What is the primary top wood used on the Yamaha FG820II 12-String?

The guitar features a solid spruce top. This material is chosen for its immense dynamic range and its ability to produce bright, sparkling treble frequencies.

What wood is used for the back and sides of this model?

The back and sides are constructed from mahogany. This tonewood enhances the lower frequencies to provide a rich, balanced, and warm sound.

When did the Yamaha FG series first originate?

The first FG model was released in 1966. It became a popular choice for many artists and served as the foundation for Yamaha's modern acoustic range.

What materials are used for the fretboard and bridge?

Both the fretboard and the bridge are made from walnut. Yamaha notes that these walnut components grow more beautiful in appearance and tone as they age.

How does the sound of a 12-string differ from a 6-string?

The 12-string configuration provides double the vibrancy and chime compared to a standard guitar. It produces a fuller, more harmonically complex sound often associated with a 'chorus' effect.

Is the Yamaha FG820II suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the solid spruce top offers a wide dynamic range and expressive tone. This makes it suitable for just about any playing style, including fingerstyle and strumming.

Does this guitar come with built-in electronics?

The FG820II is a traditional acoustic guitar and does not include an onboard preamp or pickup system. For an electro-acoustic alternative, one might consider the Fender CD-140SCE-12.

What is the typical price for a Yamaha FG820II 12-String?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £399. This places it in the competitive mid-range market for solid-top 12-string acoustics.

Which strings are recommended for this instrument?

While players have personal preferences, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String strings (10-47 gauge) are commonly used to maintain chime and longevity.

How does the FG820II compare to the Eko Ranger XII VR?

The FG820II features a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a classic tone. The Eko Ranger XII VR is a 12-string electro-acoustic, offering different aesthetics and built-in amplification.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features a 'Natural' finish. This allows the natural grain of the solid spruce and mahogany woods to be visible.

Is this guitar a good choice for beginners to 12-string instruments?

Yes, it is designed to be a 'powerhouse' that is suitable for any playing style. Its balanced tone and renowned Yamaha build quality make it a reliable choice for those new to 12 strings.

Gear article

Yamaha FG820II 12-String Acoustic Natural

The Yamaha FG820II 12-String is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar featuring a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Building on a heritage dating back to 1966, it is designed to offer a balanced, resonant tone suitable for a wide variety of playing styles.

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Background and History

The FG series is a cornerstone of Yamaha's acoustic guitar history, with the first models launching in 1966. These instruments were developed to provide a powerful, high-quality acoustic experience for performing artists and enthusiasts alike. The FG820II 12-String represents a modern iteration of this lineage, maintaining the traditional dreadnought proportions while incorporating contemporary materials like walnut for the fingerboard and bridge.

Design and Key Features

The FG820II is constructed with a solid spruce top, a choice favoured for its high velocity of sound and wide dynamic range. This is paired with mahogany back and sides, which provide a contrast to the brightness of the spruce.

Key design elements include: * Twelve-string configuration: Doubled strings for enhanced chime and harmonic richness. * Walnut components: The bridge and fretboard utilize walnut, a wood known for its aesthetic appeal and the tendency to mature in character over time. * Natural finish: A traditional aesthetic that highlights the wood grain of the spruce top.

Sonic Character

The combination of tonewoods results in a balanced acoustic profile. The solid spruce top produces bright trebles and a crisp attack, while the mahogany body adds warmth and reinforces the lower frequencies. As a 12-string instrument, the FG820II delivers significantly more vibrancy and 'chime' than a standard six-string, creating a lush, orchestral soundstage that is often described as having a built-in chorus effect.

Player Suitability

Due to its balanced tone and dynamic range, the FG820II is suitable for various playing styles, including aggressive strumming and delicate fingerstyle. It is positioned as an accessible entry point for guitarists looking to explore the 12-string format without sacrificing the quality of solid-top construction. Its versatile nature makes it appropriate for both solo performers and those looking to add texture to a group arrangement.

Market Comparisons

In the mid-range 12-string market, the Yamaha FG820II competes with several notable alternatives. The Fender CD-140SCE-12 and the Gretsch G5022CWFE-12 Rancher Falcon offer built-in electronics for those needing amplification, whereas the FG820II focuses on a pure acoustic experience. Other competitors include the retro-styled Eko Ranger XII VR and the Fender Villager. For players seeking electric 12-string sounds, options like the Danelectro Vintage 12-String or the Gear4Music LA 12-String serve as different functional alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary top wood used on the Yamaha FG820II 12-String?: The guitar features a solid spruce top. This material is chosen for its immense dynamic range and its ability to produce bright, sparkling treble frequencies.
What wood is used for the back and sides of this model?: The back and sides are constructed from mahogany. This tonewood enhances the lower frequencies to provide a rich, balanced, and warm sound.
When did the Yamaha FG series first originate?: The first FG model was released in 1966. It became a popular choice for many artists and served as the foundation for Yamaha's modern acoustic range.
What materials are used for the fretboard and bridge?: Both the fretboard and the bridge are made from walnut. Yamaha notes that these walnut components grow more beautiful in appearance and tone as they age.
How does the sound of a 12-string differ from a 6-string?: The 12-string configuration provides double the vibrancy and chime compared to a standard guitar. It produces a fuller, more harmonically complex sound often associated with a 'chorus' effect.
Is the Yamaha FG820II suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the solid spruce top offers a wide dynamic range and expressive tone. This makes it suitable for just about any playing style, including fingerstyle and strumming.
Does this guitar come with built-in electronics?: The FG820II is a traditional acoustic guitar and does not include an onboard preamp or pickup system. For an electro-acoustic alternative, one might consider the Fender CD-140SCE-12.
What is the typical price for a Yamaha FG820II 12-String?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £399. This places it in the competitive mid-range market for solid-top 12-string acoustics.
Which strings are recommended for this instrument?: While players have personal preferences, high-quality options like Elixir 11150 Polyweb 12-String strings (10-47 gauge) are commonly used to maintain chime and longevity.
How does the FG820II compare to the Eko Ranger XII VR?: The FG820II features a solid spruce top and mahogany body for a classic tone. The Eko Ranger XII VR is a 12-string electro-acoustic, offering different aesthetics and built-in amplification.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features a 'Natural' finish. This allows the natural grain of the solid spruce and mahogany woods to be visible.
Is this guitar a good choice for beginners to 12-string instruments?: Yes, it is designed to be a 'powerhouse' that is suitable for any playing style. Its balanced tone and renowned Yamaha build quality make it a reliable choice for those new to 12 strings.