Just picked up a Yamaha FG830 - Anything to do right away?

[JackB1]

After much research and testing on dreads at around $300 I went with the Yamaha FG830. Got a tobacco sunburst and it's just beautiful. Question is, do I need to do anything to get this thing set up optimally? Should I change the factory string out immediately? I think they are "lights" going from .012-.053.
Is that a good gauge for this guitar? Also the action seems a tad high. I haven't noticed any buzzing yet. How and where on the guitar to you measure the action and what is "average" or optimal for this guitar? I am not a total beginner but have just gotten back to playing recently. I can strum all the common chords and bar chords and can play decently. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[beninma]

It most likely has D'Addario EXP16 Strings or something, a good set of coated strings, no need to change them right away.

It probably needs nut & saddle work + checking the truss rod, not much more than that.

[JackB1]

Originally Posted by beninma

It most likely has D'Addario EXP16 Strings or something, a good set of coated strings, no need to change them right away.

It probably needs nut & saddle work + checking the truss rod, not much more than that.

So I should bring it in somewhere for initial set up?

Also, I thought I read in other threads that these guitars come with Yamaha's own strings?

[amyFB]

Many folks here will recommend you take that new guitar to a local shop and have it set up for your needs. What you like for action height could be totally different that what I like, as one example.

I always like to start my education with paperwork from the manufacturer that talks about things like what strings it shipped with, and what the limits of string gauges are recommended.

Maybe a $300 purchase doesn't come with literature; this could be why you are here asking us!!!

good luck with the new guitar and welcome to the AGF!

[Nyghthawk]

About two years ago I bought an FS700s. I put Elixer Polyweb lights on it and played. Period. If the action on the FG is high, get a set up done. Other than that, put fresh strings of your choice on it and go.

[L20A]

I think that the guitar is strung with Yamaha coated strings.
They are good enough to keep using until they are worn out.
That could be several months.

When it comes time to replace the strings you may want to step up to medium light strings or Bluegrass gauge strings.

A good set up that is set to your playing style is always a good idea.
It may be hard to justify to cost for a $300.00 guitar but it is worth it if it makes the guitar easier to play.
If you got your guitar locally, they may do the set up for a lower price.

[DenverSteve]

If you are unsure (meaning you don't think this plays like butter and is everything you've ever wanted in a guitar) then take it in for a set up. Otherwise play it for a month and see. Unless you have a guitar built to your specs and preferences, essentially every guitar will benefit to some degree from a set up for your playing preferences, string preferences and playing style. Congratulations on your new guitar.

[thegazza]

Congrats. Excellent guitar. Can't believe that anyone here in the UK would pay so much for a Taylor 100 or 200 series when a good Yamaha FG is so much better and for a fraction of the price.

Gazza

[Iowacarver]

I absolutely love that guitar. I was blown away when I received it. I set mine up and lowered the Fret board action to .018 and lowered the saddle a bit and adjusted the neck a bit. 5/64th's at 12th Fret I put on Nano Web HD Lights and its just beautiful. I loved it so much I bough an FG820 2 weeks ago. Did the same set up on it. Unbelievable guitars for under 300. Actually I got my FG 830 for a little over 100.00 when I cashed in my Backstage Pass points!

[slowesthand]

Originally Posted by Iowacarver

I absolutely love that guitar. I was blown away when I received it. I set mine up and lowered the Fret board action to .018 and lowered the saddle a bit and adjusted the neck a bit. 5/64th's at 12th Fret I put on Nano Web HD Lights and its just beautiful. I loved it so much I bough an FG820 2 weeks ago. Did the same set up on it. Unbelievable guitars for under 300. Actually I got my FG 830 for a little over 100.00 when I cashed in my Backstage Pass points!

what strings are you using on your 820. Right now I have 80/20s on mine and like them.

[Iowacarver]

I am using the same Elixir Nano-web HD Lights. Really like those strings.

Corey

[JBCROTTY]

This is the official Yamaha guidance for string height and where to measure.

I find this recommended action a bit high for my tastes, so I sanded down my saddles to drop the action, but you need to make that determination yourself.

http://faq.yamaha.com/us/en/article/...tars/796/4068/

[JBCROTTY]

I forgot to add my string input...

The stock strings are Yamaha brand 80/20 Phosphor Bronze Lights - some folks don't care for them - I don't mind them. You can probably get some life out of them and leave them on for a bit. I like the stock Yamaha strings, but some will complain that they are "jangly."

If you wanted to change, I like D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Lights for that guitar. THey are inexpensive, sound great, and have a good life span.

Hope this helps. Enjoy the guitar - you picked a good one.

[muscmp]

i would recommend that you get to know the guitar prior to any changes being made. give it a month or so, then make your decisions.

play music!

[Steadfastly]

If you bought it new, the place where you bought it should include a free setup to your preferences.