5 Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars in 2023 – The Only Guide You Need

Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by Teemu Suomala

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How Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood sounds:

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The Next Best:

Best for Fingerstyle Playing – Gibson 50’s LG-2

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Small body is great for smaller players
• Neck profile is great for barre chords
• Huge tone for such a small guitar
• L.R. Baggs VTC electronics make it stage-friendly

Cons:

• Buzzy when really played hard
• Neck dives when played standing up

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for anyone looking for a big tone out of a small body. While it can be a bit buzzy when played hard, it would be perfect for flatpickers as well as long as too much force wasn’t used. It is great for guitarists of smaller stature, or guitarists looking for a traveling instrument.

 

Best for Travel – Gibson L-00 Original

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Small size makes travel easy
• Onboard electronics really project when plugged in
• Comfortable neck profile fits nearly any hand
• Loads of well-balanced tone for a little guitar

Cons:

• An onboard tuner would be nice
• Awkward to play standing up for larger players

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is perfect for players wanting a small-bodied acoustic to pack on vacation or use in the studio.

Best for Recording – Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood

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Sweetwater

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Ergonomic neck fits most hands comfortably
• All-solid wood construction really projects the sound
• Incredibly durable construction and finish
• L.R. Baggs electronics are great for live performance

Cons:

• No onboard tuner
• Headstock tends to “dive” when played standing up

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for someone looking to get a guitar that can handle just about anything that you can throw at it. No matter what genre you play, you’ll find something that you like about it!

Best Budget – Gibson Acoustic G-45

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Sweetwater

Thomann

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Our Overall Rating

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Summary

Pros:

• Priced right for budget-minded players
• Good projection and warm, balanced tone
• Gibson Player Port allows you to hear yourself in a thick mix

Cons:

• No onboard electronics
• Gibson Player Port takes some getting used to (it’s a hole in the side of your guitar!)

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for any player looking for an affordable – yet capable – Gibson acoustic.

Compare The Key Specs:

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Compare The Tonewoods:

You can learn more about acoustic guitar tonewoods here.

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About Gibson Acoustic Guitars

Gibson is a name that is synonymous with quality instruments. They started off primarily making mandolins in the 1890s and then began building guitars around the turn of the century. Their long history has made them one of the most recognizable names in the music industry.

While their electric designs – such as the Les Paul, SG, and Flying V – have become icons in virtually all genres, their acoustic designs are what started it all. 

I mean, Slash and Jerry Cantrell even have their own acoustic models, and they’re rock gods. 

Gibson acoustics have graced the stages of players like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty for many years, and many professional guitarists won’t play anything else. 

Their success is due to their high-quality materials and captivating sound. They are all made in the USA by experienced luthiers with the idea of building the best guitars in the world. 

One note is that they are not priced toward budget-minded or beginner players. Having a Gibson as your first guitar is pretty much the equivalent of having a Corvette as your first car. They aren’t out of the realm of acquisition for budding players, but they may take some extra time to save up enough pennies to get one. 

With all of that said, here are our top picks for Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars.

If you are not completely settled on a idea of buying an Gibson, 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 Fender Acoustic Guitars

5 Best Ibanez Acoustic Guitars

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5 Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars

Best Overall – Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood

Specs

Body Style	Round Shoulder Dreadnought
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Rosewood
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Advanced Response
Fretboard	20, Standard frets, Rosewood fingerboard. 16″ radius.
Nut	Tusq
Nut Width	1.725″ (43.8mm)
Electronics	LR Baggs Element Bronze Pickup
Saddle	Tusq
Scale-Length	24.75″

The Gibson J-45 model was introduced in 1942. It is dubbed “The Workhorse” of acoustics because these guitars just don’t quit. Whether you’re banging out chords onstage or intricately picking lines in the studio, this is the guitar that will get it done.

Traditionally made with mahogany, this variant uses Rosewood in its place for a more overall balanced tone. 

The top is solid Sitka spruce which gives it a loud sound while maintaining tonal balance. While the original mahogany versions are incredible, the Rosewood seems to really sweeten the tone with balanced mids that pack a great punch. The volume is controllable though when you back off with your strumming hand.

They are not as bassy as the J-200 jumbo models, and the Rosewood takes a bit of darkness out of the bottom end, pushing the low mids up to the surface. 

No matter what style of music you play, you will appreciate the tone, playability, and durability of the Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood.

Another solid sound demo:

Pros:

• Ergonomic neck fits most hands comfortably
• All-solid wood construction really projects the sound
• Incredibly durable construction and finish
• L.R. Baggs electronics are great for live performance

Cons:

• No onboard tuner
• Headstock tends to “dive” when played standing up

What others are saying:

“I think this guitar holds it’s ground against the J45 Standard. It’s no better or worse. Just a separate instrument with it’s own unique voice that has 100% of the build quality of the original.” – Jamie, Sweetwater customer

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for someone looking to get a guitar that can handle just about anything that you can throw at it. No matter what genre you play, you’ll find something that you like about it!

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is not for budget-minded players. You’re getting a guitar that is premium quality and designed to last forever (or close to it). These are definitely for more seasoned players in that regard.

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Best for Fingerstyle Playing – Gibson 50’s LG-2

Specs

Body Shape	50’s LG-2 – Parlor styled
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	V
Fretboard	20, Standard frets, Rosewood fingerboard. 12″ radius.
Nut	Bone
Nut Width	1.725″ (43.8mm)
Electronics	LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
Saddle	Bone
Scale-Length	24.75″

If you prefer using your digits to pick instead of a flat pick, then the Gibson 50’s LG-2 is the guitar you should look at first. Small and compact, it packs the tonal punch of a much bigger guitar. This is great for the articulation needed by fingerstyle players.

It all starts with the small body. Crafted of the highest quality mahogany with a Sitka spruce top, the Gibson 50’s LG-2 is really a balanced instrument. It doesn’t sound thin at all. The mahogany does its job here and adds some solid low-mids that really sing with plenty of sustain. 

Really. This guitar will blow your mind with how much tone comes out of it. 

The neck is comfortable and light which really adds to the appeal of this little thing. It’s easy to move up and down the fretboard and grab those barre chords. 

If you’re a Chet Atkins or Merle Travis fan, you’ll love the versatility the Gibson 50’s LG-2 offers for those fingerpicked songs.

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Small body is great for smaller players (great acoustic for small hands)
• Neck profile is great for barre chords
• Huge tone for such a small guitar
• L.R. Baggs VTC electronics make it stage-friendly

Cons:

• Buzzy when really played hard
• Neck dives when played standing up

What others are saying:

“This is an amazing guitar with wonderful tone! This small body packs a beautiful punch.” – Sweetwater customer

Find more excellent fingerstyle acoustic guitars here.

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for anyone looking for a big tone out of a small body. While it can be a bit buzzy when played hard, it would be perfect for flatpickers as well as long as too much force wasn’t used. It is great for guitarists of smaller stature, or guitarists looking for a traveling instrument.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is not for someone looking for an instrument that will break out of a deep mix of other acoustic instruments unless amplification is involved.

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Best for Travel – Gibson L-00 Original

Specs

Body Shape	L-00 Original – Parlor Styled
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Slim Taper
Fretboard	19, Standard frets, Rosewood fingerboard. 12″ radius.
Nut	Bone
Nut Width	1.725″ (43.8mm)
Electronics	LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
Saddle	Bone
Scale-Length	24.75″

Here’s another pint-sized guitar for those who want to pack a guitar along on their travels or do some intimate studio work. The Gibson L-00 is the guitar you need to consider if you’re going to be on the road and don’t want to drag a full-sized dreadnought or jumbo around with you (we’ve all been there). 

This seriously small guitar comes in even smaller than the LG-2 with a thinner waist and lower bout. Its incredibly vintage style hearkens back to the early 1930s when it became popular with bluesmen like Robert Johnson. 

Find more great acoustic guitars for blues here.

The Gibson L-00 sports an all-solid-mahogany body and a solid Sitka spruce top. This creates a balanced tone with a big mid-range punch. The neck is incredibly easy to play and very comfortable even for those with larger hands (like me).

This little guy sings when strummed moderately with a flat pick or played intimately with the fingers. The L.R. Baggs VTC system really shines onstage as well. It has a well-balanced amplified tone that really helps project its little voice. 

Whether you’re looking for a high-end campfire companion or a great little guitar to write songs on, the Gibson L-00 should be at the top of your list.

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Small size makes travel easy
• Onboard electronics really project when plugged in
• Comfortable neck profile fits nearly any hand
• Loads of well-balanced tone for a little guitar

Cons:

• An onboard tuner would be nice
• Awkward to play standing up for larger players

What others are saying:

“What could Gibson do to make this guitar better?? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! The playability, the sound, the feel, the STUNNING BEAUTY of this L-00 Original is astounding! I LOVE THIS GUITAR!!” – Tony, Sweetwater customer

Find more great Parlor guitars here.

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is perfect for players wanting a small-bodied acoustic to pack on vacation or use in the studio.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is probably not for players of a larger stature who want to play live. It is just a little too awkward to play when standing up. It is also not for the player who is looking for the volume that larger guitars (even the LG-2) provide.

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Best for Recording – Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood

Specs

Body Shape	Square Shoulder Dreadnought
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Rosewood
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Rounded
Fretboard	20, Standard frets, Rosewood fingerboard. 12″ radius
Nut	Tusq
Nut Width	1.725″ (43.8mm)
Electronics	LR Baggs VTC Under Saddle Pickup
Saddle	Tusq
Scale-Length	25.5″

When it comes to recording, only the best will do. Enter the Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood. Gibson’s craftsmanship and attention to detail combine to create a guitar that is transparent and versatile enough to grace the tracks of even the most discerning artists. 

It all starts with a solid Sitka spruce top mated to a Rosewood body. This tonal combination is always a winner, producing plenty of mid-range punch and sustain. 

Basically, when you think of how an acoustic is supposed to sound, you are hearing this guitar in your head. 

The neck is Gibson’s Comfort Contour neck, and it is appropriately named. The neck plays buttery smooth all the way up. The binding on the neck doesn’t get in the way either since it is rolled in order to get it out of the way. 

The versatility of the Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood puts it right up there with any other studio guitar.

But that’s not all…

Strap this bad boy on and get on stage! Go ahead. It will handle it just fine. 

If you’re looking to record your next acoustic project and want a guitar that nails it in all the right tonal areas, then the Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood should be in your collection. 

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• High-quality tonewoods produce a well-balanced, transparent tone
• Visual appointments add a lot of flair
• Onboard LR Baggs electronics are great for stage use
• Comfortable neck fits nearly all hand sizes

Cons:

• Priced high for budget-minded players
• Headstock “dive” is definitely there

What others are saying:

“I’ve played so many great guitars but hands down this is definitely one of my favorites and it’s extremely beautiful!” – Kris, Sweetwater customer

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for the player looking for a well-rounded, versatile instrument with a lot of visual appointments to boot. It literally looks as good as it sounds. It is also for the player wanting an acoustic guitar that is perfect for the recording studio due to its overall balanced tone.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is definitely not for budget-minded players. Its price tag is well worth it if you’ve got the extra money for it.

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Best Budget – Gibson Acoustic G-45

Specs

Body Shape	Round Shoulder Dreadnought
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Walnut
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Advanced Response
Fretboard	20, Standard frets, Striped Ebony fingerboard. 16″ radius.
Nut	Tusq
Nut Width	1.725″ (43.8mm)
Electronics	No
Saddle	Tusq
Scale-Length	24.75″

Gibson’s aren’t “cheap.” By that, I mean in price and quality. That’s a pretty well-known fact in the music industry. However, if you’re gunning for a Gibson acoustic while still keeping your marriage together (or paying your rent, or feeding yourself), then the Gibson Acoustic G-45 is the guitar for you.

It is a no-frills Gibson with plenty of signature tone. The solid walnut back and sides add a rich, deep tone while the solid Sitka spruce top provides balance and projection. 

Players will also notice another type of wood on the build list: Utile. This is a mahogany-like wood that is fairly new in the mainstream guitar world. The Gibson Acoustic G-45 uses is for the neck, and it is really hard to decern from mahogany (to my ears at least). 

Perhaps the oddest thing about this guitar is what Gibson calls the “Gibson Player Port”. It is a sound hole on the top bout of the guitar’s side that allows players to really hear what they are doing. This would be great for crowded jam sessions where you can sometimes lose yourself in the mix. 

From top to bottom, it provides incredible playability and great tone. What more could you want? All guitar players can appreciate the Gibson Acoustic G-45 regardless of skill level. 

If you’re wanting a new Gibson without a second mortgage, this is the one for you.

Check our picks for the best acoustic guitars under $1000.

How this guitar sounds:

Pros:

• Priced right for budget-minded players
• Good projection and warm, balanced tone
• Gibson Player Port allows you to hear yourself in a thick mix

Cons:

• No onboard electronics
• Gibson Player Port takes some getting used to (it’s a hole in the side of your guitar!)

What others are saying:

“Replacing 2 overseas acoustics that are about half the price each… and this guitar is so much nicer and better sounding. It’s a different level instrument entirely.” – Sean, Sweetwater customer

More aobut cheap Gibsons and alternatives here.

Who is this guitar for?

This guitar is for any player looking for an affordable – yet capable – Gibson acoustic.

Who is this guitar NOT for?

This guitar is not for those who want a guitar with a lot of visual appointments. It is a pretty simple-looking guitar.

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Verdict

Ok, folks! Our number one best overall pick goes to the Gibson J-45 Studio Rosewood for being such an amazing guitar for virtually anyone looking to play it. 

Next, we have the Gibson LG-2 as the best guitar for all of the fingerpickers out there. 

Thirdly, we have the Gibson L-00 as the best travel companion for guitarists who are on the go. It’s small but mighty.

The Gibson Songwriter Standard Rosewood is the top pick for the best guitar for studio use. It is just so crystal clear and well-balanced that it can’t be beaten. 
Lastly, budget-minded players will love the price and playability of the Gibson Acoustic G-45. It is both innovative and simplistic.

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Runner-Ups That Just Missed The Top 5

• Runner-Up Best Budget – Gibson Acoustic G-Writer EC
• Best Flatpicking – Gibson Hummingbird
• Best for Rock/Country  – Gibson J-35
• Best for Studio – Gibson J-45 Studio
• Best Live Performer – Gibson J-185 EC Modern

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Buyer’s Guide – FAQ

Key Features of Gibson Acoustic Guitars 

• All-solid tonewoods 
• Handmade in the USA
• Signature body styles such as the Jumbo, J-45 dreadnought, and L-00 parlor
• High-quality hardware
• Exsquisite craftsmanship

How to Choose The Right Gibson Acoustic Guitar For You?

This is an extremely personal choice, but the best way is to play them. If you’re an online buyer, it is important to check the manufacturer’s dimensions. If you’re a smaller player, then you would probably won’t like a Jumbo body size. Instead, you would want to stick with a smaller guitar, perhaps even the LG-2 or L-00 sizes. 

Secondly, you have to pick one that feels good to you. Fret size and neck profile are important to take into account here. 

Thirdly, look at the aesthetics. Get a guitar that appeals to you visually and makes you want to play! 

Lastly, look at additional hardware, such as electronics, to figure out if you really need to drop the extra money for them or not. Sometimes we buy more than we need! 

Body Styles and Sizes 

L-00 Gibson Style

open string length	24.781″ (629.44mm)
body length	19 7/16″
lower bout	14 27/32″
middle bout	8 7/16″
upper bout	10 7/32″

J-200 Gibson Style

open string length	25.312″ (642.92mm)
body length	21 1/16″
lower bout	16 27/32″
middle bout	10 5/16″
upper bout	12 3/8″

J-185 Gibson Style

open string length	25.750″ (654.95mm)
body length	20 1/4″
lower bout	16″
middle bout	9 3/16″
upper bout	11 7/32″
body depth	4 7/8″

J-45 Gibson Style

open string length	24.750″ (628.65mm)
body length	20 1/8″
lower bout	15 31/32″
middle bout	10 19/32″
upper bout	11 7/16″

Tonewoods

Walnut

Walnut offers an overall bright and smooth sound with a tight low-end and good articulation.

Maple

Maple is a great wood option if you are after a bright, crisp, and glassy sound.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a great wood option if you are after soft wood that offers round, warm, and full sound.

Rosewood

Rosewood is a great option if you want to achieve great articulation and bright & crisp tone.

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.

Utile

Utile is a mahogany-like wood that is fairly new in the mainstream guitar world. Some guitars use Utile as neck material.

Electronics

Currently, Gibson uses LR Baggs electronics for all of their acoustic/electric guitars. 

Check our acoustic guitar pickup types guide here.

What Gibson Acoustic Guitars Are Good For?

Gibson acoustic guitars are good for virtually every style of music. While the different body styles will typically govern the style they are best for (for example, dreadnaughts are great for flatpicking bluegrass or acoustic rock), they are versatile instruments that mate up to many different playing styles. You just have to find the right one for you. 

How much is a good Gibson acoustic guitar?

Typically, the price for Gibson acoustic guitars starts around $999.99 up to $24999.99. 

Are Gibson acoustic guitars better than Martin acoustic guitars?

They are both high-quality instruments that have shaped music history. Both Gibson and Martin are USA-based guitar companies that make incredible instruments. The differences lie in some of their body styles. For example, the J-45 is more square-shouldered than Martin’s D-28. 

Martin also uses more synthetic materials in some of their more budget-friendly guitars. It is all a matter of preference because they are both equally amazing in their own way. 

Do Gibson acoustic guitars hold their value?

Yes, Gibson guitars typically hold their value if well cared for. In fact, some models may even gain value over time, making them a sound investment for collectors. 

Guitarists Who Play on Gibson Acoustic Guitars

• Bruce Springsteen
• Slash
• Jerry Cantrell
• Tom Petty
• Pete Townsend
• Bob Dylan
• Sheryl Crow
• Neil Young

Great Alternatives to Gibson Acoustic Guitars

If you just can’t find a Gibson acoustic guitar that you like, you can also check out Epiphone, Taylor, Martin, Alvarez, or Breedlove. 

Gibson Acoustic Guitar Collections (explain key differences)

The Gibson Original Collection

Gibson Acoustic ’50s J-45 Original

This collection is comprised of classic, vintage-inspired models made similarly to the original vintage models without the large price tag of Custom Shop models. 

The Gibson Modern Collection

This collection is comprised of guitars that are more modern takes on the vintage originals.

The Generation Collection

Gibson Generation G-45

This collection is no-frills and fairly simple construction for Gibson. These models include the Gibson Player Port soundhole and are priced the lowest out of the entire Gibson lineup. This is a real “budget Gibson”.

The Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection

The guitars in the Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection are made to the exact specs as their vintage brethren. The fit and finish seem to be better as well. However, they are more expensive than the Original collection

The Gibson Custom Shop Modern Collection

These offer more modern takes on the Gibson Custom Shop models. 

The Gibson Artist Acoustic Collection

These are based on the models designed by famous musicians that play Gibson Acoustics, such as Noel Gallagher, Sheryl Crow, and Jerry Cantrell. 

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Conclusion on Best Gibson Acoustic Guitars

While they are most notably known for their groundbreaking electric guitar designs, the fact of the matter is that Gibson is just as capable of making high-quality acoustic instruments today as they were when they started over 100 years ago. 

This is because they provide players with what they want with no apologies: a handmade acoustic guitar that not only sounds amazing but fills every void for the player. There is no stone left unturned once you pick up a Gibson acoustic guitar.