FG800 Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team
Why we picked it
Solid spruce top that matures and improves in tone over years
The Yamaha FG800 is the acoustic guitar r/Guitar and r/AcousticGuitar name first whenever a beginner asks what to buy, and it earns that reputation by punching far above its price. Unlike most starter guitars with laminate tops, the FG800 has a solid spruce top, which opens up and sounds richer as it ages, paired with nato or okoume back and sides for a warm, balanced dreadnought voice. Yamaha's scalloped bracing and decades of factory consistency mean it plays in tune, projects well, and rarely needs major setup work out of the box. An adjustable truss rod keeps the neck dialed in for years. It is the rare instrument cheap enough for a first timer yet good enough that experienced players keep one around as a reliable knock around.
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Community & Review Summary
1,711 Amazon reviews
r/BuyItForLife satisfaction
Reddit posts (0 on r/BuyItForLife)
in Steel-String Acoustic Guitars
Price History
We began tracking this price on Jun 12, 2026. The chart fills in as more prices are recorded; see CamelCamelCamel below for older history.
Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +Solid spruce top that matures and improves in tone over years
- +Adjustable truss rod allows proper long-term neck setup
- +Yamaha's renowned factory consistency and quality control
- +Full, balanced dreadnought projection that outclasses its price
- +The default beginner recommendation across acoustic guitar communities
- +Holds up well as a reliable second or travel guitar later
Cons
- -Stock factory strings and setup often benefit from an upgrade
- -Nato/okoume back and sides are laminate, not solid
- -Full-size dreadnought body can feel large for smaller players
Warranty & Returns
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Return Policy
Most items are returnable within 30 days of receipt for a full refund. Some categories have shorter return windows.
Read full return policy