Overview: Two Sides of the Same Coin?
The FS800 and FG800 share a lot in common. Both sport solid Sitka spruce tops, nato/okoume back and sides, scalloped internal bracing, and a clean satin finish on the neck. Yamaha even uses the same tuners and diecast hardware. But the big difference lies in their size and sound projection.
The FG800 is a fullsized dreadnought. That means more lowend punch, louder volume, and projection that works well for strumming or group playing. On the flip side, the FS800 is a concertsized model—smaller, with a tighter waist and more focused upper mids. If you’re playing fingerstyle or just want a more compact body for comfort, the FS800 is your friend.
yamaha fs800 vs yamaha fg800 acoustic guitar specs
Let’s get into the core stuff: how do the yamaha fs800 vs yamaha fg800 acoustic guitar specs really compare when you stack them side by side?
| Feature | Yamaha FS800 | Yamaha FG800 | |||| | Body Type | Concert | Dreadnought | | Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce | | Back & Sides | Nato/Okoume | Nato/Okoume | | Neck Material | Nato | Nato | | Fingerboard | Walnut | Walnut | | Scale Length | 25″ (634 mm) | 25.6″ (650 mm) | | Nut Width | 1.6875″ (43 mm) | 1.6875″ (43 mm) | | Bracing | Scalloped XBracing | Scalloped XBracing | | Total Length | Approx. 40.2″ (1022 mm) | Approx. 41.1″ (1046 mm) | | Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier | | Ideal Use | Fingerstyle, smaller players | Strumming, flatpicking, fuller tone |
So, from the table above, you can see the yamaha fs800 vs yamaha fg800 acoustic guitar specs don’t differ wildly in materials—where they differ is in the shape and how that shape affects sound and comfort.
Sound Comparison
Here’s where things get practical. People don’t just buy guitars for looks—they’re after a sound that speaks to their style.
FS800 Sound: Bright, balanced, more uppermid emphasis. It’s a more articulate guitar, which makes it a goto for fingerpicking or softer dynamics. Less bass, less boom. FG800 Sound: Fuller, louder, more lowend resonance. It’s ideal when you’re strumming open chords or need your sound to fill a room.
For players in a band or small group setting, the FG800’s dreadnought projection is going to stand out better. But if you’re practicing solo or recording, the FS800 may offer more tonal clarity and less boominess.
Feel and Playability
Not everyone wants a bigbodied guitar. Comfort matters, especially during long playing sessions.
The FS800’s smaller radius gives it a cozier fit against your body. If you’re under 5’8″, this model may just feel better overall. Its shorter scale length also means less string tension, which makes bends and barre chords a bit easier. The FG800 benefits from more resonance due to its longer scale and larger physical dimensions, but it can be a bit more to wrestle with for smaller players.
Bottom line? Try before you buy if you can. What feels “right” varies wildly between people, even among two guitars built from the same materials.
Price and Value
The good news: you won’t break the bank on either. Both models typically retail in the $200–$250 range. For solidtop guitars with Yamaha’s build quality, this price range is a steal. They both come with stable intonation, reliable tuning machines, and good fretwork straight out of the box. No gimmicks—just great utility guitars.
For just a few dollars more, you can often find bundles that include a padded gig bag, tuner, strap, and picks. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a reliable backup, the FS800 and FG800 both overdeliver.
Which One Should You Pick?
Let’s simplify it:
Choose the Yamaha FS800 if: You have a smaller build or prefer lighter guitars You’re mainly a fingerstyle player You do a lot of recording where clarity is king
Choose the Yamaha FG800 if: You want big sound for strumming or busking You need volume without a pickup You prefer traditional dreadnought aesthetics
Both guitars are workhorses. They’ll stand up to years of use, stay in tune, and help you improve as a player without getting in your way.
Final Thoughts
Whether you go for the FS800 or the FG800, you’re getting tremendous value, clean craftsmanship, and tone that punches above its price class. The key differences are rooted in shape, sound projection, and feel—not build quality or materials.
So if your search history is filled with “yamaha fs800 vs yamaha fg800 acoustic guitar specs,” trust that you’re zeroing in on two models that consistently impress players of all levels. Think about your size, your style, and your space. There’s no wrong choice—only the better fit for how and where you play.