The Two Most Recommended Beginner Acoustics — Compared
Ask any guitar forum or music teacher to name beginner acoustic guitars and two names appear constantly: the Yamaha FG800 and the Fender CD-60S. Both are priced similarly, both are dreadnoughts, and both are genuine solid-top guitars at an accessible price. So which one should you buy? Let's break it down.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Yamaha FG800 | Fender CD-60S |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Top Wood | Solid Sitka Spruce | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Nato (laminate) | Mahogany (laminate) |
| Neck | Nato | Mahogany |
| Nut Width | 1.69" | 1.69" |
| Scale Length | 25.6" | 25.3" |
| Finish | Gloss | Gloss |
Tone: How Do They Sound?
Yamaha FG800
The FG800 tends toward a brighter, more articulate tone with pronounced highs and a solid midrange presence. Yamaha's scalloped bracing pattern (a refinement of standard X-bracing) allows the top to vibrate more freely, contributing to a livelier, more "open" sound that becomes more noticeable as the guitar is played in over time. Strummed chords are crisp and clear.
Fender CD-60S
The CD-60S delivers a slightly warmer, rounder sound. Mahogany back and sides (compared to Yamaha's nato) push the midrange forward and reduce the sharpness of the highs. The result is a tone that some players find more "forgiving" — it's less likely to sound harsh on steel strings when a beginner's technique isn't yet polished. It's a slightly shorter scale too, which marginally reduces string tension.
Playability
Out of the box, the Fender CD-60S has generally received praise for lower action and easier playability for beginners, partly due to its shorter scale length reducing string tension. The Yamaha FG800 has excellent build consistency but can occasionally ship with higher action — a simple setup resolves this. Neither guitar has a significant playability disadvantage once properly set up.
Build Quality & Durability
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for strict quality control. The FG series has been a reliable staple for decades, and consistency between units is strong. Fender's CD-60S is well-built, though some players report more variability between individual instruments — always play before buying if possible.
Which One Is Right for You?
- Choose the Yamaha FG800 if you want a brighter, more projecting tone, plan to strum chords or play country/folk styles, and value long-term reliability.
- Choose the Fender CD-60S if you prefer a warmer sound, want slightly easier playability out of the box, or are drawn to the Fender brand for personal reasons.
The Bottom Line
Both guitars represent exceptional value at their price point and will serve a beginner well for years. The Yamaha FG800 edges ahead on tonal projection and build consistency, making it our slight overall recommendation — but the Fender CD-60S is no slouch, and many players will genuinely prefer its warmer character. You truly can't go wrong with either choice.