Yamaha FS800 vs Martin 000X1AE // CHEAP vs EXPENSIVE Acoustic Guitar Comparison

In this video we compare the (cheaper) Yamaha FS800 with the (more expensive (Martin 000X1AE).
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[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Which one do you prefer? The Martin or the Yamaha? Comment and tell me what you think.

[@lhvent]

The Martin sounds better in my opinion.

[@theblytonian3906]

Needs a blind test. Guaranteed the subliminal status seeking sheep will vote Martin.

[@hermansnoeckx]

clearly the Martin, better projection and more mids making every note stand out much better

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

I like the Yamaha better. It sounds better and its built better. $600 or so guitar with no binding. No thank yo u! I would put my fender cc-60S against that Martin. If you cant affordca D-18 or up Martin then you shouldn't be playing one. I know they made the X series for road dogs. But they are lacking build quality. Binding, real wood fretboards, solid necks and theinside label that says Nazareth, Pa. I can't afford the real ones so I don't play Martin.👍👍

[@sportsmediaamerica]

After 30 years of playing only an Ovation 12-string, I recently wanted to buy a 6-string and had to be mindful of keeping the price down. A guitar-playing friend went with me to Guitar Center in Nashville and we spent the afternoon trying out all types of guitars. His knowledge was invaluable. While I tried out Taylors and Martins for fun, I knew I could not afford them. At some point, my friend came over to me and said, "Try this one." It was a Yamaha FS800. He picked up a display Martin and we jammed a bit, and it was actually hard to hear the difference between them. The Martin was $600. The Yamaha was $219. That clinched it for me. Since it was a Black Friday sale, they knocked 15% off the price and threw in a gig bag for free. I like this guitar a lot. It has taken me a little while to adjust to it but it fits me just fine and I like the lighter weight. It's a great instrument to just knock-about with but as I improve with it, it is rewarding me with a very nice and consistent sound. I've been experimenting with alternate tunings with it, and that has been very rewarding. I also own 2 Yamaha keyboards (acoustic piano and electronic keyboard), and I have to say their instruments are really great and comparatively affordable. The Guitar Center salesman was also very enthusiastic about Yamaha's guitar line, saying that they take care in making a good product, even in their lower-end instruments. I would definitely have to agree with him.

[@geeeemn5010]

They both sound good. Which one is better is totally subjective. I think that a large part of the $600 price tag for the Martin is the value of the "Martin" name. Beginners or students won't go wrong with either of those guitars. They're both good!

[@RJ-vb7gh]

Somehow, I tend to think the difference might be in the strings. Martins tend to ship with some pretty decent strings while Yamahas generally don't. If you own a Yamaha fs800, try upgrading your strings before you upgrade your guitar... you might be surprised what a difference a really nice set of strings makes. Remember your guitar is only as good as your strings. The strings create all of the sound your guitar amplifies. And most importantly, you can't expect a $200.00 guitar to come with a $35.00 set of strings. I'll never forget the guy at the music shop when we upgraded the strings on an fs800, He said "You're going to put these on that?" The strings cost almost a third of what we paid for the used fs 800, But what they did for the sound and playabilit6y of the instrument was outright impressive. Your mileage may vary as everyone is different.

[@blueser100]

A lot depends on where your right hand is located, further back nearer the bridge (brighter) or closer to the sound one (warmer).

[@ryanseanmusicandlove]

Maybe the martin has an edge but i dont think it sounds 3x's as good.

[@roflmows]

i know a couple guys who gigged with Yamaha budget guitars for years, and nobody had any complaints. they played tons of live shows and attracted lots of fans, without spending $800+ on a guitar. their names are Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson. they turned out all right. stop spending $$ on big-box guitars. save your money for lessons--that will benefit you WAY more than any fancy guitar. a nice guitar won't make you a better guitarist--only time, energy, and dedication will. 4-5 years later, you'll be making that budget guitar sing like a bird.

[@KenTeel]

Well said. Only spend big bucks if you want to brag about the brand name of your guitar. Other than that, get practicing on a less expensive guitar. Your audience won't care about the brand of your guitar. They will notice if you have practiced or not, though.

[@cugir321]

I added a zero glide zero nut to a FS800 I have...it focuses the sound and increases the sustain...compared it to a 000-18 martin....it is so close....I shopped a few Fs800 before I picked one....the sound is incredible for mine. A near perfect neck....no humps...about .04 relief which tells you it's a great neck....it capo's to the fret 5th without any buzzes....that is a sure sign of a level fingerboard and frets. Got bass and treble. So close to a Martin 000-18 sound. Not all of the ones I tried are like this one. Typical chinese stuff....hit or miss.....got to play them....can't buy them online unless you can ship back for free. You have to play them.

[@jessegalbraith2750]

I actually have to say that I prefer the Yamaha over the Martin. It just sounded better to me. Of course I have only been playing guitar for about two years. So I guess it could be said that I'm still relatively new to the guitar scene. That being said I have studied guitar videos on KZbin and have taken lessons from experts in the world of guitar. Still I feel that the guitar I have now is lacking considerably in sound quality and playability. So I want to upgrade to a Yamaha FS800 acoustic. The Martin that you played sounded very good as well. I just preferred the Yamaha.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

When it comes down to these two guitars, I would pick the Yamaha over the Martin, too. Have you seen my FS800 review? Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6rVe4qbo5h5gJY

[@susanroycroft89]

Yes l have the Yamaha FS 800 and the Martin HPL Dreadnought cutaway, the Martin is awesome ( of course) AND really pumps out a good sound with good volume, the Yamaha, Almost the same volume, but just a Sweeter sound, and a bit smaller 😮😊😊

[@wamma1961]

They surprisingly sound similar to my ears but I think the Martin sounds just a bit brighter. I like the Yamaha's sound better because I personally like warm and low bass sounds. Thanks for your video, it was really helpful.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Glad it was helpful!

[@larryn2682]

*bass

[@wamma1961]

@@larryn2682 shoot mb, corrected it, ty

[@markpakkala711]

I prefer my FS 830 to any 600 dollar Martin I've compared it to. In fairness though, it has a great set up with an unbleached bone saddle added with a good amount of time to open up.

[@ravendave3071]

Thanks for this video. I have the Yamaha FS800. I thought I wanted that Martin, but the Yamaha seems to hold it's own against the Martin. I will probably wait a while for a Martin.

[@tammyh811]

I own both ! The Yamaha was my first guitar after a long hiatus . After several years I feel I was due a upgrade .. I found the Martin for a killer deal and ordered it . I had some knowledge on the feel and playability of the HPL models as I had played similar models at GC … I don’t play the Yamaha much since I I bought the Martin. The Martin just feels better and sounds better.. The neck on the Yamaha is a little chunky for me , where the Martin feels perfect . I may end up selling the Yamaha or trading it in and putting the money toward a new amp for my electrics .

[@wilbou42]

Thanks for the comparison! Been debating between the two for the past two weeks (well the FS830 and the 000-x1ae). Ended up with the Martin after I got a deal. It was a little more than I probably should have spent on a guitar at the moment but I just fell for the Martin hard. Love it so far. With that said, all the FS800 series guitars I played were WAY nicer than their direct price competitors and I would have been happy with one as well.

[@dennisfinch5981]

I have a fs800 and it is great for what it is, though after hearing the Martin I would choose the Martin, it has a refinement beyond the other, maybe it's a delicate sound, probably more balanced. Thank you for your comparison.

[@jacenoley2597]

I bought the 000X1AE new quite a while ago. I play keyboards and always wanted to play guitar,but I found myself not really able to make chords with my left hand so I still have it but I wish I did not waste the money on it though by Martin standards, it,s a cheap guitar. I suppose I am just not meant to play the instrument.

[@KenTeel]

For finger picking the Yamaha has a more defined sound, with more treble, but a thinner sound. The Martin sees its advantage in strumming, as it has a huskier, fuller sound. Each one could serve a different purpose. For recording, if you were strumming, and you had other instruments, the Yamaha could stay out of the way of the bass guitar and bass drum, because of its orientation toward the treble side. One the other hand, if you're strumming, and the guitar is the only instrument, along with voice, the Martin could have a fuller sound, with it's thicker sound.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Very perceptive!

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Yamaha sounds awesome

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

It's a great guitar!

[@dalesearcy5734]

The Yamaha holds it's own against the Martin in open "Cowboy" Chords. Once you go up the neck, the Martin has more depth. If money were an issue, the Yamaha would be a great guitar. If you can afford the triple price, the Martin is a better all around guitar.

[@stanmccoskey5551]

agreed!

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Agreed that if money is an issue, the Yamaha is a great guitar.

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

This Martin has a plastic sound and they probably won't have a third of the life of this Yamaha that is more beautiful and with a woody sound.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

I showed the Martin to my 12 year old son who's a solid player, and his first comment was that it feels like plastic. 🤔

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

@@ThisGuitarChannelOnline This X series with this imitation of wood on the sides and back, yes, and this minimalist finish makes it very fragile. In my opinion this series by Martin is not worth buying.

[@NotALizardPerson81]

I would never buy a guitar with a picture of wood printed on it. Also heard these hpl guitars can't handle time in direct sunlight.

[@TempoDrift1480]

I just got this and after some bridge work and new strings it blows Martin's away. Yamaha has always made the best acoustics. I've got a triple oh from 79 that just kills the competition. Yamaha all day.

[@IRequireMedication]

Riiiiiiiiight

[@braveheart4603]

They're not even the best japanese guitars. As far as factory made guitars I don't think it possible to get more consistently sweet guitars than martin.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

It happens I'm shopping Yamaha for an acoustic guitar because I'm a Yamaha person, Washburn, Epiphone.

[@RobertoCichetti]

theres is no way that Martin is worth 400 hundred bucks more to me,, the Yamaha is warmer

[@lhvent]

For the money the Yamaha is a great value. I have a Yamaha FG830 that has a full body sound with the laminate Rosewood back and sides

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Just picked up an fg830. Will do a video soon. Also plan to compare it with a D28. Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already.

[@lhvent]

@@ThisGuitarChannelOnline I love my FG830. Not on the same level as the Martin but a great guitar that punches way above it's price range.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yamaha seems to have a more precise tone, it’s brightness is somewhere between Martin & Fender (i find Fenders a bit too bright). It really depends on what and how you play though. Go to a shop and play different guitars, your ears will tell you what sounds best with your playing. Another thing about this comparison video is that the microphone placement isn’t so good, so really i don’t feel i can fully judge. With a decent condenser mic placed at correct distance & position, you might hear detail differently. Seems like the mic is positioned too far from the guitar, you’re probably hearing about 50% room tone which doesn’t help in a comparison situation.

[@timpike4515]

The Martin, to my ears sounder warmer (with surprised me) and hD more sustain, but you just can't beat what you get for the price with Yamaha.

[@edwardbelcher8612]

I own three Yamaha guitars an older F325 all laminate, an FG800, and an FS830. after a couple years play time, the FS830 is the best sounding of them followed by the FG800 and of course the F325 is still kind of boxy sounding. I think that the FS830 could def hold it's own tone wise and is a better comparison to the Martin here and still have better value. Comparing the cheapest Yamaha against a $600-ish guitar of any make is kind of one sided. The Martin will hold it's re-sell value much better than the Yamaha will so, there's that when it's gets traded in or sold outright. Not bashing or promoting either one but, I would play anything myself in person before buying it whether it is $200 or $2000.

[@jeremychua9]

I enjoyed your vid! I should be adding the 000x1ae to my collection! My d16rgt is a little uncomfortable to play. Great sound, but plastic bindings are coming off. A laminate b/s takes durability worries out of my mind, and I can grab it anytime anywhere without being afraid of scratching it. :))

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

You can buy the 000x1ae in this video here: reverb.grsm.io/000x1aetgc Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@jeremychua9]

@@ThisGuitarChannelOnline I'm in Singapore and just bought it for 640SGD. Its really great and comfortable!! No stress bringing it around and playing anywhere. Good weight to the neck makes it feel solid and sturdy. Low profile performing neck shape feels better in my hands as compared to the low modified V. Anyone who's contemplating, I wld say go for it! Its good!

[@amerasia5189]

Any with a Yamaha brand, you have for your money in every dime.

[@darrellcollins877]

Yamaha sounds a little better to me

[@andrewnarzary7462]

Please review walden guitars specially 0550e model

[@wyattsdad8561]

The Yamaha sounds better in this recording to me. But that series of Martins sound really good in person. I used to have one. Wish I kept it. I’m sure the Yamaha, in person sounds awesome too.

[@CapnHilts]

You didn't give your opinion!

[@susanroycroft89]

Great video, and the Yamaha not too far away if anything from the Martin, I own them both, and with mine the Martin wins, but Yamaha have a Very good sound from all their models, strict consistency- quality control, is the key. I recently upgraded an FG 800, changing over the nut and saddĺe for bone equivalents and wow what a difference, 😊😊😊

[@joq702]

which of the two did you find most comfortable to play up and down the fret board, and how are the necks and spacing on the first two or three frets ( the Yamaha has a narrow nut width, 43 mm)?

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

I found the feel of each neck fairly comparable. I didn't find the narrower nut width on the Yamaha to be prohibitive.

[@lhvent]

I have a DX1RAE and it has such an amazing sound.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Ben thinking of grabbing one of those

[@prvlovs]

I think Marin has more rich sound, but Yamaha sounds more balanced

[@craigsbuyer2270]

Not really a good comparison, lower price vs higher price of course the higher price Martin sounds better but is it that much better,hmmm? Maybe compare it to an A series yammie it’s about same price range

[@johnfrymyer8346]

the yamaha seems so much richer and brighter than the Martin. I traded my Martin D8 for a Taylor 914 and I am much more satisfied.

[@jamesreed1969]

I traded my sycomore top Yamaha to this Martin a few years ago. I had to lower action with truss rod and make bridge higher on high E string side and installed ebony armrest, because this model is missing purfling. I enjoy playing since then. Martin sounded better. I got used to it's HPL weight. Besides that it is great and durable guitar.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Good stuff!

[@peterdeboer8924]

The nut width on the Yamaha is quite narrow. I have a hard time playing it cleanly. Seems like you might, too. The Martin's 1.75 inches makes it a whole lot more playablel. I like how the Yamaha sounds though.

[@Milan-wu6wz]

??????? ?

[@vpsaxman]

the Martin sounds like it has a richer tone with more harmonics

[@joshramesy4306]

Would have been nice if you provided the obvious which is which one you actually preferred. It matters much more to me how the guitar plays for someone with your obvious experience then how it sounds on KZbin through my laptop speakers. For the record, I thought the Martin sounded better.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Hi Josh! I like the Yamaha better between these two. The Martin feels kinda plastic with the HPL. Hope that helps.

[@dylanlysaght3052]

Good direct comparison, thanks. Is the Yamaha slightly out of tune or is there tiny problem with the intonation? What strings are on the guitars? beyond the resonance and low end difference I think the strings on the Yamaha sound old.. I have listened to a lot of other videos of the FS800 and have sounded a lot better. I think these guitars are very close in quality and sound, but the price difference is crazy. The Yamaha takes it for me.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Tuned it before filming.

[@CarstenWinkel-pedersen-jt6mq]

i prefer my yamaha fsx830c

[@Storman77]

I prefered the Yamaha sound

[@SpurOne76]

Nothing like a Martin. Tone is phenomenal. I have a Martin and I had this model Yamaha. Although the Yamaha does sound better than any other guitar in that price range, if you play guitar you will eventually want to upgrade to a Martin. It's all about the tone. Just save a little long and get the Martin. You will not regret that decision.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

My favorite guitar is a Martin.

[@danstevensguitarist]

@@ThisGuitarChannelOnline a different Martin than this one for sure

[@tomytomy.]

The Martin costs 3 times more than the Yamaha. But does it worth it? Well, YES.

[@phanhuyduc2395]

No if you play the same price Yamaha😂

[@patrickwhite3362]

I agree its the martin

[@stanmccoskey5551]

yup

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Thank for watching!

[@lvgeorge]

Yamaha for both Sound & Value!

[@AndrewRembel]

I can't comment on playability because I haven't played either, but as far as sound and looks go, the Yamaha wins this hands down IMO.

[@joesanders6898]

The Martin, to me, seems to have higher highs than the Yamaha. I prefer what I think feels like the more friendly sound of the Yamaha.

[@SubstantialGrowth]

wider dynamic range with the Martin... as expected

[@eddieglass3612]

I would by the Yamaha today if wasn’t concerned with the string hight/action

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

That can usually be adjusted

[@fredjma]

Obviously the Martin sounds better but the fact you are comparing with the cheap Yamaha is a credit to that guitar.

[@77ds07]

Nope Yamaha is better. Martin sounds dull

[@roflmows]

@@77ds07 Martin: a $200 guitar with a $650 brand name on the headstock if you switched the Martin and Yamaha headstock logos, everyone who heard the demo video would be saying "yep! i can tell it's a Martin by its rich sound and smooth intonation!!" like that experiment when they put hose water in bottles and charged people $20 for them, saying "this is a very special glacier water from Iceland". and these people said "this is the best tasting water i've ever had, you can really taste its unique quality and flavor!" hose water. Martin and Taylor are the expensive hose water of the guitar world.

[@KenTeel]

@@77ds07 Yes, the Martin sound thicker and plunkier. The Yamaha sounds thin, and almost a bit tinny.

[@roberteweil]

The HPL on the Martin will always sound as if the guitar is made of plastic. The Yamaha clearly sounds more woody, even with the layered body.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

The Yamaha is great bang for buck

[@guitarbound2502]

I think the Yamaha walk the dog . Just a clearer sound .

[@stanmccoskey5551]

The Martin is the best sounding. Hand down. No contest.

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

Definitely a cool little guitar!

[@cugir321]

By the way that's not the best sounding FS800 I've heard.

[@joq702]

Chords, the Yamaha is pretty good, but once you start hitting the trebles, the Yamaha loses my confidence, in my taste.

[@MrArchie765]

Truthfully, we’re comparing two guitars that sound like shite! If that’s all you expect out of your guitar then it doesn’t matter which one you get because they both suck!

[@joq702]

the Martin still sounds like a higher end Martin. The Yamaha sounds tinny and sterile

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

I was a little surprised how the Martin sounds like a higher end Martin

[@ScareDe2]

The Martin has a better voice.

[@venturaVlogger]

That martin has sharp tingly tone but it's sound plasticky and less bottom end. That yamaha fs800, somewhat dull and cardboard effect, no wonder it's price is 200 dollars something

[@ThisGuitarChannelOnline]

This specific Martin isn't as awesome as I would have hoped. I like the fs800 better.

[@asounds5064]

Yanaha dont they make motor cycles? that sounds like a childs guitar from walmart! the Martin BLOWS it away making guitars for 180 years and no motorcycles!! lol

[@larryn2682]

The Martin sounds better.

[@soofitnsexy]

ahhh the martin is very cheap??? am I missing something