Members adam.s Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 Hi, I'm a beginner, and have only played my friend's guitar a couple dozen times whenever I go up to his place. But now, I've decided to buy my own my acoustic guitar. I did some research online and found the following recommendations (atleast for beginners):1. Yamaha FG700S2. Yamaha FG720S3. Yamaha FG 730S4. Yamaha F335 What are your thoughts on these? Is there much difference between the 700S vs 720S vs 730S? How is the F335 different from these? I don't mind spending a bit more if it would result in a better experience...that justifies the price difference. The general consensus was that Yamaha is the ideal choice but please let me know if you have any other suggestions. Thanks! Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 The F335 has a laminated top. The others have solid tops. A guitar with a solid top will sound better as it ages, a guitar with a laminated top will stay the same. It's possible to make a guitar with a laminated top that sounds very good but if possible a solid top is preferable. The FG700S has laminated nato (similar to mahogany) back and sides, the FG720S has laminated mahogany back and sides, and the FG730S has laminated rosewood back and sides. The general feeling is that laminated backs/sides don't impact the sound of the guitar, whereas solid backs/sides do, so the backs/sides at this price point don't matter except aesthetically. The FG700S will do you fine but if you can afford the FG720S or FG730S you might want to spend the extra. I'd also recommend that you play the FS700S, FS720S, and FS730S, which are slightly smaller than the FG models. You may find you prefer the smaller body size and the different sound; larger guitars like the FG models tend to have more bass while some folks think smaller bodied guitars are better balanced sonically. Try playing several different guitars before you buy and if possible take a friend along who plays. Finally, try to buy from a local mom and pop store on the principle of supporting small businesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hudman_1 Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 I am a big Yamaha fan. Their attention to detail and budget friendly pricing makes them one of the best values out there. I owned several different FG models. I prefer the FG730S over the FG700S based on the bling (cosmetics): The FG730S just looks better. It has binding around the headstock and neck. The rosette is also nicer. To round it out, the dark rosewood looks great as well. I think it's well worth the small bump in price to upgrade to the FG730S. With that said, they due sound very similar and both are nice. I sold the last FG730S I owned to fund purchasing a different guitar. I regretted it. I took delivery of a new FG730S last night from Gearnuts on eBay. They have them listed under $299 or best offer. Got mine for $249 with free shipping. They post actual pictures of the guitar you bid on. They had 3 left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members katopp Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 The Yamaha FG7xx series is possibly one of the best value-for-money guitars. It's neutral in its sound, which makes it an ideal allrounder and the build quality is impeccable. I have a stable of 26 acoustic guitars, including Custom Shop and bespoke luthier built models, but my Yamaha FG730S still is one of my favourite "go-to" guitars. Incredible value for money. And yes, there is almost no difference in sound between the el-cheapo FG700MS and the bling FG750S, but frankly, those guitars are so inexpensive that investing the few bucks for a higher model won't hurt - and the looks improve quite a lot with bound fretboards, bound bodies and the like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Tony Burns Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 Their is a slight difference in sound between the rosewood and mahogany laminate - but not alot ,you will notice a big difference between an all solid wood guitar ( no laminates ) and a laminate back and sides modelbut then the cost goes up and solid wood can be more fragile (-if you think you'll be hard on the instrument - )If you move up the food chain -Id get a decent hardshell case - many are like 50 bucks or lessfor basic ones - but way better than those carry bags . Nows a good time to buy a guitarallot of places have great prices on them . good luck my friend ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EdBega Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 The F335 is made in Malaysia while the rest are made in China. I've see good and bad ones of the F335. Can't go wrong with the others you mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members acousticdepot Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 Best buy for the money is the FG700S. There was a time when Yamaha made amazing laminate top guitars ... those days are gone. Every F335 I have played has been a dud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members adam.s Posted November 19, 2014 Author Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 Thanks for taking the time out to post your suggestions guys. I went to one of the local stores near my place and tried out the 700S and the 730S. Even though I didn't find "noticeable" difference in the sound, my friend suggested that I go with the 730S as I would appreciate it more once I've had enough practice and can distinguish the sounds. He also wanted me to try out the FS700S since he thinks it might be more comfortable because of small built (5'8''), but unfortunately the store didnt have that model. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hudman_1 Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 Thanks for taking the time out to post your suggestions guys. I went to one of the local stores near my place and tried out the 700S and the 730S. Even though I didn't find "noticeable" difference in the sound, my friend suggested that I go with the 730S as I would appreciate it more once I've had enough practice and can distinguish the sounds. He also wanted me to try out the FS700S since he thinks it might be more comfortable because of small built (5'8''), but unfortunately the store didnt have that model. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks! I'm 5'8" and have no problem playing dreads or jumbo guitars. The FG will give you more bass and more volume than the FS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members adam.s Posted November 19, 2014 Author Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 I'm 5'8" and have no problem playing dreads or jumbo guitars. Thanks for the info Hudman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EdBega Posted November 19, 2014 Members Share Posted November 19, 2014 You're good unless you have XL hands and large finger tips like me then you may want a wider neck ... My test is to be able to make a clean A or B7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted November 20, 2014 Members Share Posted November 20, 2014 FWIW, Sheryl Crow is 5'3" and plays a big Gibson dreadnaught so that's probably not going to be a factor for you. Let your ears be the judge. As I mentioned in your other thread, play a smaller guitar if possible and see how it sounds and feels. If you like it, buy it. Don't worry about the name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Idunno Posted November 20, 2014 Members Share Posted November 20, 2014 You're good unless you have XL hands and large finger tips like me then you may want a wider neck ... My test is to be able to make a clean A or B7 Troof. The neck width is a burden-of-proof test. You're either muting or you're not muting, chord placement familiarity assumed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members adam.s Posted November 21, 2014 Author Members Share Posted November 21, 2014 Thanks for all your input guys. I finally purchased the FG730S earlier this week, and I love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members katopp Posted November 21, 2014 Members Share Posted November 21, 2014 Anyone out for a goat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members adam.s Posted November 22, 2014 Author Members Share Posted November 22, 2014 BTW, do you guys know of any good softcase (or a sufficiently padded gig bag) for the 730S? I'm not looking for anything too expensive or fancy. Yamaha only makes hardcases for the FG series, and I haven't been able to find any good ones online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DeepEnd Posted November 23, 2014 Members Share Posted November 23, 2014 Musician's Friend sells a hard case for $50: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-deluxe-dreadnought-case but if you still want a soft case look for a "rigid foam" case. MF sells a "Dean" branded one for $60: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/dean-lightweight-case-for-acoustic-guitars, a "Luna" branded one for $70: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/luna-guitars-lightweight-case-for-dreadnought-and-concert-acoustic-guitars, and a Gator branded one for $79: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/gator-gl-dread-12-lightweight-dreadnought-guitar-case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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