Think getting a decent guitar means spending a ton of money? Think again! It's a common belief that cheap guitars aren't any good, but that's not always true. We're here to bust that myth wide open and show you that you can indeed find awesome acoustic guitars that won't make your wallet cry.
No need to drop loads of cash just to get a good strum going. We've done the homework for you, combing through tons of reviews and even testing some guitars ourselves to find the ones that sound great, feel good to play, and last a long time—all without costing a fortune.
We're talking about finding those hidden gems that prove you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. We'll walk you through how to pick a great guitar without breaking the bank, pointing out what to look for in terms of body size, materials, and more.
Ready to discover the best cheap acoustic guitars that'll up your music game without draining your bank account? Let's dive in and find that perfect guitar for you, proving once and for all that "cheap" can still mean "quality" when it comes to making music.
Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars
We've curated a list of top affordable acoustic guitars for you. Let's dive in!
You'll love this high-quality travel-sized guitar for its sound and playability.
Pros
- Amazing tone and volume
- Suitable for small hands
- Comes with a soft hard case
Cons
- Expensive for its size
- Not suitable for larger hands
- Left-handed orientation only
If you're a lefty looking for a travel-sized acoustic guitar, we highly recommend the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany-L. Its compact size doesn't sacrifice quality, and it delivers an impressive sound for its size.
Constructed with layered sapele back and sides and a tropical mahogany top, this guitar offers a rich tone that belies its small stature. The ebony fingerboard feels smooth beneath your fingers, making it a joy to play.
Being lightweight and easy to handle, the Taylor GS Mini Mahogany-L is perfect for musicians on the go. Don't let the travel-size fool you; its sound and build quality rival full-sized acoustic guitars. However, be aware that it might feel cramped if you have larger hands. Overall, we believe this left-handed acoustic guitar is a fantastic addition to your collection.
Martin LXK2 Little Martin
This compact gem is perfect for travels and small hands, delivering impressive sound and playability.
Pros
- Travel-friendly size
- Quality sound for the size
- Comes with padded gig bag
Cons
- Less rich sound than full-sized guitars
- Not ideal for large hands
- Higher price point for a small guitar
Who doesn't love the portability of a travel-sized guitar? The Martin LXK2 Little Martin brings that with it, making it perfect for travel and practice. It even features a stylish koa pattern, adding a touch of class to this small guitar.
Despite its size, you'll be amazed at the sound it produces. Sitka spruce bracing and a wood-pattern HPL top work together to give it a full sound for such a small guitar. It's not as deep and rich as larger models, but it packs a punch.
Soon, you'll be the envy of your fellow musicians as they admire how comfortable and easy this guitar is to play. The smaller scale and modified low-oval neck make it great for beginners or those with smaller hands. However, it might not be the best choice for players with larger hands.
Remember that quality comes at a cost, and while this compact Martin may be higher-priced than similar travel-sized guitars, the sound and workmanship justifies the investment. In the end, if you're looking for a reliable, portable, and great sounding guitar, the Martin LXK2 Little Martin will not disappoint.
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar
We highly recommend this guitar for its quality sound and portability.
Pros
- Excellent tone and volume
- Comfortable size for portability
- Great for small hands
Cons
- Limited tonal range compared to larger guitars
- May not be loud enough for performances
- Slightly higher price tag for a travel guitar
We got our hands on the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar, and it's perfect for those with small hands or those looking for a travel guitar. The size makes it super comfortable to play and takes up less space when you're on the move. Plus, the mahogany top adds a warm, rich tone that stands out in the sea of budget guitars.
Regardless of its smaller size, the BT2 Baby Taylor puts out a surprising volume. Of course, it doesn't match a full-sized guitar, but it holds its own for practice sessions and casual performances. Despite the louder volume, keep in mind that the guitar's smaller body does limit its tonal range.
The only real downside to this amazing guitar is the slightly higher price tag for a travel guitar. But considering its quality and sound, we believe it's worth the investment. Give the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar a try, and we're confident you'll love it as much as we do.
Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
You'll love this affordable, beginner-friendly guitar with great quality and sound.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Durable build with quality materials
- Impressive sound for the price
Cons
- May require initial setup
- Slightly crowded string spacing
- Tuning may not hold as long as desired
We recently picked up the Yamaha FG800J and have been enjoying its authentic, well-balanced sound. The solid Sitka spruce top gives it a striking appearance, while the nato and mahogany back and sides ensure a sturdy build. It's perfect for beginner guitarists or anyone on a budget.
One thing we noticed was the need for initial setup after unboxing. We had to adjust the nut height, lower the action, and polish the fret surfaces – but once we had it set up, the guitar exceeded our expectations. It truly became ours, as one reviewer put it.
The string spacing is a bit narrow, which might be a downside for players with larger hands. However, the overall playability and sound quality overshadow this minor issue. Overall, the Yamaha FG800J is an excellent guitar for the money, offering outstanding quality and an authentic acoustic experience.
So, to all aspiring musicians, artists, producers, and singer-songwriters out there, check out the Yamaha FG800J Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar. It's an affordable, reliable, and well-balanced option for anyone looking to dive into the world of music.
Fender FA-115 Acoustic Guitar Pack
The Fender FA-115 is a fantastic starter guitar pack offering high-quality sound for an affordable price.
Pros
- Rich-sounding dreadnought body
- Comes with useful accessories
- Free 90-day Fender Play subscription
Cons
- Buzz on some strings
- Some quality control issues
- Takes time to arrive
We recently tried out the Fender FA-115 guitar pack, and we were pretty impressed with the package. It comes with everything a beginner needs, including a gig bag, picks, a strap, spare strings, and even a 90-day subscription to Fender Play with access to hundreds of lessons. The dreadnought body style offers a versatile and rich sound that you'll love playing.
The guitar features a natural gloss finish spruce top with "X"-bracing, basswood back and sides, and a 20-fret walnut fingerboard. The walnut bridge with compensated saddle ensures that your guitar stays in tune, while also providing an attractive design.
However, we did find a few downsides. Some users have mentioned a buzz on the A string, which can be annoying during playtime. Also, the shipping can take a bit longer than expected, and there have been a few reports of minor quality control issues.
That said, we still think the Fender FA-115 is an excellent choice for any aspiring guitarist looking for a high-quality instrument without breaking the bank. With its beautiful design, rich sound, and useful accessories, you'll feel ready to rock from day one.
Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy Acoustic Guitar
Get the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy for a fantastic first guitar with pleasing tones and great playability.
Pros
- Comfortable for long playing sessions
- Great for both beginners and seasoned pros
- Vintage tones with full-sounding bass
Cons
- Some users reported high action
- Minor finish imperfections
- Potential truss rod adjustments needed
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is one of the best budget acoustic guitars we’ve come across. With its cozy 24-inch scale, this flat top parlor-style model promises hours of playing comfort. Its non-cutaway sapele body with X-bracing delivers a powerful, resonant voice perfect for both picked and fingerstyle playing.
Aside from its great tone, the G9500 features a C-shaped nato neck that joins the body at the 12th fret, offering a smooth-playing walnut fingerboard adorned with vintage-style frets and pearloid dot inlays. When it comes to hardware, this guitar sports 1950s-style vintage open-gear die-cast tuning machines, nickel hardware, and a single-ply white pickguard featuring a G graphic.
Whether you’re a beginner, a traveling musician, or simply looking for an affordable, high-quality guitar to practice and write songs with, the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a fantastic choice. Its comfortable design and rich, woody vintage tones will keep you coming back for more playing time.
Buying Guide
Know Your Budget
First, let’s talk about your budget. It’s important to have one in mind before shopping. Take some time to think about what you can afford and stick to that range.
Size & Shape Matter
Next, consider the size and shape of the guitar. Smaller guitars are easy to hold and play, while larger ones have a richer sound. Decide what feels comfortable for you.
Strings & Tuning Pegs
When looking at guitars, check the strings and tuning pegs. They should be stable and secure. A good set of strings and tuning pegs will make sure your guitar stays in tune.
Wood & Materials
The type of wood used for the guitar can impact its sound. Some common woods are mahogany, spruce, and rosewood. Look for a guitar made of quality materials to ensure a good tone.
Playability & Comfort
Make sure the guitar is comfortable to play, as you’ll spend a lot of time with it. The neck should be smooth and easy to fret. The action (the distance between the strings and the frets) should be low enough to play comfortably but not too low to cause buzz.
Sound Quality
The most important aspect is the guitar’s sound. Test the guitar by playing different chords and strumming patterns. Listen for a balanced, rich sound that suits your taste.
By taking these factors into account, you’ll find the perfect cheap acoustic guitar to suit your needs. Good luck, and happy playing!
Conclusion
We’ve explored quality, yet affordable guitars in this article. Factors like body size, materials, and brand reputation play essential roles in choosing the right guitar. Our top picks truly stand out.
Finding a high-quality acoustic guitar without breaking the bank is possible! Use the knowledge shared here to pick a guitar that suits your musical needs and sounds great.
Now it’s your turn. Further research our recommendations, visit music stores, or even try some models. Don’t let your budget limit your passion for music; the perfect guitar awaits you.
Don’t hesitate to share your budget guitar experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Let’s build a community for musicians to learn from each other!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap acoustic guitars any good?
Yes, many cheap acoustic guitars offer decent sound and playability. You just need to know what to look for when shopping. Don’t expect them to be as high-quality as premium guitars, but they’re a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
What’s the difference between a solid wood top and a laminate top?
A solid wood top is made from a single piece of wood. This construction leads to better sound quality and resonance. Laminate tops, on the other hand, consist of multiple layers of wood glued together. They’re more affordable but tend to sacrifice some sound quality.
What size acoustic guitar is best for beginners?
It depends on personal preference and comfort. Generally, smaller-bodied guitars like the orchestra models (OM) and parlor guitars are easier for beginners to handle. A dreadnought is another option, offering a larger body for a fuller sound.
What is the best cheap acoustic guitar for beginners?
There’s no single “best” option, as it depends on your preferences and budget. Some popular choices include the Yamaha FG800, Fender CD-60S, and Epiphone DR-100. We recommend trying out a few guitars in your price range to see what feels and sounds best to you.
What brands should I look for in cheap acoustic guitars?
Brands like Yamaha, Fender, and Epiphone offer reliable and affordable options. Ibanez and Washburn are also known for producing budget-friendly acoustic guitars with decent quality. Look for well-established brands that have a reputation for producing quality instruments.
Are cheap acoustic guitars worth buying?
Absolutely! While they may not boast the same sound and craftsmanship as more expensive models, cheap acoustic guitars can be a great way for beginners to start learning and for musicians on a budget. Just be sure to do some research and choose a reputable brand for the best value.