Best Overall Guitar
Starter Kit
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Solid top enhances authenticity of acoustic tones.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Premium
Guitar
Starter Kit
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Quality ensures durability and longevity.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Budget Guitar
Starter Kit
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Comprehensive accessory pack included
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TedScore™: 8/10
Looking for the best guitar or on a budget? **My ultimate guide to Acoustic Guitar Starter Kits** has got you covered for making the perfect pick.
This guide covers the basics of these starter packs, explaining why they’re a great starting point.
Learn how to choose the perfect kit, understand what’s included, and check out my top five recommendations.
But if you’re wondering what I always recommend to my students; it’s the Yamaha F310II. I think it’s got the right mix of quality and budget.
Each kit comes with a breakdown of features, pros, and cons. There isn’t the ‘perfect guitar’ for everyone – each person likes something different. So come with me to explore the world of guitars, and let’s find the right kit for you…
Why Acoustic Guitar Starter Pack
The choice of an Acoustic Guitar Starter Pack is pivotal for several reasons, each contributing to a well-rounded and enriching musical journey.
Firstly, these packages are thoughtfully curated to cater to beginners, providing a quality acoustic guitar and essential accessories that pave the way for a seamless learning experience.
Including items like a gig bag, tuner, picks, and instructional materials ensures that beginners aren’t left scrambling for necessities, allowing them to dive straight into the world of music.
This convenience is invaluable, especially for those new to the instrument and might be overwhelmed by the myriad of options available in the market.
Moreover, the affordability of these starter packs makes them a prudent choice for novices still testing the waters of their commitment to playing the guitar.
Investing in an entire kit is a cost-effective way to embark on a musical journey without breaking the bank.
However, while the Acoustic Guitar Starter Pack offers a commendable entry point, it’s essential for more advanced and experienced players to explore individualized upgrades eventually.
While suitable for beginners, the included instruments in these packs may not meet seasoned musicians’ nuanced demands.
Hence, the critical aspect lies in recognizing the limitations and considering future upgrades as one’s skill and passion for the instrument evolve.
How to Choose the Right Acoustic Guitar Beginner Kit
Selecting the appropriate Acoustic Guitar Beginner Kit demands a discerning eye, as not all kits are created equal.
The market is flooded with options, each claiming to be the perfect starting point for aspiring musicians.
However, critical consideration is necessary to avoid falling victim to mere marketing ploys.
Scrutinizing Craftsmanship
Beyond the Glitz
Playability Matters
What Should Be in a Guitar Kit?
A comprehensive guitar kit should equip players with the essentials for both maintenance and musical exploration. This includes
Prioritize craftsmanship and sound over visual appeal.
Ensure it provides robust protection during transportation and storage.
Choose an electronic tuner for accurate and consistent tuning
Include a variety for players to experiment with different tones
A comfortable and adjustable strap for playing while standing
Essential for quick replacements in case of breakage
Keep the guitar in top condition with a cloth, polish, and fretboard cleaner.
Beginner-friendly resources like a chord chart or instructional DVD.
Enhance versatility by including a capo for changing the guitar’s key
Practical tools for changing strings efficiently.
The Top 5 Guitar Starter Kit for Acoustic Guitarists
Hartwood Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar Amp Pack
The Hartwood Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar Amp Pack is a top-notch starter kit for acoustic guitarists.
Featuring a versatile guitar with a solid spruce top and a well-crafted cutaway design, this pack delivers a broad range of tones suitable for various playing styles.
The included Hartwood 15W Acoustic Guitar Amplifier ensures faithful reproduction of the guitar’s natural sound, with customizable options through the 3-band equalizer and chorus control.
The pack also includes a padded gig bag, deluxe guitar strap, guitar stand, and a durable pro anti-tangle instrument cable, offering a comprehensive solution for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Hartwood Cutaway Electro Acoustic Guitar Amp Pack
FEATURES: Material: Basswood HDF
OTHER INFO: Pro Anti-Tangle Instrument Cable is 3m long
- Premium build quality ensures durability and longevity.
- Versatile tone controls allow players to customize their sound effortlessly
- Includes a reliable electronic tuner for accurate and convenient tuning.
- Ergonomic design facilitates smooth transitions between frets.
- Complete amp pack eliminates the need for separate accessory purchases.
- Excellent value for money with a combination of quality guitar and essential accessories.
- Amplifier power may be insufficient for large performance venues.
- The gig bag, while protective, may not be suitable for extreme conditions.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Yamaha F310II Acoustic Guitar Package, Tobacco Sunburst
The Yamaha F310II Acoustic Guitar Package in Tobacco Sunburst is an exceptional choice for aspiring acoustic guitarists seeking an all-inclusive starter kit.
This package combines the renowned quality of Yamaha instruments with everything you need to kickstart your musical journey.
With a striking Tobacco Brown Sunburst finish, the F310II boasts a timeless dreadnought body crafted with a spruce top and meranti back, providing a rich and melodic Yamaha tone.
Its versatility shines through with a warm low-end and a subtly bright high-end, ensuring clarity and definition in every note.
This guitar is designed to accommodate various song genres and playing styles, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned players.
In addition to the guitar, this package includes essential accessories to support your musical journey.
The comprehensive accessory kit also comprises a gigbag for convenient transportation, a guitar strap for comfortable playing, a pitch pipe for accurate tuning, a set of extra strings used for replacements, a guitar picks, a string winder for easy maintenance, and a capo for exploring different tonalities.
Yamaha F310II Acoustic Guitar Package
FEATURES: Pickguard: Black
OTHER INFO: 3 x Guitar Picks
- Exceptional sound quality with rich tones and impressive projection.
- Solid top enhances authenticity of acoustic tones.
- Comes with gig bag, straps, and picks for a complete setup.
- Occasional shipping/package damages reported, handle with care.
- Variable quality of included strings, some users opt for upgrades.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Fender CD-60S with Complete Accessory Pack
The Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit is an all-in-one solution for beginner acoustic guitar enthusiasts, offering a ready-to-play experience and instrument protection.
With a solid mahogany top in Fender’s Classic Design series, this guitar delivers a mature and resonant sound. The laminated mahogany back and sides ensure durability for travel while maintaining tonal integrity.
The kit includes essential accessories like a chromatic tuner, spare strings, padded gigbag, capo, polishing cloth, string winder, guitar stand, and picks.
This comprehensive package equips you for practice sessions or live performances in any musical scenario.
Fender CD-60S with Complete Accessory Pack
FEATURES: Picks (0.71mm)
OTHER INFO: .012-.052 Gauge
- Fender-branded accessories add a touch of style to your setup
- Excellent value for money, offering essential items at a bundled price
- Suitable for electric and acoustic guitar players
- Tuner included may not have advanced features found in standalone tuners
- Limited color or style options for accessories may not suit everyone's aesthetic preferences
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Student Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music + Accessory Pack
Built to the same high standards as premium models, the Student Acoustic Guitar features an all-hardwood construction, combining the rich midrange quality of basswood with the balanced tones of the spruce top.
This harmonious blend makes it equally adept at intricate picking and energetic strumming, ensuring a versatile playing experience.
Facilitating the learning process, the guitar boasts a C-shaped mahogany neck that effortlessly accommodates the formation of initial chords.
The ergonomic design encourages extended playing sessions with proper hand and wrist posture, minimizing discomfort.
With its timeless natural finish, the Student Guitar provides an ideal foundation for mastering the art of playing.
This bundle includes essential gear and accessories such as a gig bag, spare strings, tuner, and capo, ensuring you have everything you need for a complete playing experience.
Student Acoustic Guitar by Gear4music + Accessory Pack
FEATURES: Full-size acoustic guitar
OTHER INFO:Price: £89.99
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Comprehensive accessory pack included
- Reliable build quality for lasting durability
- Excellent sound projection for its class
- Basic gig bag may offer limited protection.
- Some players may desire a wider tonal range.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Student Electro Acoustic Guitar
This all-in-one acoustic guitar kit offers an excellent entry point for beginners, combining affordability with professional features.
The guitar features a compact 40″ Concert body with a spruce laminate top and sapele mahogany back and sides, delivering the guitarist a balanced and mellow acoustic tone perfect for fingerpicking and blues.
This starter kit includes a range of essential accessories, such as an Acoustic Guitar Amp for amplified performance, a chromatic headstock, digital tuner for precise tuning, guitar picks, an acoustic guitar gig-bag for protection on the go, acoustic guitar strings, a guitar strap, and a jack-jack instrument cable.
The guitar features die-cast gold machine heads for accurate tuning, a compensated saddle on the maple bridge for excellent intonation, and a built-in bridge transducer with a 4-Band EQ preamp, allowing players to easily shape their amplified tone.
Student Electro Acoustic Guitar
FEATURES: Pickup: Piezo Bridge Transducer
OTHER INFO: 15W Amp
- Easy to play and suitable for learning.
- Delivers a clean and natural acoustic-electric sound.
- Provides ample power for practice and small performances.
- A budget-friendly option for those starting their musical journey.
- Easy to carry for lessons, rehearsals, or gigs.
- Basic controls may not satisfy advanced players.
- 15W amp might be insufficient for larger venues.
- May not match the durability of higher-end models.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Additional Accessories for Enhanced Playing Experience
Guitar Strap
A guitar strap is not just a utilitarian accessory; it’s the lifeline that connects you to your instrument.
Invest wisely, and liberate yourself from the shackles of subpar playing experience.
Choose a durable, padded strap that not only cradles your guitar securely but also elevates your comfort during those marathon jam sessions.
Guitar Strap by Gear4music, Western
FEATURES: Material: Nylon w/ Faux Leather Ends
OTHER INFO: Adjustable: Yes
- Authentic Western Vibe
- Durable Material
- Versatile Compatibility
- Adjustable Length
- Eye-Catching Design
- Nylon Material may not be Preferred by All
- Specific Design Aesthetic
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Guitar Picks
Let’s be blunt – settling for mediocre guitar picks is akin to dulling the edge of a finely tuned blade. Your playing precision deserves better than a substandard piece of plastic.
Opt for picks that match your playing style, whether the nuanced finesse of fingerstyle or the aggressive attack of heavy metal.
Cheap picks compromise your tone and hinder your ability to express yourself through your instrument.
Dunlop PVP101-Pick Variety Pack
FEATURES:Medium-Light Gauge
OTHER INFO: Number Of Picks: 12
- Variety of Medium-Light Picks
- Dunlop Quality Assurance
- Versatile for Different Playing Styles
- Cost-Effective Exploration
- Handy 12-Pack
- Limited Gauge Selection
- Subjective Personal Preference
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Metronome
Your musical prowess hinges on a steadfast sense of timing, and a reliable metronome is the key to unlocking unyielding mastery over this essential aspect of your craft.
Boss DB-30 Dr Beat Metronome
FEATURES: Tap-tempo feature
OTHER INFO: Handles up to 17 beats per bar
- Offers 24 beat variations and 9 rhythm patterns
- Portable and Rugged Build
- Visual Tempo Assistance
- Auto Power-Off Function
- Chromatic Reference Tones
- Headphone Output with Volume Control
- May Lack Advanced Features
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
When to Upgrade From a Beginner Guitar?
Deciding when to upgrade from a beginner guitar depends on various factors such as your skill level, musical preferences, and personal goals.
Beginner guitars, often found in acoustic guitar packages, are designed for entry-level players learning the basics.
As you progress and become more proficient in playing the guitar, you may find limitations in your beginner instrument.
If you’ve been playing for a while and feel restricted by the sound quality, playability, or versatility of your current guitar, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Electric guitars offer a different tonal palette and are suitable for various genres, while classical guitars provide a unique experience for those interested in classical music.
Additionally, if you’re taking guitar lessons and your instructor recommends exploring more advanced features or a different type of guitar to enhance your learning experience, it could be a good indicator to upgrade.
Consider the construction and quality of your guitar’s body as well.
Advanced players may seek guitars with better tonewoods, craftsmanship, and overall build quality to achieve a richer and more nuanced sound.
Acoustic Guitar Starter Kit
Summary
An acoustic guitar starter kit is an ideal entry point for those aspiring to play the guitar.
Combining essential components such as a well-crafted acoustic guitar, necessary accessories, and instructional materials, these kits provide a comprehensive and convenient package for beginners, facilitating a smoother journey into the world of learning to play the guitar.
You can’t really go wrong with any of these models – but remember, they are starter kits; so will probably last you a couple of years before you need to invest in a higher-quality instrument.
So which one will you choose?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to visit our page on the ‘Best Amps For The Acoustic Guitar‘.
FAQ's
Yes, starting with an acoustic guitar is advisable for beginners. Acoustic guitars are generally more accessible, affordable, and help build essential finger strength. They also offer a more straightforward learning experience before transitioning to electric or classical guitars.
Not necessarily. While many new acoustic guitar come adequately set up, some might benefit from adjustments to enhance playability. Factors like string action and intonation can be fine-tuned during a setup. It’s recommended to assess each guitar individually, but not all new guitars require immediate adjustments.