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Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to play
- Great electronics
Cons:
- Not the best nut
- Not the best strings
When do you think of guitar brands that come first to your mind? Well, if my attempt to prove that Yamaha is the first brand that comes to your mind has failed then at least you can agree that it is at least in the top three or five brands that you think of. It is also one of the few brands that even non-guitar players know of. That, as you have figured out is not a coincidence. Yamaha has spread all around the world with guitars in any price range and for any style. Of course, the more affordable models will not be as great in quality as higher-end ones but you can be assured that you will be getting great Yamaha quality with any of your guitars. Their FGX800C is one of the best acoustic-electric guitars under 300 that will be enjoyed by beginner and intermediate players.
Build
The FGX800C is a classical dreadnought model that features a cutaway and solid spruce top. The solid spruce top is a well-tested and widely used material that only makes the sound better. The back and sides, as well as the neck, are made of nato. To be honest, nato is not my favorite material but in some cases, like this is complements the top very well and creates a great sound. The scalloped X bracing used on this model adds stability and resonance to the guitar while the cutaway allows access to upper frets. Overall, the construction and tonewood used on the FGX800C create good quality and comfortable guitar that will fit very naturally in any beginner’s hand.
Hardware
Yamaha has equipped the FGX800C not only with good quality tonewood but also with some functional and easy-to-use hardware that does not wear off easily. The die-cast tuning machines and Urea saddle and nut are of great quality and durability. I would not say that they are Urea is as amazing and top-notch as real bone but it does its job well. It also ships with a truss-rod tool that will come handy with this model and any other that you have or will have.
Yamaha FGX800C Sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCzbV-_aIvU
Yamaha’s FG series is one of their most popular ones for a reason. The high-quality tonewood along with good action provides great intonation and a well-balanced tone. To reach the full potential of this guitar change the strings because they are not the best, to be honest. Then again I would recommend changing the strings on your guitar with most guitars. Overall, the acoustic sound on this model is rich and full and everything that you think Yamaha’s product would be.
Electronics
The FGX800C has a System-66 under-saddle piezo pickup. Usually, guitars in this price range either have good tonewood and not the best electronics or vice versa but that is, surprisingly and fortunately not the case with this model. The 3-band EQ, an adjustable mid-range frequency control, and a precision chromatic tuner deliver the great sound of this guitar to stage. If you are a beginner planning on gigging in the future I cannot recommend the FGX800C more.
Conclusion
The FGX800C is yet another testament to Yamaha’s expertise and craftsmanship. Good quality tonewood and construction come together to create durable, great-sounding model that feels great in your hands. As a beginner, I doubt you can find a company that knows and cares more about your needs and requirements. This guitar is definitely a bargain for any beginner and intermediate-level players.
