Yamaha FG730S Review (2023)

Build Quality:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:
Average:

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Pros:

• Easy to play
• High quality
• Rich sound

Cons:

• Nato neck is not the most beloved material
• A lot of the online stores do not have it

Since the first time Yamaha FG has been introduced to the public it has accumulated reputation that only the best quality series have. Yamaha combines traditional and modern techniques and methods to deliver guitars that boast high quality build and sound that hundreds and hundreds of people are loyal to. With their FG730 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Yamaha, yet again, has produced a model worthy of its reputation.

Build

FG730S is a dreadnought style acoustic guitar that features solid sitka spruce top which provides great sound and durability to the whole structure while rosewood back and helps your guitar resonate. Yamaha decided to utilize their rosewood fretboard and, in combination with that, nato neck, add to the overall sound. I would not say that I am the biggest fan of nato but I think it is acceptable and even beneficial in some cases. Nato neck will not have as much effect on the sound and tone of your guitar and I guess a cheaper material for neck was how Yamaha decided to take down the prices so that the guitar would be affordable to a lot of people. I really do not think you should worry about the durability of nato or that the neck might bend or absolutely break, the most complaints that people have with nato material is that it does not elevate the sound to the new level.

Hardware

On this model, I think, Yamaha concentrated more on delivering great sound through the tonewood and construction. That is not to say that hardware is lacking. You get most of your basics: Die-cast tuners, standard saddle, tortoise pickguard and they all function perfectly. Plus, like all FG models, FG730S has ultra-thin finish that is hand sprayed. A lot of finishes, especially thick ones, might get in the way of the sound and vibration of the guitar but with this thinner finish that is definitely not going to be a problem. In terms of basic needs, you are covered and I doubt you would need to change or tweak any of the hardware which is a big plus when it comes to more affordable guitars.

Yamaha FG730S Sound

The key to finding out whether the sound on a particular guitar is decent, without actually playing it, is mostly looking at the tonewood the manufacturer is using. Yamaha’s utilisation of solid sitka spruce top in combination with rosewood back and sides delivers perfect balance of volume, warmth, intonation  and playability. What you will be getting is not a sound of a “cheap” or “affordable” guitars (which usually is a no-no) but the sound of great, well manufactured, high-end guitar that will only get better with time and practice.

Conclusion

Reputation is not everything, there are definitely some companies that boast a great reputation and fame but sometimes produce subpar products. Although I think, Yamaha’s reputation is built not on one or two great models but on their consistency in production and sound of their guitars and that becomes quite clear with more affordable models like FG730S that deliver the sound, build and playability of high-end guitars. This is a no-miss for anyone who is looking for an astounding sound and experience for price that is not outrageous.

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