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Head to head

Yamaha FG830 vs Yamaha FG830

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 1 rows that actually differ marked out.

Yamaha
Yamaha FG830 dreadnought in Autumn Burst, full front view

FG830

Autumn Burst

The same rosewood-backed FG830, in a warmer burst

8.2/104.7 (530)
Yamaha
Yamaha FG830 dreadnought in Tobacco Sunburst, full front view

FG830

Tobacco Sunburst

Rosewood back and sides, for about a hundred dollars more

8.2/104.7 (530)

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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 FG8308.2
  • Yamaha FG8308.2

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 FG830 compared with Yamaha FG830
FG830FG830
BrandYamahaYamaha
ModelFG830FG830
FinishAutumn BurstTobacco Sunburst
InstrumentAcoustic guitarAcoustic guitar
Fretline score8.2 / 108.2 / 10
Value for money9 / 109 / 10
Amazon rating4.7 / 5 (530)4.7 / 5 (530)
Price$300 - $500$300 - $500
TypeAcoustic guitarAcoustic guitar
BodyDreadnought (Yamaha Traditional Western)Dreadnought (Yamaha Traditional Western)
Body woodSolid spruce top with rosewood back and sidesSolid spruce top with rosewood back and sides
TopSolid spruceSolid spruce
Back & sidesRosewoodRosewood
BracingScalloped bracingScalloped bracing
Neck jointSet neckSet neck
Neck woodNatoNato
Scale length25 9/16" (650 mm)25 9/16" (650 mm)
FingerboardRosewoodRosewood
Radius15 3/4" (400 mm)15 3/4" (400 mm)
Nut width1 11/16" (43 mm)1 11/16" (43 mm)
BridgeRosewoodRosewood
ElectronicsNoneNone
OrientationRight-handedRight-handed
Skill levelBeginner, Intermediate, AdvancedBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced
StylesFolk, Country, Blues, Pop, Rock, WorshipFolk, Country, Blues, Pop, Rock, 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.

Best value

Yamaha FG830

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

Best build

Yamaha FG830

Highest editorial build-quality score.

Best tone

Yamaha FG830

Highest editorial tone score.

Most versatile

Yamaha FG830

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

Most comfortable

Yamaha FG830

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

Best for beginners

Yamaha FG830

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

Best for rock

Yamaha FG830

Strongest overall score among the instruments suited to rock.

Best for the studio

Yamaha FG830

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?

The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.

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