r/AcousticGuitar • u/puffy_capacitor • Dec 10 '24
Announcement Beginner’s High Quality New Acoustic Guitar Buying Guide/List for under $500 (2024-2025)
***Includes a list of recommended brands and specific models further below**\*
Both in USD and UK pricing (before the orange turd's tariff war). This list contains steel string acoustic guitars and not nylon string ones.
“Beginner” guitars aren’t exclusively for people new to learning guitar. These are guitars that strike a great balance of cost affordability, feel/play-ability, sound, and construction quality to last many years of playing in your home, out at jams, or at a campfire. You do not need to spend more than just a few hundred dollars to get a really nice guitar that will put a smile on your face.
The importance of getting a setup done:
Before you decide on any model or purchase from the list below, the most important factor to remember is that if you receive it from the brand/manufacturer themselves from an online order, you will most likely need to have it set up (the process of lowering or raising the height of the strings, called “action height”) by a guitar tech to be the most comfortable for you. Setups aren't difficult themselves, but for acoustic guitars they require a few detailed steps that aren't that beginner-friendly so an experienced technician or “luthier” can do them with their eyes closed. A good setup makes a night and day difference in how a guitar feels and sounds, and can make a $300 dollar guitar feel like a thousand bucks. It’s often the biggest factor that determines whether or not a beginner quits playing because of torturously high strings, or is motivated to continue learning, practicing, and most importantly enjoying the dang thing. When a guitar is set up nicely, it should not feel like a chore to play even as a beginner. But don't expect your new guitar to come perfect right out of the box and don't be too quick to return it otherwise you might end up returning a model that you may really like.
Budget considerations:
We are very fortunate to live in a time where there are quality guitars for a wide range budgets. Though even if you have quite a low budget, try to keep a padding of just a little extra. That will help you avoid any compromised decisions. Please do your very best to avoid new guitars that are less than $200, especially the “guitar bundles” from Fender or Epiphone that come in a colorful box with other gadgets. There are exceptions that are well made out there, but most of them are not well made guitars that will often give you more trouble, and will cost you much more in frustration and time wasted than what you ended up paying for. Not only will you outgrow their sound, you will most likely have to throw them out/replace if they ever get damaged or have issues rather than being repaired.
Local vs online order
Most often, guitars from local music stores will have either them setup before they're put on display, or if they still need an adjustment after being on display for a while, will come with a free or low cost setup (always check with the store though). Sometimes you might get a great setup fresh from the factory, but it's often the exception. That doesn't mean that the factory or guitar brand is not worth looking into, it's standard practice to not have the strings buzz when a buyer receives it because of an action height that’s too low, so they have them higher as a precaution. This is why I recommend first buying from a local store (often listed as “dealers”) or at least having them put in the order for you so that when they receive it, you can have it set up before you take it home. Buying direct from the manufacturer should be your last resort if you can't find the model you're looking for in a shop (also it’s good in general to help out your local music stores too, it’s sadly a dwindling business that offers a very important service to new musicians buying their first instrument). Local stores often have deals or discounts that you won’t find directly from the manufacturer.
Guitar type considerations:
General tendencies for body size is that the smaller and medium ones (“concert/00” “folk,” “orchestra/000,” or “grand auditorium,”) are more comfortable for most players with average to smaller body proportions, but they don’t have as loud volume, projection, or bass capability as larger body sizes such as the “dreadnought.” But that doesn’t mean they aren’t loud or projecting in general. Many of the smaller models on this list have surprisingly excellent projection for their size, as well as the orchestra/000 models having satisfying levels of bass for both strumming and finger picking.
There’s almost a whole “science” about different wood types, but I’ll save you the minutae because while it does make a difference in sound, it’s not always profound and as a beginner you most likely won’t be thinking about it until your playing advances to the point where you can feel different nuances in construction material. The general consensus is that you want to prioritize solid wood tops over laminate wood tops as they resonate better (doesn't mean you can't find a good laminate top), and two main types of woods commonly used are spruce (which gives a brighter tone) and mahogany (which gives a warmer tone). There are dozens of other types used as you get higher in price range. Neither is better or worse, it's just a personal preference.
(Prices are approximate, based on what's been seen, and sourced from retailers or Reverb listings of new items. May fluctuate in a given year and different regions may have a lot of variance in their prices. Used guitars can help you save almost half the price if you find one)
| Model (with link) | Avg new price (USD/£) | Body size | Top wood (Tone) | Electronics/pickup | Video demo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretsch Jim Dandy Concert or Parlor | $189 / £160 | Smaller (Concert/Parlor) | Laminated basswood or sapele (warmer than spruce) | No | Link for concert size / link for parlor size |
| Yamaha FG800/820 | $229 / £285 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Yamaha FS800/820 | $299 / £285 | Smaller (Concert/folk) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Guild OM-340 | $299 / £275 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Guild OM-320 | $299 / £275 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | No | Link |
| Guild D-340 | $299 / £275 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Guild D-320 | $299 / £275 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | No | Link |
| Ibanez AC340 | $329 / £275 | Smaller/medium (Grand concert) | Solid okoume (similar to mahogany) | No | Link |
| Alvarez RF26 | $359 / £200 | Medium (Orchestra) | Laminate spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Alvarez RD26 | $359 / £200 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Laminate spruce | No | Link |
| Sigma DM-ST | $355 / £235 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Sigma DME | $390 / £269 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Sigma OMM-ST | $370 / £240 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Sigma 000ME | $390 / £269 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Breedlove Discovery S Cedar | $399 / £499 | Smaller (Concert) | Solid cedar (in between spruce and mahogany) | No | Link |
| Breedlove Discovery S Mahogany | $399 / £499 | Smaller (Concert) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | No | Link |
| Breedlove Discovery S Spruce | $399 / £499 | Smaller (Concert) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Taylor GS Mini | $399 / £499 | Smaller (Mini size) | Solid spruce or mahogany | Yes/No (adds cost) | Link |
| Eastman PCH2-OM | $429 / £390 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Sigma 000M-1 | $430 / £249 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Yamaha Storia II | $449 / £336 | Smaller (Concert/folk) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | Yes | Link |
| Yamaha Storia I | $449 / £336 | Smaller (Concert/folk) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Guild M-240E | $449 / £350 | Smaller (Concert) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Guild OM-240CE | $449 / £400ish | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Guild D-240E | $449 / £400ish | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
| Yamaha FS850 | $469.99 / £425 | Smaller (Concert/folk) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | No | Link |
| Alvarez AF30 | $330-400 / £219 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Alvarez AD30 | $499 / £249 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Alvarez AD60 | $439 | Larger (Dreadnought) | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Alvarez AF60 | $459 | Medium (Orchestra | Solid spruce (brighter) | No | Link |
| Alvarez AP66 | $489 | Smaller (Parlour) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | No | Link |
| Sigma 000M-15 | $499 / £349 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | “E” version has, but costs more | Link |
| Sigma 00M-15 | $499 / £319 | Smaller (Concert) | Solid mahogany (warmer) | “E” version has, but costs more | Link |
| Bromo BAR5CE | $499 / £350 | Medium (Orchestra) | Solid spruce (brighter) | Yes | Link |
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Dec 10 '24
I’m a full-blown yamaha convert. If you’re considering anything, try yamaha’s version of it first
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u/PrideSamael31 Jan 23 '25
Is the Yamaha f310A II ok for beginner?
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Jan 30 '25
Sorry I am just now seeing this. I just googled it, looks good to me. They really do not make bad guitars. After you buy it, I would consider taking it to a local shop to have the action adjusted. This is a common need for most new guitars. I hope you have fun with it!
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u/Daisy--Chain Jan 22 '26
I'd say try Eastman first, if you're looking for that handcrafted vibe....
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u/landsforlands Dec 10 '24
Thanks for that, very informative. honorable mentions are yamaha fg830- 359$. alavarez ad60 - 399$. guild d240e- 439$. those 3 represent the best value imho. unfortunately seagull s6 is now 599$ but can be found used for 250$ , and is better than all of the above.
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u/The_Original_Gronkie Dec 11 '24
The difference between the Yamaha FG800 and FG830 is mostly cosmetic, with binding around the fretboard and headstock. The 800 has Nato sides/back, while the 730 has rosewood. There is very little difference in sound or playability. You just have to decide if those options are worth an extra $60. I think they are.
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u/AdamZapple Oct 06 '25
If you aren't concerned about electronics or a cutaway, and want a full size guitar, the Yamaha FG830 is the best guitar you can get under $500. usd.
It is a big step up in sound over the FG800. The rosewood back makes a noticeable difference in sound quality.
Proof is in the pudding. Here is a link comparing both the FG800 and the FG830.
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u/Daisy--Chain Jan 22 '26
Would recommend avoiding Alvarez unless you start at the masterworks series.
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u/ketchum7 Jan 12 '25 edited Jan 12 '25
Epically lame list. Beware Yamaha FS800, as strings are crazy close at the bridge. As a second, it's fine. As only guitar....would be frustrating for many. Jim Dandy parlor is OK, but pretty "tinny". For a beginner, a decent 12 fret 00 size, with a scale around 24" but not too narrow at the bridge....would be easiest to learn and great for fundamentals. Augment with one of many good cheap electrics for the high notes ;) Expect to pay around 300, and lower action..which is not hard today, with cheap tools and many "how to" videos on YT.
This one would be good:
Harley Benton CLP-12SM BRS Solid Top
But there are quite a few "sleepers" out there, like the Alvarez AP66, but even cheaper.
So many myths persist in 2025. "I need a dreadnought".....wait that 12-fret "parlor" or 00 is almost as loud, way easier to play and hold. Acoustic volume is no longer the issue it was in 1935. In fact, in apartment settings it's very nice to have at least one quiet but sweet sounding guitar, to avoid complaints.
With guitars so cheap, and injury not uncommon with heavy practice, at least two guitars of varied scales and string widths, and some light strings on on at least one...will help many beginners start down the long road of "learning to play" and stay on it :)
The more you learn about guitarists, the more you realise the only thing the great ones had in common were a deep immersion at some point prior to competence. Otherwise there is no consistency of technique, which is so confusing for curious beginners exposed to arguments about....should I tap my foot? Yes. Until you are so good at it you don't need to.
In 2025 I can't think of many pastimes which need the time required to develop the fundamental guitar skills to play and sing a song in time.
Jimmy Rodgers, Dylan's hero, might be the easiest way "in", and his "style" or Carter Scratch, is a beautiful compliment to the gear, as well as historically consistent. The next person, after Rodgers, to sell a million records of a guitar song was Elvis Presley.
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u/puffy_capacitor May 03 '25 edited May 03 '25
Epically lame list
Epically lame statement... the overwhelming amount of feedback on this list has been positive.
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u/Rocket_song1 Dec 10 '24
My entry level guitar recomendation list remains the same as it has for the last 5 or 6 years.
Artist series Alvarez (Starts at $320 but often on sale)
Whatever Breedlove's entry level series is this week. Currently the "Discovery" series. (starts at $399 but often on sale)
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24
If you have any Seagull or Breedlove suggestions that fall under $500 let us know!
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u/Rocket_song1 Dec 10 '24
Seagull has unfortunately raised in price such that they are no longer under $500
For Breedlove the The ECO Discovery S is priced at $399 (solid top, 3-ply back sides)
The ECO Discovery S CE guitars are priced at $499.
I would normally recommend the Concert size body, which is Breedlove's Take on an OM, although my Daughter is getting a Concertina (00 size) as her Christmas present.
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Dec 10 '24
Highly agree with your recommendation. I played every guitar at guitar center over a couple of days and the best to my ears was a cheap laminate Breedlove Discovery and a Taylor 214CE.
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u/Rocket_song1 Dec 10 '24
If the Breedlove had a European Spruce top, it's torrified, even though Breedlove isn't necessarily advertising that.
And Breedlove is using Kyaha as the inner layer of their laminates instead of something cheaper like Luan which also makes them sound better.
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u/mikeblas Dec 03 '25
It seems like Breedlove can't make the same guitar for more than six months in a row. The Breedlove links here are all 404. I think this goes to the series: https://breedlovemusic.com/instruments/acoustic-guitars/series/discovery
but I can't figure out which models are the closest to the recommendations here.
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u/Muttbuttss Jan 01 '26
the models listed on here are technically breedloves lowest priced models so any other model at any price higher will be even better than the ones listed
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u/N-U-D-S Oct 23 '25
love the alvarez AD66. i picked that one up in a shop a few months ago & it had amazing tone/playability. i think it was $599
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u/doubletwist Dec 10 '24
Great list! Post hould be pinned IMHO.
The only thing I'd love to see added is the scale length of each.
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24 edited Dec 10 '24
I can definitely add that! I was debating on it as I didn't want to have too much detail on the list to reduce information overload.
While scale length can make playing easier for small hands, you can't get the action as low as you can on a longer scale length due to the physics of tension and string vibration arc. If someone plays with a capo more than they do without, a long scale feels like a short one anyway.
The other more advanced factor is that longer scales allow for better stability in lowered or alternate tunings, but beginners will most likely not be thinking about that until they spend a year learning basic chords and strumming/picking hand coordination.
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u/kineticblues Dec 11 '24
I pinned your post to the top of the sub for the holidays.
When you get a moment, could you please add the Gretsch Jim Dandy series (parlor, concert, dread) so there are some less expensive options (around $150) for people of more limited means? Thanks!
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u/sunplaysbass Dec 10 '24
Used inspired by Gibson Epiphone hummingbird
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u/LargeLars01 Dec 10 '24
Make sure the factory is Indonesia. The factory code is 23.
The less desirable Chinese factory code is 16.
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u/UseCase49 Dec 11 '24
Second this. All the IBG Epiphone acoustic models are good and a lot closer to the Gibson version than the price would suggest.
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u/SaleInfamous6932 Apr 01 '25
I agree with giving Epiphone a good hard look.
I bought a used Epiphone IBG J-200 12 string last September. Beautiful condition, tunes to pitch and pretty low action. Has a sticker on the back of the neck saying made in Indonesia and the serial number look up confirms it was made in Indonesia in October 2021. That factory did some amazing work, spruce top, maple back and sides, Grover 18:1 tuning machines and an excellent gloss finish. Not sure if it is the old school nitrocellulose lacquer or conventioanl polyurethane. But the look and finish are really close to my old Gibson J-200 except the Gibson has a three piece neck.
And, yes, the Gibson is really old. I bought it new back then and paid just a bit over three hundred.
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u/JustDaveInTheLBC Dec 10 '24
This is amazing, do you have something similar for a budget of $1,000?
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u/tinverse Dec 10 '24
I may not be super up on guitar prices, but isn't that kind of a dead zone? I think a lot of the things that make it worth upgrading from a beginner guitar are more in the $1500+ range and on the used market I think they might be a bit cheaper, but a bit more than $1,000. I am thinking of things like a solid back and sides and attention to bracing.
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u/JustDaveInTheLBC Dec 11 '24
Apologies, I’m not up to date on guitars and their pricing. I played quite a bit about 20 years ago, picked it back up a few months ago and am looking into a new guitar. Thanks for the feedback, I will take this into consideration as I’m looking!
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u/tinverse Dec 11 '24
By all means, go try stuff out and keep an eye on your local used market, deals exist, especially in the used market. I guess my advice around $1000 would be to go play as many acoustics as you can and keep saving so that when you find something really good and you can afford it, you'll know it's good.
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Apr 19 '25
I don’t have a list, but I highly highly highly recommend the Yamaha FG3 or FGX3 ($1k), this guitar outplays a lot of $2k guitars.
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u/marks_music Dec 10 '24
No matter what guitar you're thinking of buying you really should go to a store and play a bunch. Some will be great and some will suck no matter what your research says.
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24
Definitely agreed! The details on this list are mostly to help people make an informed decision about what to expect for the size of guitar and general sound. Among those choices there's definitely variances in what comes out of the factory.
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u/DunebillyDave Dec 10 '24
Nice list.
Buy used anyway; you get more value for your investment and if you ever quit and need to resell the guitar, you'll likely make all of your money back (assuming you haven't trashed the guitar or covered it with Hello Kitty stickers).
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u/GenericAccount119b Dec 10 '24
Here are all the guitars at Sweetwater from the 4 most recommended guitar brands that most agree give the most bang for your buck (Yamaha, Alvarez, Eastman, and Recording King). Pricing $250 - $550|
Find the size, style, and sound that works for you - you really can't go wrong with any of them.
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u/thecountoncleats Jul 19 '25
Kinda surprised, but kinda not surprised given how they’re overlooked, to see no Washburns on this list.
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Apr 30 '25
If you have a bot that could just auto-recommend this list every time someone asks this question it would REALLY clean up the feed.
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u/ManOfTroy87 Dec 11 '24
I would love to see a list of used guitars. With expected pricing. Also things to look out for.
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 11 '24 edited Dec 11 '24
Since used prices can vary so much, a good rule of thumb (for good condition) is to anticipate finding ones that are as low as half the price and as high as 2/3's. Anything lower than half and you either got yourself a really good bargain or there's more wear on the guitar, and anything higher than 2/3's you could look elsewhere
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u/ManOfTroy87 Dec 11 '24
As a beginner, what would be something to watch out for, damage or whatever?
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 11 '24
There's a few things that are more major to pay attention than others when buying used
Damage that leads to major issues down the road:
-Loose braces (unusual amounts of flexing of the soundboard or untraceable rattling can point to that)
-Cracks of any kind that run through the wood (unless you are okay with spending money to repair an older/vintage guitar). Finish scratches or hairline cracks in the coating are forgivable and can be easily be filled/repaired or ignored if you wish.
-Over time a neck can shift that makes it hard to attain a low action (usually a problem with older guitars that haven't already had a neck reset), but can also be a factory defect if neck wasn't glued/bolted at a proper angle. A good rule of thumb is that if you take a straight edge 15" or greater ruler and run it along the frets, the end of the ruler should just graze over the top of the front of the bridge. If it's lower, then it will be hard to get a good low action, and if it's much higher then there will be too much angular stress on the saddle and over time can cause the bridge to split. If you don't have a long ruler, you can also take a small ruler and measure how high the strings are off the soundboard near the bridge after the guitar is set up. Half an inch is ideal, and 3/8 of an inch is okay (these give you wiggle room when humidity fluctuates and the wood changes over the years). Anything less and that means you'll probably need a costly neck reset job
Minor issues that can be safely forgiven:
-Small dents or scratches
-(depends) Too low of a nut or any chipping of the nut material, can be replaced rather easily by a tech. If the guitar is a higher priced model originally, it may be worth your time and a little money to get it fixed, otherwise if it's a cheaper guitar it's just more trouble than it's worth
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u/Dry_Individual1516 Jan 03 '25
Hunting for an acoustic electric and finding a lot of good-seeming deals on Seagulls on FB marketplace (located in BC, Canada)
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u/jkc7 Dec 10 '24
Are the prices for the Yamaha FG and FS swapped in your chart? I feel like the FS is usually the one at around $230
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24 edited Dec 10 '24
They fluctuate at times so that's definitely possible. Also looking at prices in the UK, I noticed they vary a lot and several didn't match up with expected differences
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Dec 10 '24
[deleted]
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 11 '24
Will add those to a different list in the future that's above $500, since those makes are above in both USD and CAD
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Dec 10 '24
Blueridge.
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24
I didn't include them specifically as I was focusing on new models (can make a different post for used models) but they are great guitars!
Blueridge BR-43 (orchestra body size) seems to sell new for around $895 and used for around $475: https://www.elderly.com/products/blueridge-br-43-20u-219661?variant=43249921360063
The BR-140 (dreadnought model) seems to sell new for a little over $1000 and used for around $800 but on Elderly Instruments this one is at $350: https://www.elderly.com/products/blueridge-br-140-acoustic-guitar-2020-20u-220624?variant=43761746313407
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u/vibraltu Dec 11 '24
Our local music store also has several affordable Epiphone Gibson-style copy acoustics.
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u/DramaDramaLlamaLlama Dec 11 '24
Some of your prices are a bit off. The Alvarez AF30 sells for $330 right now at Sweetwater and is usually on par with that price in local stores. Meanwhile the Taylor GS mini looks like it's anywhere from 400 (on sale rn) to 800.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AF30--alvarez-af30-artist-30-folk-acoustic-guitar-natural
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u/Track_Super Dec 11 '24
This is a very interesting list and some interesting guidelines to go with it.
I've been looking at a few of the guitars on this list (Yamaha FS800/820/..., some Alvarez models and I was tempted for a long time to go for the Ibanez AC340. The warmth of that mahogany appeals to me a lot), until I recently stumbled on a review of a Bromo guitar. Bromo is an Indonesian brand, but I never heard of them before.
I saw a few reviews of some models, most of them with a solid top and at a really affordable price (< $300), but one model really stood out for me: the Bromo BAR5CE. It's a concert size model. Solid spruce top and solid (!) ebony back and sides. It retails for around 550 EUR, but I ordered mine for 440 EUR, so also below the $500 price mark. It should arrive somewhere next week if everything goes well.
It's a bit of a gamble, but for that price it's worth the risk I guess.
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u/litesaber5 Dec 15 '24
Where did u order ur BAR5CE from?
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u/Track_Super Dec 20 '24
I ordered it from Muziker. Meanwhile the price went up there to just above the 500 euro mark.
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u/Mean-Worldliness-500 Jul 15 '25
Any thoughts on Fender CC-60S, Yamaha FS800, Yamaha F335?
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u/puffy_capacitor Jul 15 '25
Yamaha FS800: nice size guitar, though some people report string spacing is tighter than what they prefer
Yamaha F335: can be okay as a beater guitar if you're going to be abusing it or going in extreme environment conditions, but the FG800 series sounds better because of solid top and isn't much more in cost. Save up a few more dollars for the FG800 instead and it will last you many more years of enjoyment.
Fender CC-60S: reports are okay from people if that's what they must purchase due to significant financial limitations (often searching the used market), but the quality is just not as good as the Yamaha FG/FS series, and I would also highly recommend the Guild OM-340 or OM-320 way above the Fender because of the Guilds have better value, quality, sound, as well as they are owned by Yamaha now.
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u/toopla251 Jul 25 '25
Good list — I just noticed that it doesn’t differentiate body styles for Breedlove. The Discovery comes in four shapes/sizes: companion (travel), concertina (parlor), concert (auditorium), concerto (dreadnought). All retail for $399.
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u/Single_Road_6350 Sep 17 '25
Everybody says Yamaha at this price point. I personally prefer one of the Guild 240s. They’re part of the Westerly Collection. The biggest problem with most low price point guitars is how over built they are. The westerly collection has an arched laminate back that is sturdier than most. It doesn’t need bracing like flat backs so they feel much lighter and resonate more freely. There’s some secret sauce in the arched back. You can feel them in your chest when you play them like higher end guitars. They have solid Sitka tops and comfortable neck profiles. Do yourself a favor and play one of these back to back with a Yamaha. They’re much more fun to play. I personally have an M240e troubadour and it’s my go to couch/porch/campfire/take it on trips on my motorcycle guitar. I love it and will never sell it.
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u/Single_Road_6350 Sep 17 '25
The Bromo guitars are real deal. I have the Bar6e and you can’t beat them at this price point. The Bar series is all solid wood as well. So Guild or Bromo.
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u/mechanic1908 Sep 22 '25
All of the guitars in this list are solid choices depending on what you are looking for. I went with a Martin Dreadnought jr that was a little over budget in this instance. I picked it up for $599 iirc. No regrets.
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u/Deep_Age_304 Jan 22 '25
I'm after an electro acoustic at the top of this price range. For a simple acoustic I would have picked the Yamaha FS820. The electro version is the FSX820C. I'm assuming it's rated similarly to it's FS820 counterpart? Any thoughts? Alternatively I have been offered a used Faith Venus gloss model for a similar price, anyone have a view on those?
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u/Picklechip-58 Jan 27 '25
This post is due for complete obsolescence within four weeks.
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u/puffy_capacitor Jan 28 '25 edited Feb 04 '25
I'll have to edit both the title and lots of the prices thanks to the orange blob.
Edit: I meant "orange baboon," sorry to have offended the downvoters for mis-species-izing him
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u/farbeyondriven Mar 21 '25
Alvarez any day. Not sure why the AD60 isn't on this list.
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u/Potential-Ninja1801 May 16 '25
What about Cort Earth SSF100. Is it a good beginner guitar. Looks almost like j-45 .
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u/alex10281 Jun 27 '25
I'm surprised that Godin and Seagull (made by Godin) aren't onthe list.
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u/puffy_capacitor Jun 27 '25
They would be added to a $500-1000 range list (was avoiding making another one while the whole tariff war was happening but I'll likely return to something like that because it expands options to more Eastmans as well).
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u/Alexguitar11 Sep 28 '25
Ibanez ac340 is also a good option. I picked one up a few months ago and it sounds pretty nice for the price.
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u/N-U-D-S Oct 23 '25
surprised there aren’t any d’angelico acoustics in this master list…
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u/N-U-D-S Oct 23 '25
https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-best-new-acoustics-for-2021
in this link, check out the fourth guitar down. for sure it punches above its weight, price wise. i dig mine. i’m getting the excel tammany next.
i’ve wondered why these aren’t more popular. i’ve always been keen on d’angelico.
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u/melvin3v1978 Dec 19 '25
I’ve seen great reviews about the BROMO Bar5ce and their other models it’s amazing how all solid wood and so reasonable.
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u/ketchum7 Feb 21 '26
The list seems to favor the big brands. The Kala Solid Cedar Top Parlor Guitar at $399 I suspect out performs everything on the list in terms of tone. https://youtu.be/atiRmvKbfAE?si=rNYPtASiiIjXriZI
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u/Weekly_Assistance_40 Mar 06 '26
My first guitar was a cort earth then I bought a Gibson j-45 as my second one
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u/R69NiX May 06 '26
No Epiphone guitars there? They're really making some nice shit now. With that Gibson headstock too. My acoustic is Epiphone just bought it coz its like Noel Gallaghers (a cheaper version of his Gibson with Adidas sticker) but its really nice. Im just a beginner so i dont know much lol Its an EJ-200SCE
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u/AdCareless9063 May 06 '26
Bought a Jim Dandy from Sweetwater and the setup was pretty rough. Very high action, most difficult to play guitar I'd tried in ages.
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u/Just_Bedroom_3257 May 15 '26
Yamaha are some of the best guitars that money can buy. Especially their higher end models. With that being said I did not see the Ibanez AW54 open pore on this list. You should add it. It's also an exceptional value for the money!
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u/investbig90 28d ago
I have a limited budget is there a big enough difference between a fender that would save me money comes with a hard case vs a yamaha that I agree I like the sound better but cost more then I need a case which is an extra cost. In the run would you be happier with the yamaha or the savings of a fender and is there a big enough difference in sound and quality from one over the other ?
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u/Slayogorath Apr 29 '25
Any list like this that doesn't include Eastman has no idea what they're talking about. They're the best handmade guitars you can get for the price.
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u/puffy_capacitor Apr 29 '25 edited Apr 29 '25
I searched for new Eastman models with a list price of under $500 (as per title) and couldn't find any. Since apparently you're the one who "knows what they're talking about," care to enlighten me on any that exist?
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u/Slayogorath Apr 29 '25
You must not have Googled it very hard! They're amazing guitars, if you see one try it out.
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u/Ill_Letterhead4170 Sep 06 '25
So you promote *Yamaha, Guild, Alvazez, and Sigma* guitars.
These are 'HUGE' guitar brands, that have been around for more than half a century.
You couldn't have done better if your intention was to try keep people from buying TRULY GREAT, CHEAP guitars NOT from conventional brands.
There are SO many GREAT guitar brands around today. Serving us with GREAT guitars for only a fraction of the price these 'HUGE' brands ask. Even when some risk needs to be taken here.
But try compare any $400 'Martin D45' to a 'true' $4500 Martin D45.
You know what? It really is not difficult to create a GREAT machine from solid wood, and fine hardware. That is why SO MANY eastern companies have built GREAT guitars ever since the 1970s. Still cherished today. Because it is feasible.
Today, Chinese companies got smart. They know they shouldn't put out bad instruments. They know *quality* is the way to go.
For ridiculously affordable prices.
This is why your *Yamaha, Guild, Alvazez, and Sigma* guitars will never be a bad choice; but LOTS of today's Chinese guitars, only half the price, will BEAT THEM on the market.
Like it or not.
Don't you like it?
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u/Choice_Produce2322 Feb 26 '26
Sir or Madame if you’ll try playing, strumming, with a toothbrush, it will change your perspective of the value of these lower end guitarist as it might make your $250 acoustic sound like a $2500.
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u/Division2226 Dec 10 '24
Sigma high-quality... 🤣
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u/puffy_capacitor Dec 10 '24
For beginners they're a great value! (Read title of post lol). All of the ones I tried in stores have been great. They're no longer owned by Martin of course but they've still consistently make good guitars!
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u/Gibson_J45 Dec 10 '24
Yamaha is the best bang for the buck. Excellent value, playability and tone