10 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Yamaha Acoustic Guitars – Guide & Comparison

 

If your new musical goals call for the best Yamaha acoustic guitar, yet you have little time at disposal to browse the many models available for sale, this short paragraph might be of help. After considering the features of various units, we have concluded that the first option to take into account is the Yamaha Fd01S Solid Top. Featuring a stylish design and quality woods including spruce and rosewood, this model is ideal if you’re a beginner, but it can do a great job even if you’ve already gained some experience in this field. It ensures a superior tone as well as projection and, thanks to the materials used for its construction, it promises to keep up with many practice sessions and gigs. If this particular model is currently out of stock, another option you might want to pay attention to is the Yamaha FG850 Mahogany.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

With so many products out there, finding the right Yamaha acoustic guitar for your needs might turn out to be a time-consuming task. To simplify your shopping process, we have compiled below a list of Yamaha acoustic guitar reviews. Check it out for a more informed decision.

 

 

1. Yamaha Fd01S Solid Top

 

Built with quality woods and featuring a classic design, this acoustic guitar is a great option for beginners, yet it provides a deep sound even advanced guitarists will appreciate. To make sure you get to enjoy superior tone and projection, the unit comes with a mix of quality woods and materials including spruce for its top and nato for its back and sides.

The bridge and fingerboard are built with rosewood and the entire unit features a natural finish coating. What’s also nice about this model is that it does not come with unaesthetic splinters or glue marks.

The spruce top used for the construction of this guitar is non-laminated, which adds to the quality of this unit. The wood used for the top will help you create crisp and clear sounds. The unit is also available in a deluxe version that includes various accessories such as a gig, a tuner, and a strap.

 

Pros

Ideal for first-time players and beginners but also for more experienced guitarists, this unit is bound to last and create pleasant sounds that will contour your personality sonically.

To produce crisp, clear, and deep sounds, the guitar sports quality materials and woods including spruce for its top, a type of mahogany for its back and sides, and rosewood for its bridge and fingerboard.

The materials used for the construction of this guitar promise to keep up with many of your practice sessions.

The natural finish and the classic design will further complete your practice sessions and gigs with a touch of style.

The unit was carefully built, so you won’t see any glue or splinters; moreover, the top is non-laminated, which further adds to the quality of the sound produced.

 

Cons

This Yamaha acoustic guitar for beginners might not be appropriate for on-stage performances; plus, the unit might require professional setup at first.

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2. Yamaha FG850 Mahogany

 

Committed to ensuring playability, durability, and a superior musical tone, this model from Yamaha is an option that will cover your needs for a long time without breaking your budget. To deliver such benefits, the product sports quality materials as well as cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology, which translates into superior sounds.

The guitar features mahogany for its top, back, and sides, and rosewood for its fingerboard and bridge. These woods will not only take sound quality one step further but will also help you engage in countless practice sessions. The guitar has diecast tuners and a truss rod that can be adjusted.

The product is available in two versions; you will thus find both dreadnought and concert options, so you can easily get the one that best meets your needs. You can also purchase a value pack that includes a hardshell case, a tuner, and various other accessories.

 

Pros

Whether you’re a casual player or a more seasoned guitarist, this model is worth considering as it was built to ensure playability and superior sound quality.

To deliver such results, the guitar is a mix of quality woods that will make sure playing for a long time and producing nice sounds won’t be a problem.

The guitar comes with mahogany top, back, and sides as well as rosewood bridge and fingerboard, which means that you don’t have to worry about sound quality and durability.

To further improve the quality of the sounds produced, the guitar features the Yamaha cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology; this will help the unit create strong and loud sounds in the low to mid-ranges.

You can even buy a value pack that provides you with various accessories for a complete experience.

 

Cons

The concert version might be a bit quieter than the dreadnought option; so, keep that in mind if you want the guitar for gigs.

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3. Yamaha L-Series LS16M Concert

 

If you’re on the lookout for an acoustic guitar that will spice up your practice sessions and gigs with warmth and enhanced power, this concert model might be cut out for you. The materials used for its construction and the way the guitar was built will make sure you get to enjoy such benefits and do so for a long time.

The LS16M sports solid mahogany for its back and sides and premium Engelmann spruce for its top. The spruce has been hand-selected, so you can rest assured that you will get only quality materials with this unit. The design and A.R.E. treatment also contribute to the remarkable tone balance, resonance, and warmth delivered.

Furthermore, the item has a comfortable neck profile, so you can play for hours on end. To make it easy for you to perform on stage and do so flawlessly, the guitar comes with the SRT zero impact pickup.

 

Pros

Designed to flavor your performance with warmth and power, this acoustic guitar should not go unchecked before you make your final decision.

Thanks to the quality materials used and the way it was built, you can employ this model for countless sessions without your comfort or the sound produced being affected.

The guitar features mahogany back and sides and premium spruce for its top, which translates into superior sound quality and durability.

To further up the quality of the sounds you produce when using this unit and deliver enhanced warmth and noteworthy tone balance, the top is treated with A.R.E.

The neck profile allows for hours of comfortable practice whereas the zero impact pickup is committed to turning your gigs into stress-free performances.

 

Cons

The frets might be slightly higher than normal, yet that is a minor drawback that won’t affect your performance.

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4. Yamaha FS800 Acoustic Guitar Bundle

 

Coupled with all the accessories needed to start playing right away, this acoustic guitar is an option you might want to try if you’re interested in a quality, durable, and easy-to-use instrument. The solid-top unit is committed to producing well-balanced sounds for a long time.

To help you get the strength and tone balance you need for memorable gigs, the guitar features a scalloped bracing design. The nato/okume used for its back and sides and the spruce top contribute to the warm yet powerful sounds created.

What’s also great about this model is that it boasts a small and thin body, which makes it ideal for young players or guitarists with small hands. Thanks to the various accessories included in the pack, you will be able to start playing right away. Besides the guitar, you will get a bag for easy storage and transportation, a tuner, a strap, picks, a polishing cloth, and a guide.

 

Pros

Including everything you need to start playing right away, this bundle is an option you might want to take into account before making your final decision.

The pack includes a small acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, woods that will help you create pleasant sounds for a long time.

Due to the way it was built, the materials used, and the scalloped bracing design, the instrument is bound to deliver strength and excellent tone balance.

Given its small and thin body, the item can be employed by young players and guitarists with small hands alike.

The guitar is paired with a variety of accessories to ease your experience including a tuner, an instructional DVD, a polishing cloth, a strap, and a bag for easy storage and transportation.

 

Cons

Considering its size, the guitar might feel a bit uncomfortable if you have large hands.

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5. Yamaha CGS104A Full-Size Guitar Kit

 

If you’re new to this instrument and you’re interested in getting a classical guitar as well as all the accessories needed to play, this bundle is worth adding to your list of options. The kit includes a classical guitar that features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, a nato neck, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge.

Thanks to the woods and materials used, the guitar promises to ensure countless practice sessions. It was built with beginners and students in mind and thus boasts a classical design that will help novices learn various guitar techniques.

What’s more, the instrument is coupled with anything you need to start learning and practicing immediately upon arrival. Besides the guitar, you will receive a gig bag so you can easily transport and store the unit, a polishing cloth to keep it in mint condition, an instructional DVD to get you started, a tuner, and strings.

 

Pros

Learning to play the guitar is easier with this bundle as it includes all the accessories you need to do that and a classic guitar that will help you learn the basic guitar techniques.

The instrument is built with quality materials that will work together to create pleasant sounds for a long time.

The guitar features a spruce top, a nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and meranti back and sides, a choice of materials that ensures superior sound quality.

Thanks to the gig bag included in the pack, you will get to transport the instrument easily and comfortably.

The pack also includes a tuner to help you get the guitar in tune easily, a polishing cloth to keep it clean, an instructional DVD as well as strings.

 

Cons

The instrument might require frequent tuning if you employ it for long practice sessions, yet the pack includes a tuner to help you with that.

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6. Yamaha JR2 Junior-Size Guitar & Accessories

 

Committed to helping you explore your personality and give it sonic contours for a long time, this guitar is worth considering as it is bound to perform. The instrument comes paired with various accessories so you can start using it immediately upon arrival and features quality materials that promise to last and create beautiful sounds.

The 33-inch guitar sports mahogany back and sides, a spruce top, a nato neck, and rosewood fretboard and bridge. This choice of woods makes it possible for the unit to produce superior sounds and the way it was built ensures durability.

The bundle is ideal for beginners as it includes an instructional DVD to help you get started. You will also receive a bag for easy storage and transportation, a tuner to keep the instrument in tune, strings, picks, and a polishing cloth to clean the product after you use it.

 

Pros

Exploring the sonic capacities of a guitar is not only enjoyable when using this model but also significantly easier thanks to all the accessories it comes with.

To make sure the sounds produced are pleasant, the guitar boasts only quality woods including spruce for its top, mahogany for its back and sides, and rosewood for its fretboard and bridge.

The kit is ideal for beginners as it provides various accessories such as an instructional DVD that will help you learn to play this instrument more easily.

The bag included will help you transport the instrument from one place to another and do so comfortably; it will also protect the guitar during transportation.

The item also comes with a polishing cloth, strings, picks, and a tuner that will help you boost your experience.

 

Cons

Make sure you check the guitar size carefully before ordering as this model might be more suitable for young players or guitarists with small hands.

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7. Yamaha FSX820C Acoustic-Electric Guitar

 

Bound to help you explore your musical interests for a long time, this acoustic-electric guitar is coupled with a variety of accessories that will provide you with a complete experience. What makes this unit stand out is the System66 analog preamp and the under-saddle piezo pickup that will enable you to enjoy a memorable plugged-in performance.

Moreover, the guitar features a mid-range frequency control that you can adjust, a 3-band EQ, and a precision chromatic tuner so you can tailor your sonic output according to your needs and preferences. The quality woods employed for the construction of this unit will make sure that durability won’t be a problem and you will get high sound quality.

The item boasts mahogany for its back and sides, rosewood for its fretboard and bridge, and solid spruce for its top. The small body makes it ideal for players of all ages and the accessories included in the pack enable users to play right away.

 

Pros

If your musical interests and preferences call for an acoustic-electric guitar, this unit is worth taking into account as it comes with noteworthy features that will help you perform memorably.

Thanks to the System66 analog preamp and the under-saddle piezo pickup, you can use the item for plugged-in sessions.

Tailoring the sounds you produce is simplified due to the adjustable mid-range frequency control, 3-band EQ, and precision chromatic tuner featured.

The instrument boasts various woods including mahogany, rosewood, and solid spruce, a choice of materials that ensures durability and high sound quality.

Given its size, the guitar can be used by children and adults alike; it is ideal for beginners as well as it comes with an instructional DVD among other accessories.

 

Cons

The unit might be more suitable for folk and fingerpicking; also, it might be a bit too small if you have large hands.

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8. Yamaha CSF1M TBS Parlor Size Guitar

 

If you want to enjoy the sounds produced by a full-size acoustic guitar in a smaller body, this parlor size model should make it to your list of options. Although shorter than a standard acoustic guitar, the instrument promises to deliver the same beautiful sounds yet make the playing experience significantly more comfortable.

In order to produce such pleasant sounds and rich tones and provide you with countless practice sessions and gigs, the product features quality woods including mahogany and spruce. To take your performance even one step further, the guitar boasts a passive zero impact pickup that will get you a natural plugged-in tone.

The instrument is available in two color options including vintage natural and tobacco brown sunburst. Thanks to the hard bag included in the pack, you will get to protect the instrument during transportation and carry it from one place to another with ease.

 

Pros

Ideal for stage, home, and on the road sessions, this acoustic guitar will help you play your favorite songs for hours on end without your comfort being affected.

The quality mahogany and spruce used for this unit are bound to keep up with extended use and help you enjoy rich tones.

The item features a passive zero impact pickup for natural plugged-in tones and comes with a hard bag so you can transport the instrument safely and comfortably.

Thanks to its parlor size, you can employ the instrument for countless sessions whether you’re at home or traveling; its dimensions also make it ideal for players of different ages.

The guitar comes in two colors options, so you can easily choose the one that best meets your preferences.

 

Cons

The tuners are a bit sensitive, which might make it difficult to get high tuning precision.

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9. Yamaha APX600 OVS Acoustic-Electric Guitar

 

Built for home and stage sessions alike, this acoustic-electric guitar comes with features that promise to ensure durability, playability, and remarkable sound quality. Employing the instrument for long practice sessions won’t affect your comfort as it features a narrower string spacing and has a 25-inch scale length.

The thin design boosts the player’s comfort even further and renders this unit great even for young guitarists. The SRT Piezo pickup system featured will help you tailor the sounds you produce whereas the new bracing pattern will increase the bass response.

By using individual elements for each string, the pickup system ensures enhanced bandwidth signal clarity and tonal accuracy. The upgraded model comes with a few cosmetic enhancements as well. One of them is the stylish abalone soundhole rosette. The instrument is paired with a gig bag for easy transportation, a stand, a polishing cloth, and a cable.

 

Pros

Whether you want to play the guitar at home or take your experience one step further and engage in stage sessions, this model is an option you might want to consider before making your final decision.

Thanks to the SRT Piezo pickup system, you will have the possibility to tailor your sonic outputs and enjoy enhanced tonal accuracy and bandwidth signal clarity.

The unit was built with comfortable playing in mind; therefore, it features a thin body and narrower string spacing, characteristics that allow for long practice sessions without the player’s comfort being affected.

The various accessories included make this model an affordable Yamaha acoustic guitar bundle as you might spend more if buying the items separately.

The bag provided ensures easy, safe, and comfortable transportation whereas the polishing cloth will help you keep the instrument in good condition.

 

Cons

The sound produced by this guitar is a bit thinner than that of a full-bodied unit and the tone is not very deep.

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10. Yamaha FG830NT Solid Spruce Guitar

 

Sporting quality woods and a stylish design, this unit is committed to flavoring your gigs and practice sessions with improved sustain, enhanced depth, and rich overtones. Not to mention that the materials used and the way the item was built promise to stand the test of time.

The traditional western body features a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, the reason why this instrument will express your creativity beautifully. The abalone inlay used around the soundhole and the natural color will add a touch of style to your practice and live performances.

To help you get started right away, the pack includes a tuner so you can get the instrument in tune easily and rapidly and a stand for those moments when you don’t play. Plus, you will also receive a quality bag that will help you carry the unit from one place to another comfortably.

 

Pros

Built with quality materials and woods that ensure durability and high sound quality, this unit is a great option whether you want an instrument for your home or live sessions.

Due to the way it was designed and the materials employed for its construction, the guitar is committed to delivering enhanced depth and sustain as well as rich overtones.

The solid spruce used for the top of the guitar and the rosewood employed for its back and sides contribute beautifully to the sounds produced.

The natural color and the abalone inlay will also spice up your performance from a visual point of view.

Playing the guitar once you receive it is possible thanks to the various accessories included in the pack; you will get a tuner, a stand, and a bag.

 

Cons

Consider the product’s dimensions before buying it as it might not suit all age categories.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Playing a musical instrument comes with many benefits. From helping you use your brain differently to breaking your routine, this activity has become more and more popular among people around the world. If you’re interested in expressing your personality and creativity with the help of a Yamaha acoustic guitar, this short buying guide might be of help.

Choosing such an instrument might be challenging, given the many products available for sale. There are a few features to consider before making a purchase, though. We have highlighted them below to simplify your shopping process. Reading a Yamaha acoustic guitar review before hitting the order button is also recommended.

Body style

One thing that makes choosing an acoustic guitar a tiresome process is the variety of body shapes and sizes available for sale. Since these characteristics affect the tonal quality and comfort ensured, it is best to consider the various sizes and shapes and think of your particular goals and interests.

The market now offers acoustic guitar models ranging from travel-size units to standard, jumbo, or dreadnought models. If you want a guitar you can play when on the road and just for your entertainment, then a small-sized unit might be the one to go for.

However, if you’re serious about playing this instrument and you want to advance, a standard model might be a more inspired choice. If you can’t reach a musical instrument store to try out the various models, look for online videos that show how different sizes and shapes affect the sound of a guitar and choose accordingly.

 

Tonewoods

The feature that determines the sound an acoustic guitar produces is the tonewood. There is a variety of tonewoods used for the construction of musical instruments, acoustic guitars included, and each type creates a different tone. After browsing the guitar options available these days, you will see that most of them feature a spruce top.

While all the materials used have a word to say, most guitar manufacturers consider the tonewood used for the top of an instrument to have the greatest impact on tonal quality. For example, a mahogany-topped guitar will have a punchy tone that renders such a unit ideal for country blues and other similar genres.

The Yamaha acoustic guitar price increases if the unit features rare woods such as rosewood, a tonewood that is appreciated for its broad overtone range, high response rate, and tone richness in upper registers. Check out the way each type of wood affects the sound delivered and choose based on your genre interests.

 

Accessories, durability, and budget

If this is your first instrument and you don’t have the various accessories needed to play, you might want to consider getting a bundle that includes them. You will find packs that, besides the guitar, provide you with a tuner so you can get the instrument in tune, a bag for safe and comfortable transportation, and a cloth to clean the unit after you use it.

Some bundles include even instructional DVDs for beginners, a great option for those of you with no experience. If you want to master this instrument, getting a more expensive and thus durable unit is ideal. A cheap Yamaha acoustic guitar might not keep up with the many practice sessions required to advance your skills.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Q: Where are Yamaha acoustic guitars made?

With over a century of history behind, Yamaha and the products manufactured by the company have become benchmarks in the musical instrument industry. Ranging from pianos to guitars, woodwinds, marching instruments, and even music production units, their products are designed to suit all skill-level categories.

Their acoustic guitars have also contributed to the success of the brand as they cover all playing levels. As to where the acoustic guitars are made, there are several manufacturing locations you will find on their packaging. While some of them are made in Indonesia, Korea, and Taiwan, others are sold as made in China.

Like other brands, Yamaha is said to produce only the company’s high-end products in Japan. However, there are manufacturing standards that are required to be followed in all the company’s facilities, so you should get a quality product even it is made outside Japan.

Q: Is Yamaha a good brand for guitars?

Yamaha’s musical instruments have gained appreciation throughout the company’s history and their quality and variety have turned many music-enthusiasts into regular users and buyers. One thing that makes them stand out is their playability. It is relatively easy to play Yamaha acoustic guitars thanks to their quality build.

More often than not, many low-priced guitars come with design issues that are beyond repair. Starting on such a guitar can only make the learning process difficult. Yamaha’s acoustic guitars are carefully built, which translates into enhanced playability. Playability won’t help you much if it is not paired with high sound quality.

Here is where Yamaha guitars do a great job. You will find budget models that will impress not only beginners but also advanced players. And last but not least, the variety of models in their lineup is another reason why Yamaha acoustic guitars have been so successful.

 

Q: How do you properly tune a guitar?

When it comes to tuning your guitar, there are various methods you can use. Depending on your preferences, you can use an electronic tuner, another instrument, or a tuning app.

If you’re a beginner, the tuner option is recommended as it is the easiest one as all you have to do is to turn on the device, strum the string of interest, read what the unit displays, and make the necessary changes. The tuner shouldn’t take more than a few seconds to tell you if your guitar is in tune.

In case you have another instrument such as a keyboard, you can use it to tune your guitar. Start by tuning the sixth string of your guitar to the E and do so two octaves below middle C. You can then tune the guitar to itself. Tuning the guitar by ear is another option but that might be a bit more difficult if you have no previous experience.