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Fretline

Head to head

Yamaha APX600 vs Yamaha FSX800C

They are closely matched on paper, so the differences are in the detail. Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 17 rows that actually differ marked out.

Yamaha
Yamaha APX600 thinline acoustic-electric in Black, full front view

APX600

Black

The same stage acoustic, in the finish that disappears behind you

7.8/104.5 (1,226)
Yamaha
Yamaha FSX800C concert cutaway acoustic-electric in Natural, front view

FSX800C

Natural

The same guitar as the FGX800C, in the body that suits fingerpicking and smaller hands

8.3/104.6 (116)

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Score profile

Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.

  • Yamaha APX6007.8
  • Yamaha FSX800C8.3

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

Yamaha APX600 compared with Yamaha FSX800C
APX600FSX800C
BrandYamahaYamaha
ModelAPX600FSX800C
FinishBlackNatural
InstrumentAcoustic guitarAcoustic guitar
Fretline score7.8 / 108.3 / 10
Value for money8 / 109 / 10
Amazon rating4.5 / 5 (1,226)4.6 / 5 (116)
Price$300 - $500$300 - $500
TypeThinline acoustic-electric guitarAcoustic-electric guitar
BodyAPX thinline cutaway, 80-90 mm deep (3 1/8" - 3 9/16")Concert cutaway
Body woodSpruce top with locally sourced tonewood back and sidesSolid spruce top with nato/okoume back and sides
TopSpruce (laminated)Solid spruce
Back & sidesLocally sourced tonewoodNato / okoume
BracingNon-scalloped X-typeScalloped bracing
Neck jointSet neck, cutaway for upper-fret accessSet neck with cutaway
Neck woodLocally sourced tonewoodNato
Scale length25" (634 mm)25" (634 mm)
FingerboardRosewoodWalnut
Radius15 3/4" (400 mm)15 3/4" (400 mm)
Nut width1 11/16" (43 mm)1 11/16" (43 mm)
BridgeRosewoodWalnut
ElectronicsSRT piezo pickup with SYSTEM65 preamp, 3-band EQ and built-in tunerSRT piezo pickup with SYSTEM66 preamp
ControlsVolume, 3-band EQ, onboard tunerVolume, 3-band EQ, onboard tuner
OrientationRight-handedRight-handed
Skill levelBeginner, Intermediate, AdvancedBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced
StylesPop, Worship, Folk, Rock, PunkFolk, Pop, Worship, Blues, Country
In the box——

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.

Best value

Yamaha FSX800C

Highest editorial value-for-money score of the instruments compared.

Best build

Yamaha FSX800C

Highest editorial build-quality score.

Best tone

Yamaha FSX800C

Highest editorial tone score.

Most versatile

Yamaha APX600

Highest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.

Most comfortable

Yamaha APX600

Highest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.

Best for beginners

Yamaha FSX800C

Strongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.

Best for rock

Yamaha APX600

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.

Best for the studio

Yamaha FSX800C

Build 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?

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