Yamaha FSX800C Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review Perfect for Beginners and Balanced Sound Quality

Description

Authentic Sound and Build Quality

The Yamaha FSX800C Small Body Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural, immediately stands out with its solid Sitka spruce top and nato/okoume back and sides. When I first picked it up, the lightweight 6.49-pound design made it incredibly manageable, even for extended playing sessions. Its mahogany body combined with the rosewood fingerboard and bridge creates a balanced tone with a touch of warmth.

The scalloped bracing design ensures the guitar delivers a rich, full-bodied sound without feeling too fragile. Whether strumming or fingerpicking, the notes resonate beautifully. The 25.6-inch scale length feels just right, providing ample room for finger placement while maintaining a comfortable reach for smaller hands.

For beginners and experienced players alike, the cutaway design is a welcome feature, granting easy access to the higher frets. As someone who’s dabbled in both open chords and intricate solos, I appreciated the versatility this guitar offers.

Electronics and Sound Tailoring

One of the standout features of this acoustic-electric guitar is the System 66 electronics, which include an under-saddle piezo pickup. Plugging it into an amp reveals its true potential. The 3-band EQ allows for precise sound adjustments, while the adjustable mid-range frequency control ensures your tone cuts through the mix without overpowering. I found the precision chromatic tuner especially handy during live gigs, where quick tuning adjustments are essential.

The preamp system is powered by two AA batteries, which, in my experience, last a reasonable amount of time. This setup is user-friendly, even for someone who may not have much experience with acoustic-electric guitars. The tonal range is impressive, whether you’re playing in a small room or performing on stage.

Comfort and Playability

Playability is where this guitar truly shines. The adjustable truss rod ensures that the neck setup can be fine-tuned to suit your playing style and string gauge preference. As someone who alternates between light and medium strings, I found this feature invaluable.

The diecast tuners held tuning well, even after hours of strumming and bending strings. The phosphor bronze strings it comes with feel smooth to the touch and produce a bright, lively tone. While the factory setup was decent, I did make slight adjustments to lower the action, which significantly improved the playing experience.

Winning Points

• Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity and projection.
• System 66 preamp with a 3-band EQ and chromatic tuner for tailored sound.
• Lightweight and ergonomic design, perfect for long practice sessions.
• Adjustable truss rod and diecast tuners for precise playability and stability.

Areas for Improvement

• The nato/okoume back and sides, while durable, don’t deliver the same resonance as higher-end tonewoods like rosewood.
• The factory setup might require adjustments for optimal action and playability.
• The battery compartment feels slightly flimsy and could benefit from a more robust design.

Competing Products

When comparing this model to similar options, the Taylor GS Mini comes to mind. While the Taylor offers a warmer, more resonant tone thanks to its solid tonewoods, it lacks the System 66 preamp‘s versatility. The Fender CD-60SCE, another alternative, is priced similarly and features a solid spruce top, but its electronics system doesn’t offer the same level of customization as Yamaha’s.

For those seeking a reliable acoustic-electric guitar with a balanced sound and user-friendly electronics, this Yamaha holds its own. The cutaway design and lightweight build make it a strong competitor for players prioritizing comfort and accessibility.

Budget-Friendly Performance

In terms of value for money, this guitar delivers a lot for its price point. The solid top construction, coupled with the System 66 electronics, makes it a worthy investment for beginners and intermediate players. While it doesn’t boast the exotic tonewoods or intricate detailing of more expensive models, it excels in durability, sound quality, and playability.

The adjustable features, like the truss rod and EQ, ensure it grows with you as your skills improve. For those on a budget, this is a smart spending choice that doesn’t compromise on essential features.

Additional information