Few guitars in the sub-$200 bracket generate as much consensus praise as the Yamaha FG800. Since the FG series was introduced in the 1960s, Yamaha has refined this acoustic platform into what many teachers, music retailers, and reviewers now consider the default recommendation for beginner acoustic guitar purchases. The current FG800 continues this tradition with an honest, no-frills design that prioritizes sound quality over cosmetic features.
Solid Spruce Top: The Key Investment
The most important specification of the FG800 is its solid spruce top — a construction choice that most competitors at this price point avoid by using laminate tops instead. A solid wood top vibrates more freely than laminate, producing richer harmonics and better projection. More importantly, a solid spruce top improves with age as the wood gradually "opens up" over years of playing — an acoustic guitar you've played for 10 years genuinely sounds better than when it was new. The FG800 is an investment in this sonic development.
Scalloped Bracing: Yamaha's Tonal Tuning
The spruce top is reinforced with Yamaha's scalloped bracing pattern — a refinement of traditional X-bracing where the braces are carved thinner in strategic areas to allow more vibration while maintaining structural integrity. This produces a fuller, more resonant response compared to non-scalloped alternatives at the same price point.
Warm, Balanced Tone
The FG800 uses a nato (Eastern mahogany) back and sides, producing a balanced tone with warm mids and clear treble. The sound is versatile across strumming, fingerpicking, and hybrid styles — useful for a beginner guitar that will accompany lessons across multiple techniques and musical styles.
FG800 vs Fender CD-60S
Both are top-tier budget acoustics with solid tops. The FG800 tends to sound slightly warmer; the CD-60S slightly brighter. Both are excellent — if you want Yamaha's reputation for consistency and the FG series legacy, the FG800 wins. If you're committed to a Fender instrument or prefer slightly brighter projection, the CD-60S is equally worthy.
Verdict
The Yamaha FG800 is the safest, most-recommended beginner acoustic guitar you can buy. The solid spruce top and scalloped bracing deliver sound quality that genuinely exceeds expectations at this price, and the guitar will reward you for years of playing.
Q: Does the Yamaha FG800 have a solid top?
Yes. The FG800 features a solid sitka spruce top — one of the key quality distinctions separating it from similarly priced competitors that use laminate tops.
Q: Is the Yamaha FG800 good for fingerpicking?
Yes. The balanced tone and comfortable 25.6" scale length make it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. Advanced fingerpickers may prefer a smaller body (000 or parlor), but the FG800 handles fingerpicking well for learning purposes.