Yamaha Fg720S vs FG820

[Aviatore1986]

Hi mates!!

I'm going to buy a new acoustic guitar, my old one is broken so i need to find a new gear!

I'm going to spend around 300 Euro, more or less.
I've found those models: Yamaha FG720S and 820.
They cost the same. I have the possibilities to try before buy (in the store) only one of them : the 720S.

I've looked at them because i see they mount a solid top.

Which one do you suggest to me? Other suggestions?

Thank you so much!

[tonyg]

main difference is the 820 has scalloped bracing which should make it sound somewhat better.

[SFCRetired]

Originally Posted by tonyg

main difference is the 820 has scalloped bracing which should make it sound somewhat better.

This is the main difference from what I have read. I think the 820, at least in theory should be the better choice. I imagine the 700 series will be going on discount pretty soon. So a person may be able to pick one up even cheaper than they already are. But if I were buying one, I would go for the 820 myself if possible.

[Aviatore1986]

Originally Posted by SFCRetired

This is the main difference from what I have read. I think the 820, at least in theory should be the better choice. I imagine the 700 series will be going on discount pretty soon. So a person may be able to pick one up even cheaper than they already are. But if I were buying one, I would go for the 820 myself if possible.

Thank you guys for your help!

At this point, i would go for the 820!

[tomiv9]

Generally scalloped braces are more responsive and provide more bass, where as non scalloped are usually a little stiffer and brighter sounding. On average that is, as it can vary by the individial guitar. Scalloped braces are the norm, and in general, most people prefer the scalloped sound, but not all.

[Clifdawg]

If you have the chance to play them, play them both!

I played a 720 not long ago, and it was a fantastic value for money proposition. Slightly overbuilt and a tad muffled in the mid-range compared to the 1,000 dollar MIM Martin DRSGT beside it, but surprisingly close in tone quality and build quality, especially for under 300 bones. I can only imagine the scalloped bracing in the 820 would make it sound even better, but it's hard to say without trying them both side by side.

[JakeStone]

If it were me and they are the same price... I'd go for the newer model .. Which is the 820. If for no other reason then it being the "new" version.

Yamaha guitars are excellent values and sound great for the money.

I'm sure you will be happy with either one.

[slowesthand]

Having had both, I can say go with the 820. A few yrs. ago I bought one of the700 series A/E with the cutaway. never really bonded with it. and grew to hate the neck shape on it.

Ended up selling it after only a few months..Fast forward to last week, I got a FG820, seems like a totally different guitar to me.

Besides the bracing , the neck shape is different, much more comfortable to me, and the guitar doesn't seem so stiff to me as the 700 did. I am thoroughly enjoying playing this one.

I got one of the sunburst models, brown burst I think it was called, (it's not really brown though).

It came as a bundle with a clip on tuner, winder, stand, strap, really chincey gig bag
and a few other small items...grand total was $259! Go for the 820!

[otis66]

Originally Posted by SFCRetired

This is the main difference from what I have read. I think the 820, at least in theory should be the better choice. I imagine the 700 series will be going on discount pretty soon. So a person may be able to pick one up even cheaper than they already are. But if I were buying one, I would go for the 820 myself if possible.

I played the FG720s and the FG820s side by side at my local guitar shop.
The FG720s sounded better and the intonation was spot on. The two FG820s's that I played the Intonation was slightly off at the 12th fret.
Both guitars played the same (action feel)
I ended up taking the FG720s home at a great price.

[F_Gator]

None of the above.

Get the best FG there is: the FG730.

[JBCROTTY]

You will get a great guitar with either choice - I'm a huge fan of Yamaha guitars. I would lean toward the 820 as well - you will not be disappointed.

[wayfaring]

go with the 800 series, I had both, scalloped bracing makes a big difference