Expensive vs. Cheap Yamaha Acoustic Guitars | FGX5 vs. FG800
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
- Can you hear the difference between these two acoustic guitars? Today we have an FGX5 and FG800 from Yamaha, two guitars that have great value within their weight classes, with a difference of just under $1000. The price difference is attributed to differences in materials, build quality and location, and the presence of certain features like electronics and torrefaction. We can hear the difference, and we can FEEL the difference, but what do you think? Let us know what your thoughts are and learn more on our website!
10:19 FG800 Strumming
11:00 FGX5 Strumming
11:45 FG800 Fingerpicking
12:34 FGX5 Fingerpicking
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I can hear a difference, but I don’t know if that difference is worth $1,000. The FG800 sounds phenomenal for a $200 guitar
Precisely, although when I hooked up a pair of decent headphones the sound difference became bigger. Nevertheless, the price difference isn’t equal to the sound difference. The FG800 is simply a bargain! Besides that, I think the FG5 will remain his value better?
The money is also in the playability of the neck, frets, weight, ergonomics, long term ownership, opening up of solid woods etc. The current sound is just part of the equation.
@@banjo1434 yeah I know, that’s why I play a Martin. I was really impressed with the Yamaha for that price point though.
You have to consider the pickup system on fgx5
Will you play a guitar that sounds better, looks better, feels better more.....:-)
Thanks for sharing... Yes I can hear the difference as you commented....I still play my FG470 SA & love it ...maybe I should upgrade but I am 77 yes old and just enjoy playing & 'singing" to myself....cheers..
I bought the FGX5 based on Chris' video a year or so ago. I'd saved up 4 thousand for either a Gibson or Martin. I realized I didn't have 4K worth of talent. So, after listening to his video I bought the FGX5. I've never looked back. That guitar sounds sweeter every day.
Good point.
What I did too.
Superb guitar. I also have the fs3 which is phenomenal in general. Had it a year now and it's matured amazingly. Still got the stock strings and it sounds so nice and mellow. Proper folk Machine. Cant wait for the FG5 to do the same
Save up for a Gibson SJ-200. Life is too short.
Oh poop. You’re supposed to have talent to justify owning a nice guitar? Oops!
Japanese craftsmen are in a class of their own. Whether its instrumental, computers or automobiles. Hats off to Japanese craftsmen n women.
True, they’re great at improving other people’s ideas.
@@rosscampbell1173 One of my Toyota SUV 18 yrs old and rides almost as new. Not a bad investment at their improving Henry Ford's idea.
@@hwanhee6896 *Karl Benz's idea.
Is the fg800 model made in China or Japan
@@briwood6328 china, BUT yamaha owns/operates the factory it is not outsourced. QC is spot on!
Fg-800 was my first guitar and it rocks. Great sound, and surprisingly durable
About to go with a buddy to pick him out one. He was wanting a Taylor, but his last guitar got broke by his kids, so he is now thinking about going cheaper.
I just got the Fg-800 as my first guitar, and I’m excited to actually try it out
no one is asking
@@RockNRoll__ no one needed you saying that
While there is definitely a difference, the 5 being a bit smoother sounding overall, it is amazing how close the FG800 comes to matching it. Yamaha are the kings of consistency.
To my ears (and they’re old ears mind you), the FGX5 definitely sounds mo’ betta. But damn that FG800 is a winner for anyone who just doesn’t have the dough. Thanks for these straight-ahead reviews. They are incredibly helpful and very much appreciated, and brilliant, Chris.
You’re videos have been good from the start, but as you’ve made many more over the years, your comfort level and the quality just gets better and better. Miss my time shopping at Alamo in my lunch breaks!
I bought a FG800 a few weeks ago and man, it is so much better than my old $50 guitar. my guitaring has improved so much over the past month or so and I put it down to the engaging sound from this guitar, I love it and this will be my last guitar. Great vid 🙏
Yes i noticed that too.. it seems he easily played the fgx than the other feels like less effort on playing but it still sounds good, the other less but not that far in sound quality they both have unique sound and i like both of them
You guys put out great videos, well done! I learned a lot from you about acoustics.
14:02 I'm hoping u r not just laying in ur bed late at night watching this on ur cellphone.
Me: *Click PAUSE and gets up from bed to sit on chair in living room*
Hahaha!
You read my mind lol
I’ve had my FGX5 for over a year now and I notice how awesome it sounds and feels every single time I pick it up. I returned a Martin D18 to get this thing and it was absolutely worth it. These are heirloom quality guitars that are bound to appreciate.
Hats off to this man for his presentation / communication skills.... aswell as his playing skills...
I liked the sound of the more expensive guitar. It seemed like it had a richer sound, more full, seemed like less buzz as well.
I like the way Yamaha are leaving out the name and letting the tuning fork icon on the headstock speak for itself. Alvarez are doing the same for their new master built acoustics and it's a nice touch.
I have never met a Yamaha I didn’t like. I stayed a hostel on the AT that had one and I played for days
Me either. I always look for an excuse to buy one even though I have much more expensive guitars that I love. They really make great stuff.
LOL, I bet I've played that same exact one you played at the office on Mt Leconte in Tennessee. That's the first Yamaha I'd ever played and it sounded great dead strings and all..
I’ve been using FG800 for about 4 years now and I still use it everyday with no problems
Absolutely love my FGX5, it wasn't on my radar until I came across Chris' review of it and the FSX5 from last year, one of the best purchasing decisions I've ever made.
The FGX5 had a richer, fuller sound and I had a feeling it projects better, but the FG800 was incredible considering the price point.
Got my FG-800 coming in this week. Man I’m so glad I came across this video.
I had a mate who preferred his top-end Yam to a much pricier Martin. I have a basic Yam and I love it.
Thanks for the vid.
The FG800 sounds fantastic for a $200 guitar. Ideal guitar for beginners, along with Orangewood guitars, some of the Washburn, & the Seagull S6 Original guitars.
I have two Seagulls and the S6's tone is far syoerior to the more expensive Yamaha
@@sculptureshard377s6 is way more expensive than the fg800?
@@NicolaioneFg830 is the best
Have the FG730, a great sounding guitar. Just received the FSX5 and it definitely is a high-end guitar. The fit/finish and sound are remarkable. Much better guitar than I'm as a guitarist.
Fantastic video. Very professional and pleasant!
I LOVE the videos you guys post...! Always very informative and fun. I have a Yamaha AC5M and a CSF3M... so when it came to buy a Dreadnought I was sure I would go with Yamaha. Then I saw the original video you did on the Red Label series and that was it! -lol- I wanted to continue to deal with my local Yamaha dealer and I waited a year... but I got it today! The decision was based on the info I get from your videos. Thanks and keep up the great work!
My FG830 is a very nice guitar in its price range. The FG5X is an amazing guitar in its class. it all depends on one's budget and needs and wants. Amazing value on each.
I have the FG 830 myself I love it I decided to go with the tobacco Burst!
I’m considering buying the FG830 on sale at Sweetwater for $349.seems like a nice guitar for the price.
In 1967 or '68, my dad brought home a brand new Yamaha FG-180 Red Label acoustic guitar. I still have that guitar in my collection. I find myself going back to that guitar as it just gets better and better with age, even over my Gibson SJ-200. .....Russell D.
Bought a Yamaha F335 guitar a few years ago on sale at guitar center for $99. Put some high end strings on it and I’m amazed by how good it sounds, especially for $100
Just bought a F335 yesterday! Say, what kind of high end strings did you replace it with? Brand? Guages? Thanks!
@@robertpilavjian1091 I like the Elixir phosphor bronze
@@robertpilavjian1091 mine are .13/.056 gauge
Thanks, your commentaries feels true !
Love my FG800. Did have to lower the action (twice) and experiment with strings (EB lights) but am really happy with it. The tuners are -- as Chris said -- have a little slop but the guitar stays in tune for days so no biggie. I have sat in a big box's guitar room trying all manner of acoustics at its price and up to three times as much and really have hard time finding anything that matches the quality. That said, would love to have a red label of today or the 60s.
I purchased an FG830 and an FGx3 at the same time so I could get to know them well. Money was not an issue. After playing them together at home for a week, I sent the FGX3 back. I have not tried the FGX5 yet. The 830 does not have a pickup, but I did not need one. I did like the FGX3 a lot, but the FG830 had finer clarity and resonance.
I love my FS830. However, I've always wanted a Taylor, so I'm looking at possibly rotating in a GS mini.
@@Zach-lv5qs fg830 owner here, the yamaha's 800 are mental. went to a music store near me to try out some more expensive guitars, and the only ones that sounded better than the yamaha were 2.5k or above priced guitars, its honestly mind blowing how yamaha are able to do this
@@Zach-lv5qs Make sure you try the mahogany GS mini.
I own a Martin DC-13E, and recently bought an FG 800 for a friend who wanted to get back into playing. I liked it so much, that I'm getting another one for myself to have around the house. It's no Martin, but it's got a great sound, at least to my ear. Great video!
Yamaha Red Labels deserve some love, thanks for giving it to them!
I have the FG830 with rosewood lam back and sides.... love this guitar for about 3 years now. Hearing the FGX5 really makes me want one. I was looking at an entry martin but just changed my mind.
Yes, I could hear the difference. Over the internet it is subtle. For us players that just play for therapy, I would have to ask myself, is that X5 ten times better? My answer would be no, so maybe I could spend extra couple hundred and upgrade the 800. Now if I had "to much $" and wanted a Yamaha, why not just get the X5? Great review 👍.
There's a little tiny bit more low end response in the FGX, but otherwise they sound virtually identical. Amazing! Having owned three Yamaha guitars, I can say I've never been disappointed. They are incredibly consistent.
Just bought an FS800 that was in a local pawnshop when I went in to pick up something else, for the one reason that it sounded so good ... also felt nice, well dressed fret ends, thin finish doesn't mute the wood's natural resonance and it just feels like a lot more expensive instrument ... at the price, it was a crazy good buy and I love hanging it on my wall between guitars that cost a lot more but don't sound as good.
I have an FG800, FG3, and a 1972 FG200. All 3 are phenomenal guitars. My favorite is the FG200 mostly because it was my dad's guitar. He is battling cancer and just gave me his guitar. 😥.
Thanks Chris excellent video, real eye opening
Sometimes it's hard to perceive the difference between 2 or more sounds. Ears abilities are pretty subtle. Thanks Chris for your lively reviews 🎶🎶🎶
I had the same question in my head as i saw the fg800 on sale in a store near home whilst searching for a fg5/fgx5... it was almost a times ten price difference
Nonetheless, i think it’s not just about hearing the sound but the playability, the feel for the guitar, for the vibrations, connecting to it, growing with it, loving it and mostly it will make you come back to play again and again and again for hours/months/years to come...
It’s not like buying a toothbrush, or a shampoo... buying a guitar is like a bond you create with your creativity, your soul and it connects via your heart so your heart has to approve to get you going through art and emotions...
To put in a nutshell : never ever trust a youtube video to make a solid statement on a guitar (or any product really)... many of the youtube world have sponsorship and pretend a thing to be bad (but it’s not) and vice versa...
My comment isn’t pointing on Alamo music particularly, but to avoid misunderstanding and say that one is bad and the other is good... no, they’re both good but one is better... which one? Go try and figure it our for yourselves (budgetwise and soundwise)
So take your lazy a$s off your chair and go try stuff before buying... except if it’s Amajon guitar, you already know what to expect 🤣🤣
Btw, Alamo music, Chris McKee, keep up the good work, you amaze me every video and i enjoy watching them!
Congrats from Paris, France
Shayn
Very good presentation! I'm a guitar lover and have been playing for about 40 years. Even though I listened to this over my phone I could tell a difference. The red label has a deeper, richer tone. I may listen to this tomorrow using my headphones. But, the difference is there and is solid.
Hi, thanks for doing the video, I really enjoy watching your video's as they are always clear and concise.
I know these are 2 similar guitars but you do have 2 different tops one is torrified spruce which sounds more mellow due to the heat treatment so I expected to hear a difference between these 2 guitars. Had the tops of both guitars been untreated spruce I think the sonic difference would have been much closer.
The 200 dollar guitar does represent fantastic value and Yamahas are always well set up and easy to play so anyone can afford a nice sounding easy to play guitar and that's great.
Thanks and keep making these video's.
Great video, thank you. I found it really informative and helpful. I could hear the difference clearly, especially on the top notes, they just had more clarity. But that said when you started on the fg800 I thought it sounded great.
Thank you.
Yamaha's guitars have these incredibly focused and projected tone, they are wonderful... unfortunately, not every great guitar can suit every guitarist, because when I tried a good Yamaha it was so focused and projected it competed too much with my voice, especially when recorded together. It's almost like I need a guitar with worse projection so my voice doesn't suck in comparison.
Ha, same problem here. I have a Takamine top model. I love it for recording (fingerpicking) and live on stage, but I will write my songs on a cheap small beginner´s guitar from Framus (1964). It has less sustain and sounds like from LOLA by the Kinks. A guitar shop owner told me that middle size mahagony guitars are more suitable because they sound woodier and warmer. Greetings from Germany.
I love just watching your content, super relaxing and comfortable. Inspires me to pactice haha
Comparing guitars of the same brand is the best way to do this test
Another great video on a terrific topic! 3 times I've gone out and played 50 guitars and many Yamaha's. I can tell you that the sound of the Yamaha Red Label 5 is AWESOME. Just pluck the low E and your knees will bend, your heart starts racing. FGX Red Label 5s stand up to any factory anything at any price, depending upon your preferences.
Through this sampling I bought an FS800 because I wanted to cut and finish my own multiple sound ports. It worked out great. Had I known more, I might have chosen the Yamaha FS830R to do that. C'est la vie. FG800s are in fact great $199 value, perhaps the greatest, but over time at home you'll start hearing the difference in comparison to your other guitars. BTW the FS800 set up was pretty good.
Yamaha also has a full spectrum line above FG800's, above Red Label 1, 3, 5's, above their similar A1, A3, A5 Series and that's their L Series. I'd really love to know how various Yamaha L series, particularly the more accessible models, stand up to FG800 and FGX5's, or their A's.
I go on record saying that Yamaha layered Rosewood in their A Series outplayed all the other solid non-Yamaha Rosewoods I'd sampled. I bought the Yamaha AC1R.
I recently bought a Yamaha FS830 to use a travel guitar and to just keep handy for plinking on when I get the notion. From the factory, it was flawless but I changed out the strings from 12's to 10's and lowered the action on it and it plays as easy as an electric. It has been my go to guitar ever since.
I thought Yamaha Guitars come with a sweet low action. No?
@@SukalyanDas Almost all mass produced guitars are shipped with a high action to mask a multitude of possible problems with the guitar. Dealers are supposed to set up the guitar for their customers but they often do not, and it's up to the customer to rectify setup issues.
@@SukalyanDas I just recently got one like the cheaper model on this video - action was super high from factory. The frets are perfectly fine though (but still needed polishing).
It would have been nice to see a comparison of the pickups as well (fgx800 vs fgx5) to compare yamaha's budget offering with their most recent developments in acoustic amplification. Appreciate the video!
playing this through studio monitors. yes there is a difference in sound and tone. X5 has more clarity and fullness.
Huge difference. Thanks for the video.
Very much look forward to your video on how to take care of acoustic-electric guitars. I have four Yamahas FGX 04 LTD, A4K, FG 700S and FGX 800C. I have the A4K stored in its hardcase for 5 years now. What is your advice in storing acoustic and acoustic- electric guitars? Best practices in different scenarios?
I love these videos Chris puts out. I bought the top of the line FG850 based on Chris’s FG800 Series Demos and others. To answer the question can I hear the difference? Yes. The FGX5 sounds more balanced and a richer sound with the all solid wood construction. I had to play this back a few times with headphones on as it didn’t stand out as much as I thought it would when I ran across this video. If you really want to hear the FGX5 shine watch and listen to Chris’s full review of the FGX5 and FSX5. I don’t know if the setup was better or what but you can really hear the sound quality ring out in that video you’d swear it was a cross between a high end Martin and Taylor. After watching that video I immediately wanted one. After watching this one, I went back downstairs and played my FG850 but I’d still love to have the FGX5.
FGX5 is top of the line......for FGs. There is also an L series line, with the LL16, 26, 36, and 56 all featuring all solid construction, A.R.E. treatment Scalloped bracing, and the higher numbers are hand made in Japan!
@@Wobbz9413 when I say top of the line I meant for the FG 800 series. For a laminate guitar, the craftsmanship and sound is fantastic. I did wind up trading it about a year later for the FSX5. I got a really good deal on a used one that was brand new during the pandemic that still had the protective wrap on it. The Atmosfeel pickup system is superb.
@@allarson2918 yes. I love the FGs. I have an FG820 and would love an FG850. Also have two LL16s. Cheers.
This is a great video, but my math says you can get 7 Yamaha FG800s to one FGX5. Still a valid point and you do GREAT job laying out the real differences between the two models. Thank you.
The FGX5 sounds deeper, fuller through headphones. I have donated FSXC800 for beginners. What does the FG800 sound like compared to an Orangewood guitar?
I have fg830, fg850 and Orangewood Echo. I personally prefer either Yamaha over the Orangewood because of the way they feel in my hands while playing. Orangewood is very nice sounding also. I just prefer the feel of the Yamaha fg. I did have my luthier setup and put bone to replace plastic nut/saddle on both Yamaha. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
Hi Chris good day. Yet again another great presentation. Is it ok to have a video with FS800CE and FSX5? Thanks in advance.
I happened to be looking away when you switched and the FG sounds much more rich, like a Martin.
I have my eye on an FG5, but availability seems limited in the states. I'd jump on this in a heartbeat to buy if it was about 10-15% off it's current list price. I want the FG5 vs the FG3 just to support the japan factoriy, as a long time red label owner.
Also props to the video here for the detail. didn't just read specs, i like the discussion on bracing and wood choices. good job
And now ur selling it?
@@tunedime have been thinking about it. It's an amazing guitar
I’ve been considering an acoustic. I barely play anymore, but miss being able to pick up and strum. A little RUclips searching led me to this video, and I instinctively set out to find it on Amazon and other places. And then I thought “wait. This guy took the trouble to put together this helpful video! At least see if he can ship!” Lol. Do you guys ship to NJ?
I recently picked up an FG800 brand new for $187. It is the best guitar I have ever heard for under 200 bucks. It has scalloped bracing just like my $3,000 Martin, and this Yamaha holds its own against it. I am stunned by how good it is.
My question is this: does Alamo check the guitars before putting out or shipping them to customers and can one purchase a set-up at sale for a reasonable price?
I play a FG800 and although the thought of upgrading always lingers around, I guess I might need to at least try to make my FG800 sound as good as this guy does before making any moves..
You can definitely hear the difference but not $1000 difference. FG800 is very nice for the price. To be honest, if I had it to do over I would have bought the FG800 over my Taylor simply because of how much more affordable it is and the sound difference isn't big enough to matter to me.
I’ve got a Taylor 522CE and my mate just got a Yamaha LS6ARE. I would swap them if it wasn’t for my damn pride (and I got my taylor at 1/2 price)
I agree. I can not feel bad buying a guitar in my budget. My FG830 is a fabulous value.
I have a 10 year old fg700 and it is a canon. I put a bone nut and saddle in it and had it refretted last year along with Grover tuners. People are shocked that what I paid for it.
Everything you've mentioned about the issues with the FG800 is the same as the issues with the FS800 which I have. I've just modded the FS800 by changing the tuners to Gotoh 301s ($30 for a set), shaped a new TUSQ saddle ($10 for compensated saddle blank), increased the string break angle at the bridge, changed the neck profile so it feels more sleek between the nut and 3rd frets and stained and urethaned it. Made sure frets had no sharp edges, and there were no high frets, so every fret is perfect after evening them out and re-crowning. After a week I played it with D'addario 11-52 nickel bronze strings, and it beat a $1300 similar sized guitar in terms of sound and playability. I already had all the tools necessary to do the fretwork, but all up with tuners, hand wiped urethane satin finish and stain the entire upgrade cost around $65. I ended up selling the $1300 guitar. I've had the FS800 for 6 years and played it a lot, so the top had opened up nicely. With the upgrade, it's sound improved considerably, becoming a lot less boxy sounding, louder and more resonant, with a lot more sustain. I'm going to add a bone nut eventually, and expect some more improvement in the sound. But all up, these less expensive Yamahas are fantastic guitars for the money and if you want to learn to do work on guitars, or just play them, very satisfying to work on or play. For the price, some of the best made guitars I've seen anywhere. The FGX5 sounds fantastic, and yes it is a much higher quality instrument, both construction and sound wise, and would need no modifications to sound great. Like all Yamahas it punches well above its price point, and competes well with some more expensive and iconic US made guitars, some of which I own.
I agree that the FG800 is amazing value for the money.
Love this
I had always avoided the newer entry level Yamaha acoustics but I kept seeing great reviews on the 800 series so when an FG830 came up on Facebook Marketplace for $200 with a fitted hard case, I jumped on it. I questioned the seller because it was way too cheap. He told me that he had taken it in trade for some electronics and wasn't a player so he didn't really know what he had. When I met him, the guitar was in "like new" condition and still had the plastic on the pick guard. There wasn't a blemish on it. The action was a little but I assumed it had ever been set up.
I took it to my luthier friend and had him do a set up on it, checking everything out and replacing the plastic nut and saddle with bone and plastic pins with ebony to warm it up a bit. He topped it off with a new set of D'Addario EJ16's (12's). The set up and bone cost me $175 so I had $375 in the guitar with a hard shell case. The sustain and tone is incredible. I put my Yamaha AC1M back in its case and play the fg830 all the time now. The fit and finish is better than a Gibson Hummingbird I almost 8 years ago. I'd put this Yamaha up against anything 4 times the $349 price tag of a new FG830.
I could really hear the difference, especially in the finger picked example. I have an FG-700S and I love it. It sounds great and I don't have to baby it. I'm happy taking it camping for example. But I also have an FG-180 50th which has similar specs to the FGX5 only without the electronics and it's definitely an order of magnitude superior to the 700. But guess which gets played (and enjoyed) more often...
Well I just got the $200 one with a case yesterday and it sounds great.
Thank You for that comparison! But it's a little bit unfair - with all the extras on the FGX5, like pick-up and case. You should have compared the FG800 to the FG3, which is the same guitar without the extras for just about 800 Euro. It's still 4 times as much, - but only 4 times!
I have a Yamaha A1M Dreadnought. With a little fret finishing, a bone nut and saddle, it's a wonderful guitar. Most tone comes from the fingers, but the woods and construction do add to the punch and clarity.
Bought an FG800 to be my campfire/couch/travel guitar and it does the trick and then some!
Same. It'll sound even better in 10 years!
I never really was a fan of the Yamaha sound, but this video has changed my mind. The FG800 sounds pretty good for the price
I have FGX 413 SC from years, and years back as a factory replacement for another Yamaha that was unplayable. High action, not much could be done, hurts my fingers, but sound so good.
I've played quite a few FG 800 series and they are a phenomenal value (!) but the FGX5 just sounds so much more rich with sonorous mids and nice warm bass. Well worth the extra bucks for me but the 800 series can sure take a player a long long way.
ive just brought a FG 800m the sound is inspirational with rotosound Super bronze 11 gauge , id have no issue getting on stage with it.
@@ThomasDoubting5 how is it holding up? I'm looking at learning and getting one
Hi Chris! Wondering if you could tell me what you think about Michael kelly forte port x acoustic electric guitars? Or do a video to review them. I noticed there are not many reviews for that brand. Thank you 😊
As an owner and lover of a Yamaha FG-TA (TransAcoustic, with built-in reverb and chorus), I totally agree with you on the value for money on Yamaha guitars! In fact, I love the tone and playability of the FG-TA so much that I find myself reaching to it almost exclusively, and not my otherwise glorious (old, nicely aged) Martin D-35, my Lowden 0-10, my Yairi, my solid-wood Voyage Air dread (travel guitar), etc. Why? Well, it‘s not as loud or as punchy and deep as my Martin, for example, but has plenty of warm and full bass and a very beautiful tonal balance all the way up the scale. Nothing bites, but everything is responsive and sparkles. I play a lot of fingerstyle, but also strum hard when rocking. The FG-TA takes it all. The only thing I don‘t like about it as that the pickup, when amplified with my HK Audio Polar 10, reveals a bit too much hiss for my liking. And of course it‘s just a standard piezo. So guess what? I‘m going to buy the SAME GUITAR without a pickup, just so I can install a great pickup in it - maybe even one costing nearly as much as the guitar, itself! Crazy? Not for me. The Yamaha FG820 is the identical twin of the FG-TA except that the FG820 will be lighter in color, and not in the beautiful Vintage Tint I love about my FT-TA. But for the sound, I‘m going for it. And it only costs about €319, as apposed to the FG-TA, which costs around €630 (with the effects built in, and I highly recommend this guitar for playing without amplification!). The very slightly narrower necks on these two (compared with the Martin, which is maybe 1 mm wider?) do make a difference in playing some otherwise tough chord shapes stretched over 4 frets, and the string spacing is still perfect for fingerpicking. The sound of the FG-TA is not as deep or as throaty as a Martin or even as the other Yamaha models with longer scale lengths and slightly wider necks. But it‘s not deep & throaty I now want out of a guitar. I want beautiful throughout, and adaptable to many different kinds of songs I play. The Yamaha offers a more versatile sound than the Martin. When rocking at a campfire, the Martin would put out a lot more volume and foundation, but the Yamaha does everything else kinda better. Sure, it lacks the solid wood back and sides, but that also seems to make it less prone to feedback. And like I said: It has plenty of bass! Get this: I play ALL my guitars tuned down. I keep one in Eb, one in D and the Yamaha even in C#! And I can even drop-D on the Yamaha - starting from the C# tuning - and it works without sounding muffled or dead. None of my other guitars can handle that gracefully. (And yes, I do use heavier Elixier NanoWeb phosphor bronze strings on it.) Even in C#, there is enough string tension so things don‘t feel too „wobbly“. This makes it easy to sing songs requiring certain chord shapes that would otherwise put the song out of my vocal range, such as Angels by Robbie Williams. So after decades of ignoring Yamaha, I‘m a huge fan, now! And my duo partner just got himself the smaller TransAcoustic and loves it like crazy, too. By the way: Forget the LAG with built-in effects. Tried it and hated it. It‘s a gimmick. Yamaha only installed 2 effects, but they are far superior and don‘t end up getting on your nerves.
Chris you make the FG800 sing but the FGX5 hands down for me. I am a FS5 owner looking to add FGX5 in the future. Great videos Alamo, thanks!
Im only 2 min in, and I'll be straight. For years, I've bought guitars no more than $600. Mostly Washburn Dreadnaught body styles. My most expensive til now was a Yamaha APX 500. Great little guitar. A month ago I sent away for a guitar all the way in Morgantown West Virginia. Im Toronto Ontario. $1150, that was after a $300 initial discount, then a $200 discount that I won. I paid $1400 after exchange rate, and customs fees. I bought a Freja 100 BV from Andrew White. It's the best guitar I've ever held. I've held many. Nothing I've played sounded this amazing. Beautiful tone, beautiful sustain... absolutely, more money gets a better sound, feel, and emotion.
I was having this internal debate this week. You read my mind.
what was the winning argument?
Wow the FG800 has great overtones as well as great tone and no one could complain about the FGX5 for the price. I like the sound of the microphone you're using on this demo too which sounds better than the small condenser that I've seen used on other demos!
I bought an FS3. Such an amazing instrument, and beautiful to play.
Great price and for only an additional $110 you can get ebony bridge pins, bone nut and saddle. At that point it's closer to an FS5... just built in China (Taiwan)
Price comparison saw me shrug my shoulders at a 1200 price difference. 1400 would get me a good Taylor, too. I'm not a hot-shot player, and from what I could hear, the FG800 would suit me just fine. However, tbh, I've grown accustomed to the grand auditorium size instruments because of my small-ish frame. But I did enjoy the comparison, so thanks.
First time I listened to the contest as background, I several times check which one is which. Then did two more times to find out the difference. And I would say there is no moment of waterline when hair goes up due to the rich sound of the expensive guitar. It does not mean the expensive one is not so good. It means the cheaper 🎸 sounds very well due to modern technology. And if it would be blind test without story how Japan prime minister kissed every inch of the late I never say the cost has so dramatic gap. Both guitar are perfect. Yamaha is a great company and player is superb. Thank you again! I bought my Yamaha fg830 thanked to your love to Yamaha guitars.
Just out of curiosity, do any of you find it much easier to distinguish a good from a bad instrument tone when you are actually playing, as opposed to listening to others play?
I recently bought a Yamaha CG-TA Classical Guitar ... $899.99 in Canada no case . Excellent Quality . I plug it into my 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb ... I play some Flamenco songs .
Thats grrat! How much do you like the transacoustic? I have it as well. I enjoy using the chorus and reverb on full. Sounds like a 12 string in my opinion.
@@bearblackhawk9362 Yeah, I have the LLTA model.I thought the novelty of the onboard reverb and chorus might wear off but it did not. The effects are great when playing solo but get lost in a jam. A great guitar with or without the effects on.
@@bearblackhawk9362 Over all Excellent guitar . Can't play any Guitar because my Wife is doing work at home
The string to string clarity and tonal definition is more pronounced of the red label. The intonation, especially the low E intonation is excellent on both instruments and that's due to all that extra saddle compensation Yamaha has always manufactured on their bridges. That's why even old FGs from the 70's and 80's can still play in tune up the neck, even with high action (which most of those old closet queens have).
I think one of the main advantages of solid back and sides is that you can further refine the tone of the guitar to your liking since many regard the back and sides wood as the EQ for the tone. With solid woods, their effects on the tone's EQ may become more pronounced.
Thanks for doing this video! The FGX5 has a lot more mids than the FG800 in this comparison. You can add more mids to the FG800 by using bone or TUSQ for the nut, saddle, and bridge pins. I recently bought a second-hand FG800 for a nice price, then immediately changed the strings to D'Addario EJ16 phosphor bronze, and changed the nut to TUSQ, which also lowered the action at the nut to a smidge above the perfect height without any action height fitting by me (maybe I fitted it to another guitar in the past? It was in my junk box :-). I also changed the bridge pins to buffalo bone, added a strap nut on the heel, and lowered the saddle for lower action at the higher frets. Now the intonation is greatly improved since the strings aren't so high, and it's a lot easier to fret the strings across the whole fretboard. The mids are stronger too, thanks to the bone parts. I plan to try a TUSQ bridge soon, but as it stands I am flabbergasted at how good this very affordable guitar sounds and plays with a little effort on my part to set it up. I also own a Blue Ridge BR-40, Taylor 814CE, and a Martin HD35, so I have high standards for how a guitar should feel and sound. The FG800 is a mahogany and spruce sound cannon, but it also responds very well to soft fingerpicking. It doesn't take much to get that top moving, thanks to the scalloped bracing. All of my acoustics have scalloped bracing to various degrees. Funny how that worked out!
My FG710-S sounds better then a 800 series taylor. How do I know? I did a sound test at guitar center with everyone turning their back. Every person picked the Yamaha as the Taylor.
Though I get to play a LL45 I have checked out that fg800 and it’s a hell of a guitar for sub 200
If I was buying my first guitar again that would be it in a heartbeat
What song was the one that he finger picked? It was so beautiful 😍
I have been playing my Yamaha FG830 for 2 years. It was a big step from my my $80 garage sale "Carlos" guitar. I love the 830! But I am going to get the FG5 Red Label as a second guitar. Thinking of using it for all my standard tune songs, and use the FG830 for alternate tunings (I do a few DADGAD songs) and some Stones songs (Open G tuning). Maybe use the FG830 when I travel or go camping. I hope to enjoy the FG5 as much or more than the FG830.
What I'm noticing in the more expensive guitars (at least the ones I listen to in my studio headphones on RUclips lol) is that the more expensive acoustics have a richer and warmer resonance on the string decay. The wood vibrates with the strings in ways where the chords "blend" more, but while being sonically more "sharp." (This is all coming from someone with an audio engineering/synthesis background. Studio nerd.)
Chris what would you recommend a Yamaha LL-TA TransAcoustic or the Fgx5?? not for public playing but more a home practice. looking for something to go with my Guild D50... do you like the trans accoustics??
I have and love an FS5 and really like it.
I’m thinking of picking up an FS800 for camping and travel.
i hear the improved sound as more focused. sounds as if you put it on a spectrum analyzer, the sound would be less leaky and more direct. sort of like what happens with my sight when i take off my glasses, i can still see things but they are a little fuzzy on the edges. for most people the cheap one would be just fine to begin with. once you have shown dedication to the instrument, it would be a treat to step up to the better instrument. thanks for the demo. it was very helpful 🙂
There is a big difference between a cheaper Yamaha vs an expensive one measuring $3000. I purchased a Yamaha Ls-ta transacoustic guitar and later purchased a Yamaha Ls-36r. The difference in sound was substantial. The 36r is so much more resonant, louder and articulate. It's also a beauty, so much more elegance. It feels amazing to play.
I have the in between, an llta, and -no speaking about the transacoustic system - what an instrument ! Deep lows and bright highs !
To me $1400 is a expensive guitar lol. I'm lucky to pickup a $300 Yamaha. I got ahold of a Yamaha electric and acoustic as a kid...I never looked back. Would love to have that guitar, I tried it at our music store and fell in love. Amazing. Yamaha fan forever
Thanks for sharing, what strings are on each?
This is another wonderful video. I really like the sound of the Yamaha guitars. I like the inexpensive model, however; it has a lot more brightness and it is not as together as it's more expensive counterpart. That said, the more expensive Yamaha guitar is hands-down to me much more warm and interesting guitar with a lot of subtle characters and textures as I listen to the examples through my electrostatic headphones. I agree with you that I would put them up against any of the American guitars and they would compete quite favorably at their price points. Thank you so much for giving us this side by side comparison
The biggest difference was not in the tone. It was in the clarity of which you played. It seemed as though you were able to execute more easily and cleanly on the second guitar. It seemed more intangible than literal.
The guy sells guitars man! Hes always gonna make the more affordable one sound just a little less desirable. Only way to make truly informed decisions is to play them yourself in a good shop, that will leave you to make the decision! Having said that, these guys do very good review vids which do help in the early part of research.
Good video, thanks. One thing you didn't mention was the strings the guitars come with. These can make a huge difference to the sound whatever guitar you have. The Fgx5s have Elixirs. The FG800? Also, it's very difficult, as you mention to get the FGX5 or the FSX5. So Then the price difference is not quite as stark because the real comparison is with the FG5 and then if you bought a good hard case for your FG800 you might be adding $100? If you wanted to put a pickuo and preamp in an FG800 then you can't buy the system that Yamaha have installed in the FGX5 anyway and a good Fishman and certainly an LR Baggs is going to add more to the cost. The FG800 C is a good pricepoint above the FG800 with no case. Finally, on resell auction (if you have to) I suspect the FGX s will realize good prices and might even appreciatebut however good the FG800 they will probably bomb? Lots to consider. But yes I agree on Yamahas generally..great guitars, great cost points.
Rob Robson (Rob's String & Things You tubes)
Upgrading my Yamaha FG800 into bone nut and bone saddle improved sound/tone quality a lot