I don’t play acoustic guitar all the time as I am mostly an electric guy but, when I do I have a very specific tone that I like. If you ever listen to bluegrass music you will hear this super thick booming tone from the guitars. It’s a tone that a certain brand that starts with an “M” is known for. Having owned one of their instruments in the past, the HD-28 I am very familiar with that tone. I won’t even begin to say that this is “just the same” or “every bit as good” because reality is that it isn’t. The M guitar has a magic to it that nothing else has, the tone is so deep and clear that words can’t describe it. I had to sell that guitar due to financial hardships and I have been chasing that sound ever since. I am happy to report that this Yamaha FG830 is as close as I have gotten. Since selling my M guitar I have had a handful of acoustics, some semi pricey and others fairly cheap but every one of them fell short of what I was hoping for. A friend of mine even has one of the “budget” M guitars and it is not in the same league as the HD but, this Yamaha? It is so much closer to “that” sound than even the more expensive M guitar that my friend has. To start the guitar is very beautiful, the rosewood look of the sides and back with the spruce top and binding make it look very much like a 28 but, this one also has neck and headstock binding which makes it look even fancier than the “real” thing. The finish on the guitar is a deep gloss, even… read more on the headstock. When it comes to looks this guitar absolutely has “IT” The neck is also something to mention, it’s so good that it deserves it’s own review. The finish is satin so it’s very smooth and fast, it doesn’t stick to your hand when you try to play. The fretboard is glassy smooth and the frets are very well finished. I had no rough edges or protruding frets on mine. A little lemon oil on the fretboard went a long way and now it is such a player! I also wanted to mention that there are no uneven frets or buzz anywhere on the neck! The action was slightly higher than my preference but a few minutes with some sand paper took care of that. Now, on to the important part, TONE! As I mentioned before, this is NOT an “M” guitar BUT, this is the closest I have found and it’s less than $400! The lows are booming but clear, the highs are crisp with excellent sustain, the midrange is pronounced and makes the instrument stand out. Chords are very clear and each note is decernable, clarity is a big part of the sound that this guitar produces. If you’re doing bluegrass licks those hammer ons and slides really pop on this thing. At the same time when you tune to D the low notes just boom with authority. The guitar just thumps you in the chest and has that “kerrang” that a great acoustic produces. I truly cannot say enough good things about this instrument. IF you have $3,000 to spend you may do better with the big boys but, if you’re like me and working on a budget I truly do not believe that you can do better than this one. I have contemplated purchasing a mid range guitar in the $1,000 to $1,500 range but I then realize that they won’t top the Yamaha. The only thing I have played that betters this guitar is the high end stuff, $3k+ So, to summarize, if you’re on a budget, looking for a guitar that you don’t have to cry about scratches on, OR if you just want a fantastic instrument at an unbelievable price THIS is your instrument. Yamaha has done such an amazing job that it’s hard to believe that they pulled it off! They have made something for the rest of us, something that fills the gap that we who cannot pay as much for a guitar as for a vehicle have to deal with. Thank you, as always, to zZounds for a wonderful experience. Fast shipping, and pay as you play!

Musical Background:
Guitar player for 20 years

Musical Style:
Rock, bluegrass, country read less