I bought one of the new 800 series (fs800, the concert sized model) a few years back when they came out for $199.99 and I absolutely adore it. They really put some pressure on other companies with low end offerings with these, and the new scalloped bracing they are using in them really makes the guitar sing and sound better than most anything competing in the range. I installed an undersaddle piezo and on board pre-amp and its an absolute dream. Glad to see you featuring these in a video.
I have an fg800m and it is really nice. Mine has a matte finish, hense the M. To me it is not mind blowing like how some people claim, but really good! I still think there are guitars that feel more well made. Like in the sense with more attention to detail. But for the money you can't beat the yamahas! I believe the fg800 has a nato back and sides, fg820 has mahogony, fg830 is rosewood, fg840 is maple, fg850 is mahogony back and side and mahogony top. There is also an electric acoustic version and a 12 string version too. They have something for everybody, but the fg800m is the cheapest and so it is perhaps the best for those on a budget. Its just that the matte finish definatly may be more prone to getting noticable scratches, especially if you are a bit rough on your guitars, as it is a super thin finish on it.
Could not agree more about Yamaha, big fan. I have about 4/5 old vintage early 70's FG's in line to be fixed up at the moment. Also a 1977 FG-330 (000 size) which I play daily, I paid £15 for it which is currently about $20 I believe, it sounds excellent and has a superb action so plays great too. Once you get to the LL & LS (6's & 16's) you really get into guitars that play & sound like guitars 4 times the price. Your absolutely right about the importance of set up it can (although some are quite a fight) totally transform an instrument........keep up the good work & best regards from across the pond......
I'm so taken with the FG830 I rebought the 830 I traded in on a Martin dreadnoght! This guy is goin no where anytime soon. I got its taste of battle at our S W G club jam session. It held it's own against a Collins DM1, a Martin D18, and a Blueridge BR160.
I'm getting ready to buy an FGX5, because it's time for me to have a fancier, "nice" guitar. But, I'm also buying one or two of these to use as a dedicated specialty instruments. I'm thinking of using one strung in Nashville style and if I can talk my woodworker friend into converting one to a fretless. I am deeply in love with my FG 441s and I've been thinking about starting to collect those, before people realize how amazing they can be, b ut like you say, it is a roll of the dice. There are some duds out there. Far less than you'd expect though.
I love these guitars. Yamaha, with the 820 and 830, are not hiding the fact that they check off just about every detail on the D18 and D28 spec sheet nearly note for note - where it counts. No, of course you don't get $3000 worth of craftsmanship in a $300 guitar and there is certainly a significant difference, but these are both severely undervalued, sound phenomenal, and should be gotten before the price goes up yet again. They are consistently made proper from the factory, and that along speaks for Yamaha as a company and their products.
Agreed - I thought the Yamaha 700 series were excellent for the money and these 800 series are even better. I've never had a bad one - they are so consistent. Very traditional dreadnought specs too yes.
@@FlowforthInstruments a step up is the LL16, but they're priced much higher than these. It's where you will find solid front back and sides though, and more ornate design in both the neck and rosette.
Bought used one recently for 199£ .I changed the strings to D'addario 12-53 but I am struggling to make Barre chords and the tone I dont like.What strings you have please on this guitar?
@@FlowforthInstruments Not a deal breaker at all.I bought it anyhow.Nothing really to complain about at all on this guitar.But I did notice right away however what a heavy neck it has.Dropping the neck end down while standing up using a strap.Like an SG.
Yes they are Great, just another Slight advance on the 700 series, But value for money (do the research on Yamaha's construction methods) and you'll see why. Iv'e got the cutaway version + it just gets better ( just slightly) Every time I play it. If you've got the extra money (not too much more) try the L series They are Now into the Martin bracket , I fortunately own both, an' I'm 73 now and they bring me Great Pleasure, kind regards Don from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet SUSAN 😊😊😊
Wondering how the Yamaha FG/FS 800 models compair to the Orangewood's at the same price point? The Orangewood models have better specs on paper, but I don't know about quality.
Just Bought one and cant wait for it to get here
Very consistent models - you'll do great!
Me too!
just bought one aswell, how's yours? it really looks like one of the best for its price range
Sold it but it was very decent.
I bought one of the new 800 series (fs800, the concert sized model) a few years back when they came out for $199.99 and I absolutely adore it. They really put some pressure on other companies with low end offerings with these, and the new scalloped bracing they are using in them really makes the guitar sing and sound better than most anything competing in the range. I installed an undersaddle piezo and on board pre-amp and its an absolute dream. Glad to see you featuring these in a video.
Yes, the attention to detail for this price range is impressive. I'm not surprised that it took a piezo pickup well. Thanks for watching.
I have an fg800m and it is really nice. Mine has a matte finish, hense the M. To me it is not mind blowing like how some people claim, but really good! I still think there are guitars that feel more well made. Like in the sense with more attention to detail. But for the money you can't beat the yamahas! I believe the fg800 has a nato back and sides, fg820 has mahogony, fg830 is rosewood, fg840 is maple, fg850 is mahogony back and side and mahogony top. There is also an electric acoustic version and a 12 string version too. They have something for everybody, but the fg800m is the cheapest and so it is perhaps the best for those on a budget. Its just that the matte finish definatly may be more prone to getting noticable scratches, especially if you are a bit rough on your guitars, as it is a super thin finish on it.
They are excellent guitars... and great value!
Could not agree more about Yamaha, big fan.
I have about 4/5 old vintage early 70's FG's in line to be fixed up at the moment. Also a 1977 FG-330 (000 size) which I play daily, I paid £15 for it which is currently about $20 I believe, it sounds excellent and has a superb action so plays great too.
Once you get to the LL & LS (6's & 16's) you really get into guitars that play & sound like guitars 4 times the price.
Your absolutely right about the importance of set up it can (although some are quite a fight) totally transform an instrument........keep up the good work & best regards from across the pond......
Wowza - I like the smaller body ones. Cracking score mate. I'll be back over there someday methinks.
I'm so taken with the FG830 I rebought the 830 I traded in on a Martin dreadnoght! This guy is goin no where anytime soon. I got its taste of battle at our
S W G club jam session. It held it's own against a Collins DM1, a Martin D18, and a Blueridge BR160.
That's some serious competition to fight off! Glad to hear!
I can vouch for them being extremely good guitars and as you said consistent!
Yep, you know when you've been inside a few eh Randy?
Best sounding guitar I ever had. Body was a little to big and hurt my shoulder after playing about 15 minutes.
Try the auditorium version - they are nicely built and good value.
I'm getting ready to buy an FGX5, because it's time for me to have a fancier, "nice" guitar. But, I'm also buying one or two of these to use as a dedicated specialty instruments. I'm thinking of using one strung in Nashville style and if I can talk my woodworker friend into converting one to a fretless.
I am deeply in love with my FG 441s and I've been thinking about starting to collect those, before people realize how amazing they can be, b ut like you say, it is a roll of the dice. There are some duds out there. Far less than you'd expect though.
I've run into a few folks that look for the older Yamaha FG guitars - there are a few gems to be had.
I bought the tobacco sunburst version. Beautiful guitar.
Very reliable make and model!
solid guitar! have a few old models back from 70s- those are the best!
Yes, always keep my eye out for them. Thanks for watching.
I love these guitars. Yamaha, with the 820 and 830, are not hiding the fact that they check off just about every detail on the D18 and D28 spec sheet nearly note for note - where it counts.
No, of course you don't get $3000 worth of craftsmanship in a $300 guitar and there is certainly a significant difference, but these are both severely undervalued, sound phenomenal, and should be gotten before the price goes up yet again.
They are consistently made proper from the factory, and that along speaks for Yamaha as a company and their products.
Agreed - I thought the Yamaha 700 series were excellent for the money and these 800 series are even better. I've never had a bad one - they are so consistent. Very traditional dreadnought specs too yes.
@@FlowforthInstruments a step up is the LL16, but they're priced much higher than these. It's where you will find solid front back and sides though, and more ornate design in both the neck and rosette.
@@RobertNolan I hope to run into an LL16 at some point.
At first I thought you were going to be playing a Blind Faith song Can't Find My Way Home.
Yup great series and you got yourself a winner.
I'm not that old! Thanks for watching again.
Bought used one recently for 199£ .I changed the strings to D'addario 12-53 but I am struggling to make Barre chords and the tone I dont like.What strings you have please on this guitar?
Sounds like the action is too high or you have too much relief in the neck. I use medium/light gauge.
One thing I have noticed is how nobody has mentioned how neck heaven thus guitar is.
Heavey not heaven.lol.
@@garyzambo6647 I didn't notice on the one I had.
@@FlowforthInstruments Not a deal breaker at all.I bought it anyhow.Nothing really to complain about at all on this guitar.But I did notice right away however what a heavy neck it has.Dropping the neck end down while standing up using a strap.Like an SG.
I’m thinking about buying one. You think I should?☮️🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻
You can't lose with a yammy700 or 800 series guitar.
Yes they are Great, just another Slight advance on the 700 series, But value for money (do the research on Yamaha's construction methods) and you'll see why. Iv'e got the cutaway version + it just gets better ( just slightly) Every time I play it. If you've got the extra money (not too much more) try the L series They are Now into the Martin bracket , I fortunately own both, an' I'm 73 now and they bring me Great Pleasure, kind regards Don from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet SUSAN 😊😊😊
The L series guitars are indeed amazing. Thanks for a great comment!
Wondering how the Yamaha FG/FS 800 models compair to the Orangewood's at the same price point? The Orangewood models have better specs on paper, but I don't know about quality.
I think they compare well - although they are matte finish as opposed to Yamaha's gloss.
hi..good guitar and voice sir. What strings do you use and what size?
For sale guitars I used D'Addario Phosphor Bronze - medium lights. For personal guitars I use Elixir Polyweb medium lights.
I cant make up my mind, should i buy the yamaha or a big baby taylor. HELP
Best bang for the buck guitar
Indeed.
sounds as good as a Martin D-28...
They are very good for this price range.