The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are two acoustic guitars that are in high demand with musicians the world over. If you are searching for a guitar as a present for someone, then knowing the differences between these models will help you make the right choice – and put a smile on the receiver’s face. If you are buying an acoustic guitar for yourself, then understanding their different features will help you create the right type of music and improve your playing. Without further ado, let’s look at how the Fender CD-60S vs Yamaha FG800 stack up against each other.
The main difference between the Yamaha FG800 and the Fender CD-60S is the wood that each guitar is made from. The FG800 is made from Mahogany while the Fender CD-60S is made from Nato. This means that the tones from each guitar is slightly different as well.
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The Yamaha FG800 Guitar
This guitar is an upgraded version of the basic Yamaha FG700 model, and it is a recent addition to Yamaha’s FG series of acoustic instruments. Along with its Dreadnought body, it sports a larger, sturdy top that is nicely crafted to deliver a good playing experience. Scalloped bracing is a notable feature specific to the FG800, which gives it a forceful projection and excellent low end tones. This is precisely what you require for live gigs and recordings. The Yamaha FG800 produces a punchy twang and is really fashionable, due to its rounded fingerboard edges and tapered neck. Because of its particular features and design, this acoustic guitar for beginners but is also perfect for professionals or anyone who can play competently.
The Fender CD-60S Guitar
As the most famous guitar brand in America, Fender is synonymous with rock music. For this reason, the majority of guitarists either start off with Fender guitars, or end up playing them at some point in their musical careers. For novice players, Fender offers some great acoustic guitars and the CD-60S is part of the company’s Classic Design series. Although it is mass produced, an impressive amount of attention and care has been put into this model. The instrument is easy to play, so is ideal if you are learning the ropes. In addition, you can develop your skills as musician using the CD-60S, because this Dreadnought guitar has everything required to take your playing to the next level.
Comparing the two Guitars Head to Head
The Build and Features
Generally speaking, solid wood is a better material than laminate to build a beginners guitar from, however both have advantages and disadvantages. Laminate costs less, and it is fair to say that – based on the engineering quality – it can be more robust. In any event, a laminate build keeps the prices affordable, so the fact that both guitars use laminate on their sides and back is not an issue.
The Yamaha FG800 features ‘eastern mahogany’, or laminated nato wood, while the Fender CD-60S has solid spruce tops and laminated mahogany. In this regard, the Fender model really excels. It boasts several features that are useful to players, like the rolled edges on the fretboard that make it easier to navigate. The neck design of the Fender also lends itself well to fluid playing, and will improve the sound produced by most guitarists.
Indeed, the C profile, slim taper neck on the CD-60S is designed for novices and people with smaller hands. Similarly, the C profile neck on the FG800 is nice and full, and fits the palm snugly. Each guitar has an understated finish, which is good for an entry level acoustic instrument. With these types of guitars, it is more important to concentrate on the feel, tone and fundamentals.
The FG series from Yamaha dates back to the 1960’s, and has gradually developed over a couple of hundred models. The FG800 looks and feels extremely classy, with its stylish matt finish. In 2016, Yamaha introduced an update to the FG800, with an interesting scalloped bracing design. This aimed to produce a Dreadnought tone that was classically balanced, along with a juicy low to medium range boom. This concept is reflected on the Fender CD-60S, which has a spruce top with scalloped, quarter sawn X bracing. This design pattern is not especially innovative. Different X pattern versions have been used across the industry, since the idea was pioneered in 1843 by CF Martin. Scalloped bracing designs enhance the resonance by using less soundboard wood.
The Hardware of Both Instruments
The Yamaha FG800 hardware boasts outstanding consistency, dependability and performance. It includes a headstock complete with good quality, sealed die cast chrome tuners, as well as an urea saddle and nut. At the bottom, it has a regular rosewood bridge.
The Fender CD-60S does not have electronics, which is typical with guitars for beginners, because there is no need for plugging. Nonetheless, it does have a nice rosewood bridge, springs with a dura tone coating, and chrome die cast tuners. Together, these hardware features allow the guitar to perform exceptionally well. Examples of some accessories that might come with the instrument are a digital tuner, a hard case and plectrums.
How the Instruments Sound
The FG800 has a great sound, because its Dreadnought body and scalloped bracing gives it a nice resonance. Moreover, it produces heart warming tones that are pleasantly bright. The quality of sound produced by this instrument rivals that of any budget acoustic guitar.
The combination of spruce and mahogany in the CD-60S enables you to create balanced, lively sounds with an appealing tenderness. Its Dreadnought body projects the notes strongly and clearly. Thanks to its solid wood construction, more warmth and volume is generated as you play the instrument.
Other Comparisons:
Fender CD-60S vs Yamaha FG800 – Final Thoughts
All things considered, both of these Dreadnought acoustic guitars for beginners are good value for money. They are simple to play and will not break the bank. Notwithstanding, although they both advertise outstanding performance, the CD-60S is aimed at beginners – rather than guitarists who play live gigs. Professional musicians will get on well with the Yamaha FG800, and this model is suitable for less experienced players who are naturally gifted and quick to learn. In addition, the FG800 offers the advantage of scalloped bracing, which produces lovely acoustic notes that will touch the hearts of listeners.