5 Great Acoustic Guitars On a Budget
An acoustic guitar is a very personal thing. It's one that doesn't necessarily follow rational order. While my 1956 Gibson is one of my most prized possessions, when I'm on tour, 9 times out of 10 I'm playing the custom rebuilt Yamaha FG I've had since I was 14. Sure, the action isn't great and the sustain leaves much to be desired, but it has a huge dynamic range, and a great percussive yet warm sound that works well for the kind of music I play.
But really, it's that I'm familiar with it, and despite its ergonomic flaws, it's comfortable in my hands. So when you see lists of the best guitars on the market, and arguments over whether to buy Taylor or Martin, Fender or Gibson, remember that it's a very subjective thing. What matters at the end of the day isn't as much the guitar's qualities on its own, but whether it works for what you want to do with it. While there are certainly fine guitars at the bottom of the price scale, and no shortage of incredible small batch boutique guitars at the top, this list will help guide you to a guitar that works for your style with the best balance between quality and price.
Taylor 200 Series
Taylor's guitars are known worldwide for their build quality and crisp clean sound. The Rosewood tonewood gives bright highs that make these guitars useful in pop and alt rock productions. While not as nuanced and complex as some other high end guitars, Taylor's 200 series can stand out strong in a full band. The integrated electronics are praised for their quality and accuracy. Popular models include the 214CE which features Taylor's signature cutaway on a Grand Auditorium body.
Martin 000X Series
There's a reason that Martin has the reputation it has. There are few guitar makers in the world with the attention to detail, commitment to quality, and iconic sound of a Martin. Their 000 body type has so defined the landscape of acoustic guitars for sale that most models on the market today owe something to its design. While their more high end models can run for thousands, Martin's 000X (including the 000XCE and the 000X1AE) save money by combining Martin's traditional design and build with cheaper materials. The HPL (high pressure laminate) wood may put some off, but there are few guitars on the market capable of bringing out the nuance and depth of fingerstyle guitar work in this price range.
Yamaha L Series
Yamaha's guitars tend to be less about a defining sound like Taylors or Martins, and more about versatility. The recently revamped L series is a collection of solid all-around guitars. The mahogany / rosewood pairing gives them a nuanced and balanced tone, while the much vaunted A.R.E. (acoustic resonance enhancement) gives the wood the richness of a vintage guitar that's been broken in for years. Like many Yamahas, the L series have a wide dynamic range, and the electronics have been specifically designed not to impact the instrument's natural sound. While a guitarist looking for a unique sound may be turned off, this is the perfect guitar for someone looking to do a little bit of everything.
Guild M Series
Folk music fans know Guild guitars for their ability to pack a large sound in a small body. The versatile instrument has a depth of tone unparalleled for their size. The M-120 in particular uses mahogany tonewood with a rosewood fingerboard for full, but not overbearing lows, and pronounced high mids. But it's real value is in the rich dynamic response which rewards both fingerpicking and flatpicking.
Seagull S Series
For rhythm guitarists, Seagull's S6 is in a class of its own for its price point. Handmade with wild cherry and rosewood tonewoods, the guitar has a bright tone, often compared with higher end Taylors. The instrument is praised by many for its durability and robust build quality, and can take a lot of abuse between gigs. It's bright sound can be an asset or disadvantage depending on the context, but for chord strumming singer-songwriters, there really is no better dreadnaught for the price.
