Nice Entry Level Package

My kids gave me this last year so I could jam with them. While I would have opted for at least the solid-topped FG700S, I've been impressed with the F325 that comes in this package. Although the laminated top, cheesy gig bag and price say bargain basement, Yamaha has made a great entry level instrument that comes packaged with the stuff beginners will need (tuner, picks, strap, spare strings, DVD). Quality-wise, Yamaha has hit the important points... playability is quite good out of the box. The action is good, the neck is smooth and well shaped, the frets are smooth and evenly set in the fingerboard. The gloss finish is beautiful and tough. While the volume and tone of the laminated top won't improve with age like a solid top would, the F325 has OK projection, a nice tone that belies its price and responds well to different strings (it comes with light 80/20 bronze, but I prefer the warmer tone of bronze phosphors). Instead of dwelling on the fact that it lacks a solid top, I've embraced the fact that the laminated top is sturdier and more resistant to humidity changes (so I didn't worry when I played it on the beach). At this price point, it's never going to be an heirloom. On the downside, the tuners and bridge pegs are cheap, the top came with a small (1"x 1/4") ripple on the lower shoulder, and the X-bracing had some excess glue... all common at this price point. Overall, I've been pleasantly surprised by the playability and sound of the F325 guitar and happy with the package - the package is great for beginners and the F325 guitar is a good beginner or (knock-around) second guitar.