Yamaha FG720S 12-String Acoustic Guitar

Comments about Yamaha FG720S 12-String Acoustic Guitar:

I purchased one of these 15 months ago to have as a beater guitar for those occasions when I did not wish to get out my Breedlove, and to have as an alternative for those situations when I would be gigging and want a 12-string sound.
The quality of construction in this guitar is first rate: no loose or sloppy joins, no uneven fret wires, no globs of glue on the interior.
And the sound is outstanding. The guitar has a wider lower bout than the standard dreadnought and the body is a little bit deeper. It's size puts it between a dreadnought and a jumbo. This pays off in the sound because it has a bit more bass than a 12-string dreadnought, without sounding muddy. It also retains the chimey-ness for which 12-strings are noted, without sounding tinny or harsh.
Basically, it evoked my memories of the first 12-string I ever owned almost 40 years ago--a Conn F-2712, which also had a body size between a dreadnought and a jumbo.
One aftermarket modification I recommend for this [or any other 12-string for that matter] is to install a JLD Bridge Doctor. These not only enhance the volume and sustain, but also stabilize the top so that it does not belly.
All in all, I recommend this as the best sounding 12-string I've ever found in the price range.

Comments about Yamaha FG720S 12-String Acoustic Guitar:

Although the cosmetic appointments for this guitar are ordinary, the sound and quality of construction are anything but.
Yamaha has been in the business of offering high quality guitars at a budget price for over 40 years now, and this is no exception.
There are no sloppy or loose joins in either the bracing or the kerfing. The finish is durable, yet does not appear to have any adverse effect on the tonal quality of the instrument. The fretboard is well finished--no loose or undressed frets.
The factory setup is superb. No buzzing frets and plays smooth as silk all the way down the neck.
Finally, this guitar is a tad larger than a standard dreadnaught, making it more of a mini-jumbo. This gives slightly enhances the bass response without making it sound boomy or muddy. At the same time, the high end is sufficient to give this the distinctive chimey-ness of a 12-string without it being tinny sounding.
The bottom line is that this is a singer-songwriter's budget delight which would be equally at home at a picnic, or at an open-mic night plowing through a rendition of "Rocky Mountain High."