Yamaha FG800 vs Fender CD-60S – Which Is The Superior Guitar For Best Sound?

When it comes to acoustic guitars, Yamaha and Fender are two of the most respected brands in the market. In this article, we will be comparing two of their popular models, the Yamaha FG800 vs Fender CD-60S.

Both guitars are known for their impressive sound quality and affordable pricing, making them excellent options for beginners and intermediate players alike.

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S have been designed with user satisfaction in mind.

They boast unique features that set them apart from other models, making it essential to examine their design, construction, sound quality, playability, and tonal characteristics to determine which guitar is the best fit for each individual player.

Additionally, factors such as price, value, materials, and finishing will be considered to help make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are both highly regarded for their sound quality and affordability
• Differences in design, construction, and playability should be considered when making a choice
• Evaluating price, materials, and overall value can help in determining the best guitar for the individual player

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Overview of Yamaha FG800 vs Fender CD-60S

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are both popular acoustic guitars among beginners and experienced guitarists alike. They belong to the dreadnought family of guitars, which are characterized by their large bodies, strong volume, and rich tones.

Known for their quality craftsmanship and affordability, these two instruments have become the go-to choices for many players.

Yamaha FG800 

Yamaha FG800 is known for its excellent tonal balance and projection. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, nato/okume back and sides, a rosewood fingerboard, and a rosewood bridge. This combination of materials results in a rich and vibrant sound that appeals to a wide range of players.

The slim neck profile of the FG800 makes it comfortable to play, while its scalloped bracing enhances the overall sound quality.

Some key features of the Yamaha FG800 include:

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Nato/okume back and sides
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• Scalloped bracing
• Chrome tuning machines

Fender CD-60S 

Fender CD-60S is another excellent option for beginners and intermediate players. It also features a solid spruce top, but with mahogany back and sides, giving it a slightly warmer tone than the Yamaha FG800.

The Fender CD-60S also boasts a comfortable neck with a rolled fingerboard edge for ease of playing. Additional features such as the mother-of-pearl acrylic rosette and chrome die-cast tuning machines give this guitar a stylish appearance.

Notable features of the Fender CD-60S include:

• Solid spruce top
• Mahogany back and sides
• Rolled fingerboard edge for comfort
• Mother-of-pearl acrylic rosette
• Chrome die-cast tuning machines

Both the Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are revered options for those seeking quality and affordable dreadnought acoustic guitars. With features catering to both beginner and seasoned players, these instruments have a well-deserved place in the world of guitars.

Design and Construction

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are both well-crafted acoustic guitars with similar dreadnought body designs. This makes them suitable for various music styles and playing techniques. Both guitars have features that reveal their attention to design, construction, and playability.

The Yamaha FG800 is known for its solid spruce top, which offers a bright and clear tone. The back and sides of the guitar are constructed from laminated mahogany, providing durability and a warm, resonant sound.

The mahogany neck is combined with a rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable playing experience. The Yamaha FG800’s headstock features chrome tuners, which ensure stable tuning and easy adjustments.

On the other hand, the Fender CD-60S also features a solid spruce top, delivering a well-balanced tone with a broad dynamic range. The back and sides are made from laminated mahogany, similar to the Yamaha FG800.

The Fender CD-60S has a walnut fretboard, providing a smooth playing surface and adding a unique aesthetic touch to the guitar. The headstock on the Fender CD-60S is adorned with chrome tuners as well, ensuring reliable tuning and easy modifications.

Both the Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are equipped with rosewood bridges, which contribute to their guitars’ rich and resonant tones. Moreover, they both have synthetic bone saddles, which help to transfer vibrations from the strings to the guitar body more efficiently.

Sound Quality and Tone

The Yamaha FG800 and the Fender CD-60S are both well-known and respected acoustic guitars, offering different sound qualities and tones to appeal to various kinds of players.

In terms of sound quality, the Yamaha FG800 is known for its clear and bright projection. The solid spruce top provides a crisp and articulate sound that is often favored by beginners as it offers easy note separation, making it simpler to hear any mistakes.

The FG800 also boasts a robust low-end presence, which adds warmth to the overall tone.

The Fender CD-60S, on the other hand, is a guitar that focuses on a warm and smooth sound. The mahogany construction lends itself well to a more mellow and rounded tone, offering a slightly richer midrange.

This results in a more forgiving guitar for learners while being an equally enjoyable instrument for experienced players.

When comparing the volume of these two guitars, the Yamaha FG800 has a slight edge due to its larger dreadnought body. This design provides greater resonance, allowing for a louder, more in-your-face sound.

The Fender CD-60S, with its smaller concert body, provides more focused and subtle projection, which is better suited for fingerstyle playing or more intimate performances.

Both guitars show differences in brightness, with the Yamaha FG800 leaning more towards a brighter and sparkling sound, thanks to its spruce top. The Fender CD-60S, on the contrary, showcases a darker and warmer tone, which can be attributed to its mahogany features.

Playability and Comfort

When comparing the playability and comfort of the Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S, both guitars offer unique features that cater to different player preferences.

The Yamaha FG800 is known for its comfortable playability, which is attributed to its slim tapered neck and C-profile design. This configuration allows for easy chording, fingering, and transitioning between chords, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

On the other hand, the Fender CD-60S boasts an easy-to-play neck design as well, featuring rolled edges along the fretboard. This reduces the contact between the player’s fingertips and the fretboard’s edge, ultimately providing a more comfortable playing experience.

In addition, the CD-60S also has a tapered neck that ensures effortless access to higher frets.

Regarding the neck design, both the Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S have similar features that aid in providing a comfortable playing experience.

Their slim taper necks allow for quick and precise fretting, while the C-profile on the FG800 and the taper on the CD-60S accommodate the natural shape of a player’s hand.

While both guitars excel in playability and comfort, specific preferences will ultimately determine which instrument is ideal for a particular player. It is essential to try out both models to better understand how each guitar feels, as well as how they cater to an individual’s style and technique.

Features and Differences

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are two popular acoustic guitars in the entry-level market. Both offer a variety of features and differences that make them unique and suitable for different players.

In terms of construction, the Yamaha FG800 features a solid Sitka spruce top, nato back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge.

The Fender CD-60S, on the other hand, has a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a walnut fingerboard and bridge. These differences in materials can impact the tone and resonance of each guitar.

When it comes to finishes, the Yamaha FG800 is known for its understated finish, with a choice between natural or Sunburst gloss. The Fender CD-60S offers a more diverse range of options, including natural, Sunburst, and black, all with a smooth matt finish.

One of the key differences between these two entry-level acoustics is the inclusion of electronics. The Fender CD-60S is available with or without the Fishman Classic Design preamp and tuner, catering to those who may wish to plug their guitar into an amplifier.

The Yamaha FG800 does not have an electronic option, meaning it is a purely acoustic instrument.

As for playability, both guitars have relatively similar neck profiles, which makes them comfortable and easy to play for any level of player.

However, the Fender CD-60S is equipped with Fender’s Dura-Tone coated strings, which are known to provide longer-lasting, smoother playability, and increased durability.

Price and Value

Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are both popular choices for players seeking an entry-level, budget acoustic guitar. In general, Yamaha FG800 prices are slightly lower than Fender CD-60S.

However, the difference in price is mainly determined by factors like the specific model, materials used, and additional features.

The Yamaha FG800, known for its solid construction and reliable sound, generally ranges from $200 to $250. Meanwhile, the Fender CD-60S, which boasts of beginner-friendly, comfortable playability, may cost renters between $210 and $300.

Both instruments offer great value for their price, but the seemingly minimal cost difference still matters to some consumers.

Guitar Model	Price Range
Yamaha FG800	$200 – $250
Fender CD-60S	$210 – $300

It’s essential to consider the individual’s needs and preferences in choosing between the two guitars. For instance, those who value a versatile, straightforward playing experience might prefer the Yamaha FG800.

On the other hand, beginners who seek a comfortable, easy-to-play instrument might be more inclined to choose the Fender CD-60S.

Materials and Finishing

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are both popular choices for beginner guitarists, and they share a few similarities in terms of materials and finishing.

Both the FG800 and CD-60S feature a solid top. The FG800 comes with a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides a strong, clear sound with good projection. In contrast, the CD-60S has a solid mahogany top, which delivers a warmer and darker tone.

Solid wood tops tend to improve the tonal quality of the guitar as it ages, compared to guitars with laminated tops.

In terms of back and sides, the Yamaha FG800 utilizes Nato wood, sometimes referred to as Eastern Mahogany.

Nato is a cost-effective alternative to genuine mahogany, offering similar tonal characteristics and durability. On the other hand, the Fender CD-60S employs laminated mahogany for its back and sides.

Laminated wood is made from layers of wood bound by adhesive, making it less susceptible to humidity and temperature changes, but may lack some resonance and tonal depth compared to solid wood construction.

The FG800 features a Nato neck, while the CD-60S uses mahogany for its neck. Both necks are durable and comfortable to hold. Furthermore, they are topped with rosewood fingerboards, providing a smooth playing surface for the guitarist.

When it comes to the finishing touch, Yamaha offers the FG800 in various colors, such as natural, black, and brown sunburst.

Meanwhile, Fender provides the CD-60S in several color options as well, including natural, black, and cherry sunburst. The finishes on both guitars are clean and polished, giving them a professional and attractive appearance.

Additional Considerations

When choosing between the Yamaha FG800 and the Fender CD-60S, there are a few aspects to take into account that may influence the decision of beginners, professionals, and recording musicians alike.

One important aspect of a guitar is the accessories that come with it. Some guitars offer more advantageous bundles for musicians. While specific offers may vary, the Fender CD-60S is often found in a bundle with a hard case, strap, and picks, which can be quite useful for beginners.

The Yamaha FG800, on the other hand, is typically sold with a gig bag and guitar capo. This distinction can be important for musicians who are just starting and might not have a comprehensive set of accessories.

In the context of recordings, the choice between the Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S will be influenced by the type of sound desired. The FG800 is known for its warm and well-balanced sound, which can be particularly useful in studio settings.

The CD-60S, with its slightly brighter sound, may be better suited for live performances or to cut through a mix in a recording.

Budget is another important factor for many musicians. While both the Yamaha FG800 and the Fender CD-60S are budget-friendly options, there may be some price discrepancies depending on the country of purchase, accessories included, and the specific wood configuration options.

It is worth considering the typical price range for each guitar and comparing it to the desired budget.

Comfort and playability should not be overlooked, as this is essential for practicing and performing. Some players may prefer the slightly slimmer neck of the Fender CD-60S, while others might be drawn to the reliable build and slightly rounder neck of the Yamaha FG800.

Trying both guitars in person is an ideal way to determine personal preference in this regard.

Final Thoughts

The Yamaha FG800 and Fender CD-60S are two popular acoustic guitars for beginners and intermediate players. Both possess distinct characteristics, making each a strong contender in the market.

The Yamaha FG800 is known for its strong and balanced tonal output, attributable to its solid spruce top and scalloped bracing. This guitar is well-suited for players who prefer fingerpicking and strumming, offering an effortless playing action.

The FG800’s durability and quality construction make it a reliable choice for continuous play and practice.

On the other hand, the Fender CD-60S boasts an all-mahogany body that delivers a warm and mellow tone. Its easy-to-play neck and rolled fingerboard edges provide a comfortable playing experience for long practice sessions.

Additionally, the Fender CD-60S comes in various bundle options, such as a hardshell case, providing added value for beginners.

When considering which guitar to choose, potential buyers should be mindful of their playing style and the tone they wish to achieve. The Yamaha FG800’s powerful and versatile tonal output makes it suitable for a wider range of genres.

In contrast, the Fender CD-60S may be ideal for those seeking a warmer and mellower sound. Both guitars offer excellent quality and playability, and the decision ultimately comes down to the guitarist’s personal preferences and style.

Frequently Asked Questions