Most cheap acoustic guitars are not good. High string action, terrible sound, raddling strings…and don’t even get me started on tuning stability. But once in a while, one stumbles on a cheap acoustic guitar that’s actually good...
Yamaha FG800
Summary
Pros
-Cheap
-Really easy to play with the right setup
-Solid top
-Will absolutely get a beginner started
-Good build quality and finish for the price
-Solid materials
-Sound good
-Versatile
-Nato body looks really good
-Excellent value for money
-Solid Spruce top provides relatively rich and warm tones
Cons
-Urea nut and saddle
-Out of the box strings are not the best
-Not great for lead playing
-No cutaway, which makes accessing upper frets harder, so fast acoustic solos down the fretboard can be tricky
-Dreadnought body can give some players trouble
-A bit raddling sound when played heavily and with leads
-Some finish issues can happen with these cheap models (rough fret edges, poor setup,et.)
-Nato neck feels cheap
-A bit of a cheap feel overall
I was expecting sturdy Yamaha which sounds okayish and is not a pleasure to play. Instead, I got an excellent budget acoustic that sounds good and is fun to play with the right setup.
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Specifications
| Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Scale Length | 25” |
| Body Length | 505 mm (19 7/8″) |
| Nut Width | 43 mm (1 11/16”) |
| Top Material | Solid Spruce |
| Back Material | Nato |
| Side Material | Nato |
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Fingerboard | Walnut |
| Bridge Material | Walnut |
| Nut Material | Urea |
| Saddle Material | Urea |
| Bridge Pins | Black ABS with White Dot |
| Tuners | Die-Cast Chrome |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Finish | Matte |
| Electronics | None |
| Strings | Yamaha FS50BT |
If You Want a Solid Beginner Acoustic, This One’s Hard to Beat
Some guitars cost a fortune and sound incredible. Some cost next to nothing and sound, well… cheap. But every now and then, you get something in between—a budget-friendly guitar that punches above its price tag. The Yamaha FG800 is exactly that.
It’s not perfect. It’s not meant to be. But for a beginner, or someone looking for a solid backup, this dreadnought acoustic is a hidden gem. Let’s dive in.
I recommend checking these articles as well:
- Yamaha FG830 Review
- Yamaha APX600
- 5 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars
- 5 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500
- 5 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars for Beginners
Who Is This Guitar For?
- Beginners – If you’re just starting, the FG800 is one of the best options out there.
- Anyone on a Budget – If you want a decent-sounding acoustic without spending a fortune, this is a great pick.
- A Backup Guitar – Need something you can take on the road, to campfires, or to jam sessions without worry? The FG800 can take a beating.
- Singers Who Play – Whether you’re strumming for fun or performing at small gigs, this guitar gets the job done.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- If you expect high-end build quality – This is an entry-level guitar. Some rough edges exist.
- If you want huge volume and projection – It sounds good, but it won’t shake the walls.
- If you need an acoustic-electric – No electronics here. Plugging in isn’t an option.
- If you prefer all-solid wood construction – The FG800 only has a solid top, with laminate back and sides.
- If you’re an intermediate or advanced player – There are better options for seasoned guitarists.
Build & Hardware
Yamaha has done a solid job here, considering the price. You get a solid spruce top—a huge plus in this price range—paired with laminate nato back and sides.
- Good tuning stability – The FG800 stays in tune well, though not exceptionally. A few tuning tweaks are needed now and then, but that’s expected.
- Nato neck with a walnut fingerboard – The neck is playable but has a slightly cheap, plastic-like feel.
- Fretwork is decent – Some rough fret edges exist, but they’re not sharp enough to be a dealbreaker.
- Urea nut and saddle – These aren’t premium materials, but they do their job. If you upgrade them to bone, you might notice a slight tonal improvement.
Build Quality Rating: 3.3/5
Playability
Out of the box, this guitar is really easy to play. The action is surprisingly low, which makes pressing down on the strings effortless.
- Beginner-friendly setup – Barre chords are about as easy as they get on a budget dreadnought.
- Smooth playing experience – The neck isn’t the smoothest, but it doesn’t fight you either.
- Great for chords and fingerpicking – It shines for rhythm playing, though not the best for lead work.
- No cutaway – If you plan on shredding fast acoustic solos, the lack of upper fret access might be annoying.
Compared to the Yamaha FG830, the FG800 is easier to play but doesn’t feel quite as smooth.
Playability Rating: 3.8/5
Sound
For the price, the FG800’s tone is surprisingly good. The solid spruce top gives it a warm, well-balanced sound, making it more resonant than typical all-laminate guitars.
- Decent volume and projection – It fills a room, though not as loudly as higher-end dreadnoughts.
- Balanced tone – The highs, mids, and lows work together well.
- Good for fingerpicking and strumming – This guitar is versatile for different playing styles.
- A bit of a rattling sound under heavy playing – If you really dig in, you might hear some minor buzzing or rattling.
- Upgrades can improve the sound – Swapping the urea nut and saddle for bone and upgrading the strings could bring out more richness and sustain.
Sound Rating: 3.6/5
Check The Sound Demo:
Value for Money
This is where the FG800 really shines. For a guitar in this price range, you’re getting:
- A solid top
- Surprisingly good sound
- Great playability for beginners
- Yamaha’s reliable build quality
If you’re looking for an affordable first guitar, this is one of the best options on the market.
Value for Money Rating: 5/5
Check how FG800 compares to the tone of more expensive Yamaha’s:
Verdict
The Yamaha FG800 is one of the best budget dreadnoughts for beginners. It’s versatile, sounds good, and plays well right out of the box. While it has its limitations—such as a slightly cheap feel and minor finish issues—those are forgivable at this price point.
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable – One of the best budget acoustics.
- Really easy to play – The setup makes this beginner-friendly.
- Solid top – Uncommon at this price range.
- Sounds great for the money – Well-balanced tone.
- Versatile – Works for strumming, fingerpicking, and singing.
- Good build quality for the price – No major structural issues.
- Excellent value – You get a lot for what you pay.
Cons:
- Urea nut and saddle – Not the best materials.
- Stock strings aren’t great – You’ll probably want to replace them soon.
- Not ideal for lead playing – The dreadnought body limits upper fret access.
- Some finish issues – Rough fret edges and minor inconsistencies are possible.
- Neck feels a bit cheap – The nato material doesn’t have a premium feel.
- A bit of rattling when played aggressively – Can sound slightly muddy under heavy strumming.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha FG800 won’t blow your mind, but it’s not supposed to. It’s a budget acoustic guitar that does its job well. If you’re just starting or need a solid backup, this is one of the best options available. Yamaha knows how to make reliable and great-sounding guitars, and the FG800 is proof of that.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just don’t expect a high-end experience, and you won’t be disappointed.
