Yamaha FG730S Solid Top Acoustic Guitar Review
The Yamaha Corporation is an absolute titan of Japanese consumer goods. They are world-renowned for products of all kinds, but the most famous may be their range of instruments. Since the 1940s, their output has included many fan-favorite guitars. Their acoustic models have long been considered “must haves” for guitarists who want the best blend of sound, playability, and pricing.
First introduced about a half-decade ago, the Yamaha FG730S solid-top acoustic guitar is a notable example of precisely what Yamaha’s lineup of six strings is all about.
Yamaha FG730S Acoustic Guitar Review
The Yamaha FG730S was released as an aesthetic upgrade to the popular FG series. The addition of rosewood backing and side panels help give even more visual contrast to the body, making it stand out more from other typical dreadnought guitars of this essential style.
The FG730S is also available in various color finishes, including brown and tobacco sunbursts, black, dusk sun red, ocean blue burst, cobalt aqua, and vintage cherry. As far as design goes, this is a new twist on an old favorite, and it’s proven to be immensely popular throughout the last several years.
Outside of the many gorgeous colors, several key features make Yamaha’s FG730S tick. The solid top is spruce, and the rosewood lining the back and sides create a full, resonant sound. The fingerboard and bridge piece is also constructed from rosewood. The neck itself is solidly put together. It’s just comfortable enough in hand without sacrificing the sound. More wood always means better sound, so the thinner the neck and body, the less impressive your guitar will sound. The FG730S was designed with a traditional slant that favors sound while remaining as playable as possible.
Of course, the pricing also works to make the FG730S even more appealing. Yamaha’s suggested price for the model is perfectly fair, sitting at just under $500. However, it can often be found for over $200 online.
Approaching The Yamaha FG730S Review
No matter how nice a guitar looks or how impressive its specs and price may be, it ultimately all comes down to how it feels to play. I’ve been a guitarist for over 15 years, and I know what I like. There are certain things I look for regarding the overall balance of sound and feel. Try as I might convince myself otherwise, the looks also factor in to some extent.
I’ve had quite a few different acoustic models in my hands over the years, so there’s no way to impress me with just anything. I want only the best out of my instruments, and I hope to make sure you’re able to find something perfect for you as well. With careful consideration, I’ve given the FG730S a thorough test drive, and I’m confident that I have a relatively clear picture of whether it’s worth a purchase.
Getting In Depth: The Pros of Yamaha FG730S
It’s already been established that the Yamaha FG730S has some impressive specs. They all work together to provide many positives that make it hard to view the guitar negatively. After playing with the model for some time, I found the following pros:
1 – Quality Construction
If the construction is up to speed, you can have all the best parts possible and still end up with a less-than-stellar instrument. Yamaha doesn’t skimp on anything in their factories; everything fits together on this model. While I appreciate the personality of relics with all kinds of scuffs and scrapes from time to time, I do tend to prefer pristine models, especially if they’re new. The FG730S I played did not disappoint.
2 – Vibrant, Resonant Sound
Of course, whenever I opt for a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar, a huge sound is the first thing I look for. Every chord played on the FG720S rings out beautifully. Many guitars in this price point just don’t cut it in this regard. Their sound seems stifled, often due to lesser-quality materials and construction. There are no such worries here.
3 – Genuine Traditional Feel
Many acoustic guitars sold these days are geared more toward electric players that favor the thinnest bodies and necks possible. Those models certainly have their place, but the feel of a traditional acoustic can never be faked, replicated, or replaced. The experience of picking this model up and playing it hearkens back to the good old days. It’s a warm, almost nostalgic feel that I genuinely welcome.
4 – Massive Allure
Thanks to the many color options, the FG720S is the kind of guitar you can’t help but reach for if it’s nearby. My finish of choice was the incredible ocean blue burst. You’ll never want to put down a good-looking, great-sounding guitar. This guitar hits that sweet spot, and the same is likely true regardless of your favorite color.
5 – Amazing Price Point
Finally, paying under $300 for a guitar of this caliber is hard to beat. It’s full-bodied with ideally gig-worthy sound, drop-dead gorgeous aesthetics, and solid construction. I would have happily paid several hundred dollars more for this same quality. The original price is almost double the current sale price, which would have been more than worth it. If you’re a guitarist on a budget but still want something you’ll feel proud to play somewhere down the line, the FG720S is a fine choice.
- Read Also: Yamaha F310 GigMaker Ultimate Review
The Cons of Yamaha FG730S Acoustic Guitar
Few things in life are perfect, of course. There are at least a few things I would change about this guitar if we lived in a perfect world. The following cons come to mind:
1 – Limited Upper Fret Access
This is par for the course with any traditional dreadnought-style acoustic, but acoustics have spoiled me with electric-style cutaways. I love trying my hand at hitting those high notes, and it’s always a bit more of a chore than I’d like with a body style of this type. The main attraction is in gorgeous sounding chords that utilize the first handful of frets, but it’d be nice if the entire fretboard were equally as easy to play.
2 – Fret Size Could Be Larger
There are 20 frets in total, and they are only medium-sized. Even with some admittedly chubby fingers, I could navigate the fretboard well enough, but larger frets would be slightly more comfortable. Again, I may have been spoiled by the electric guitars, many of which have roomier extra-jumbo frets.
3 – Pick Guard Style
Here we go again with aesthetics mattering more than they should! This is a minor quibble, but I would greatly prefer it if the pickguard were a simple glossy black. The pattern helps the model stand out, but it’s almost a step too far in the quirky direction. With so many color options and the rosewood sides, I feel that’s all that Yamaha needed to provide for some nice visual flair.
Conclusion
The Yamaha FG730S solid-top acoustic guitar is one I would highly recommend. There are only a few things I don’t like about it, all of which are more related to personal taste than anything wrong with the model as an actual instrument. The price point makes this an excellent choice for beginners while also offering a nice bargain to more advanced players who deserve to play something that sounds amazing. I believe you would be hard-pressed to find another model that performs this well at this price point.
It’s straightforward to be swayed by lower price tags when so many of the supposedly best guitar models soar into the thousands, but the FG720S gave me much of what I was looking for in an acoustic. After so much time with electrics and acoustic electrics that don’t have the excellent warm quality needed for gentler arpeggios and head-nod-inducing strummed chord progressions, it was nice playing something with a bit more of a traditional feel.
I have a strong feeling that this is a guitar I’m going to be going back to time and time again. Above all, guitars are made to play, and Yamaha’s FG720S model will give me many hours of enjoyment.
Final Yamaha FG730S Rating Breakdown
- Sound – 9/10
- Value – 10/10
- Features – 9/10
- Action – 9/10
- Fit & Finish – 10/10
- Impression – 9/10
