As a guitarist with nearly 20 years of experience playing, repairing, and reviewing acoustic guitars, I know how difficult it can be to find an affordable dreadnought that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
After extensively testing the Yamaha F325D‘s playability, tonewoods, hardware, and electronics, I’m confident it lives up to Yamaha’s reputation for excellent value at every price point.
In this comprehensive F325D review, I’ll share my first-hand impressions from owning and gigging with this workhorse acoustic, as well as provide a detailed analysis of its construction, sound projection, and accessory upgrades that allow it to “punch above its weight class.”
Whether you’re a developing guitarist looking for your first serious instrument or a veteran in search of an affordable stage/studio accompaniment guitar, read on because I cut through marketing speak with real-world assessment from a luthier and player perspective.
Yamaha Guitar F325D Review
In this Yamaha F325D review, I’ll talk about its key features and compare it to other entry-level models to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
- The perfect guitar for beginners
- Legendary Yamaha build quality
- Spruce Top
- Rosewood Fretboard
Key Features
At first glance, you might think that the Yamaha F325D is rather unassuming. It has a simple yet classic design that makes it look like all the other acoustic guitars on the market.
But, what truly sets it apart is its feel and sound quality, which instantly tells you the quality of such a guitar.
Most F325D dreadnought acoustic guitar reviews center on its ideal guitar shape. And I’m here to explain why.
This guitar is primarily labeled as a quality guitar for beginners, and it shows in its dreadnought body shape. This is the ideal guitar shape that allows you to hold the guitar comfortably, so you don’t have to play in an awkward position.
It also features the standard acoustic guitar size. As a result, this makes it the perfect size for learning how to play the guitar.
I also love how this guitar offers the best value for money. You can choose to buy the guitar by itself if you’re simply looking to replace an old one.
Build Quality
Yamaha F325D reviews won’t be complete without any mention of its build quality.
So before I discuss the sound and tonal quality of this guitar, I want to first talk about the components that go into its construction. This will allow you to gauge how long it will last, and whether you’re making a good investment.
The F325D uses a laminated Spruce top paired with Sapele back and sides and a Walnut/Laurel/Rosewood fingerboard. The Spruce top offers superior sound resonance to deliver loud volumes whenever you play.
On the other hand, the Sapele back and sides offer a more mid-range tone, which makes it a good tonewood to practice on. While this material is not exactly known for its tonal quality, Sapele is one of the most durable hardwoods out there.
As a result, you know that it’s not something that will easily fall apart after a few years of use.
To produce a more balanced sound, the F325D has a Walnut or Laurel fretboard that offers warmer tones. It also helps reduce vibrations, leaving you with an overall clearer sound.
Admittedly, this guitar is one of the most affordable models from Yamaha. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s made of cheap material. It still delivers that same Yamaha build quality, so you can be confident that you’re getting great value for what you’re paying for.
Sound & Tone
Now that I’ve discussed which tonewoods went into the body of this guitar, I can describe the sound and tone of the Yamaha F325D.
The combination of tonewoods used for the body of this guitar allows it to produce a loud sound that’s full and balanced. It does not produce any distracting vibration or buzzing sound, which is quite impressive for an entry-level guitar.
While it does not produce the richest tones, remember that this is mainly produced for beginners. But even then, this guitar offers a warm sound that’s perfect for playing songs within the folk genre.
Also, it produces a good sound suitable for pop or rock songs but might fail to deliver when playing fingerstyle or using more nuanced playing styles.
Overall, the F325D produces a decent sound and tone that’s perfect for its target market. And considering its performance, I would say that even amateur guitarists can play this instrument without qualms.
Hardware
Another factor that I want to focus on in this Yamaha F325D acoustic guitar review is its hardware.
To complement the classic glossy finish on this guitar, the Yamaha F325D is fitted with die-cast chrome tuning machines that make it look posh and put together smooth and accurate tuning. Unlike plastic ones, this material is known to be more durable – and is bound to look great for a long time.
This acoustic guitar also comes with bronze strings. This material is known for being softer than steel, so playing guitar is bound to become more comfortable.
These hardware components guarantee that the Yamaha F325D is not your ordinary entry-level guitar. It’s certainly a step above the rest, which is why I believe it’s one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners in the market today.
Other Key Specifications At A Glance
| Scale Length | 648 mm (25 1/2″) | Body Length | 512 mm (20 3/16″) |
| Neck Wood | Nato | Bridge | Rosewood |
| Number of Frets | 20 | Pickup/preamp | No |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Color Variant | Natural/Tobacco Sunburst |
Note: The tonewoods listed for the Yamaha F325D on some websites like Amazon may not always match what is currently being used in production models. This discrepancy is because Yamaha makes use of various tonewood species, depending on availability and sustainability factors. Check the updated specs here.
Things I Like Or Dislike
Pros
- It is comfortable to hold.
- It is easy to play, making it great for beginners.
- It delivers a loud and full sound.
- It offers good value for the money.
Cons
- Some components are not very durable.
See and hear for yourself why the Yamaha F325D punches far above its price point; this quick but compelling video demo reveals the rich, nuanced tones hiding within this affordable acoustic.
Alternatives of Yamaha F325D
Alternatively, you can opt to purchase the Hardcase Bundle which includes the hard-shell wood case, a tuner, a set of pearl celluloid guitar picks, and a method book. This makes it the perfect choice for absolute beginners.
Also, you can get the Gigmaker Package which includes a gig bag, a digital tuner, an extra set of strings, and an adjustable strap. These add-ons will satisfy a beginner’s every need to get started but don’t expect much if you’re in the advanced stage.
Yamaha F325D vs F310
- Yamaha's F Series are crafted from select tonewoods
- Designed to be kind to your fingertips
- Comfortable slim neck and slightly shorter scale length
- Accurate fret positioning and quality tuning gears
If you find the Yamaha F325D to be a little pricey, a slightly more affordable alternative is the Yamaha F310. This unit is similarly produced by Yamaha, so you can expect the same sound quality that only the brand can offer.
It has a Spruce top, coupled with Meranti back and sides, a Nato neck, a Rosewood fingerboard, and a Rosewood bridge. These tonewoods offer a brighter combination of sounds which makes it a great acoustic guitar.
In terms of the materials and hardware used in its build, there is not much of a difference between the Yamaha F325D vs. F310. But, the former produces a bolder sound while the latter delivers a brighter tone and sound.
As for playability, I believe the F310 is easier to manage. This model has a slimmer and shorter neck, making it more comfortable for beginners to hold. These smaller dimensions also make it a better choice for young learners and petite guitar players.
While the F310 does come with a more affordable price tag, the difference is not too significant. I believe the final choice depends on how comfortable you are with the playability of either guitar.
Yamaha F325D vs FD01S
- The perfect first guitar; Combining quality woods and outstanding tone at an outstanding value
- Solid spruce top with Nato (Eastern Mahogany) back & sides
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- The acoustic guitars need a professional setup out of the box to achieve the player's preferences
Another good guitar that’s often compared with the F325D is the Yamaha FD01S. And for that reason, I decided to give you a Yamaha F325D vs. FD01S comparison.
Let’s start with the build quality, which is the biggest difference between these two models.
As I have previously mentioned, the Yamaha F325D has a laminated spruce top and Meranti back and sides. On the other hand, the FD01S dreadnought guitar has a solid Spruce top paired with a Mahogany back and body.
As a result of the solid tonewoods used on the FD01S, you can expect a better sound quality from this model.
While a non-solid Spruce delivers a decent resonance, there’s no denying that a solid one can produce the best resonance imaginable. That means that the FD01S also delivers a louder volume compared to the F325D, making it ideal for outdoor performances.
Also, solid tonewoods are known for their durability. Without a doubt, the FD01S is expected to last for a longer time. But with the proper care, I believe the F325D can also be at par with the FD01S.
In terms of tonal quality, the combination of solid tonewoods of the Yamaha FD01S helps produce a lighter set of tones. This makes it perfect for more upbeat acoustics.
On the other hand, the Yamaha F325D delivers a warmer tone. This special warmth makes it ideal for performing mellow notes and folksy songs.
In terms of playability, I find both of these units to be comfortable enough for beginners. The final choice depends on the tonal quality and sound resonance you prefer as you play.
But as to the price, there’s no denying that the FD01S has a slightly higher price than the F325D. Nevertheless, I believe the price difference is justified by the improved build and sound quality.
Final Verdict
If there’s anything you picked up from this Yamaha F325D Standard Guitar review, it’s that this unit is a fairly good-sounding instrument that offers comfortable playability without spending too much. For beginners, these characteristics can instantly mean a great investment.
While it is a perfect guitar for an entry-level guitarist but not perfect as a gig guitar. It is not 100% made of solid tonewoods, the laminated wood counterparts still deliver a close resemblance in sound and tonal quality. That makes it a good investment, whether this is your first guitar or simply an affordable option to replace an old one.
Undoubtedly, when it comes to finding the best acoustic guitar under 300 dollars, this option may not be the most budget-friendly choice for beginners.
However, the signature sound delivered by the legendary Yamaha brand makes it a purchase well worth considering.
Whether you’re looking for versatility, quality craftsmanship, or an instrument that caters to different musical genres or styles, Yamaha guitars are highly regarded in reputable guitar stores for their unmatched performance.
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About the Author
Fabian, a Brazilian guitarist now based in Dublin, Ireland, has passionately played the electric guitar since 2003. As a luthier and product specialist, he boasts nearly two decades of collaboration with top musical instrument brands. Fabian is a sought-after expert, sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow guitar enthusiasts.