If you are on the market for a full-size acoustic guitar, then you probably know just how many options there are. It is dizzying. Luckily, there are a few models that rise to the top of nearly every conversation. When it comes to inexpensive acoustic guitars, there is one instrument that people have reached nearly unanimous agreement about. They say that it is not only one of the best entry-level acoustics you can find, but that it out performs nearly every other guitar in its price range to such an extent that it ought to be considered next to guitars with much higher price tags. This Yamaha fg700s review is a review of that guitar.
Construction
The Yamaha fg700s is built solid, from the ground up. From top to back, from bridge to headstock, it is impressively constructed. This guitar features nato back and sides, a rosewood fretboard, and a rosewood bridge. Its standout feature, however, is its top – it has a solid Sitka spruce top, which is quite impressive considering its low price.
The fg700s also features body binding, a tortoise-shell pickgaurd, die-cast tuners, and a headstock inlay. All of this amounts to an instrument that is built for quality. It looks, sounds, and feels great, and it is sure to last a lifetime. Don’t let the less-than-intimidating price tag fool you – this guitar means business.
How does it look?
This guitar comes in two versions: sunburst and natural. The sunburst is quite pleasant – moving from a light, natural, tan color in the center to a darker, sandy, brown exterior. It recalls so many of the classic guitars of the last hundred years, and just plain looks good.
The natural finish is equally as attractive, showcasing the light features of the Sitka spruce top. It is a light, almost blonde wood – clear in its constitution – and it recalls decades of classic Yamaha folk guitars.
In addition to the finish, this guitar’s accoutrement is all in place. The black and white body binding is attractive, as are the polished tuners. Its pickgaurd is a pleasant faux-tortoise-shell, and the simple emblem inlayed on its headstock is nice, albeit understated.
Overall, this guitar is quite pleasant to look at.
How does it sound?
If the fg700s shines in one place above all others, it is here. It may be an affordable guitar, but its sound makes quite an impression. Not only is its sound richer and more balanced than almost any other guitar in its price range, it is quite likely that even a trained ear would not, if blindly tested, guess that the sound this guitar produces was coming from an entry-level instrument.
The combination of nato wood and Sitka spruce lends an air of definition to this guitar’s sound. Tonally, then, it is rather scooped out; there is more treble than midrange in its EQ profile. But it isn’t without a healthy, warm, round bottom end. Overall, the words for this guitar’s sound are balanced and articulate.
The fg700s sounds great, regardless of price range; but for an inexpensive guitar, it is truly impressive.
How does it feel?
This guitar is a full-size acoustic, so it is not a small instrument. To some people, the depth and width of full-size acoustic guitars makes them feel big in their hands and against their bodies. But this particular acoustic guitar is more manageable than others due to its light weight. Both Sitka spruce and nato woods are light woods, and so this guitar – though it is large – is not very heavy. This makes it ideal for a beginner.
One of the most important features of the way a guitar feels is its action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard). Owners of this guitar agree nearly unanimously that it has low action, which for most people is desirable. This means that it is easier to play, since it requires less effort to press the strings down with the fretting hand. This feature of the fg700s contributes to its relatively easy playability.
Value
The fg700s is a great value. There is no doubt about it. Few guitars – acoustic or electric – offer more quality features for such a low price. This is sold as an entry-level guitar, but it is owned and played by a great number of more experienced players. Nothing about it precludes the possibility of making great-sounding, professional music with it, and almost everything about it is high quality. From its construction, to its appearance, to its feel, it is a great guitar at a great price.
| Color | Natural |
| Finish | Gloss |
| String scale | 25 9/16" |
| Nut width | 1 11/16" |
| Body depth | 3 15/16"-4 5/8" |
| Tuners | Diecast Chrome |
Conclusion
This Yamaha fg700s review has meant to convey a few things: 1. That the guitar is well-constructed and built from quality materials. 2. That it is visually appealing, albeit rather understated. And 3. That it has a great, balanced, clear tone. But above all else, there is one thing to take away from this review – that this guitar is a truly great value. If you are on the market for an inexpensive acoustic guitar then this should be at the very top of your list. But even if you are on the market for a high quality acoustic – if, for instance, a higher price tag is something you are considering, then this guitar ought to be at least included in your search.
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