The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments. The popularity may be attributed to various factors such as the ease of playing, portability, and instrument versatility. Besides, the guitar can be played across many music genres by both budding and experienced players. Solo artists and bands also find the guitar an indispensable instrument on stage. There are different types of guitars in the market with various features and functionalities. The decision to buy an acoustic guitar is guided by factors such as price, genre and level of experience.
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The Yamaha FG Acoustic Guitars
Since their inception in 1966, the Yamaha acoustic guitars have taken the world by storm. They are particularly famous for their friendly price tag, playability and quality. In this class, the Yamaha FG700S and the Yamaha FG800 are in the leading pack. In this article, find out how Yamaha FG700S vs FG800 guitars compare and contrast.
Comparing the Yamaha FG700S and the Yamaha FG800 Acoustic Guitar
The Yamaha FG700S and the Yamaha FG800 are among the most popular acoustic guitars. They are famous for their versatility and reliability. They are also fairly priced, making them affordable to a broader customer segment. Here are more ways that these two guitars match up across various parameters.
The Body
Manufactured in China, the Yamaha FG700S body and neck is made from nato mahogany making it light and robust at the same time. The neck is joined to the body via a seamless dovetail joint with rosewood fingerboard and miniature fret inlays topping it up. In the sound hole, the Yamaha fg700s has an unmistakable rosette. The chocolate pickguard gives the dreadnought a beautiful look every way you look at it.
The Yamaha FG800 is made of Sitka spruce top. The sides, the slim neck and the back are made from laminated nato/okume. The rosewood fretboard gives the guitar a trendy design and perfect functionality, such as smooth sliding to top it all. For a guitar made of the above materials and considering its price range, the Yamaha FG800 gives high-end guitars a serious run for their money.
The Finish
Yamaha FG700S is distinctive for its natural wood gloss finish giving it a sleek design on the outside. Its black and white bindings, a rosette makes this guitar outstanding in its simplicity. With its slim neck and robust fingerboard, the Yamaha FG700S is a perfect instrument for the beginner. For a player who craves a faster neck, simply rub the backside with scotch-brite to minimize the glossiness.
When it comes to the FG800 finish, the gloss, the red pickguard, and the black bindings give this Yamaha acoustic an iconic natural look. Older models of the FG800 might have a different finish, so make sure you are specific on what you want as you place your order.
How they Play
If you are into strumming and fingerpicking, the Yamaha FG700S is the perfect acoustic guitar for you. Obtain a warm and responsive tone without the rattling of most guitars of this calibre. The Yamaha FG700S is somehow a culprit of high string action, but that doesn’t take away the beautiful ballads and responsiveness you will get most of the time.
The Yamaha FG800 is a great instrument for strumming. The nut’s 43 mm width allows you to play without stretching too much, especially for more intricate chords. The FG800 fast neck and satin finish obtains less friction hence enhancing comfort and playability. Like most pocket-friendly guitars, the fg800 has a high string action, which might pose a challenge to newbies as they work on their finger strength. For the finest playability, it is advisable to let a guitar specialist adjust the truss rod.
Tone Quality
The Yamaha FG700S produces a great sound and is suitable for any genre that rides on steel acoustic. Due to its versatility, the Yamaha FG700S makes it an ideal guitar choice for those who are just setting out in the world of music and instrumentation.
Yamaha is renowned for manufacturing budget guitars without compromising on the quality of the tone.
The Yamaha FG800 is no different. This guitar produces a surprisingly remarkable tone, considering the price tag. It measures up well with more expensive guitars with its consistent, loud and thick tone. If you happen to host an impromptu gig in your backyard, the FG800 will rock your audience perfectly.
Customer Reviews
Ardent guitarists cite the Yamaha FG700S as an excellent instrument for both beginners and experienced players. The price tag also attracts rave reviews given the outstanding features of this guitar. A major low point is the high action.
On the other hand, the Yamaha FG800 is highly rated by customers for its playability and impressive sound. It is also considered a perfect instrument for a beginner. The most common drawback cited with the FG800 is the high action.
Strengths of the Yamaha fg700s
- High-quality material
- High performance and tone quality
- Easy to operate
- Robust and versatile sound projection
- Suitable for all cadres of players
Weaknesses
- High action is a major drawback
- Basic design
Strengths of the Yamaha FG800
- Immense impressive qualities
- Affordable price tag
- The guitar gives great value for money ideal
- It is friendly to a beginner and suitable for all skills level
- High tone quality
- Solid spruce top
- Scalloped bracing
Weaknesses of FG800
- The high action is way too much for some players, more so beginners
- The plastic components take a bit of shine away.
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