco]

duplicate post

 

[Guncho]

I wouldn't mind hearing them side-by-side. Since you're not far from Burlington, maybe we could do a taste test?

I haven't bought my new FG yet but when I do sure. L&M Burlington has both.

 

[greco]

I tried 3 different FS models yesterday at Sherwood Music and was a bit disappointed. Admittedly, I have been "building myself up" with excitement about these. Playing a $3,000.00 Hart (Hart Guitars) while I was there (after trying the Yamahas) certainly didn't help...LOL. Why do I do that to myself?

However, I then tried the FG 800 with the satin finish at L&M , Cambridge and it rang like a bell.

Oh well, I have the time to find one I like.

 

[isoneedacoffee]

Does this mean I need to tell Mrs. Greco that I now need TWO guitars?

duplicate post

Does this mean: two guitars x 2? 4 guitars? I like your style Greco.