Best Small Body Beginner Guitars: Yamaha FS800 vs. Fender CC60S
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- Holidays are coming up again, and plenty of people are on the lookout for their first guitar. Today we're taking a look at some of our favorite choices for small-bodied starter guitars, one from Yamaha and one from Fender. Take a look and a listen and let us know which one you prefer!
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Thank you for taking the time and energy to create a new video on small bodied guitars! We so appreciate you guys!
Cooper does an excellent job of letting you hear what a guitar actually sounds like. He really pulls the tone out. I've watched videos from some other folks demonstrating guitars and I just can't really hear how good the guitar is because of their rough technique. Thanks.
Hey I know I was one of the noisy ones in previous videos asking why Yamaha/fender didn't do smaller bodied guitars and I'm glad to see that they do. Thanks for taking the time to look at them.
Also of the 2 I think the Yamaha sounds way better. I'd also go for it due to the satin neck, advantages in scale length/but width on the fender wouldn't be enough.
Thanks Chris and Cooper. Even though I have my own method to get a guitar for a child, I really like your reviews so I can direct others to different guitars/bundles. I've sold more guitars that way, but that's not my job as I'm retired.
I’ve been playing about 3-years now. My first guitar was a dreadnaught (it was a “guitar” to me). I play mainly sitting on the sofa. It always annoyed me that my arm draped over the body of the guitar body seemed to lose blood supply & tire quickly. (My ah-ha moment) Maybe a smaller guitar would be better. My neighbor had a FS800 that he let my try. This is a sofa guitar! Having a solid top, it was delightfully louder & clearer than my laminated top dreadnaught. The quality, sound, and playability of this Yamaha was noticeable. I’ve never played the Fender, but I absolutely love that FS800. I bought a used FS800 locally on Craigslist that duplicates the virtues of my neighbor’s. I can’t say enough about the joy the FS800 brings me.
Fantastic playing Cooper. I'm becoming a fan of this size guitar vs a dreadnaught mainly based on the more mid range sound but also comfort due to size.
Beautiful playing Cooper. I love that song Topanga. Great 👍 video guys
Oldest Granddaughter liked the birds on the fretboard: PRS SE P20E Ltd powder blue all mahogany parlor guitar. More mid tone focused but warm. Driftwood Guitars did a breakdown and it's a pretty good couch or beginner guitar. A bit more expensive but like I said, if it's played, the extra is worth it.
Excellent Review!💯 It’s exactly like you said, the smaller body guitar is way better for the beginner student and small stature person really. I just went thru this yesterday, and for me, I just started playing guitar late in life, and had a full bodied Yamaha F325, it was too big, my left hand was struggling with the neck, and then the big body for my right arm to get around was too daunting to say the least.
I actually take private lessons, by two different teachers, at two different locations, and had two lesson with my first teacher, and then started lessons with my second teacher yesterday, while sharing my frustration, concerns and thoughts, then after my 1st half hour lesson the 2nd teacher said that the guitar is too big for me, that I need a smaller 000 guitar, hmmmmm. The 2nd teacher just laughed and said, “yea, the music stores like to sell ya the full bodied guitars, don’t know why”. While there, I was able to pick up a Martin 000, at the music store where my second teacher is out of, it felt so natural, I wanted it right there, sadly that was the only one and it was the store demo, so that immediately pushed me to follow-up and upgrade, replace, exchange my behemoth Yamaha F325.
So after leaving my lesson, I went directly back to my local music store, and exchanged, swapped out my guitar for the FS800 with no troubles and a cpl add’l dollars. I love the size, absolutely perfect, it just feels so right. For me the Yamaha guitars are phenomenal to my ears and preference at this time. I guess when I have played for quite some time, my next guitar might be of a more pronounced legend guitar.
Definitely will keep Alamo Music Center in mind when it comes to getting my next guitar. Thanks again for the video guys, it solidified my decision even that much more.
I love these vids! Y’all rock these reviews. I’m not even remotely interested in either of these guitars, yet I find myself enjoying what y’all have to say. Big ups, gentlemen.
19:22
Chris is actually responsible for a grandson's wish: the 12 year old liked the Gibson J45 I got on Chris's reccomendation. Closest I found in looks is a Guild DS 240 Vintage Sunburst slopped shoulder dreadnought. The neck is super cool and he's tall enough to handle it.
Great video guys! I recommend a few guitars depending on budget...Yamaha FA800, Ibanez 340opn, Seagull S6, Taylor gsMini/Academy12. In my experience The sound, playability and build quality of a yamaha guitar at any price point is tough if not impossible to beat. Seagull is right in there, if you get the narrower 1 11/16 nut width. Ill admit my bias against Fender acoustics ....PTSD from trying to learn on a cheap Fender acoustic in the 90s. Im sure they're better now but I'm not lol. Cooper, that song and playing was awesome...as usual.
I bought a Yamaha FS830 in Tobacco Sunburst a few years ago to use as a travel/couch guitar and it really hits above it's weight class. Absolutely beautiful finish on it and after lowering the action just a touch, plays as slick as an electric. I have also noticed that it has started to get more bottom end to it as it is aging but, I doubt it will ever truly be a very loud guitar. Much more playable and better tones than the smaller Parlor or Mini bodied guitars in the same price range.
I have an FS830 in Natural, and it's so payable, I play it more than my Taylor Academy 12.
I love your guys' sense of humor. Then again, us Arizonans generally get along with Texans. Oh, and hello from Flagstaff! I recommend Jergens lotion, Cooper.
I'm trying to assemble an armory of guitar sounds and I'm willing to cheap out on some of the woods, and with such a saturated market, there are way more things to consider now than just the sound.
The Fender CC-60S sounds almost identical to my cheap Johnson by Axl(Music Link Co.) which I received free as my first acoustic guitar that I still play to this day - the kind of guitar that screams cheap labor and material. This was fortunately has needed virtually no work done apart from truss rod adjustment. It has opened up over about 12 years or so to sound like that Fender does un-opened. Kinda hate that guitar, kinda sentimental towards it.
Bought a FS 700 right before they changed to the 800. Love the size , love the neck , love the scales length. Not too big on the super small super soft frets or the extra flat fingerboard .You might also advise beginners to use 10 guage strings.
Is it bigger than a 3/4 size guitar?
Come on people, give these two fine gentlemen their 100k subs before the year ends!
I wanted to get this CC solid top Fender but settled for a CD 60, also black but Layer laminate. The Concert said it had a plastic nut and what I got had NuBone..and. a hardshell case. I still want one of these black ones too
Thank you , very informative
I just bought a Yamaha FGX820C. I love it! Also, Yamaha is now adding the neck Strap buttons on them. That was what was holding me back from buying one, but now they have addressed that issue. Glad I bought it. Very good quality and a beautiful finish.
It's 2.00 to buy a strap button and 30 seconds to drill a small hole.
the FS800 would be my pick ( big Yamaha fan )... well done review, enjoyed it, subscribed
I got a CC-60S in Sunburst finish. Great sounding, playing, and looking guitar. A sweet comfortable little axe!👍👍🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
I have the FS800 as a second guitar next to a Sigma OM model. Sound and looks are incredible but my (only) complaint is the smaller string spacing at the bridge, which is about 50mm while the Sigma is 54mm. I mainly do fingerpicking and I really notice the difference, the smaller string spacing feels slightly less comfortable to my picking hand. But I guess it’s also a matter of what I’m used to.
Thanks for this. I have a Sigma GA and the string spacing is excellent and good for me but I am considering both of these in the future. The narrower string spacing kills it for me so yamaha is off my list and the Fender looks a better buy.
i like that the fender neck feels closer to an electric. 12 inch radius, gloss finish, etc.
Great comparison video guys🤟.....can you please do a comparison video between Yamaha FS800 and Orangewood Oliver?
I really like the video and overview of both guitars. The one thing that people really need to understand, is your going to get a bright sound out of that model of Fender as it also painted black for the top sound board, it not natural like the Yamaha. Not a bad sound guitar at all.. It just going to be brighter in tonality.
I've got the Yamaha. I wanted something smaller and more maneuverable for home practice since my main gigging guitar (Yamaha FG730 I believe, 20ish years old now) is usually in a case, and my backup gigging guitar ('75 pre lawsuit Ibanez, can't remember the model), is also usually in a case. I've been playing 25ish years or so now.
The FS800, I don't think, has ever been in a case since I got it about a year ago. It sits in a stand right next to my chair should I get the hankerin' to just grab a guitar and play or practice something new.
It punches way above it's price point. Fantastic little guitar.
I’m a beginner player and I own two electrics. I like the Yamaha FS 800 and I watched many videos and think this is what I’m going to get. I do believe that besides the natural, Sunburst, and tint there is a blue and solid red? Are the ones that are not natural still a satin finish neck?
There is a lotion called "Working Hands" Great for Dry hands and also heals cracking in this cold weather.
Great video mates, a lot of information, good jokes and fine playing 👍
Picking up the Yamaha in days.
great video
Huge thanks. I've been playing for roughly 7 months and I want to add an acoustic to my collection (started on a squier electric), but although we have a Yamaha APX600 here, it's WAY too big for me to play comfortably (although it's a great guitar!). Definitely want to check out one of these at my local guitar place to see how they feel.
hey, would you recommend that a beginner buy a Squier electric first or one of the acoustics above? I'm in a pickle.
I can’t get the Fender cc-60s in black over here it’s out of stock everywhere…is there another alternative in black still with the smaller body fit for a beginner?
Hi there Guys, I am about to buy a Fender CC60S Black. In the review I was taken by the mike you were using during the demo...Can you tell me what the make and model is of the mike used? Many thanks.
I have the Yamaha ! Love watching a great guitar player play the guitars I have …
The Fender had more nasal quality to its sound. Both guitars sounded good. The sound of the Fender reminded me of the Taylor GS mini, a bit. It's a little darker sounding than that Yamaha (the Yamaha has a bit more treble sheen to its sound.) The Yamaha had less colored sound, more of a straight sound. The Fender had more character, but the Yamaha sounded bigger, and a bit more bright. I listen to these with a good pair of headphones on.
Right. I prefer balanced sound of fender.
Please can someone told me where to find the tab Cooper played in the trial? It’s so beautiful that my wife could cry if I don’t know how to play it after buying a Yamaha FS800
Definitely: dreadnoughts are too big. I went to 000. On this demo, I'll take the Yamaha. 🤩
Thanks Chris and Cooper 🎶🎶🎶
Yes! I started with a Martin DRS-1, found it too big and uncomfortable for me, although the smell was amazing and sounded great. Bought an fsx700sc and ended up selling the DRS-1. THEN I bought a Martin 000-18, loved it too but sold it and stayed with my current Yamaha FSX! I love the size, and I’m no pro so the Yamaha I kept and play often, I keep it out, I could care less if it gets damaged.
What is the piece that Connor plays on the Yamaha? Such a beautiful song
Okay...I'm sold on the Fender. Quick question....as a mandolin player I know shipping can have a major effect on the set up. Is it the same for guitars? With a fixed bridge and such I'm thinking the set up isn't as fragile as it is on mandolin. Am I right?
What brand of Guitar Case is behind Cooper while he demo's the Yamaha and Fender guitars?
I am going to by one but I can't make up my mind which one. Help help
Should it have a pick up?
Any advice please is welcome. So far going more to Fender..... I don't want to make a mistake.
Hi just wondering what your thoughts are on the fender cc60s mahogany finish?
I've tried them both and Yamaha is simply the best between them. Satin neck, solid Spruce top, small comfortable body, all you need to start playing. I have the FSX model of it and I've beat it up plenty of times, went to the beach with the humidity and all that, still is solid and in one piece. You really cant go wrong with a Yamaha and you're really paying value for your money.
How was the action on each?
@@TrueNorth1217 action was high for both. I had my Yammy adjusted by a pro luthier
@@ed_music1834 Wut bridge/nut original and did you replace with BONE?
That Yamaha sounds like a thousand bucks. Absolutely amazing for the price.
What is that fingerpicking song on the Fender from Cooper? Love it.
OHHHH MY GOD, I Loved Cooper's Playing 😌, The piece that he played was Amazing !!I just Love these guys sooooo soooo much, just that i am not from America, or i would have gone to their store just to talk with them !! Also about these guitars, I have watched many of their videos and I had come to the conclusion that I would buy the FS800. And this video just makes my decision more rigid. A Big Big THANK YOU ❤Chris And Cooper !!!
Does the Yamaha 800 have a small neck??? I have a Gibson CO CLASSIC Made in Kalamazoo and it is too large for me..?
🤔wonder why they didn't show the fender cp60s?
For lotion recommendations- Eucerin or the generic equivalent all the way! Gob it on at night before bed (it stays greasy for a while) and just as important - dry your hands thoroughly every time you wash them.
What small body acoustic for the beginner slayer unplugged fan😊
Hey Guys. On all of you recent videos, I see vertical green streaks mostly on what you be your background. At first I thought is was a cool effect, but I know it isn't. I don't notice this on any other channel.
So this is 320€ in my country .. still a good deal or are there better for the price tag? Thank you!
Great gifts! I actually liked the Fender better.
Happy Hannukkah Cooper! And Merry Christmas Chris!
Yamaha is consistently better and this was no exception. He is trying to be nice. The sound of the Yamaha was richer, warmer, rounder, more woody. The Fener doesn't have brilliance. It has a cheap, tinny sound, that he hides with excellent playing.
Could you get the fender in satin then?
I worked at a music shop for many years. I sold both of these models countless times. I can say without a doubt that the Yamaha blows that fender out of the water. I’m a lifelong fender guy but it’s undeniable. I’ve been playing guitar for almost 30 years and I still play an fs800. It’s my go to song writer.
Which one do you prefer.. fender fa 235 vs yamaha fsx 315c
Looking back at my purchase -- which was a starter pack -- I would have preferred getting the guitar setup to my liking over the gig bag, picks, strap and song book that came with it. just a beginner's two cents on that.
Your observation is spot on. A pro set-up will usually be much better than what you get out of the box. You can save up and get the other stuff later and in the mean-time have a guitar that you enjoy learning on because it's not fighting you.
@@RADThird1 how do you get it set up?
@@TrueNorth1217 Most guitar shops will have a tech that can do a set-up. Check with your local shops.
Does the Yamaha come in a cutaway version?
Which one has the thicker neck?
In need of the beginners guitar and it look so good the yamaha seem like maybe good choice.
I NEED the tutorial for the sound demo !!!
Fender has been trying for 30 years to best the Yamaha entry-level options. They haven't made it yet.
I agree, and in general I've never played a Fender acoustic that convinced me, something was always off.
In person, the Fender CC-60S is comfortable to play and doesn’t sound bad; I have not played an FS800 to directly compare it to. However, that gloss neck is not my favorite.
What string do you recommend ?
Every Fender vs Yamaha comparison and “which is better” I always say Yamaha hands down. The FS series is great at all levels. I had an FS720 and currently have a Fender Malibu and while its not the CC60S it is a more expensive model and the FS800 crushes it in sound. IMO Yamaha is like the overseas Taylor when it comes to consistency and quality regardless of the model and series. Fender on the other hand doesnt have that same level of consistency and quality in their acoustics.
Same here. I always recommend Yamaha first for budget acoustics. I’ve played and owned both Fender and Yamaha and the Yamahas just feel and sound like much better quality guitars. They easily compete with higher priced guitars in their category.
When you remove all the bells and whistles, the Yamaha is by far superior than the Fender (or other manufacturers) at this price point.
I would pick the Yamaha FS 800 it just sounds much better. I’m very very new to guitar. The sound of the FS 800 just seemed to jump out at you, when Cooper started strumming with the pick. I don’t know the proper verbiage to use about how I describe the sound. It just really seem to pop.
Eventually, after watching this video, I tend to like FENDER CC60S.
Would you suggest to add a cutout pickup?
Yes rather than buying CC60SCE, buy CC60S and add pickup.
Yes rather than buying CC60SCE, buy CC60S and add a pickup.
Cooper has a Duane Allman ora about him. Great playing feel.
I'm a Concert body fan. Detest Dreads. A couple of things worth mentioning.
Yamaha's FS800 is a decent guitar for the money, but with a downside of being significantly more expensive than most entry level guitars available in starter packs like Yamaha's F310 Dreadnought, and unfortunately Yamaha don't do a less expensive Concert. Enter Cort, also made in Indonesia. They do. Not only that, but another consideration is string spacing. Yamaha use a 10mm string spacing on many of their lower acoustic tier guitars including on the FS800. If you prefer more conventional wider string spacing or budget won't extend to the FS800, Cort's AF510 might be the ticket. Plays beautifully, sounds sweet, nicely built, punches way above its price point. At around the same money as Yamaha's FS800, Cort offer the solid Spruce top Luce L100C also with 11mm string spacing. Quality of Cort is right up there with Yamaha, better in 2022 IMPE&O.
Sorry Cort can not match Yamaha, although I enjoy my more expensive Cort Gold O8, but for a little more money, an Yamaha FS3 blows it out of the water,again
@@phanhuyduc2395 Silly parochially narrow statement, sounds like right brainer emotionally driven misplaced owner pride to me. As I have no interest in either of those specific models to my purpose, subsequently I haven't played or handled them. If and when I do, I'll make my own objective assessment then. Until that time, I'll refrain from further critique or judgement on that specific comparison.
I was referring in general to the two brands' products, of which I personally own several examples of each in both acoustic and electric. I'm a fan of both brands for their performance, quality & value. Most frequently, the choice comes down to the individual model and what the buyer is lookign for, but the two are in parallel contention at each pricepoint most of the time.
As a glaring example of how good Cort can be, I do own an Ibanez Artstar AS113BS, which is an Indonesian (Cor-Tek) manufactured version of their Japanese made Artstar 2000. Yamaha only offer their Japanese made SA2200 with nothing at a more reasonable pricepoint in that class for the average consumer, and at a higher price even than Ibanez's Artstar 2000. Both are outstanding guitars in class, but so too is the Artstar 113BS quality and spec (same pickups) is right up there for around half the price of the Japanese made models. Ibanez (OEM Cort) here a clear win for the consumer and performance.
Your comment is kind of all over the place. You claim the FS800 is significantly more expensive than the starter packs, but with the 800 you get a solid top vs the all laminate starter pack guitar. In fact, the closest thing to those starter pack guitars in terms of build quality is the Cort AF510 you mentioned, which is all laminate like the stater packs, but with a price tag closer to the FS800. And the L100 is $100 more than the FS800 with similar specs. It seems like the Cort guitars are the ones that are significantly more expensive.
@@bigmac51290 You should be embarrassed criticising another's comment as "kind of all over the place". = ]
Which part of my comment re the FS800 being significantly dearer than either Yamaha's F310 or Cort's AD810 base level starter Dreadnought packs was errant? That's just an indisputable fact.
You might be suffering from narow centre of the universe American parochialism blindness? Yamaha's FS800 is 60% ($140) more expensive in my country than Cort's AF510. I'd call that SIGNIFICANTLY dearer to anyone on a tight budget or just starting out uncertain if they want to stay with guitar. Stats illustrate 90% quit in the first 12 months.
The song and dance you make about the FS800's solid top won't make an iota of difference to a beginner or the average player out there. Suggesting it does makes you sound like an owner pride fanboy. By the time any player has advanced sufficiently to appreciate the difference and make use of it they'll have traded up to something more prestigous in any case.
The FS800 is a nice guitar in its class no argument. So is the AF510. At those pricepoints, the advertised solid spruce top is pragmatically immaterial other than as a hypothetical selling point to spec buying snobs knowing no better. If I wanted an acoustic with a solid spruce top I'd be buying higher in the segment.
You also conveniently ignored the string spacing issue mentioned, much more significant than a solid spruce top. Then there's QC. In 2024 (updated) Cort QC is still better.
If I was going to pay the $375 vs $235 (+$140) for the FS800 in my country, I'd lay down $369 ($6 less than the FS800) and buy Cort's much better L100C instead for less. Pretty good deal on the Luce at the moment. = ]
I own and play eight different Yamaha guitars among my inventory, so no anti -Yamaha brand bias here. Also own three Cort, so have a basis of comparison
All that said, Yamaha's FS800 is a decent guitar for purpose. Reliable guitar in its segment. If you prefer it and can afford it or your parents will be paying so price is an immaterial factor to you, buy it.
@@theblytonian3906 your point is invalid when the Yamaha FS100c sounds bettee than AF510 for a pretty similar price and all laminate specs😂😂
I had a fs800, but ended up Jumping up to a Martin........love yamaha, but they definitely lack the Tone Character of higher end stuff, and get pretty thin when you start REALLY hitting them hard.
Something to consider...a gloss finish is more durable than a satin finish.
I live in Spain and cannot get a fender CC60s in black anywhere - very disappointed.
I got some gifts for a couple of younglings. After playing a bunch of like instruments, the Yamaha destroyed everything in its path.
They each got an FSX800C with a Tonewood Amp. They can upgrade as they get older, but I know those Yamaha guitars will last.
Did you mention prices?
Can't go wrong with the Yamaha.
I'm so torn between these 2 guitars, except that here in New Zealand, the Fender is NZ$100 cheaper, which will probably be the deciding factor. I tried the Yamaha today, great little guitar but they didn't have the Fender to compare. Whichever one I get, you can be assured that it'll be sounding more like a strangled cat than the sounds coming from Cooper's playing. I'm a total beginner, but keen to get something that'll last, and the smaller size means my wife and kids can learn and use as well. Here, the Yamaha is US$405, and the Fender is US$325 at todays exchange rate.
Same decision here in Germany. What did you end up buying and how satisfied are you with your purchase? Hope you are having fun playing :)
For acoustic, either Yammy or Martin.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that Yamaha does not make a left-handed model of the FS800. You can get a left-handed CC-60S, however (just wish they made the sunburst in lefty...)
That is one I am buying
I was listening to the fender and really starting to like it, but then…. I heard the Yamaha and I have to say the Yamaha is just a fuller warmer sound in my humble opinion.
I bought fg800 acoustic guitar is that good choice at that price segment
Yes 👍👍👍
Yes, Chris, shop with the eyes first...that's how my Grandchildren do. Their begging guitars are a bit more pricey BUT they play them. I'd rather put another 1 or 200 into it to have them play it rather than sit.
How much can it cost The Yamaha ?
I have a beloved Nipon Red Label early '70s Yamaha and I love the way it sounds but its playability has gotten worse and worse over the years. I picked up one of these little Yamaha folk dudes at GC thinking it would be a joke but it sounds so close to mine and was so easy playing I couldn't believe it. I'm getting one.
Fender cc60s has WAY more clarity in the midrange! And in my opinion a better listening experience.
SALUDOS ASTA TEXAS
The Yamaha sounds a lot richer and full to my ear. It made the fender sound thin & tinny in comparison.
I have to agree with favorite son
Fender sounded better
Yamaha FS800 kills me. 🤗
Yamaha sounds round, balanced and pleasant. Fenders just never meet my hopes. Yamaha knows music.
The string spacing of the bridge on the Yamaha is only 50mm/1,97 !! Why? The FG800 has 55mm/2,16. Please tell the Yamaha sales representative to change this.
If all dealer do so, they may modify (also the sharp edges on the body, the slot for the saddle - not deep enough for pickup installation, tuner quality)
Because it's a beginner guitar.
if only the FS-800 was available in left handed
Yamaha > Fender every time. Try them both and you’ll quickly feel and hear the difference. Yamaha gives you much more guitar for the same money.
Came for the comparison stayed or Coopers playing lol
The Yamaha thrashes the fender. Period.
The Yam is closer to classical guitar.
FS800 has 2.0" string spacing at the bridge, which most fingerstyle players will tell you is too narrow.
The Yamaha sounds better. I have the FG830 and a great guitar for the money.
on the mike, the fender sounded bass heavy and the yamaha a little too bright...