Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (17)
$369.99
Amazon
4.5 (204)
$369.99
Reverb
3.0 (1)
$298.72 New
$332.99 Used
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$369.99

Average Price: $348

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha FG820". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the harmonious blend of craftsmanship and affordability with the Yamaha FG820, a standout in the world of steel-string acoustic guitars. This dreadnought model is crafted for musicians who demand quality sound without breaking the bank. From your first chord, the FG820 delivers a rich and resonant tone that belies its modest price. The secret lies in its carefully selected materials and innovative design.

At its heart, the FG820 features a solid spruce top, renowned for its articulate sound and excellent projection. As the guitar ages, this top enhances its tonal character, offering deeper harmonics and greater balance over time. Complementing this is the mahogany back and sides, which add warmth and depth to your playing, making it perfect for vocal accompaniment or standalone performances.

The scalloped bracing inside the body not only ensures structural integrity but also maximizes the guitar's sonic potential, delivering a robust low end and impressive overall projection. Players will also appreciate the comfortable Standard-shaped neck, designed for effortless playability across its rosewood fingerboard. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the Yamaha FG820 is a versatile instrument that promises to grow with you, offering a dependable and dynamic playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for articulate sound and excellent projection
  • Mahogany back and sides for enhanced warmth and midrange clarity
  • Scalloped bracing for increased projection and bass response
  • Standard-shaped neck with a rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playability
  • Ideal for beginners and experienced players alike

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Spruce
Finish Gloss
Body Bracing X-bracing
Binding Cream
Neck Wood Nato
Neck Shape Standard
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.56"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut/Saddle Material Urea/Urea
Bridge Material Rosewood or Walnut
Tuning Machines Die-cast
Strings D'Addario, .012-.053
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

Is the Yamaha FG820 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha FG820 is well-suited for beginners due to its comfortable playability and excellent sound quality, thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It offers a rich tone that can inspire new players to practice and improve.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Yamaha FG820?

The Yamaha FG820 delivers a warm, full-bodied sound with plenty of volume and projection, courtesy of its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This makes it ideal for a range of musical styles, from folk to rock.

How does the Yamaha FG820 compare to the FG800?

The Yamaha FG820 features a solid spruce top and laminated mahogany back and sides, offering a richer, warmer tone compared to the FG800, which has Nato/Okoume back and sides. The FG820's construction provides enhanced sound projection and depth.

Does the Yamaha FG820 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Yamaha FG820 does not include a case or gig bag. These must be purchased separately to ensure the guitar is protected during transport and storage.

What are the neck specifications of the Yamaha FG820?

The Yamaha FG820 features a nato neck with a standard shape and a matte finish for a smooth playing experience. It has a nut width of 1.69 inches, making it comfortable for various playing styles.

Mark Harrison at Millers Music

Mark Harrison at Millers Music

YAMAHA FG820

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA FG820 by Mark Harrison at Millers Music

YAMAHA FG820

Mark Harrison at Millers Music

Mark Harrison at Millers Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG 820 (vs FG 800) Acoustic Guitar Review // Best Value // "Poor Man's Martin" by This Guitar Channel

Yamaha FG 820 (vs FG 800) Acoustic Guitar Review // Best Value // "Poor Man's Martin"

This Guitar Channel

This Guitar Channel

Video thumbnail for $279 vs $2000 Guitar // Cheap vs Expensive // Yamaha FG820 vs Martin D28 // Is it worth it? by This Guitar Channel

$279 vs $2000 Guitar // Cheap vs Expensive // Yamaha FG820 vs Martin D28 // Is it worth it?

This Guitar Channel

This Guitar Channel

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG820 Guitar Blogger Review by Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Yamaha FG820 Guitar Blogger Review

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Best Buy Canada Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG 820 Acoustic Guitar Review and Sound Test by Alex Under Par

Yamaha FG 820 Acoustic Guitar Review and Sound Test

Alex Under Par

Alex Under Par

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG820 Acoustic Guitar - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Yamaha FG820 Acoustic Guitar - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha FG820 Acoustic Demo by Ben Coombs

Yamaha FG820 Acoustic Demo

Ben Coombs

Ben Coombs

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality with bright, balanced tones and loud projection.

  • Solid spruce top enhances sound richness, similar to higher-priced guitars.

  • Lightweight design due to mahogany laminate back and sides.

  • Comfortable neck and smooth action for easy playability.

  • Attractive aesthetics, including ivory binding and mother-of-pearl emblem.

  • Highly versatile, suitable for beginners and as a travel guitar.

  • Holds its own against more expensive brands like Taylor and Martin.

  • Durable enough for casual use without fear of damage.

  • Great value for money, offering premium features at an affordable price.

  • Minimal setup adjustments needed out of the box for optimal play.

CONS

  • Occasional minor blemishes in the finish noted by some users.

  • Sticky neck coating can hinder hand movement for some players.

  • Stress marks in varnish reported, though not structurally compromising.

  • Tuners and strings are basic; may require upgrades for optimal performance.

  • Shipped with minimal padding, risking potential transit damage.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha FG820.

Comparisons

  • Owners note the FG820 has a deeper, more mellow sound compared to Fender acoustics, which some find "tinny."

    Source
  • When compared to the Taylor 314ce, the FG820 matches well in volume and bass, though it lacks the tonal richness of the higher-priced model.

    Source
  • The FG820 is often favored by Yamaha enthusiasts over other brands up to the $900 price range, indicating its competitive edge in sound and build quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user mentioned their FG800 arrived with the action as low as possible from the factory, suggesting potential for fret buzz if lowered further.

    Source
  • The guitar ships with light strings and includes a hex wrench for truss rod adjustments, simplifying the process of eliminating fret buzz.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In Canada, the FG820 was purchased for $399, highlighting its affordability for beginners.

    Source

User experience

  • A larger individual found the FG820 comfortable to hold, indicating good ergonomics for various body sizes.

    Source
  • It’s noted that the FG820 sounds great in Eb tuning, offering versatility for players who prefer alternative tunings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The FG820 is praised as a "lifetime guitar," ideal for learning and as a reliable, everyday instrument even after upgrading to high-end models.

    Source
  • The FG820 handles both clean fingerpicking and aggressive strumming well, offering balanced and warm tones suitable for a variety of musical styles.

    Source
  • The FG820 is praised for maintaining warmth while highlighting high frequencies, making it suitable for diverse playing styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note minor blemishes in the lacquer finish, including slight waves and a minor dent, which may affect aesthetics but not performance.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the guitar's aesthetics, noting its beauty even fresh out of the box before the wood has fully opened up.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zild Benitez uses Yamaha FG820

Zild Benitez

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview about the "Huminga" album, Zild Benitez mentioned that the Yamaha FG820 12-string acoustic guitar is one of his favorite musical instruments and is currently being used in the album's production.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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