Yamaha FG820

The primary difference lies in the tonewoods used for the back and sides; the FG800 uses nato/okume, while the upgraded FG820 features solid mahogany back and sides. This mahogany construction gives the FG820 a slightly warmer, punchier midrange compared to the brighter FG800. Both feature a solid spruce top and the same classic dreadnought body shape.

The Yamaha FG820, part of the legendary FG series, is manufactured in Yamaha's facilities in China. Yamaha maintains strict quality control and utilizes their trademark scalloped bracing in these factories, ensuring the guitar delivers a tone that rivals much more expensive instruments. The 'FG' stands for 'Fine Guitar,' a designation the series has held since its introduction in 1966.

No, the standard Yamaha FG820 is a purely acoustic guitar and does not feature a built-in pickup or preamp system. If you want to play live through a PA system, you will need to either install an aftermarket soundhole pickup or look for the acoustic-electric equivalent in the FX series. Yamaha does make acoustic-electric versions, but this specific model is strictly unplugged.

The FG820 comes from the factory strung with Yamaha's custom coated Light gauge acoustic strings, usually measuring 12 to 53. The guitar's dreadnought body and solid spruce top handle light gauge strings beautifully, offering a balance of playability and volume. If you prefer a heavier or brighter tone, you can easily swap them for medium gauge bronze strings.