Yamaha
Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar Review
Reviewed by Eric Davis · Published
Discover the Yamaha FG800J Acoustic Guitar, perfect for beginners with quality sound and craftsmanship. Read our detailed review to learn more.

The verdict
The Yamaha FG800J is an excellent choice for beginner guitarists seeking quality and playability at an affordable price.
Why we recommend it
[IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS] Whether learning your first chords or writing songs, the FG800J is the ideal instrument for beginn
[QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP] From carefully chosen woods to beautiful, hand-applied finishes and detailed quality control chec
[SOUND] The FG800J’s solid spruce top and large body yields a bright, balanced tone and bold low-end projection.
[MATERIALS] Nato and mahogany back and sides for warm, full-bodied tone and lasting resilience.
[DETAILS] Quality hardware and appointments for reliable performance, year after year.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for bright, balanced tone
- Ideal for beginners with easy playability
- Quality craftsmanship and materials
- Affordable price for the features offered
- Reliable performance with good sound projection
Cons
- Mixed reviews on durability
- Some customers reported damage upon delivery
Gallery
Full review
Overview The Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar is a remarkable instrument that combines traditional aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. Priced at $259.99, it stands out as an affordable option for beginner guitarists looking for quality and playability. With a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 359 reviews, it has earned its position as one of the top-selling guitars on Amazon. This review will delve into the guitar's features, sound quality, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your musical journey.
Key Features One of the most notable features of the FG800J is its solid spruce top, which contributes to a bright and balanced tone that can cater to a variety of musical styles. The guitar employs a newly developed scalloped bracing design, enhancing its sound projection without compromising durability. The back and sides are crafted from nato and mahogany, providing a warm, full-bodied tone that resonates beautifully.
Yamaha's commitment to quality craftsmanship is evident in every detail of the FG800J. Each guitar is carefully constructed with selected woods and a hand-applied finish, ensuring a reliable performance throughout its lifespan. Additionally, the quality hardware and appointments are designed for the demands of everyday use, making it a dependable choice for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
The FG800J is specifically marketed as ideal for beginners, making it an excellent choice for those learning their first chords or trying their hand at songwriting. Its setup is user-friendly, allowing new players to easily tune and play the instrument without extensive prior knowledge.
Who Is It For The Yamaha FG800J is tailored for beginner guitarists who are eager to learn and develop their skills. Its affordable price point combined with high-quality sound makes it a perfect starter instrument. However, it is also suitable for intermediate players seeking a reliable acoustic guitar for practice or casual performances. Many customers have praised its playability, highlighting that it feels comfortable to play up and down the neck, which is a crucial factor for new players who are still mastering finger positioning.
Moreover, the guitar’s warm sound and quality construction have made it a favorite among those who appreciate a good value for their money. While some reviews mention mixed experiences regarding durability, the majority of users find the FG800J to be an excellent investment for budding musicians.
Final Verdict In conclusion, the Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Acoustic Guitar is an outstanding choice for beginners and intermediate players alike. Its blend of quality materials, exceptional sound, and easy playability ensures that it will serve as a reliable companion on your musical journey. Despite some concerns regarding durability, the overall feedback from customers indicates that it is well worth the investment for anyone looking to explore the world of music.
With its classic design and impressive features, the FG800J not only meets but exceeds expectations in its price range. Whether you are strumming your first chords or writing your next song, this guitar provides a solid foundation for your musical aspirations.
Specifications
| Brand Name | Yamaha |
|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right |
| UPC | 889025138161 |
| Manufacturer | Yamaha PAC |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Item Type Name | Beginner Solid Spruce Top Traditional Western Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar With Rosewood FIngerboard, Natural Finish |
| Item Weight | 5.1 pounds |
| Model Name | FG800 |
| Model Number | FG800J NT |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FG800J NT |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer warranty yamaha corporation of america (yamaha) is proud of the experience and craftsmanship that goes into every product we represent. Yamaha sells its products through a network of authorized yamaha retailers. Only these authorized retailers are equipped with sales and service support materials and training that are not readily available to non-authorized retailers. The yamaha limited warranty applies only to products that have been purchased from an authorized yamaha retailer in the fifty united states (including the district of columbia) and used in this area. For more information, please review the yamaha limited warranty for this product on our website. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #458 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)#2 in Steel-String Acoustic Guitars |
| ASIN | B0BYFC65L7 |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (359) 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Color | Natural |
| Top Material Type | Spruce Wood |
| Body Material Type | Mahogany |
| Back Material Type | Rosewood |
| Neck Material Type | Nato Wood |
| Fretboard Material Type | Rosewood |
| String Material Type | Phosphor Bronze |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Sound Profile | Bright, Balanced with Strong Bass Response |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 40.51"L x 16.22"W x 4.65"H |
| Item Dimensions | 40.51 x 16.22 x 4.65 inches |
| Instrument Size | Dreadnought |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“I’ve been really happy with this guitar so far. It feels great to play, stays comfortable during longer sessions, and has held its tuning surprisingly well right out of the box.I’ve always had good experiences with Yamaha products in general, and this guitar continues that trend for me. The sound is warm and balanced, and it feels like a solid value for the price.One thing I noticed from reading previous reviews before buying was that some people recommended carefully inspecting the guitar for cosmetic or shipping defects when it arrives. I made sure to look over every inch of mine when I got it, and thankfully mine came in perfect condition with no issues at all.Overall, this has been a great acoustic guitar and feels like a reliable choice whether you’re newer to playing or just want a solid everyday acoustic.”
“Very nice guitar, looks and sound great”
“You can’t beat this for the price. It sounds great and plays well.”
“My first guitar so I don't know enough to give a detailed review. But compared to some of the other beginner guitars I've heard and seen, this has a very good tone and seems to be well made. I have large hands so the dreadnought size is comfortable for me. Very happy with the purchase and already taking classes. Seems to stay in tune well. Great for a beginner.”
“I have had this guitar for a while now. It's a really good guitar for the price. It stays in tune very well as in it doesn't detune itself while it sits or while it is played. Setup is not exactly perfect though, intonation is slightly major, especially on the thicker strings. Action is good but also not great. The tone is nice and bright and the strings are easy to fret. The guitar itself is beautiful, feels nice to play and has a nice finish. This model is definitely in the higher end of beginner guitars.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yamaha FG800J good for beginners?+
Yes, the FG800J is specifically designed for beginners, offering easy playability and quality sound.
What materials are used in the FG800J?+
The FG800J features a solid spruce top with nato and mahogany back and sides for a warm tone.
How does the sound quality compare to other guitars?+
The FG800J provides a bright, balanced tone with good projection, making it competitive in its price range.
What is the price of the Yamaha FG800J?+
The Yamaha FG800J is priced at $259.99, offering great value for its quality and features.
Can the FG800J be used for different music styles?+
Yes, its versatile sound makes it suitable for various genres, from folk to rock.
About the reviewer
Eric Davis
Music Editor
Eric is a musician with 15 years experience reviewing instruments for players of all levels.
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