Head to head
Yamaha FG800J vs Yamaha FS800J
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 7 rows that actually differ marked out.
FG800J
Natural
The safest recommendation in budget acoustics, and it has been for years
FS800J
Natural, Concert
The FG800J in the smaller body, and the easier guitar to actually hold
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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 FG800J7.8
- Yamaha FS800J8.0
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
| FG800J | FS800J | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha | Yamaha |
| Model | FG800J | FS800J |
| Finish | Natural | Natural, Concert |
| Instrument | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Fretline score | 7.8 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
| Value for money | 10 / 10 | 10 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 / 5 (368) | 4.3 / 5 (25) |
| Price | Under $300 | Under $300 |
| Type | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Body | Dreadnought (Yamaha Traditional Western) | Concert |
| Body wood | Solid spruce top with nato/mahogany back and sides | Solid spruce top with nato/mahogany back and sides |
| Top | Solid spruce | Solid spruce |
| Back & sides | Nato / mahogany | Nato / mahogany |
| Bracing | Scalloped bracing | Scalloped bracing |
| Neck joint | Set neck | Set neck |
| Neck wood | Locally sourced tonewood (nato) | Locally sourced tonewood |
| Scale length | 25" (634 mm) | 25" (634 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Radius | 15 3/4" (400 mm) | 15 3/4" (400 mm) |
| Nut width | 1 11/16" (43 mm) | 1 11/16" (43 mm) |
| Bridge | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Electronics | None | None |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Styles | Folk, Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Worship | Folk, Pop, Blues, Country, Worship |
| 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.
Most versatile
Yamaha FG800JHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Yamaha FS800JHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Yamaha FS800JStrongest 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.