Head to head
Fender FA-125 Dreadnought vs Yamaha FG800J
The short answer is that the scale lengths are not the same (25.3" against 25"). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 19 rows that actually differ marked out.
FA-125 Dreadnought
Sunburst, with accessory bundle
The same FA-125 bundle, in the sunburst finish
FG800J
Natural
The safest recommendation in budget acoustics, and it has been for years
As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.
Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Fender FA-125 Dreadnought7.0
- Yamaha FG800J7.8
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| FA-125 Dreadnought | FG800J | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fender | Yamaha |
| Model | FA-125 Dreadnought | FG800J |
| Finish | Sunburst, with accessory bundle | Natural |
| Instrument | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Fretline score | 7.0 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Value for money | 8 / 10 | 10 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.5 / 5 (2,793) | 4.6 / 5 (368) |
| Price | Under $300 | Under $300 |
| Type | Acoustic guitar starter bundle | Acoustic guitar |
| Body | Dreadnought | Dreadnought (Yamaha Traditional Western) |
| Body wood | Laminated basswood back and sides | Solid spruce top with nato/mahogany back and sides |
| Top | Laminated spruce | Solid spruce |
| Back & sides | — | Nato / mahogany |
| Bracing | X-bracing | Scalloped bracing |
| Neck joint | Set neck | Set neck |
| Neck wood | Nato | Locally sourced tonewood (nato) |
| Scale length | 25.3" (643 mm) | 25" (634 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Walnut | Rosewood |
| Radius | 11.81" (300 mm) | 15 3/4" (400 mm) |
| Frets | 20 | — |
| Fret size | 2 mm | — |
| Nut | Crème plastic | — |
| Nut width | 1.69" (43 mm) | 1 11/16" (43 mm) |
| Bridge | Walnut with white bridge pins | Rosewood |
| Tuners | Die-cast sealed | — |
| Electronics | — | None |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Beginner | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Styles | Folk, Country, Blues, Pop, Rock | Folk, Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Worship |
| In the box | Gig bag, Clip-on tuner, Spare strings, Picks, Instructional DVD | — |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Most versatile
Fender FA-125 DreadnoughtHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Fender FA-125 DreadnoughtHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Yamaha FG800JStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for the studio
Yamaha FG800JBuild and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.
Other comparisons
CD-60SCE Dreadnought, All-Mahogany vs FG800J
Fender · Yamaha
CD-60SCE Dreadnought, All-Mahogany vs FA-125 Dreadnought
Fender · Fender
PJ50E Performance Series vs FG800J
Ibanez · Yamaha
FA-125 Dreadnought vs PJ50E Performance Series
Fender · Ibanez
FG800J vs FG830
Yamaha · Yamaha
FG800J vs FG830
Yamaha · Yamaha