NGD: Yamaha FS830

[RustInPeace]

I ordered one last Monday on a bit of a gamble - I had been searching for any of the new FS series for the last several months locally but no one had brought any in. I had tried the FG830 and was really impressed - it sounded awesome, but was too large. I knew I liked the smaller 720 series I had tried, so what the hell!

Everything about this guitar is just perfect. The neck is slim and feels like an electric. The action is just perfect with no buzz, even with my heavy picking hand (although Ive had to switch from the thick jazz IIIs I use for electric to a .60mm nylon). It sounds gorgeous even with stock Yamaha strings, and I have a set of elixer 80/20s ready to go once these wear. I had my heart set on a GS mini but I'm so glad I decided to "settle" with this beauty. Highly recommended. 10/10.

[Jambi]

I'm a lefty, so the amount of guitars I get to try at a shop is pretty minimal. My FG820l stands up with 'Name' brands costing quite a bit more. It took a bit of mind reset to get past the name but here in AGF people have almost no bad words for Yamaha, especially in the price range.

Congrats.

[Chrstian9090]

Nice axe! Speaking from recent experience, I would recommend that you enjoy those stock Yamaha strings as long as possible.

I have an LL16M and I swapped out the stock strings for Elixir 80/20's and it made the guitar unbelievably bright and shimmery. Of course if that's what you're after, go for it, but I was amazed at how much of a difference it made.

Play it in good health.

[mds08]

Congrats, very nice Yamaha. I love the new 830s, but I settled on the new FG800 Vintage tint. I love the vintage look and the deal I got. I might see an 830 coming my way soon. I hope you enjoy it, and try some EXP lights coated.

[Nyghthawk]

As you can see in my signature, I have the FS700s. I am amazed at the quality of instrument one can buy for 2 Franklins (a little more in your case) these days! Enjoy the NGD!

[JBCROTTY]

Good choice. You will dig it. I have the solid wood version of the same guitar - the Yamaha LS16R - just got it in November and really like it. I came really close to buying the FS830 but wanted solid wood.

Don't lament the GS Mini - I had a GS Mini for a short time this year and it was a great guitar, but the size was just too small and cramped for me. I bought the LS16R after selling the GS Mini and searching for a suitable replacement by playing a bunch of OM and OO sized guitars. I wanted something smaller than my dreads.

The Yamahas held their own in those size categories and price points, and as always, give you a lot of bang for your buck (I'm partial to them because of the build quality and because of the value they represent). I think the FS830 is a great alternative to the GS Mini is and a little bit more substantial in terms of size. Enjoy it!

[InTune]

I agree with the 800 series' greatness. I have the fg820 which was so good I recently bought a fsx800c which is equally awesome. For a slightly smaller guitar they really punch above their price point. The bass and resonance rivals much pricier guitars imo. I agree that there is something about the Yamaha stock strings. I know they get a bad rap but once I changed them the guitar changed. Not for better or worse but those strings have a certain shimmery jingle that isn't overly bright. I found them for sale but they were close to 20 a set. I still think about buying a couple sets though..

[sroh]

Congrats. I started with the FS730. What a great guitar. Even after upgrading, I still find myself picking up the Yammy, especially when I want to strum some songs.

I know the 800 series is a nice step-up over the 700 series. Which would have to make it a great guitar and an incredible value.

Enjoy!

[marty bradbury]

Pretty guitar! Enjoy!

[SFCRetired]

Those FS Yamahas are great little guitars. The deeper body on them than a traditional 000 size makes them a great all around guitar.

[Dru Edwards]

Sweet! Gotta ask given your username, are you a Dave Mustaine fan?

[DWKitt]

Originally Posted by InTune

I agree with the 800 series' greatness. I have the fg820 which was so good I recently bought a fsx800c which is equally awesome. For a slightly smaller guitar they really punch above their price point. The bass and resonance rivals much pricier guitars imo. I agree that there is something about the Yamaha stock strings. I know they get a bad rap but once I changed them the guitar changed. Not for better or worse but those strings have a certain shimmery jingle that isn't overly bright. I found them for sale but they were close to 20 a set. I still think about buying a couple sets though..

Kraftmusic.com sells the Yamaha stock strings. They're called FG12 lights, 80/20 Bronze. I bought the FG800 Bundle from them with the Brown Sunburst finish and they included two extra sets of strings. I like these strings. I've had the guitar for 7 weeks and they still sound good to my unrefined ears. I play everyday for around 30 minutes. Still a beginner.

[JBCROTTY]

Thanks for the tip on the availability of the Yamaha strings - I couldn't find them anywhere. I like them also.

[RustInPeace]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Sweet! Gotta ask given your username, are you a Dave Mustaine fan?

Absolutely lol. I've been playing electrics for around 15 years and this is my first acoustic.

[BrunoBlack]

Very nice Rusty, congratulations.