A dreadnought can be just as easy to play as a concert size guitar. To me THE steel string acoustic sound is a dreadnought. Also, I think most acoustic guitar is played unplugged
Praise
Music & Instruments
Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
Best Entry Acoustic Guitar with Proven Track Record
The Yamaha FG800 has been recommended by guitar teachers and music stores for 20+ years — solid Sitka spruce top, scalloped X-bracing, nato neck, and Yamaha's decade-spanning quality control make it the safest first acoustic guitar purchase.
6 mentions · 3 threadslast mention Apr 20268.7/ 10
ClearPick Score
Very Good
Score informed by 6 owner mentions across 3 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
5 positive0 mixed1 negative
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Best Entry Acoustic Guitar with Proven Track Record
Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
~$349 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
couple decades, play it weekly, leaning in a corner, pretty much indestructible also had a 'high end' Yamaha, top cracked second winter, thought it was like my 800
Praise
About a year but I traded it in for a seagull S6 original because I couldn't play finger style with it the nut width on that Yamaha is 1.69 inches and the seagull S6 is 1.8 inches.... Don't get me wrong they are good guitars but not for what I want to do with hammer ons and pull offs with fingerpicking
Complaint
Great guitars, but just like any other acoustic, play it before buying and see if you like the timbre.
Praise
Over a year. Every day. Out in the open. Great shape despite being dropped about 25 times.
Praise
Depending on the shape, I'd probably incline towards the Yamaha. Ovations get a lot of hate. I'm not against them on principal, but I do think the Yamaha is more comfortable and likely sounds better.
Comparison
✅ What Works
- Solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing is the tonal foundation — the solid top and scalloped bracing (where mass is removed from the braces to allow freer top vibration) combine to produce more resonance and dynamics than laminate tops or non-scalloped bracing at this price point.
- Yamaha's quality control is the most consistent in the entry acoustic category — Yamaha has been manufacturing guitars for 60+ years and applies industrial quality standards to every price tier. The FG800 has the most consistent factory setup and build quality among competing guitars in its price range.
- Guitar teachers and music stores have recommended the FG800 for 20+ years — the FG series has earned its beginner-standard recommendation through decades of reliable performance. Students who need teacher confidence in their instrument will find universal familiarity with the FG800.
- Scalloped X-bracing improves projection and dynamic range — by removing material from the bracing pattern, Yamaha allows the spruce top to move more freely, improving the acoustic projection and sensitivity to picking dynamics.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Nato back and sides is laminate, not solid — nato (Eastern Mahogany) back and sides are laminate construction. Functionally durable and humidity-stable, but tonally less open than solid wood. Only the top is solid wood.
- The Fender CD-60S is a direct competitor at the same price — both the FG800 and CD-60S are solid-top entry acoustics at similar prices. Key differences: Yamaha has slightly better reputation for quality control consistency; Fender has brand name recognition for future resale. Either is an excellent choice.
- Factory action may need setup — while Yamaha's factory setup quality is above average, Canadian humidity and shipping conditions mean action may benefit from a professional adjustment after purchase.
- Yamaha's support network is extensive in Canada — Yamaha has authorized service centers in every major Canadian city, making warranty claims, setup service, and repairs straightforward.
ClearPick Verdict
The Yamaha FG800 is the most consistently recommended entry acoustic guitar in Canada. A solid spruce top, scalloped X-bracing, and Yamaha's legendary quality control make it the safest beginner acoustic guitar purchase. The Fender CD-60S is a genuine equivalent — if you're choosing between these two, Yamaha wins on quality control consistency; Fender wins on brand recognition and resale. Either is an excellent first guitar.
