Yamaha FG830 NT

I might be a tad biased here since I have Yamaha LL-6 and LL-16 too but I decided to buy an inexpensive acoustic guitar that I can have readily available on a guitar stand in my study/office or a living room. I usually store my acoustics in their rightful guitar cases and sometimes it's too much hassle to pick one up. So it's handy to have this FG830NT around.

Just so you know Yamaha LL16 costs 3-times as much as this FG830 so there are differencies but I was surprised how well this FG830 actually played right out of the box. It sounds open and not that "boxy" as many similar price range acoustics. It has enough bottom end, bright highs and some cut-thru-the-mix mids too. It's not as refined as LL16 but you can play it soft and silent or really rock it hard. It has dynamics which is a rare treat with a Dreadnaught under 500 euros.

I didn't expect to have such a versatile acoustic guitar at this price point. Actually this is just as good as my LL6. There are very little differences. You get a lot of guitar with FG830 NT. I'd pit this easily against twice pricier acoustics. I think Yamaha is a bit of "flying under the radar" when it comes to guitars. I know it's not as coveted as Martin or Taylor but maybe that's the reason they can put out fantastic instruments at the fraction of the price?

FG830 has a proper spruce top and nice dark and rich looking rosewood back and sides. To me it looks just like a western acoustic should look like. It plays well, it sounds really good (not the finest of acoustics but still got strong and open tone with plenty of dynamics) and it is built well. Only downside is that it comes without a gigbag or a case. I recommend you to buy one.

Only "upgrades" I had were wooden bridge pins and a brand new set of strings (in my preferred gauge).

So my "couch guitar" was much better than I expected.

Received this guitar well packed and was shipped fast.
I unboxed the guitar and you could smell the lacquer, the guitar came straight from the factory to Thomann and within a few days, it is in my hands. The guitar was out of tune out of the box, but that is expected, however, I was blown away by the sound as soon as I started tuning the guitar. Tuners are precise and they are engaging right. After tuning it to standard E, a slight adjustment of the neck was necessary, few turns and the guitar was all set. The first chord I played and I literally got goosebumps. The sound so balanced with rich overtones, consistent over all strings and frets, and yes, no buzzing frets. My fingers are pretty sore right now since I couldn't put it down for the rest of the day. The craftsmanship is out of this world, my 1500 USD Les Paul had more flaws than this one, and Yamaha had NONE! In conclusion, I expected a great product because it took me some time to pick the acoustic guitar and I did some research, but I was BLOWN AWAY! Get it, you won't regret it!