Best
Beginner Guitar Overall
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Overall: Great resonance and projection with dreadnought shape
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Best Feature: Premium Quality Solid Spruce Top Design Fitted With A Laminated Mahogany Body.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Guitar On A Budget
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Overall: renowned brand in the guitar-playing community
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Best Feature: Ideally designed for novice guitar players
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Guitar For Small Hands
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Overall: Great for players that need a compact option
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Best Feature: Comes from a well-revered market player in the guitar game
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TedScore™: 10/10
Are you looking for the best acoustic guitar under 1000? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Guitars have captured the hearts of musicians young and old for generations. The first time someone picks up a guitar and strums their first tune can ignite a lifelong passion for playing. To begin, however, you must find the perfect guitar for you.
It’s important to know what you’ll be using your new guitar for. Is it for hobby use? Stage performances? Live performances?
While searching for the perfect guitar, there will be many choices and different things to consider. This process can be very confusing unless you’re an experienced guitar player. And that’s why we’re here to help.
You may want a guitar that produces a mellow tone, a warm sound, or maybe one with a deeper bass response.
Well, don’t worry. This article will help you find the best acoustic guitar under £/$1000 and help you understand what other key aspects of guitars you must know before making that final purchase.
Why Buy An Acoustic Guitar?
A common suggestion is first to buy an electric guitar because they are more comfortable to play. However, as you learn more about guitars, you will find that although it takes longer to learn to play an acoustic guitar initially, it’s the better long-term choice for the player.
If you learn to play an acoustic guitar first, mastering the electric guitar or any other guitar will be a piece of cake!
One of the perks of an acoustic guitar is that you won’t have to purchase any add-ons, such as amplifiers and cables.
So continue reading to learn some awesome tips to buy the best acoustic guitars under 1,000.
Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Acoustic Guitars under 1,000
During your search for an acoustic guitar, there are many factors to keep in mind. They include:
1. Know Your Needs
Like any other purchase, you must first ask yourself why you want an acoustic guitar. For example, buying a guitar for professional purposes will be very different from buying a guitar for recreational needs.
If you’re a beginner looking to buy a guitar to strum in your free time, it’s advisable to find and purchase a more accessible and less expensive acoustic guitar.
Before you go into the details of which brand and model you want to buy, make sure you know exactly what your needs and purposes are.
2. Your Skill Level
Learning to play the guitar is not something you can master in a few days. Your choice of guitar should depend on your skill level. If you buy a guitar meant for professional guitarists, it could be more difficult for you to play.
Slow and steady wins the race!
3. Body Of The Guitar
The build of any guitar is essential. It significantly influences the guitar’s playability and can also impact the tone.
Another consideration is your physical build, comfort, and preference. You could be a youngster who needs a slightly smaller guitar.
For professionals and beginners alike, this is a significant factor when looking for the best acoustic guitars under 1,000.
4. Strings Of The Guitar
Strings are available in two types; steel strings and nylon strings.
If you have some guitar-playing experience, you may already know if you prefer steel string or nylon. For beginners, this will be one of the decisions you will make while searching for the best acoustic guitars under 1,000.
Steel strings have a harsher, more pop-like sound.
Nylon is softer and used for more gentle songs.
5. Tone Wood
Another variable that comes into the picture is tonewood. Tonewood plays an integral part in the tone quality. There are many options ranging from cedar, cocobolo, ebony, koa, and so on.
Each of these different options has distinct tonal characteristics. It’s important to know the difference and make an informed decision on one before buying a guitar.
6. Your Budget
Ultimately, everything boils down to the money you’re willing to spend on a guitar. You don’t want to fall for cheap guitars and regret your decision later.
The key is striking the perfect balance between the cost and the quality of the product. You will buy a guitar just once, so it’s better to make a one-time investment and not compromise on the quality by purchasing a cheap guitar.
Now that you know about the factors to consider while buying a guitar, it’s time for us to debunk some myths that people have about best acoustic guitars.
Myths People Believe about Acoustic Guitars
When it comes to any musical instrument, the lack of information creates space for a lot of myths. These myths can discourage those who wish to take up an instrument.
The guitar is no exception to these myths. Let us debunk some of these myths for you and help you find the best acoustic guitars for under 1000 without a shred of worry.
One prevalent but absurd myth about guitars is that the bigger your hand is, the better you will be at playing them. It’s not true, as there is no relation between having big hands and playing the guitar. The truth is, you can have a tiny hand and still become the most fantastic guitar player of all time. It depends on how skillful you are, not on the size of your hand or fingers!
Some people want to make you believe that you will have to play the guitar for years to perfect it. This is also untrue. It doesn’t matter how many years you practice playing the guitar; the important thing is how often you play it and if you’re practising in the proper manner.
Now without further ado, we give you the top best acoustic guitars for under £/\$1000.
Top 15 Best Acoustic Guitars Under 1000
DESIGNED FOR: You can play the CD-60 as hard as you like – it will stand strong. Die-cast tuning machines hold your strings in place with ease, helping stabilise your tuning.
COMES WITH: GIncludes a host of accessories, including tuner, gigbag, capo and more!
FEATURES: Premium Quality Solid Spruce Top Design Fitted With A Laminated Mahogany Body.
Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes with multiple accessories
- Solid Spruce top
- Slim neck for easy playability
- May have high action
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Novice Guitar Players.
COMES WITH: Spare Strings, Picks, A Gig Bag, Picks, And A 90-Day Free Subscription To Fender Play.
FEATURES: The FA-115 Model Features A Laminated Spruce Top, A Laminated Mahogany Body, A Walnut Fingerboard, And A Clear Gloss Finish.
Fender FA 115
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exceptional playability
- Classic blend of tonewoods
- Perfect for beginners
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
FEATURES: the perfect start for those taking their first steps into the world of the guitar
COMES WITH: Play and practice for extended periods of time thanks to comfortable C-shaped neck
Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Slim body.
- Mesmerizing sound.
- Good for strumming.
- Easy to play the neck part.
- Dreadnought tone.
- All-hardwood construction
- Lightweight Dreadnought size.
- You will only get the instrument
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: The CD-60 acoustic guitar is well suited for beginner to intermediate players who want a versatile, high-quality dreadnought at an affordable price.
COMES WITH: Hard Shell Guitar Case, Digital Clip-On Guitar Tuner, Estra Set of Guitar Strings, guitar Picks & Straps
FEATURES: Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges Responds well to any acoustic playing style
Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile and excellent quality dreadnought.
- Added resonance and excellent projection while playing.
- It comes with a hard case which helps in protecting the guitar.
- Affordable pricing.
- Wooden finish.
- Additional electronic tuner.
- Available in attractive colors.
- When it gets older, a buzzing effect comes into the fretboard.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: An ideal companion for recording, composing, and much more. Perfect for the performer. Play and find out why Eric Clapton, Ben Howard, Paul McCartney, and John Mayer all chose Martin.
COMES WITH: Soft Gig Bag, Hard-Shelled Case
FEATURES: Compact, slimmed down, and easy-to-play. This Martin Acoustic Jr brings comfort without losing that bold, distinctive character of bigger bodied guitars.
Martin Dreadnought Jr Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- This Martin guitar produces an absolutely adorable sound.
- It comes with a hard-shelled case.
- It's more comfortable to carry.
- The price is affordable with the right quality product.
- It has a matte finish.
- The narrow and smooth neck makes it easier to tweak.
- It has a solid top and a fully laminated body.
- It has solid sitka spruce body style.
- It does not come with additional picks and a tuner.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Perfect for new and intermediate players looking for world-renowned quality on a budget
COMES WITH: Turtle Pickguard And Die-Cast Tuners.
FEATURES: It features a solid spruce top, resulting in endless versatility and a crisp, articulate, dynamic character that gets even better the more you play. This is one powerhouse of an instrument with quality that truly belies the price tag.
Yamaha FG800M Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- with great tone and playability
- Rich, rumbling, riveting
- fantastic response to your individual touch
- Dreadnought shaped guitars tend to be on the bulky side
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Deliver full bodied tones with the comfort of a smaller dreadnought size. Glorious clarity and rich dynamics flow from a Sitka spruce top
COMES WITH: Taylor Gig Bag
FEATURES: Deliver full-bodied tones with the comfort of a smaller dreadnought size
Taylor Big Baby BBT Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatility And Playability
- Rich dynamics flow from a Sitka spruce top
- Producing an incredibly full voice
- Large size may not be suitable for younger players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Perfect for new, developing, and seasoned players on a budget. The FG Series offers high-quality instruments with great tone and playability.
COMES WITH: Turtle Pickguard
FEATURES: With A Solid Spruce Top And Rosewood Sides, The Yamaha Acoustic Guitar Boasts Exceptional Tonal Quality.
YAMAHA FG830
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- It's made up of durable and robust ebony wood.
- It generates good sound.
- It's suitable for professional musicians.
- It comes with a hard bag.
- A cable and stand.
- It produces an excellent acoustic resonance effect.
- Solid sitka spruce top.
- This guitar doesn’t come with additional picks and string sets.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Larger than a parlour guitar, but smaller than a dreadnought, the 'thinline' concert shape is the perfect size for smaller players or beginners.
COMES WITH: Hardshell Case
FEATURES: Showcasing Fender's renowned quality in every tiny detail, this guitar's concert body shape is perfect for fingerpicking and folk styles, granting you the balanced response and glistening clarity you need.
Fender CN-140SCE Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Crafted with a solid cedar top
- perfect for fingerpicking and folk styles
- crystal-clear, amplified sound courtesy of Fishman electronics
- The glossy finish may result in too much fingerprint residue.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Small Players. Plus, It’s Great For Players That Need A Compact Option Whether It’s For Travel Or Camping.
COMES WITH: Padded Gig Bag
FEATURES: Solid Sitka Spruce Top As Well As A Modified Low Oval Neck Style For Ease Of Use.
Martin LX1 Little Martin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Handmade
- Small size makes it perfect for the young crowd
- Premium solid top emanates clear and intricate sound when strumming.
- Suitable only for beginners and new learners.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: The Epiphone J-45 Studio Is Ideal For Both Beginner And Seasoned Players Seeking Great Value For Money.
COMES WITH: D’Addario Strings 12-53 Gauge
FEATURES: Features A Solid Sitka Spruce Top, In Turn, Allowing You To Achieve A Dynamic And Well-Balanced Sound.
Epiphone J-45 Studio
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Dynamic tonal quality
- Solid construction design
- Simple natural finish
- Lacks rich and complex tones
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: The wide fat mahogany neck offers exceptionally smooth playability and an undeniably satisfying feel. You'll find it easy to anchor your hand for chords and move swiftly for lead melodies.
COMES WITH: SE Parlor gig bag included
FEATURES: features a parlour tonare body. The word 'tonare' comes from the Latin ''to thunder''. And this PRS SE certainly delivers tonal rumble that belies its size.
PRS SE P20E
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Iconic PRS charm, solid-topped tonal goodness
- Comfortable for any player
- Ultra smooth playability
- Full size guitars carry more richness than parlor guitars
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Boasting instantly recognisable style with the tone, playability, and electronics needed for a top-notch performance.
COMES WITH: Fishman SoniTone And SoniCore For Preamp And Pickup
FEATURES: Epiphone Hummingbird Studio also proudly features a solid top, making this an instrument that'll sound even better with age.
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Creates delicious dynamics, perfect for any genre
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Electronics for a smooth-sailing performance
- Weak bass sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, the guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity.
COMES WITH: Bundle includes the Ashthorpe guitar, a Taylor Gig Bag
FEATURES: ES-B electronics with a built-in chromatic tuner
Taylor Academy 10e Dreadnought Electro Acoustic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Incredible sound quality.
- Sturdy and stylish.
- Great value for your money.
- Electronics could use more headroom and bandwidth.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: It's robustly constructed to avoid dents and endures the impact if it falls on the ground. It's highly durable and does not need a lot of care.
COMES WITH: The accessories include a carrying case with a shoulder strap, guitar picks, and a spare string.
FEATURES: Professionals and beginners love this guitar. It features many accessories, it's the complete package.
Yamaha F310
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Durable
- Added accessories.
- Great for beginners.
- Impressive sound quality.
- Looks attractive.
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Buy An Acoustic Guitar that fits Your specific Needs
As with any other purchase, the key to finding the best acoustic guitars under 1000 is to take your time and make an informed decision. Don’t rush into buying your guitar. Compare each option that is available to you. Remember to research the best brands and other models to make a worthy investment ultimately. Consider purchasing a mid-range option.
The vast majority of people looking to buy a new acoustic guitar will consider many other best acoustic guitars before finding an excellent guitar that fits their price range and specifications. Remember, the guitar that features the best value in terms of cost is not always the higher quality option. Sometimes budding guitarists will be pleasantly surprised with a guitar that they hadn’t considered at first.
First of all, you must decide what fits your personal preference to make sure you buy the guitar that suits you best.
There is no shortage of websites where you can go through various acoustic guitar models and obtain buying advice to help you decide for yourself which suits you the best. This may be a total guitar package with premium features or a simple guitar that still produces a beautiful tone.
What acoustic guitars can I get for under $/£1,000?
Some best acoustic guitars under $/£1,000 include the Taylor Big Baby BBT, Martin LX1E Little Martin, Fender CD-60S, Yamaha FG830, Seagull S6 Original, Epiphone DR-100, and Ibanez AEG10NII. These are all great budget options that offer great sound quality and playability.
Is The Wood Important On An Acoustic Guitar?
Yes, the wood is important on an acoustic guitar. Different types of solid wood sound differently and affect the resonance, tone, and overall playability of the instrument. Woods like mahogany and rosewood are commonly used for acoustic guitars, and each has its own unique characteristics. The type of solid wood also affects the weight and durability of the guitar. As such, it is important to choose the right wood for an acoustic guitar.
What Size Of Acoustic Should I Go For?
It depends on what type of sound you are looking for. If you are wanting a warm, mellow sound, then a smaller size acoustic such as a parlor or concert is best. For a brighter, louder sound, a larger size acoustic like a dreadnought or jumbo is better suited. Additionally, make sure you have a guitar that fits your body type. A guitar that is too big or too small for your size can be uncomfortable to play.
How much does it cost to get a great-sounding acoustic guitar?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but a decent quality acoustic guitar typically ranges from around £/\$100 to £/\$1000. If you’re looking for a great-sounding acoustic guitar, you should be prepared to spend at least £/$500-£/$1000 for a good quality instrument. Higher-end best acoustic guitars can cost up to several thousand dollars.
Should I use steel or nylon strings on my guitar?
It depends on what kind of sound you are trying to achieve. Steel strings offer a brighter, crisper sound while nylon strings are more mellow. They also respond differently to different playing styles. If you are a beginner, nylon strings may be easier on your fingers as they are easier to press down. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. Try out both and see which one you prefer.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under 1000
Summary
Hopefully, you’ve found a couple of guitars from the fifteen listed above that take your fancy. If not, try and make a shortlist of two or three instruments that are suitable for you.
Then take a look at the pricing of your shortlisted instruments, and go with the guitar that’s most calling out to you.
Most of the shops we link to allow you to try the guitar out; and if you end up not enjoying it as much as you should, they’ll allow you to swap it out for another instrument.
Please remember to share this article, and let us know which guitar you end up buying!
Great article, Hugh Richardson. Finally, someone breaks down the important aspects for beginners without making it sound too technical. Kudos!
Not sure I agree with everyone saying you can’t get quality sound without spending a fortune. I’ve played guitars well under 1k that sound amazing. It’s more about how you play and taking care of your guitar than just the price tag. But yeah, some of those pricier models sound divine.
hey, so about the strings, does it really make a huge diff if I go for nylon or steel on the tone? got mixed feelings about this
Actually, nylon strings tend to produce a softer, warmer sound compared to the brighter and louder sound of steel strings. It really depends on the music you’re playing.
Gotta say, finding a solid acoustic under $1000 feels like a win. Hugh Richardson, your list is a goldmine for us hobbyists on a budget!