Yamaha FG-800 vs Fender CD-60S | Is one the better choice?
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- Опубліковано 11 гру 2020
- Today we're taking a look at two extremely popular guitars, both for holiday season and in general! The Fender CD60S and the Yamaha FG800 are the two most popular extra level guitars with solid tops. With solid tops, cutaways, scalloped bracing, and comfortable neck profiles, spending less than $500 can afford you an excellent instrument that will age well. They share similar features but in subtle ways they are every different and for certain guitarists there is a clear winner.
Playin' starts at 15:05
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Playing starts at 15.06
really ! I thought they will play in the next episode !!!
Thank you brother !! too much chat !
strange... couse in the description it's say 15.05.
thankyou
15:06
Yahama FG800: 15:06
Fender CD60S: 16:33
The Fender definitely sounds better to me
Great duo - of presenters! Chris so personable and knowledgable, Cooper who can make any guitar sing beautifully. Keep it up, guys!.
The Yamaha Acoustics are amazing for the money
I went into a local guitar store here in Las Vegas just to look around. I asked one of the staff who was in the acoustic guitar room if there was anything new that he suggested I should look at and play. He mentioned the Yamaha FG800. There was one there with a beautiful what is called "Sand Burst" finish. I picked it up, noticedthe (then) price point of just $179 and played it. I was blown away how good it sounded. Now I am 70 and my ears are accustomed to the guitars of groups and players like Crosby, Stills and Nash, America, James Taylor etc. That warm acoustic sound. Well....I bought the FG that day! And have never regretted it. I am going to have a pickup installed and I was quoted about $160, not too bad. The guitar looks, plays and sounds great! For the price - it can't be beat. I started an acoustic group called Manzanita about 12 years ago in California. I now live in Las Vegas. I have no problem playing the Yamaha in our live performances. I also have a Ibanez Artcore Jumbo body acoustic. I sort of like to play the Squiers and such, more fun because they are so affordable and with all due respect - sort of messes with those that only come to gigs with the high end stuff. I am a car guy too and of course Mustangs are cool, but what is cooler than a beautifully restored Falcon Sprint 2-door, or a beautifully restored early 70's Ford Maverick? LOL! Yamaha FG 800....awesome!
My Dad bought a Yamaha FG200 in 1972. Sounds phenomenally good today. I played a fg800 at my local guitar shop the other day then played a Martin D 16 GT. I liked the Yamaha better. I told the sales guy and he tried telling me I was wrong about liking the Yamaha better.
I played a Yamaha FG800j today and preferred it over a Taylor.
@@dmac3316
I bought a new Taylor 214 ce dlx and found myself more often than not, picking up my Yamaha LL6T to play instead of the Taylor which was more than double the price of the Yamaha. Just yesterday I picked up an FG830 in like new condition with a fitted hard case on Facebook for $200.
I too have noticed that Yamahas have a better sound. They are also a little more expensive at entry level, but I guess you get what you pay for
❤😮❤ in my opinion it is like comparing two old crashed cars. Which one sounds the best when you drag them down the road... Fact is if they do not come set UP intonation correctly when built they can never sound quite right no matter how long you drag them down the road. ❤😮❤
Merry Christmas guys, and thanks for all your videos throughout the year. I’d pick the Yamaha mostly for headstock...if I was looking cheaper....my current dilemma is a D-18 or a D-28.
Thanks guys. I have watched this video 5 times now and finally made the decision to go for the Fender. It’s my first guitar so I really appreciate all the info and advice you have given. Thanks, great video! :)
Thank you guys so much for this video. I just purchased a Yamaha FG800 yesterday (before I'd even watched this).
I've owned some much more expensive acoustics and was completely impressed with both the sound and feel of the guitar.
The action is a little high, but I haven't played for a while so I'll take building back some calluses for a bit more sustain lol!
Thanks again. Great guitar overall.
You can never go wrong with yamaha the fuller sound and warmness of Yamaha is something to look forward to.
Thank you guys. This was an incredibly helpful video. I needed an education and you came through.
So great that there are such choices at this price point. I have a Yamaha FS800. I bought it because I wanted to have friends sign it/notch their initials, and to cut my own sound ports. I'm a sound port guy, it sounds multi-stereo to the listener.
Thanks for the vid, guys!
Probably the best review and comparison ever. Super detail and so thorough.
Very timely for me as this morning I saw the Fender in my local store and was immediately impressed. Told the guy I would browse for some reviews then return.
Your review has done it for me so I will be back tomorow morning with the $$$. Nice fit for my all Fender collection as well. 2 Strats.
EDIT . S o after a few days of owning and playing it...I love it. After letting it acclimatise ...I made a tiny tweek on the truss rod to eliminate a slight buzz on E. Now Perfect.
Further proof ( as if we needed it) that a great player can make anything sound great.
Most important thing, agree
Excellent review for anyone trying to get a guitar for a beginner--thanks for putting this out!
Listening through a good pair of headphones, that yamaha sounds so rich and full, a very traditional acoustic sound. The fender tends to sound brighter but man how nice would it be for a beginner seeing how playable and comfortable you played it.
I've just bought the FG800 on the basis of this video I was that impressed. Thanks to both of you for such an informative video. Now the big question.... how long before I can play like Cooper?? Keep up the great work.
My Yamaha FFG800 needed only minor set up. It's absolutely gorgeous in every way.
What a great channel! You two have great chemistry and share fantastic advice!
I've subscribed! 👍🏻
I have cd60s
For your recommended I love this guitar
I have a Yamaha FS800 and changed the Saddle to Bone and lowered action a little. Sanded the Neck with 0000 Steel Wool to make it super smooth and polished the Frets after checking Fret Board for any issues. I did a full setup and changed Strings to Elixirs. This Guitar sounds and plays amazing and rivals Guitars costing much more money. All Guitars benefit from a full setup and in my opinion a must for them to play and sound their best, no matter what they cost!
this is exactly what I did only with the help of the guitar tech - changing both nuts to bone (bridge and neck), phosporus/bronze Elixirs, lowering actions, polishing frets where necessary, and now it not only sounds great but also plays like a dream too!
This is what I do to all my Yamahas. Other than I use DA strings. But yeah bone nut, saddle, also rosewood bridge pins. To me Fenders acoustics feel cheap and like a toy, the feel of the Yamaha is much better. Just the neck. Imho theres not too many companies that can compete with Yamahas quality at price point. Most brands need to charge 2x at least the cost of a Yamaha and even then they dont feel as well made. I played and still play Ovations for over 25 years, I recently needed a cheap acoustic to travel with and i bought a F335 and was blown away by the guitar. Than as luck would have it i keep running int more Yamaha acoustics in the past few months. I now own a F310, F325, F335, F700 and Silent Steel String Yamaha (which is one of the greatest guitars ive ever picked up, innovative and solves MANY MANY problems with acoustics live. Imho its like the best of Ovation and Yamaha in one guitar.). I own about 35 guitars and i dont own many "cheap" priced guitars, but my Yamahas (except the silent guitar) were between $75-175 used. Find me a better acoustic for this price range by one of the bigger brands, its not gonna happen.
how are you customizing your guitar ? i'm a complete rookie
I think Cooper is fast becoming one of my favourite guitar players 🤟🏻
Great video as always - very informative. Always something new to be learned from the guys.
He's so freaking talented
I have that same exact Fender just full of stickers 😂(there’s a couple of vids on my channel before I put stickers). Love the tone it’s a dark rich tone, gets a little compressed when you spank on it but really opens up to softer playing and finger style stuff. I ❤️ mine. 🎸 🤘🏾
Great vid as always guys!
From Leo: I bought a Fender CD60S natural finish just because of the price point Christmas of 2019. It was gifted to a first time player. It played and sounded really good. Now, a year later the student has quit lessons and gave the guitar back. I have a Seagull Performer and an old Taylor 310ce, and that cheap Fender is not that far behind the far better instruments.
I went to the store to buy the fender, but tried the yamaha and it just felt better under my hand. THANK YOU so much for giving me the knowledge and confidence to make a decision I'm very happy about. And watching you guys play solo inspires me so very much. You make me want to learn more and play more.
Same here... Yamaha seems more comfortable than Fender...
Both very comparable, however I go Yamaha every time. Love my Yamaha acoustics; FSX5, LS6M, CSF1, SLG200.
The Yamaha sounded more full with the bass and midrange and the Fender sounded more articulate but lacking in base. If I had to choose it would definitely be the Yamaha. It is built well and I feel a really good all around guitar that is still $229 which is a great price for what you get.
Great channel guys! Very informative
Excellent review, guys.
Beautifully played woww
I have the FS 820 in black with cream binding. An outstanding guitar for the money and a pleasure to own. The neck may be a little skinny for some, but it's super easy to play once you adjust.
I have the Yamaha FG730s in a solid natural top and gorgeous mahogany body. Upgrade the stock plastic nut, saddle and bridge pins to bone and she'll sing even louder and clearer. Great guitars.
Great video fella’s… nicely broken down and explained.
i just bought the yamaha 800 thank you very much im in love with this guitar
I've owned both a budget Fender and a Yamaha FG730s. I sold the Fender but kept the Yamaha. It has a solid spruce top and mahogany sides and back. Impressive for a $300 acoustic. I upgraded the stock plastic nut, saddle and bridge pins to bone and it sounds like a guitar costing at least twice the price. It has a big bold sound with very nice clarity. I'm a big fan of Yamaha acoustic guitars and highly recommend them for any level of player.
The Yamaha felt SOOO MUCH like a Taylor. I went in the Taylor booth and came back out picking up the Yamaha again. It was that good.
Thank you for the awesome comparison vid! What do you think of the sound difference between fender’s spruce vs mahogany top? Is there a wood type that is more suitable for beginners?
You have to remember that everyone hears differently, I'm a hearing aids acoustic and had many customers who were musicians. For example, my ear canal boosts high frequencies so I hear them louder than the average person
I might go with Yamaha FG-800 because its stain finish neck and solid sound! Thanks for the infos! Pretty detailed and helpful
Everyone 'round here praising the Yamaha and hatin' on the Fender and I'm just over here like..."Yea, well, you know that's just like uh...your opinion man." I personally think the Fender sounds better, remember to go with what YOU like ladies and gents, don't let popular opinion sway your convictions ;)
Me too ,I love the soft melo sound of the fender , It's good to play especially if the audiences are opposite sex . The Yamaha is a good choice for people who love's loud bass
I have a Yamaha APX600. A slightly smaller acoustic/electric. I love it. A great guitar at about $340. It even has a built-in tuner.
My Fg800 just arrived today. I am seriously impressed. It punches way above its weight and is very well put together for the price. The sound is much better than the videos. I bought it without playing it online, and zero complaints. Great campfire guitar for advanced guys, and pretty much all you need for beginners and intermediates. Loving it so far and I can't put it down. Homerun Yamaha.
Fg800 is 2.85 kg , and cd60s is 4.5kg ?
What about the durability is it worth it to buy as a beginner I don’t wanna upgrade later ?
Amazing review!!
I have had a Yamaha FS800 for a number of years now, I love that guitar, I play a lot of open chord stuff, campfire type stuff where even the drunk folks can work it out and sing or hum along, but it's physical size is decidedly more manageable than the FG, probably overall my favorite acoustic of the 3 I own to play regularly, I just picked up a a Fender parlor on sale, best $170 I ever spent on a guitar, absolutely blew me away with its sound considering the money (or lack thereof) involved, they make a VERY respectable acoustic these days, I don't think Fender gets the level of respect it deserves for their acoustics these days, they sure shocked me.
I have a Yamaha FS820 (practically the same as the FS800), and I play fingerpicking.
Do you think that the Yamaha FG800 dreadnought has a good tone and cleanness for fingerpicking?
@@andsalomoni I can't say for sure dude, I don't own one, I can tell you that a dreadnought is nowhere near as comfortable to play for me, and that depending on the individual guitar they can get a bit boomy and bass heavy which I kind of don't like, but really as many places as there are that sell the FG800 you should be able to find somewhere reasonably close to go play one and see
Just bought a used Yamaha FG800 (had 2 to choose from), and this particular one had amazing tones emanating out of it with beautiful overtones. At this price point, one has to try at least several guitars of the same model to seek the one that really stands out.
I have three Yamaha acoustic guitars including this one, an FS830 in sunburst, and an older F325 that I bought years ago. All of them are still holding up flawlessly and have really come into their own as far as volume and resonance over the past few years. The F325 is a laminate top though and has changed the least amount of the three, the FS830 and the FG800 I have had for a couple of years now and the top on each has really come to life quite a bit (more so on the smaller FS830 for some reason). Have never owned a Fender acoustic TBH but, I don't care for a glossy neck like that anyway. The comparison in this video does sound like the Fender is brighter of the two but, that Yamaha has a booming bottom end that is hard to resist.
I bought a Yamaha FG800J today. The thing rocks! It rivals my Martin HD28 and my Taylor 714 that I modded into a 914. The Yamaha is unreal. Love the playability and tone!
Not sure how things were at the time but as of now this guitar is also made with a sandstone and brown Sunburst finish. Just FYI for anyone interested.
The FG800 does come in a Sand color. I love mine
The Yamaha had a really high action when I got it but had it lowered, it's great
15:06 playing starts
This past Christmas, my wife bought a Fender CD-60S for her adult son. We chose it because it came with a gig bag and a bunch of accessories for about the same price as the FG800 by itself. She got the black finish and it's a very cool look with the abalone shell rosette. Before she gave it to him, I wanted to tune it as it was definitely not ready to play out of the box. With the strings tuned, there was a lot of buzzing as the action was pretty low. I loosened the truss rod and the buzzing was gone and the low action made it really easy to play. I've had several FG series Yamaha guitars and the action has consistently been way too high requiring me to lower the nut and saddle to get a more playable instrument. The finish on the Fender was great with one exception - you could feel the sharp edges of the frets on the side of the neck. Some careful work with a file would probably take care of that but it was a disappointment. I really liked the sound of the Fender with a nice, punchy low end.
Aqui no Brasil vendo o vídeo de vcs!!!! Parabéns
Wasn’t sure if the playing would ever start. Thanks.
🤡
I played my Fender CD60 (also in black) for years and love it. It is not an S, but frankly... I doubt anyone would hear the difference. I did lower the action though, and my kids got me a custom pickguard for it. I still have it, but it's my backup and "loaner" guitar (it's on loan as I type this). The bang for the buck on both of those is amazing. The pickup issue is very important though.... even if you don't THINK you will ever want one, if given the choice (and it is in your budget) I would suggest paying just a tad more for one with it anyways. You can play your entire life without it, but if you decide to go plugged.... well, you just have to have it. I play my go-tp acoustic guitar as much plugged as unplugged (thought it is not a Fender).
15:02 Where they start playing it to hear the difference of the sound
Fantastic video guys, I just bought a Yamaha FG-830! Can’t wait until it arrives!
A really good revue thanks a lot you light my mind 👏😉👍
I have Fender CD60s and it's pretty good to play and the sound is amazing.
Either guitar is good for a beginner or experienced player, it all comes down to what you want it to say on the headstock 👍.
And the winner is : ..... Yamaha ! 👏👏🎉🎊
As always lolz
Thank you for this video man, currently in the Navy and have been away from my guitars back home. Considering buying the cd 60 v3, I would assume it is pretty much the same thing just minor differences? Really helpful!
Beautiful playing.
Is Cooper improvising? Can we get a tab or a tutorial? I love his playstyle
Both sound excellent
Yamaha is one of those brands that is great in all instruments from Pianos to saxophones trumpets keyboards everything even the cheap ones are great. They are like the toyota cars not flash but consistent
I just played the yamaha in store and was blown away at how much it played and sounded like a Taylor. The neck on the Yamaha is top notch comfort because of its slim and slightly narrow profile. I tried Fenders but THEY actually had fatter necks. Not the Yamaha. Unless Yamaha changed the spec on it for this year since this video was uploaded in 2020.
I've had both of these for a while as well as a number of other acoustics. To me, the Yamaha tone is worlds better but the Fender is more fun to play. The Fender stays in the back room and I don't see it or pick it up often, but when I do I mindlessly start shredding. Fantastic neck/fretboard. But again, the Yamaha tone is very good and comparable to much more expensive offerings - I prefer a dry, woody, and as they describe in this video, "vintage" sound.
I sold a Yamha Fg ?? to a professional player. He loves it, I loved it. Anyway he still uses it for performing. In singapore I saw a shipment come in a door and ALL guitars go out the door in an hour. Yamahe actually have a multi-storey building for sales and lessons. KFC had to apply for a ground floor outlet for thr huge number of students.
Happy Hanukkah Cooper and Merry Christmas Chris.
I love fender, sound more soft for me
Great video, question have either the Yamaha or the fender used during this video had strings changed from what comes from the factory on these guitars or string height adjustments prior to this video being created?
If yes, can you let us know what strings and adjustments were made prior to this video?
Yamaha Fg in the acoustic guitar for everyone under $500. I have had mine for 40 years when I walked into Mandolin Bros at 12yrs old. Stan Jay said this is the guitar for me. He was right. Still love that guitar. Sounds better than ever
I've had the FG730s for the last 7 years and couldn't agree more. It looks and sounds beautiful and still has that new wood smell.
@@festushaggen2563 Such a great value acoustic. Mine has been behind my couch since 1994 when I bought my house. I clean it, change strings and give it a quick look over about twice a year . No case or humidification. It’s a beater . Sounds great
Yep - I've had my FG345ii nearly 40 yr and love it.
I loved the comparison! What exactly are the differences between the older gender dg8s and the new gender cd60s? I have a dg8s i got 13 or 14 years ago that once I had it set up and the action lowered plays pretty great! I’ve heard they’re basically the same but am curious. Thanks!
What do you think is FENDER CD-60S better then EPIPHONE AJ-220S, especially in term of loudness?
Yamaha is fantastic for acoustic guitars. I'm currently saving up for the Yamaha FG830.
amazing video!!!!!
I bought this as a "step up" and put bone in the nut and bridge. I have to say the sawtooth I had first ( witch I put bone on as well) is pretty much just as good, sound, and maybe better looking, and quality. 100 bucks on Amazon. But I do love the fender too. Great guitar
My first guitar was a solid top mahogany fender cd60s
Between these two guitars on the video, which one has the lower action out of the box?
Thanks to your review, I just bought myself my first new guitar. I’ve always had hand me downs and never actually chose one for myself. They sounded awful, and I would never play them, was never inspired to play. I ended up learning the cello. Now 30+ years later I’m going to take it up again, and I wanted something that I could love and grow in to (as I progress). Listening to your beautiful playing, (it was heavenly) I opted for the Yamaha. I know what it can sound like. I just have to get there now. Thank you so much for doing this video. I’m so excited to start again. ❤
I have try both, got yamaha FG800. Best choice for this money.
Thanks for the great video. I've decided to go for the Fender, especially because it is 20% cheaper than the Yamaha, but also because of the features of the neck.
And it sounds better 👍 I have one too since a year now. No regrets.
I have a Yamaha FG830. I also own a few more guitars with two of them being solid East Indian rosewood and Brazilian rosewood. I think I play the Yamaha more than the others. Love the guitar. Honestly I’ve never played a fender acoustic that I can say I really liked. Fender acoustics just don’t do it for me. To me they always sound dull and muted like.
Very helpful vid. I spent and hour in a store today going back and forth between these two exact same models. One thing I never hear talked about much is string quality or gague, tension, etc as far as ease of play? Are there strings that are easier for beginners fingers - for pressing and holding down? If I got the Yamaha could I replace the strings on it with "easier strings?
I really enjoy your channel!
I was a bit confused because I have a Sandburst FG800 which I bought new within the last 2 months so I'm not sure why you said they are exclusively natural.
I did purchase mine locally from a large music chain, so perhaps that is an exclusive finish they have?
Anyway they are great guitars, I also have a Big Baby Taylor and I enjoy each of them for different reasons.
Yep. I just bought a Martin X Series acoustic electric but my Yamaha FG730s isn't going anywhere. 2 different flavors to enjoy making music on.
I've been playing on and off for about 10 years and I just want to mention one point you guys forgot mention. My personal experience with these mid their acoustics, get the yamaha. I've never picked up a yamaha and had a bad experience. They have the best quality control I have ever seen. But the fenders on the other hand are a hit and miss. Every fender I picked up at this price point at my local guitar store, had very gritty fingerboards, Wich in my opinion is 100 percent unacceptable. It is very unsettling. Especially for a player who wants to play alot of bends and slides with accuracy. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it bothers me myself so much that I just can't get far playing the instrument. For anyone interested in the fender and this might bother you, make sure you test drive the instrument. Do not buy online
I have to second that at least regarding the fender I brought a second hand DG 3 the fret ends were like razors how the previous owner dealt with that I do not know.
Thx, that's helpful. What do you think of the Yamaha f310. I wanted a solid top but saw one online for £70. Cheers again.
@@ryand141 it really depends how experienced of a musician you are. If you are just starting, or you just need something cheap to get playing again temporarily and you are on a budget. I honostly recommend anything Yamaha over any line up. Even the cheap one. you will be okay with it. Knowing it is better quality then the compatition. They are all pretty solid instruments. With good quality control from production. I have 7 guitars. And still to this day play a Pacifica strat I bought for 80$ from a pawn shop when I was a kid, obviously I have modified it over the years with better pick ups, but it is the quality fretwork that made me fall in love with the instruments. would still rank it in as one of my favorites. And I've played 100+ guitars, over the years. When you settle on taking music very serious and you want to record and stuff. I do recommend that you upgrade to one of the solid tops with the fishman pickup. I got a fgx800 my self. Wich was 400 USD when I purchased it. But the sound is pretty much night and day better, you do get higher highs, and clearer lows. The solid top is an important peice of sound, but only if you make it to the step where it matters. I am not easy on my instruments. I play alot of math rock and percussive progressions, metal, etc, so the instrument has seen it's abuse, but still sounds brand new.
Thank you for this info. I’m wanting to surprise my husband with a guitar for Christmas and I wasn’t sure what to get him. I know he likes fenders but I want to get him something with good quality. He has played the guitar before but hasn’t quite mastered it yet and sold his guitar a few years ago. I really want him to have something nice. So again thank you because this helped me alot.
Does the fg830 sound much better than the fg800?
Nice video ! I'm a beginner (6-7months)and facing a lot of stiffness and pain in my right shoulder and neck while practicing bar chords and playing for a long duration. Would you recommend i play an acoustic guitar that has a thin body?
The one I'm playing right now has a bulky body
Fender cc60s
i see that you play the fg's alot with the exception of the 840, is it just the sound you prefer btwn the 830 and 840?
Thank you for the video. Could you please compare Yamaha FGX5 and Yamaha AC5R
Here it is is 4-12-2023 and the Yamaha FG830 is on sale for a mere $289 with the same solid spruce top and scalloped bracing but ALSO solid rosewood sides and back! A far better guitar for not much more money. If you spent $150 to have a bone nut, saddle and a setup done you would have the sound and easy playing of a $1,000 guitar for less that $500!
Is there a big jump in sound between the FG800 and FG830?
basically, fg800 seems to have a warmer tone (more base)
cd60s maybe have a "brighter tone" (more treble)
I concluded that from the video, I just felt it that way!!!
I have yamaha dzr speakers for dj all my home theater amplifiers have been yamaha and speaking from experience yamaha builds quality durable stuff so now am a give their guitars a try
great and in depth review! in my country the CD-60S costs about 200 dollars. the yamaha FG-800M costs 340 dollars, and the FG-800 costs more than 400 dollars. so i guess the obvious choice is the CD-60S, right?
Bro Both were under $200 price
@@YoriichiTsugikuni5 as i said. IN MY COUNTRY.
@@YoriichiTsugikuni5
Shut up
Thankyou!New Subcriber!
What equipment was used for the guitar playing recording in the making of this video.
Have you guys heard of the Yamaha FG800J? I saw one at a local guitar store and didn’t see any difference between it and a standard FG800. Even the sales person wasn’t sure.