In the under-$1,000 price range, the acoustic guitar market offers high-quality options that rival more expensive models. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or a seasoned musician on a budget, there are excellent guitars available that deliver rich sound, excellent craftsmanship, and durability. Here’s a guide to the best acoustic guitars under $1,000 and what to look for in this price range.
Why $1,000 Is a Great Budget for an Acoustic Guitar
The $1,000 range opens the door to guitars with solid tops, better tonewoods, refined craftsmanship, and reliable components. These guitars often boast tonal depth and resonance that improve with age. Here, you’ll find options that cater to various playing styles, including fingerpicking, strumming, and hybrid techniques.
Top Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000
1. Yamaha FGX5
- Price: Around $950–$1,000
- Best For: All-around playing—ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
- Features: The Yamaha FGX5 features a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, offering a rich and full sound with a balanced tone. It comes with Yamaha’s proprietary SRT2 pickup system for a quality plugged-in sound.
- Pros:
- Excellent tone quality with a warm and resonant sound
- High-quality electronics for amplification
- Classic design and solid build quality
- Cons:
- Higher end of the price range
- Summary: A reliable, all-purpose guitar with exceptional tone, great for any player looking for value and durability.
2. Martin DX1AE
- Price: Around $800–$900
- Best For: Strumming and singer-songwriter styles
- Features: With a solid Sitka spruce top and HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) back and sides, the DX1AE delivers the classic Martin tone at a budget-friendly price. Equipped with Fishman electronics, it’s also stage-ready.
- Pros:
- Warm, signature Martin sound
- Eco-friendly HPL material
- Comfortable neck for easy playability
- Cons:
- HPL doesn’t resonate as deeply as all-wood builds
- Summary: Great for players who want Martin quality without breaking the bank. Suitable for both home and stage use.
3. Taylor 114e
- Price: Around $900–$1,000
- Best For: Fingerstyle, light strumming, and picking
- Features: The Taylor 114e has a solid Sitka spruce top with layered walnut back and sides, delivering Taylor’s bright and balanced tone. The slim neck makes it ideal for fingerstyle players, and it includes the Taylor Expression System 2 pickup.
- Pros:
- Bright and clear tone, perfect for fingerpicking
- High playability with a comfortable neck
- Great electronics for amplification
- Cons:
- Layered back and sides may not project as richly as solid wood
- Summary: The 114e is great for players who favor clarity and articulation, especially suited for fingerstyle and lighter playing.
4. Seagull Artist Mosaic
- Price: Around $900
- Best For: Rich tones and versatile playing
- Features: The Seagull Artist Mosaic is built with a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides, producing a warm and full sound. It’s hand-crafted in Canada, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
- Pros:
- Warm, full sound with excellent projection
- High-quality tonewoods and craftsmanship
- Great for strumming and fingerpicking alike
- Cons:
- Limited electronics, though some models include a pickup
- Summary: Perfect for players seeking a warm, resonant sound and superior craftsmanship, making it a standout in this price range.
25. Guild D-240E
- Price: Around $550–$650
- Best For: Folk, country, and rock
- Features: The Guild D-240E features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. Its dreadnought body style provides volume and projection, while the Fishman Sonitone pickup system makes it stage-ready.
- Pros:
- Loud, punchy sound with excellent projection
- Affordable, solid wood top
- Comfortable to play and reliable for gigs
- Cons:
- Mid-range electronics system
- Summary: A great choice for players who want a powerful sound on a budget. It’s reliable and versatile for both practice and performance.
Key Considerations When Buying an Acoustic Guitar Under $1,000
1. Tonewoods
- Solid Top: Most guitars in this price range feature a solid top, which produces better resonance and richer tone compared to laminate tops.
- Back and Sides: Many guitars use layered or laminate wood on the back and sides to save costs. Solid wood models (like the Seagull Artist Mosaic) will produce a fuller sound over time.
2. Body Shape
- Dreadnought: Known for its powerful bass and volume, great for strumming and larger sounds.
- Concert: Smaller and more balanced, ideal for fingerstyle players.
- Auditorium/Grand Auditorium: Combines balance with projection, making it versatile for both fingerstyle and strumming.
3. Electronics
- In this price range, many models come equipped with onboard electronics, such as Fishman or Taylor’s Expression System, making them suitable for both acoustic and amplified play.
4. Playability
- Look for comfortable neck shapes, often a personal preference based on hand size and playing style. Taylor guitars, for instance, are known for their smooth and slim necks, which are great for beginners and fingerstyle players.
Top Picks by Playing Style and Need
- Best for All-Around Playing: Yamaha FGX5 – Balanced tone and reliable build for any genre.
- Best for Fingerstyle: Taylor 114e – Articulate, bright tones with a smooth neck for fingerpicking.
- Best for Full Sound: Seagull Artist Mosaic – Warm, rich sound with high-quality wood and craftsmanship.
- Best for Loud Projection: Guild D-240E – Dreadnought shape with volume and punch, great for live performance.
- Best Value: Martin DX1AE – Classic Martin sound with eco-friendly materials.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Under $1,000
When looking for an acoustic guitar under $1,000, prioritize a solid top, comfortable neck, and high-quality electronics (if needed). Personal preference, playing style, and sound requirements will guide you to the best fit, but models like the Yamaha FGX5, Taylor 114e, and Seagull Artist Mosaic stand out as top choices. The $1,000 budget offers plenty of high-quality guitars that will provide lasting performance and exceptional sound for years to come.