Yamaha launched its TransAcoustic series of acoustic guitars in 2016 with the release of the LL-TA and LS-TA models. The two guitars were immediate successes, winning the "Best in Show" award at the Summer 2016 NAMM and being named "Best of What’s New" by "Popular Science" magazine not long afterward — high praise, given how incremental innovation in the world of acoustic guitars tends to be.

In 2018, Yamaha expanded the TransAcoustic line with the release of its FG-TA and FS-TA models. With their more accessible price point, these guitars are poised to expand the popularity of the series and get innovative TransAcoustic technology into the hands of even more players. Below we offer an overview of the new models, including what they share with their more expensive counterparts and how they differ from one another. Read on to learn more!

What Is TransAcoustic Technology?

At the heart of every TransAcoustic guitar is a specially designed actuator — a small metal device within the guitar's body that vibrates sympathetically during playing, creating natural-sounding chorus and reverb effects. A set of push-pull knobs on the side of the guitar allows players to turn the actuator on and off and control the effects' parameters, creating everything from subtle, sustaining room reverb to lush chorus pads.

TransAcoustic technology aims to expand the creative palette available to acoustic guitarists, without the need for amplification. However, for larger gigs, each guitar contains a built-in piezoelectric pickup powered by a set of two AA batteries.

Beyond that, all TransAcoustic guitars contain the same legendary build quality, playability and tone that Yamaha is known for. And with the introduction of the FG-TA and FS-TA models, these and other benefits are available to more guitarists than ever before.

The TransAcoustic FG-TA

The FG-TA is based on the Yamaha FG820 — one of the most popular entry/mid-level acoustic guitars in the word. First released in 1966, Yamaha FG series guitars offer superior quality and tone at an affordable price, making them great for beginners and working musicians alike.

Both the FG-TA and LL-TA feature a traditional Western dreadnaught body with 25 9/16" (650 mm) scale length and only minor variations in overall dimensions and size. Both have a glossy body finish and a matte neck, 0.43" (11.0 mm) string spacing, urea nut and saddle and transparent pickguard.

The main difference between the two is the choice of tonewoods: The FG-TA features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and rosewood bridge, while the LL-TA has a solid Engelmann spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides, five-ply mahogany and rosewood neck and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. One thing that's worth pointing out is that both models feature a solid wood top as opposed to a cheaper laminate, a choice which is generally thought to produce a more resonant sound with more balanced overtones.

Other differences between the two models are primarily cosmetic. As befits its higher price point, the LL-TA has premium features such as die-cast gold tuners, an abalone soundhole inlay and maple and black binding. The LL-TA also comes with a hard bag.

TransAcoustic FS-TA vs. FG-TA

Whereas the FG-TA takes its design cues from the FG series, the FS-TA adds TransAcoustic technology to the Yamaha FS820. Like the FS820, the FS-TA features a concert body shape with slightly narrower string spacing — 0.39" (10.0 mm) vs. 0.43" (11.0 mm) — than the dreadnaught FG-TA/LL-TA models. As a result, they're a great option for smaller hands or anyone who wants a more compact, portable guitar.

Like the FG-TA, the FS-TA has a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard and rosewood bridge, as well as die-cast chrome tuners, cream binding and a black and white soundhole inlay. Both the FG-TA and the FS-TA feature a specially engineered internal bracing system for improved depth and clarity in the low- to mid-range.

The FG-TA is available in three finishes: vintage tint natural, brown sunburst and black. The FS-TA is available in vintage tint natural, brown sunburst and red. Both have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $939, though street pricing comes in lower than that.

Available at Bananas at Large®

Keep watching the Bananas online store for the latest additions to the TransAcoustic line. If you'd like help choosing between the FG-TA and the FS-TA or are wondering if upgrading to the LL or LS model is worth it, we'd be happy to provide unbiased, expert advice. Give us a call, shop Yamaha Acoustic Guitars online or stop by one of our two Bay Area locations to try a TransAcoustic guitar out in person.