Yamaha FS 800 NT Natural - Small-Body Acoustic Guitar for Players

Our review of the Yamaha FS 800 NT Natural finds it best suited to players seeking a compact, responsive acoustic with a clear, balanced voice. The defining reason to buy is the combination of a solid spruce top and a small concert body, which yields articulate tone and comfortable playability for fingerstyle and light strumming. The instrument's traditional look and walnut fingerboard give it an immediate sense of quality, while scalloped bracing and Yamaha FG series design choices make it punch above its class for practice, home recording, and travel-friendly performance.

Key Features

• Solid spruce top: Produces a bright, open tone and improves resonance as the top beds in over time for sustained clarity.
• Small concert body: Offers comfortable reach for players with smaller hands and projects a balanced midrange that suits fingerpicking.
• Okoume and Nato body: Delivers a lightweight instrument that still supports a warm, focused sound for a variety of musical styles.
• Scalloped bracing: Enhances top vibration and dynamic response, making the guitar more touch-sensitive and expressive.
• Walnut fingerboard and chrome tuners: Provide a smooth playing surface and reliable tuning stability for regular use.

Who It's For

The FS 800 NT is ideal for beginners who want a quality acoustic that will last beyond entry level, as well as intermediate players wanting a compact secondary guitar for travel or intimate gigs. Its small body and solid spruce top make it particularly good for fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters who value clarity and articulation.

Players who need a very loud projection for large venues or those seeking onboard electronics should look elsewhere, since this model focuses on natural acoustic tone and traditional appointments rather than amplified features or jumbo volume.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid spruce top gives clear, balanced tone that improves with age.
• Small concert body is comfortable and well suited to fingerstyle and players with smaller frames.
• Scalloped bracing increases responsiveness and dynamic range for expressive playing.

Cons

• Lacks built-in electronics, so amplification requires external miking or a pickup.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Yamaha FS 800 NT Natural is a well-built, value-packed small-body acoustic that suits beginners and intermediate players who prioritize playability and clear tone. With a solid spruce top and thoughtful FG Series construction, it offers musical performance and longevity at a sensible price, making it a smart choice as a main instrument or a reliable travel guitar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this guitar good for fingerpicking?
Yes, the small concert body and solid spruce top provide clear articulation and balance that complement fingerstyle playing.

Does it include electronics for plugging in?
No, the FS 800 NT Natural is an acoustic model without built-in electronics; miking or a fitted pickup is required for amplification.

What woods are used in the body and fingerboard?
The body uses Okoume and Nato with a walnut fingerboard and a solid spruce soundboard for the top.