Starting your guitar journey but on a tight budget? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great acoustic guitar!
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 budget acoustic guitars under $200, perfect for beginners and casual players who want quality without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a complete novice or looking for a backup guitar, these affordable options will help you get started.
Why Choose a Budget Acoustic Guitar?
Why Buy a Guitar Under $200?
Budget acoustic guitars are ideal for beginners because they’re affordable, easy to play, and often come with everything you need to start. While they may not have the premium features of high-end guitars, many budget models offer excellent value for money.
If you’re looking for a budget acoustic guitar under $200, you’ll be surprised at the quality and playability available at this price point.
Top 5 Budget Acoustic Guitars Under $200
Our Top Picks for the Best Budget Acoustic Guitars
Here are our top 5 recommendations for the best acoustic guitars under $200. These guitars are affordable, reliable, and perfect for beginners.
- Yamaha FG800
- Description: The Yamaha FG800 is one of the best acoustic guitars under $200, thanks to its solid spruce top, durable construction, and rich tone.
- Pros: Rich tone, great for beginners, excellent build quality.
- ✅ Solid spruce top for rich, resonant tone
- ✅ Excellent build quality and durability
- ✅ Strong projection with well-balanced sound
- ✅ Comfortable neck, great for beginners and experienced players
- ✅ Affordable price for a solid-top acoustic guitar
- Cons: Basic design, may require setup.
- ❌ No built-in electronics for amplification
- ❌ Stock strings may need upgrading for optimal sound
- ❌ Larger dreadnought body may be less comfortable for smaller players
- Epiphone DR-100
- Description: The Epiphone DR-100 is a classic dreadnought guitar that offers warm tones and comfortable playability at an affordable price.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to play, great for beginners.
- ✅ Affordable Price
- ✅ Dreadnought Body Shape
- ✅ Solid Build Quality
- ✅ Comfortable Playability
- ✅ Versatile Sound
- ✅ Brand Reputation
- ✅ Great for Beginners
- Cons: Laminated back and sides.
- ❌ Laminated Wood Construction
- ❌ Basic Hardware
- ❌ Factory Setup
- ❌ Limited Aesthetic Appeal
- ❌ Not Ideal for Advanced Players
- Fender FA-115
- Description: The Fender FA-115 is a great beginner guitar with a rich tone and comfortable playability, all for under $200.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to play, great for small hands.
- ✅ Affordable price, great for beginners
- ✅ Spruce top provides a bright and clear tone
- ✅ Dreadnought body shape offers strong projection and volume
- ✅ Comes with a starter pack option, including accessories like picks, strap, and extra strings
- ✅ Reliable build quality from a trusted brand
- Cons: Laminated top (less resonance than solid wood)
- ❌ Laminate wood construction doesn’t offer the same resonance as solid wood
- ❌ No built-in electronics for amplification
- ❌ Action may need adjustment for optimal playability
- ❌ Stock strings might need upgrading for better tone
- Ibanez AW54CE
- Description: “The Ibanez AW54CE is a cutaway acoustic guitar with a mahogany body, offering warm tones and versatility for under $200.”
- Pros: Cutaway design, great sound, affordable.
- ✅ Solid mahogany top for warm, rich, and well-balanced tones
- ✅ Built-in Ibanez T-bar undersaddle pickup and preamp for easy amplification
- ✅ Cutaway design for better access to higher frets
- ✅ Open-pore finish enhances natural resonance and sustain
- ✅ Comfortable neck and smooth playability, great for fingerpicking and strumming
- Cons: Basic electronics (if included).
- ❌ No onboard tuner (requires an external tuner or pedal)
- ❌ Mahogany top produces a warmer tone but may lack the brightness of spruce
- ❌ Stock strings might need upgrading for better sound quality
- ❌ Slightly heavier than some other acoustic-electric models
- Ortega R121-1
- Description: “The Ortega R121-1 is a beginner-friendly guitar with a compact design and bright tone, perfect for players with smaller hands.”
- Pros: Compact size, affordable, great for kids and beginners.
- ✅ Classical guitar with a warm and mellow tone, great for fingerstyle playing
- ✅ Mahogany back and sides provide a balanced and rich sound
- ✅ Spruce or cedar top options for different tonal preferences
- ✅ Comfortable neck and slightly smaller body, ideal for beginners and smaller players
- ✅ High-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price
- Cons: Limited bass response.
- ❌ Nylon strings may not suit players looking for a brighter, steel-string sound
- ❌ No built-in electronics for amplification
- ❌ Action may need slight adjustment for personal preference
- ❌ Limited projection compared to larger-bodied guitars
How to Choose the Right Budget Guitar
What to Look for in a Budget Acoustic Guitar
- When choosing a budget acoustic guitar, consider these factors:
- Playability: Look for a comfortable neck and low action.
- Tonewood: Spruce tops offer bright tones, while mahogany provides warmth.
- Brand Reputation: Stick to trusted brands like Yamaha, Epiphone, and Fender.
Accessories: Some guitars come with starter packs that include a gig bag, picks, and a tuner.
If you’re looking for the best budget acoustic guitar under $200, prioritize playability and tonewood for the best value.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the Yamaha FG800, Epiphone DR-100, or Fender FA-115 and more, these are some of the best acoustic guitars under $200 for beginners and casual players.
Ready to start playing? Click the links above to check out these guitars and find the perfect one for you!