How much does a good acoustic guitar cost?

A good acoustic guitar costs anywhere from $200 for a cheap beginner instrument to upwards of $10,000 for a professional-grade or custom-built guitar. The average price of an acoustic guitar in 2021 was $590, according to a report by the Statista Research Department. The most expensive acoustic guitar sold for $6,010,000. The most expensive acoustic guitar is Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D18E, which sold at Julien’s Auctions.

The price of an acoustic guitar for any budget involves considering factors like the quality of materials, desired features, brand reputation, and your skill level as a player. Cheap acoustic guitars for beginners often prioritize affordability and utilize laminate constructions and basic hardware. More expensive higher quality guitars incorporate solid woods, premium components, and meticulous craftsmanship for superior tone and playability.

This article explores how quality, the player’s skill level, the brand, and usage of the guitar all affect the final price of the acoustic guitar. Quality is a big factor in determining the price of the guitar. Quality affects the sound, the materials used, the comfort and ease of playing, and the overall build quality. Understanding these factors will help you make a smarter choice when picking the right acoustic guitar for you, whether you are a beginner looking for a good first guitar or a professional guitarist looking for a high-end instrument.

How much does a good cheap acoustic guitar cost?

A good cheap acoustic guitar costs at least $200. According to Jon Chappell and Mark Phillips who wrote the book “Guitar All-In-One For Dummies”, adult and teenage beginner players who are looking to grow with an instrument should plan to spend between $200 and $250 for an acoustic guitar.

In terms of acoustic guitars, “cheap” typically refers to instruments priced below $500. While there are plenty of low-cost acoustic guitars under $200, opting for the $200 to $500 budget often shows a significant jump in quality. In the $200-$500 price range, the acoustics around $300, typically offer the best value for the money with a good balance between affordability and quality. 

What makes a good quality acoustic guitar?

The factors that make a good quality acoustic guitar include the materials used, sound quality, playability, and construction.

One of the most significant factors is the materials used in the construction of the acoustic guitar because of the impact that the materials have on the sound of the instrument. A solid wood acoustic guitar, generally produces a richer, more resonant tone than a guitar made with laminates. This is because solid wood vibrates more freely, allowing the sound to develop complexity and depth over time.

Playability is another important factor. Playability includes factors like the feel of the neck, the action (string height), and the overall comfort and ease of playing.  A well-crafted guitar feels balanced and effortless to play.

Precise construction and craftsmanship assure a well-built and reliable instrument.  The level of craftsmanship is evident in details like fretwork, finish, binding, tuning, and the internal bracing pattern. For instance, a well-applied finish protects the wood from humidity changes, while precisely leveled and dressed frets prevent buzzing and contribute to accurate intonation. 

How does the quality of an acoustic guitar influence price?

The quality of an acoustic guitar influences the price of the guitar because as the price of an acoustic guitar increases, the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and overall sound typically improves. This means that as you move into higher price brackets, you can expect to see greater use of premium tonewoods, more refined construction techniques, a richer tonal complexity, and improved playability. 

The table below describes how the quality of acoustic guitar changes with the price.

Listed below are specific price ranges, where each increase in price level provides a noticeable step up in overall quality.

1. $50 – $200 
2. $200 – $500 
3. $500 – $1000 
4. $1000 – $2000 
5. $2000 – $10 000+ 

1. $50 – $200 price range

Acoustic guitars in the $50-$200 price range typically use laminated wood for the body and lower-quality hardware. This construction helps keep costs down while providing a functional instrument.

Sound and Tone: Acoustics in the $50-$200 price range often have a less resonant and quieter sound due to the use of laminated wood. Laminated wood doesn’t vibrate as freely as solid wood. The tonal quality of guitars in this price range is generally basic, with limited richness and complexity in the sound. 

Playability and Comfort: Acoustic guitars in the $50-$200 price range are designed with beginners in mind, often featuring a lightweight build that makes them easy to hold and play for extended periods. However, the affordability of these low-cost guitars often comes at the expense of proper setup and quality control. This can lead to issues like excessively high action, making it difficult to press down the strings and fret chords properly. Additionally, fret buzz, where strings vibrate against the frets, and sharp fret edges are common problems that can negatively impact the playing experience in the $50-$200 acoustic guitar price range.

Construction and Design: Acoustic guitars in the $50-$200 range often utilize lower-grade hardware to minimize costs. This includes tuners that may not hold tuning well, inexpensive synthetic nuts, and saddles that can hinder vibration transfer. Acoustic guitars in the $50-$200 range also mainly feature laminate tonewoods because the laminates are more affordable than solid woods. However, the laminated wood does provide increased resistance to humidity and temperature changes, making guitars less prone to warping or cracking, when compared to solid wood. Build quality can also be inconsistent in the $50-$200 range, especially when it comes to glue imperfections and uneven finishing.

The Yamaha F310 is a popular choice that provides the best value in the $50-$200 price range. The F310 features a full laminate body and its build tends to be more consistent, with less frequent reports of manufacturing flaws. 

2. $200 – $500 price range

Acoustic guitars in the $200-$500 price range typically feature solid wood tops paired with laminated back and sides, offering a step up in sound quality and craftsmanship compared to acoustic guitars below $200.

Sound and Tone: Acoustic guitars priced between $200-$500 often feature a top that is made from solid wood like spruce, cedar, or mahogany. Solid wood tops allow the guitars to produce a more resonant and balanced tone when compared to guitars with laminated tops. This is because the solid wood vibrates more freely, resulting in a fuller sound with better sustain.

Playability and Comfort: Guitars in the $200-$500 price range often receive a better setup at the factory, meaning the action (string height) is often lower, making them more comfortable to play. Fretwork also tends to be of higher quality, minimizing buzzing or sharp edges. Necks are generally more comfortable to hold, with smoother finishes and sometimes more ergonomic profiles.

Construction and Design: Construction quality is noticeably better than in the $50-$200 price range, with more attention to detail in bracing and joinery. Many guitars in the $200-$500 price range include features like bone nuts and saddles, which contribute to better tone and tuning stability when compared to plastic alternatives. Acoustic electric guitars with built-in electronics, also start to appear in this price range. 

The Yamaha FG830 is a great example of a guitar that offers good value in the $200-$500 price range.  The FG830 features a solid spruce top for a resonant and articulate tone and a slim tapered neck that provides comfortable playability.

3. $500 – $1000 price range

Acoustic guitars in the $500-$1000 price range are considered “mid-range” instruments.  The acoustic guitars that cost between $500-$1000 feature a noticeable step up in construction, moving from laminates to solid woods for the whole body. For example, a $700 acoustic might have a solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides. The usage of solid wood on the top, back, and sides significantly impacts and improves the tonal richness, projection, and sustain of the instrument. 

Sound and Tone: Acoustic guitars in the $500-$1000 price range use solid woods like spruce, walnut, mahogany, and rosewood for the top, back, and sides. This contributes to a richer, more resonant tone with greater volume and projection than the guitars with laminated bodies. The bracing patterns, which are internal supports that affect the vibration of the soundboard, are also more refined in this price range, contributing to better projection and clarity.

Playability and Comfort:  Acoustic guitars in the $500-$1000 price range often feature necks that have smoother finishes, contributing to a more comfortable feel during extended playing sessions. Fret edges are typically smooth and level, minimizing buzzing and contributing to more accurate intonation.  Factory setups are generally more precise, ensuring comfortable action (string height) right out of the case.

Construction and Design:  Acoustic guitars at the $500-$1000 price level mainly provide upgrades in tuning stability, materials, and durability. You’ll find higher-quality hardware, such as Grover or Gotoh tuners, which offer greater tuning stability. Bone nuts and saddles become more common, further enhancing vibration transfer and contributing to a richer tone. These acoustic guitars often exhibit greater attention to detail in the finish and overall construction, resulting in a more durable and reliable instrument.

The Guild D-140 offers excellent value in the $500-$1000 price range, delivering a full, rich tone thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides.

4. $1000 – $2000 price range

Acoustic guitars in the $1000-$2000 price range represent a significant step towards professional-grade instruments. These instruments are crafted with a greater attention to detail and provide reasonably priced acoustics for musicians and artists who need a high-quality instrument that does not break the bank. 

Sound and Tone: Acoustic guitars in this price range possess exceptional tonal richness, complexity, and projection. The use of premium solid tonewoods, aged for optimal resonance, is common. These guitars also often feature meticulously crafted bracing patterns, voiced to enhance specific tonal characteristics like bass response, clarity in the midrange, and note articulation. This attention to detail results in guitars with versatile sound and greater responsiveness to a player’s touch.

Playability and Comfort: Acoustic guitars in the $1000-$2000 range truly prioritize the playing experience. Expect a comfortable neck profile, meticulously carved and finished, often with a satin or smooth gloss. Fretwork is incredibly precise, ensuring comfortable playability and accurate intonation. Players often pay more attention to details like nut width and string spacing to find options that better suit their hand size and playing style. Bone nuts and saddles enhance tone and tuning stability, while precise setups guarantee a comfortable action and accurate intonation right out of the case.

Construction and Design: Guitars in this price range demonstrate a significant leap in construction and design quality. Expect to find premium-grade hardware, including high-ratio tuning machines for precise tuning and stability. Many of the $1000$-2000$ priced acoustic guitars also feature handcrafted elements like hand-fitted dovetail neck joints and hand-scalloped braces. The binding, purfling, and inlays are executed with greater detail and precision. The finish options are often of a higher quality, enhancing the guitar’s natural beauty while providing protection.

The Martin D-15M is good value for the money in the $1000-$2000 price range. The D-15M utilizes a solid mahogany build that produces a warm and balanced tone with a focused midrange, making it well-suited for a variety of genres, from folk and blues to bluegrass.

5. $2000 – $10 000+ price range

Acoustic guitars in the $2000-$10,000+ price range represent the highest level of acoustic guitar craftsmanship. The $2000-$10,000+ price range often features custom-built guitars, highly sought-after vintage models and limited-production runs from renowned luthiers. These guitars utilize premium solid tonewoods, often rare or vintage, with meticulous attention to detail in construction and design.

Sound and Tone: Guitars in this price range deliver outstanding sound quality with rich, complex, and deep tones. The use of high-quality, often aged, or specially chosen tonewoods leads to better resonance, sustain, and harmonic overtones. Many models in this price range provide a well-balanced tone with clear separation across all frequencies.

Playability and Comfort: High-end acoustic guitars typically have superior playability due to meticulous attention to detail. Many models offer a 16″ (406.4 mm) fretboard radius. The 16″(406.4 mm)  fretboard radius allows for easier chord transitions and soloing.  Weight is also considered, with many guitars designed to be lightweight for comfort during extended playing sessions. Custom-designed ergonomic features, like armrests, beveled edges, or unique body contours are common, enhancing player comfort. For custom-made models, aspects like scale length, nut width, string spacing, fretboard material, or even fret material are often crafted to optimize for the best playability for the specific player.

Construction and Design: Acoustics in the $2,000-$10,000+ price range often showcase innovative bracing designs. For example, Taylor’s V-Class bracing optimizes tone and projection. Advanced construction techniques, like hand-scalloped bracing and hide glue for joints, are common in this price range as well. Premium hardware, including high-quality tuning machines and bridge materials, contributes to exceptional tuning stability and tone transfer. Aesthetic elements are often luxurious, including intricate inlays, exotic wood bindings, and high-gloss or specialized finishes. Many guitars in this range are limited editions or custom-made, featuring unique designs and rare materials.  

The Collings D2H is a great example of a guitar that offers excellent value in the $2000-$10,000+ price range. The D2H features a hand-scalloped Adirondack spruce bracing, a torrefied Sitka spruce top, a comfortable modified V-neck profile, and hand-dressed frets.  

How does the player’s skill level influence the price of the acoustic guitar?

The player’s skill level influences the price of an acoustic guitar because different skill levels have different needs and expectations from their instruments. 

Beginners prioritize affordability and ease of playing, while seasoned players seek instruments with superior tonewoods, craftsmanship, and nuanced tonal qualities. These factors directly impact the price. Guitars for more experienced players cost more because advanced players usually look for higher quality materials and sophisticated construction techniques in their guitars. 

The picture below outlines how the price of acoustic guitars changes, based on the skill level of the player.

The table below briefly summarizes how the price of acoustic guitars changes, based on the skill level of the player.

How much does an acoustic guitar cost for beginners?

An acoustic guitar for beginners typically costs between $200 and $600. However, as a beginner, you should aim to spend at least $300 on your first acoustic guitar. This is because, around the $300 mark, acoustic guitars start to feature solid wood tops, which provide a richer, more resonant tone with better sustain and clarity than laminate tops. While you can find good guitars for under $300, investing a bit more will yield a noticeably better-sounding and more enjoyable instrument.  

Within the 200$-600$ price range for beginners, 3 qualities are essential for a good beginner acoustic guitar: playability, sound quality, and build quality. The following price ranges reflect how the levels of playability, sound, and build quality change with the price.

$200-$300: The acoustic guitars for 200$-300$ typically feature laminated woods with few models that have solid tops. Setup issues are not uncommon and these guitars might be a bit harder to play due to higher action or fret buzz. The construction is durable (due to the laminated wood) and covers basic necessities.

$300-$400: The 300$-400$ price range offers a step up with more guitars featuring solid wood tops for improved tone and resonance. The setup is typically higher quality, making the acoustic guitars more comfortable to play right out of the box. In terms of construction, the tuning stability is typically better than in the $200-$300 guitars due to higher-quality tuning pegs.

$400-$600: In the 400$-600$ price range, solid wood tops, usually spruce, become more standard, resulting in richer, fuller tones and greater responsiveness. Playing becomes more enjoyable, thanks to smoother fretwork and higher-quality setups. The quality of construction materials is better and some guitars feature bone nuts and saddles,  which contribute to better tone and sustain.  

The Taylor Academy 10 is the best beginner acoustic guitar because of its focus on comfort and playability with decent sound and good quality build. However, the Academy 10 is pricy. On the other hand, the Yamaha FG800J is much more affordable, but it is less comfortable to play.

How much does an acoustic guitar cost for intermediates?

An acoustic guitar for intermediates costs between $600 and $1,500. The 2 factors that affect the price of a good acoustic guitar for intermediate players the most include tonewoods and construction.

$600-$900: In the 600$-900$ price range, solid wood bodies (meaning the top, back, and sides are crafted from solid wood) become increasingly common. The solid wood construction significantly impacts the guitar’s tone, offering greater resonance and a more “open” sound. The craftsmanship in this range showcases improvements like meticulously dressed frets for smoother playability and precise intonation. Bracing patterns, which are internal wooden supports, are also refined in this range, contributing to better tonal balance and projection.  Instead of basic plastic components, you might find guitars with upgraded bone nut and saddle, which enhance sustain and clarity.

$900-$1,500: As you move closer to $1,500, guitars often feature premium tonewoods, such as higher-grade spruce tops with mahogany or rosewood back and sides. These tonewood combinations produce exceptionally resonant and harmonically rich sounds.  The craftsmanship in the $900-$1,500 range extends to details like high-quality binding, which protects the edges of the guitar and adds to its aesthetic appeal. Neck joints are also typically more refined in this price range, often using dovetail or mortise and tenon joints for enhanced resonance and durability.

The Guild D-140 is the best acoustic guitar for intermediate players because it offers a remarkable combination of solid wood construction, a resonant voice, and comfortable playability, making it an excellent value for its price.

How much does an acoustic guitar cost for professionals?

An acoustic guitar for professionals costs $1,500 or more. For professionals seeking the best acoustic guitar for their needs, the 3 key qualities that distinguish these instruments are exceptional tonewoods, meticulous craftsmanship, and often, a focus on specific tonal characteristics.

$1,500-$3,000: Guitars in this price range consistently feature high-end, all-solid wood construction, with the top, back, and sides crafted from solid pieces of premium wood. The choice of tonewoods at this level significantly impacts the guitar’s tone, with options like Adirondack spruce, Brazilian rosewood, and highly flamed maple becoming more common. You’ll also find meticulous craftsmanship, with attention to detail in the bracing, binding, and overall construction.

$3,000-$5,000:  In this price range, high-end acoustic guitars often offer increased customization options, allowing players to select specific tonewoods, neck profiles, and aesthetic details to suit their preferences. The use of aged tonewoods, sometimes even decades old, becomes more prevalent, because aged tonewoods are prized for their exceptional tonal maturity and complexity.  The craftsmanship reaches exceptional levels, with a heightened focus on hand-carved details, intricate inlays, and personalized touches that make each instrument unique.

$5,000 and beyond:  Guitars in this price range often represent the highest levels of acoustic guitar craftsmanship, featuring the finest materials (often rare or highly figured woods), and meticulous attention to detail. Renowned luthiers meticulously craft these guitars, often entirely by hand, resulting in instruments that are not only exceptional musical instruments but also works of art. In this price range, the playability, tone, and responsiveness are excellent, meeting the needs of even the most demanding players. 

The Martin D-28 is the best acoustic guitar for professional players.  The Martin D-28 has been a staple in the world of professional acoustic guitars for decades, renowned for its powerful projection, balanced tone, and exceptional craftsmanship, making the D28 suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

How does the brand affect the cost of an acoustic guitar?

The brand affects the cost of an acoustic guitar by influencing its perceived value and desirability among guitarists. A brand’s reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and the materials used in its instruments can significantly impact the price.

The brand aspects that affect the acoustic guitar price the most are listed below. 

• Reputation: Brands like Martin and Gibson have a long history of quality and are seen as good acoustic guitar brands, which allows them to charge more.
• Craftsmanship: High-end brands like Collings and Santa Cruz use premium materials and hand-built techniques. This makes their guitars more expensive but highly desirable for their sound and responsiveness.
• Innovation: Brands like Taylor invest in new technologies and designs, often reflected in a higher price tag for those seeking cutting-edge features.
• Audience Focus: Brands offer options for different budgets and specifically focus on providing cheap, mid-range, or high-end options. Yamaha and Epiphone, for example, focus on affordability for beginners, while Seagull and Takamine offer a step up in quality and features at mid-range prices.
• Perceived Value: Some brands are highly desired, which increases their demand and price. Also, guitars from well-known brands usually keep their value better if you decide to sell them.

While a guitar’s price often reflects its build quality, the brand significantly influences how much buyers are willing to pay based on its reputation and perceived value.   

Cost of new vs used acoustic guitars

Buying a used acoustic guitar is a smart way to save money or get more for your budget. 

New acoustic guitars and used acoustic guitars share similarities in price ranges. Both new and used acoustic guitars are available in the same price ranges: low-end (under $500), mid-range ($500 – $1,000), and high-end (over $2,000). However, the difference in value that you can get for the same money is significant.  

Used acoustic guitars can cost anywhere between 10%-70% less than their original price, depending on the condition of the guitar. The price difference can be attributed to factors like cosmetic wear, possible minor damages, and the absence of a manufacturer’s warranty. 

For a beginner, buying a used acoustic guitar has pros and cons. On the one hand, used guitars offer better value for the money. You can often find a used guitar with the same specifications and sound quality as a new guitar for a significantly lower price.  On the other hand, used guitars typically lack a manufacturer’s warranty. This means that if you encounter any issues with the guitar after purchasing it, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs.

How much does a good used acoustic guitar cost?

A good used acoustic guitar costs at least $100-$175 depending on the brand, model, age, and condition. Acoustic guitar pricing works on a scale.  Acoustic guitars that are 0-5 years old sometimes sell for 50–70% of their original retail value. This means that a guitar with an original retail price of $500 could sell for between $250 and $350 if it is between 0 and 5 years old. However, the guitar’s condition and location also play a role in determining its price.  A guitar in excellent condition, with minimal wear and tear, will generally command a higher price than a guitar with cosmetic scratches, dents, or other signs of use. Similarly, a guitar sold in a major city with a high cost of living might be priced higher than the same guitar sold in a smaller town or rural area.

How to know how much is a used acoustic guitar worth?

To know how much a used acoustic guitar is worth, research the guitar model’s current market value. Online marketplaces, such as Reverb, eBay and Facebook Marketplace, are excellent resources for researching a used acoustic guitar’s worth. These platforms allow you to filter your search by specific brands, models, and years, making it easy to find comparable listings. Checking completed listings for the specific make and model provides insights into the prices that similar guitars have recently sold for. By analyzing the prices of recently sold guitars, you can get a good sense of the guitar’s fair market value. 

What acoustic guitars provide the best value for the money?

Acoustic guitars that provide the best value for the money offer a balance of quality, features, and playability relative to their price. “Value” doesn’t automatically equal the cheapest option. A $500 acoustic guitar might offer exceptional value compared to other guitars within the same price range, while a high-end $4,000 acoustic guitar might be considered a great value because its quality surpasses that of similarly priced instruments. 

What are the best mid-range acoustic guitars under $1000?

The best mid-range acoustic guitars under $1000 include the Guild D-140, Yamaha FG3, and Eastman E1D. 

The Guild D-140, constructed with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid African mahogany back and sides, produces a full, rich tone ideal for a variety of playing styles. The Yamaha FG3, featuring a solid Sitka spruce top enhanced with Yamaha’s A.R.E. treatment and solid mahogany back and sides, delivers a vintage-inspired tone with exceptional sustain and a balanced sound. The Eastman E1D, crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid sapele back and sides, offers a powerful, balanced tone with a punchy midrange.

What are the best cheap acoustic guitars under $500?

The best cheap acoustic guitars under $500 include the Yamaha FG830, Yamaha FG800J, and Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy. 

The Yamaha FG830, with its solid Sitka spruce top, delivers a balanced tone with impressive volume and projection. The Yamaha FG800J features a solid spruce top and scalloped bracing, resulting in a loud and strong sound. The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy, crafted with a laminate basswood body, has a small parlor style body size, making the G9500 comfortable and portable option with an old-time country and blues music sound.

What are the best high-end guitars?

The best high-end acoustic guitars include the Martin D-28, Gibson Hummingbird, and Alvarez Yairi DYMR70.

The Martin D-28, with its Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, delivers a powerful, balanced tone that has become a benchmark for bluegrass and folk music. The Gibson Hummingbird, featuring a thermally aged Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, produces a balanced and articulate tone with a warm, clear sound favored by folk and Americana artists. The Alvarez Yairi DYMR70, handcrafted in Japan with a solid AAA Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, offers exceptional tone clarity and a bright, articulate sound well-suited for both fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques.

How much does a good electric guitar cost?

A good electric guitar costs anywhere from $200 to around $2,000, though some high-end models can exceed $3,000. Like acoustic guitars, electric guitar prices vary based on factors such as brand, materials used, and the complexity of the construction. However, evaluating electric guitars involves additional factors that directly impact their price and overall quality, like pickups.

Pickups are a significant factor influencing the cost of an electric guitar. Higher-end pickups feature stronger magnets, higher-quality wire, and more sophisticated winding techniques, which can contribute to a higher price tag. The type of pickup—such as single-coil, humbucker, or P90—also affects the cost. 

The quality and complexity of an electric guitar’s electronics significantly influence its overall cost as well. Electric guitars equipped with more sophisticated switching systems, higher-quality potentiometers (volume and tone knobs), and improved internal wiring tend to be more expensive. While these upgraded components can enhance the guitar’s tonal versatility and improve signal clarity, the specific impact on price can vary widely depending on the brand and model.