I just spent two hours at a music store with the intention of choosing an acoustic guitar to order later online. The store was large and had hundreds to choose from. From reading reviews and considering my pocketbook, I was leaning toward buying a Takamine, or maybe a higher priced Taylor or Martin. I tried the Takamine GS330S with Cedar top, and more expensive Takamines in the 500 series. I also tried a Taylor and Martin. The winner for my preference in sound and playability was the Yamaha FG750S. I resisted buying the Yamaha and kept looking because I wanted a "name" guitar. The Martin, Taylor, and close runner up to them Takamine GS330S all had almost equally good playability however they had more passive-less forward and mellower tone than the Yamaha FG750S. The Yamahas playability was roughly the same, but the sound was more forward and a little less dull to me than the others. What sold it for me in favor of the Yamaha was the superior projection, higher volume, and livelier overtones over the other guitars. Though the others sounded a little mellower and more passive "darker", the Yamaha tone was pleasantly more striking to me without being harsh or tin like. The wood resonates and projects well from low to high and the neck plays very easy. So, unless you have thousands to spend or are more partial to a more mellow and passive classical sound, you cannot go wrong by choosing this lively and full sounding guitar with great projection and volume. I don't think you can find a better sounding or playing guitar unless you spend much much more. P.S. The wood on this guitar is absolutely beautiful which is also another thing I was looking for.

I've had this Yamaha FG750S dreadnaught for about six months. I've owned 3 accoustic Yamahas and 5 others. I paid $275 for this used, but perfect example. The action is just right, with no buzzing on any frets, but very playable right up the neck. It sounds great for fingerpicking or strumming and and has a nice bright but balanced sound. The gosamer smooth satin finished neck is relatively thin and a pleasure to glide your hand upon. Typical Yamaha excellent fit and finsh. The tuners feel solid and the strings stay in tune. A very attractive guitar with its solid spruce top contrasting with the sycamore sides and back. The nato neck is a third, darker shade that adds to the appearance. The sycamore grain patterns and the pearloid pegs are real eye candy and unique for a guitar in this price range. Whether you are just starting out or an intermediate player, you will enjoy the sound and looks of this guitar. BTW, if you want to spend less money, the Yamaha FG730S is also a solid top guitar and sounds near identical.