Looking to start playing the guitar without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 affordable acoustic guitars that won’t compromise on quality. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these budget-friendly options offer great sound, durability, and excellent value for your money. Get ready to strum your way to musical bliss with these top picks!
1. Yamaha FG800
– Features
The Yamaha FG800 is known for its excellent playability and sound quality, making it a popular choice among beginners and experienced guitarists alike. It features a solid spruce top, which enhances the guitar’s resonance and projection. The back and sides are made of nato wood, which contributes to its warm and balanced tone. The neck is made of nato wood as well, and it has a comfortable slim profile, allowing for easy fretting and chord transitions. The guitar also comes with an adjustable truss rod, ensuring optimal neck stability.
– Pros
One of the standout features of the Yamaha FG800 is its affordability. It is widely regarded as one of the best cheap acoustic guitars on the market, offering great value for its price. It produces a rich and vibrant sound, with a good balance of lows, mids, and highs. The solid spruce top also improves the guitar’s durability and longevity, allowing it to withstand frequent use without compromising its overall quality. The slim neck profile makes it comfortable to play for extended periods, reducing hand fatigue.
– Cons
While the Yamaha FG800 is generally praised for its quality, some users may find the guitar’s tone to be a bit lacking in depth and complexity compared to higher-end models. Additionally, the nato wood used for the back and sides may not be as visually appealing as other types of tonewoods. Some users also report slight intonation issues and recommend getting the guitar properly set up by a professional to address these concerns.
2. Fender FA-115
– Features
The Fender FA-115 is a versatile and affordable acoustic guitar designed for beginners and casual players. It features a laminated spruce top, which provides a bright and well-balanced sound. The back and sides are made of laminated mahogany, adding warmth and depth to the overall tone. The neck is made of maple, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The FA-115 also comes with a rosewood fretboard, which enhances the guitar’s sustain and adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Fender FA-115 is its excellent build quality. Fender is renowned for producing high-quality instruments, and the FA-115 is no exception. Despite its affordable price, the guitar feels solid and well-made, ensuring it can withstand regular use without any durability issues. The laminated spruce top delivers a crisp and clear sound, making it suitable for various musical styles. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard make it easy for beginners to learn and progress on the instrument.
– Cons
One potential drawback of the Fender FA-115 is its lack of advanced features. While it is a solid and reliable acoustic guitar, it may not offer the same tonal versatility or nuanced sound as more expensive models. Some players may prefer a greater range of tones, especially if they are looking to explore different genres or playing styles. Additionally, the laminated wood construction, while durable, may not produce the same resonance and depth as solid wood guitars.
3. Epiphone DR-100
– Features
The Epiphone DR-100 is a budget-friendly acoustic guitar that offers impressive sound quality and playability. It features a select spruce top, which contributes to its bright and articulate tone. The back and sides are made of mahogany, adding warmth and depth to the overall sound. The mahogany neck is slim and comfortable, allowing for easy fretting and chord transitions. The DR-100 also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing surface.
– Pros
One of the standout features of the Epiphone DR-100 is its affordability without compromising on quality. It is often praised for its impressive sound projection, delivering a rich and well-balanced tone that belies its price range. The guitar’s build quality is also commendable, with solid construction that ensures durability and longevity. The slim neck profile makes it comfortable to play, even for players with smaller hands. It is a popular choice for beginners and casual players looking for a reliable and affordable instrument.
– Cons
While the Epiphone DR-100 offers excellent value for its price, some players may find the overall sound lacking in complexity compared to higher-end guitars. The select spruce top is not as resonant as solid spruce, which can affect the depth and richness of the tone. Some users also report minor intonation issues, although these can typically be addressed with a professional setup. Additionally, the guitar’s plain appearance may not appeal to those seeking a more visually striking instrument.
4. Ibanez AW54
– Features
The Ibanez AW54 is a mid-priced acoustic guitar that combines affordability with high-quality craftsmanship. It features a solid mahogany top, which contributes to its warm and full-bodied tone. The back and sides are made of mahogany as well, enhancing the guitar’s overall resonance and projection. The mahogany neck has a slim profile and a smooth satin finish, allowing for easy and comfortable playability. The AW54 also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a responsive and versatile playing surface.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Ibanez AW54 is its exceptional sound quality. The solid mahogany top and body produce a rich and well-balanced tone, with excellent projection and resonance. The guitar is particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, thanks to its warm and articulate sound. The slim neck profile and satin finish make it comfortable to play for extended periods, reducing hand fatigue. The AW54 is also praised for its eye-catching aesthetics, with its natural wood finish and elegant rosette design.
– Cons
While the Ibanez AW54 offers great value for its price, some players may find the guitar’s action (string height above the fretboard) to be a bit high out of the box. This can make it slightly more challenging for beginners to fret notes cleanly. However, this issue can typically be addressed by adjusting the truss rod or seeking a professional setup. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, such as uneven finishes, although these do not affect the guitar’s overall playability or sound quality.
5. Seagull S6 Original
– Features
The Seagull S6 Original is a well-regarded acoustic guitar that offers impressive sound quality and craftsmanship at a competitive price point. It features a solid cedar top, which produces a warm and vibrant sound with excellent dynamic range. The back and sides are made of wild cherry wood, adding a unique tonal character to the guitar’s overall sound. The maple neck has a comfortable slim profile and a smooth satin finish, allowing for easy fretting and smooth playability. The S6 Original also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a responsive and versatile playing surface.
– Pros
One of the standout features of the Seagull S6 Original is its exceptional sound quality. The combination of a solid cedar top and wild cherry wood body results in a rich and well-balanced tone, with a warm low end and clear highs. The guitar also offers great dynamics, allowing players to express themselves with ease. The craftsmanship of the S6 Original is highly regarded, with meticulous attention to detail and excellent build quality. It is a popular choice among professional musicians and serious enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile instrument.
– Cons
While the Seagull S6 Original is generally well-regarded, some players may find the guitar’s neck width to be slightly wider than they prefer. This can make it a bit more challenging for players with smaller hands to navigate certain chord shapes. However, many players adapt to the wider neck with practice, and it can also be a preference for those who like more space between the strings. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, although these do not affect the guitar’s overall playability or sound quality.
6. Jasmine S34C
– Features
The Jasmine S34C is an affordable acoustic guitar that offers good playability and sound quality. It features a laminate spruce top, which provides a bright and lively sound. The back and sides are made of sapele, adding warmth and resonance to the overall tone. The nato neck has a slim profile, allowing for comfortable and easy playability. The S34C also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing surface.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Jasmine S34C is its affordability. It is often regarded as one of the best entry-level acoustic guitars on the market, offering excellent value for its price. The laminate spruce top delivers a bright and well-balanced tone, making it suitable for various genres and playing styles. The slim neck profile and smooth fretboard make it comfortable to play for beginners, allowing for easier chord transitions and learning. The S34C is a great choice for those on a tight budget or beginners looking for their first guitar.
– Cons
While the Jasmine S34C is a reliable and affordable acoustic guitar, some players may find the overall sound lacking in depth and complexity compared to higher-end models. The laminate construction, while durable and resistant to humidity changes, may not produce the same resonance and richness as solid wood guitars. Some users also report that the guitar’s build quality is not as solid as more expensive models, particularly with regards to the tuners. However, these issues are generally minor and do not significantly impact the playability or usability of the guitar.
7. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
– Features
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a unique and affordable acoustic guitar that offers vintage appeal and charm. It features a laminated mahogany top, which produces a warm and resonant tone. The back and sides are made of laminated mahogany as well, enhancing the overall richness and depth of the sound. The neck is made of nato wood, with a comfortable C-shaped profile that allows for easy fretting and smooth playability. The G9500 also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a responsive and versatile playing surface.
– Pros
One of the standout features of the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is its vintage-inspired design and sound. It captures the essence of old-school blues and folk guitars, offering a distinctive and characterful tone. The laminated mahogany top and body contribute to the guitar’s warm and resonant sound, making it perfect for intimate acoustic performances. The G9500 is also praised for its excellent build quality, with solid construction that ensures durability and longevity. It is a popular choice among vintage guitar enthusiasts and players looking for a unique and affordable instrument.
– Cons
While the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy excels in capturing a vintage-inspired sound, some players may find it less versatile than other models. Its warm and mellow tone may not be as suitable for genres that require brighter or more aggressive sounds. Additionally, the laminate construction may not offer the same level of resonance and projection as solid wood guitars. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, such as rough finishes or misaligned parts, although these do not affect the overall playability or sound quality of the guitar.
8. Martin LX1 Little Martin
– Features
The Martin LX1 Little Martin is a compact and travel-friendly acoustic guitar that offers excellent sound quality and playability. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, which delivers a rich and well-balanced tone with great projection. The back and sides are made of high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany, providing durability and increased resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. The neck is made of rust birch laminate, with a comfortable C-shaped profile that allows for easy fretting and smooth playability. The LX1 also comes with a Richlite fingerboard, a sustainable alternative to ebony, offering a smooth and responsive playing surface.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Martin LX1 Little Martin is its portability and compact size, making it an ideal choice for traveling musicians or those with limited storage space. Despite its small body, the LX1 delivers a surprisingly rich and vibrant tone, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top. The high-pressure laminate construction ensures durability and resistance to environmental changes, making it a reliable option for different climates. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard allow for easy and enjoyable playability, even for players with smaller hands.
– Cons
While the Martin LX1 Little Martin is highly regarded for its quality and portability, some players may find the smaller body size to be less suitable for certain playing styles or genres. The compact design may result in less volume and projection compared to full-sized acoustic guitars. Additionally, the use of high-pressure laminate for the back and sides may affect the overall resonance and depth of the tone. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, such as uneven finishes or rough edges, although these do not impact the guitar’s overall playability or sound quality.
9. Washburn WD10
– Features
The Washburn WD10 is an affordable acoustic guitar that offers solid sound quality and playability. It features a spruce top, which produces a bright and well-balanced tone. The back and sides are made of mahogany, adding warmth and depth to the sound. The mahogany neck has a comfortable profile, allowing for easy fretting and smooth playability. The WD10 also comes with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a responsive and versatile playing surface.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Washburn WD10 is its affordability without compromising on quality. It is often praised for its excellent value for money, offering a reliable and well-built instrument at an affordable price point. The spruce top delivers a bright and clear tone, suitable for various musical styles. The mahogany back and sides contribute to the guitar’s overall warmth and resonance. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard make it easy to play, even for beginners or those with smaller hands.
– Cons
While the Washburn WD10 offers great value for its price, some players may find the overall sound lacking in complexity and depth compared to higher-end models. The spruce top, while solid, may not have the same resonance and projection as solid wood guitars. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, such as uneven finishes, although these do not affect the guitar’s overall playability or sound quality. Additionally, the guitar may require a professional setup out of the box to ensure optimal action and intonation.
10. Rogue RA-090
– Features
The Rogue RA-090 is an entry-level acoustic guitar that offers good playability and sound quality at an affordable price. It features a whitewood body, which provides a balanced and versatile tone. The nato neck has a comfortable profile, allowing for easy fretting and smooth playability. The RA-090 also comes with a rosewood fretboard, providing a responsive and versatile playing surface.
– Pros
One of the main advantages of the Rogue RA-090 is its affordability. It is often regarded as one of the best budget acoustic guitars, offering a reliable and playable instrument at a low price point. The whitewood body delivers a balanced and versatile tone, suitable for different musical styles and genres. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard make it easy to play for beginners, allowing for easier chord transitions and learning. The RA-090 is a popular choice for those on a tight budget or beginners looking for their first guitar.
– Cons
While the Rogue RA-090 is a reliable and affordable acoustic guitar, some players may find the overall sound lacking in depth and complexity compared to higher-end models. The whitewood construction, while durable, may not produce the same resonance and richness as solid wood or higher-quality tonewoods. Some users also report minor cosmetic imperfections, such as uneven finishes, although these do not affect the guitar’s overall playability or sound quality. Additionally, the budget-friendly price point may result in less attention to detail in terms of craftsmanship and setup.
In conclusion, there are many affordable acoustic guitars available on the market that offer excellent sound quality, playability, and value for money. From the Yamaha FG800 with its solid spruce top and affordability, to the Martin LX1 Little Martin with its compact size and portability, there is a guitar to suit every budget and playing style. Whether you’re a beginner starting your musical journey or an experienced guitarist looking for a reliable practice instrument, these affordable options provide an excellent balance of quality and affordability. Ultimately, the best cheap acoustic guitar is the one that feels comfortable to play and produces the sound you desire, so take the time to try out different models and find the one that suits you best. With the right instrument in your hands, you’ll be ready to strum away and enjoy the joy of playing the guitar.
