They could achieve even better tone, in my opinion, if they used something better than plastic for the saddle and nut. But this is something that you can replace. Part of this guitars magic is down to the Scalloped Bracing used in its construction. The result is an acoustic guitar that is robust and reliable, without compromising the flexibility of the top wood, giving the guitar a better bass response and a rich and resonant character. Pros: Ultimately, determining what you require in terms of tonality and what you are willing to endure in terms of body size will make the choice clear .

My biggest complaint with Yamahas is that they tend to have a very high action. Some people prefer a higher action so this is partially personal preference but I definitely prefer a lower action. Yamaha FS800 : If you find the bulky frame of the dreadnought too much to get your arm around, or perhaps you’re looking for a less boomy sound, then it’s worth trying the smaller body of the Yamaha FS800. Beyond the smaller size, the FS800 has the same, clean and simple, look as the FG800 and is made from the same materials (Spruce and Nato woods). It does, however, have a slightly lighter sound – understandable giving the smaller size – though it still has a nice tone and is a great choice for new players. Pros and Cons: ProsHowever, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers. The width at the nut on the FG800 is 43mm (1 11/16″). This is a narrower width than the traditional width but it’s fast becoming the standard width on acoustic guitars. Fender CD60S : Coming in around the same price, the Fender CD60S is another solid top dreadnought aimed squarely at the beginner guitarist. This takes the features seen here in the FG but shrinks down the body into a much more manageable size. This may be a particularly good option for younger players (for more options, take a look at our guide to the best guitars for kids). These guitars both feature a solid Sitka Spruce top that provides a clear and sharp tonality , often associated with instruments that boast a much heftier price tag.

The rest of the fittings, such as the die-cast machine heads and rosewood bridge, feel solid. Although nothing to write home about, they feel serviceable, and as we’ve seen on some other entry-level guitars, this isn’t always the case. Verdict Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided. Good for advanced players who don’t have the budget for higher-end guitars (they’ll still be happy with the sound they get). You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases Klarna or V12 may need to look at the application in more detail.The FS800 is a full ¾” of an inch smaller than the FG800, and while this doesn’t look like much on paper, we feel it when switching between each instrument. Now that we have taken the time to highlight the differences and similarities between both instruments, how do they compare when pitted against each other head-to-head?

The slightly narrower width makes it easier to play physically as you don’t have to get your hand around as much. It can also make it slightly more difficult to play finger style but I found this guitar was fine for finger style. Fretboard (Fingerboard) Still, given the price range, this is a smooth process, and comparable functionality can be added by incorporating aftermarket products such as those supplied by Fishman. The spruce top kept the tones snappy and bright, which gave it a nice shimmering top end with enough punch to keep things sounding full. When played with arpeggiated chords or fingerstyle, the note separation was far better than expected, with bell like clarity. When strummed, we found it to be an incredibly responsive guitar. The bracing has been improved since its predecessor, the FG700, which has resulted in improved dynamics. When we softened our touch, the guitar sounded sweet and rich, and when strummed hard the tones tightened up significantly. Rich, loud, distinctive. The Yamaha FG800 features newly developed scalloped bracing. This specific type of bracing reinforces the FG800's top. Giving it the strength and durability to stay with you for a lifetime. Not only does it prevent your acoustic from collapsing under string tension, but it enhances the overall sound too. Yamaha's painstaking process and meticulous attention to detail has brought the best of the FG800 out. It's louder, with a richer, stronger sound. From the low to mid-ranges, your instrument is full, and beautifully balanced. Specifications Body & BridgeAnother aspect in which both instruments differ is in sound and tone. The FS800’s smaller body profile omits a brighter, more present tone. This stunning FG800M in a natural finish is part of Yamaha's standard acoustic range. With traditional looks, a Solid Spruce top and Scalloped Bracing, the FG800M is the ideal guitar for learners and more experienced players looking for an affordable yet high-quality acoustic guitar. The bridge and fretboard were both made from walnut, which is a wood that is seeing a lot more use, even in high end models. The grain on the fretboard looked good, and was nice and tight, with no deep pores. We loved the rounded fretboard edges, too, they significantly added to the comfort and playability, and we found ourselves wishing other manufacturers at this price point would do the same. While the FS800 certainly isn’t a parlor guitar, and its scale length remains unchanged, we feel it would be better suited to players of smaller stature who don’t want to wrangle a full-sized dreadnought .

it’s quite a bright tone I’d say a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being super warm and 10 being super bright. But everyone’s ear is different. The Materials Sound projection isn’t as strong as in the Dreadnaught FG800 model, though it does stand up well against other guitars. With both models sharing so many features, there is little to compare as they are both quite similar. The sides are comprised of Nato, a species of timber comparable to the tried and true material of mahogany. Both guitars feature a 25” scale length, the standard scale length for acoustic guitars with which most users will be familiar. This scale length provides a decent amount of space between each fret from the nut to the instrument’s sound hole.This is the model best suited to the singer-songwriter banging out open chords in accompaniment to their voice or that of a bandmate. The FG800 does suffer from this high action so if you prefer it low you will want to get it adjusted. How new to playing you are is probably a factor – if you’re starting out, the FG800 is perhaps the best choicebecause it is less expensive, and you’re unlikely to hear the difference in sound you would get with the FG830.