I just started playing guitar about 4 weeks ago at the age of 60! I was a professional drummer for 35 years. Now, I'm playing a Left handed Taylor GS Mini mahogany. I had to order it of course because I'm a lefty! Enjoying myself so far! Peace!
Nice! I'm a fellow lefty and bought that exact guitar a few days ago. I had to go out of my way to test one out in person, gotta love lefty availability haha. Beautiful instrument though, enjoy!
@@CrimsonDIEnamo101 Hi Josh, I had to just listen to others playing this guitar on line and also at Guitar Center...A right handed player. Then, I bought it at Sweetwater Sound! I like those guys. Then send you pictures first. Also, a great return policy. So, we will both enjoy our new guitars! Take care.
@@chessdude67 I'm from the UK, so no Sweetwater for me haha. I'm envious of the fact that they show you the exact model you would be buying and their inspection service. Definitely helps when you make a leap of faith ordering online haha. Take care yourself and put that guitar through its paces!
@@CrimsonDIEnamo101 Hey, I can play a D-Chord, A-Chord and the E-Chord!! Not ready to gig out again, but I'm happy just learning. Hope we can stay in touch? How long have you been playing? It's all new to me, so I'm just watching lessons on YT. Justin Guitar for now.
the biggest problems with all cheap yamaha's out of the box all required final string height tunning and this service is not for free because includes frets height grinding and adjustment of strings nuts. its a key issue..mutted for beginners.. Wrong string height had been killed to many beginners...that is why video looks like sponsored...
Hello thank you for this review and i think this guitar is the one for me but i need your help with the size there is dreadnought and concert and i have no idea the difference plz help 😊
@@woxiduswoxidus1167 Maybe the saddle and nut have to be sanded down, which is a minor operation upon easily replaceable parts, but when does a brand new guitar need "grinding" of the frets? Could you provide a reference to this it sounds very strange and I would not want a guitar that needs that done out of the box, wow! I was considering this guitar but no more if this is true! What guitars instead in the same price range could be recommended that do not require such drastic surgery when still brand new!?
I did buy this as my first guitar about 8 months ago and I love it. Don't think you can beat it for the price. Really well-made, stays in tune (which can be a real issue with some entry-level guitars), sounds great, looks great, comfortable neck. I may eventually get another guitar, but I don't think I would sell this one to do so. I'm keeping it!
I’ve owned a Yamaha acoustic electric model with a cutaway and built in tuner for almost 4 years now. Great quality, sound, and it always stays in tune. Can’t go wrong. Best $300 I’ve ever spent!
I couldn't agree more! I have a few higher end Yamahas but I've recommended the f series to several friends looking for starter or campfire guitars. The latest series has raised the bar a little especially at that price point. I just played an fs concert sized the other day and loved it. There are plenty of other good guitars under $500 but I'm in Saskatchewan now and winter humidity (or complete lack of it) can be brutal. A humidifier is a must but as long as you maintain your humidity, my Yamahas keep tune really well and always sound great.
I am a pro musician and studio owner. I exclusively use Yamaha guitars, and I know many other pro musicians who do as well. For price and quality, they can't be beaten
I remember taking my 17 year old son to the local guitar shop to buy his first guitar. He tried a number of acoustic guitars, which all sounded OK. Then he picked up a FG800M and strummed a single cord, we both looked at each other in amazement at the sound that it produced. He left the shop carrying his FG800M with a huge smile on his face. Sometimes you just know when something is right!
How could he strum a chord if it was his first guitar? He had never had a guitar before and could play a chord and hear the difference between the guitars? Whoaaaa, such a genius!
My wife got me a Yamaha F320D as part of my bucket list that I likely would not have done myself. Thank you Honey Bear hope you do not regret it! I have been going for about a year and a half. I played this guitar for the first year before I got my first e-guitar(s). I have not a player long enough to say good or bad. I love the sound of my first guitar. Putting Elixir 11-52 nano-web's on after my factory strings were done gave me a new guitar.The sound is punchy and warm. You never forget your first and don't sell or give her away. I have had make no adjustments to the nut,saddle or truss.I still play it more than 50% of the time.
Your pick is right. I purchased similar Yamaha guitar, and am very happy. Value for money. Very good tone. Happy smiles at home and with friends when this guitar is accompanied. Thank you Yamaha, I live in a happier-harmonious world as you are a part of it too.
The FS body shape will fit more comfortably for most players compared to the FG IMO with similar sound. I had an FG and gifted it to a friend so I still play it every now and then and have an FS for myself and play it every now and then also. It’s a Taylor GS mini Mahogany that has me playing every day because oooh soo comfortable and sounds sooo huge for a small body.
Nice. My first acoustic was a 1975 Yamaha FG-75 Taiwan manufactured. Noodled around on it for a couple of years, got married and stored it. After 40 years in hiding it's being resurrected. Some rehumidification, tweak the truss rod, bridge plate and new strings and I can annoy the wife with my lack of skills. This brought back the fear and intimidation of walking into a store being absolutely clueless. No change there. Thanks again for another nice video.
FWIW, I picked up an Alvarez Artist Series Ad30 last month for $249. Played decent 'out of the box'. A $35 setup made it play perfectly. It's cheap, but uses higher-end materials for a cheap guitar. Sounds great, plays great, and looks great. Thousands of reviews praise this guitar. I'm a beginner but I feel like this guitar will last me many years. Also, if you have wider/fatter fingers, or enjoy fingerstyle playing, it boasts a 44.45mm nut width which feels like a night & day difference from a 43mm.
I just bought one and will be receiving it soon. It's not my first Yamaha and I just gave my Martin away as a birthday gift last year. My goal is simple. I wish to use it to compose new songs at home, so it's going to stay on a stand next to my computer. I do not play professionally, so I am not concerned with electronics and such. I'll give you an update later.
I recently picked up a Ibanez PC18MH. Retail is $170-180 US. It's super lightweight, and has a great thin neck that makes chording easy. The action is much closer to my electric than many other acoustics I've tried, so the transition back and forth is pretty quick. It's been a great addition to the quiver as I continue to learn.
My first guitar is a Yamaha F370 TBS I bought for 150$ Best 150$ ever spent. Yamaha sure does know how to make cheap, quality, reliable products. I havent' tried ALL guitars in the same price range, but I have yet to find one under 400$ that sounds better than a Yam
I can reaffirm. Seriously guys if you are in the market you wont be sorry. The solid top, sustain, size choices FG or FS. Really good for the money. I own one and they are great. Best of all, THEY DONT SOUND TINNY, THEY HAVE A GOOD BASE! I can't tell you how many guitars these days all have high end but no base to them, they sound hallowed out. Not a problem with these.
Just bought an FS800 today as my campfire guitar. I love it! Only thing I don't like is that the fret dots are hard to see. Super fun to play, low action, perfect for my lil hands.
Why am I watching this? I'm not even in the market for a guitar. lol Curious I guess. I like the Yamaha. Good choice. Funny thing, I bought an old beat up used Fender acoustic for 45 dollars and couldn't play it. Thought it was junk, so I bought an expensive Takamine, learned on it and now I can play the old Fender just as well. Go figure!! (I did lower the action on the Fender, it was a mile high!)
This guitar is around $350 is in my country. So it's pretty expensive, considering the minimum wage is around that amount. That said, I bought it and even though it's not a 10/10 built and it kind of gets scratched easily... it feels way better than its original price. It also sounds studio and even concert-like with the correct strings and, of course, expertise. Mine came with an already improved bridge, nut, and pins. I changed the last ones because I wanted white ones and better material. I'm looking forward to continue with this one for years to come. My last one was an F310 (and that might be the best guitar for anyone to get as a first!)
I got an fx310 and I love it. Bought it just before I bought a house cause I knew I would be broke for the next 20 years lol Can't go wrong with a yamaha for a cheap but good guitar.
I bought the FG800 à year ago and think it was/is perfect for a beginner like me. It sounds great and I don't mind attempting to do my own work on it because it's so inexpensive. I have my eyes on way more expensive acoustics but I think I'll wait a while longer. I'm going to lower the action on my FG800 (myself-why not?) and probably keep her for a while longer.
I got a new Yamaha FSX800C on Amazon for $289. It comes in bundle including 3 picks, a tuner, spare stings, a strap, and a carrying bag. If I were to buy them separately it will cost me $400+ in total. Score! I will be on tonight for some lessons on your website. Thank you Nate!
What is the model number on the Takamine you are referring to? I have a 12 string and love it but am just a beginner looking for a good 6 string. Thanks!
I actually bought a Yamaha FG800. What would be some upgrades or setup suggestions to make it easier to play? I will say this guitar is a lot of fun to play and I love it!
Agree with your choice. I use Yamaha and no complain. I tried many other guitars whenever I go to the music store and so far none can make me turn away from my Yamaha. Cheers from Indonesia.
This guy is absolutely correct! I bought this guitar in the brown tobacco burst finish from Kraft music (exclusive finish at Kraft music) and I love it more than I do my Taylor 310. I refinished the top from the glossy original finish to a matte finish and changed the nut and saddle to brass and d’addario X medium light strings and this thing sings for days. You can’t go wrong with this $200 guitar even without upgrades it still plays like a dream.
Phil Sheldon the playability is amazing!! It’s setup almost perfect from the factory. The action on mine was a little higher than I like but a new brass saddle and nut made mine perfect. I know most people like tusq or bone for a nut or saddle but I was experimenting with brass and loved it so I left it like that.
Yes, I agree totally. I searched for "playability" as a criterion for choosing a beginner's guitar, which brought me to your video. It was disappointing that, after mentioning playability as your 3rd most important criterion at the beginning, you skipped over it later.
unfortunately there is no such thing as a cheap musical instrument. If you want to play music you have to at least invest a minimum of money in that hobby. Now there ARE some instruments under 100 dollars but believe me, you don't want to play on them. Even if you're a beginner it's not a good decision to buy one of those because a poor quality instrument will easily discourage you to keep playing
If you can not afford saving $100 for anything then you have a big problem with your life in general. Go flip burger at fast food chain you can earn $200 in a month at least
I actually have a Yamaha Fg400a, and yea it has a laminate top, but it's nearly twice my age and has been played so much that it just blossomed into it's sound. I don't really know how to describe it, but it's got good bass (I can feel my teeth vibrate a bit if I strum hard enough) it's got great volume due to the aforementioned bass, but the high end isn't shy either and they go so well together, a nice balance between bright and mellow (if I'm using those adjectives properly). I can't wait to see what it sounds like when I get it's strings changed for the first time since I've been learning. It feels like an old friend that you can share anything with. Also, from what I've seen online, most good condition offers are roughly the same price point as the Fg800 in the video.
Big guys like these guitars, but medium frame people- not so much 😬 I’m 64 years old & fit, 5’ - 8” , 170 lbs. My first guitar 😎 a Yamaha FD01-$120 Craigslist - about 2005 from the S/N - spent it whole life in someone’s closet until I had it setup by Haight-Ashbury Music 😃. Then four months later I rec’d a gift of an ARBOR D20N, mid 80’s , a large dreadnaught, & found it difficult to play for 40 minutes comfortably though the setup is great. NOW I have another Craigslist find: a 2012 Yamaha FS700S - $175, a concert size? IT IS A DREAM TO PLAY, it fits SO WELL!!! So for first guitars beginners - of which I am the most, because I know nothing of music except who the Beatles might be. CHOOSE A CONCERT SIZE!!! Or is that a 00 size?
I'm 5'7" and don't have an issue with the FG800. Don't think I have freakishly long arms or anything. :) But the FS800 is the same price if the concert size is more comfortable for anyone. I did look at and try both before I bought.
I think it's just about the price. Because beginners are usually going to (understandably) invest less in a musical instrument. But yeah other than that it's not really a "only for beginners" guitar. I have been playing for 7 years and I got this guitar recently, I love it.
"I'm wondering why this is considered a "beginner guitar."" I think, because it won't last very long before it wears out. Beginners expected to get a better guitar soon, so they don't need a well made one that will last.
I bought the FG700 about 10 years ago and still have it. I now have a Martin guitar but still love playing my Yamaha. I was gonna trade it, but since it was not worth much I kept it and glad I did. Best guitar for the price.
Yep the FG800 is a great guitar for the money but plan on paying for a setup because they come with very high action! My favorite guitar in that price range is the Mitchell T313CE Solid Spruce Top Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar and typically no setup is required! Mitchell is not very well know but there guitars play amazingly well!
@@paraskaith5027 A guitar tech will adjust the bridge, saddle and truss rod to bring the strings as close to the fret board as possible while not buzzing or going out of tune for the way that you personally play the guitar. Makes the strings easier to press down, which is a real issue when you first start out on an acoustic guitar. For what it's worth, my FG800 didn't come with "very high action" at all. "Action" means the height of the strings off the fret board, by the way.
You can always tune the guitar half step down if your have high action and do not want to set up yet A lot of player tune half step down even when they play expensive guitars
I've always liked Yamaha, but the 600$ and above models. For a starter guitar I don't think the Orangewood Oliver can be beat. The Oliver has much more a balanced tone. And..it just feels better, kinda like you want to hug it.
I've got an Yamaha fs820 (concert style) with some fancier looks. It's my first steelstring acoustic. Played fine, until i got it set up propparly now it plays great. No regrets so far and no need for an upgrade as long i'm still a beginner.
haha no friekin way bro, I just got the same one! I was on travel for 2 weeks and had the itching for an inexpensive but decent guitar to scratch the itch. This one just impressed me over models that were $100 more. I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency. This one had good playability, clean sound. It will barely fit in the standard cases, so make sure it fits in the case before you buy the case. It keeps in tune over a week of playing, which I cannot say the same for many guitars under $400!
It;s a little late now, but could you comment on whether a regular store like L&M will set this guitar up as part of the purchase price so the action is that desired by the customer, and, that a relatively low action is achievable on this guitar (like 3mm on low E at 12th fret)? The two acoustic guitars I bought came with a setup included in the listed price (one from L&M one from now gone Ring music in Toronto). I am asking this question because of Woxidus Woxidus's comment, below, which asserts that the FRETS MUST BE "GRINDED" to get "final string height tuning". In fact, can you also say, isn't this very bizarre? I can see that the action will be on the high end coming out of the box, to facilitate choosing a range of items by sanding down the saddle, which is a minor operation. but "grinding the frets"? Surely that can not be required! Thanks for your comments
consistency is a weird point considering Yamaha outsources most of their manufacturing these days, and even in the earlier days many different japanese factories made the guitars.
Lot of good questions on this video. I have been playing guitar since christmas of 1979. my first guitar was a guild d40 taditional. look that up. yeah its about 2800.00 now. 900 back then.I have owned many guitars and have always been progressive in my learning of the guitar. I play every day that I can. In a few hr's I will be reciving this guitar from fedex.at some point in the next few days I will come back here and give you my opinion on it and how it's set up and how it sounds.I currently play a new as of three months ago Epiphone Frontier that came perfectly set up. I will be comparing the epiphone and the yamaha. the epiphone is all solid wood and sounds great. it was 849.00 new without a case.
Is this guitar can use amplifier?, I just start wanna find a good guitar and I never play guitar before so I think acoustic guitar can play with amp right?
Great video! How loud is Yamaha FG800? At this moment I'm playing classical guitar, but I want to switch to acoustic one, however I'm worried that I will disturb other people with my guitar practice. I find classical guitar pretty quiet and I'm not sure how much louder acoustic guitar is compared to classical. I heard about feedback busters, but I don't know if they would solve my issue. Are there any other methods to make acoustic guitar quieter? To what degree do you think that feedback buster would solve my issue? Also, would you please tell me, how much louder acoustic guitar is compared to classical? Thank you in advance for your answer and please stay safe during this difficult time.
Mateusz Miśkiewicz actually a classical guitar and an acoustic are both acoustic guitars. The only difference is a classical has nylon strings and of coarse usually a wider neck and a slotted headstock. A typical acoustic is usually a dreadnaught shape or smaller concert shape both having steel strings. To answer your question yes they can be louder that a classical guitar but lightly picked or finger picked can have a really nice low frequency tone.
I have an FG800M, M stands for matte I think. It’s my first guitar. Got into it in january. What is the difference with that M? Is it purely for looks or does it change anything?
You're likely right, because many other brands use the same naming rule, Cort does that too, just adds a different letter in the end. If the numbers are the same, they're usually the same material.
I want to buy my first acoustic guitar but I find that he yamaha is just too deep and big for me . can you suggest a similarly priced guitar for a petite woman.
$200 Yamaha FG800 vs $195 Orangewood Austen? Both solid top dreadnoughts, Orangewood comes with gig bag and professional setup already done, perhaps better strings. I think Orangewoods are great.
A used Yamaha F335 is a top choice... maybe $60 delivered to your house! Get a guitar geek who really knows his stuff and give him $20 to go over it and adjust it (nut slots, saddle, etc.) and for under $100 you have a nice acoustic guitar!
Sound quality superb! So, as long as solid top (although just sitka spuce top) will get this fantastic sound? Does strings gauges matter? And, what was the gauges on this FG800?
Yamaha's like this come setup with 12 gauge strings. Thicker string gauges will allow for more volume before breaking up. Generally solid tops produce better sounds but I've played some solid top guitars that leave a lot to be desired.
Why would I dissagree? I just bought a FG800 this week. Me and my crew (SOn and his Son) all play Yamahas. Son? FG830. His son? F335. We're on the Yamaha xpress. But I also own a Martin as well. I've owned dozens of guitar in the last 70 years I've played guitar
Electric Guitars are by far the easiest to learn on. Lots of companies had the bright idea of an Acoustic Guitar with an Electric Guitar feel to facilitate playablity.
the 830 sounds brighter because it has rosewood back n sides the fgt800 is warmer, is it worth more money not really unless you like more bling on the 830
Wondering about the Orangewood Oliver. They look good on youtube but then most of the videos are people getting paid to promote them. Do you know anyone who bought one and really likes it. Seems like a good guitar player can make almost any guitar sound good.
@@laurietice2612 Yeah I understand what you're saying. I know a guitarist from RUclips who has two guitars from Orangewood. You can check out her video here: ruclips.net/video/YGQ-RkhDtgQ/видео.html . I'm not 100% sure if she gets paid to promote them but I know for sure she owns them.
@@laurietice2612 orange wood guitars are just ok for the cheapest ones. They’re not that great and I bought one so I have my own opinion. The professional setup they boast is not reliable in the least. I had string buzz up and down the neck. Had to have it setup at a Sam Ash for $50. It got rid of the buzz so it helped. The lower end models are not built to be the best and they are not in any way comparable to a Yamaha. I’m sorry to say they’re mass produced cheap material guitars. Although they’re good started guitars but the most I would spend for one is the Oliver at about $250. It’s not even worth that much. The solid top is very thin and needs to be cared for continuously to prevent drying out. The fretboard is cheapest material they can find. Nothing about the orange woods are going to impress anyone. I got rid of mine because the sound of it was awful. I will never buy another orangewood guitar at any price. They are as dead to me as the sound of their guitars.
Great review, good points for keeping in mind when auditing instruments! Can I ask if you have spotted a favourite 3/4 acoustic which you can recommend as well? I have a full size acoustic and I cannot play it so I'm picking only my 3/4 classic and smaller guitars, so I would very much like to get me a decent priced 3/4 and try to focus on that for songwriting and jamming. Thanks!
Can’t say enough good things about this guitar. Not to big and bulky, Low action, clean tones, great playability. And the transparent black makes for a sharp quilted look. Also is electric compatible. Don’t use it though
im learning on this guitar right now and i can say i LOVE it. HOWEVER, i have no idea why Yamaha would decide to leave off the 3rd fret marker. i know its a style thing but this is a beginner/learner guitar and i need that 3rd fret dot!! i had to mark the fret on my own
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I just started playing guitar about 4 weeks ago at the age of 60! I was a professional drummer for 35 years. Now, I'm playing a Left handed Taylor GS Mini mahogany. I had to order it of course because I'm a lefty! Enjoying myself so far! Peace!
Nice! I'm a fellow lefty and bought that exact guitar a few days ago. I had to go out of my way to test one out in person, gotta love lefty availability haha. Beautiful instrument though, enjoy!
@@CrimsonDIEnamo101 Hi Josh, I had to just listen to others playing this guitar on line and also at Guitar Center...A right handed player. Then, I bought it at Sweetwater Sound! I like those guys. Then send you pictures first. Also, a great return policy. So, we will both enjoy our new guitars! Take care.
@@chessdude67 I'm from the UK, so no Sweetwater for me haha. I'm envious of the fact that they show you the exact model you would be buying and their inspection service. Definitely helps when you make a leap of faith ordering online haha. Take care yourself and put that guitar through its paces!
@@CrimsonDIEnamo101 Hey, I can play a D-Chord, A-Chord and the E-Chord!! Not ready to gig out again, but I'm happy just learning. Hope we can stay in touch? How long have you been playing? It's all new to me, so I'm just watching lessons on YT. Justin Guitar for now.
This video is in no way sponsored. We just get this question A LOT and thought it was easier to answer it this way. :)
the biggest problems with all cheap yamaha's out of the box all required final string height tunning and this service is not for free because includes frets height grinding and adjustment of strings nuts. its a key issue..mutted for beginners.. Wrong string height had been killed to many beginners...that is why video looks like sponsored...
GuitarLessons what would be the best sounding guitar which is the step above this?
Always VIRAL Seagull S6. Especially the cedar top model.
Hello thank you for this review and i think this guitar is the one for me but i need your help with the size there is dreadnought and concert and i have no idea the difference plz help 😊
@@woxiduswoxidus1167 Maybe the saddle and nut have to be sanded down, which is a minor operation upon easily replaceable parts, but when does a brand new guitar need "grinding" of the frets? Could you provide a reference to this it sounds very strange and I would not want a guitar that needs that done out of the box, wow! I was considering this guitar but no more if this is true! What guitars instead in the same price range could be recommended that do not require such drastic surgery when still brand new!?
I did buy this as my first guitar about 8 months ago and I love it. Don't think you can beat it for the price. Really well-made, stays in tune (which can be a real issue with some entry-level guitars), sounds great, looks great, comfortable neck. I may eventually get another guitar, but I don't think I would sell this one to do so. I'm keeping it!
I’ve owned a Yamaha acoustic electric model with a cutaway and built in tuner for almost 4 years now. Great quality, sound, and it always stays in tune. Can’t go wrong. Best $300 I’ve ever spent!
I graduated from Guitars for Vets back in April. This was the guitar given to me. Very nice to begin my guitar journey with!
Awesome! I have never heard of this. I’ll check it out. Hope you keep playing.
I couldn't agree more! I have a few higher end Yamahas but I've recommended the f series to several friends looking for starter or campfire guitars. The latest series has raised the bar a little especially at that price point. I just played an fs concert sized the other day and loved it. There are plenty of other good guitars under $500 but I'm in Saskatchewan now and winter humidity (or complete lack of it) can be brutal. A humidifier is a must but as long as you maintain your humidity, my Yamahas keep tune really well and always sound great.
I am a pro musician and studio owner. I exclusively use Yamaha guitars, and I know many other pro musicians who do as well. For price and quality, they can't be beaten
I loved my FG800 from the day I bought it, glad to know Nate also rates this guitar highly 😃👍🏻
This is what I may buy.
@@denisemaxwell51 same
@@denisemaxwell51 so do u have it now?
I remember taking my 17 year old son to the local guitar shop to buy his first guitar. He tried a number of acoustic guitars, which all sounded OK. Then he picked up a FG800M and strummed a single cord, we both looked at each other in amazement at the sound that it produced. He left the shop carrying his FG800M with a huge smile on his face. Sometimes you just know when something is right!
How could he strum a chord if it was his first guitar? He had never had a guitar before and could play a chord and hear the difference between the guitars? Whoaaaa, such a genius!
@@bka24141 Jesus dude I can assure you there are better ways to spend you time
@@Dapno_ lol
My wife got me a Yamaha F320D as part of my bucket list that I likely would not have done myself. Thank you Honey Bear hope you do not regret it! I have been going for about a year and a half. I played this guitar for the first year before I got my first e-guitar(s). I have not a player long enough to say good or bad. I love the sound of my first guitar. Putting Elixir 11-52 nano-web's on after my factory strings were done gave me a new guitar.The sound is punchy and warm. You never forget your first and don't sell or give her away. I have had make no adjustments to the nut,saddle or truss.I still play it more than 50% of the time.
Your pick is right. I purchased similar Yamaha guitar, and am very happy. Value for money. Very good tone. Happy smiles at home and with friends when this guitar is accompanied. Thank you Yamaha, I live in a happier-harmonious world as you are a part of it too.
The FS body shape will fit more comfortably for most players compared to the FG IMO with similar sound. I had an FG and gifted it to a friend so I still play it every now and then and have an FS for myself and play it every now and then also. It’s a Taylor GS mini Mahogany that has me playing every day because oooh soo comfortable and sounds sooo huge for a small body.
I bought the Yami FG700S 5 years ago when I started . Still play it every day.
ditto !
Nice. My first acoustic was a 1975 Yamaha FG-75 Taiwan manufactured. Noodled around on it for a couple of years, got married and stored it. After 40 years in hiding it's being resurrected. Some rehumidification, tweak the truss rod, bridge plate and new strings and I can annoy the wife with my lack of skills. This brought back the fear and intimidation of walking into a store being absolutely clueless. No change there. Thanks again for another nice video.
FWIW, I picked up an Alvarez Artist Series Ad30 last month for $249. Played decent 'out of the box'. A $35 setup made it play perfectly. It's cheap, but uses higher-end materials for a cheap guitar. Sounds great, plays great, and looks great. Thousands of reviews praise this guitar. I'm a beginner but I feel like this guitar will last me many years. Also, if you have wider/fatter fingers, or enjoy fingerstyle playing, it boasts a 44.45mm nut width which feels like a night & day difference from a 43mm.
I bought their mahogany version of this guitar on killer sale the FG850. Loved the sound
I just bought one and will be receiving it soon. It's not my first Yamaha and I just gave my Martin away as a birthday gift last year.
My goal is simple. I wish to use it to compose new songs at home, so it's going to stay on a stand next to my computer. I do not play professionally, so I am not concerned with electronics and such. I'll give you an update later.
I have a Yamaha F335 and it is a really good acoustic guitar for its price. I recommend it
I have the 335 also. It’s cheaper and plays great.
I bought Yamaha f130 a few months ago .I am super satisfied with it. The sound is great and it meets my learning goal 😎 thank you for your vidoes bro
I recently picked up a Ibanez PC18MH. Retail is $170-180 US. It's super lightweight, and has a great thin neck that makes chording easy. The action is much closer to my electric than many other acoustics I've tried, so the transition back and forth is pretty quick. It's been a great addition to the quiver as I continue to learn.
I've heard those are the best bang for the buck, excellent quality and sound better now with their new scalloped bracing
My first guitar is a Yamaha F370 TBS I bought for 150$
Best 150$ ever spent. Yamaha sure does know how to make cheap, quality, reliable products.
I havent' tried ALL guitars in the same price range, but I have yet to find one under 400$ that sounds better than a Yam
I can reaffirm. Seriously guys if you are in the market you wont be sorry. The solid top, sustain, size choices FG or FS. Really good for the money. I own one and they are great. Best of all, THEY DONT SOUND TINNY, THEY HAVE A GOOD BASE! I can't tell you how many guitars these days all have high end but no base to them, they sound hallowed out. Not a problem with these.
I just got this guitar based on your recommendation and I think it's a great choice for beginner. Thanks for making the video.
Just bought an FS800 today as my campfire guitar. I love it! Only thing I don't like is that the fret dots are hard to see. Super fun to play, low action, perfect for my lil hands.
Why am I watching this? I'm not even in the market for a guitar. lol Curious I guess. I like the Yamaha. Good choice. Funny thing, I bought an old beat up used Fender acoustic for 45 dollars and couldn't play it. Thought it was junk, so I bought an expensive Takamine, learned on it and now I can play the old Fender just as well. Go figure!! (I did lower the action on the Fender, it was a mile high!)
This guitar is around $350 is in my country. So it's pretty expensive, considering the minimum wage is around that amount.
That said, I bought it and even though it's not a 10/10 built and it kind of gets scratched easily... it feels way better than its original price. It also sounds studio and even concert-like with the correct strings and, of course, expertise. Mine came with an already improved bridge, nut, and pins. I changed the last ones because I wanted white ones and better material. I'm looking forward to continue with this one for years to come. My last one was an F310 (and that might be the best guitar for anyone to get as a first!)
I actually walked into this shop two weeks ago and got this guitar.
Definitely won’t go too far wrong with a Yamaha. I like the Epiphone DR series and there are a few other in the mix
I got an fx310 and I love it. Bought it just before I bought a house cause I knew I would be broke for the next 20 years lol Can't go wrong with a yamaha for a cheap but good guitar.
I bought the FG800 à year ago and think it was/is perfect for a beginner like me. It sounds great and I don't mind attempting to do my own work on it because it's so inexpensive. I have my eyes on way more expensive acoustics but I think I'll wait a while longer. I'm going to lower the action on my FG800 (myself-why not?) and probably keep her for a while longer.
I got a new Yamaha FSX800C on Amazon for $289. It comes in bundle including 3 picks, a tuner, spare stings, a strap, and a carrying bag. If I were to buy them separately it will cost me $400+ in total. Score! I will be on tonight for some lessons on your website. Thank you Nate!
I like the Jasmine acoustic/electric by Takamine. It comes with a nice hard shell case, Great sound and play ability for $198.00
What is the model number on the Takamine you are referring to? I have a 12 string and love it but am just a beginner looking for a good 6 string. Thanks!
What your thoughts on the orangewood guitar?
I actually bought a Yamaha FG800. What would be some upgrades or setup suggestions to make it easier to play? I will say this guitar is a lot of fun to play and I love it!
I would just find a good guitar tech in your area that can give it a good setup.
Agree with your choice. I use Yamaha and no complain. I tried many other guitars whenever I go to the music store and so far none can make me turn away from my Yamaha.
Cheers from Indonesia.
This guy is absolutely correct! I bought this guitar in the brown tobacco burst finish from Kraft music (exclusive finish at Kraft music) and I love it more than I do my Taylor 310. I refinished the top from the glossy original finish to a matte finish and changed the nut and saddle to brass and d’addario X medium light strings and this thing sings for days. You can’t go wrong with this $200 guitar even without upgrades it still plays like a dream.
What happened to "Playability"? You completely skipped over that - Number 3 in your intro.
Phil Sheldon the playability is amazing!! It’s setup almost perfect from the factory. The action on mine was a little higher than I like but a new brass saddle and nut made mine perfect. I know most people like tusq or bone for a nut or saddle but I was experimenting with brass and loved it so I left it like that.
Yes, I agree totally. I searched for "playability" as a criterion for choosing a beginner's guitar, which brought me to your video. It was disappointing that, after mentioning playability as your 3rd most important criterion at the beginning, you skipped over it later.
Mine was just 180 cad. And I play fingerstyle. Bought in toronto I forgot really where it is.
Other people: 200 dollars is cheap
Me: dam 40 dolllars guitar is expensive
unfortunately there is no such thing as a cheap musical instrument. If you want to play music you have to at least invest a minimum of money in that hobby. Now there ARE some instruments under 100 dollars but believe me, you don't want to play on them. Even if you're a beginner it's not a good decision to buy one of those because a poor quality instrument will easily discourage you to keep playing
Yamaha gl1 guitalele probably 50 dollars great for learning 👍
If you can not afford saving $100 for anything then you have a big problem with your life in general.
Go flip burger at fast food chain you can earn $200 in a month at least
I actually have a Yamaha Fg400a, and yea it has a laminate top, but it's nearly twice my age and has been played so much that it just blossomed into it's sound. I don't really know how to describe it, but it's got good bass (I can feel my teeth vibrate a bit if I strum hard enough) it's got great volume due to the aforementioned bass, but the high end isn't shy either and they go so well together, a nice balance between bright and mellow (if I'm using those adjectives properly). I can't wait to see what it sounds like when I get it's strings changed for the first time since I've been learning. It feels like an old friend that you can share anything with. Also, from what I've seen online, most good condition offers are roughly the same price point as the Fg800 in the video.
Big guys like these guitars, but medium frame people- not so much 😬 I’m 64 years old & fit, 5’ - 8” , 170 lbs. My first guitar 😎 a Yamaha FD01-$120 Craigslist - about 2005 from the S/N - spent it whole life in someone’s closet until I had it setup by Haight-Ashbury Music 😃. Then four months later I rec’d a gift of an ARBOR D20N, mid 80’s , a large dreadnaught, & found it difficult to play for 40 minutes comfortably though the setup is great. NOW I have another Craigslist find: a 2012 Yamaha FS700S - $175, a concert size? IT IS A DREAM TO PLAY, it fits SO WELL!!!
So for first guitars beginners - of which I am the most, because I know nothing of music except who the Beatles might be. CHOOSE A CONCERT SIZE!!! Or is that a 00 size?
I'm 5'9" and a dreadnaught is pushing it a little but I like the tone.
I'm 5'7" and don't have an issue with the FG800. Don't think I have freakishly long arms or anything. :) But the FS800 is the same price if the concert size is more comfortable for anyone. I did look at and try both before I bought.
I got the Yamaha FGX800C (acoustic-electric cutaway version) and love it. I'm wondering why this is considered a "beginner guitar."
I think it's just about the price. Because beginners are usually going to (understandably) invest less in a musical instrument. But yeah other than that it's not really a "only for beginners" guitar. I have been playing for 7 years and I got this guitar recently, I love it.
"I'm wondering why this is considered a "beginner guitar."" I think, because it won't last very long before it wears out. Beginners expected to get a better guitar soon, so they don't need a well made one that will last.
The FG800 is a very well made guitar and can last you a life time, beginner guitars have to do with the price not the quaility@@novakant3048
I bought the FG700 about 10 years ago and still have it. I now have a Martin guitar but still love playing my Yamaha. I was gonna trade it, but since it was not worth much I kept it and glad I did. Best guitar for the price.
I think I might get this for $200 or under. IF theirs any more recommendations, pls let me know I rlly wanna play the guitar
As a granddad I have bought half a dozen of these.
Yep the FG800 is a great guitar for the money but plan on paying for a setup because they come with very high action! My favorite guitar in that price range is the Mitchell T313CE Solid Spruce Top Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar and typically no setup is required! Mitchell is not very well know but there guitars play amazingly well!
What do you mean by setup?
@@paraskaith5027 A guitar tech will adjust the bridge, saddle and truss rod to bring the strings as close to the fret board as possible while not buzzing or going out of tune for the way that you personally play the guitar. Makes the strings easier to press down, which is a real issue when you first start out on an acoustic guitar. For what it's worth, my FG800 didn't come with "very high action" at all. "Action" means the height of the strings off the fret board, by the way.
@@erinescence2095 thanks mate
You can always tune the guitar half step down if your have high action and do not want to set up yet
A lot of player tune half step down even when they play expensive guitars
@all, any big differences between the Yamaha FG800 and the Yamaha F325D?
Just ordered mine for $290 end of year promotion. It usually cost here between $330-350. Can't wait to play it.
I've always liked Yamaha, but the 600$ and above models. For a starter guitar I don't think the Orangewood Oliver can be beat. The Oliver has much more a balanced tone. And..it just feels better, kinda like you want to hug it.
I've got an Yamaha fs820 (concert style) with some fancier looks. It's my first steelstring acoustic. Played fine, until i got it set up propparly now it plays great. No regrets so far and no need for an upgrade as long i'm still a beginner.
Cool. Getting a guitar setup is so important.
haha no friekin way bro, I just got the same one! I was on travel for 2 weeks and had the itching for an inexpensive but decent guitar to scratch the itch. This one just impressed me over models that were $100 more. I was pleasantly surprised by the consistency. This one had good playability, clean sound. It will barely fit in the standard cases, so make sure it fits in the case before you buy the case. It keeps in tune over a week of playing, which I cannot say the same for many guitars under $400!
I just purchased an Epiphone Pro 1 .
Check it out its priced at $189.99 .
Has solid spruce top and mohagany sides and back . just try and see
It;s a little late now, but could you comment on whether a regular store like L&M will set this guitar up as part of the purchase price so the action is that desired by the customer, and, that a relatively low action is achievable on this guitar (like 3mm on low E at 12th fret)? The two acoustic guitars I bought came with a setup included in the listed price (one from L&M one from now gone Ring music in Toronto). I am asking this question because of Woxidus Woxidus's comment, below, which asserts that the FRETS MUST BE "GRINDED" to get "final string height tuning". In fact, can you also say, isn't this very bizarre? I can see that the action will be on the high end coming out of the box, to facilitate choosing a range of items by sanding down the saddle, which is a minor operation. but "grinding the frets"? Surely that can not be required! Thanks for your comments
consistency is a weird point considering Yamaha outsources most of their manufacturing these days, and even in the earlier days many different japanese factories made the guitars.
Hello,
What do you think of the Orangewood Austen guitar for a beginner?
This guitar is really good. What about the Fender CD-60s Mahogany Model? Is it also good and easier to play?
I started with Fender CC60s black on sale for less than $150 and I thought it was a great guitar.
This one sound better
There is another candidate.... Cort earth 60. It's a dreadnought, solid Sitka spruce top and Hog back and sides
My FG800 is my cheapest guitar, but it ironically has the best tuning stability. Hats off to Yamaha!
I’m about to buy a guitar and start taking lessons. I have big hands would that be a factor with this guitar?
Lot of good questions on this video. I have been playing guitar since christmas of 1979. my first guitar was a guild d40 taditional. look that up. yeah its about 2800.00 now. 900 back then.I have owned many guitars and have always been progressive in my learning of the guitar. I play every day that I can.
In a few hr's I will be reciving this guitar from fedex.at some point in the next few days I will come back here and give you my opinion on it and how it's set up and how it sounds.I currently play a new as of three months ago Epiphone Frontier that came perfectly set up. I will be comparing the epiphone and the yamaha. the epiphone is all solid wood and sounds great. it was 849.00 new without a case.
I like the epiphone dr 100 or the jasmine s35 for only $70-$100 both sound pretty good and quality is def there for that low price point
Some people said that Yamaha FS800 and Eastman PCH1-OM are suitable for a beginner. Which one is the best guitar for a beginner?
I have a used FG730S which is basically the same guitar with a few frills. It’s great. Hard to beat.
FG800 vs FG830 which one is better ? This is going to be my first guitar. Budget limit for guitar is $400. Appreciate feedback !
Thanks.
fg830
Thank you so much! I want to gift an acoustic guitar to someone who has never played and has always wanted to. I was clueless! 😊
Does it sound better than the Taylor Academy 10?
Is this guitar can use amplifier?, I just start wanna find a good guitar and I never play guitar before so I think acoustic guitar can play with amp right?
Great video! How loud is Yamaha FG800? At this moment I'm playing classical guitar, but I want to switch to acoustic one, however I'm worried that I will disturb other people with my guitar practice. I find classical guitar pretty quiet and I'm not sure how much louder acoustic guitar is compared to classical. I heard about feedback busters, but I don't know if they would solve my issue. Are there any other methods to make acoustic guitar quieter? To what degree do you think that feedback buster would solve my issue? Also, would you please tell me, how much louder acoustic guitar is compared to classical? Thank you in advance for your answer and please stay safe during this difficult time.
Mateusz Miśkiewicz actually a classical guitar and an acoustic are both acoustic guitars. The only difference is a classical has nylon strings and of coarse usually a wider neck and a slotted headstock. A typical acoustic is usually a dreadnaught shape or smaller concert shape both having steel strings. To answer your question yes they can be louder that a classical guitar but lightly picked or finger picked can have a really nice low frequency tone.
Should I get the FG800, FS800 or APX600?
I have an FG800M, M stands for matte I think. It’s my first guitar. Got into it in january. What is the difference with that M? Is it purely for looks or does it change anything?
You're likely right, because many other brands use the same naming rule, Cort does that too, just adds a different letter in the end. If the numbers are the same, they're usually the same material.
What’s about the Harley Benton Custom Line CLD 15M? Comes at 169€, seems pretty decent too me.
I want to buy my first acoustic guitar but I find that he yamaha is just too deep and big for me . can you suggest a similarly priced guitar for a petite woman.
A bit late but the FS800 gives you all the FG goodness in a smaller package.
But of course try before you buy
Solid recommendation.
$200 Yamaha FG800 vs $195 Orangewood Austen? Both solid top dreadnoughts, Orangewood comes with gig bag and professional setup already done, perhaps better strings. I think Orangewoods are great.
Does this guitar have steel strings?
A used Yamaha F335 is a top choice... maybe $60 delivered to your house! Get a guitar geek who really knows his stuff and give him $20 to go over it and adjust it (nut slots, saddle, etc.) and for under $100 you have a nice acoustic guitar!
Sound quality superb! So, as long as solid top (although just sitka spuce top) will get this fantastic sound? Does strings gauges matter? And, what was the gauges on this FG800?
Yamaha's like this come setup with 12 gauge strings. Thicker string gauges will allow for more volume before breaking up. Generally solid tops produce better sounds but I've played some solid top guitars that leave a lot to be desired.
Lag acoustic guitar is it good to start or something more better cause the one I saw was around 250 dollars
If you have a little more to spare and want to get something that is leaps and bounds beyond it’s category: Orangewood Oliver Mahogany.
What do you guys think about Fender acoustics?
they suck ass
If we compare 295$ Fender guitar to this one, which one is better?
Why would I dissagree? I just bought a FG800 this week. Me and my crew (SOn and his Son) all play Yamahas. Son? FG830. His son? F335. We're on the
Yamaha xpress. But I also own a Martin as well. I've owned dozens of guitar in the last 70 years I've played guitar
I can definitely attest to this; FG800 was my first guitar and I loved it! Great guitar for the price
Testify!
this or the alvarez ad30/ad60?
Electric Guitars are by far the easiest to learn on. Lots of companies had the bright idea of an Acoustic Guitar with an Electric Guitar feel to facilitate playablity.
I’d the price increase to the fg830 worth it?
the 830 sounds brighter because it has rosewood back n sides the fgt800 is warmer, is it worth more money not really unless you like more bling on the 830
What about the f310?
i have it,. i dont like it much, go with a solid top guitar yamaha fg800 or orangewood
Im quite small built kind of guy. It this good for me? Not too big for me? Please someone answer. Thanks.
Yamaha makes good guitars. Another good company to buy cheap but good quality guitars is OrangeWood guitars.
Wondering about the Orangewood Oliver. They look good on youtube but then most of the videos are people getting paid to promote them. Do you know anyone who bought one and really likes it. Seems like a good guitar player can make almost any guitar sound good.
@@laurietice2612 Yeah I understand what you're saying. I know a guitarist from RUclips who has two guitars from Orangewood. You can check out her video here: ruclips.net/video/YGQ-RkhDtgQ/видео.html . I'm not 100% sure if she gets paid to promote them but I know for sure she owns them.
@@laurietice2612 orange wood guitars are just ok for the cheapest ones. They’re not that great and I bought one so I have my own opinion. The professional setup they boast is not reliable in the least. I had string buzz up and down the neck. Had to have it setup at a Sam Ash for $50. It got rid of the buzz so it helped. The lower end models are not built to be the best and they are not in any way comparable to a Yamaha. I’m sorry to say they’re mass produced cheap material guitars. Although they’re good started guitars but the most I would spend for one is the Oliver at about $250. It’s not even worth that much. The solid top is very thin and needs to be cared for continuously to prevent drying out. The fretboard is cheapest material they can find. Nothing about the orange woods are going to impress anyone. I got rid of mine because the sound of it was awful. I will never buy another orangewood guitar at any price. They are as dead to me as the sound of their guitars.
How about electric guitar?
fender
I always recommend Yamaha acoustic's when asked for a starter guitar you can't go wrong with a Yamaha .
*bleeps brand name then immediately shows an R6*
hmmm i wonder what brand this will be?
Hey how's the Yamaha F310 ?? Can u tell me plzz
I believe the F310 is one step below the guitar in this video. Still good but it won't be as loud or have as rich of a tone in general.
one step? a few steps@@MusoraOfficial
Great review, good points for keeping in mind when auditing instruments!
Can I ask if you have spotted a favourite 3/4 acoustic which you can recommend as well?
I have a full size acoustic and I cannot play it so I'm picking only my 3/4 classic and smaller guitars, so I would very much like to get me a decent priced 3/4 and try to focus on that for songwriting and jamming. Thanks!
Oscar Schmidt OG10CE. Concert size. $100 to $150. Love mine
Can’t say enough good things about this guitar. Not to big and bulky, Low action, clean tones, great playability. And the transparent black makes for a sharp quilted look. Also is electric compatible. Don’t use it though
im learning on this guitar right now and i can say i LOVE it.
HOWEVER, i have no idea why Yamaha would decide to leave off the 3rd fret marker. i know its a style thing but this is a beginner/learner guitar and i need that 3rd fret dot!! i had to mark the fret on my own
wow wouldnt even have noticed that in the video if you didnt point it out. good observation. strange design choice there.
Marker is that important? Classical guitar doesn't have marker and a lot of beginner start with a classical guitar
@@phanhuyuc5839 yes its important for beginners to learn proper finger position and know what fret they are on.
a Canadian like me cool.... by the way that guitar is classed as beginner and intermediate level
Breedlove DIscovery is Amazing as well
My dad just bought one of those.
Fender DG8S OR SOMETHING CLOSE TO IS IS A GOOD GUITAR