Head to head
Yamaha FS800J vs Yamaha JR1 FG Junior
The short answer is that the scale lengths are not the same (25" against 21.25"). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 14 rows that actually differ marked out.
FS800J
Natural, Concert
The FG800J in the smaller body, and the easier guitar to actually hold
JR1 FG Junior
Natural, 3/4 size
The 3/4 guitar that keeps getting recommended, twenty years on
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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 FS800J8.0
- Yamaha JR1 FG Junior6.7
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
| FS800J | JR1 FG Junior | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha | Yamaha |
| Model | FS800J | JR1 FG Junior |
| Finish | Natural, Concert | Natural, 3/4 size |
| Instrument | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.0 / 10 | 6.7 / 10 |
| Value for money | 10 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 4.3 / 5 (25) | 4.4 / 5 (1,119) |
| Price | Under $300 | Under $300 |
| Type | Acoustic guitar | Acoustic guitar |
| Body | Concert | Mini dreadnought, 3/4 size |
| Body wood | Solid spruce top with nato/mahogany back and sides | — |
| Top | Solid spruce | Spruce |
| Back & sides | Nato / mahogany | Meranti |
| Bracing | Scalloped bracing | — |
| Neck joint | Set neck | Set neck |
| Neck wood | Locally sourced tonewood | Nato |
| Scale length | 25" (634 mm) | 21.25" (540 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood or walnut, depending on production run |
| Radius | 15 3/4" (400 mm) | — |
| Nut | — | Urea |
| Nut width | 1 11/16" (43 mm) | 1.6875" (43 mm) |
| Bridge | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Tuners | — | Covered chrome |
| Electronics | None | — |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Beginner, Intermediate | Beginner |
| Styles | Folk, Pop, Blues, Country, Worship | Folk, Pop, Country, Indie, Worship |
| In the box | — | Gig bag included |
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 FS800JHighest 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 FS800JBuild 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.