r/AcousticGuitar • u/puffy_capacitor • Dec 10 '24
***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 |
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Letruck21 • 8h ago
I just bought a brand-new Ibanez acoustic guitar, but the truss rod is visible. Is that normal? This is my first acoustic; I'm more of an electric guitar player so I'm a bit lost here
r/AcousticGuitar • u/turd_fergusons • 19h ago
"You ruined the resale value."
"Nobody will want to buy that from you."
"Good luck ever selling that guitar."
My Larivée D-40 Koa & Moonspruce, satin finish.
- Picture 1 - Original configuration/appearance
- Picture 2 - After custom stain
- Picture 3 - Larivée's "Iced Tea" sunburst
Local music store had a great deal on this Larivée. The satin finish was really clean, but I always wanted a guitar with a sunburst. So I found a luthier who does this kind of work and here is the result. I am thoroughly impressed with how it turned out, especially how well the darker orange/amber color on the top around the edges matches with the Koa sides.
So there it is. I bought a limited edition guitar and ruined the "value" by applying a non-factory stain.
Anyone else here anger the keyboard jockeys by altering their personal gear? Drop your pics below! 👇
r/AcousticGuitar • u/martijnb16 • 10h ago
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Just picked up guitar a few days ago. Found a tutorial for this song. Helped me learn upstrokes and improved my speed for switching chords
r/AcousticGuitar • u/FeedLanky2654 • 6h ago
All the way from Maine USA. A Bourgeois L-dbo/14 Tuxedo -2021 with the Guitar Vista Insignia.
I was supposed to be sending a large sum of money to the IRS today but learned after I woke up that my CPA had fucked up. Again.
Anyways, I figured I’d use some of that retained moolah to get myself a little sumthin’ that sounds and plays really, really nice.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Vegetable_Presence62 • 4h ago
Hi so im a sucker for those old pre-war martins and i have an 00-21 from the 1920’s but times are tough and i have to sell it. I love the sound so much. It’s such a powerful guitar and it plays like a dream. I havent really explored much but I’ve played some great guitars from unknown makers that are fantastic. Got any steel string acoustic guitar maker recommendations for a $500-800 budget?
Obviously taking a huuuge hit here. I am not expecting another heavenly guitar for that price, but i do want the next best thing that i can afford.
Cheers all! Hope the times have been well to you
r/AcousticGuitar • u/dkin11 • 5h ago
r/AcousticGuitar • u/CornerSolution • 12h ago
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r/AcousticGuitar • u/leonaguitars • 11h ago
* Body: 000, 14-fret
* Top: Bearclaw Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
* Sides: Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)
* Back: Three-piece Purpleheart and Katalox (Swartzia cubensis)
* Binding: Flamed Maple (Acer rubrum)
* Rosette: Mother of Pearl and Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa)
* Neck: Five-piece Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Katalox, and Flamed Maple
* Fingerboard: Ebony (Diospyros crassiflora)
* Fingerboard Inlays: Hand-cut Mother of Pearl
* Bridge: Ebony, pyramid style
* Nut & Saddle: Bone
* Headstock: Purpleheart
* Headstock Inlay: Lizardite
* Tuners: Gotoh 15:1, nickel
* Scale Length: 25 21/32”
* Fingerboard Radius: 12”
* Finish: High-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
* Handcrafted in Mexico.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/hrist86 • 3h ago
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r/AcousticGuitar • u/Terrible_User4987 • 2h ago
Possible this could be dumbest post of the week, and it is on the topic of mystery sounds-I have a 2 month old J45 standard, that is fantastic in every way...but there is a low grade buzzing sound and it sounds like its from the bridge/saddle but there is nothing loose?? it is just low enough of a sound if that I can't hear it as well if im strumming with a pick, it doesnt occur as much finger picking, it is mostly from Low E, A, sometimes D.
I can use a capo to fret strings and use one hand to palm/cover the Baggs volume/tone pod which I though it could be, but still does it. All the pins are in and snug, obviously the saddle has pressure on it so it cant be rattling, its like a mosquito buzzing when I hit a strong, 'bzzzzz' real faint.
I guess removing the whole baggs system would be next test, but, what a pain in the ass. If anyone has any ideas, holler, doesn't even seem like there are many parts that could do this.....im sure its not fret buzz, it seems to originate from bridge saddle area-could it be the baggs pickup stuff under the saddle? maybe?? I don't think I remember it doing this when new, and kinda seems to have developed after I sanded saddle down to lower the action.
Anyway, sorry for the annoying post, thanks for reading.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/GrannysEdibles • 17h ago
Super happy to have found this gently used in a local shop. All original hardware. Been using my Alvarez since the dawn of time and was ready for something with better action. Cheers!
r/AcousticGuitar • u/General_Republic_909 • 3h ago
Just received this beautiful guitar in the mail, and I fucking love it.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Dependent-Till-2524 • 12h ago
Ive noticed there's alot of features on strum machine since the past couple updates you can mess with the band and various other things. Just wondering if anyone is doing anything cool with it different than the standard boom chuck rhythm it comes with as default I would like to get the most out of it and maybe add some extra flavour to my practice . Many thanks
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Proof-Plan3484 • 11h ago
Almost ready to pull the trigger on this..
https://furchguitars.com/en/instruments/violet-series/violet-gc-er-a-masters-choice/
Anyone have any insight, unfortunately im unable to try this guitar or many others where i am.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/isykaleo • 1d ago
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r/AcousticGuitar • u/Sukuna_g12 • 15h ago
Hi everyone!
I'm trying to decide between the Yamaha FS400 and the Yamaha F310 MK2 TBS.
I'm a beginner/intermediate player, and I mainly enjoy fingerstyle, but I also play some songs using strumming. I'm looking for a guitar with good sound quality, a nice tone, and comfortable playability.I've already tried the FS400 and liked it, but I'm wondering how it compares to the F310 MK2 TBS in terms of sound, playability, and overall quality.Which one would you recommend, and why? Is the F310 worth considering over the FS400?
Thanks!
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Lethean616 • 21h ago
This might sound a little cheesy but I feel like his music really speaks to me, and that if I could only play at a fraction of his level then perhaps I too could say something with my guitar.
Could anyone please point me in the right direction for getting started with this style of playing, maybe suggest some easier "stepping-stones" artists to build my way up? I'm reasonably competent with electric guitar, but take the pick out of my hand and all I can really do with an acoustic is strum chords and some very basic fingerpicking patterns.
Also I fully accept that I will likely trash my guitar in the process 😅
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Talkin19 • 1d ago
So a couple times now in the past few weeks I noticed that my daughter has been attracted to an acoustic guitar in a couple stores that we've been to. She loves to sing and has had roles every year in school plays where she sings. She recently began writing some lyrics as well. Today I asked her if she can play any musical instrument, what would it be. Right away, she said guitar repeatedly. So yeah, it looks like Santa is going to be bringing a guitar this year, but the only thing is Santa has zero clue on what to get! I'd rather not take the chatgpt approach in finding out what to get her, and would rather get the input of some guitar players themselves!
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Gozney_Newbie • 22h ago
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Hey everyone,
Would love to get some feedback and hear if this kind of music sounds good. This is just a little story about a girl with big dreams - first three verses.
I’m not very good as a guitarist honestly - getting better slowly after picking it back up recently after 15 years.
I’m not looking to be a pro just enjoying writing and playing songs.
Thanks heaps 🙏
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Mexmix94 • 1d ago
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I’m trying to write more chord heavy songs and get comfortable with double-stops and fingerpicking.
Let me know your thoughts!
Thanks in advance!
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Fabulous-Ice11 • 19h ago
I'm planning to buy my first proper acoustic guitar and am confused between the Yamaha F310 (₹8,500) and the Strydom GA241C (₹10,500).
r/AcousticGuitar • u/Rayan_A_ • 1d ago
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I know I can't sing, but I like it.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/MagazineOk991 • 1d ago
Does anyone have this guitar? I'm thinking about getting one mostly for fingerstyle and light strumming. I love the wood pairing but I don't really know anything about Takamine's build quality compared to more popular brands.
r/AcousticGuitar • u/missishitty • 21h ago
Hello all.
I just got my first FS800 delivered yesterday and I'm loving it so far. The only issue I noticed is that when I go into Drop-D tuning, the top (biggest) string sounds VERY dead. I mean it sounds completely dull and lifeless. But when I tune back up to standard E, it comes back to life and sounds brand new just like the other 5 strings. Anybody else ever have this issue and what did you do to solve it? Thanks.
