Best Value
for Money
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Immaculate intonation with rosewood bridge and split bone saddle.
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best for
Innovation and Technology
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Superior noise reduction electronics.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best Overall
Acoustic Guitar
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Grand Auditorium shape suits various techniques.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Setting a budget of under £2000 narrows the hunt to guitars giving exceptional value, blending top-notch craftsmanship with sound quality that’ll inspire for years.
This price range opens the door to a variety of models from esteemed manufacturers, each with their own unique features and tonal characteristics.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer seeking a reliable companion for your gigs, a recording artist in search of the perfect sound, or a passionate hobbyist looking to elevate your playing experience, the market has much to offer.
In this guide, I delve into the best acoustic guitars under 2000, exploring the nuances that make each model stand out. From the woods and materials used in their construction to the precision of their build and the warmth and clarity of their sound, I aim to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
My goal is to help you find an instrument that not only fits your budget but also resonates with your musical soul, ensuring a harmonious journey ahead.
What to Expect in an Acoustic Guitar Under 2000
High-quality guitars are not only crafted with superior materials and components, but they also offer a richer, more resonant sound that can enhance performance and recording quality.
This is particularly critical for professionals who depend on their instrument for composing, recording, performing live, and teaching.
Who needs a Guitar Under 2000?
Professionals in the music industry, including composers, live performers, recording artists, and guitar instructors, are the primary candidates for an acoustic guitar under 2000.
This range suits individuals looking for an instrument that combines quality with performance reliability, without the necessity of frequent upgrades or repairs.
A Guide for Buying Acoustic Guitar
Purchasing an acoustic guitar is an exciting venture, especially when your budget extends up to 2000.
This price range opens up a plethora of options, featuring guitars that offer a blend of superior sound quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and lasting durability.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through your options and make an informed decision.
The body size and shape of an acoustic guitar significantly influence both its playability and the sound it produces. Guitars in this price range come in various shapes such as Dreadnought, Concert, Auditorium, and Jumbo, each offering different tonal characteristics.
Body Size and Shape
Known for its powerful, driving sound, it’s a great choice for guitar players who value volume and projection. Its shape suits strumming and flatpicking styles, making it a popular choice among bluegrass and folk musicians.
The Auditorium guitar body style represents a harmonious blend, situated between the fuller dreadnought and the more compact concert models. It mirrors the general shape of the concert guitar, expanding into a wider lower bout akin to that of a dreadnought, yet sets itself apart with a more tapered waist.
Concert guitars are characterized by their distinctively slimmer waist dimensions when compared to the broader dreadnought design. This attribute contributes to a sound profile that is more articulate and less dominated by bass frequencies. The precise and clear tonal output makes concert guitars, including their larger variant, the Grand Concert, particularly suitable for players who value nuanced sound dynamics.
The largest of the common acoustic shapes, it produces a loud, booming sound. It’s ideal for performers who need to fill a room with sound without amplification.
When selecting a guitar, consider the genres you prefer to play and the sound qualities you value most. Each shape caters to different musical styles and player preferences.
Build Quality
In the sub-2000 range, expect to find guitars with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Solid wood construction is a standard at this price point, offering superior sound quality that improves with age.
Look for guitars with solid spruce or cedar tops for clarity and brightness, and mahogany or rosewood back and sides for warmth and resonance. Attention to detail in the build quality directly impacts the instrument’s durability and playability.
Features such as a comfortable neck profile, smooth fret edges, and a well-finished body not only enhance the playing experience but also reflect the care put into the guitar’s construction.
High-quality tuning machines are crucial for maintaining tuning stability, ensuring that the great guitar sounds you produce remain consistent.
Sound Quality and Tone
The hallmark of a great guitar within this budget is its sound quality and tone. Acoustic guitars under 2000 are expected to deliver rich, nuanced tones that can express the subtleties of your playing style.
The combination of wood types, body shape, and construction methods all contribute to the instrument’s unique voice.
Guitars in this price range should offer a balanced sound across the low, mid, and high frequencies, allowing for versatility across genres.
Whether you’re playing fingerstyle, strumming chords, or leading with powerful solos, the guitar should respond with clarity and sustain. Listen for the guitar’s ability to articulate individual notes clearly, even during complex chords or fast passages.
Price and Budget
While 2000 is a substantial budget for an acoustic guitar, it’s essential to consider the value you’re getting for your investment.
Consider guitars that not only meet your current playing needs but also have the potential to grow with you as a musician.
A well-chosen guitar can be a lifelong companion, offering endless inspiration and enjoyment.
It’s worth noting that some of the cost goes into aesthetic details such as inlays, binding, and finish. While these features may enhance the guitar’s appearance, they don’t necessarily improve sound quality. Prioritize the guitar’s tonal characteristics and playability when making your selection
Acoustic Guitar Brands to Consider
When considering the purchase of an acoustic guitar, the brand can play a significant role in the decision-making process.
The right brand not only guarantees quality but also influences the instrument’s tone, playability, and overall musical expression.
Top 7 Acoustic Guitars In the Market
Taylor 214ce Electro Acoustic
Since its founding in 1974, Taylor Guitars has quickly become a leading name in acoustic guitars, favored for their bright and airy sound by both professionals and hobbyists. While top models may be pricey, advancements in instrument-making have made quality guitars more accessible at lower prices.
The Taylor 214CE stands out as an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on professional-grade sound. Highlighted by its elegant Venetian Cutaway, this model facilitates easy access to the upper frets, enhancing playability.
Its Sitka Spruce Top is complemented by unique back and side options: layered Maple for a bright, tight tone ideal for live settings, and layered Koa, known for its initial brightness that mellows over time, offering a distinctive look with its antique natural finish.
Both the Maple and Koa variants are priced slightly higher than the standard model due to their premium materials. The 214CE Deluxe also features the Expression System 2 electronics, providing a natural, full sound that blends seamlessly in both live and studio environments.
With its Grand Auditorium body shape, this guitar is perfect for players seeking a compact instrument with a broad tonal range. Additionally, it comes with a deluxe Taylor hardshell case for enhanced protection and beautiful Italian acrylic diamond inlays on the fretboard for an aesthetic touch.
Taylor 214ce Electro Acoustic
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25.5''
OTHER INFO: Fingerboard Material: West African Crelicam Ebony
- Affordable, high-quality Taylor sound.
- Solid Sitka spruce top ages beautifully, enhancing tone over time.
- Layered body construction offers durability.
- Grand Auditorium shape suits various techniques.
- Easy playability.
- Ideal for daily use.
- Misadjusted tone may mimic electric guitar.
- Layered wood may not match solid wood's tone.
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™.
Martin D-15E
The Martin D-15E, a standout in the esteemed 15 Series, exemplifies unparalleled craftsmanship and sonic excellence. This 14-fret Dreadnought guitar, with its sapele back and sides complemented by a mahogany top, offers musicians a luxuriously rich and balanced sound profile.
The bright, airy trebles blend harmoniously with a robust midrange, thanks to the guitar’s non-scalloped bracing design, ensuring every note resonates with clarity and depth.
But the D-15E isn’t just about stunning sounds. It’s a chameleon in the music world, adapting effortlessly to your every style. Whether you’re delicately fingerpicking or boldly strumming, this guitar responds with a versatility that’s bound to inspire. And with Martin E1 electronics seamlessly integrated, amplifying your music becomes as easy as strumming a chord, making the D-15E an ideal partner for performers who aim to fill rooms with their melodies.
Dive into the specifics and you’ll find a world of thoughtfulness – from the D-14 Fret body size and Indian Plantation Mahogany top, to the resonance-enhancing bracing pattern.
The select hardwood neck with a high-performance taper promises hours of comfortable play, while the Katalox fretboard, adorned with unique Diamond & Squares Short inlays, adds a touch of visual elegance.
Martin D-15E
FEATURES: Ping Nickel Open Gear tuner
OTHER INFO: 20 frets
- Unmatched versatility for strumming or fingerpicking
- Impressive volume and balanced tone
- Rich, resonant sound with non-scalloped bracing
- Easy amplification with onboard Martin E1 electronics
- May require an adjustment period for playing while standing
- Not suitable for those seeking a bright tone
- Consider comparing with the D-16 GT for alternative options
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™.
Ibanez MRC10 Marcin Signature
The Ibanez MRC10 Marcin Signature, with its Natural High Gloss finish, is an acoustic marvel tailored for the modern guitarist who demands versatility and articulation in their sound. This instrument has a solid Sitka spruce top, renowned for delivering sparkling highs that mature over time, enhancing the guitar’s voice with age.
This is perfectly complemented by Pau Ferro back and sides, alongside an innovative X-M bracing pattern, to ensure a full-bodied sound where lows are robust, mids are crisp, and volume is abundant.
Designed with the innovative tapping techniques of virtuoso Marcin in mind, the MRC10 facilitates this advanced playing style through a specially designed scratch plate and a super-smooth Macassar ebony fingerboard. The neck and fingerboard are crafted with a comfort grip and rounded edges, ensuring effortless playability and fast fretting action.
Incorporating advanced Fishman pickups, including a Rare Earth microphone/pickup system, the MRC10 captures every nuance of your playing. It shines particularly in tapping, supported by a Mic/Pickup Blend control and a bass extension/roll off switch, offering a customizable and immersive sound experience.
The guitar’s reliability is further solidified by its top-tier Ibanez hardware, including Gotoh machine heads and an Ibanez-designed bridge, ensuring stable tuning and easy string changes with Advantage bridge pins.
Ibanez MRC10 Marcin Signature
FEATURES: Fishman Rare Earth Pickup
OTHER INFO: String Gauge: .012/.016/.024/.032/.042/.053
- Exceptional acoustic tone with solid Sitka spruce top
- Designed for advanced tapping techniques
- Premium construction
- Fishman pickups with blend control for nuanced sound
- Adjustable bass response for tailored tone
- Bulky design may challenge smaller hands
- Pricier option within its category
- Features may overwhelm novices
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 NTX5 Electro Nylon String
The Yamaha NTX5 Electro Nylon String Guitar emerges as a paragon of versatility and sonic elegance, offering musicians a seamless blend of classic nylon string warmth and modern playability.
Featuring a top made from solid European spruce and a body of solid walnut ensures a regal acoustic voice, rich in warmth and distinctiveness, but also promises a sound that matures and enhances with age, rewarding the dedicated musician with an ever-evolving sonic palette.
The guitar’s slim, compact body, reminiscent of concert guitar, provides exceptional comfort and playability for both electric guitar enthusiasts and acoustic players alike. Its modern neck profile and Venetian cutaway design facilitate effortless access to the upper frets, ensuring a seamless playing experience across all skill levels.
Equipped with Yamaha’s Atmosfeel electronics, the NTX5 ensures unparalleled live performance capabilities. This advanced system captures the guitar’s natural acoustic resonance, delivering a pristine, faithful amplification of its acoustic tone.
Whether on stage or in a studio setting, players can easily tailor their sound with the tone blending feature, adding a personal touch to their performance.
Yamaha NTX5 Electro Nylon String
FEATURES: African Mahogany neck
OTHER INFO: Yamaha's Atmosfeel electronics
- Exceptional sound quality that matures over time with solid construction.
- Versatile tone for multiple genres and styles.
- Slim, comfortable design suitable for electric to nylon transition.
- Advanced Atmosfeel electronics for authentic live sound.
- Real bone nut for better sustain and tone.
- Includes strap buttons, soundhole cover, and reinforced bag.
- Higher price may deter beginners.
- Slim body design may not appeal to traditionalists.
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™.
Lava Me 3 36" Guitar
Discover the Lava Me 3 36″ Gold: a game-changing addition to the world of acoustic guitars, especially for those seeking the finest under 2000.
The Lava Me 3 is your all-in-one music hub, equipped with tuners, metronomes, and recording tools, all embedded in its cutting-edge software. Forget about ambient noise ruining your recordings; this guitar’s top-notch electronics have you covered.
But the Lava Me 3’s magic isn’t just digital. Its PLEK Pro machined frets ensure a playing experience so smooth, it feels like the guitar is playing itself. And when it comes to practice, this guitar has your back with intuitive modes designed to enhance every aspect of your playing, from chords to ear training.
Beyond its tech marvels, the Lava Me 3 offers unparalleled acoustic quality. Built with AirSonic 2 carbon fiber and boasting a honeycomb bracing structure plus 4-MASS technology, it delivers a sound that’s as rich and natural as it gets.
Lava Me 3 36" Guitar
FEATURES: Scale Length: 23.5"
OTHER INFO: Storage/ROM: 32G
- Rich, deep acoustic tones.
- Superior noise reduction electronics.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Superior neck design.
- Varied practice modes
- Steep learning curve for traditionalists.
- Digital reliance may diminish traditional experience.
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™.
Martin 000-15M Street Master
The Martin 000-15M Street Master acoustic guitar is designed for performers, offering a rich and melodious tone thanks to its all-solid mahogany construction. This guitar excels across various music genres due to its versatile sound and acoustic authenticity.
It features a comfortable 000-14 Fret body size, providing a balance of powerful sound and easy playability, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Martin’s commitment to quality is showcased through the Plek process for precise fretwork, ensuring excellent tone and playability. The guitar also boasts a real bone nut for superior resonance, sustain, and tuning stability, adding to its vintage charm.
Key features include a distressed satin finish, a mahogany neck, a Katalox fingerboard with abalone inlays, and SP Lifespan 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium strings, making the 000-15M Street Master a durable, visually appealing, and musically versatile instrument.
Martin 000-15M Street Master
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25.4''
OTHER INFO: Golden Age Relic Nickel tuners
- Impressive sustain and projection that fills the room.
- Excellently suited for fingerpicking with its wonderful tone.
- Distinct dark mahogany wood aesthetic.
- Stylish and functional nickel open-geared tuners.
- Limited bass response, making it less ideal for bass-heavy music.
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™.
Takamine P3NC NEX Electro Acoustic
This instrument is crafted with a solid cedar top, known for its ability to produce a warm, articulate tone ideal for fingerstyle playing. The cedar top, combined with sapele back and sides, creates a full, rich sound that balances beautifully across the entire frequency spectrum.
The P3NC features Takamine’s unique NEX body shape, which offers a comfortable playing experience without compromising on sound quality.
This design, reminiscent of the grand auditorium shape, delivers a versatile, rich tone suitable for a wide range of playing styles. The guitar’s body is finished in satin, enhancing its natural aesthetics and playability.
Equipped with a rosewood bridge and a split bone saddle, the P3NC ensures immaculate intonation and tuning stability, making string changes quick and effortless with its pin-less bridge base.
The mahogany neck, finished in satin, supports a rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets and wood dot-in-dot inlays, providing smooth playability and a sleek look.
The Takamine CT4B II preamp system is a standout feature, offering a 3-band EQ, volume control, and a built-in tuner for precise amplification and tone shaping. This electronic setup ensures your acoustic sound is amplified clearly and naturally, whether you’re playing through an amp or a PA system.
Takamine P3NC NEX Electro Acoustic
FEATURES: .012-.053 string gauges
OTHER INFO: 12" fingerboard radius
- Warm, articulate fingerstyle play with solid cedar top.
- Full, balanced tone from sapele back and sides.
- Immaculate intonation with rosewood bridge and split bone saddle.
- Quick string changes with pin-less bridge.
- Comfortable playability with NEX body shape.
- Cedar top may limit dynamic range.
- Body shape might not fit all 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™.
Acoustic Guitar Accessories You Need
Gator GBE-DREAD Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
FEATURES: 600-Denier Nylon Material
OTHER INFO: Dimensions: 42.1"*17.1"* 5.9"t
- 10 mm padding offers substantial protection against impacts
- Neck support keeps the guitar stable and secure
- Adjustable strap for comfortable portability
- Ample internal dimensions accommodate most dreadnought guitars
- Lightweight design at just 1.79 lbs makes it easy to carry
- Some bags too roomy for certain guitar models, causing movement inside.
- Limited accessory storage
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™.
Dunlop 83CN Acoustic Trigger Capo, Curved,
FEATURES:Perfect for acoustic and electric guitars alike.
OTHER INFO: Sleek nickel finish
- Hassle-free usage without any cables or electronic setups.
- Effortlessly swift transitions thanks to the quick-release design.
- Delivers precise sound with its precision grip.
- Boasts a chic nickel finish that enhances any guitar's look.
- Nickel finish can attract fingerprints and smudges.
- Trigger mechanism could need tweaking for perfect pressure.
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™.
Ernie Ball Earthwood 2004 Acoustic Guitar Strings, Light 11-52 Set
FEATURES: Compatible for Acoustic Guitar
OTHER INFO: Gauge: 011, .015, .022w, .030, .042, .052
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- Not ideal for heavy tension preference.
- Might need frequent replacement.
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™.
Best Acoustic Guitar Under 2000
Summary
This budget range opens up a plethora of options for both seasoned musicians and ambitious beginners, offering access to premium materials, superior craft, and nuanced sound qualities that can satisfy the demands of both studio recordings and live performances.
Whether your preference leans towards the rich, deep tones of a dreadnought or the bright, clear sound of a concert guitar, the market has something to offer.
Brands like Martin, Taylor, Ibanez, and Yamaha continue to stand out for their commitment to excellence, ensuring that every guitar enthusiast can find an instrument that meets their technical requirements and inspires their musical journey.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the quest for the perfect acoustic guitar within this price range.
Have you discovered a model that resonates with your musical style and aspirations?
Perhaps you’ve found a hidden gem from a lesser-known manufacturer?
Your insights and opinions are invaluable to us and our community of readers.
Engage with us in the comments section below, and let’s foster a vibrant discussion about these musical treasures.
Your contribution not only enriches our knowledge but also helps guide others in making informed decisions on their musical journey.
And before you go, click here to see our new article on the ‘Best Amps For Acoustic Guitar’.
Man, I gotta say, this list is such a help. Been saving up from my part-time job to get a solid acoustic that won’t break the bank but still sounds like a dream. Seeing brands like Yamaha and Ibanez on here is super reassuring since I’ve always heard good things but never knew which models to look into. The Ibanez MRC10 Marcin Signature caught my eye – seems like it has that edge I’m looking for. Plus, the price point is just right for what I can afford. Thanks for putting this together, really helps narrow down the search!
I noticed you mentioned the Yamaha NTX5 as an Electro Nylon String, which is spot on for its hybrid capabilities. However, it’s also remarkable for classical players transitioning to a contemporary style. Its neck profile and string spacing cater exceptionally well to intricate fingerstyle work.
Does the NTX5 manage well with purely classical pieces? Been thinking of expanding my repertoire.
Lava Me 3 is a game changer. Super portable and the sound is crisp for its size. def worth a look if you travel a lot.
Hey Lewis Turner, absolutely loved your detailed guide! As someone dipping their toes into the singer-songwriter world, picking the right guitar feels so crucial. I was leaning towards the Taylor 214ce because of its reputation for playability and sound clarity. Do you think it’s a good fit for someone focusing on vocal accompaniment? Also, how does it compare to the Martin D-15E in terms of ease of play for beginners? Appreciate your insight!