Yamaha FG830 vs Martin D28 // $300 vs $3000 Guitar // Cheap vs Expensive

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Which one sounds better? Is the Martin worth all that EXTRA money? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

[@ComicKish]

Are you gonna get a fg5 to compare to the martin

[@adamtwelve]

The Martin is hands down the winner, no comparison really. The Yamaha straight up sounds unpleasant on many of the chords, too boxy and jarring. The Martin sounds smooth and balanced all the time, very pleasing to the ear.

[@JIJ_lucky]

​@@adamtwelve agree, but Martin is 10 times more expensive!

[@JIJ_lucky]

Both are great, each for its price

[@BryceLee738]

Idk but i would choose Martin but i think YAMAHA is worth

[@mademepickaname]

If you can afford $3000, then you can likely afford $3300. Get both and use the Yamaha for taking to the park, beach, campfire, etc.

[@RobertoCichetti]

thats good jaja so true

[@carloscardona3924]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

As much as I love my FG830, my Guild D240e is definitely at another level. I eventually want the D20, but at $1600.00, that will just have to wait.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

Thanks to thrives I had the Epiphone hummingbird generation 1it built up a resale value from 369 dollars and 225 dollars for the case to 850 dollars I want to explore a different brand and I'm going to try Yamaha because they have such variety to choose from.

[@futuresequence.]

Take your Martin everywhere. You only live once, play the guitar you love.

[@gerbieinc]

I love my 830. I play it for my own enjoyment in the confines of my home, but it gives me a great professional feel with super sustain and rich tonal qualities. Crazy great guitar for the price. I switched our the bridge pins and bridge saddle for bone and that really improved the overall sound.

[@Twitch_Moderator]

*I'm a musician of 40 years. I play tons of different instruments. For acoustic guitars, I became a Yamaha fan in the early 90s. I had an L-A8, FG-720S-12, and now I have an LL6 A.R.E and I'm buying an FG-820S-12.* *I've played priceless Taylors, Martins, Gretsches, Larivees, Fenders, Gibsons, and more, and I cannot justify the sound difference for $1,000+ extra cost.* *I find it all boils down to who is playing the instrument and if any processing or effects are being used.*

[@bikinglee1]

Martin has a more full bodied sound, but I’m not convinced that it’s $2700 dollars better.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

That's fair.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

A Yamaha is only $300?

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

There is a difference between the two. However, with that noticeable difference, the only people who really care so much would be people who are either professional musicians, or really want to spend that much more money.

[@JRuni0r]

The best option is to buy the 300$ Yamaha, play it all the time because if it breaks or gets damaged it's 'only' 300$ and then take 500-1000$ out of the 2700$ in savings and acoustically treat the room(s) you spend more of your listening/playing time in. So many people think it's justifiable to spend thousands more for a difficult to perceive difference while ignoring the terrible acoustics of their perfectly square room with hard surfaces.

[@Samueldonovan2007]

I bought the 830 yesterday after playing it for about 5 minutes. I was blown away. I came home and grabbed my vintage Tokai, sold it, and bought the Yamaha. Yamaha acoustics seem to be my favorite acoustics because the last time I felt this way about an acoustic guitar was my vintage Yamaha I have to my brother

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

I just got the Yamaha 830 and had it for about a week and a half now. I love it. I've been on playing for about 40 years and I can't afford a D-28. I go where the deals are.The FG830 has a nice overall tonal quality and nice bass and rich overtones because of the rosewood body. It sounds good fingerstyle, strummed, and individual notes up and down the neck. Pleased I bought the FG 830!👍👍

[@sabirzhantairov]

Привет я только сейчас купил FG830 я очень сильно доволен я вообще новичок только учусь жена подарила на день рождения мне уже 62😂

[@sabirzhantairov]

Вы как начинали играть дайте совет начинающими мне с чего начинать? Научиться играть на гитаре

[@JeremyGray-jg4db]

It's never too late!!! Awesome Guitar ​@@sabirzhantairov

[@itcowboy2]

I hope you're still playing. The inrernet is great for learning the guitar. Go to google and search aasy guitar songs and take lessons online.​@sabirzhantairov

[@gazgarbett6113]

The Martin sounds very sweet but ten times sweeter, I think not. I'm a massive Yamaha fan and am always impressed with how they come out of the box. During covid I learned how to do my own setups. Set neck correctly, level and polish frets, new bone saddle and nut, get action sweet (takes about 2hrs) and you notice a difference. Give the Yamaha another 5 years to open up with these small upgrades and it would be an even closer contest. If you've got 3.5k to spend you'll love your Martin almost as much as I love my Yammy, but I'll also have another 3k to enjoy lots more stuff.

[@Vladimir_39]

Mind sharing where you bought the bone saddle snd nut? Thanks

[@martinaddison4880]

Guitar center, sweet water, Stewart McDonald all sell replacements. Even I have bought on amazon.

[@gazgarbett6113]

​@@Vladimir_39eBay X10 unbleached bone £10 ish per pack. Saddle is a bit longer than standard so check size.

[@macaius]

I can't believe how good the 830 stands in front of a legendary acoustic guitar. You can spend $3000 and have a coveted logo on the headstock, but you can spend $300 and with the right EQ and a bone nut achieve similar results. Great demo!

[@whitehh15]

The real problem is brand bias... It shouldn't come as a shock when wooden boxes constructed almost the exact same way with nearly the exact same materials with the same strings on them sound similar. Most people aren't looking to get that extra 5-10% out of a guitar for 10x the price, and the Yamaha would serve them just fine.

[@macaius]

@@whitehh15 Agree, plus that 5-10% will always be subjective for 99% of listeners. I always say that a good instrument is like a good old shoe in the way it fits, specially the neck, and you can feel it in your hands but that doesn't make the guitar to sound better per se, but give you that little bit of confidence when playing to make you feel it's better. Again, listening without playing it is a good comparison, and having at least a similar result with only 10% of your money? I would buy 2 830's instead and tune them with different tunings, put a bone nut in each and 2 AKG 414 and record them in a stereo track. I would still have 1000 bucks in my pocket to make a party and have a blast. Peace!

[@whitehh15]

@@macaius Spot on. Another huge factor is that a huge portion of players with the 10x price guitar will only get to hear the greatness of their guitars when someone talented comes to visit ;)

[@Wobbz9413]

Puts a bone nut for tone, then plays bar chords so the nut does not have any influence. Ah much better tone....😂😂😂😂

[@macaius]

@@Wobbz9413 Ohhh I see! Mr. Wise bothered to answer me. Thank you for your illumination!

[@edmondsmith8125]

I have a 2019 Martin D-28 and a 2009 Yamaha FG730S. The Yamaha is very easy to play and sounds great (well broken in). The Martin Is Much deeper and sharper, with forever sustain, and I think very easy to play.The Yamaha is a workhorse I can take the it anywhere, but I'm pretty selective where I take my Martin.

[@jambibaub8753]

The fg8 series are upgrades of yamaha, since they feature scalloped bracing, which leads to better sustain. New strings, bone nut and saddle, your yamaha now sounds like a martin

[@philipaklonis7906]

Good point. I have to be soooo careful with my Martin... Love my 830❤🎶🎸

[@0bm31770]

When I bought my FG830 I went to the store with $1000 to spend. At that price I tried a low-end Taylor and Martin but the FG830 looked better and sounded just as good. The D28 definitely sounds better and I'd love to have one, but the 830 suits me fine.

[@LottimusMaximus]

I have the FG830. Replaced the nut and saddle with unbleached bone, replaced tuners with Grover rotomatics. The saddle replacement made that biggest difference. With a good set of medium 92/8 strings, it sounds better than anything I’ve played or owned

[@codygoins8832]

Did all the same but once you buy a martin it's in a whole different league of tone

[@LottimusMaximus]

@@codygoins8832 I agree, it was a cool project and impressive, it’s also it’s own thing. I have a 000-15m and a Eastman OM that are totally different, but absolutely amazing.

[@harvendarbains3864]

Did the Grovers fit without modifications?

[@allanblack1645]

Great demo Matt, I agree with your comments at 12.06. I bet the folk at Yamaha smiled when they heard this demo, and I like their FG830 with their new scalloped bracing. If you upgrade the parts to bone etc. it’ll sound even better.

[@henkgrui]

I have the predecessor, the FG-720S BL and after 10 years with bone nut, bone saddle and right setup it sounds amazing. It's always in a stand in the living room. Humidity isn't a problem in the Netherlands. It's exposed to all kind of music and it really came alive after those 10 years and it's still getting better.

[@BobsYoureuncle]

The predecessor would be the 730 to the 830 ....... S being solid top ... BL being black .

[@Wobbz9413]

I also has a 720. But regretfully sold it. But the 820 I bought to replace it is a far nicer, more responsive guitar. The new scalloped bracing and new neck profile suit me a lot better.

[@Learnintofly]

I have a fg700ms since close to 15 years now. Tusq nut and bridge. Just keeps getting better and better Every year.

[@BobsYoureuncle]

@@Learnintofly You mean saddle not bridge ✔

[@Learnintofly]

@@BobsYoureuncle I do :)

[@bobbusby5058]

I bought an 830 a year ago, and now that its opened up I am quite pleased with it. I had the same problem with it playing better at the headstock and not as good higher near the body. I think thats just a setup issue, I shaved .050 thousandths off the saddle and it plays so much better higher up now. Very happy with the purchase

[@joeblough261]

While visiting family recently, I found a 5 year old FG830 with it's original strings that hadn't been played much. I took it down the street for a setup and new, lighter strings to make it more beginner playable. Man alive I was shocked at how nice it sounded when I brought it back. (and how much easier it was to play with the action and string adjustments) For $300? It's almost ridiculous. It sounds a bit bright and timmy here next to the Martin, but what's a beginner gonna do with a D-28 anyway. Plus it'll improve with time. When I was coming up, a $300 guitar this good was unthinkable. Cheers to Yamaha!

[@foobarmaximus3506]

I agree. And the fact is, with a little work and effort, that Yammer can be made better. It just needs some fine tuning. I've had many, many guitars and several Yamahas. I've never had a bad Yamaha. For around 300 bucks, these are a steal.

[@susanroycroft89]

If you replace the strings to 12's on your FG830 it'll sound a little louder ( I drop all my Acoustic's a semi tone - its easier on the neck & compensates for heavier gauge)

[@Coda6766]

I do like the sound of the Martin, the Yamaha didn't sound bad. I'm sure if you upgrade the nut and saddle and have it set up professionally it would sound just as good and be easier to play.

[@festushaggen2563]

It would be fascinating to do truly blind tests with no names known. I'd bet Yamaha would be considered nearly as good if not better in sound quality as most of the bigger names. I'm a big Yamaha fan for that reason. They make good quality and great sounding guitars for a fraction of the price of the bigger names. I've purchased 4 so far and they won't be my last.

[@adamtwelve]

I can easily tell the different between these two particular guitars. The Martin sounds amazing, the Yamaha sounds significantly worse and even bad at times.

[@b.d.charles-nb2vg]

I thought the particular Martin sounded thin and tinny even at times ...and thought the Yammy not only held its own but at points sounded BETTER !!!! And in no way would I think the Martin even though probably plays lime butter...is NOT worth10 times as much !!!!!!

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

I love Yamaha. I own the FG700 and the FG830. However what I don't like about Yamaha is their guitars are very vanilla. They all look the same. I for one totally love how Taylors look with the dark natural wood finish. I know they also can look like regular guitars, depending on what you buy. But I love the option of a guitar with a natural finish.

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

​@@b.d.charles-nb2vg- Martin knows they can get away with screwing people over with insanely expensive guitars because people are dumb enough to pay so much; all because they are buying a Martin. What can a ten thousand dollar Martin do that a four thousand dollar Gibson can't do? Almost reminds me of Harley Davidson. They can really screw the customers because they are buying a Harley when a Honda can cost less, and be much more reliable. And why do Harleys last forever? Because they're a mechanic's bike. Granted, Martins are great. But they do go overboard with much of their prices.

[@philipaklonis7906]

I've played a half dozen + big name acoustics at GC. My 830 beat them all...

[@davidharrick469]

Both guitars sound good, but you an hear the Martin has more resonance, is this worth the extra money, without a doubt for myself. The position at which you are picking the strings from behind the sound hole really doesn't bring out the best tone from either guitar. If you were to play in the center of the sound hole the sonic difference would be more noticeable between the two.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

The FG830 is one of the better guitars any player can find without diving into the multiple thousand dollars. Even with laminate back/sides it has a better sound than MANY higher end guitars from brands with less pride in workmanship. I cannot believe they can sell them for so cheap (ESPECIALLY the fg800 for 200 freaking dollars!). BUT.... The martin d18 and d28 are basically the "yardsticks" we use against all other guitars because they sound exactly like a guitar should. Alvarez md60bg vs the Martin d18 would be an amazing video, on the other hand

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Got an fg800 review coming soon. It is crazy they they sell them so cheap.

[@musicfromtheeastbranch4815]

@@ThisGuitarChannelOnline Looking forward to the FG800 review. I've been looking online at the FS800 series.

[@muggins57]

My ear likes the Martin. My wallet likes the Yamaha. The wallet is boss in my house.

[@simonliew9728]

Lol 😂👍👍👍

[@40rpt]

Whenever I'm thinking about buying a guitar, I ALWAYS take my FG (large body) or FS (small body) Yamaha for a back-to-back comparison at the store before I purchase. Those two guitars have saved me thousands of dollars over the years...

[@cglass8277]

I'm considering buying a Yamaha FS830.. Do you recommend??

[@40rpt]

@@cglass8277 compare it with an FS 800. The 800 models are very plain, but the sound differences are minimal.

[@jefferyclark351]

Maybe you should invest in a hearing aid

[@jefferyclark351]

Now that I got my smart ass remark out of the way ! ! ! The Yamaha fg-800 & 830 or incredibly spud for the money. IT makes you wonder if it’s worth it for the high in - high price guitars . I’ve bought a fg800 few months ago and compared to my j45 & hd28 and d18 and a Epiphone Hummingbird ibg it’s just a great sounding guitar/ Hands down

[@Jimmy-rd5ig]

​@@40rptHave you played both? I've played FG800 and FG830 FS800 and FS830 The 830 guitars are always much nicer. There is more than just "bling". A mega corp like Yamaha knows the tonal properties of different wood. They know what's a good spruce top, and what's a mediocre spruce top. They use the better wood on the 830 line, I guarantee it. Would be silly to assume Yamaha uses the same spruce on both. There is solid spruce, and then there is solid spruce. Theres levels to it, and Yamaha knows this better than most.

[@thevirtualcockpit5001]

In a perfect world I would own both, for the same reason I would own a Yamaha and Steinway grand piano. Yamaha instruments have a particular resonance which is rich, round and woody. The Martin and by comparison, the Steinway are brighter and define the tonal expression of the strings meticulously. Preference would be a purely personal choice, but I love both so therein lies the conundrum.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Thanks for the comment.

[@willmcgregor7184]

D28 sounds warmer but Not enough to justify 2700 ! I don’t care what the name on the headstock is unless durability is an issue. Sound & Playability is what I care about. Thank you for the review!

[@petestaint8312]

Martin sounds awesome but Yamaha isn't far off. I'd go with Yamaha. Awesome review!!!! 👍

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Not even close, but I'd like to know if they both had the same strings. Doesn't sound like the same to me.

[@kimikivela316]

I have the FG820 model. I went to a guitar mechanic and upgraded the plastic parts to bone and she installed a microphone too. After that i installed grover tuners after one of the original tuner broke. Now it plays like a dream and sounds in my opinion equal or better than the more expensive guitars. The upgrades were about 270 € and i payed for the guitar 350 €

[@jonconger3527]

I also have the fg820 in autumn burst. Love it. When I find someone I trust will upgradw hardware to bone

[@antipodesman2]

​@@jonconger3527Trust yourself. It's very easy.

[@leopearso4233]

He picks way to close to the bridge ,that gives a real treble tone.Would like to hear strumming above the sound hole that would give a true and better tone.

[@cooloutac]

I agree and I see so many people playing like this then I don't understand why? Is it to avoid buzzing or something?

[@susanroycroft89]

No I don't entirely agree, yes strumming over the s/h is one way,but the reverse is also true, providing it's the same way on Both Guitar's for a true comparison

[@douglasvansickle6252]

I've got a FG-830. Love it. Don't need a high end guitar to just play at home. Glad Yamaha has a well built reasonably priced guitar line that we can afford to buy.

[@joeyhubbard9754]

To me, I’ve owned Martins and they can be laborious to play. I have Taylor’s that play phenomenal but lack tone qualities that the 28 gives. If you want a great sounding guitar that your not afraid to put fingerprints on, buy the Yamaha!

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

I played 2007 d28 yesterday, terribly laborious to play. Played an 830 this morning in guitar center, played like butter, fuller richer sound. Could not believe my 62 y.o. ears.

[@DDbear123456789]

​@@yetivanmarshall1473 I'm a new player. Can you explain a little bit about what make a guitar laborious to play in your opinion?

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

@@DDbear123456789 the effort needed to move my fingers along the strings and fretboard was not silky smooth.

[@TravelinBoneSC]

The Yamaha is significantly cheaper due to several things instead of just the materials used in crafting the instrument. Martin luthiers could learn a lot by using lessons from the Yamaha crafters. But their not going to do that. They are willing to be left behind in the consistent proven techniques year after year, decade after decade. I've owned both brands. Will not be overpaying for a mediocre playing Martin again. Sticking to Yamaha. Present owner of an FG830 and Alvarez MD60BG.

[@TravelinBoneSC]

Please strum the guitar over the sound hole! Makes a big difference in audio quality. Thank you!

[@jean-alexandrethibault3892]

Had a Martin D-18, and now rocking my Yamaha FG800 ... they are really close, and the tuner and electric options on the Yamaha really make it a great everyday driver

[@Big.E]

The Martin had a more rounded old sound, a 10 x more expensive sound? No way lol. All axes are different though and that Yamaha of yours is pretty special. A keeper 👍

[@ikepavick668]

I think they both sound great. That yamaha will sound great once it ages more. I have an fg800 that i put a bone saddle and ebony bridge pins on and it sounds great. I think the next time i change strings I will put a bone nut on as well.

[@AlexArvedal]

Which bridge pins did you use? I also have FG800m but have a hard time finding bridge pins that fit

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Great plan!

[@vs_830]

@@AlexArvedal sandpaper them. 5 min. to fit.

[@TravelinBoneSC]

Luthiers may think differently on bone. Ask several first before changing to a bone anything. Tusq is way more consistent in density which transfers to sound quality.

[@vs_830]

@@TravelinBoneSC in that way brass or steel even more consistent but sound quality is not only about consistency it is rather about natural perception - other words - not annoying effect. Natural materials gives natural sounds for natural creatures)

[@davidmeinertdecrepidude]

Martin, hands down, but I think there is a vast difference between a new FG830 and a seasoned D28. The Yamaha sounds very tight and green, compressed if you will, and will open up over time and play to improve substantially. Martin NOT worth it to me because I know how much of the price is name and reputation. BTW the FG830 is now $469 CA + 13% tax in Ontario, Canada

[@scottnielsenn]

Thank you for that mention at the end.

[@soofitnsexy]

339 new in usa

[@EricJohnson-fh8zj]

In almost every other case of guitars and price coming down more to the brand, I'd agree. Even with Martins and very steep price they sell for. That being said, I've closely compared acoustic guitar tones many, many times over many years...and the Martin's always have some kind of under/overtonal quality to thier sound that sets them apart from all other brands. I'm not sure how they achieve it, but its undeniably there. I'm no guitar snob and will always prefer a cheap guitar over a expensive one if it sounds better. All my guitars except for my Martin are cheap lol. Eventually tho, I had to break down and bite the bullet and just buy a Martin.

[@lhvent]

The Martin D-28 is the flagship, of course, but my FG830 plays fine with a decent sound and feel. I have a Martin DX1RAE that plays great for the money. It is what one can afford. I played a D-28 on the factory tour and didn't care for it. The D-18 sounded better. I say just play and enjoy.

[@dw1208]

No denying it Yamaha make excellent affordable guitars.

[@antipodesman2]

I recently purchased a used fg830. The previous owner said that she had purchased it new two years earlier. She also said that she had not had any work done on the guitar in the time she had owned it. It was in stock condition and I believe it had the original stings with urea saddle and nut and plastic pins. I obtained graphtec pins but found the plastic ones very difficult to remove. The graphtec pins were a bit thinner but still difficult to seat so I had a luthier do some reaming. I also found that the saddle had a significant wobble so I replaced that with graphtec that snapped tightly into the slot after shaping and lowering to improve the action to 0.090" at the 12th fret from 0.110. Afterwards I changed the stings but when I did the nut actually fell off. It had never been glued in position which also explains why I had noticed that it was slightly offset toward the treble side in its slot. That was an opportunity to replace it with a graphtec nut that fit perfectly out of the package and was a bit lower than the urea nut thus lowering the action at the nut too. I used a bit of AC glue to secure it in place but not so much that it would be difficult to remove if needed. In summary I now have a nice guitar but the stock condition had some shocking deficiencies for a highly-rated instrument. I have purchased a Journey passive bridge plate pickup that I will install at the next string change.

[@XAVargasX0206]

I've got the Yamaha FG 830 and the only thing I dislike is that it's made in China not America, but for the price it is a great guitar

[@Ed-pr7jv]

They both sound great! I think this video will sell a lot of Yamaha FG830 guitars!

[@Wobbz9413]

If your smart, buy the Yam. If you want to impress less knowledgable people, buy a martin.

[@BigHeinen]

....and the FG830 is now only $289 in March of $2023. Quite the value actually, especially for a beginner player. EDIT: I think if you added a bone nut, saddle, and pins this would be a much closer comparison. It's been proven that the tonal quality and sustain are much improved on the Yamaha with those additions. With those improvements (about $400 total including the price of the guitar) it can hold it's own with a $1500 guitar. Against a $3,000 Martin?? Well, you all would have to make those improvements and make up your own mind. I think it's damned close folks!

[@rosslynemrys5829]

Martin hands down, beautiful warm tone, solid wood, made in. Pennsylvania, gets better and better every time it's played, to me there is no comparison . ( The scent of a Martin guitar is intoxicating)

[@MrMultitool]

I can tell You my story. I bought a Yamaha in the seventy's and played the crap out of it through high school and college and some time afterwards. Like a fool, a friend wanted it and I sold it to him. Later after I married I bought a Martin D 28 anniversary edition. I have had it now for over 25 years but I have never had a real connection with it. It's hard to play even with light gage strings. I may sell it and buy another Yamaha.

[@chrisb9740]

I have the Yamaha FG800 (same but for the bling) and also a Martin HD28. The Martin is better for sure, but I love the Yamaha and I'm not afraid to take it to parties. The Yamaha is the best I've heard for the money. Most people wouldn't know the difference anyway.

[@paulneedham9885]

Different cheaper woods not just the bling

[@toraow]

FG800 isn't the same. It has nato back/sides, the FG830 has rosewood back/sides

[@chrisb9740]

@@paulneedham9885 Who cares if woods are "cheaper". It's still sounds great.

[@chrisb9740]

@@toraow Duh, so what?

[@yannlaliberte8407]

I bought this Yamaha FG830 2 years ago to replace my old 20 years old Seagull M6 (which is was very good) and yes this guitar incredible, on every points. For a guitar under 500$, you can't go wrong.. Althought I heard good things about Alvarez MD60 at this price range, and yes the Seagull S6 is still one of the best too.

[@TravelinBoneSC]

My Alvarez MD60BG is the best acoustic guitar I've ever owned since 1959. Second is any Yamaha. Third, Seagull.

[@b.d.charles-nb2vg]

But the MD60BG is not twice as much as the 830 but almost!!!

[@kevtop351]

Agree with you about the Martin plays cleaner up the neck,but Yamaha didn't disappoint.

[@johnrudy9404]

I have an FG375. Have had it for 43 years. It's gotten better over time. String choice makes a difference. Buuuuut... treated myself to a D28 a while back and for the record....the Yamaha doesnt come close. The first time I played the Martin, I was stunned. Loud, commanding deep tone. I feel I've gotten more than what I payed for. Both are players and will be in my will.

[@sonoma_s]

I had same experience with 47 year old FG375 Yamaha that I paid $250 for. It spent 30 yrs under a bed in my parent house. I took back in 2020 and found hard to play so I took to a guitar tech for professional set up. This dramatically improved playability. I was actually surprised at how good it sounded. Definitely holds it own for what it is and sounds better than most newer entry level acoustics I have tried in 500-600$ range. In 2023 I bought new HD28. I really like the neck profile better and obviously the sound. I plan to keep the Yamaha for sentimental reasons.

[@CapnHilts]

I wonder how the newer 800 series yamahas would compare though. The 800 series was the one that really shocked people with the sound per dollar ratio.

[@7colliemac]

The 380 sounds like a regular acoustic, nothing flash. But straight away the D28 had the sound of an expensive guitar & pleasurable to the ears. If I had the money I’d definitely choose the D28.. so it all depends on how deep your pocket is.

[@campfirebear4083]

I own a Martin D16E Mahogany and a Yamaha FS830 (smaller body) and I love them both! I upgraded the nut and saddle to bone and added some kluson vintage tuners and it’s even better. I am really considering an FG830 and doing the same to it, great guitars for the money!

[@JamesCarter-be9cn]

Check out the Yamaha FSX5 you might be very impressed. I am saving up for mine very soon if the good lord is willing.

[@susanroycroft89]

I have both, but when I changed out the nut and saddĺe for bone equivalents, added bronze bridge pin's and what a difference to both, my Martin didn't come with bone, only fancy plastic ones. I love this comparison, many thanks 😊

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

I can bet that the reason for the plastic on your Martin was because it's either made in Mexico or somewhere else. A USA made Martin with plastic doesn't sound good (no pun intended).

[@thomashalley7258]

I was surprised by how loud the fg830 was when I picked it up and played it. Can kinda hear it in the video as well how the martin just doesn't seem as loud.

[@charliewilliamson7692]

I have always appreciated the value of Yamaha insturments. When I was a broke college student I had a Yamaha and enjoyed it very much. Now, however, I own an HD28. It's a guitar that sounds great and one that will last a lifetime and will be highly valued for generations to come. Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Hank Williams can't all be wrong about Martin D28.

[@MW-tk5nf]

lol we can’t all be multi-millionaire professional musicians either.

[@gazgarbett6113]

They probably didn't pay for theirs either, Martin Marketing looks good in their hands!

[@charliewilliamson7692]

@@gazgarbett6113 Unlike some other guitar makers, Martin doesn't pay anyone to play their instruments, no matter how famous they may be. If you want to see if they really play their Martins or not, check our their concert and studio videos and pics.

[@JoeFlorian-e8d]

Recently bought a late 50's Yamaha classical, solid wood, it's spectacular. Whoever built it knew exactly what they were doing.

[@kthwkr]

A very fair comparison because both are very similarly built. Though I think the HD28 would be even more fair. I owned both side by side for several years. The FG was almost up to the 28. Very close. However, later I bought another FG830 and the setup on the fret board was terrible. After I redid it I was very pleased. But that just goes to show that the production line is not as strict with their luthiers on the cheap guitars. The really great thing about the Yamaha is since the price is so low I don't travel with a case.

[@corkbour7708]

I’ve played a bunch of Martin guitars, and do enjoy their very specific sound, however my main guitar is a Yamaha 730S red label. The first time I picked it up to play I knew it was the right instrument for me, and years later I feel the same. Not a day has gone by since that first day where I never picked it up and played.

[@oohayoohay]

thank you for the video. It would be useful to know playability from your perspective.

[@morgunstyles7253]

Ive played a 1987 d35 for the last 34 years. Wouldn't trade it. Served me well on a nightly basis. However the other day i was at a friends house and he pulls out a yamaha. I think it was the same or close to the model you have there. I must say , it didn't suck. It played well, and sounded good. Clean and full. I would have it over the taylor. My2cents. Peace

[@douglowe5355]

Undoubtedly a difference in sound, but which sounds better is subjective--for a $300-$350 guitar, the Japanese have a great value in their FG series. But being a player, I can hear the thickness, & pronounced tonal clarity in the D-28. But I sure do wish I could find one without selling my car... Contentment is relative, so I guess until I win the lottery(I have a much better shot at a consolation prize package consisting of dying in a plane crash, automobile accident, or my fave--being struck by lightning). But a Martin is hard to match, & to many can't be beat...

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Great comment!

[@thombat999]

The Martin is, by all measures, objectively better. Is it 90% better? Not really. I actually have the Yamaha FJ830, I got it specifically so i dont ding my $3000 Taylor or Epiphone Texan. The Yamaha hits WAY above its weight and sounds better to me than some $5000 Gibsonscand Martins Ive played. Is the Yamaha the best, of course not, but Sunny (that's her name) can proudly stand next to my expensive guitars.

[@Strato13]

I have a Left handed Martin Road Series D-10E, and a left handed Epiphone DR-100, and though the cost difference, holds its own. Has a bright timber with a nice low end compared to the more low end sounding Martin. I love them both, but I have to give a shout out to Epiphone for such a well made, sounding budget guitar. Given my playing level, they each suit my needs.

[@djkenez]

I hear string noise and fret buzz on both. Martin just seems to have a little more sustain. Not enough difference to really judge by.

[@r.maj.7065]

I heard this with closed eyes! And i think the Yamaha has better sound!

[@greendiode5522]

Just bought an 830. No way can I afford a Martin. Honestly I wouldn’t say either one sounds better than the other. The d28 is brighter maybe even a tad harsh for my tastes but sounds great. The 830 is warmer and softer but that’s all personal preference. For the price, there’s a lot to love about the 830. For the serious musician or professional there’s no denying the craftsmanship of and satisfaction of owning an authentic american made d28. Great comparison thanks for sharing and nice pickin!

[@MPNNag]

I recommend you do what i did, I purchased the all solid wood copy of a D-100 spending around $1500.00 and I was so amazed by the quality and build. First off do not by the cheap laminated copies, spend the money for a all solid wood copies because these guitars are ones that they put more time and effort into also they are all real Spruce tops, real solid one piece Mahogany necks, real solid Rosewood back and sides, better tuners and a will come with a real bone nut and saddle also real Abalone inlays. I did the setup myself and the intonation and action is spot on. I also for reference own a real Martin HD-28 Deluxe VTS Custom Top as for tone comparison to the D-100 copy and I am sad to say it is not as good as that HD-28 but I only paid $1500.00 not $4400.00 also I will never have a chance in my life to own a Martin D-100 or even see one up close. There are only 50 of the real D-100 ever made and now they are selling tor $140,000.00 plus and that is out of my reach totally.

[@davelips]

My first guitar back in the 90's was a Yamaha, it was a hand me down from my sister after she lost interest in it. I remember that guitar with a lot of appreciation, and I was broke back then, so it was a great learners guitar! However, the sad truth is that a Yamaha will sound decent when new, but it won't stand the test of time. The build quality and materials are frankly much cheaper. Whereas the Martin's sound wonderful from day one and only ger better with time. I'm now the proud owner of a 2019 D28 and a 1979 D18. Nothing can hold a candle to Martin acoustics, but they are pricy because those guitars are the gold standard. 😊

[@leoscomputerandguitarrevie978]

I have a yamaha FG840 that ive had for 6 years and that guitar hasnt had much playing time. I say that i want to sell it, then i pull it out and play it, and it sounds so good i take the ad down. Its hard to want to get rid of it even though i have 2 other guitars.

[@jannetestailee]

I´d take the Yamaha for sure! D28 is no way near 10 times better than the FG830!

[@matmurray7351]

I happen to own both. I will say with the Yamaha i had it set up and replaced the bridge and nut with bone, made a nice change

[@samk4801]

I own an FG830 and absolutely love it. Mine sounds a little different because I had a custom bone nut and saddle installed. But to get real...the D28 is iconic and clearly sounds better. And for the professional musician, the D28 is worth the $2,700 difference. But for the rest of the world -- 99% -- the FG830 is great, especially with the Pure Mini I had installed on mine. Plugged in, most Martins and Taylors sound like trash. The pure mini with the FG830 outplays all of them. Just something to think about. If you're gigging, or busking, the FG830 + Pure Mini, for around $500, is as good as it gets.

[@jamescomeaux3620]

The Yamaha FG-830 was my first guitar and Imstill,own it. A Martin D-18 was the last guitar that I have bought. The Yamaha is a great guitar for what it was designed to do, and that is to be an INTRODUCTORY or BEGINNERS guitar. It fulfills that roll admirably. My D-18:is not a D-28, but it is a professional level guitar. Martin Co. calls them “platinum level” guitars, just like the D-28. There is simply NO comparison between the two.

[@richarddavis3239]

There’s no way I could justify the price difference based on the performance that I perceive. The Yamaha looks good and sounds good to my ear.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

It does sound nice

[@fire7side]

I could just barely tell them apart. I just bought an Alvarez MD60BG because it's a solid body with bone nut and saddle. When I play it myself, I can hear the difference between it and my plywood back and sides guitar. I also find it's kind of finicky on how I hold it because it's easy to stress the sound board. Sounds better, though. It's only a little over double at 650 with the case. That's as high as I'm willing to go. I'm going to be playing it every day for who knows how long and it's definitely worth it.

[@Lawrence64]

Just to bring a new angle to this discussion. Are those string comparable? Maybe a 3K guitar would normally carry a better quality set of strings that for sure give a better sound.

[@makmuzica5013]

Martin sounds deep; but Yamaha is also engineered beautifully and it also saves $2700

[@davidestela2328]

They both sound just as good and the sustain is good on both instruments so save yourself the money and get a Yamaha

[@gerardeummelen5357]

I play on the FG830 for 4 years now and the Yamaha FSX830 for 2 years And if you want the FG830 to sound like a Martin you should use the Elixer Phosphor Bronze Nanoweb 11/52 strings. What a wonderfull sound. Before that I always used the Martin strings. For the diffrence in sound I would never pay 3000 dollars more.

[@patrickjordan7547]

You can't go wrong with the Yamaha I had one and they sound good they sound excellent they play well they're beautifully made the only thing I would change is to a bone nut and saddle and the bridge pins! This guitar will last forever!

[@johnrichardson1867]

Martin was rounder sounding with a nice high end but not brittle like the Yamaha. The Martin probably has a torrefied top Yamaha dosn't this would make a big difference .

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Thanks for watching!

[@apickinnagrinnin7671]

I dont think they torrefy the standard series Martins. I think its only the Authentics, Customs, Modern Deluxes, etc.

[@Jimmy-rd5ig]

Martin top is definitely not torrefied.

[@Xt1000]

If the Yamaha had the same nut, saddle and pins. They would be even closer. I'd have to spend around 1500$ to get a Yamaha with a bone nut, saddle and pins.

[@hazard3020]

no, get a guitar shop to FIT them onto yours !!!! 🙏🏼

[@Xt1000]

​​@@hazard3020I can do it myself. The point is a bone nut saddle and pins are not a 1000$ upgrade.

[@Chopper1095]

Yamaha sounds much much better.. Martin's are made for people with more money than sense..

[@Wobbz9413]

Amen!

[@lespaul1755]

I've played both and the Martin has a richer sound and it's construction is definitely better

[@Twitch_Moderator]

Martins of the caliber of this example are top tier. Yamaha also has a top tier. Their LL and APX series (concert) are pricier. But they are much less expensive than Martins, Gibsons, Taylors etc. And the sound??? Nothing beats a Japanese luthier's engineering and skill when the guitar is handcrafted. ie: LL16 A.R.E is expensive but unparalleled.

[@Wobbz9413]

​​@@Twitch_Moderatorll16s are made in a factory in china. I love them. I have a 6 and twelve string. The A.P.X. is not top tier.

[@DeepRiverQuakerFarm]

Yamaha and Fender build great acoustic guitars. As a beginner I splurged/financed on my first guitar a Martin D18. I would not recommend a D28 as it has a strong “twang” as compared to a warmer D18. In the end, buy what you can afford, play often, enjoy the joy it brings you and your loved ones.

[@gregorybarton-qs9qs]

Thanks for the comparison between the Martin D 28 vs Yamaha 830 guitars, however, you said it.. You would pick up the Martin first ! The Martin D 28 is the best and it has earned its place in music history ! Yes, Yamaha guitar is better than nothing, It’s unavoidable.. other guitars just can’t measure up to Martin ! Thank you 🎶

[@williamharris9529]

I have played guitar for many years (badly, for the most part). I hate being asked to compare the sound of one instrument to another because THEY ALL SOUND ALIKE TO ME! I well remember being in a friend's house after he had spent an arm and a leg on installing a high-tech surround sound system in his lounge. He put some music on and asked me what I thought. I did my best to be diplomatic, but he rapidly got the (correct) idea that I wasn't impressed. It sounded no better to me than the system he had just got rid of. What a Philistine I am, but that's the way it is. Gibson sound? Fender sound? I HONESTLY cannot tell them apart. They both sound like electric guitars. That's all! 😄

[@naokmoon1487]

Wow nice comparison. I would like to buy the FG830 with a soundhole pickup like "fishman rare earth blend pickup" or the FGX830C (but has the cutaway which I dont need). What would you recommend to buy between the 2 to play on stage and at home, and is it still a good purchase for an intermediate guitar player ? I could pay more for a better solid back and side, but solid rosewood seems to peak very high $$$ on guitars. also i'm planning to upgrade to Bone saddle and nuts for sure after all comments I've read.

[@saltypeppers4978]

With a few minor upgrades, the Yamaha can match the Martin. In this video, the Martin produces more harmonics and a beautiful bell-like tone up the neck. I was able to get the same tone out of my Yamaha FG830. For less than $100 dollars, I installed a Graphtech nut and bridge, ebony pins and Martin 540 strings. Done. @ThisGuitarChannelOnline, I think it would be great if you would do the same comparison after making the mods as I have. I believe you, and your audience, will be stunned.

[@LutherBuilds]

I’ve been hearing great things about this Yamaha guitar. This may be my next purchase. I’m currently playing an Orange wood Oliver Mahogany guitar that is a grand concert with a solid top and laminated sides and back. I’m mainly looking for a dreadnought that has more bass in it. But when you hook up any guitar to a pickup and sound system, the differences are negligible and only as good as the pickup and effects. I’ll definitely be looking into buying this Yamaha when I have the budget for it.

[@billchessmen]

The Martin has a better rustic, country sound. The Yamaha sounds good, but not as good as the Martin. The tone is just sharper on the Martin

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

I agree.

[@michaelkrummel2071]

If you're a professional, I think the Martin is worth $2700 more..If you play for fun or friends, the Martin is worth only $500 more. I'm going only by sound, not playability.

[@Mostafa20268]

I bought YAMAHA FG830 year ago ..and I love it ,sounds really cool not far from MARTIN sound quality.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@dietersdawgs]

Yamaha makes some good guitars. Personally I've never played a Martin that has impressed me much, and I've played quite a few. I have a handmade Yamaha classical that is first rate, and a Breedlove Oregon that is better than any Martin I've ever played and Martins don't even come close to my Boucher, which cost me $3,600 in 2010. My Yamaha cost me only $1,200 in 1998 and my Breedlove was $2,400 in 2017, and they all sound and play much better than any Martin I've tried, even my friend's $7,000 Martin D28 which sounded like complete shite. It had a quarter inch of finish on it ( okay I'm exaggerating a little ) but I have a $400 guitar that sounds better than that overpriced lemon. I also have two Yamaha basses, one fretted and one fretless, and I picked them over much more expensive American and Mexican made guitars. I just upgraded the pickups.

[@hazard3020]

Agree. Far too bright for me the Martin's.

[@helenandrichard]

I have about 20 guitars, some dear some cheap. for me it's the intonation that matters. dear guitars more likely to have better intonation, but some cheap guitars, if you shop around are great.

[@teamomiamore3226]

Me i would choose the expensive one even if its expensive but its the best tune.

[@raybassman7536]

I have a Yamaha just under $300 and it sounds better than my friends Martin. As long as you get a solid top Yamaha, you are good to go. I love mine, it has good deep lows and great high end. Yamaha's are still under rated.

[@markstacey2906]

The Martin sounded best by a country mile...But the Yamaha still sounds better than a hole bunch of 1000 dollar guitars...Both winners to me...

[@onesource9527]

The race would be a lot closer if the Martin was compared to the new Yamaha FG Red Label models or the A series. I have a LL TA which has solid rosewood, a Torrified top and ebony fingerboard and bridge. It sounds big, clear and balanced but you wouldn't mistake it for a Martin. The closest guitar I have that comes close to the sound of a Martin is my Kepma dreadnaught.

[@wolfknightartorias1078]

might be an unpopular opinion but i like the fg830 better, im all about that extra bass without lost of clarity in acoustic guitars

[@sununtaschnittker6469]

Solid top Yamaha’s are terrific but if you want the string separation and sound of a Martin D-28 but don’t want to give Sam Ash $2800, get an all solid Adirondack spruce with Indian rosewood Recording King RD-328 for $800, exact same wood as D-28 if not better. I have the RD-318 which is RK’s mahogany clone of the Martin D-18 and it often makes me cry.

[@MW-tk5nf]

Interesting. I would like to know more about this. I played a friend’s Recording King 12-string the other night. Never heard of it before. I was very pleased with its sound and playability.

[@Wobbz9413]

Rather have the Yammie thanks....😂

[@simonliew9728]

The Yamaha is tough competitor. I would agree with most of you here. Upgrade the saddle and nut to bone would give some significant changes. And even replacing the pins to bone or brass pins.

[@geeeemn5010]

The sound of the Martin is a tiny bit nicer, but definitely not $2,700 nicer. For the money, the Yamaha FG-830 is really hard to beat. It's just a super guitar for a bit over $300.

[@mevlutmertcil6105]

what do you think about Takamine guitars (gd51, gd93)? They are called Japanese Martin.

[@mikesteinbach2047]

I think 🤔 Yamaha putting that plastic binding around the guitar neck ruins & "cheapens" the tone.Lower priced acoustic guitars without that plastic fretboard binding definitely sound alot better & "musical"..🎶

[@Kaisermb1]

The biggest thing you can get done with any acoustic is get a great setup right away. It makes a budget guitar good and an expensive guitar great. Spend the extra money to get it dialed in.

[@naokmoon1487]

Which active pickup would suit the best to play on stage with the fg830 ? I was thinking LR Baggs Anthem vs Anthem SL vs HiFi or other.

[@Non-y3s]

What if you compare Martin Dx2e with the Yamaha fg830 or d28. The Martin would be little closer in price. It would also be interesting to see if Martin’s more budget guitars can compare.