YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar - Natural Concert

In this review of the YAMAHA FS800 small body acoustic guitar the bottom line is simple: it is an ideal first solid-top instrument for beginners who want authentic tone without a high price. The review highlights the guitar's solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing as the single biggest reason to buy, since that combination produces a warm, resonant voice that belies the instrument's modest cost. Build quality and playability come through in customer reports, and the adjustable truss rod adds useful setup flexibility.

Key Features

• Solid Sitka spruce top: Delivers a clear, balanced tone with improved resonance compared with laminated tops, so chords and single-note lines ring with presence.
• Nato back and sides: Provide durable, focused midrange that supports the top and keeps the overall tone well balanced for a small body guitar.
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge: Offer a familiar, smooth playing surface and stable string transfer for good sustain and comfortable fretting.
• Diecast tuners: Help the guitar stay in tune under regular practice and reduce the need for constant retuning between sessions.
• Adjustable truss rod: Allows straightforward neck relief adjustments, making setups easier as strings or humidity change over time.

Who It's For

The FS800 is aimed squarely at beginning players, students and anyone seeking a compact, comfortable concert-size guitar with the tonal benefits of a solid top. Its small body is easier to hold for younger players or those who prefer a less bulky instrument, while the scalloped bracing and Sitka spruce face give a more developed sound than typical entry-level models.

Players who need a larger dreadnought projection for heavy strumming or those who want premium tonewoods and boutique appointments should look elsewhere, but for most learners and casual players the FS800 is a sensible, long-lasting choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Warm, balanced acoustic tone thanks to the solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped bracing.
• Solid construction and neat finish make it feel like a more expensive instrument than its price suggests.
• Easy playability for beginners with a comfortable rosewood fingerboard and reliable diecast tuners.

Cons

• Smaller concert body offers less low-end punch than larger dreadnoughts, which may limit volume for aggressive strummers.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The YAMAHA FS800 is an excellent value for beginners and players who want a compact acoustic with a real solid-top sound. Its solid Sitka spruce top, reliable hardware and simple, well-finished build make it a trustworthy practice and performance instrument that will suit students and casual giggers looking for warm tone without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?
Yes, its comfortable small body, easy playability and adjustable truss rod make it well suited for new players.

Does the solid top make a noticeable difference?
Customers and the design notes indicate the solid Sitka spruce top provides better resonance and a fuller, more balanced tone than laminated tops.

Will it stay in tune?
The diecast tuners and stable bridge construction help it stay in tune under normal playing conditions, though humidity and strings affect tuning as with any acoustic.