6 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500 in 2023

Last Updated on March 21, 2023 by Teemu Suomala

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How Martin DJR-10 sounds:

Price:

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The Next Best:

Runner-Up – Taylor Big Baby Taylor

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• 25 ½” scale on a 15/16 body
• Ebony fingerboard
• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Durable, rugged gig bag
• Offers the Taylor sound
• Great playability, friendly neck
• Real Taylor at an affordable price

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• No electronics
• Maple neck

Who is this guitar for?

The wood combination of neck, body, fretboard, and top makes this a killer lead acoustic guitar. Yes, that mix between the snappy highs of the maple and the ebony together with the high end of the spruce, and anchored by walnut’s midrange can cut any mix.

Best for Fingerpicking – PRS SE P20E

Check Today’s Price on

Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Solid mahogany top for added low end
• Hybrid bracing to enhance the tones from the solid top
• Included gig bag
• Mahogany neck with traditional bird inlays and binding
• Fishman Sonitone installed
• Wide Fat neck profile for enhanced comfort and playability

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• 3-piece neck
• Fishman Sonitone is not the best for picking up the low end

Who is this guitar for?

This is the perfect guitar for those who love fingerpicking and need the snappy high end of the guitar to cut through the mix. Also for those who like smaller-body acoustic guitars and want the quintessential PRS look and tone at a fraction of the price.

Best for Strumming – Epiphone Dove Studio

Check Today’s Price on

Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

Summary

Pros:

• Historic Dove pickguard and perfect finish
• Packs countless classic tones
• The hard maple neck makes it more resistant and road-ready
• Fishman Sonitone preamp system as a factory feature
• Violin burst finish
• Glossy finish

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• No gig bag included

Who is this guitar for?

This is for the owner of an original who wants to preserve that guitar and hit the road with a budget-level guitar. Also for the amateur musician and the bonfire lover who needs a great guitar that won’t break the bank but deliver classic acoustic tones for timeless masterpieces. Works well for a singer songwriter too.

Best For Blues – Gretsch G5024E Rancher

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros

• The unusual triangle-shaped soundhole is unique and eye-catching
• A powerful, rich voice from an arch back design
• Arched-back design boosts volume
• Great acoustic tone with a decent electronic system
• Vintage-style frets let your fingers feel the fretboard
• You really feel the instrument when playing
• Comfortable and slim neck
• Versatile, delivers from delta blues to blues rock

Cons

• Non-cutaway acoustic-electric limits high fret access
• Synthetic bone nut and saddle

Who is this guitar for?

If you are in search of a solid top guitar that handles blues exceptionally well and is comfortable to play the Gretsch G5024E Rancher is easily one of the best options for under $500.

Best for Beginners – Guild M-240E

Check Today’s Price on

Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Padded gig bag
• Factory-included Fishman Sonitone electronics
• Comfortable C-Shaped neck
• Prototypical wood combinations and tones
• Scalloped X internal bracing for added tone and sustain

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• Pau Ferro fingerboard and bridge instead of rosewood or ebony

Who is this guitar for?

This is the perfect guitar to play countless gigs on; so, if you’re an artist looking for a workhorse, here’s your guitar. Also, beginners who want a mid-range instrument to focus their fight against their hands and brains instead of a faulty guitar will find this Guild a great choice.

Compare The Key Specs Of The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500:

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Compare The Tonewoods:

You can learn more about acoustic guitar tonewoods here.

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About Acoustic Guitars Under $500

When I sat down to write this guide to buy the best acoustic guitars under $500, I realized something very important. This is, perhaps, the most competitive price range for this instrument in the market.

This explains why, when you tried to look for the “best acoustic-electric guitar under 500” on Google, you were mesmerized by the number of results. Yes, what you need is a guide to help you choose from such a wide variety of options.

That’s what we’re here for, so worry not.

Besides listing the acoustic guitars I think make the best acoustic guitars for the money, I also added runner-ups in every category so you have several choices. Furthermore, you’ll find some FAQs and a buying guide at the end.

Finding the best acoustic guitar for under $500 is possible. Read on, you will find some truly excellent affordable guitars here and most likely fall in love with your new six-stringer.

Check our other acoustic brand guides:

5 Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitars in 2022

5 Best Martin Guitars in 2022

5 Best Taylor Guitars in 2022

5 Best Takamine Acoustic Guitars in 2022

5 Best Ovation Guitars in 2022

5 Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars

5 Best Fender Acoustic Guitars

5 Best Ibanez Acoustic Guitars

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6 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500

Best Overall – Martin DJR-10

Specs

Body Style	Junior Dreadnaught (featuring 000-shape depth)
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Sapele
Neck	Select Hardwood
Neck Shape	Dreadnought Junior
Fretboard	20 frets, Richlite fingerboard, 16″ radius.
Nut	White Corian
Nut Width	1.75″
Electronics	No
Saddle	White Tusq
Scale-Length	24″

The first thing to say about this Martin JR is that it ticks all the important boxes to be a great acoustic guitar. Yes, don’t let the size fool you since this is very close to a full-on Martin (15/16 of it) and can produce the original & classic Martin tones we all know and love. Get ready to see and hear what true top acoustic guitars look like when it comes to offering value.

Yes, the advanced X and scalloped bracing under the solid Sitka top enhances the low end and gives this smaller Martin guitar a much bigger sound. Speaking of sound quality, the combination of Sitka spruce for the top and solid Sapele for the back and sides (yes, you read that right, it’s an all-solid guitar in this price range) make it vibrate as a uniform piece and create the sounds you would expect from a much bigger (and expensive) guitar. This axe just sounds amazing for its price.

Also, speaking about sounds, this is an electric-acoustic guitar that features a Fishman Sonicore mic and preamp. Conveniently, and not to harm the natural vibration of the guitar’s solid wood, the preamp only occupies a minor space under the rosette with a volume and a tone knob. The only other part of the guitar that carries anything related to the Fishman Sonicore is the input jack that’s on the lower back of the guitar.

Sound-wise, the electronics on this Martin are, perhaps, its only lower point because they tend to take away all the low-end the company worked so hard to achieve in guitars this size.

Speaking of size, the common thing to happen when you pick up a smaller-scale guitar (Martin’s scale is 24”) is that your fingers feel cramped inside the first frets. This is a sensation associated mostly with Baby Taylors and Little Martins. Yet, that’s not the case here since the solid-wood neck with richlite fretboard feels and plays just like a normal guitar.

Furthermore, if you’re used to playing Mustangs or Jaguars, you’ll feel at home here. This Martin does offer great playground for all sorts of different playing techniques.

Finally, this guitar comes with a dedicated gig bag and is ready to create history in the right hands. Give it a try before you buy because this Martin is our pick as the best acoustic guitar for $500.

Another solid sound demo:

Pros:

• Martin tone at a fraction of Martin’s regular prices
• Solid-wood guitar (top, backs and sides, and neck) at a very affordable price
• Top-notch scalloped bracing for enhanced low-end
• Lightweight and travel-friendly
• Dedicated gig bag included

Cons:

• Fishman Sonicore lacks low end.
• Richlite fingerboard and bridge might seem a little too plastic for some purists.

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	4.5
Playability	4.5
Overall Quality	4.5
Value For Money	5
Fingerpicking feel	4

What others are saying:

I have been thinking about getting a Taylor GS Mini Mahogany for quite awhile, so the other day I found one with a top I liked, put it in my shopping cart and went to buy it the next day but it had already been sold, so I looked at the other ones Sweetwater had and decided to wait again for one with a top I liked. Meanwhile I stumbled across these Martin’s and found out they had recently gone through a redesign. The one thing I was always hesitant about the GS Minis was the somewhat narrow nut, the Martin has a 1.75″ nut so I decided to get the Martin. When it first arrived I thought it was not going to sound very full because of the size, after my first strum I was shocked how full and loud it was for the size, very balanced. So I may still get a GS Mini just because I want the mahogany top but I don’t think it’s possible to sound any better than this Martin. All solid wood Martin with a 1.75″ nut… I think it’s a great deal! – Stephen from WA

Who is this guitar for?

This axe is perfect for the amateur player trying to take a leap in build quality and sound, beginners, and children in need of a learner-size guitar. Also, these make terrific road-ready guitars to leave your precious full-size Martin safe at home without sacrificing tone. It’s “just” a traditional acoustic guitar, but it offers all solid woods, smooth playability, and Martin tones. That’s why this bad boy is the best acoustic guitar under $1000.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is not for those looking to get their kids a smaller, toy-like guitars because it is a serious instrument ready to deliver amazing tones.

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Runner-Up – Taylor Big Baby Taylor

Specs

Body Shape	Full-Sized Dreadnought
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Layered Walnut
Neck	Hard Rock Maple
Neck Shape	not available
Fretboard	20 frets, Ebony fingerboard
Nut	NuBone
Nut Width	1.68″
Electronics	No
Saddle	Micarta
Scale-Length	25.5″

The Big Baby Taylor is the most affordable full-scale guitar made by Taylor guitars. Yes, the size of the body is 15/16 of a full-size dreadnaught but it features a 25 ½” scale just like regular guitars do. Therefore, although it is travel-friendly and a little smaller body-wise, it feels and plays like the real thing.

Speaking of which, Taylor guitars has treated the guitar’s body to make it wider in the middle using an arched-back technique that gives it a slightly higher output, especially at the low end of the spectrum. As a result, although you’re holding a slightly smaller and more maneuverable dreadnought guitar, the sound and feel are of a regular-sized guitar.

This brings us to speak about the super friendly neck that feels and plays like a Taylor neck should. Moreover, the ebony fretboard is quite an unusual encounter in this price range. The answer to that question in your mind is that the neck is made of maple. Yes, that’s where the money comes from. Furthermore, the sides and back are made of three-piece laminated walnut while the top is solid Sitka spruce.

This is the only reason why this axe comes second after the Martin DJR. Other than the tonewood, the sound, feel, and craftsmanship of this guitar are what you would expect of a Taylor with one extra digit on the price tag.

Finally, the Taylor sound that became the trademark of countless hits is right there at your fingertips at all times with the Big Baby.

Oh, and an extra mention for the quality of the guitar’s gig bag. I own a Baby Taylor that’s traveled with me inside that bag for over 15 countries. They’re built to last. What a beautiful guitar!

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• 25 ½” scale on a 15/16 body
• Ebony fingerboard
• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Durable, rugged gig bag
• Offers the Taylor sound
• Great playability, friendly neck
• Real Taylor at an affordable price

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• No electronics
• Maple neck

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	4.3
Playability	4.6
Overall Quality	4.5
Value For Money	5
Fingerpicking feel	4

What others are saying:

The BBT was an excellent purchase, it’s my first quality guitar and I’m very satisfied. It’s well crafted, aesthetically appealing, comfortable to hold, and sounds beautiful. The size is very close to a regular dreadnought, not much of a noticeable difference in my opinion. – Violet from NY

Who is this guitar for?

The wood combination of neck, body, fretboard, and top makes this a killer lead acoustic guitar. Yes, that mix between the snappy highs of the maple and the ebony together with the high end of the Sitka spruce, and anchored by walnut’s midrange can cut any mix.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

The Taylor Big Baby is not for those in search of the classic middle-of-the-mix acoustic guitar sound with growling low end and sparking highs. These are different, more modern-sounding guitars with a ferocious midrange and musical harmonic overtones.

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Best for Fingerpicking – PRS SE P20E

Specs

Body Shape	Parlor
Top	Solid Mahogany
Back & Sides	Laminated Mahogany
Neck	3-piece mahogany
Neck Shape	Wide Fat
Fretboard	20 frets, Ebony fingerboard, 11.8″ radius
Nut	Bone
Nut Width	1.6875″
Electronics	Fishman Sonitone
Saddle	Bone
Scale-Length	24.72″

Parlor guitars make terrific fingerpicking instruments. Out of all the parlor acoustic guitars out there we chose this PRS SE model because it is the cleverest setup for a parlor guitar currently in the market.

How so? You might be wondering, well, simply the guitar’s size and wood combination make it a crossover that can bring the best of both worlds to your music.

Yes, on one hand, the body is made of mahogany (laminated for the sides and back) and features a mahogany top as well. Mahogany is a tonewood that is famous for being the low-end anchor of many acoustic guitars. Mahogany also provides a mellow and warm tone.

So, the mahogany body is mixed with a mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and the entire guitar becomes this perfect mix of the high end that’s natural to parlor-sized guitars with a deep and resonant low end you would expect from a much larger instrument.

Furthermore, the hybrid bracing that PRS employs on these acoustic guitars allows the low end to appear through the soundhole and make it to your audience’s ears. Yes, we’re talking of a mix of modern X-style bracing with traditional bracing to make the most of that mahogany top.

As a result, this PRS SE matches its impeccable construction with to-die-for tones right at your fingertips.

But that’s not all since this guitar is also a beautiful instrument that represents that typical PRS look from head to toe. Yes, the 3-piece neck with its rosewood fingerboard offers the traditional white binding, bird inlays, and the PRS headstock.

Speaking of the neck, it features PRS’ wide fat shape which gives the axe enough meat to grab onto without being bulky or feeling uncomfortable.

Finally, this amazing combo is finished with a Fishman Sonicore and a state-of-the-art PRS gig bag that’s built to protect your guitars for decades.

Getting this tone and features in a guitar under $500 is big news, so go grab one while you can!

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Solid mahogany top for added low end
• Hybrid bracing to enhance the tones from the solid top
• Included gig bag
• Mahogany neck with traditional bird inlays and binding
• Fishman Sonitone installed
• Wide Fat neck profile for enhanced comfort and playability

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• 3-piece neck
• Fishman Sonitone is not the best for picking up the low end

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	3.9
Playability	4.5
Overall Quality	4.5
Value For Money	4.5
Fingerpicking feel	4.7

What others are saying:

This will be brief, I just received it yesterday and will rewrite in a month. First, it came well packed, and found it in perfect condition. It is very lightweight. Very responsive and open sound, neck is easy to play, and sounds like I heard on reviews by PRS. I did not give the guitar five stars yet, which may change as it takes time to get to know any guitar, but it came fast, in perfect condition and initially I really like the feel and sound. – Charles from Willow Grove

Find more great Parlor guitars here.

Who is this guitar for?

This is the perfect guitar for those who love fingerpicking and need the snappy high end of the guitar to cut through the mix. Also for those who like smaller-body acoustic guitars and want the quintessential PRS look and tone at a fraction of the price. This PRS is one of the best affordable acoustic guitars.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

Buying a child guitars of this caliber could be a recipe for disaster since it is a full-size instrument capable of some serious tones and it might be damaged due to the careless handling of a kiddo. Also, those looking for a smaller guitar for their smaller hands will find the wide fat neck to be a little too big.

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Best for Strumming – Epiphone Dove Studio

Specs

Body Shape	Square Shoulder Dreadnought
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminated Maple
Neck	Hard Maple
Neck Shape	SlimTaper D
Fretboard	20 Medium Jumbo frets, Indian Laurel fingerboard, 12″ radius
Nut	GraphTech NuBone
Nut Width	1.68″
Electronics	Fishman SoniTone
Saddle	GraphTech NuBone
Scale-Length	25.5″

When we think of the best acoustic-electric guitar, the shape and colors of this model surely come to mind. Yes, this is a replica of the amazing Gibson Dove that we saw on countless stages and heard on countless records.

Why is this guitar in the category of “best acoustic guitars for strumming”? Well, the answer is that no other guitar in this list can provide the player with those round, musical, and beautiful harmonic overtones, and that snappy high-end this guitar oozes.

Moreover, when you strum any chord on this guitar, the first thing you notice is the balance between the low end and the high end is close to perfect. Yes, I know, if you try a Gibson original you get rid of the excess of high-end that these acoustic guitars have, but being a budget acoustic guitar, or even a cheap acoustic guitar when compared to the Gibson you get high definition across the board.

This is not a coincidence by any means; on the contrary, it is the outcome of a decades-old recipe. Yes, the back and sides of this guitar are made of laminated maple and it features a solid Sitka spruce top. The neck is made of hard maple and the fretboard, as well as the bridge, is made of Indian laurel.

If you add up the enormous amount of maple and the Sitka spruce top what you get is resonance and lots of high-end. Then, coupling that with the depth of the beautifully-ornamented dreadnought body what you have is record-ready tones, especially when strumming chords.

Yes, this guitar didn’t make it to the podium, but unless you are big into fingerpicking or any other fingerstyle when playing, this could very well be the best acoustic guitar for the money on this list.

Finally, the Fishman Sonitone system adds a welcome feature for those of us who still believe in acoustic shows. So, although it is not a guitar that oozes solid-wood construction, it is, in my opinion, the best strumming acoustic-electric guitar under 500.

Moreover, plug it into an acoustic guitar amp, and you’ll realize in a nanosecond that these guitars were made for the stage.

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Historic Dove pickguard and perfect finish
• Packs countless classic tones
• The hard maple neck makes it more resistant and road-ready
• Fishman Sonitone preamp system as a factory feature
• Violin burst finish
• Glossy finish

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• No gig bag included

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	4.3
Playability	4.3
Overall Quality	4.8
Value For Money	5
Fingerpicking feel	3.9

What others are saying:

I own a couple of Martin guitars, one mahogany and one rosewood. Obviously, they are both gorgeous sounding instruments. But neither of them have the brilliant, bell-like tone of this Dove. It’s really a captivating tone. The Gibson Dove costs 10 times more than the Epiphone. Is it 10 times better? I don’t know. Maybe. But all I can say is that I’m perfectly satisfied with the Epi. The action was perfect right out of the box. It was love at first strum. – Jerry from CT

Who is this guitar for?

This is for the owner of an original who wants to preserve that guitar and hit the road with a budget-level guitar. Also for the amateur musician and the bonfire lover who needs a great guitar that won’t break the bank but deliver classic acoustic tones for timeless masterpieces. Works well for singer songwriters too.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This is not for children or beginners who want their first guitar. Also, it is not for those looking for Martin-like massive low-end sounds.

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Best For Blues – Gretsch G5024E Rancher

Specs

Body Shape	Dreadnought
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminated Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	not available
Fretboard	21 Vintage-Style frets, Laurel fingerboard, 12″ radius.
Nut	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.6875″
Electronics	Fishman Sonicore Piezo Pickup and Isys + Preamp System
Saddle	Compensated Synthetic Bone
Scale-Length	25″

A big guitar with a big voice, the Gretsch G5024E Rancher Dreadnought is built for volume. Like its name, the tone of the Rancher calls to mind rough and rowdy Western music—a strong, proud arch back acoustic that’s ready and looking for a fight.

You’ll find nothing lacking in any range as you strum through booming progressions and pick out pronounced, powerful riffs.

And if you ever need extra juice, the Fishman Isys III System and Sonicore piezo pickup duo are at your command. This electronic setup gives you responsive, organic amplification you can mold to your liking with 3-band EQ.

These high quality acoustic guitar tones are right at your fingertips, easily played on the slightly narrow neck.

The Rancher sports a smooth, rosewood fingerboard and is lined with vintage-size frets for an organic playing feel that puts you in contact with the fretboard wood.

This choice of fret size, combined with the G5024E’s heavy gauge strings, might make bends a bit difficult.

But the flipside is that the upper reaches of the fretboard are a little more spacious than average, so high-end licks are a bit easier to nail.

Constructed with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Rancher is right in line with the highest quality acoustics you can find under $500. Its compensated saddle and deluxe die-cast tuning machines hold your strings pitch-perfect through hours of pitch-perfect playing.

Hear how this guitar sounds:

Pros

• The unusual triangle-shaped soundhole is unique and eye-catching
• A powerful, rich voice from an arch back design
• Arched-back design boosts volume
• Great acoustic tone with a decent electronic system
• Vintage-style frets let your fingers feel the fretboard
• You really feel the instrument when playing
• Comfortable and slim neck
• Versatile, delivers from delta blues to blues rock

Cons

• Non-cutaway acoustic-electric limits high fret access
• Synthetic bone nut and saddle

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	4.1
Playability	4.5
Overall Quality	4.5
Value For Money	5
Fingerpicking feel	4

What others are saying:

I’m a late-to-intermediate beginner on guitar and have owned a few different models and brands over the years, including the Gretsch Rancher Jr. — which I absolutely regretted selling a few years ago (now out of production, I’m told, and Sweetwater no longer carries it). This full-size guitar is pretty amazing considering the price point of under $400. It is comfortable to play, the neck is bound, string action is good, and the intonation is really great out of the box. I did not pay extra for a setup and don’t feel it needs one until some point in the future when I eventually have it restrung. The sound is very rich and full, and the fit and finish will easily stand up against guitars at a much higher price point in my opinion. I purchased a low-cost padded Gator bag for home use, so I’m good to go! There are only two places I trust buying a guitar from — a local music store that has been in business for years, and Sweetwater for all online instrument purchases. – Debra from Indiana

Find more great acoustic guitars for blues here.

Who is this guitar for?

If you are in search of a solid top guitar that handles blues exceptionally well and is comfortable to play the Gretsch G5024E Rancher is easily one of the best options for under $500.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

If you are after a cutaway, bone nut & saddle, and all-solid woods, this Rancher is not for you.

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Best for Beginners – Guild M-240E

Specs

Body Shape	Concert
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Laminated Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Slim C
Fretboard	20 frets, Pau Ferro fingerboard, 16″ radius
Nut	Bone
Nut Width	1.688″
Electronics	Guild/Fishman AP1 with Sonicore pickukp
Saddle	Bone
Scale-Length	24.75″

While the Martin DJR is the solid-wood, higher-end version of traditional acoustic guitars, this Guild can provide similar tones and looks without being such a fragile all-solid instrument. Furthermore, this combination of traditional tones and looks with an affordable price tag and the durability of laminated wood make this Guild M-240E the perfect choice for beginners and amateurs on a budget.

Yes, Guild is another legendary guitar builder that has had a vast influence on Western music for decades. In this case, they poured all that leverage into their most famous guitar shape to offer classic tones and a timeless look at a price most players can afford.

To begin with, the combination of (laminated) mahogany for the back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top makes this a classic-sounding instrument.

Yes, the tested-and-true formula of mixing the low end of the mahogany and the brightness of the spruce works perfectly here.

Speaking of tonewoods, the neck is made of mahogany but the fingerboard is made of Pau Ferro (as well as the bridge), a tonewood that has become the go-to option to replace rosewood giving to this guitar similar sweet notes in the resulting audio the rosewood would.

Also, this Guild is made following the M-Concert line making the guitar’s body slightly smaller and more maneuverable than a full-body dreadnought or jumbo. This is not a pointless detail since it makes the guitar’s playability grow immensely.

In addition, the electronics of this guitar are your trusty Fishman Sonitone preamp system but made in collaboration with Guild so it could be fine-tuned to match this guitar particularly. As a result, this guitar produces balanced sound & classic tones when playing it unplugged and also when run through an acoustic guitar amp.

Finally, the C-Shape neck, low action, 24 ¾” scale, and 20 frets make this a good guitar for the electric guitar player who is making the transition, a smaller-hands player, or a beginner trying to fight against the instrument less while learning.

A final paragraph should be awarded for the super-padded, utterly comfortable, and ultra-high-quality gig bag that can keep your guitars safe even in the most demanding circumstances. All these things combined make this Guild easily one of the best acoustic guitars under $500.

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Solid Sitka spruce top
• Padded gig bag
• Factory-included Fishman Sonitone electronics
• Comfortable C-Shaped neck
• Prototypical wood combinations and tones
• Scalloped X internal bracing for added tone and sustain

Cons:

• Laminated back and sides
• Pau Ferro fingerboard and bridge instead of rosewood or ebony

Our Ratings:

Feature	Rating from 1-5
Sound	4.1
Playability	4.5
Overall Quality	4.5
Value For Money	4.7
Fingerpicking feel	4.1

What others are saying:

This is my first guitar I have ever bought and it looks, feels, and plays great. I highly recommend this for beginners like me. – Bryan

Who is this guitar for?

This is the perfect guitar to play countless gigs on; so, if you’re an artist looking for a workhorse, here’s your guitar. Also, beginners who want a mid-range instrument to focus their fight against their hands and brains instead of a faulty guitar will find this Guild a great choice.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

Seasoned players looking for the legendary Guild tone on a budget will not find it here since these guitars are intermediate-oriented.

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For a bit more expensive but still affordable acoustic guitars, check our favorite acoustic guitars under $1000.

Runner-Ups That Just Missed The Top 5

These are the runner-ups, the sub-champions, the acoustic guitars that were very close to making it to the main list but failed for one reason or another. I thought I should include these unsung heroes because they will help you make up your mind. Also, it is good to have options in case the 1^st choice is not available in your area.

Regardless of the reason, you can call these budget acoustic guitars “the next best option” in some categories.

Oh, and since going the extra mile is my passion, I added some new categories because they were too good not to be on this list.

• Best Fender Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 – Fender Malibu Player
• Best Fingerpicking Runner-up Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 – Epiphone EL-00
• Best With A Cutaway for Under $500  – Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
• Best Beginner-Oriented Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 – Fender CD-60 All Mahogany
• Best Yamaha Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 –Yamaha FG830
• Best Ibanez Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 – Ibanez AEG550 Bocote
• Best Recording Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 –Washburn Heritage F11S
• Best 12-String Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 –D’Angelico Premier Fulton LS 12-string
• Best Jumbo Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 –Epiphone J-200EC Studio
• Best Travel Acoustic Guitar for Under $500 –Martin LX1E Little Martin

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Buyer’s Guide – FAQ

Between 2020 and 2022, 16 million new guitarists took up this amazing instrument for the first time according to a study by giant guitar maker Fender. Moreover, the largest guitars manufacturer in the world had a hard time meeting the demand that grew from $400 million in 2015 to $1 billion in 2022.

Not only do we have more guitar players than ever in the world, but we also have more acoustic guitars to choose from. Thus, here we go, this is the ultimate buying guide to finding your new acoustic.

If you are in search for even more affordable acoustic guitar, find our picks for the best acoustic guitars under $400 here.

What Should You Know Before Buying?

Walking into a big music store is quite an intimidating experience. On one hand, you have the local virtuosos playing their hearts out while the annoyed clerk brings them guitars they can’t afford for the nth time.

Then, you have the sales clerks who talk to you in this weird language with words like scale, wood types, body types, and electronics.

Well, I went through that experience and I don’t recommend it to anyone.

So, here’s my gift to you, a sort of “pass it forward” after being in the music business for more than two decades. This is the ultimate guide to navigating this beautiful moment 100% stress-free.

Yes, I know, you’re welcome.

Learn how to take care of your acoustic guitar here.

How to Choose The Right Acoustic Guitar for You?

There is no such thing as “the perfect acoustic guitar”. The only guitar that’s perfect is the one that suits you the best. This includes your style and tastes. For example, it isn’t the same to go hunting for fingerpicking guitars as a strummer.

So, here’s the guide to clear out all that mumbo jumbo about woods, body styles, and electronics.

Body Style

Not all acoustic guitars are made the same. Yes, if you agree with me that electrics have body shapes that grant each of them a distinct sound, then you’ll also agree that acoustic guitars are even more transformed by their body style.

Let’s see the most popular ones:

Dreadnought

This is, perhaps, the most popular acoustic guitar shape of all time. It helps guitars produce great low-end and low-midrange tones with plenty of volume and a singing top. Dreadnought shaped guitars can work really well for a solo performer.

Slope-Shoulder (Round Shoulders)

Half Spanish guitar, half dreadnought guitar, this body shape could be considered a crossover. The bottom half gives the guitars plenty of low-end and volume while the rounder, smaller “shoulders” give it a softer response in the treble area. This is another great guitar for a solo performer in a mellower setting.

Parlor Guitar

The classic fingerpicking guitar, parlors have a boost in the midrange because of the body size and shape that makes them utterly resonant and great for the plucky sound fingerpicking needs. Parlors are great for small-hand guitar players, fingerpicking geniuses, and children. They usually offer treble-heavy and bright tones.

Jumbo

Jumbo acoustic guitars are the biggest in this category. The body shape and size give these acoustic guitars the biggest bottom end of the list. So get ready for good bass response and loud sound. Moreover, the low end and the volume these guitars can deliver make a “whole band” effect that artists like Elvis Presley benefited from.

Concert

The concert shape is not so common but it’s a great pick because it delivers more balanced sound and moderate volume. This makes concert acoustic guitars ideal for guitarists living in small apartments. Concert guitars are also great for soft fingerpicking and for some light strumming.

Auditorium

You can get auditorium-size or grand auditorium-size acoustic guitars. The second is the bigger version of the timeless classic auditorium shape. This is another quieter, more balanced shape that delivers a nice boost in the midrange, just like parlor guitars do. That being said, you might find it lacking in the bottom end when compared to a dreadnought guitars.

Tonewoods

As you’ve seen, the best acoustic-electric guitar under 500 for an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist might be a parlor guitar. And a dreadnought guitar could be perfect for a strummer. Now that you know about guitar bodies, it is time to talk about tonewoods. This includes everything from bridge to back.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a very common tonewood in guitar construction. Its main characteristics tonally are dark, full-bodied tones that add a low end to any instrument. It is also very stable and versatile; it can be found on necks as well as backs, sides, and tops. Offers a good bass response and punchy tone.

Maple

Maple is a clear-looking wood type that’s among the strongest. It is also one of the most abundant types of wood on the planet and one of the most used for guitar construction as well. Tone-wise, it generates a mid-range and top-end-oriented tone (bright). You can find it in bodies, tops, and necks.

Rosewood

Rosewood is one of the world’s most precious wood types and is perfect for fretboards and bridges. It produces a sweet, dark tone that blends seamlessly with mahogany and gives a nice bottom end to maple.

Ebony

Another precious wood used mostly on fretboards and bridges, ebony is very dark and glossy with almost no pores. Tone-wise, it offers enhanced mid-range and a snappy, maple-like high-end that’s great for cutting through any mix.

Solid vs. Laminate Top

You’ve heard a million times already that solid-wood guitars are better than laminate-wood guitars. Moreover, you might have also heard that even when buying a budget acoustic guitar, the top should be solid.

But did you ever ask why?

Well, the short answer is that when the wood is solid, it moves organically and harmonically because it is one piece. On the other hand, when it’s laminated, each piece of wood vibrates particularly generating an overall difference that can be translated into lack of sustain, non-musical high-end, or even less bottom end.

So, in a nutshell, the fewer guitar parts are laminated, the more organically beautiful the guitar’s tone will be.

Since the top is the guitar part that can influence its sound the most, buying a solid-top acoustic guitar, you make sure that your guitar will have a pleasant sound with sustain and a decent bottom end.

Finally, as you might have imagined, laminated instruments are cheaper to build, therefore, will always be cheaper to buy.

Electronics

Looking for the best acoustic-electric guitars isn’t the same as looking for the best acoustic guitars.

In other words, if you go for an acoustic-electric is because you need that pickup and preamp and will use it live a lot. This is important because the money that goes into adding the electronics comes from the wood, hardware, or other parts of the guitar’s construction. Therefore, if you won’t be using the electronics much, I would go for acoustic guitars instead of electric-acoustic guitars.

So, once you’ve made up your mind, what should you look for in your guitar’s electronics in this price range?

You should look for first-brand preamps such as Fishman and LR Baggs, for example. These preamps will capture and allow you to manipulate your guitar’s sound, so they play a major role in what your audience will get from your performance.

Finally, let me give you two pro tips.

First, mind the feedback. Get a cover for your soundhole and you’ll enjoy performing live much more. Finally, acoustics always sound better through an acoustic guitar amp; therefore, if it fits your budget, get one too.

Check our full acoustic guitar pickup guide here.

Are Cheap Budget Acoustic Guitars Any Good?

I’m sure that when we set out to buy guitars in any price range, what we’re looking for is the best acoustic guitar for the money. So, let me tell you that it’s not the same to talk about cheap acoustic guitars as budget acoustic guitars. Many budget acoustic guitars offer excellent value for the money!

On the list above you’ll find the acoustic guitars on the market that make that fine line between budget and cheap meaningful. Yes, these are acoustic guitars that maximize your ROI (return on investment), which is a fancy way to say you get more bang for your buck.

For example, guitars like the Marting DJR-10. Yes, we’re talking about solid woods and the legendary Martin tone and overall playable guitar with a gig bag for less than $500.

So, as a response to the above question (I get a lot from students and friends), yes, there are plenty of budget guitars that are affordable but not cheap in construction or tone.

What Issues Cheap Acoustic Guitars Can Have?

As much as there are many amazing instruments in this price range, most acoustic companies, when designing the perfect budget acoustic guitar need to cut some corners.

These corners can be divided into three categories:

• Tone – The one thing that can be a game-changer in tone when it comes to acoustic guitars in this price range is the non-musical high-end some of these guitars have. If this happens, just try another one of the same models to see if it goes away.
• Hardware – This is a big department for corner cutting because it features easily-replaceable pieces. For example, budget friendly acoustic guitars often feature budget tuners that are easily replaceable.
• Miscellaneous – This category involves electronics, finish, factory setup, and strings. While you might notice a not-so-perfect sunburst on one guitar, another might come with cheap strings. All of that is proper to this category. That being said, electronics, strings, and the factory setup can easily be fixed. For the finish just ask for another one of the same model.

This guide of ours helps with tuning stability issues.

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Conclusion on Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500

So amazing acoustics! We’ve gone through our list of the best acoustic guitars under $500 (no expensive guitars to be found here). Let me tell you that, although we have a clear all-around winner, it wasn’t an easy call to make.

Yes, I sat down to think about what I would choose as the best acoustic guitar for the money if I had $500 to spend. The first words that came to my mind were solid-wood and the Martin is the only all-solid guitar on this list as well as an amazing instrument.

Plus, Martin is a company founded in 1833, so it’s no wonder that after almost 2 centuries of honing their craft, they dominate this category.

Yet, that didn’t cover the entire subject because I also thought about the best acoustic-electric guitar, the best parlor guitars, the best guitars for fingerpicking, and even the best acoustic guitar amp!

So, I decided to add the FAQs, runner-ups, and buying guide, to help you enjoy this amazing moment of choosing a brand-new guitar even more.

I hope you had as much fun reading this piece as I did writing it and that you’re now ready to make a more informed decision when buying your new guitar.

Happy playing!