Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500 in 2023
Pursuing your passion for music doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. In fact, the market is rife with high-quality, budget-friendly acoustic guitars that can help you hit the right notes without causing financial discord.
If you’re an aspiring musician or a seasoned guitarist looking for a reliable backup, this article will surely strike a chord with you. We have compiled a list of the best acoustic guitars under $500 in 2023 that deliver excellent sound quality, superior build, and impressive aesthetics.
So, whether you’re walking the line of country music, strumming the blues away, or simply exploring diverse musical genres, grab your picks, and let’s begin the journey to find your six-stringed companion!
Top Acoustic Guitars Under $500
Martin LX1
Overview
The Martin LX1E, fondly referred to as the Little Martin, is a compact guitar renowned for its exceptional build quality and impressive tonal quality. This guitar is a product of Martin, who, if you have yet to hear, is one of the most trusted acoustic guitar brands on the market, and for a good reason.
The LX1E is a 3/4 size guitar, perfect for travel, practice, and live performances. It sports a solid Sitka spruce top, high-pressure mahogany laminate (HPL) back and sides, and a richlite fingerboard.
In addition, the LX1E model comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, known for delivering an excellent amplified sound.
The guitar also features a non-scalloped X bracing for soundboard support and vibrational freedom, a Tusq saddle, and a Corian nut to enrich the overall tone and enhance tuning stability.
Key Benefits
- Designed for easy travel and durability, making it an ideal companion for jam sessions and even gigs (if you feel ready for your playing to be heard!).
- Solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany HPL back and sides provide exceptional sound quality.
- The rust-colored Stratabond birch laminate neck enhances the guitar’s strength and reduces cost.
- Fishman Sonitone pickup delivers an impressive amplified sound, making it a competitor to more prominent, pricier guitars.
- The Richlite fingerboard, made from post-consumer recycled paper, prevents wood shrinkage and resembles the more expensive ebony when polished.
- Frets are closer together than on a full-size acoustic, but with a similar nut width, offering comfortable play for both newbies and experienced players.
- Despite being less loud than a full-sized acoustic, it still produces a considerable volume with a clear and defined tone.
- Reacts well to dynamic playing and delivers good sound, particularly when plugged in.
- Suitable for a wide range of players and purposes.
Pricing
The Martin LX1E comes with a price tag of around $500 when new. While some may argue that there are better options available at a similar price, it’s worth noting that this guitar offers excellent build quality and durability. Plus, you’ll own a Martin!
Pros & Cons
In my opinion, the Martin LX1E has quite a lot going for it. Despite its small stature, it delivers a full and loud sound, with a good dynamic range and bright sound (which I quite like). Its smaller size makes it ideal for traveling or for children/people with small hands. The frets may be slightly closer together than on a full-size acoustic, but the nut width is the same. This makes it a comfortable guitar for both beginners and experienced players.
The construction is of high quality and will likely last a long time. The guitar performs reasonably well when plugged in and comes with a nicely padded Martin gig bag, ideal for storage and transport. While the LX1E may not project as much volume as a full-size acoustic, it’s still fairly loud for its size and has a clear and defined tone. The Fishman Sonitone pickup that comes with it performs well when plugged in, holding its own against larger and more expensive guitars.
On the downside, I’ve heard other players raise concerns about the high-pressure laminate on the guitar’s back and sides, as these materials can affect tonal quality. The small size can pose challenges for guitarists with large hands, making it less ideal for adult beginners who are looking for full-sized starter guitars. Some players have also mentioned that the guitar’s sound lacks resonance and volume, and it has a bright, tinny tone.
Guild M-240E Troubadour
Overview
The Guild M-240E Troubadour is a concert-sized acoustic-electric guitar that is part of Guild’s Westerly Collection, commemorating Guild’s move to Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1967. This small-body, sunburst addition to Guild’s acoustic archback line is a budget-friendly model that shares the same inspiration with the solid wood, California-built model, the M-40.
This guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany sides, an arched mahogany back, and an Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge. It’s equipped with the DeArmond Tone Boss, a user-friendly humbucking magnetic soundhole pickup with built-in volume control, compatible with any amplifier.
Key Benefits
- The Guild M-240E Troubadour is particularly suited for country, folk, and blues due to its bright mids.
- It has fast action in standard tuning, making it easy to play, especially for bends. Trust me; this is something that beginners should pay attention to.
- The action and string spacing also complement delicate fingerstyle.
- The guitar can be played with overdrive and be plugged into a standard guitar amp for added edge.
- The M-240E features a solid Sitka spruce top over an arched mahogany back, a classic wood combination that provides a well-balanced voice with plenty of overtones.
- The removable Tone Boss soundhole pickup offers a unique feature for those used to onboard piezo systems.
- Its lightweight and reduced size make it an excellent option for smaller players or musicians looking for a quality travel guitar.
Pricing
The Guild M-240E Troubadour is considered a solid choice for those on a budget. It is generally priced at around $519. It’s important to note that the case for the guitar is sold separately.
Pros & Cons
The Guild M-240E Troubadour successfully blends modern and traditional elements; the curves, minimal-striped purfling, and sunburst give a nod to old Americana, while the satin finish adds a modern touch. The guitar’s light weight, coupled with its fast action in standard tuning and easy playability, are noteworthy pros.
However, the action on my test model was very low with the provided .012 D’Addario strings, leading to a bit of buzz when tuning down or hitting the strings hard. Additionally, it’s passive, so it doesn’t offer the higher output of a piezo or active magnetic pickup and lacks onboard tone controls.
A minor cosmetic issue noted is that the mahogany neck shade doesn’t quite match the body. On the upside, it has 14:1 ratio open-gear tuners that operate smoothly, and the pickup’s round sound, when plugged into a Laney A1+ acoustic combo on flat 12 o’clock settings, was found to be pleasingly free from the harsh highs or plasticky compression that can hinder piezo in the lower budget end of the market.
Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert
Overview
The Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert is affordable and environmentally conscious, making it a popular option in the mainstream guitar market. The instrument boasts a full-size concert body, elegant black body binding, and a unique tortoiseshell-style rosette inlay.
It is constructed with solid mahogany on the top and EcoTonewood mahogany on the back and sides. The neck comprises mahogany with a slim C profile and an Ovangkol fretboard.
Known for delivering sweet, articulate tones, the Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert is perfect for fingerstyle play, offering intricate and complex tones. It’s balanced through the mids and has a particular warmth due to its mahogany construction.
Key Benefits
- The guitar is made with sustainably harvested timber, making it environmentally friendly.
- It comes with a padded Breedlove gig bag.
- It has a unique, modern design in both sunburst and natural finishes.
- The Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert is suitable for both beginners and professional players due to its well-constructed design and easy playing experience.
- The guitar is comfortable to hold, whether seated or standing, making it a perfect choice for smaller or younger players.
- It features Breedlove’s signature headstock and pinless bridge, which makes string changing easier.
- The guitar offers well-balanced tones, warmth, and reliability, which intermediate and advanced players will appreciate.
Pricing
The Breedlove ECO Discovery S Concert models are affordable. For example, the Breedlove ECO Discovery S Concert All Mahogany is priced at $449, while the Nylon CE model is a bit more expensive at $549.
Pros & Cons
As a Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert owner, I appreciate the comfortable body shape and forgiving neck – perfect for beginners. Also, intermediate and advanced players will value the well-balanced tones, warmth, reliability, and build quality.
The hardware quality is impressive at this price point, with the tuners holding their pitch well even after extended playing. The solid top makes the guitar beautifully resonant and offers excellent sustain. The strength and complexity of the bass fundamentals and overtones are a pleasant surprise for a cedar-and-mahogany guitar of this modest size.
The guitar delivers a clean, bright sound with plenty of warmth and good projection. It offers an effortless playing experience for hands of all sizes. However, one minor issue was noted with the string holes/bridge assembly. The eyes of the strings are beginning to stress the inlets due to the steel recessing the wood.
Yamaha FG830
Overview
The Yamaha FG830 is a remarkable acoustic guitar from Yamaha’s illustrious FG series that has delighted musicians since 1966. Crafted with a solid spruce top and scalloped bracing, the FG830 offers a bright, rich, and dynamic tone.
It boasts a laminate rosewood back and sides complemented by a Nato neck and a rosewood bridge and fingerboard. The FG830 comes with a 25.9-inch scale length, 20 frets with dot inlays, and a tortoise pattern pickguard.
Available in six distinct colors, it also has an acoustic-electric version featuring an under-saddle piezo with a 3-band EQ, a precision chromatic tuner, and a frequency control.
Key Benefits
- The Yamaha FG830 boasts a high-quality build under strict quality control conditions (you can always bet on Yamaha)
- A solid spruce top, a top-notch feature at this price.
- Nato neck provides extreme comfort.
- Sealed die-cast tuners ensure the guitar retains its tune in even unfavorable conditions.
- Excellent as a rhythm guitar or as an accompaniment for a singer.
- Impressive note separation and articulation responsive to changes in player touch.
- Excellent value for money for a quality guitar.
Pricing
Priced slightly over $300, the Yamaha FG830 is a mid-market gem that offers superior tonal quality and sound production compared to its sibling, the FG800. This guitar provides excellent features and quality for its price, making it an outstanding value. Despite its affordability, the FG830 looks and feels like a more expensive model.
Pros & Cons
From our experience, the FG830 has many outstanding features. It has a thin neck profile that’s incredibly comfortable and easy to play. The back of the neck boasts a satin finish, providing a smooth feel perfect for moving your hands around the fingerboard. Whether you’re seated or standing, the guitar is easy to grip. It produces a versatile sound across genres and has a loud projection that can be revved up with heavy strumming.
That said, the Yamaha FG830 might not be the best choice for beginners since it’s not an entry-level model. It might require some initial tuning despite it being factory-made. We’ve noticed that some customers have pointed out the saddle, nut, and bridge pins being made from plastic. However, this minor issue can be easily fixed with an inexpensive upgrade. All in all, the Yamaha FG830 offers excellent value for its price and is a reliable choice for intermediate and experienced guitarists.
Taylor BBT (Big Baby Taylor)
Overview
Residing in Taylor’s 2022 Big Baby series, the Big Baby Taylor is a slightly smaller guitar with a solid build quality. Its size is positioned between the Baby Taylor and the GS Mini, making it a comfortable fit for different hand sizes.
Crafted in Mexico, it features a solid walnut top, layered walnut back and sides, and a hard rock maple neck. Its scale length measures 25.5″ with a 15″ fretboard radius.
The neck is designed in a C-type shape, known for its slim profile facilitating faster play. It’s worth mentioning its nut width of 42.9mm (1.688″), a typical size, offers a good balance of string separation.
Key Benefits
- Balanced construction suitable for most hand sizes
- Comfortable weight distribution for longer play sessions
- The neck speed is balanced, facilitating fast play
- Smooth fret edges for a soft feel when playing
- Its smaller size makes it an ideal travel companion
- Suitable for both beginners and seasoned players due to its portability and quality sound
- Works well with all types of strumming and picking
- Known for its quality build and bright, warm sound that’s crisp and defined
Pricing
The Taylor BBT is around 20% cheaper than similar guitars in the market. This affordability, coupled with its features, makes it an excellent starting option for beginners and a good value deal for seasoned players.
Pros & Cons
From my perspective, the Big Baby Taylor has several notable advantages. Its punchy and well-balanced tone, along with its solid construction and good tuning stability, are major points in its favor. The slim neck profile makes for comfortable playing, and its versatility makes it suitable for various playing styles.
The only possible drawback would be the lack of built-in electronics, but this can be easily remedied with a visit to a local Taylor dealer for a pickup installation. All in all, we believe the pros heavily outweigh the cons.
Epiphone Dove Studio
Overview
The Epiphone Dove Studio is a classic acoustic-electric guitar primed for stage performance. With its solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and maple neck, this guitar is as visually stunning as it is sonically pleasing. The guitar’s aesthetic is further enhanced by a rosewood fretboard with pearloid parallelogram inlays and a distinctive rosewood “Dove” bridge complete with a pearloid saddle. The Dove Studio catches the eye in either a Violin Burst or an Alpine White finish, reminiscent of the ’60s classic. Fitted with the Fishman Sonitone preamp and Sonicore pickup system, this guitar is ready to roar when plugged in.
Key Benefits
- Lightweight and comfortable body, especially compared to a full-sized guitar.
- Rich tonal quality, similar to a Gibson guitar, offering a deep, warm sound.
- Loud, full-bodied instrument presenting a punchy low end, plenty of presence, and a bright treble response.
- A versatile instrument that fits into various genres, from rock and alternative bands to singer-songwriters.
- Features an easily adjustable truss rod, facilitating effortless alteration of the neck’s bow.
Pricing
The Epiphone Dove Studio is priced at around $390.00. Considering its quality and features, we believe it presents excellent value.
Pros & Cons
As with all instruments, the Dove Studio has its highs and lows. The overall user ratings average a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the sound quality, features, manufacturer support, and wow factor being rated highly. Some users have found the tone lighter than that of the Hummingbird, likely because of the maple body – this could be a pro or a con, depending on your tonal preferences.
On the downside, a few users have reported issues with the preamp and pickup, with the High E string being the only one picked up in some cases. Additionally, there have been instances of the guitar arriving with worn-out strings, suggesting it might have been a returned item or used as a demo guitar in a store. However, these seem to be relatively isolated issues and are not reflective of the instrument’s overall performance.
D’Angelico Premier Series Gramercy CS Cutaway
Overview
The D’Angelico Premier Series Gramercy CS Cutaway is a unique, single-cutaway orchestra acoustic-electric guitar that hails from Indonesia. This right-handed, 6-string gem is recognized for its clear, crystal-like tone and unmatched comfort during performance.
It has an onboard preamp and tuner, making it an accessible musical instrument for players of varying levels of expertise. You can find it exclusively at Guitar Center.
Key Benefits
- This guitar is renowned for its crystal-clear sound quality.
- This guitar offers comfortable playability thanks to a slim upper bout and C-shape neck profile.
- Onboard Preamp and Tuner makes the guitar easily accessible for players of all skill levels.
- It boasts a laminated mahogany top, back, and sides, a C-shape mahogany scarf neck, a torrefied Merbau fingerboard, and an ABS bridge.
- Unique Design: The guitar uses a scalloped X bracing pattern and comes with a satin body finish.
- High-quality Hardware: It features Stairstep Wave-type tuning machines.
Pricing
For the D’Angelico Premier Series Gramercy CS Cutaway, we recommend checking with Guitar Center, the exclusive retailer of this guitar, for the most accurate price.
Pros & Cons
From our perspective, the Premier Gramercy CS offers a lot of advantages. Its versatility and accessibility make it an excellent option for players of varying skill levels. The balanced and warm tone it produces, courtesy of its laminated mahogany top, back, and sides, is another huge plus.
Thanks to the slim neck profile and satin finish, the comfort of playing this guitar is a joy. And let’s not forget the onboard preamp and tuner, which make it ready for both live and studio performances.
When considering this guitar, potential buyers might want to consider factors like individual playing style, personal sound preferences, and portability. It could also be worthwhile to compare the Premier Gramercy CS with other guitars within the same price range to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs.
PRS SE P20 Parlor
Overview
The PRS SE Tonare Parlor P20E is an affordable, small-bodied acoustic guitar with a sophisticated finish. Part of PRS’ range of acoustics, this model is available with or without electronics and comes in three satin finishes in addition to two limited edition colors.
It features solid mahogany construction, a black satin finish, a mahogany neck, PRS’s signature “Wide Fat” neck profile, and PRS hybrid “X”/Classical bracing.
It comes with a premium PRS gig bag. PRS Guitars is a well-known American guitar manufacturer, and they have been recognized for their craftsmanship and innovative designs since their foundation in 1985.
Key Benefits
- The PRS SE P20E Parlor has a sturdy construction and smooth fretwork, offering durability and a comfortable playing experience.
- Suitable for gigs, recording, or writing, thanks to the Fishman GT1 pickup system, which delivers a dynamic and natural tone.
- It has a beautiful design that pleases both the eyes and ears.
- It has a sweet sonic character, an instantly playable neck, and lovely aesthetics.
- The PRS SE P20E Parlor is also a great travel or couch guitar due to its smaller size and reliable tuning stability.
Pricing
The PRS SE P20E Parlor guitar is affordable and provides excellent value for money. Being a budget-friendly model, it’s easy on your bank account.
Pros & Cons
Speaking from experience, this guitar has several strengths that make it a solid choice. The build quality is excellent, providing great value for the price. Despite its small body, it can still produce a big, rich tone.
The PRS “Wide Fat” neck profile may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s softly rounded shoulders make it comfortable to play with and easy to maneuver. The body depth is shallower compared to a full-sized dreadnought, but that’s part of what makes it such a good travel or couch guitar.
On the downside, the strings are a bit higher than we’d prefer, so you might need to get a setup to adjust this. But overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for the PRS SE P20E Parlor guitar.
What should I look for in an acoustic guitar under $500?
There are several key factors to consider when looking for an acoustic guitar under $500. Firstly, the quality of materials used in the guitar’s construction is essential. For example, a solid top, usually made of spruce or cedar, is generally considered superior to a laminate top because it vibrates more freely, producing a richer tone. The Martin LX1 and the Guild M-240E Troubadour are examples of guitars in this price range that have solid tops.
Secondly, the size and shape of the body can affect both the sound of the guitar and the comfort level when playing. Smaller bodies, like the Martin LX1, can be easier to handle, especially for beginners or smaller players, but might not have the same depth of sound as a larger body. On the other hand, larger bodies like the Yamaha FG830 can produce a fuller, richer sound at the expense of being a bit more unwieldy.
Another essential aspect to consider is the neck of the guitar. Different guitars may have different neck shapes and widths, affecting playability. Some people find a wider neck more comfortable, while others prefer a slimmer one. For example, the Big Baby Taylor has a comfortable, slender neck, which may appeal to beginners or players with smaller hands.
Lastly, consider if the guitar comes with any electronic components. Some guitars, like the Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert and the D’Angelico Premier Series Gramercy CS Cutaway, come with onboard electronics that allow you to amplify the guitar easily. This can be a significant advantage if you plan to perform live or record your playing. However, it’s important to note that these components can add to the cost of the guitar. Ultimately, the best guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
The benefits of buying an acoustic guitar under $500
The market for acoustic guitars under $500 is highly competitive, with manufacturers vying to offer the best balance between quality and affordability. One of the key benefits of buying a guitar in this price range is the sheer variety of options available. As demonstrated in the reviews above, whether it’s a compact, three-quarter-sized guitar like the Martin LX1, a classic, vintage-styled guitar like the Guild M-240E Troubadour, or a modern, eco-conscious guitar like the Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert, there’s an acoustic guitar to suit every taste and requirement.
An essential aspect of guitars in this price range is that they often punch well above their weight in terms of sound quality. Many of these guitars, such as the Yamaha FG830 and the D’Angelico Premier Series Gramercy CS Cutaway, feature solid tops typically associated with higher-end guitars and are known to produce richer, more resonant tones. Additionally, despite their affordable prices, some of these guitars come equipped with electronic components like preamps and pickups, allowing for easy amplification and a wider range of tonal possibilities.
Finally, another significant benefit of opting for a guitar under $500 lies in the value for money they offer. Many of these guitars, like the Big Baby Taylor and the PRS SE P20 Parlor, demonstrate that affordability does not have to mean a compromise on quality, offering impressive performance, sound, and build quality. These instruments prove that great-sounding, well-built guitars don’t have to break the bank, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to invest in their first instrument or experienced players seeking a reliable, high-quality backup or travel guitar.
Striking the Perfect Chord: Acoustic Guitars Under $500
Choosing the right acoustic guitar could seem like an uphill climb, given the plethora of options available. However, the key is to consider your personal preferences, prioritize your needs, and consider your budget.
Our rundown of the top acoustic guitars under $500 showcases the rich diversity in terms of design, sound quality, and added features in this competitive market segment. Be it the compact and popular Martin LX1 or the eco-conscious Breedlove Eco Discovery S Concert, the traditional touch of the Guild M-240E Troubadour, or the all-rounder Yamaha FG830, there is an acoustic guitar for every musical preference.
Don’t let the affordability of these guitars fool you. Each of them has been built to deliver high-quality sound, durability, and an overall satisfying music experience. They prove that great music doesn’t necessarily demand high-end, expensive instruments.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or a seasoned player scouting for an additional instrument, a reliable acoustic guitar under $500 could be the perfect addition to your musical journey.
Remember, the guitar that resonates with you the most is the perfect choice for you. So go ahead, strike the perfect chord, and let the music play!
