From impressive standard sized, to small and parlor-sized acoustics, there are plenty of quality guitars to choose from in this price range, but only a few meet our standards of excellence.
So we decided to narrow down the list to just the top seven, while accommodating as many sizes and designs as possible. We have chosen the guitars that make big-name brands re-think their price tags, proving that quality can be achieved at a more reasonable cost.
Alvarez AD90
This relatively unknown acoustic guitar tops our list with its quality construction and tonewoods – you get more than what you pay for. It features special wood for its back and sides – Acacia Koa, which looks and sounds great. It complements the guitar’s hand selected solid Sitka spruce top well and gives the AD90 a subtly distinct sound. Being the flagship model of the Alvarez Artist Series, you get top notch materials, built to standards that would normally be only available at premium prices.
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Pros: Looks and sounds great with impressive high-end specs.
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Cons: May require string/action setup out of the box.
To ensure the top resonates well, Alvarez hand picks the solid ‘A’ grade Sitka spruce tops from quarter-sawn wood, which for other brands would ridiculously up the price tag. Other impressive features include having a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, real bone nut and saddle, ABS binding and mother of pearl inlays. Although it may require some setting up when you first get it, you will thank yourself for investing your money wisely when you get this instrument. Manufacturer: Alvarez Guitars | Retail Price: $499.
Seagull S6
Don’t be fooled by the entry-level label, this instrument impresses professionals, making people think twice before going for overpriced and hyped high-end guitars. This is your best pick if you are looking for a budget solid cedar top acoustic, it has cedar’s distinct warm sound without burning away at your savings. The use of renewable wild cherry for the back and sides help give it a sound that has some of the qualities of both mahogany and maple, while also keeping the cost and effect to the environment low.
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Pros: Great sound and top notch playability.
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Cons: May not be as visually flashy as some would want.
This instrument is a great example of Seagull’s simple but effective guitar building philosophy – focusing more on quality rather than bling – which results in efficient and affordable instruments. The guitar’s hand-finished neck and comfortable 24.84 scale length provide amazing playabiltiy, easily comparable to high-end acoustics. Having won several guitar awards, you know you won’t be wasting your money on this one. Manufacturer: Seagull Guitars | Retail Price: $419.
The Loar LH-200
We are seeing a resurgence of interest in small-bodied vintage acoustic guitars, unfortunately they are rare and expensive. Thankfully manufacturers like The Loar saw the need and decided to provide affordable alternatives. One of their instruments, the LH-200, caught our attention because it makes the “Golden Age” design and craftsmanship accessible to more players.
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Pros: Pre-war small body and looks, with a throaty vintage tone for acoustic blues.
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Cons: Because of its small size, the volume is sacrificed for tone.
This acoustic guitar has the ’30s era written all over it, featuring a great looking pre-war body style that is complemented by its vintage sunburst finish and open-gear butterbean tuners. Aside from eye candies, it utilizes traditional woods including a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard – resulting in authentic throaty vintage tones ideal for some heartfelt blues playing. Although it lacks in volume, the guitar oozes with appeal and mojo, and you can capture that Robert Johnson look and sound – without having to go down the “Crossroad”! Manufacturer: The Loar | Retail Price: $399.
Breedlove Passport C200/SMP
The C200/SMP is a stripped down guitar that focuses on the things that actually matter to a great acoustic guitar – playability and tone. This guitar feature’s a shape that is designed to reproduce some of the “snap” of smaller OM style bodies, while having the volume and warmth of bigger sized acoustics. The guitar’s shape and craftsmanship allows the solid sitka spruce top and stained maple back and sides to resonate in unison, giving it a clear voice that has impressed even those that already own high-end acoustics.
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Pros: Great craftsmanship, it has the right balance of snap and warmth.
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Cons: Could use a bit more aesthetics.
Although it lacks aesthetic detail, this guitar is sonically on par with more expensive models. It has a versatile sound that can handle both aggressive and subtle playing really well. Breedlove built their reputation by ensuring quality, and their customer service is also one of the few remaining that actually gets good feedback from users. When you buy the C200/SMP, you will be happy with the craftsmanship, sound and their after sales service. Manufacturer: Breedlove Music | Retail Price: $349.
Martin LX1
If you are looking for a great acoustic guitar that you can conveniently take on your travels, or you want a budget friendly acoustic from a reputable brand, then the Martin LX1 is for you. This small guitar has become popular with travelers and beginners, because of its distinct Martin looks and sounds. It is truly a genuine Martin instrument, only smaller and more affordable.
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Pros: Easy to carry and affordable Martin sound.
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Cons: Can be a bit too small and quiet for some.
Underneath its small toy-like appearance, the LX1 is every bit a Martin instrument, featuring a solid Sitka spruce soundboard and mahogany HPL back and sides. Although the small modified 0-14 body may limit the volume, it is designed to carry the distinct Martin sound, only quieter. Its tempting tag price have made it one of the most popular acoustic guitars in the market, and reviews have been unanimous in saying that this is a great all-around instrument that will not disappoint. Manufacturer: Martin Guitars | Retail Price: $299.
Ibanez AW300VS
Ibanez is not one to shy away from new technology when it comes to guitar building, however they also know how to retain traditional design while implementing more efficient and practical building techniques. This results in guitars like the Ibanez AW300VS, which combines traditional looks and sounds with modern reliability and playability.
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Pros: Best bang per buck acoustic guitar in this price range.
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Cons: Might require setting up upon opening the box
With its traditional dreadnought shape and vintage sunburst finish, this guitar looks the part of a classic instrument. Traditional sounds on the other hand are provided by its conventional pairing of solid Engelmann spruce top and mahogany back and sides, built using efficient modern technology. With the AW300VS, you get a sound that has enough bass, volume and clarity to impress even professionals. At this price point, the AW300VS gives you the best bang per buck, thanks to its impressive tone wood selection and craftsmanship. If budget is limited, or if you are just starting out, this is highly recommended. Manufacturer: Ibanez | Retail Price: $299.
Recording King Dirty Thirties RPH-05
The Dirty Thirties RPH-05 guitar is a 1930’s inspired instrument that looks like it came straight out of the past via Doc Brown’s De Lorean time machine! It features a single O parlor body and vintage sunburst finish that gives it an authentic golden era look. This guitar is inspired by the old Montgomery Ward mail order guitars, ideal for folk players, songwriters and traveling troubadours.
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Pros: Ultra-affordable parlor sized acoustic guitar.
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Cons: Will lack volume and may require some setup.
For something so cheap, its impressive to see that the guitar features a solid spruce top and rosewood fretboard. This helps provide that classic steel string acoustic tone as heard on vintage parlor guitars. Other features include aged ivoroid body binding, extra-large fingerboard dots, vintage-inspired tuning keys and the historic shape headstock. This ultra-affordable guitar will make a good and easy addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. Manufacturer: Recording King | Retail Price: $199.