The Best Acoustic Guitars
There are few instruments with as wide a range as the acoustic guitar. The acoustic guitar can be heard in almost every genre of modern music and serves as a great place to start learning four-chord songs. However, not all guitars are as good as the next, so we made a list of the best ones available. Keep reading to see our top picks and find the one that’s right for you.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best acoustic guitars on the market, we considered price, quality, materials, size, skill level, and overall features. For example, if your child is working toward getting a real guitar, but they’re not quite ready for that level of commitment, the First Act acoustic guitar is perfect for bridging the gap between musical toys and tools. If you’re looking for a gig-ready axe that can plug straight into any PA system, the Fender Newporter Player acoustic guitar is your best bet. Read on to see all our best picks and find the guitar that’s right for you.
Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
An instant classic
When it comes to guitars, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Fender. Their Squier series can provide beginners with an affordable, entry-level guitar that can compete with the specs of their pro line. While the electronics and wood may be different, the look and feel of most Squier guitars are shockingly close to their expensive counterparts. If you’re looking for a great intro guitar for a new player, the Fender Squier series is the best place to start.
Pros:
- Squier’s quality control is clearly some of the best in the biz, so you can be sure you’ll get a quality guitar and great service where other brands may be lacking.
- This guitar pack comes with everything you need to get started, from picks and strings to an instructional DVD.
Cons:
- Some components like frets and tuning machines may develop problems with wear and tear, though these can be remedied with routine guitar maintenance.
First Act Acoustic Guitar
The perfect size
If your child wants to learn to play the acoustic guitar but is too small for a standard-sized acoustic, this guitar from First Act may be the best choice for them. It’s significantly cheaper than most other guitars because it walks the line between toy and instrument. It’s perfectly capable of making music, but it’s also meant for kids to just have fun and experiment. If you’re considering buying your child a guitar but aren’t too sure about the commitment, this is a great purchase to test the waters and see if they’d be interested in picking up a professional guitar sometime down the line.
Pros:
- This guitar has proper strings, frets, and tuners, so it can help kids learn the parts of a guitar without having to buy something more expensive.
- It has an intricate design on the front of the guitar that’s just as fun to look at as it is to play.
Cons:
- This guitar has some plastic parts and isn’t as durable as a standard guitar, but it’s hard to beat for the price.
Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
You can have it all
It’s hard to start a job unless you have all the tools you need. In order to get a decent start, you need all the equipment for learning and creating music. If you’re looking to grab it all in one place, this bundle pack from Fender may be just what the doctor ordered. Rather than shopping around at music stores to find everything, you can get it all in one affordable pack. Best of all, this guitar comes in a jet black finish so you can rock out like Johnny Cash.
Pros:
- The gig bag has backpack straps for easy and comfortable portability.
- Fender accessories are used by professionals everywhere, so you can count on their durability and longevity.
Cons:
- More experienced players may want to make some truss rod adjustments to correct the intonation.
Donner Acoustic Guitar Bundle
Lower the cost, not the quality
If you’re tight on cash but still want a quality guitar, look no further. This affordable option from Donner punches way above its price point. In recent years, Donner has been making a name for itself by offering decent guitar pedals, instruments, accessories, and audio equipment at a low price. For a sturdy full-size guitar that comes with everything you’ll need to start playing, this bargain is hard to beat.
Pros:
- The gig bag is padded for protection and is much better quality than most gig bags that come with starter packs.
- The pickguard comes with self-adhesive tape, so you can install it yourself or leave it off for a different style.
Cons:
- The lightweight wood doesn’t resonate as loudly as denser wood tops, though it can still get plenty loud.
Fender Newporter Player Acoustic Guitar
Get to the gig
If you’re a gigging musician that’s ready to hit the stage, a beginner guitar isn’t going to cut it. Working musicians need a reliable guitar that can sound great night after night. This guitar from Fender is made for everything from bedroom practice to rocking out on the big stage. It features electric-inspired features like a Strat-style headstock and a slim neck profile for comfortable playing. It also has a Fishman pickup, so you can plug it into any amp or PA system with ease. If you want to take your playing to the next level, this is the guitar for you.
Pros:
- This guitar is made with a spruce top and a mahogany body and neck, so it’s constructed from higher quality woods than most competitors.
- It comes in an ice blue satin finish for an aesthetic that looks just as good as it sounds.
Cons:
- This is a little more expensive than most beginner models, but it’s worth the price to have a high-quality instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between acoustic and electric guitars?
The main differences are the body style and sound. Acoustic guitars are normally thicker and produce sound through the sound hole without needing an amplifier. Electric guitars tend to be thinner and have magnetic pickups in the body to receive the sound waves from the strings and transmit them to an amplifier.
What makes one guitar sound better than another?
This is subjective, but it basically comes down to the choice of wood, the quality of the components, and the playability of the instrument. Some acoustic guitars are made with better-sounding wood and more durable hardware, so they will most likely sound better than a guitar made with cheap materials. Also, guitars that are set up correctly with smooth action will play and sound better than those that aren’t.
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