Yamaha FS830 Small Body Acoustic Guitar Natural

I needed a decent first acoustic guitar for an enthusiastic 12yo. Prior to purchasing, I tried this guitar at the local GC store, along with much more expensive Taylor, Martin and other Yamaha guitars (FS3, FS-TA). Neither one impressed me enough to justify their prices, while this little FS830 sounded like a champion, felt just right (dreadnoughts are too bulky for me and the kid I was picking it for), and action was good. It may differ drastically for the same model, so when I ordered online, I expected action needing some work. However, the one I received felt even better/lower than the one at the store. Great job Yamaha! Now, the other model which sparkled my interest was FS-TA. It does sound different. However, it is noticeably heavier than any "regular" acoustics. As I was picking the first acoustic for my 12yo, FS830 was a winner. Tips: for a kid, you may consider swapping strings for a lighter gauge, .012–.053. set it comes with might be just a tad too hard. And don't forget some care/polish stuff, the finish on tobacco model looks beautiful, so fingermarks are really noticeable :) The RR4TAG Boulevard II Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag fits it nice and snug leaving enough space at the headstock for a small tuner. As for why 830 and not 800 - just for the look, they sound a bit different, but both are great beginner guitars.

Quality control for budget friendly Yamaha guitars are unmatched. I love the solid top, the smaller body, and the sound of the guitar.

Very good size and sound. The finish is absolutely beautiful. Yamaha still come through with great products a a resonable price. It has a feel of its own. Can't really compare it to Martin or Taylor. It's a feeling of pure acoustic joy but your wallet is still heavy in your back pocket. I would buy this again. I put Martin Retro 12's strings for a slightly different sound from my other guitars. Plays just as well as my other more expensive instruments.

This guitar sounds wonderful. The action was spot on and was set up right out of the box. I'm super excited to get back to playing again. This guitar makes me want to play. I checked out some of the lesser expensive Martin's and Taylor's and this guitar sounds just as good. My neighbor has a very expensive Taylor and that guitar sounds fantastic but it's also 4 grand.

The guitar is beautiful in the dusk sun red version. It plays great, and is comfortable to hold. I also love that it has two spots for straps so you're not putting the strap around the neck. My big gripe- the set up is a pain to deal with. The action was so high and when getting it properly set up, I also had to have my luthier sand down the saddle a bit to make it hit just right. Oh and the tuners are way too easy to turn, so we had to swap those out as well. Past that, it makes for a beautiful sounding and looking guitar, just be prepared to pony up for a bit of a proper set up somewhere once you get it!

Nice looking, beautiful sounding guitar. Changed strings to my favorites as I always do and I honestly can't put the thing down.