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-   -   Yamaha FG730S, or alternative? (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170959)

ricvdb 12-10-2009 06:53 PM

Yamaha FG730S, or alternative?
 
Hey there, first time poster here looking for some quick help.

I'm about to buy my first acoustic guitar. I'm actually a drummer, but I play a bit of guitar also. My budget is around £250-300. From reviews I hear the yamaha FG730S is fantastic for its value. However, from any recordings I've found of the guitar on youtube I've gathered that it sounds like quite a 'bright' guitar. What are the alternatives in this price range? Is there anything with a darker, drier tone that anyone would recommend?

Any advice appreciated, thanks a lot!

Richard.

Buck62 12-10-2009 07:30 PM

YouTube is a poor representation of a guitar's true tone, due to the cheap, non-studio quality microphones often used by those recording their videos. The FG730S is a great guitar for the money. A lot of people say it's the best at it's price point and that's very hard to argue with.

Broadus 12-10-2009 07:34 PM

Welcome to AGF, Richard. That Yamaha is a really good guitar. Something a little darker in your price range, I think would be a Seagull S6. They are a good deal different in nut width and neck profile, so you would want to try both (and others) to see which you prefer, both playability and sound.

Best,
Bill

PJ10 12-10-2009 07:43 PM

Richard, I own the acoustic-electric version of this guitar and I love it! But you're right in that it is bright ... some people like that, and some people don't. Personally, when I played it for the first time (I was comparing it to a Takamine G series and a Seagull), the sound just popped right out at me.

I put some Elixer strings on, and it really sounds nice all over. I would recommend.

gary0319 12-10-2009 07:49 PM

The FG730S is is a great guitar, regardless of price. I swapped out the stock saddle for a Colosi bone saddle and the sound really rounded out.

Gary

Harmonycat 12-10-2009 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broadus (Post 2048941)
Welcome to AGF, Richard. That Yamaha is a really good guitar. Something a little darker in your price range, I think would be a Seagull S6. They are a good deal different in nut width and neck profile, so you would want to try both (and others) to see which you prefer, both playability and sound.

Best,
Bill

Hey Bill....(It has been awhile)....I agree.

Been to L&M Ottawa lately?

As much as I think that the 700 series Yamahas are pretty good guitars, if I walk across the Acoustic Room in L&M Toronto, and pick up an S&P or Seagull, (or if I take a Norman B18 in there as a bench mark), The Godin stuff is just more rich and full sounding.

The S&P, Norman, and Seagull offerings are readily available in the UK.

Don't misunderstand my reference to Yamaha....the LL6 for the money is fabulous.

But the new all Solid Wood Mahogany Spruce S&P Limited Edition L&M is just as phenomenal.....it even sounded better than the two Showcase models that I also played at Lunchtime on Monday.

rlouie 12-10-2009 10:49 PM

yamaha FG730S
 
this is a good recording of the yamaha FG730S

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNCsL...eature=related

riorider 12-10-2009 11:00 PM

+1 for both the Yamaha 730s and Seagull S6. I've owned both, really enjoyed both, and recommend each for different reasons. You can't go wrong with either. But play them and see which one calls to you!

rr/Phil

Payne 12-10-2009 11:11 PM

Buy one, you wont be sorry. ;)

Kitchen Guitars 12-11-2009 07:08 AM

Yep the 730 is a favorite, but it does have "bright" or "modern" tone. For your needs maybe an Alvarez all Mahogany?

edman 12-11-2009 09:17 AM

You may want to consider picking up a used Yamaha LL6.

Here is a good video of the FG730S:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imQer...eature=related

FlyFast 12-11-2009 09:55 AM

I agree with the others, the FG730S is very nice. If you want a "less bright" sound, see if you can find an older (70s or 80s), used Yamaha. Something like an FG180 or FG340. They can often be found for very little money and may have more of the sound you want. Also, changing strings can make a big difference.
Good luck and let us know what you pick!

alvinjismyl 12-11-2009 10:01 AM

Yamaha LL-6
 
Alternative to FG730S would be LL-6, IMHO. Solid spruce top w/ rosewood back and sides.

owlshead 12-11-2009 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edman (Post 2049464)
You may want to consider picking up a used Yamaha LL6.

Here is a good video of the FG730S:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imQer...eature=related



Hey... I ended up getting a FS720S... Mainly because I just kept... A/B it with the other link above from KM...

I just thought (and I asked both of my sons as well) that the FS720S sounded a bit more balanced, not quite as bright as the FG730S.
But I was never able to A/B one in person... anyway... i ended up with the FS720S.... it is a nice little Git... and I like it... it is smaller than the FG730S, but packs a pretty good wallop, I think anyway... Good Luck :D

Link to FS720S

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjTbZ...layer_embedded

Kitchen Guitars 12-11-2009 03:18 PM

For what its worth
The 730 is solid Sitka, the LL's are Engelmann, the older models mentioned are Laminated tops but Braced perfect and they do have a wonderful tone.


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