The level of detail and craftsmanship found in the 730S place this guitar in a class above the rest. Finish options available for this guitar include Natural, Tobacco Brown Sunburst, and Vintage Cherry Burst.
FG-730SRecently reviewed by: Rurounikz, on may 22, 2013 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: € 330
Purchased from: thomman
Features: Made in China. 20 frets, rosewood fingerboard, nato neck. Solid sitka spruce. Rosewood back and sides. Now it's available on Vintage cherry sunburst which looks nice, mine is natural finish because I do believe I get better resonance out of it. When I made the order it was available in Tobacco BS and natural but I expect they will make a color variety to make it even more interesting. Dreadnought, rosewood bridge, Yamaha standard tuners which is reliable if you ask me. Black and white stripe binding. Brown colored pickguard. 11 gauge strings Yamaha factory type not bad but 10s are better imo. No accessories came with it. // 9
Sound: I'm a self taught player mainly learning from videos, internet was my ally in to this and I can't say I play alot of different things. Some open chords, some fingerpicking some movable chords, some soloing but nothing special that would require the use of the guitar to its limits. I'm playing rock ballads which means alot of open chords and its working just fine. FG-730 has a bright mellow but balanced sound. It's got nice volume I often get compliments about how loud it sounds. It can play open chords, movable chords and that's the thing I like the most about it! I get really nice sounds from movable chords. You can solo a little bit up to 17 fret where things get tough after that. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: Factory action was decent but had it for set up a month after I bought it for maximum results. Now its has pretty low and good action. The top doesn't gave a perfect bookmatch but its actually quite good. You can see from the pattern of the spruce that's a good selection. Bridge placed nice no marks no glues or anything else. Unlike most guitars I've played before buying this no finish marks, glue traces. Everything was in perfect order the moment I took it out of its box and still is.
I remember the string distances were slightly off in 1 or 2 strings so before I tune it I hold the string to the saddle spot I wanted and that's it. Has high quality finish which makes it hard to scratch and in conclusion you can't spot anything in the exterior which gives you the impression that you hold a guitar that could easily cost 700 euro. // 9
Reliability & Durability: I'm pretty sure this guitar will withstand pretty mush everything. Live playing, everyday playing, gigs you just name it. Bought mine 2 years ago look exactly the same and I play it everyday for hours. Doesn't live my house more than once a month though. Very reliable I bumped it countless times in my metal partly chair and doesn't have a single mark. All it has is some minor scratches made by jacket zippers in the back. I've used it for the past 2 years and I can surely say its will last another 10 years don't know about refretting though. // 9
Impression: Works perfectly for the things I play I play 2 years + and I had a cheap Fender which had alot of issues and I had to change equip. This guitar is the real deal its not best guitar but in that price range please do inform me if there is a better guitar. Sound is subjective, I think it sounds great others might say it sounds to bright or something.
If I were to buy another acoustic I would buy the FG-750 cause it looks a bit better but you never know. Love the sound, playability, size, feel, its looks and hell it even smells good! Also like the fact that the tuners work like they are brand new. Now what do I dislike hmm nothing!
Before buying this I've spent months looking for a good guitar. I've compared this to other FG series Cpx, Apx but any guit that was better than the 730 was almost 100 euros up and the badget was low so you get the point. Made a research on other brands like Fender and I was really disappointed, Takamines were ok but didn't like the sound (they sound kinda dull to me and they look kinda old)
Hm what else was there about brands Ibanez, Epiphones, Corts was a good option 2nd in mind, Washburn was a good option too. So over all it looked better than the most, cost was in the same price with most, had good specs, good reputation, owners were pretty happy with it as I am. For that price was a steal really. // 10
FG-730S
Reviewed by:
Caustic, on january 18, 2007 7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Features: I am unsure where the FG series are produced, but they're likely from Indonesia or somewhere around there. It's a recently produced one, freshly ordered for me. 20 (very comfortable, very playable) frets set very evenly and smoothly into a rosewood fretboard. The dreadnought-style body top is made out of solid Sitka Spruce, with rosewood back, sides, bridge, fretboard and a neck of unknown origin that seems to be some kind of mahogany. Either way, it's well finished, playable, and tough. The whole thing has a very thin but tough satin like finish over it that lets your hand glide up the neck. The tuners are a no-name factory stock brand, but they feel tight and secure, it was in tune when it came out of the box and after a few hours pretty solid, vigourous jamming on it the strings still kept their tuning. For features? What can you give an acoustic for features? It's just an acoustic. The parts are all quality, well assembled and well finished. For its price, because I don't give tens out on principle that there is always something out there that could be better. // 9
Sound: Okay. I'm a bass player first and foremost. I picked this acoustic up wit the intention of using it as a songwriting Tool and possibly the odd open mic night, instrument swap arounds in my band, et cetera. My band plays a blend of modern/alternative rock, 80's and 90's Indie and some random covers. For this, the 730 nailed the sound I wanted from it straight out of the box. Very jangly, but with strong mids and a warm bassy end to give the tone weight. It doesn't have the big "thrummmm-thrummm-thrummm" sound of a true dreadnought, the FG730 apparently has a slightly shallower body and this cuts some of the bass out and projects the highs much more. I like it that way. I find this guitar is very responsive, you don't need to work the guitar, you just need to play it. A true pleasure to own and to play. It's not a Martin. It's not a high end Takamine. It's a Yamaha, mass produced and aiming at that end of the market where the piggybank is broken whenever you need new gear. With this in mind, and comparing it to it's competitors, this is a good nine again. You will be hard pressed to find a better acoustic for £200. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: From the factory, the action was better than most electrics I have seen. Smooth, playable and not straining from fret 1 to 14. From 14 onwards, reaching the frets gets tricky because of the slab of dead tree blocking you, but there is no buzz, no difficulty fretting cleanly. The wood is nicely matched and the grain is beautifully polished up. I can spot no visible flaws, and feel no weak joints or icky bits. Everything is clean and as expected. // 8
Reliability & Durability: I have No Doubt this guitar can withstand a Live set and would undoubtedly be fine without a backup, well, assuming you don't hammer the hell out of your strings and bend up octaves or something crazy, but that's your fault, not the guitar. Treat your gear right, and your gear will never let you down. I will not comment on the durability/longievity of this guitar, as I have not owned it long yet. Should anything arise that I feel is worthy of your attention, I'll post it. However, from the feel of it, I don't expect anything to happen that I don't cause myself. Seven from first impressions, though. It looks like it means business. // 8
Impression: As said before, I play alternative/indie/Britpop et cetera with this guitar, and yes, it suits it beautifully. I've been playing bass for nigh on three years now. I own and play a Warwick Rockbass Fortress, that I have also reviewed here. I run it through a (brand new and soon to be reviewed too) Laney RB-8 300w combo. If this were stolen or damaged, I would truly be heartbroken. Partially because it's Brand New, but mostly because I've already poured my heart and soul into this little buddy, feel at home playing it, and really feel like it's my guitar. You know, that feeling you get when you try out a ton of instruments, and then you pick one up and something stirs inside of you? And not the vindaloo you had the night before, either. What do I love? The tone, that wonderful, bright, jangly, crisp, yet mellow and rounded sound from each and every string. The feel of the neck and the pure value and quality of it for the price. I love the smart mother-of-pearl inlays and wonderful decor and finish to the guitar. Simple, subtle touches that make all the difference. What do I hate? Honestly, putting it down! So, overall, and breaking my rule (more of a guideline), ten. I really, honestly feel I have made the best purchase I could possibly have made, and one of the best purchases of my musical "career" thus far. The second best, in fact. The best being the amp I will review at a less insanely late time. A big round of applause for Yamaha, bringing quality instruments to those of us who just can't afford the insane prices the big name brands demand. // 10
FG-730S
Reviewed by:
Kurt1964, on january 28, 2011 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 299.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center.. Tonawanda, New York
Features: The Yamaha FG730S that I own was constructed in 2010, and manufactured in China. The features of this guitar are many; it has 20 frets residing on a bound Rosewood neck. The top is solid spruce sitka, supported by Rosewood sides and back. The top features an Abalone rosette inlay, accompanied by a Tortise pickguard, and a Rosewood bridge. The two-ply Rosewood headstock has "sealed" diecast chrome plated tuners. The finish is a clear polyeurathane, which highlites out the natural beauty of the woodgrain, superbly. The guitar cane with NO extras. // 9
Sound: The style of music I play is primarily "Classic Rock" and "Country". And for these genra's of music, the Yamaha FG730S is very well suited for the job. The sound is very full, yet it has a brightness to it, especially with it's harmonics, that I can only describe as, "pure sunshine"! Play one, you'll see what I mean. Over-all; the sound is very "clean" and "crisp", with sensational tone. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: Other than having to be tuned, the factory "set-up" was average. The frets were seated properly, and the neck needed no adjustment. The bridge, nut and tuners are spot-on accurate. The action and responce is wonderful, no worries there. In other words, NO "buzz" to it at all. The finish and the construction is some of the best that I've seen in a $300.00 guitar. No glue overlaps, even staining and smoothe lines. However, the strap button did need to be tightened. // 9
Reliability & Durability: I've used this FG730S on several live gigs, and so far, it seems to be putting up with all my abuse quite well. It's finish is thick enough to prevent most rough handling. And the tuners, once tuned, stay tuned! In my opinion, bringing a back-up out to a live gig, is moot. As with any guitar though, with a good solid case, reasonable care, and regular maintainence, this FG730S should last for many years to come. // 10
Impression: As like mose musicians, the style of music that I play is constantly evolving. But for "Classic Rock" and "Country", the Yamaha FG730S is a great match! I've been playing for several years now, and have owned many guitar in my day, ie: the Yamaha FG700S, a Washburn D10SCEB, and various Fender acoustics, etc... But for style, beauty and sound, the 730S has them all beat. If it were to become "lost or stolin", I would definately re-buy the Yamaha FG730S again! What I love most about it, is it's over-all quality and sound, and action. This guitar has never let me down. So if you're looking for a moderately priced, quality Acoustic guitar, give the 730S a serious audition. And as alway's... ROCK ON! // 9
FG-730S
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on september 05, 2011 2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 299.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Features: Though I really don't know where Yamaha produces their axes, but this one is definitely high quality. 20 frets, solid Sitka Spruce top and Rosewood back and sides. The top, back, and sides have a nice, even gloss coating, while the back of the neck is smooth satin (a feature I'm in love with). The gloss really brings out the natural grain in the woods. The tuners are your standard tuners with some nice shine. They stay in tune really well, too. // 9
Sound: This guitar works really nicely for country. Bright, rich sound. Mine is a bit buzzy up past the 15 fret, but then again the hunk of wood gets in the way of fretting and is probably the cause. It works well for a lot of styles, though- I've played a bit of hardcore rock on it as well and it really holds up. // 9
Action, Fit & Finish: Right out of the factory, this guitar is just stunning. There's no need to adjust anything on it. Everything's fitted quite nicely; the pearl inlays really add to the overall look of the axe. The nut is just a tad misaligned, but it doesn't impact the sound at all. // 9
Reliability & Durability: This guitar will definitely last. And last. I feel like I'd depend on it, no backup needed. All hardware's nice and sturdy. The strap button is actually a bit big for most straps and you'd have to tie it up behind the nut. Unlike most, the finish isn't wearing down were my elbow sits on the top. // 10
Impression: Overall, this one is the leader of it's price range. I snagged the last one in stock at my local guitar center. I'd buy it ten times over if it were stolen- and it's nice enough to be stolen! I love the feel and sound of it. A cutaway might be the only thing it could be improved by, but if you're not playing up that high, it's perfect the way it is. Long live Yamaha! // 10
If you have done your homework and played everything in the $300 to $500 price range, this guitar is a winner. The string action right out of the box sets this guitar apart from many or the other name brands out there. Sound is very good making this guitar a must consider when looking for a guitar.
i love this guitar, ofcourse there are better ones, but in the price range of 300 to 350 it takes the cake! at first i thouhgt it would be just ok, but it proved me wrong.
A 40 yr-old newbie, this is my first guitar and I love it. Learning to strum so I can someday play tunes with my newborn daughter. I don't have much experience or "ear" for axes, but I love the sound, the tone and the feel of it. I bought it after 2 close friends with 40 yrs of playing between them said this guitar was the best they'd heard/played anywhere near the price. After 6 months of playing, I love the thing. At the price, I'm not scared to play and let my girl plonk the strings, so I practice more than I would with an expensive instrument I'd be afraid of damaging. All around, a great guitar!
I finaly picked up my daisy rock starter kit that my parents bought me a couple years ago, but lately I have been really playing every night and I was looking online to see what was out there and this will definately be put on my list of guitars to consider.
The FG730s is my first accoustic. It has been fantastic. Easy to play, forgiving, and sounds similar to a Taylor or Martin (Doesn't feel like a Taylor or Martin but cost 1/3 of the price). For me, it was the best quality in the $300 price range!
Still my main acoustic 4 years after I wrote that review - it's solid, nothing's broke, nothing's loose or needed replacing (aside from strings of course!), it's seen heavy use and been bounced around, passed around, fallen out of vans in it's case and taken more than it's fair share of punishment. And I expect it'll see much more before I'm done. It owes me nothing and I still love it. Buy this guitar.
Been doing a lot of research for my first "Decent" acoustic guitar as I have had a couple of electric guitars with a cheap crappy fender acoustic and a classical guitar. You quickly find after a few minutes of research that this is hands down the best acoustic guitar under £500 or $700 if your american! The guy in the guitar store said that the next best guitar after the fg730s costs above £500 which is a pretty crazy statement considering that means that there are guitars that cost nearly £240 more than the FG730S and none of them are as good! Plus you would think they would advise me to get an expensive guitar considering they make more money the more expensive the guitar but nope Just shows you how honest some music stores are. This guitar is great. It has such a meaty bassy sound and according to my research they can only get better with age. The sitka spruce top settles in after time and sounds even better.
Just shows you how honest some music stores are. This guitar is great. It has such a meaty bassy sound and according to my research they can only get better with age. The sitka spruce top settles in after time and sounds even better.