Introduction
Yamaha has a long history of crafting high quality acoustic guitars. The legendary FG series was first introduced in the 1960s, establishing Yamaha as a leader in the steel-string acoustic market.
The FG lineup includes a range of affordable, great-sounding, and easy to play dreadnought and concert style acoustics. Models like the FG800 and FG830 are known for their excellent value and have become staples for beginner and intermediate players.
The new FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought acoustic-electric aims to bring innovation to the FG line. It features Yamaha’s groundbreaking TransAcoustic technology, which provides built-in reverb and chorus effects without needing any external amplification or effects pedals.
Key features of the FG-TA include its solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, dreadnought body shape for full and balanced tone, and the ability to blend in reverb and chorus effects to taste. It’s an ideal choice for gigging musicians who want great acoustic sound with the added versatility of on-board effects.
Yamaha TransAcoustic Technology Explained
Yamaha’s patented TransAcoustic technology allows acoustic guitars like the FG-TA to produce reverb and chorus effects without needing any external amplification or effects pedals. This is accomplished through the use of actuators installed inside the guitar’s body.
These small actuators vibrate the guitar’s top and back plates to simulate reverb and chorus effects. For the reverb, the actuators reproduce the sound of a guitar being played in a room, creating a sense of space and ambience. The chorus effect layers slightly detuned copies of the guitar signal together, thickening the tone.
The major benefit of TransAcoustic technology is that players can enjoy rich, spatial effects without needing to plug into an amplifier or pedalboard. The controls for the reverb and chorus effects are mounted directly on the guitar for quick blending during performance. This allows for more convenience and mobility compared to acoustic-electric guitars that require external gear for effects.
Many other acoustic-electrics rely on preamp systems with built-in effects, like the Taylor Expression System. However, these systems still require amplification to be heard. The Yamaha FG-TA produces effects acoustically, allowing the enhanced sound to be heard by the performer and audience whether plugged in or unplugged. This technology brings studio-quality effects right to the stage or practice room.
Yamaha FG-TA Construction & Specs
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic has a traditional dreadnought body shape with a total length of 40 1/2", body width of 15 3/4", and body depth of 4 5/8". This provides a balanced, deep, and loud acoustic voice.
The top is solid Sitka spruce, which gives it a bright and responsive tone with excellent projection. The back and sides are mahogany, which provides warmth and sustain to the overall sound.
The neck is made of nato wood with a slim taper profile that is comfortable for most hand sizes. It has a 25" scale length and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability.
This guitar is available in three attractive finishes – Vintage Tint, Brown Sunburst, and Black. Each one shows off the beautiful solid wood grain patterns.
The FG-TA TransAcoustic comes with a deluxe hardshell case to protect the guitar when not in use or while traveling. The case helps maintain proper humidity levels for the solid wood construction.
Sound & Performance
The Yamaha FG-TA produces a balanced, articulate acoustic tone when played unplugged. The dreadnought body shape provides excellent projection and volume across the tonal spectrum. Trebles have sparkle and clarity while the bass tones are full and resonant without muddiness. Whether strumming open chords or picking individual notes, the FG-TA showcases the spruce and mahogany woods beautifully.
Plugged in, the TransAcoustic technology really shines. Engaging the reverb effect adds a lush, ambient bloom to the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. It sounds like you’re playing in a cathedral! The chorus effect provides gentle movement and animation, thickening up the sound in a pleasing way. The effects respond seamlessly to your picking dynamics and guitar volume. You can dial in just a touch of reverb or chorus, or max them out for dramatic textures.
The versatile sound suits many music genres and playing styles. From mellow folk fingerpicking to aggressive country strumming, the FG-TA adapts well. The crisp highs cut through a mix while the beefy low end fills space. Whether accompanying vocals or taking the lead, this guitar is a great match for pop, rock, singer-songwriter material, and more.
[Link to full FG-TA demo with timecodes pointing to dry acoustic sound examples vs different chorus/reverb levels]
Playability & Feel
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic delivers excellent playability and feel that makes it a joy to play. The slim taper neck has a comfortable, easy-playing profile suitable for all hand sizes. It has a 25" scale length with a nut width of 1 3/4", providing ample room for chords and lead playing while still being manageable for smaller hands.
The action on the FG-TA is set low and buzz-free, allowing effortless playability up and down the rosewood fingerboard. String bending, vibrato, and fast lead runs can all be executed with ease thanks to the silky smooth feel. The low action also reduces hand fatigue during long practice or gigging sessions.
A key benefit of the TransAcoustic technology is how responsive the built-in effects are to your picking dynamics and attack. The harder you dig into the strings, the more pronounced the reverb and chorus effects become. This allows you to easily control the ambience and modulation using your playing technique alone.
The onboard controls for blending in the reverb and chorus effects are simple and intuitive. There are just two easy-to-reach knobs allowing you to dial in your preferred mix. This keeps the interface uncluttered and eliminates complex menus or options to scroll through. Just turn the knobs and you’ll hear the effects blend in naturally with your acoustic tone.
Overall the FG-TA TransAcoustic hits the sweet spot of being effortless to play while also responding dynamically to your technique and attack. The smooth neck, low action, and intuitive controls come together to offer a wonderful playing experience worthy of the Yamaha brand.
Competitor Comparison
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic competes with other acoustic-electric guitars that offer built-in effects, such as the Taylor GT and 314ce with Expression System 2, the Martin GPC Special Koa X Series, and the Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster. Here’s how the FG-TA stacks up:
Taylor GT/314ce – These Taylors provide a wider range of effects like reverb, echo, chorus, tremolo, and more. The Taylor Expression System 2 also has more EQ and tone-shaping controls. However, they are more expensive than the FG-TA. The Yamaha provides great value with solid wood construction and useful effects at a more affordable price point.
Martin GPC Special Koa – This guitar has a similar price to the FG-TA but only offers reverb effects. It uses koa for the back and sides rather than mahogany. The Yamaha offers more versatility with the addition of chorus effects. The Martin does have a Fishman preamp with EQ controls.
Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster – As a unique hybrid acoustic/electric, the Fender provides more diverse electric tones and effects. However, as a Tele-style guitar it has a very different look and feel from the traditional Yamaha dreadnought. The FG-TA focuses more on delivering authentic, organic acoustic tones.
Pros of the Yamaha FG-TA:
- Lower price than most competitors with comparable specs
- Quality solid wood dreadnought construction
- Built-in reverb and chorus effects cover the basics for acoustic playing
- Simple controls compared to more complex preamps
Cons:
- Only reverb and chorus effects (no delay, tremolo, etc.)
- No EQ controls to shape the acoustic tone
- Electronics and preamp are basic compared to higher-end models
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic is ideal for players who want useful acoustic effects built-in at an affordable price, without needing the complexity of higher-end preamps and tone-shaping electronics.
Ideal Buyer
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought is an ideal acoustic-electric guitar for gigging musicians, singer-songwriters, and worship leaders who want great acoustic tone with built-in effects. Its versatility suits a wide range of musical genres and playing applications.
Best Suited Guitarists
With its dreadnought body providing full, balanced acoustic projection and the TransAcoustic technology offering chorus and reverb effects without needing external gear, the FG-TA is a perfect choice for:
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Gigging musicians who play shows with a full band. The FG-TA can provide natural acoustic tones for solo acts then add ambience and depth when playing with a full band mix.
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Singer-songwriters who accompany vocals with rhythm guitar. The built-in effects allow enhancing the guitar tone to complement the voice and song dynamics.
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Worship leaders and church musicians who need a versatile acoustic-electric for Sunday services. The FG-TA provides clean tones for accompaniment but can also produce richer, ambient textures for certain songs or moments.
Ideal Music Genres
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought suits a wide variety of musical genres including:
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Folk, country, and Americana styles where a balanced, articulate dreadnought tone provides an ideal foundational acoustic sound.
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Rock and pop playing where the built-in chorus shimmers and widens the guitar’s tone.
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Singer-songwriter material where the reverb helps complement vocal lines and add interest between phrases.
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Contemporary worship music where the ambient effects enhance the guitar tone for certain songs or moments during a set.
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Jazz and blues styles where the guitar needs to cleanly project for soloing but also benefit from some added dimension.
The FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought is extremely versatile for any music genre that calls for a great-sounding acoustic guitar foundation with the option of built-in effects.
Pricing
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar has a street price of around $500-600 USD. This positions it as a mid-range acoustic-electric, competitive with other guitars that have solid wood construction and built-in effects.
At this price point, the FG-TA offers excellent value for money considering its features. The solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides provide pro-level acoustic tone and projection. Yamaha’s TransAcoustic technology adds built-in reverb and chorus effects without needing any external gear. It also includes a deluxe hardshell case to protect your investment.
Compared to other acoustic-electrics in this price range, the FG-TA stacks up nicely:
- Taylor 114ce with Expression System 2 (street price $699) – More limited effects, laminate back/sides
- Martin DX1AE (street price $599) – No built-in effects, all-laminate construction
- Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat (street price $599) – Lower-end components & electronics
The FG-TA punches above its weight class. For guitarists wanting great acoustic tone with the simplicity and convenience of built-in effects, it delivers excellent bang for your buck. The TransAcoustic technology is a particularly good value-add not found on most competitors in this price tier.
Overall, the Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought represents a sweet spot for features, quality and affordability. It’s an ideal acoustic-electric for gigging musicians, worship leaders, and singer/songwriters who want stage-ready sound without breaking the bank.
Accessories
Additional accessories can further enhance your experience with the Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic guitar. Here are some recommended extras:
Strings
While the FG-TA comes strung with quality strings from the factory, many players like to experiment with different string brands to tailor the tone. Popular options include:
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Elixir Acoustic Strings – Coated strings provide a bright tone and last much longer than typical strings before losing their fresh sound. Great for players who don’t change strings often.
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D’Addario EXP Coated Acoustic Strings – Another popular coated string set praised for longevity, maintaining brightness, and smooth feel. An excellent all-around acoustic string.
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Martin SP Acoustic Strings – Respected maker of acoustic guitars, Martin also produces quality strings with their proprietary SP formula for brilliance and reliability. Worth trying.
Clip-On Tuner
A clip-on tuner attaches right to the headstock of your guitar for quick, convenient tuning anywhere. Models like the Snark SN-2 are inexpensive but work great. Extremely handy for gigs or jam sessions where a tuner pedal isn’t practical.
Guitar Humidifier
Proper humidity levels prevent your solid wood acoustic guitar from drying out and negatively impacting the tone and structural integrity. Humidifier systems from companies like D’Addario and Oasis fit right in the soundhole and maintain 45-55% humidity.
Guitar Stand
While the FG-TA comes with a protective hardshell case, a guitar stand provides an attractive way to display this beautiful instrument when not playing it. It also keeps the guitar accessible for quick practice sessions.
Guitar Wall Hanger
Similar to a stand, a wall hanger mounts your guitar in a fixed spot for display. Especially great for smaller spaces like apartments where floor space is limited. Allows fast access without needing to open a case.
With these useful extras, you can keep your FG-TA sounding, playing, and looking its best for years to come! Let me know if you need any other accessory recommendations.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar provides excellent value for gigging musicians, singer-songwriters, and acoustic players looking to add effects without extra gear.
Pros:
- Built-in reverb and chorus effects sound great and are easy to control
- Solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides provide full, balanced acoustic tones
- Dreadnought body offers loud projection suitable for live performances
- High-quality construction and playability at an affordable price point
Cons:
- Limited to just reverb and chorus effects (no delay, modulation, etc.)
- Lacks an onboard tuner or EQ controls
For a sub-$600 acoustic-electric with pro-level build quality and useful built-in effects, the Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic is hard to beat. The intuitive controls make it simple to blend in reverb and chorus to taste for your acoustic guitar tone.
While the effects are somewhat limited compared to more advanced preamp systems, the FG-TA provides an all-in-one solution for amplified acoustic tones and saves you from needing any external pedals.
Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars
The Yamaha FG-TA TransAcoustic dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar punches above its weight class, providing stellar acoustic tones and built-in effects at an excellent value. It’s an ideal choice for gigging acoustic guitarists who want great plugged-in sound without extra gear.