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The Hunt for the Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500

You may think you have to spend a ton of money to get a great playing and sounding guitar. Not so! There are quite a few models in the $500 range that represent a superior value, and give more expensive guitars a serious run for their money. Here are our top three picks!:

Compare these affordable acoustic guitars:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Guitar Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar		(4.7)	$$$
#2 Best Bundle Deal Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Hard Case		(4.6)	$$
#3 Most Robust Build Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar		(4.6)	$$

3 Great Acoustic Guitars Under $500 Reviewed

1. Best Acoustic Under $500: Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Limited Edition

(4.7 / 5)

You may be wondering what makes the Seagull S6 so special. The Limited Edition finish is a striking upgrade in appearance but remember, looks aren’t everything.

The most important consideration when it comes to buying a new guitar is the sound quality, and the Seagull S6 by Godin has it in spades! No, it it’s not necessarily the most fancy looking guitar. But the tone, quality of construction, and playability make up the difference.

There is no intricate inlay work, it has no cutaway, and the design isn’t that much different from many other acoustic guitars on the market. But, when you hear the sound quality, you’ll forget all about the other shortcomings.

High quality, low price

This guitar proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to get a good quality guitar. This is a finely crafted instrument with a fine tonal quality.

Godin, being a very smart and well-run Canadian company that manufactures Seagull Guitars, decided to put together a fabulous value for who aren’t ready to buy a more expensive instrument. Focussing more on sound and build quality has been their winning combination for decades.

In fact, you may even find that you love this guitar so much that you don’t need to upgrade. This isn’t just a beginner guitar; this is a guitar that is designed for players of all levels.

Read the Latest Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Reviews >>

Features

• This guitar has something that many others in the same price range do not: a pressure-tested, solid cedar top. Many other guitars that are similarly priced have a laminate spruce wood top. The solid wood top is just one of many things that make this guitar a step above other inexpensive models, and gives it a fantastic tonal quality
• The back and sides of the Seagull S6 are made from Canadian wild cherry wood, which is something else you don’t often see on a guitar in this or any other price range. It makes this one of the more attractive guitars you are ever going to play
• This guitar has a traditional fretboard (one of the only traditional things you are going to find on it), made from rosewood. A standard material with most acoustic guitars, because it plays and lasts well
• According to many musicians, this is a guitar that sounds great whether it is being picked or strummed. It doesn’t sound like your typical beginner acoustic guitar, because it is not your typical beginner acoustic guitar

Check Seagull S6 Acoustic Availability >>

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Review

What Do Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Players Think? >>

2. Best Bundle Deal: Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

(4.6 / 5)

Once again, you can see that there is no need to spend upwards of $1,000 to get a quality guitar. The Fender company has been manufacturing affordable player-oriented instruments like this since the 50’s.

The Fender CD-60S features a dreadnought body style, with a solid mahogany top and scalloped “X” bracing. It also has a mahogany back and sides, and the fingerboard has rolled edges, making the neck easier to play.

This is a great instrument for anyone who wants a quality acoustic guitar that is also affordable, and has great sound quality and playability. The best part is, you get this guitar at a great price, and it comes in a bundle package, so you also get the accessories you need to start playing right away.

A fantastic beginner acoustic guitar package

If you’re looking for a guitar for a beginner to start with, this is a great choice, and it isn’t going to break the bank. The Fender CD-60S acoustic is versatile and high quality. Ideal for both beginners and intermediate players.

It offers a mellow tone that is warm yet strong, and thanks to the “X” bracing, there is extra resonance. This is also a great looking guitar that you are going to be proud to bring out when company comes over and wants to hear you play.

Check Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Bundle Availability >>

Features

• This is an attractive guitar, with a natural wood finish, black and white neck and body binding, chrome tuning knobs, and an attractive pattern around the sound hole that is made from acrylic, but has the appearance of beautiful mother of pearl
• This guitar is typically priced significantly less than $500, but just because it doesn’t cost a lot, don’t think that you are getting a cheap guitar. It neither looks nor feels cheap, and it offers many features that you won’t find on other guitars in the same price range
• The CD-60S has 20 frets and a rosewood fingerboard, offers players a 25.3 inch scale neck. It also has many other quality parts going into its construction, including the scalloped “X” bracing, a dual-action truss rod, and sealed, die-cast tuners
• We love the low action that you’re going to find in these acoustic guitars. In fact, this is what makes this a great guitar for beginners, because there is no need to press down hard on the strings in order to create sounds without buzzing

Read the Latest Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Reviews

Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle Review

What are Fender CD-60S Acoustic Bundle Customers Saying? >>

3. Most Robust Build: Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

(4.6 / 5)

In 1966, Yamaha came out with the FG, proving to the world that it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to get a quality guitar. The FG guitars were created with playability in mind, and have awesome musical tone quality.

The original FG is now a classic, and the latest in the series, the Yamaha FG830, offers up even better features, while still typically being priced well below $500.

This next edition has what many call the best tone out of all of the FG guitars, along with that great playability that we have all come to know and love. This is an inexpensive guitar, but it certainly is not a cheap guitar by any means.

Louder sound

In our experience, Yamaha has always produced exceptionally robust, durable instruments regardless of price range.

Boosting the overall value even further, the 800 Series including the FG830 uses acoustic analysis technology that was created by the Yamaha R&D Division.

This technology allows players to produce a louder and clearer sound, even in the low to mid ranges. This is a guitar that breaks from tradition in construction, and you will not be disappointed when you sit down to play it.

Click Here for Customer Reviews

Features

• The scalloped bracing is a new development from Yamaha for the 800 series. This gives the guitar a durable structure that offers a more natural sound. This is something that you aren’t going to see in acoustic guitars from other manufacturers
• This guitar comes in two different body shapes, with one being FS concert size. It is also available in five different grades, with a variety of tone wood options, not to mention many different colors, so you are sure to find something that is just right for you
• We love being able to plug our acoustic guitars in for even louder sound, especially when playing on stage because there is no need to mic the guitars. The FG830 is available in both acoustic and electric-acoustic models
• Considering the low price range of this guitar, it is quite surprising when you pick it up and enjoy the comfortable, smooth neck and profile. It is comfortable to play, and it looks just as great as it sounds

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Review

Are Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar Owners Happy? >>

Compare featured affordable acoustic guitars under $500:

Overall Best Guitar

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Limited...

Best Bundle Deal

Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic...

Most Robust Build

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar, Natural

Why even consider acoustic guitars under $500?

In the guitar industry, this price range is the sweet spot for both entry level and serious players alike. There are a host of great acoustic guitars under $500 to choose from because it’s so competitive.

It’s a perfect price range for intermediate players, and beginner guitarists will generally get a better instrument. Accomplished players also love the value in an instrument they can kick around without worrying about their more expensive counterparts.

These are quality instruments from some of the most well-known guitar manufacturers in the world. They have great sound quality, play well, and look pretty great too, and you aren’t going to have to take out a bank loan in order to get one.

Don’t spend a lot to get a lot

The guitars we’ll look at prove that you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a lot in a guitar. Sure, these may not be what all professionals are using, but as mentioned, if you’re a beginner or intermediate player any of these guitars are going to be great choices for you.

It’s never a good idea to spend a lot of money on a guitar when you aren’t sure if you are going to be able to play, but you still want to get a guitar that sounds great. This is the focus of what to expect with any of our choices, plus they aren’t going to put you in the poor house.

Wrapping Up, Which is the Best Acoustic Guitar Under Under $500?

As you can clearly see, there is no need to go out and spend a lot of money to get a great quality acoustic guitar, and it isn’t going to be one of those department store guitars that are cheap and sound like junk.

There are plenty of quality acoustic guitars out there that cost less than $500, and they are made by some of the top instrument manufacturers in the world.

Without splitting hairs, our first choice would undoubtedly be the Seagull S6 Original by Godin. Yes it’s a bit more money but the sheer balance of fit, finish, features and sound is simply the best bang for the buck and worth the extra investment.

As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice on quality with any of these guitars. If you’re just starting out, they’re all going to grow with you.

In fact, you may find that you keep your acoustic guitar long after you have left the beginning stages, because you will be hard pressed to find the same quality, even in more expensive instruments.

EDITOR’S PICK

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar

What Do Seagull Original S6 Owners Think?

The post Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500 (Quick Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

In this expert review, we examine the best electric guitars under $500 that provide the greatest overall value for beginner to intermediate players.

Table of Contents

What’s the Best Electric Guitar Under $500? Let’s Find Out!

In Review: The Top 3 Electric Guitars Under $500

1. Squier by Fender Deluxe Stratocaster Electric Guitar
2. Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar
3. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar

What To Look For When Choosing A Good Electric Guitar Under $500

Compare your best choices for electric guitars under $500

Final Verdict: Which Mid-level Electric Guitar Promises the Best Value?

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

What’s the Best Electric Guitar Under $500? Let’s Find Out!

Budget Electric Guitars at a glance:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Best Value Squier by Fender Deluxe Stratocaster			$$
#2 Modern Voicing Schecter C-1 SGR			$$
#3 Most Versatile Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V			$$$

In Review: The Top 3 Electric Guitars Under $500

1. Best Value: Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster Guitar

Fender Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Brown Sunburst, Laurel Fingerboard

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar is a very affordable electric guitar that beginners and intermediate players can buy. It has a poplar body and maple neck with a radius of 10”.

The pickups used for the guitar are three Strat single coils. They’re dynamically responsive, clear-sounding  crisp, and provide a rich tone.

The Squier Affinity Stratocaster comes with suitable die-cast tuners good enough to tune the guitar and play it, although there are tuners that are better. The well-crafted maple neck sports a laurel fingerboard with a very smooth satin finish; perfect for moving up and down the fretboard .

The Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster comes in a rainbow of attractive finishes to suit any taste. Considering the parent company’s heritage and outstanding consistent level of quality, this is certainly one of the best electric guitar under $500.

A great option especially for those who want an electric guitar that not only sounds good, but looks good as well.

Squier Strat Key Features

• Guitar body is made of basswood and has a polyurethane finish
• Neck is made from maple and has a radius of 9.5”
• Has 22 medium jumbo frets that is on a maple fingerboard
• Makes use of single-coil pickups that are Three Duncan Designed
• Has a synchronous twin-pivot tremolo
• Has controls for volume, tone and a position selector
• Available in different colors

Explore All Squier Affinity Options:

Squier Affinity Series from Fender >>

Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • Low price for the great value of the guitar
    • Looks just like a high end guitar
    • Frets and neck are smooth and comfortable

What We Don’t Like

• • • Difficult to keep in tune with excessive use of the whammy bar
    • Tuners are not the best quality
    • Guitar may not be set up and needs to be adjusted to lower the action

What are Squier Affinity Strat Owners Saying? >>

2. Most Modern: Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar - Walnut Satin (Amazon Exclusive)

The C-1 SGR by Schecter beginner electric guitar has an arched top, carved body with a maple neck, and rosewood fretboard. It has pearloid dots, a custom inlay on the 12^th fret, and has black chrome hardware.

This is a great looking guitar that plays excellent considering it’s low price. The C-1 SGR by Schecter we examined on our workbench had all the earmarks of great overall value.

Many entry-level guitars can have less than great ergonomic design making uncomfortable to play.

This guitar is shaped with the comfort of the player in mind.

C-1 Key Features

• smooth, arched top
• pickups are clean and reasonably well balanced
• polished black chrome hardware
• 24 frets for a full two octave span
• pearloid dots
• unique pattern on the 12^th fret
• attractive and unique shape
• comes with its own gig bag
• easy playing, fast action neck

Schecter C-1 SGR Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • This guitar comes in a variety of colors, including walnut satin, electric blue, and midnight satin black
    • You have 24 frets to work with, so the guitar is going to be able to grow with you as you learn and want to experiment more on the higher frets
    • The rosewood fretboard is attractive with the pearloid dots and interesting 12th fret design, and it is smooth and easy to play on

What We Don’t Like

• • • One of the biggest problems we can find with this guitar is that it sometimes will buzz between frets, therefor a minor setup is necessary
    • There are other entry-level guitars around the same price that have much better pickups
    • This is probably not the best choice for advanced musicians, as it is designed to be a beginner guitar

What Are Schecter C-1 SGR Customers Saying? >>

Read our complete expert Schecter C-1 SGR electric guitar review here.

3. Most Versatile: Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC12 Electric Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012 Electric Guitar; Metallic Red

The guitars that fall under the Yamaha Pacifica Series such as this PAC12 Electric Guitar are well known for their tone as well as how great they are to play. It comes from a well- known brand when it comes to producing musical instruments.

It certainly qualifies as one of the best electric guitars under $500 for those who are looking for a guitar with a great quality of sound.

This Yamaha guitar comes in different colors and there are also different models that are under the same series. They can also be purchased as a set with accessories, with the amp only, or a guitar only.

Yamaha PAC12 Key Features

• Body is made from solid alder
• The neck is made of maple and is bolt-on
• It has a beautiful rosewood fingerboard
• It includes a vintage tremolo
• Finished with a clear varnish to showcase the natural grain of the wood
• Has a 5-position pickup switch with humbucker coil-splitting
• There are 2 single-coil pickups and an Alnico V magnet humbucker
• Guitar can be purchased as the guitar alone, with a set of accessories or only with the amp

Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Electric Guitar in Review

What We Like

• • • Low action makes it easier for beginners to use and practice on it
    • Materials used for the guitar are properly built to make sure they are durable

What We Don’t Like

• • • Initially set up for low action which causes some fret buzz, but this can be remedied by having it properly set up by a local music store
    • Doesn’t include other accessories such as an amp, picks, guitar cord or a stand

What Do Yamaha Pacifica PAC12 Users Think?

What To Look For When Choosing A Good Electric Guitar Under $500

The best way to learn how to play an electric guitar is to have a decent instrument that you can practice on. At first it may seem that some electric guitars are too expensive, which is why some choose to go for a self-contained acoustic.

If you’re committed to learning and playing an electric guitar, you’ll certainly find one that will fit your $500 budget.

There are tons of electric guitars are under $500, but you still have to make sure a particular electric guitar you choose is well suited for you.

There are electrics that not only sound great but look great too – but keep in mind cosmetic appointments come at a price. Still, these are instruments you’ll certainly be happy to take with you to your gigs and jam sessions.

Of course there are electric guitars produced by well-known brands; these may be budget friendly, but they’re still great quality.

When selecting a guitar, it’s important to consider how you’re going to use it. It must It must also be user friendly and easy to play. This will help make sure the guitar you choose will really be useful to you.

Compare your best choices for electric guitars under $500:

Best Electric Under $500

Squier by Fender Deluxe Hot Rails Stratocaster...

Most Modern Voicing

C-1 SGR by Schecter Beginner Electric Guitar...

Most Versatile Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V Electric Guitar...

Final Verdict: Which Mid-level Electric Guitar Promises the Best Value?

Affordable guitars under $500 are available today and you can find a great quality model within that budget.

The three mentioned here are all under $500 but if we just had to choose one, we’d say that the Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar is the best electric guitar under $500.

For those who are concerned not only with the sound and quality but also the appearance of their guitar, this guitar can certainly be taken to gigs and jamming sessions.

EDITOR’S PICK

Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster Electric Guitar

What are Squier Strat Owners Saying? >>

• Overall Build Quality
• Overall Sound Quality
• Overall Value Factor

4.4

Summary

Overall Score:

Top Guitar Accessories:

OnStage XCG4 Black Tripod Guitar Stand, Single

Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner for Guitar, Bass & Violin...

Pick Punch - The Original Guitar Pick Punch SAME...

D'Addario Accessories Pro-Winder Guitar String...

The post The Best Electric Guitars Under $500 [Quick Guide & Reviews] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Seagull Artist Mosaic at a Glance:

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic: Is This The Guitar For You?

Whether you have mastered the guitar, or are looking to take on a new craft, the Seagull brand has a broad range of instruments available to fit your playing style. The Seagull Artist Mosaic is no exception, perfect for a beginner or seasoned professional.

Why Consider the Seagull Artist Acoustic?

Though possibly less distinguished than other brands which carry a hefty price increase for their name, the superb quality and sound of this guitar make it a serious contender in the market.

This is, in part, due to fantastic construction and sound of the instrument, but its overall value is truly realized in the playability.

Robert Godin first started producing Seagull Guitars in the Village of LaPatrie, Quebec back in 1982. Designed to combine the best elements of hand-crafted instruments at an affordable price, including soundboards made of centuries old tonewoods.

Considering the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship, materials and value, it’s easy to see how the Artist Mosaic qualifies as one of the best acoustic guitars under $1000.

What We Like About It

The Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar is a great choice for players at virtually any skill level. Being made in North America also helps support the national economy keeping your dollars localized.

A great addition to the Seagull family, the instrument has a great sound and is easy to play. It’s one major shortfall being without an onboard pickup system, it does limit you with what you can do with it in live situations, especially for gigs. On the other hand, the lack of electronics keeps the price point reduced.

There are many acoustic venues where this would sound great, and in the worst case scenario, you could have a microphone hooked up pointed in its direction, but this should primarily just be used acoustically.

It sounds just as good as any of the high-end models we’ve played, while also having a great if somewhat understated look. Keep in mind, purely cosmetic elements added to a guitar can drive the cost up dramatically and have little or no effect on sound.

If you’re a more advanced guitarist looking for the highest quality of instrument, the Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar would be a great buy as you can’t go wrong with the Seagull brand in general.

Get the Best Deal on a Seagull Artist Mosaic at Reverb.com! >>

How Does It Play?

The mahogany integrated set neck, though a bit broad, is ideally fitted with slightly wide-set strings, perfect for fingerpicking. The harmonic overtones while fingerpicking make playing at full strength unnecessary, easily filling a room with warm tones with a light strum.

That being said, the action of this guitar out of the box is a bit higher than other similarly styled instruments, but can easily be adjusted with a good guitar setup.

The resonance and overall vibration of this instrument set it apart from other guitars in its class. This is complemented by the semi-gloss, light finished exterior, which beckons a gentle caress on its surface to take in the rich grain.

This is testament to the excellent build quality of this guitar, despite the reasonable price.

What’s the Build Quality Like?

This solid wood guitar is a menagerie of high-end woods, expertly pieced together to create an acoustical masterpiece.

The top of the guitar is made from pressure treated cedar, while the back and sides are made from solid mahogany.

The fingerboard and bridge are made from solid rosewood, and finally the nut and saddle are made from a bone alternative called Tusq made by Graph Tech Guitar Labs.

In conjunction, the combination of these disparate elements make for an extremely playable guitar, with a unique feel.

The Seagull Artist Mosaic is truly a unique instrument, with a level of craftsmanship far outreaching its price point.

Key Features

The Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar comes with a variety of features to meet your musical instrument needs. These features include:

• Manufactured and built in North America
• Bracing is made out of the new scalloped Adirondack spruce
• Finger board is made out of rosewood
• The bridge is designed using new rosewood
• Top is solid cedar
• Back and sides are solid mahogany
• Weighs 8 pounds
• Measures 45” x 8.5” x 19”
• Neck material is mahogany

Pros and Cons

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar Review

What are Seagull Artist Mosaic Owners Saying? >>

How Does It Sound?

Aside from the beautiful looks of this instrument, and its quality construction, it has a rich clean sound. The slightly larger string spacing will definitely ensure a truer sound while fingerpicking.

Additionally, the quality of the neck makes it feel as though the notes and chords sing off the mahogany, providing a rich and unencumbered sound resonating from the mid-rich cedar top.

You can easily discern the strong tonal qualities of the cedar-mahogany wood combination, the result of a well-built instrument. As the guitar matures with time and becomes more cohesive, those strong cedar-voiced lower mids will mellow into an even richer tonal palette.

Compare Similar Seagull Acoustic Guitars:

Seagull S6 Original QI Guitar

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar

Final Verdict: Should You Consider Buying a Seagull Artist?

This entire instrument is made with an attention to detail outstripping its medium price range. The quality of production, and outstanding tonal qualities, make it an ideal replacement for a guitar in the $2-3000 price range, while sitting at just a small portion of that price.

This is solid-wood quality guitar that seems to have a sound which will only get better with time, feeling fully open and true even at medium to hard playing.

It is certainly a great investment for a fledgling guitarist or seasoned professional, and also comes with a well-designed travel case. Regardless of your skill level, we consider the Seagull Artist Mosaic is a great buy.

We also recommend going to try it out for yourself at a local store before buying, as we believe an instrument should not be bought without testing it first. Instruments, at this level especially, are all about personal preference.

Even though this instrument is of excellent manufacture, making a qualified purchase depends on your sensitivity to tone, cosmetic appeal, and overall skill level.

Check Seagull Artist Availability! >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: http://www.seagullguitars.com/

About: In 1982 Robert Godin produced the first Seagull guitars in the Village of LaPatrie, Quebec. The concept for the Seagull guitar was to take the essential components of the best hand-crafted guitars (such as solid tops and beautiful finishes) and build these features into guitars that could be priced within the reach of working musicians.

The post Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar [Complete Review] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

The 5 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 Worth Every Cent

Great Acoustic Guitars Comparison Chart:

Product	Best Feature	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best ChoiceTakamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar		(4.7)	$$$
#2 Best ValueSeagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar		(4.5)	$$$$
#3 Spectacular ToneLa Patrie Guitar, Collection		(4.2)	$$$$
#4 Price Increase :(Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar		(4.4)	$$$$$
#5 All Solid ConstructionSeagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar		(4.2)	$$$

If you’re looking for the great acoustic guitars under $1,000, you’ll be thrilled to know you can find a reasonably priced premium instrument matching your expectations with great sound, feel, and looks.

Fine Acoustics Guitars Under $1,000 in Review

1. Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Includes famous Takamine electronics technology.

Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Takamine GN93CE Features

The Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes with a variety of features to meet your musical instrument needs including:

• Top is made of solid spruce
• Sides are rosewood
• Back is a three-piece, made out of rosewood/quilt maple
• Neck is slim, made out of mahogany has a 12″ radius
• Fingerboard is made out of rosewood; provides you with the ability to play and perform solos
• Comes with the TK-40D preamp system, which provides a built-in tuner, EQ for three instruments and gain controls, switch the mid contour, filter your sound and bypass the EQ
• Glossy natural finish
• Right handed guitar
• Measures 44” x 6” x 20”

Check Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Availability >>

GN93CE Summary

The Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Acoustic comes highly recommended for both beginners and more advanced players. Primarily because of how incredibly affordable it is. It’s one of the less expensive buys on our list, but also sounds just as good as any of the more expensive examples listed.

Being no slouch in quality acoustic guitar manufacturing, this  exceptional Takamine model provides you with ultimate versatile playability both acoustically and electronically, the TK-40D EQ system built into the guitar is fantastic, and has a top-notch precision and is up to a high standard.

The only downside is that the Takamine GN93CE-NAT Acoustic-Electric does not come with a case, (but you can find one that fits here) and will be an additional cost on top of the guitar itself.

Takamine Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric in Review

What Do Takamine Nex Acoustic-Electric Guitar Owners Think? >>

2. Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Simply a great combination of build quality, sound, and price.

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Artist Mosaic Features

• Delivered as a six-string guitar with dimensions of 45” x 8.5” x 19”
• Weighs just 8 lbs.
• Made in North America
• Designed with a new rosewood bridge and fretboard
• Made of selected mahogany back and sides
• Comes with a hand-picked and pressure-tested solid top
• Has a new-style scalloped Adirondack spruce bracing
• Designed with premium gold-finished machine pegs
• Comes with a nice storage case

Check Seagull Mosaic Acoustic Guitar Availability >>

Artist Mosaic Acoustic Summary

Even though the Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar is less expensive than some of these higher-priced brands, it comes finished with beautiful appointments like its glossy top, tortoise-shell pick guard, and Indian rosewood headstock overlay, and truss-rod cover.

If you’ve played a high-end guitar that costs around $3,000 or so, then it’s time to check out this Seagull acoustic guitar for similar feel and sound. It is definitely among the best guitars in its price range.

You could possibly spend hours going through 100+ guitar reviews, and you’ll probably include the Artist Mosiac as one of the premium guitars on your checklist.

This is one guitar even the most demanding of professional players will find to their liking, and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll find some of your favorite players recommending this guitar. It is destined to become a bestseller for its excellent tone and sound.

If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 dollars, this Seagull acoustic guitar is a great choice.

Read the Full Article Here

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic in Review

What Are Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Owners Saying? >>

3. La Patrie Collection Guitar

Spectacular tone in a classical package.

La Patrie Collection Guitar from Godin

La Patrie Collection Features

• Has standard dimensions of 42” x 14.8” x 5.5”
• Weighs a low 5.8 lbs.
• Delivered as a North American-made six-string guitar
• Comes with a pressure-tested solid top made of cedar
• Has rosewood sides and back
• Finished with the high-gloss custom polish
• Comes with a standard rosewood fretboard and bridge
• Offered with a mahogany neck
• Has a fingerboard with radius to increase comfort and ease of play
• Delivered with a double-function truss rod
• Designed with a compensated saddle over a TUSQ nut

Check La Patrie Guitar Collection Availability >>

Collection Guitar Summary

This smart-looking La Patrie Guitar, Collection comes with a spruced top made of wood acquired from aged wood. The sides and back, made of solid Indian rosewood, complement the semi-glossy lacquered finish.

Free vibrations are allowed along this adequately-thick guitar. Its neck is made of Honduras mahogany with a satin finish, and its medium-size frets are nicely edged.

This La Patrie, Collection guitar is unlike other traditional guitars in that it comes with a dual-action truss rod that may disappoint guitar players wanting the traditional look.

Also, if you’re a professional looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000, and with a tone that resonates freely, you may not like its slightly muffled sound.

La Patrie Pros and Cons

La Patrie Collection in Review

Are La Patrie Collection Guitar Owners Happy? >>

4. Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar

Structure and tonewoods found in instruments three times the price.

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Features

• Dimensions are 40” x 16” x 5”
• Has scalloped braces offering a crisp tone and clean articulation
• Made of the choicest Indian rosewood fingerboard that increases playing smoothness
• Designed with a slim neck for long-lasting stability, and quick, easy action.
• Offers a vintage look with its distinctive tortoise-style pick guard
• Has a rosewood bridge with rosewood bridge plate
• Delivered in a natural, high-gloss finished six-string guitar
• Designed with bone-finish saddle and nut
• Comes with a delicate herringbone inlay around the top
• Offers highly accurate 14:1 ratio open-back tuners with nickel plating

Check Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Guitar Availability >>

BR-160 Historic Series Summary

Experienced guitar players have found the Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar the best acoustic guitar under $1,000, much for its vintage styling that reminded them of yesteryear acoustic guitars.

It comes with a mahogany neck fitted with an adjustable truss rod. High-performance quality is sustained with this carefully crafted guitar. Its exclusive Dalmatian-style pick guard and high-gloss finish look very striking.

The Blueridge BR-160 comes in two variations of spruce tops: Adirondack and Sitka. Depending on which model you choose, you will see a swing in base price of around $300 for the premium Adirondack version.

Read the full review on the BR-160 Sitka version here.

There is an attractive wide-body binding around the top, which is made of top-quality tone-wood, and highly durable back and sides made of Indian rosewood. Its traditional forward-shifting X-brace pattern at the top adds great authenticity to this vintage-class guitar.

Carefully crafted at the Blueridge factory under the Saga Music umbrella, its intricate inlays, fretwork, and hand-carved parabolic top braces will get your immediate attention and take you back to the 1930s—a time when guitars were handmade and set to match the highest quality standards.

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Guitar in Review

What are Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Owners Saying? >>

5. Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar

Solid wood construction throughout.

Seagull Maritime SWS SG Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Maritime SWS Features

• Comes with dimensions of 49” x 20” x 9”
• Designed with a solid wood construction including back and sides
• Made of selected pressure-tested spruce top
• Delivered in a strong mellow tone with semi-gloss finish
• Delivers better intonation with its TUSQ nut and compensated saddle
• Made in North America
• Comes with a double-action truss rod
• Comes with a matched body and neck to enable high-precision setting
• Designed with a compound-curved top for additional stability

Check Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar Customer Availability >>

Maritime SWS SG Summary

This solid wood Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar has all the premium features to last for a very long time, including its select pressure-tested solid spruce top and custom-polished finish.

This elastic and extremely light guitar from the Godin family of instruments ages very well, and is made available to more people with its attractive price range. It delivers full sound and can be used as an accompaniment to other instruments.

Its thin, resilient sheen offers ideal protection but also maximizes total projection and improves the sound quality.

The slightly wider-than-normal neck needs some adjustment. However, this is the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 for casual players looking to upgrade their playing skills to the professional level.

Seagull Maritime SWS SG Acoustic in Review

What Do Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar Customer Think? >>

What Are the Benefits of Buying A Better Guitar?

Compared to just a couple of decades ago, we now have a perfect storm of quality and price due to improved manufacturing processes and market competition.

Of course you can get a great guitar from established manufacturers such as Yamaha, a Martin and Taylor, or any one of the famous brands for $1,000 — this is big money for a guitar, and you have plenty of choices.

But our focus here is to find great value instruments under a set dollar value.

Sound and design

These are two areas you will not want to compromise on, irrespective of the brand you choose.

For example, great sound is a must for this price. You’d think this is a given for a $1,000 guitar. You may be on the right track; however, good sound can turn into great sound, especially if the guitar has a good setup. The guitar you choose should be backed by at least 1,000 or more satisfied customers.

Again, the design you specifically need to suit your style of play is available without compromising in sound.

Affordability

Since you’ve already decided on the cost, your target must be to get the best option within that range. You can follow a definite process to arrive at a quality guitar that costs approximately $700 to $800, go higher to $800 to $900, then cap it up at $1000 to arrive at a reasonable number of options meeting your demands.

There’s no doubt the guitar industry as a whole is experiencing a renaissance. Brian Majeski of The Music Trades, continuously published since 1890, has written about this phenomenon and it’s implications more than a few times over the last few years.

Visual Appeal

This is a highly subjective element, and very dependant on individual taste. Personally, I’ve turned away absolutely incredible playing instruments simply on the basis that I though they were butt ugly – fugly! Point is, to each his own, there’s no accounting for taste.

If the instrument strikes a chord with you visually, that’s a big plus for long term enjoyment. But be warned, cosmetic elements come at a price: if a new guitar has a lot of bells and whistles visually, it’s a safe bet that’s where your money’s going.

Would you rather have a shoebox with rubber bands that looks great, or a plain jane that plays and sounds incredible? The choice is yours. Gratefully, we have a guide that finds the perfect balance of both.

Compare These Featured Acoustic Guitars:

Best Choice

Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric...

Best Value

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Premium Pick

Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar

Final Verdict: What’s the Best Acoustic Under $1000?

If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 dollars, this is a great buy. The La Patrie Collection, the Blueridge Historic Series, and the Seagull Maritime SWS SG are among the best currently available at less than $1,000.

However, if you were to make a choice based on referrals, the Takamine Nex Acoustic-Electric offers the best balance of build, sound and overall value. With it’s super comfortable neck, big tone and superior built-in electronics, you can’t go wrong with this quality made instrument.

If our recommended choice doesn’t quite resonate with your preferences, consider reading our individual reviews on two other very fine instruments offered by exceptional brands: the Martin DRS2, and the Taylor 114CE respectively.

EDITOR’S PICK

Takamine Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

What Do Takamine Nex Acoustic Guitar Owners Think? >>

The post Best Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 (Complete Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.