I have been playing for over 25 years. Over the years I have been ask a several times what the best guitar for a beginning guitarist would be and until the last couple of years that was a difficult question to answer. At one time you really did get what you paid for but I couldn't say that today. Yamaha has really changed the way I view import guitars. This is now always my go to guitar when I make a recommendation. The Yamaha line has always been know for its value and craftsmanship but fg730S really takes it to a new level. (Bang vs. buck). If you are a novice or a seasoned pro do not look past this guitar without taking it for a spin. There may be better guitars out there but none that are remotely in this guitars price range. For a beginner you cannot do any wrong with this guitar. The solid top will grow with you as a mature as a player. Buy the best acoustic guitar you can afford and worry about adding electronics to it later. The truth of the matter is that you will spend more time unplugged then you ever will plugged in. The real beauty of the acoustic guitar is that it gives you the option.

This guitar is an amazing instrument, and not just for the money. Way better than anything in the price range. If you are looking for competition for this one, you're talking Breedlove Atlas series, or at least a Taylor 414. A friend of mine has a Martin D16 rosewood back, all solid wood, USA made, and can't hold a candle to this guitar. I am speaking from the perspective of a fingerstyle guitarist, and while this guitar is laminate back and sides, and you can easily hear the difference, its actually a quite pleasing sound. The lack of solid keeps the low end solid but not boomy like a Martin, and though it is not as woody as a solid guitar, every note is crystal clear with a beautiful tonality. Extremely balanced. Don't be fooled by the dreadnought shape- this guitar is a fingerstyle MONSTER. Should cost more like 1k+.

I've had the FG730S for about three years now. I'll be honest: I bought this guitar because I liked the binding and the abalone rosette. But in addition to being a glossy good looker, it's turned out to sound good, too. Do not expect it to compete with guitars that cost five times as much. But do expect it to deliver more than 1/5 of the sound of those guitars. In my experience, highs are crisp but somewhat plastic-like (that is, they don't have a rich, organic wood sound), and the bass response is full but compact and less than impactful. This is not a guitar that vibrates your chest as you strum.

However, the sound is well balanced and hangs with or beats anything else in the price range. The neck profile is on the thinner, modern side of things but a good compromise for both chording and single-note lines. Playability always depends on set-up, and this guitar leaves plenty of room for adjusting to players' tastes. The workmanship was solid and flawless throughout: Tuners hold well, the finish is tough. Sturdy enough to be a knockabout instrument.

My only complaint is the plastic nut, saddle and bridge pins, but that is the industry standard at this price point. Replacements made from Tusq should cost you about $35 altogether and will give you better bite and clarity.

I bought this guitar 2 years ago and have loved it ever since. It has great sound for the price, beautiful looks, and the best projection for a guitar I have heard. Great for acoustic sessionsand for just playing around. However, it needs a pickup. I bought and installed a Fishman and now can plug into a sound system. Great guitar for the money!

I just tried out about 20 different guitars and this one sings! i love the vintage look it has to it. And i'm really diggin the really smooth neck on it! you can't beat this guitar for the price.