Yamaha FS-TA Concert Size Transacoustic Guitar - Built-In Chorus

In this review of the Yamaha FS-TA Concert Size Transacoustic Guitar the bottom line is clear: this is a compelling choice for acoustic players who want lush built-in effects without an amp. The guitar recreates roomlike chorus and reverb from an internal actuator, so players can get inspiring ambient tones straight from the instrument. Its concert-sized body and solid spruce top yield a balanced acoustic voice while the SYSTEM70 Trans Acoustic preamp and SRT piezo pickup make it practical for plugged use, making this review especially relevant to singer-songwriters and bedroom players looking for ready-to-play texture.

Key Features

• Built-in Chorus and Reverb: The onboard effects produce immersive ambience without external pedals or amplification, letting players shape mood instantly.
• Actuator Vibration System: An actuator mounted on the inner back vibrates with the strings to create natural-sounding body resonance and spatial effects.
• Simple Controls: Three intuitive knobs let you adjust the amount of effects and the line out volume quickly during practice or performance.
• Solid Tonewoods: A solid spruce top combined with mahogany back and sides delivers clear midrange and warm low end from the FS-style body.
• SYSTEM70 Preamp with SRT Pickup: The integrated preamp and piezo pickup provide reliable plugged sound and straightforward output for live or recording use.

Who It's For

The Yamaha FS-TA is ideal for acoustic players, singer-songwriters, and small-venue performers who want immediate ambient effects without carrying extra gear. Its concert-size body suits fingerstyle players and those who prefer a comfortable, slightly smaller silhouette than a dreadnought while keeping a full acoustic voice.

Players who need heavy-duty electric amplification, extensive onboard EQ, or specialty pickups might look elsewhere; the FS-TA focuses on quality natural acoustic tone with built-in chorus and reverb rather than extensive electronics or high-gain performance features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich built-in chorus and reverb that sound pleasing and useful for songwriting and practice.
• Solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide a warm, balanced acoustic tone.
• System70 electronics with SRT piezo pickup offer reliable line out and simple control.
• Comfortable concert-size body that suits fingerpicking and longer playing sessions.

Cons

• Players seeking extensive amp-style tone shaping may find the three-knob control set limited.

Specifications

Model	FS-TA Concert Size Transacoustic
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Mahogany
Electronics	SYSTEM70 Trans Acoustic Preamp
Pickup	SRT Piezo Pickup
Effects	Built-in Chorus and Reverb via internal actuator
Finish	Brown Sunburst

Our Verdict

The Yamaha FS-TA Concert Size Transacoustic is a strong value for players who want atmospheric chorus and reverb straight from the guitar without extra pedals. Its solid spruce top and mahogany body produce a pleasing acoustic tone and the SYSTEM70 preamp makes it stage-friendly. Musicians who prioritize immediate, inspiring ambient sound and a comfortable concert shape will find this model hard to beat for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the guitar need an amp to use the chorus and reverb?
The built-in chorus and reverb operate acoustically via an internal actuator, so you hear the effects without an amp; the electronics also provide a line out for amplification.

What pickup and preamp does it use?
It uses Yamaha's SYSTEM70 Trans Acoustic preamp paired with an SRT piezo pickup for plugged sound and line output.

Is the body solid wood?
The top is solid spruce while the back and sides are mahogany, which contributes to its balanced acoustic tone.