It ain't no "Taylor", but good for the money.
Written: Oct 02 '05 (Updated Oct 03 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap, loud, good action.
Cons: Tone too bright when played softly.
The Bottom Line: This entry level solid top acoustic represents great value.
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| joeklein's Full Review: Yamaha Fg403s Acoustic Guitar |
The FG403S is the lowest priced solid body dreadnaught acoustic Yamaha currently offers.
I bought mine new about a year ago for $349 Australian, which is about US$250.
I use it mainly to accompany my singing students.
These are the specifications from the Yamaha website.
* Solid Sitka Spruce Top
* Nato Back and Sides
* Nato Neck
* Rosewood Fingerboard
* Rosewood Bridge
* Diecast Chrome Tuners
* Natural Finish
* Limited Lifetime Warranty
Mine has the clear finish and after 12months of almost daily use still looks nearly new. I attribute it's resistance to chips and dents to the acres of lacquer Yamaha lavished on it.
The action out of the box was way too high. I got the shop to shave the saddle as much as they could. The action now is low with no hint of buzzing even when strumming vigorously.
Barre chords offer little resistance up to about the 9th fret beyond which quite a bit more pressure is required (I rarely go further anyway, as barre chords beyond the 8th fret make many acoustics sound like Ukuleles). The fretboard is smooth and the frets nicely rounded.
The tone is bright and surprisingly loud for an economy instrument. I use D'addario Phosphor Bronze Light strings and they produce consistent tone for all my playing styles: Picking, strumming and finger-style.
The tuners are of the enclosed type and keep the guitar in good tune. I need to re-tune every two weeks or so and usually only when there is a change in humidity. The intonation is fine.
The FG403S is ideal as an inexpensive "scratch pad" for song writing and unplugged playing. It also makes a great entry level guitar. Many beginners opt for cheaper models such as Yamaha's F310 laminated top dreadnaught. The problem with laminated tops (a euphemism for plywood) is that they delaminate and the tone gets worse over time. Solid tops improve with age. The small price premium for the latter is worth every cent. Conversely, I don't see much point in buying the more expensive versions in the range (The FG413S or the FG423S). The differences are mainly cosmetic and do not justify the additional $50-$100.
Even if you later upgrade to a better, more expensive acoustic, the Yamaha will serve well as a backup or as a general knocabout guitar.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
joeklein
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Member: Joe Klein
Location: Sydney, Australia
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ~ Aldous Huxley
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