8 Best Acoustic Guitar Reviews – Diamonds in the Rough

Best acoustic guitars

The criteria for a good acoustic guitar can vary based on its price range, but there are some factors that remain constant. Here, we’ll highlight the best acoustic guitars across the most common budget ranges. We also provide insight on why they are market favorites, along with tips on the specs and features to look out for.

Under $200
Under $200
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Under $300
Under $300
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Under $400
Under $400
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Under $500
Under $500
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Under $750
Under $750
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Under $1000
Under $1000
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The more you know about acoustic guitar shapes, tonewoods, and guitar brands, the more you appreciate how they can impact your playing and sound. This curiosity could lead to getting another instrument, which is OK – until it turns into a bottomless rabbit hole.

Thankfully, you can avoid this predicament, or at least reduce your spending, by getting good quality acoustic guitars specific to your budget range.

Here, we feature current market favorite acoustic guitars, covering prices up to $1000, so you can see our recommended guitars depending on your budget.

We decided on a $1000 price ceiling because this is where most guitarists get their first or second acoustic guitars. If you’re looking to step up your game, this guide can help you plan ahead and save up for your next instrument.

If you are just beginning to play and looking for your first guitar, then you might prefer to take a look at our guide to Acoustic Guitars for Beginners.

If you’re into small-bodied acoustics for their focused mid-range tone and easy playability, then check out our guide to Parlor Guitars.

Note that these are acoustic guitars without electronics, if you want a guitar that’s ready to plug in please see our separate guide to Acoustic-Electric Guitars.

The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $200

Check out our separate recommendations for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $200, if you are interested in similarly priced options with built-in acoustic guitar pickup. 

Under $200
fender-cd-60-v3-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Fender CD-60 V3

Street Price:
$199.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Fender CD-60 V3 is an entry-level acoustic guitar that combines quality craftsmanship with affordability. It’s an ideal choice for beginners but has good enough qualities for experienced guitarists to appreciate.

At publication time, this was the Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Under $200.

GEARANK
Incorporating 1300+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Clear and resonant tone
  • Comfortable neck and low string action
  • Quality materials and stable tuning
  • Comes with a protective case
Cons:
  • Sound may be thinner compared to other guitars
  • Might not match the resonance of solid wood

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With a laminated spruce top and scalloped X-bracing, the CD-60 V3 delivers a rich, balanced tone. This makes it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, though it can also perform well on strummed chords.

While it has a midrange sound that leans towards the thinner side, it offers a good balance of bass and treble, providing a clear and resonant sound.

Fender has switched the CD-60 V3 bridge with a high-quality walnut in response to recent restrictions on rosewood use. This choice is an excellent substitute that maintains the guitar’s tonal integrity and affordability.

The laminated mahogany back adds a bold and resonant quality to the sound. Although the volume may be slightly less than some other models in this list, the CD-60 V3 compensates with its tonal clarity and balanced sound.

The CD-60 V3 features a comfortable C-shaped laminated mahogany neck and low-string action. This gives it an easier playing feel, which is great for beginners while still satisfying more advanced players.

The walnut fingerboard ensures smooth playability, and the gloss finish adds a touch of elegance to its classic design.

The CD-60 V3 provides stable tuning and accurate intonation with its quality die-cast tuners and a GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle.

This guitar also comes with a hard case, which is quite neat for a guitar of this price. This makes it easier to transport and protects it while traveling. 

The Fender CD-60 V3 is a fantastic option and is the best acoustic guitar for the money. Its combination of quality material, affordable price, and added hard case, makes it worth considering.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Mahogany
  • Finish: Black, Natural or Sunburst Gloss Finish
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: “C” Shape
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Fingerboard Radius: 11.8″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.3”
  • Nut Width: 1.6875″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Fret Success

*Rating Value

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300

For similarly priced options that come with pre-installed pickups, see our recommendations for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $300.

Under $300
yamaha-fs800-concert-body-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Yamaha FS800

Street Price:
$229.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Yamaha FS800 acoustic guitar combines Yamaha’s renowned student-friendly build quality in a concert profile design. This is a great instrument to learn intricate playing techniques on, with its mellow and rich sound.

Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Under $300 along with the Ibanez AW54

GEARANK
Incorporating 600+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Great value solid spruce top guitar
  • Good projection
  • Warm tone with emphasis on mids and highs
  • Student friendly neck feel
Cons:
  • Lacks low end depth

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The FS800 features a mellow sound with its solid spruce guitar top, making it fit for playing fingerstyle. Its scalloped X-bracing, a nice touch for a guitar at this price range, enhances responsiveness and harmonic richness.

Although it lacks the low-end depth of a dreadnought, the FS800 makes up for it with its emphasis on mids and highs. It projects a full and resonant sound that is perfect for players seeking a more nuanced sound.

Designed with comfort in mind, the FS800 has a small body and a shallow neck profile that fits comfortably in the hand. This makes it an excellent choice for those with smaller frames or those who simply prefer a more compact guitar.

The narrow string spacing and shorter scale length mean reduced tension to the strings, providing an easier playing experience. It works really well with light gauge strings.

This thoughtful design shows Yamaha’s commitment to quality. However, minor imperfections in the fretwork can still be found, which is typical for acoustic guitars at this price point.

At just over $200, the FS800 is a remarkable value. It offers Yamaha’s reliable build quality in a concert guitar format that is easy to play and highly responsive.

A quick string upgrade can help unlock this guitar’s full capability, making it an even more compelling choice.

The FS800 is not only the best acoustic guitar under $300, it is also the best Yamaha acoustic guitar in this list. It’s a standout option if you’re looking for a comfortable, high-quality acoustic guitar with a rich, mellow sound.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Concert
  • Top: Solid Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Nato/Okume
  • Finish: Natural
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Neck: Nato
  • Neck Profile: Slim Tapered
  • Fingerboard: Walnut
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.75″
  • Number of Frets:
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25”
  • Nut Width: 1.6875″

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Tony Polecastro

FNDGuitar

*Rating Value

94/100

95/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Under $300
ibanez-aw54-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Ibanez AW54

Street Price:
$229.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

This warm sounding is easy to play and easy on the wallet. It features a solid Okoume top for a mid-focused tone with impressive harmonic overtones.

Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Under $300 along with the Yamaha FS800

GEARANK
Incorporating 650+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Warm mid-focused tone
  • Nice harmonic overtones
  • Comfortable neck profile
  • Solid Okoume top
Cons:
  • Non-traditional sound
  • Prone to dings and scratches

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Ibanez is better known for their electric guitars, mainly their Superstrat line. But they also produce high-quality and innovative acoustic guitars.

One such example is the Ibanez AW54, which is part of their Artwood series. This guitar features renewable tonewoods, a reason for its more affordable pricing.

The AW54 uses Okoume as its tonewood, a lighter and more readily available wood compared to mahogany. This guitar top also enhances the guitar’s projection and responsiveness.

As a result, the guitar produces a similar “warm” tone, with a stronger representation of the mid frequencies. This makes it great for playing folk, blues, country music, and other songs that require more fingerstyle playing.

Another unique feature of this acoustic guitar is the inclusion of “Ibanez Advantage.” These are bridge pins patented by Ibanez that are designed to make string changes easier.

Its wider “bulb” makes the pin easier to grab. The tapered end, on the other hand, helps hold the strings in the correct position. This is in contrast to normal pins that lift as the string tightens.

It is worth noting that Okoume is softer than mahogany, making it prone to scratches and dings. Additionally, the tonal difference might be a deal breaker for those who prefer the brighter sound of traditional spruce and mahogany tonewood combinations.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a warm-sounding acoustic guitar, the Ibanez AW54 is definitely worth considering. This acoustic guitar is easier to play and more budget-friendly than other mahogany top acoustic guitars.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Okoume
  • Back and Sides: Okoume
  • Finish: Natural
  • Bridge: Ovangkol
  • Neck: Nyatoh
  • Neck Profile: Slim (21mm at 1st Fret)
  • Fingerboard: Ovangkol
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.75″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.629″
  • Nut Width: 1.6875″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Hoff Guitars

*Rating Value

94/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $400

Under $400
yamaha-fg830-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Yamaha FG830

Street Price:
$349.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Yamaha FG830 is a dreadnought guitar that combines classic folk guitar design with modern build quality enhancements. It’s an excellent beginner acoustic guitar, but sounds and plays good enough for even teachers like myself.

At publication time this was the Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar between $300 and $400.

GEARANK
Incorporating 800+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Detailed bright voicing
  • Good projection
  • Solid spruce guitar top
  • Nice looking cosmetic appointments
Cons:
  • A little too crisp sounding

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As the successor to the beloved FG730, the FG830 builds on its predecessor’s legacy with enhancements to its playability and sound.

The FG830 features a solid spruce top, known for its resonant qualities that improve with age. Laminate rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its punchier tone and focused sound.

This combination delivers a nice low end with crisp treble, resulting in a dynamic and balanced tone. FG830’s scalloped bracing also allows for greater resonance and projection.

Its satin neck finish ensures a smooth, comfortable playing experience even on extended sessions. This thoughtful design makes the neck less sticky, adding to the guitar’s nice playability.

The choice of rosewood over mahogany gives the FG830 a stronger high-end punch. This makes it suitable for musical genres that benefit from a brighter, more detailed sound.

The sound difference between laminate rosewood and mahogany isn’t drastic. But, the high-frequency ‘zing’ is noticeable, offering musicians a unique tonal option.

Visually, the FG830 impresses with its classic look and rich aesthetic features. Yamaha’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every detail. It gives this guitar an appearance that rivals more expensive instruments.

Overall, the Yamaha FG830 is a standout dreadnought guitar. It offers top-notch quality and performance at an accessible price point.

It’s a testament to Yamaha’s dedication to producing instruments that appeal to musicians of all levels. This makes it a worthy investment if you want a reliable instrument with a classic acoustic guitar design and new upgrades.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Laminated Rosewood
  • Finish: Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, Autumn Burst
  • Bridge: Rosewood
  • Neck: Nato
  • Neck Profile: Slim Tapered
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: 15.7″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.5″
  • Nut Width: 1.6875″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Aaron Short Music

*Rating Value

98/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500

Below are the top picks for the under $500 price range. For similarly priced options that come with pre-installed pickups, see our recommendations for Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $500. If you want more options in this price range, you can also check our guide to the Best Acoustic Guitar under 500 – featuring an extended list of top-rated standard-size acoustics.

Under $500
martin-d-jr-10-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Martin D Jr-10

Street Price:
$599.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The D Jr-10 is a successful mid-tier offering from C.F. Martin & Co. It is a smaller “junior” size version of their popular dreadnought shape guitar with an all-solid wood body. For its size, it sounds surprisingly good and has that premium feel that you get every time you hold and play a Martin guitar.

At publication time, this was the Highest Acoustic Guitar between $400 and $500.

GEARANK
Incorporating 100+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Solid spruce top plus solid sapele back & sides
  • Full sounding with detailed bass
  • Comfortable short scale
  • Woody Martin tone in a small package
Cons:
  • Lower projection than regular dreads
  • Different playing feel due to shorter scale

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Known for developing the dreadnought, Martin has applied its expertise to create a well-received smaller version.

The D Jr-10 boasts a solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele for the back and sides. Such features are usually reserved for more expensive models but are used in this junior guitar.

It also comes with scalloped X bracing, ensuring high-quality playability and tone, albeit different from its regular-sized dreadnought siblings.

One surprising aspect of the D Jr-10 is its detailed lows. It’s not as deep as regular dreads, but sufficient to make the guitar sound fuller. It offers more bass than other junior or parlor-size acoustic guitars.

It retains the woody and warmer tones that are synonymous with a Martin guitar. It’s preferred by many over the brighter sound of other junior-style acoustic guitars.

While the all-solid wood body improves volume, the small body size limits its projection, making it not as loud as regular-sized acoustics.

Other components, including the neck with a shorter scale length and a narrower nut width, are also scaled down, providing a more comfortable playing experience.

The D Jr-10 also features a thinner body depth similar to 000 Martin guitars and beveled back edges to enhance playing comfort.

Considering that Martin offers high-quality “Junior” guitars at a reasonable price, it is hoped that they will expand this line with a similarly specced and priced parlor guitar, preferably with a slotted headstock.

The Martin D Jr-10 is highly recommended if you want an easy-to-play guitar with the classic Martin tone. As the best Martin Guitar in this guide, it serves as an excellent introduction to premium acoustics.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought Jr
  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Solid Sapele
  • Finish: Satin
  • Bridge: Walnut
  • Neck: Richlite
  • Neck Profile: High Performance Taper (Modified Low Oval)
  • Fingerboard: Richlite
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 24”
  • Nut Width: 1.75″

Rating Source Highlight

Source

Acoustic Life

Louis Cheslaw

*Rating Value

95/100

97/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $750

If you’re looking for similarly priced acoustic guitars that come with pre-installed pickups, then see our guides to Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $750.

Under $750
taylor-academy-10-dreadnought-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Taylor Academy 10

Street Price:
$699.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Taylor Academy 10 dreadnought acoustic guitar is meant for students, but it will easily impress even experienced guitar players. It has Taylor’s impeccable craftsmanship and signature crisp and trebly tone. It also features a beveled armrest for comfortable playing.

At publication time this was the Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar Under $750.

GEARANK
Incorporating 125+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Student-friendly playability
  • Beveled armrest
  • Clear and crisp tone
  • Good build quality
Cons:
  • Mids are a bit scooped
  • Quite pricey for a student guitar

We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The Academy 10 has a slim neck profile and a shorter scale length, making it easier to play. But arguably, its most noticeable feature is its beveled armrest.

This seemingly aesthetic feature serves a more practical purpose. Similar to most electric guitars, this armrest enhances comfort for your picking arm, making it a great new acoustic guitar option for beginners.

It allows your arm to reach the strings effortlessly and promotes good posture. It also prevents your arm from resting on the soundboard which can partially dampen the sound.

This type of feature is typically found on more expensive Taylor guitars. This makes a note-worthy addition to their entry-level guitar.

While the price of the Academy 10 may be above the usual budget for students, those who can save up for it will enjoy a well-built starter guitar with a solid spruce top.

True to Taylor’s reputation, the Academy 10 has a good treble definition without being overly bright. Its bass remains clear and has good depth too.

While it may be a bit lacking in the mid-frequencies, this is to be expected of bright-sounding acoustics.

The Academy 10 has good projection and responds well to dynamic playing, despite its smaller build than most dreadnoughts.

As a streamlined entry-level model, the Academy 10 may not offer much in terms of aesthetics. At this price point, you may find other manufacturers offering good acoustic guitars with better specifications, but quality may vary.

With the Academy 10, you can be assured of a premium quality instrument that translates to a good playing experience.

The Academy 10 is the best Taylor Guitar for the money. This instrument qualifies for a high-quality, clear-sounding, and student-friendly acoustic guitar.

Another popular alternative is the Taylor GS Mini, which is a parlor-sized guitar, but it doesn’t have the beveled armrest of the Academy 10.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Spruce Top
  • Back and Sides: Sapele
  • Finish: Varnish
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Neck: Sapele
  • Neck Profile: Taylor Slim
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 24.875″
  • Nut Width: 1.6875″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Shoreline Music

*Rating Value

96/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

We have additional recommendations in this price range which you can see in our guide to The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1000.

The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1000

If you’re looking for similarly priced acoustic guitars that come with pre-installed pickups, then see our guides to Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $1000.

Under $1000
seagull-s6-original-046386-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Seagull S6 Original

Street Price:
$699.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Seagull S6 Original is a standout choice in the mid-tier acoustic guitar market. It’s known for its unique design and high quality build. Everything about this guitar feels more premium than its price, from it’s playability, to its tone.

At publication time, this was the Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar between $750 and $1000 along with the Guild D-140.

GEARANK
Incorporating 700+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Crafted from renewable wild cherry wood
  • Good quality materials and craftsmanship
  • Clear sounding bright tone with good projection
  • Solid cedar top
Cons:
  • Weird headstock shape
  • Lacks low-end definition

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The Seagull S6 Original offers a warm, rich tone with excellent note definition, thanks to its solid cedar top.

Unlike more commonly used spruce or mahogany, the S6s has a cedar guitar top. This choice of wood underwent pressure testing to ensure durability and structural stability.

In theory, this wood should open up beautifully as it ages, enhancing the sound quality over time.

The S6 Original features a modified dreadnought shape with a slightly narrower upper bout. This construction contributes to its distinctive appearance and sound.

Its body is crafted from wild cherry, a hardwood sourced in Canada. It shares properties with maple, adding brightness to the guitar’s tone.

The combination of cedar and wild cherry produces a sound with lots of low end and a big, warm dreadnought character. It also emphasizes high-mid frequencies and overtones for a bright yet focused tone.

This gives the S6 Original excellent clarity and acoustic projection, perfect for an articulate play style.

One of this guitar’s standout features is its wider neck, which is great for players who enjoy a more detailed and precise playing style. However, this feature might pose a challenge for beginners.

The silver leaf maple neck and rosewood fingerboard of the S6 offer a smooth playing experience. Its Canadian craftsmanship ensures that the neck and fretwork are of high quality and free from significant inconsistencies.

Additional features include a compensated saddle and nut made from composite TUSQ material. It’s GraphTech’s bone substitute made of organic polymer, enhancing tuning stability and intonation.

The S6 also sports Seagull’s distinct narrow headstock, reminiscent of Gibson acoustic Flying Vs. This design aligns the strings better with the tuners for more stable tuning. Although, this unconventional look might not appeal to everyone.

The S6 Original best sounding acoustic guitar in this guide. It stands out as a mid-tier displaying a unique design and quality craftsmanship that Seagull is known for, at a reasonable price.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Modified Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Cedar
  • Back and Sides: Wild Cherry
  • Finish: Semi-Gloss Natural
  • Bridge: Rosewood
  • Neck: Silver Leaf Maple
  • Neck Profile: Not Specified
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Number of Frets: 21
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.5″
  • Nut Width: 1.8″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

MusicRadar

Source

Ed Mitchell

*Rating Value

80/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Under $1000
guild-westerly-collection-d-140-6-string-acoustic-guitar

Guild D-140 Westerly Collection

Street Price:
$799.00
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

The Guild D-140 beautifully combines traditional design with modern craftsmanship and innovations. This all-solid wood body dreadnought has the feel and tone of a classic, that can compete with more premium modern acoustic guitars.

Equal Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar between $750 and $1000 along with the Seagull S6 Original

GEARANK
Incorporating 60+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Classic dreadnought tone and vibe
  • Balanced “focused” tone
  • Loud projection with good clarity
  • Affordable guitar with all solid wood body guitar
Cons:
  • Thick traditional neck
  • Sound is not open and ringing

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This guitar from Guild’s Westerly Collection is known for its punchy sound and great note clarity. The Guild D-140 is fit for players who appreciate a strong midrange and a more focused, less open sound.

It maintains the quality and attention to detail that Guild is renowned for, despite being more mass-produced and sourced from China.

The D-140 features an all-solid wood construction with a solid spruce guitar top and solid mahogany back and sides. This combination delivers a big, bold, dreadnought natural sound that is both powerful and balanced.

Its glossy neck and traditional C-profile mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard offer a smooth playing experience.

The longer scale length, flat radius, and wide nut provide a comfortable feel. They also offer ample space for complex chords or if you have a bigger fretting hand.

Although the neck may feel bulky to those accustomed to thinner necks, it becomes more comfortable the more you use it.

Guild’s commitment to craftsmanship shines through in the D-140, as it offers incredible clarity and note articulation. This produces a refined sound that stands out among most dreadnoughts.

Its tone may feel slightly compressed compared to more open acoustic guitars. But, the D-140 excels in delivering strong lows and a well-balanced overall sound.

Its responsiveness to string attacks also allows for dynamic and expressive playing. All these characteristics make the D-140 a great acoustic guitar for recording.

In addition, it offers subtle nuances that are noticeable to experienced ears.

The D-140 is also equipped with vintage-style open-gear tuners, a bone nut, and a saddle. These elements ensure stable tuning and eliminate the need for immediate upgrades.

They provide a reliable and consistent performance, out of the box. In addition, the traditional cosmetic features add to the D-140’s classic appeal.

With its impressive features and reasonable pricing, the Guild D-140 makes for an excellent choice. It’s an all-solid wood dreadnought guitar that delivers both quality and value relative to its price.

Guild have been producing guitars with great quality for years, and this experience is evident in the D-140. It offers a great balance of tradition and innovation, coming from one of the best acoustic guitar makers.

It’s a worthy investment, whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a developing player looking to invest in a dependable instrument.

Specifications:
  • Body Shape: Dreadnought
  • Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
  • Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
  • Finish: Gloss Polyurethane Antique Burst
  • Bridge: Rosewood
  • Neck: African Mahogany
  • Neck Profile: C Shape
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Radius: 16″
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Frets to Body: 14
  • Scale Length: 25.5″
  • Nut Width: 1.75″

Rating Source Highlight

Website

YouTube

Source

Acoustic Letter

*Rating Value

94/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Accoustic Guitars

Wood

Most guitarists and guitar makers have traditionally been of the opinion that all-solid wood guitars offer the best performance because solid woods carry sound and resonate better than laminated woods or other composite materials.

The main downside is that solid wood is more costly compared to laminate, and this is the reason why only a few acoustic guitars offer solid wood construction in lower price ranges. Thankfully, there are still some good solid top acoustic guitars that are rated well while keeping reasonable price tags.

Note that there are some manufacturers who utilize composite non-wood materials on their acoustic guitars and do so quite successfully, but they are usually used for stage-ready acoustic-electric models or for travel guitars. Even high-end manufacturers are now using composite wood in places like the fretboard.

Here are some of the most commonly used tonewoods:

  • Spruce: One of the most popular tonewoods for the top of an acoustic guitar, it is generally considered to have an ‘all-round’ tone without being overly bright, warm, or bassy. Spruce tends to go well with most other types of wood that may be used on the rest of the guitar.
  • Cedar: This is a less dense wood than Spruce so it tends to have less sustain and projection while sounding warmer. It’s often found on acoustic guitars that are designed for Fingerstyle players.
  • Mahogany: Mahogany is a dense wood that lends itself to a warm tone that projects very well. It was traditionally used mainly on the back and sides of a guitar; however, in the last few years it has become a very popular wood used to build an entire guitar—in fact, many all-mahogany acoustic guitars are now rated more highly than their traditional counterparts.
  • Sapele: Sapele is becoming a popular choice these days. It’s a bit denser than Mahogany and produces a slightly brighter sound. Taylor says it adds “top-end shimmer” to the acoustic guitars they use it on.
  • Maple: This is a very hard and dense wood and is most often used on the back and sides, but you will occasionally find it used as a top wood. It has great projection but tends to emphasize the mid frequencies too much for many people’s taste as a top wood.
  • Koa: Also known as Hawaiian Koa because it’s a native Hawaiian species. It’s a dense hardwood that emphasizes the mid-to-high overtones, and as it ages, it tends to ‘open up’, adding warmth to the mid-range. It’s mainly found on high-end acoustic guitars due to its high cost.
  • Rosewood: Rosewood offers a lot of warmth and complex overtones. It’s usually found on the back and sides or fingerboard and is said to ’round out’ the overall tone of Spruce-topped acoustic guitars. It’s also an expensive tonewood, so you tend to find it used sparingly on less expensive models. Although specific woods have their characteristics, much also depends on how they’re used in building a guitar. If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, then you might like to read a luthier’s opinion: Tapping Tonewoods by Dana Bourgeois.

Shape and Size

Generally, a smaller-bodied guitar, such as a Concert acoustic guitar, will emphasize the mids and high treble frequencies and is often preferred by fingerstyle players. This compact body also appeals to younger musicians who want to be comfortable playing their first acoustic guitar.

At the other end of the spectrum, jumbo-body acoustic guitars resonate with the lower bass frequencies much better and are preferred by those who play a loud strumming style.

In between, you have the Grand Auditorium and similar shapes that combine the tonal characteristics of small and large-bodied acoustic guitars.

The most popular shape is the Dreadnought, which is nice and loud. It also produces a good tonal balance of high and low frequencies with enough note definition for playing guitar melodies with a pick. Guitar Sizes and shapes impact portability, playability, and tone.

Some acoustic guitars have cutaways on their bodies for easier upper fret access. This is commonly found on acoustic-electric guitars, and is a common distinction when differentiating between an electric acoustic guitar vs acoustic.

Action / String Height

Acoustic guitars with low action allow for faster runs and the use of playing techniques such as tapping on the fretboard and hammering on/off.

Beginners and those transitioning from electric guitars generally find a lower Guitar Action easier to play. This is why many consider string action as an important factor for an instrument to be considered a good guitar.

A higher action, on the other hand, lends itself a bit better to aggressive playing, like loud strumming chords where fret buzz would be a concern if the action was too low. Unfortunately, guitar manufacturers typically don’t provide string height as one of their specifications, and the actual height tends to vary between individual acoustic guitars and batches, so if you don’t like the setup your guitar has when it arrives, you either have to get a guitar technician to adjust it for you or do it yourself. For advice on setting up your guitar, see this guide from Guitar Player.

Nut Width

The nut width essentially describes how far apart the strings are spaced. A larger nut width will suit players who are used to it, for example, anyone transitioning from classical guitars or those who have larger fingers. If your background is mostly electric guitar, then you’ll feel more comfortable playing an acoustic with a smaller nut width.

Scale Length

This is essentially the distance measured between the saddle and the nut, or more accurately described as double the distance from the nut to the 12th fret plus some “compensation” added by the position of the saddle. A longer scale length requires higher tension in the strings and results in a brighter tone. A more detailed explanation with examples is presented quite well by Stewart MacDonald, and a good description of the implications of different scale lengths can be found at Guitar Player. In line with scale length is the number of guitar frets.

Strap Buttons

It’s important to note that some manufacturers don’t provide strap buttons, or they don’t provide one on the neck side of the guitar. If you want to play using a guitar strap, then take a good look at the pictures to see if you need to buy strap buttons along with your guitar. They’re easy to install and fairly inexpensive.

Finish and Aesthetics

While ideally, we should be buying instruments primarily for their sound, as human beings, we are often easily lured by good aesthetics. Still, this does not mean that you ought not to consider the overall look of your guitar because getting a guitar that’s nice to look at will impact your enjoyment of the instrument, resulting in more inspired playing, practice, and overall musical journey. Keep in mind that if you want to keep the finish shiny and looking fresh, you’ll need to properly clean your guitar regularly.

What is the Best Acoustic Guitar for Beginners?

Students of the guitar have special needs; their limited budget must afford them an acoustic guitar that’s easy to play, inspiring to look at, and good sounding. It can either be a steel string acoustic guitar or a classical guitar. But it’s definitely not good to start a beginner with a Square Neck Resonator. For a more in-depth look at this topic, check out our Guide to Beginner Acoustic Guitars.

Best Acoustic Guitars Selection Methodology

The first edition was published in 2016. The current edition was published on August 7, 2024.

We started by having an extensive survey of the acoustic guitar landscape, and we ended up with 89 acoustic guitars being placed on our short list to rate. This entailed the gathering of relevant reviews and ratings data from over 25,600 sources, all of which were processed via the Gearank Algorithm to produce our rating scores out of the 100 you see above. Finally, we selected the highest rated options to recommend within each price bracket.

We only included 6-string, steel string acoustic guitars that are generally within 15/16ths of a full-sized instrument for their type and only ones that are widely available from online music equipment retailers in the USA. The types of acoustic guitars not included here are Acoustic-ElectricClassical / Nylon String, Travel, Silent, and Parlor Guitars.

For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.

About the Author and Contributors

Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.

Lead Author & Researcher

My main acoustic guitar is a Martin OMCPA4, while my other go-to guitars include a Takamine GY11ME parlor guitar and my good old Yamaha C40 classical guitar. I often plug my gear onto a Boss RC-300 Loop Station, which goes straight to PA, or to my practice acoustic amp.

Contributors

Jerome Arcon: Research and supplemental writing.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Editing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.

Media / Image Credit

Main/Top Image: Compiled by Gearank.com including logos which are the property of C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.Taylor-Listug, Inc.Yamaha CorporationGuild Guitars / Cordoba Music Group and Gearank / Hitsquad Pty. Ltd..

The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.

The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.

Comments:

19 responses

  1. Jason Horton

    The following guitars came off our recommended list when we published the September 2022 Edition:

  2. Jason Horton

    Publication of our March 2022 Edition resulted in the following guitars coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:

  3. Jason Horton

    We have removed the Guild DS-240 Memoir due to a price increase that put it above the $500 price limit for the section it originally qualified for.

  4. Jason Horton

    Publication of our August 2021 Edition resulted in the following guitars being removed from the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:

  5. Jason Horton

    The following guitars came off our recommended list above as part of our September 2020 update, but you can still read our analysis of them:

  6. Jason Horton

    We’ve removed a guitar from the recommended list above due to being discontinued, but you can still read what we have to say about it: Washburn Harvest Series D7S.

  7. Jason Horton

    As a result of the September 2019 update to this guide the following guitars came off the recommended list above, but you can still read our analysis of them:

  8. Mike Harwood

    Surprised you haven’t included the Fender Paramount PM-3 Limited Adirondack 000 Rosewood in your over $1000 priced guitars? I’m really impressed with the tone and build quality of these guitars.

    1. Jason Horton

      That’s an Acoustic-Electric guitar and so wasn’t eligible to be selected for this guide.

  9. Vincent Masson

    The Seagull SWS you have listed has 21 frets. I first humbly checked my two Seagulls and the image you provided and sure’nuff all three have 21 frets. It would suck if a prospective buyer sees it’s specs listed here and not bother to look at the image.

    1. Jason Horton

      Thank you Vincent, there was a typographical error which I’ve now fixed thanks to you.

  10. George

    Where would you rank an Augustino Loprinzi acoustic from late 70’s to early 80’s?

    1. Jason Horton

      We only provide ratings for music gear and instruments that are currently available new so we can’t really help you with that request.

  11. Jason Horton

    As part of today’s update to this guide we have removed our recommendation of the Epiphone PR-150 due to a lack of availability and replaced it with the now equally highly rated Epiphone DR-100.

  12. Jason Horton

    As a result of the January 2018 update of this guide the following guitars were removed from our recommended list above, either because there were more highly rated options to recommend in the case of acoustic guitars which hadn’t been discontinued, or because they were acoustic-electric guitars which we are no longer featuring in this guide:

  13. Jason Horton

    We have removed the Fender CD-60 All Mahogany from our recommendations above because it has been discontinued.

  14. Jason Horton

    We have updated this guide by moving the sections on Acoustic-Electric guitars to a new guide: The Best Acoustic Electric Guitars – Up to $500.

    You can still read what we have to say about the guitars removed from this guide:

  15. Mark

    I have an Enquiry , I am looking to buy a semi-acoustic guitar with a cutaway , I have heard that the Richwood Acoustic D-40CE is a better overall guitar than the EPIPHONE EJ-200CE NAT do you reckon that´s true ? Thanks.

    1. Jason Horton

      The Richwood Acoustic D-40-CE doesn’t meet our criterion as a guitar widely available in the USA so we haven’t rated it – maybe someone else more familiar with European brands can help you.

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19 thoughts on “8 Best Acoustic Guitar Reviews – Diamonds in the Rough”

  1. Surprised you haven’t included the Fender Paramount PM-3 Limited Adirondack 000 Rosewood in your over $1000 priced guitars? I’m really impressed with the tone and build quality of these guitars.

  2. The Seagull SWS you have listed has 21 frets. I first humbly checked my two Seagulls and the image you provided and sure’nuff all three have 21 frets. It would suck if a prospective buyer sees it’s specs listed here and not bother to look at the image.

    1. We only provide ratings for music gear and instruments that are currently available new so we can’t really help you with that request.

  3. As a result of the January 2018 update of this guide the following guitars were removed from our recommended list above, either because there were more highly rated options to recommend in the case of acoustic guitars which hadn’t been discontinued, or because they were acoustic-electric guitars which we are no longer featuring in this guide:

  4. I have an Enquiry , I am looking to buy a semi-acoustic guitar with a cutaway , I have heard that the Richwood Acoustic D-40CE is a better overall guitar than the EPIPHONE EJ-200CE NAT do you reckon that´s true ? Thanks.

    1. The Richwood Acoustic D-40-CE doesn’t meet our criterion as a guitar widely available in the USA so we haven’t rated it – maybe someone else more familiar with European brands can help you.

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