Best Acoustic Guitar Under 300 – The Sweet Spot for Value

Wood

Guitarists and builders have long believed that solid wood guitars deliver superior performance due to their ability to resonate and project sound better than laminated or composite materials. However, the main drawback is that solid wood guitars tend to be more expensive, which is why you’ll only find a few of them even on the best acoustic guitars under $300. That said, there are still some excellent solid top acoustic guitars available at reasonable prices, though you shouldn’t expect to find many premium solid sitka spruce top guitars in this range.

Some manufacturers use composite materials in their affordable musical instruments. Often successfully, particularly on travel or stage-ready acoustic-electric guitars. Even high-end brands are incorporating composite woods in places like fretboards.

Here’s a rundown of popular tonewoods found on the best acoustic guitar under $300:

• Spruce: This is a favorite choice for acoustic guitar tops, known for its balanced tone that isn’t too bright or too warm. It pairs well with other woods used on the guitar.
• Cedar: Less dense than spruce, cedar produces a warmer sound with less sustain and projection. It’s often used in good guitars under 300 designed for fingerstyle players.
• Mahogany: A dense wood that provides a warm tone with excellent projection. While traditionally used for the back and sides, it’s now popular for entire guitars, and many affordable all-mahogany models are highly rated.
• Sapele: Increasingly popular, sapele is denser than mahogany and offers a brighter sound. Taylor describes it as adding “top-end shimmer” to their guitars.
• Maple: A hard, dense wood usually found on the back and sides, though sometimes used for tops. It has great projection but can overly emphasize mid-frequencies.
• Koa: Native to Hawaii, Koa is a dense hardwood that highlights mid-to-high overtones and becomes warmer over time. It’s typically used in high-end guitars due to its cost.
• Rosewood: Known for its warmth and complex overtones, rosewood is usually found on the back, sides, or fingerboard, rounding out the tone of spruce-topped guitars. It’s an expensive wood, so it’s not commonly used in budget models. Remember, the overall sound also depends on how these woods are used in the guitar’s construction. For an in-depth look, you might enjoy “Tapping Tonewoods” by Dana Bourgeois.

Shape and Size

The best acoustic guitars under $300 come in various shapes and sizes, each affecting tone and playability in different ways. Smaller-bodied guitars like Concert Acoustics emphasize mids and treble, making them popular with fingerstyle players and younger musicians who appreciate their comfortable size.

Another popular size is the parlor guitar, but it’s substantially small, and is not included in the scope of this guide. Parlor guitars have smaller bodies that make them perfect for casual playing at home. They also have their own unique sound.

Jumbo guitars excel at resonating lower bass frequencies, making them ideal for the typical loud strumming playing style.

In between, Grand Auditorium guitars offer a balance of tonal characteristics from both smaller and larger bodies.

The Dreadnought is the most popular shape, known for its loud, balanced tone that suits a range of styles and offers good note definition for picking. For this reason, the best acoustic guitar options that you will see are usually dreadnought models. Guitar sizes and shapes affect portability, playability, and tone.

Action / String Height

Good guitars under 300 with lower action are easier to play, allowing for quicker runs and techniques like tapping and hammer-ons. Beginners and those switching from electric guitars often prefer lower guitar action for its playability.

Higher action is better suited for aggressive playing styles, such as loud strumming, where fret buzz might be an issue with low action.

Manufacturers typically don’t list string height as a specification, so if your guitar’s setup doesn’t suit you, you might need to adjust it yourself or consult a guitar technician. For guidance, check out Guitar Player’s setup guide, or visit a local music store or luthier for help.

Nut Width

Nut width refers to the spacing of the strings. A wider nut width is beneficial for players used to classical guitars or those with larger fingers. Nylon string guitars usually have wider, flatter fingerboards compared to standard acoustic guitars. If you mostly play electric guitar, you might find a narrower nut width more comfortable on an acoustic.

Scale Length

Scale length is the distance between the saddle and the nut, or double the distance from the nut to the 12th fret plus some compensation for the saddle position. A longer scale length creates higher string tension and a brighter tone. For a detailed explanation and examples, Stewart MacDonald and Guitar Player provide good resources. The scale length also influences the number of guitar frets.

Strap Buttons

Some of the top guitars under 300 don’t come with strap buttons, or they might only have one on the body, but none on the heel. If you plan to use a strap, check if you need to purchase and install additional strap buttons. They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.

Finish and Aesthetics

While sound and playability should be your primary consideration, the look of your beginner guitar also matters. A visually appealing guitar can enhance your enjoyment and inspire more practice. But don’t expect premium cosmetics like high-end bindings from a cheap guitar.

To maintain its appearance, you’ll need to properly clean your guitar regularly.

What is the Best Acoustic Guitar Under 300 for Beginners?

Guitar students have specific needs; they require an affordable acoustic guitar that is comfortable to play, visually appealing, and sounds great. This could be a steel-string acoustic or a classical guitar, but it’s not advisable to start with something like a square-neck resonator, such as a Recording King. For more detailed insights, take a look at our Beginner Acoustic Guitar Guide.