Our love for music has driven us to spend countless hours researching and testing acoustic guitars in order to identify those that deliver the best sound, playability, and value. Our goal is to assist you in finding the perfect acoustic guitar that meets your needs, whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician.
When choosing an acoustic guitar, there are several things to consider, such as the type of wood used, the body shape, the size of the guitar, and the quality of the craftsmanship. We have carefully evaluated each of these factors and have identified the acoustic guitars that excel in each category.
After testing various acoustic guitars, we found that the type of wood used in the guitar’s construction has a significant impact on its sound quality. Guitars made from solid wood, such as spruce, mahogany, and rosewood, produce a richer, fuller sound than guitars made from laminate or other materials.
We also found that the body shape and size of the guitar can affect its playability and comfort. Larger guitars, such as dreadnoughts, tend to produce a louder sound, while smaller guitars, such as parlor guitars, are more comfortable to play for long periods.
In our search for the best acoustic guitars, we have identified the ones that provide the best sound, playability, and value. We will share our findings with you in the following sections, so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next acoustic guitar.
Best Acoustic Guitars
After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best acoustic guitars on the market. These guitars have been selected based on their sound quality, playability, and overall value. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, our list has something for everyone. Take a look at our top picks and find the perfect acoustic guitar for your needs.
Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Bundle
If you’re looking for an affordable acoustic guitar bundle, the Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Bundle is a great option.
Pros
- The dreadnought body shape provides a full, powerful sound that is great for strumming and singing.
- The bundle includes everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, strap, picks, strings, and an instructional DVD.
- The guitar is made by Fender, so you can trust that it is a quality instrument.
Cons
- The guitar is made with laminated wood, which may not have the same tone as a guitar made with solid wood.
- Some users have reported issues with the tuning stability of the guitar.
- The bundle does not include an electronic tuner, which may be necessary for beginners.
We have used and tested the Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Bundle, and we think it is a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for an affordable acoustic guitar. The dreadnought body shape provides a full, powerful sound that is great for strumming and singing, and the bundle includes everything you need to get started. The guitar is made by Fender, so you can trust that it is a quality instrument.
One thing to keep in mind is that the guitar is made with laminated wood, which may not have the same tone as a guitar made with solid wood. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the tuning stability of the guitar, so you may need to adjust the tuning pegs regularly. Finally, the bundle does not include an electronic tuner, which may be necessary for beginners.
Overall, we think the Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst Bundle is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable acoustic guitar bundle. With its full, powerful sound and complete set of accessories, it is a great way to get started playing the guitar.
Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Digital Tuner, 6 Celluloid Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Cloth, Strap w/Pick Holder – Matte Black
If you’re looking for an affordable acoustic guitar starter kit, the Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The full-size 38 inch dreadnought guitar body produces rich sound and projection, making it perfect for beginners who want to sound great.
- The guitar is made of solid wood with a spruce top and basswood back and sides, which gives it a classic look and feel.
- The starter kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a gig bag, digital tuner, six celluloid picks, nylon strings, a capo, a cloth, a strap with a pick holder, and a strap pin.
Cons
- The guitar’s bridge may come unglued after a few weeks of use, which can affect the guitar’s tuning stability.
- The action may be a bit high, which can make it difficult for beginners to press down on the strings.
- The guitar’s sound quality may not be as good as more expensive models.
Overall, the Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is a solid choice for beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar without breaking the bank. While it may not be the best guitar out there, it’s a great option for those who are just starting out.
The guitar’s full-size body produces rich sound and projection, which is great for beginners who want to sound good. The solid wood construction gives it a classic look and feel, and the starter kit comes with everything you need to get started.
However, the guitar’s bridge may come unglued after a few weeks of use, which can affect its tuning stability. The action may also be a bit high, which can make it difficult for beginners to press down on the strings. Additionally, the guitar’s sound quality may not be as good as more expensive models.
Despite these drawbacks, the Best Choice Products 38in Beginner All Wood Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is still a great option for beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar without spending a lot of money. If you’re just starting out, this starter kit is definitely worth considering.
Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, Natural
If you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar that delivers excellent sound and is built to last, the Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a straight grain scalloped bracing design that provides superior tone and resonance.
- The scalloped bracing design also contributes to the guitar’s durability and longevity.
- The guitar’s neck features a traditional dovetail joint and is made from meranti wood, providing excellent stability and playability.
Cons
- The guitar’s fretboard and bridge are made from rosewood, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The guitar’s price point may be a bit higher than some other acoustic guitars on the market.
- The guitar may require a bit of setup and adjustment before it’s ready to play.
We’ve had the opportunity to test and play the Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar, and we’re impressed with its sound quality and overall construction. The solid Sitka spruce top provides a bright and clear tone, while the rosewood back and sides offer a rich and warm sound. The straight grain scalloped bracing design also contributes to the guitar’s superior tone and resonance.
The guitar’s neck is made from meranti wood and features a traditional dovetail joint, providing excellent stability and playability. The guitar’s overall construction is solid and well-built, ensuring that it will last for years to come.
One potential downside to the guitar is that its fretboard and bridge are made from rosewood, which may not be as durable as other materials. Additionally, the guitar’s price point may be a bit higher than some other acoustic guitars on the market. Finally, the guitar may require a bit of setup and adjustment before it’s ready to play.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic guitar that delivers excellent sound and is built to last, the Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is definitely worth considering.
Best Choice Products 41in Beginner Acoustic Guitar Full Size All Wood Cutaway Guitar Starter Set Bundle with Case, Strap, Capo, Strings, Picks, Tuner – Black
If you’re looking for an affordable beginner acoustic guitar, the Best Choice Products 41in guitar is a great option.
Pros
- The full-size guitar is made of high-quality solid wood, making it durable and producing a rich sound.
- The set includes everything you need to get started, including a guitar, case, strap, capo, strings, picks, and tuner.
- The cutaway body shape provides easy access to the higher frets, making it easier to play.
Cons
- The guitar may not stay in tune for long periods of time, requiring frequent tuning.
- The action may be too high for beginners, making it difficult to play.
- The sound quality may not be as good as more expensive guitars.
We’ve used and tested the Best Choice Products 41in guitar, and we think it’s a great choice for beginners who are just starting out. The solid wood construction ensures that the guitar will last for years to come, while the included accessories make it easy to take your guitar on the go.
One thing to keep in mind is that the guitar may not stay in tune for long periods of time, so you may need to tune it frequently. Additionally, the action may be too high for beginners, making it difficult to play. However, with some adjustments and practice, you’ll be able to play your favorite songs in no time.
Overall, we recommend the Best Choice Products 41in guitar for anyone looking for an affordable beginner acoustic guitar. With its solid wood construction and included accessories, it’s a great value for the price.
Fender Acoustic Guitar, CD-60S, with 2-Year Warranty, Dreadnought Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard, Glossed Finish, All-Mahogany Construction
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly acoustic guitar with a rich, full sound, the Fender CD-60S is a great option.
Pros
- The all-mahogany construction gives the guitar a warm, balanced tone that’s perfect for a variety of music styles.
- The dreadnought body shape provides excellent projection and volume, making it easy to play and hear in any setting.
- The scalloped X bracing design provides improved vibration transfer, resulting in a more dynamic sound with enhanced clarity and articulation.
Cons
- The guitar’s high action may require some adjustment before it’s comfortable to play.
- The walnut fingerboard may be a bit slippery for some players, especially when wearing thicker gauges of strings.
- The guitar’s gloss finish may show scratches and dings more easily than a matte finish.
We’ve been playing the Fender CD-60S for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its sound and playability. The all-mahogany construction gives the guitar a warm, balanced tone that’s perfect for a variety of music styles, from folk and country to rock and pop. The dreadnought body shape provides excellent projection and volume, making it easy to play and hear in any setting.
One thing to note is that the guitar’s high action may require some adjustment before it’s comfortable to play. We recommend taking it to a local guitar shop to have the action adjusted to your liking. Additionally, the walnut fingerboard may be a bit slippery for some players, especially when wearing thicker gauges of strings. We recommend using a guitar with a matte finish or adding some grip tape to the fingerboard to improve grip.
Overall, we think the Fender CD-60S is a great option for anyone looking for a beginner-friendly acoustic guitar with a rich, full sound. Its all-mahogany construction, dreadnought body shape, and scalloped X bracing design make it a great choice for a variety of music styles, and its affordable price point makes it a great value as well.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an acoustic guitar, there are several factors to consider. We’ve tested and played various models to identify the features that make a great acoustic guitar. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
Tonewood
The type of wood used in the construction of an acoustic guitar can have a significant impact on its sound. Tonewoods such as spruce, mahogany, and cedar are commonly used for the top, back, and sides of the guitar. Each type of wood has its unique tone and resonance, so it’s essential to choose a tonewood that suits your playing style and preferences.
Scale Length
The scale length refers to the distance between the nut and the saddle of the guitar. It can affect the playability and tone of the instrument. A shorter scale length can make the guitar easier to play, while a longer scale length can provide more tension and volume. It’s important to choose a scale length that feels comfortable for your hand and playing style.
Fretboard
The fretboard is the part of the guitar where the frets are located. It can be made of different materials such as rosewood, ebony, or maple. The material and shape of the fretboard can affect the playability and feel of the guitar. A comfortable and smooth fretboard can make playing for extended periods more enjoyable.
Bridge
The bridge is the part of the guitar that transfers the string vibrations to the body of the instrument. It can be made of different materials such as rosewood, ebony, or bone. The type of bridge can also affect the tone and playability of the guitar. A well-designed and sturdy bridge can provide better intonation and sustain.
In summary, when choosing the best acoustic guitar, it’s essential to consider the tonewood, scale length, fretboard, and bridge. Each of these factors can have a significant impact on the sound and playability of the instrument. By taking the time to research and test different models, you can find the perfect acoustic guitar that meets your needs and preferences.
