Yamaha FG850

Yamaha introduces an the FG850, an all-mahogany dreadnought from their revamped FG acoustic guitar line.

This guitar combines the louder and punchier sound of the updated FG series with the warmth and woody tone of an all-mahogany body, resulting in an instrument with more emphasis on the lows and richer mids, without compromising volume.

Yamaha’s FG Series started back in 1966 with the release of the FG180 and FG150 targeting the entry level / student market. The company then followed up with release after release as the FG Series list of guitars grew long and went on to be among the world’s top selling acoustic guitars.

After more than 50 years since its introduction, the FG Series have gone through many developmental changes, and have produced over 200 FG models. But it doesn’t stop there because Yamaha again improved on the design of the entire line, by introducing new bracing designs that their R&D Division came up with – and the new FG850 is part of this new line.

Yamaha’s official website said: “A new FG has louder and stronger sound in the low- to mid-ranges, thanks to cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology developed by the Yamaha R&D Division. Yamaha’s engineers have achieved this sound by utilizing analysis and simulation to arrive at the best bracing design without depending on tradition or guesswork. This analysis led to the development of the new scalloped bracing pattern, a new and ideal acoustic structure that maintains the durability of the top board while bringing out the most sound the Yamaha FG has to offer.”

The back and sides of the Yamaha FG850 is crafted from mahogany, with the top being especially made from solid mahogany. This particular combination is known for having richer midrange, resulting in a warm and stronger sound that complements that of spruce top acoustics. An all-mahogany body is also known for having quick response, ideal for fingerpicking and for crafting lead lines that cut through mixes.

The guitar has a nato neck topped with 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. It has a 25 9/16” scale length and a 1 11/16” nut width, following traditional dreadnought builds. Finally, the neck has a 23 5/8″ fingerboard radius and meets the body at the 14th fret.

Other features include abalone w/ black&white soundhole inlay, mahogany cream body binding, rosewood bridge, die-cast chrome tuners and a tortoise pattern pickguard.

I’ve seen the Yamaha FG850 being sold by online retailers for just under $400. For more information and the complete specifications, you can visit Yamaha

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