If you’re planning on buying an acoustic guitar or upgrading your old one, you’ll definitely be wondering how much do you have to spend to get a decent one. A good quality guitar certainly doesn’t come cheap. It’s better if you make a plan beforehand based on your skills and budget. That way you’ll have a clear understanding of what guitar you should get and what to avoid.
So, how much does an acoustic guitar cost?
A good quality acoustic guitar typically costs around $500-$700.
In general, acoustic guitars cost $100-$300 for beginner-level models. Intermediate-level guitars roughly cost around $300-$800, while advanced-level models often cost over $800 and more. And professional-level acoustic guitars come with the highest price tag, starting from $1500 and the sky is the limit.
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How to Choose the Right Acoustic Guitar
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Before buying your guitar, first, think about what are you going to use it for. Choosing the right acoustic guitar depends heavily on your age and skill level. And based on this, the price range is more or less determined.
First, determine your skill level. Are you a beginner or an advanced player? Or are you a professional player looking to buy a new acoustic guitar? For beginner players, getting a guitar from a lower price range would be ideal as the player may end up losing interest later. So, a huge investment may not be practical. However, intermediate players should spend more getting a better quality one as their guitar needs to match their advance playing.
Now, decide on a budget or how much you’re willing to pay for your guitar. All the different skill levels have different price ranges. The price can be anything between $100 and $10,000. Even beginner guitars can be from $100 to $300 and above. It’s hard for beginner players to decide whether to spend too much or not spending enough. However, it’s better to avoid the cheapest options available and go for reputable budget-friendly guitars. You can stick to the price range and search based on that.
Another thing to consider is the size of the guitar. Acoustic guitars come in many sizes. So, if you’re buying a guitar for your kid, try to find a smaller-sized or child-friendly one. Even people with small hands should opt for getting a smaller guitar as the playing will be a lot more comfortable. Surely, children can practice and play on full-size guitars too, but it’ll be harder for them to navigate across the fretboard.
In the end, if you’re serious about playing guitar, you should invest a bit more so you’ll be able to continue playing it even after improving your skill level.
Acoustic Guitar for Beginners
Beginner players always get advised that don’t buy the most expensive guitar even if they can afford it. It’s pretty common for new guitar players to lose interest after a few weeks as they don’t have the patience for learning and practicing. So, going for a lower-priced acoustic guitar is the smart choice.
However, cheap guitars tend to have low quality as well. Even at the lower end of the price range, acoustic guitars should offer quality material and workmanship. Another bonus is if it’s possible to upgrade the components of the guitars like the nut, saddle, tuning pegs, etc.
A good quality beginner acoustic guitar costs around $100-$300 price range.
On average, $100 acoustic guitars are fine for newbies. Anything under that has a chance of getting poor quality. Features like finer woods, higher-level tuning gears, more decorative touches, etc. can be found in guitars with prices upward of $200-$300.
Cost of Beginner Acoustic Guitars
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Acoustic Guitar Starter Kits
For beginners, one of the cheapest options is getting a starter kit. Especially for high school kids or younger, starter kits can be a wise investment. These acoustic kits come in a bundle. The kits often include a set of strings, picks, a case or gig bag, straps, and even a tuner. Some bundles even come with a book or instructional DVD lessons or access to online courses. No need to worry about additional accessories as they contain everything a new player needs to start learning the guitar.
However, remember to avoid kits or bundles that are around $50. You won’t find good-quality instruments at that price. Also, some kits come with useless or incomplete accessories. If you have to change the strings as soon as you buy a guitar, there’s no point buying the guitar at all. It’s best if you can try out the guitar from the bundle before buying.
Acoustic Guitar for Intermediate Players
If you have surpassed your beginner-level skills and want to upgrade your guitar to a better one, then you should look for acoustic guitars for intermediate players. They are more advanced than beginner guitars but don’t come with a high price tag. Moreover, some come with additional features and don’t have problems like staying out of tune or being built with cheap materials.
Generally, intermediate-level acoustic guitars costs between $300-$800.
Acoustic guitars in this price range have a much better build quality and better design. Most brands have decent quality guitars in this price range and you can choose anything you want. Some beginners even start learning on intermediate-level guitar instead of a starter model. Plus, they already come with better features so there’s no need for an upgrade anytime soon.
Cost of Intermediate Acoustic Guitars
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Acoustic Guitar for Advanced Players
These guitars are designed for advanced players who don’t mind paying a large amount for what they want. Naturally, in this price range, the guitars have better durability, resonance, and tonal character. Besides the finer quality tonewood, advanced-level guitars also offer extra features such as pickup systems, equalizers, built-in effects, etc.
Depending on brands and models, acoustic guitars for advanced players typically cost around $800-$1500.
Cost of Advanced Acoustic Guitars
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Acoustic Guitar for Professional Players
For newbie guitar players, the price of professional guitars can be mind-boggling. As they’re mostly used by pros who make a living out of playing, the cost is pretty big indeed.
Acoustic guitars for professional players can cost anywhere from $1500 and much more.
These guitars have woods that are carefully handpicked, aged, cured, and finished. Visually they are much more sophisticated compared to other guitars and played like a dream. Acoustic guitars are considered to improve in sound as they age, so finely crafted vintage guitars are another highly prized instrument. However, some of the most expensive acoustic guitars are owned and/or signed by famous artists. Often these guitars sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Cost of Professional Acoustic Guitars
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Acoustic-Electric Guitar
An acoustic-electric guitar is more of a hybrid, having parts of both worlds. It has the body of an acoustic guitar with the gears of an electric guitar. The hollow-bodied instrument has the pickups installed inside which is connected to an amplifier. Through this amp, the sound gets amplified and projected outside.
Amp is a necessity for acoustic-electric guitar, but sadly this makes the price go up. The price for an acoustic-electric guitar starts around $80-$250 for beginner models, goes up to $250-$900 for advanced ones, and can run $1,000-$5,000 or more for professional-level guitars. Starter amps prices begin from $50-$100 and can go up to $1,000.
Cost of Acoustic-Electric Guitars
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Used Guitars
What if you don’t want to spend too much on your guitar? Or can’t afford to buy a new one?
To be honest, guitar playing can be an expensive hobby and not all have the luxury to buy a high-end model. And some players aren’t even sure if they want to continue playing guitar in the long run. In that case, buying a pricy new guitar wouldn’t be a smart choice.
The solution to this problem is buying a used or second-hand guitar. Used guitars are always cheaper than the new models and the price is determined by the condition of the instrument. Even if an acoustic guitar is in mint condition, the price will be closer to a newer model but still with a way more affordable price.
For beginners and amateur guitar players, getting a used guitar is a practical choice. As long as the guitar is in good condition, there won’t be any problem playing with it. Moreover, if the guitar is from a reputed brand, it’ll age well and provide reliable performance for a long time.
Some benefits to buying a used acoustic guitar over a new model are:
- Getting a higher quality product for a lower cost
- Finding rare, unique, or discontinued models
- Wide variety to choose from compared to newer models
- Some used acoustic guitar retain or increase their value
Acoustic Guitar Brands Pricing
There are tons of different guitar brands on the market with each having a variety of diverse features and price ranges. It’s smart to consider all the available models and brands to get a viable price estimate. To save you from the hassle to futile exploring, here are some of the best acoustic guitar brands with their estimated price ranges:
- Martin: $300-$10,000
- Taylor: $400-$10,000
- Seagull: $500-$1,600
- Gibson: $1,000-$8,000
- Fender: $200-$3,000
- Epiphone: $150-$4,000
- Yamaha: $150-$4,000
- Ibanez: $100-$1,500
- Takamine: $200-$3,000
- Guild: $400-$5,000
- Cordoba: $140-$4,000
- Alvarez: $200-$3,000
These are mostly rough estimates for different brands’ prices. If you want to know the exact pricing, you have to look for the specific model with the listed price. Let’s look at some of the most popular acoustic guitars currently available on the market.
Price for popular acoustic guitar models:
- Seagull S6 Original: $530
- Taylor Big Baby: $500
- Martin 15 Series 000-15M: $1,300
- Gibson Hummingbird Original: $4,000
- Fender FA-125: $200
- Martin LX1 Little Martin: $400
- Epiphone Songmaker DR-100: $170
- Yamaha FG800 Folk: $220
- Guild D-20: $1,600
- Alvarez Artist Series AD60: $350
- Cordoba Mini II MH: $150
- Taylor Academy 10: $550
Martin
Christian Frederick Martin founded the C.F Martin & Company, who invented the first-ever acoustic guitar in the United States. Martin as a brand has shaped the look and sound of American acoustic guitars. Indeed, they pioneered body shapes like the dreadnought and orchestra model and continued delivering higher quality craftsmanship and timeless sound. Even today, Martin offers a rich response with a delicate mid-range and powerful bass.  They tend to have a higher price range than usual.  One of their highest-priced models is Martin D-200 Deluxe which costs only “$119, 999”. However, there are lots of quality models over $1000, so if you can spare the cash, best to go for a Martin.
Popular Martin Guitar Models:
- Martin 15 Series 000-15M Auditorium Acoustic Guitar
- Martin D-18 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Martin LX1 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
- Martin D-28 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Martin D-35 Standard Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Taylor
Starting out as an acoustic guitar company, Taylor is still focusing majorly on acoustics to this day. They are renowned in the world for their high-quality tone and instruments. They’re the first-ever brand to precision manufacture guitars using computer mills. Plus, they make guitars for everyone, whether you have a tight budget or are ready to spend well enough. They make their high-end range in California, while some of their more affordable lines are produced in Mexico.
Popular Taylor Guitar Models:
- Taylor GS Mini Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
- Taylor Big Baby Acoustic Guitar
- Taylor Academy 10 Acoustic Guitar
- Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Taylor 414ce V-Class Special-Edition Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Seagull
Seagull is a Canadian guitar brand, beloved by the guitarist community. Seagulls set themselves apart from other companies by making all solid top models and by hand. No matter if it’s a budget model or the top of the line, every guitar offers the finest craftsmanship and attention to detail. Another commendable aspect is the woods are sustainably sourced and hydroelectric power is used. Guitarists trying to cut down on their environmental footprint should go for Seagull.
Popular Seagull Guitar Models:
- Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar
- Seagull Maritime SWS CH GT QIT Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Seagull Entourage Autumn Burst Acoustic Guitar
- Seagull Maritime SWS SG QIT
- Seagull Maritime SWS Semi-Gloss Acoustic Guitar
Gibson
Gibson is world-famous for their electric guitars even though their acoustic guitar line is no way less impressive. Gibson is popular not only for its top-quality guitars but also for its unique and diverse features. They introduced fantastic design qualities and incorporated the concept of artistic craftmanship in guitar manufacturing. Gibson produces some of the best top dreadnoughts on the market, plus their jumbo acoustic guitars are unmatched as well. The price range may be too steep for beginner players, but their high price suit the high-end models well. With their unparalleled legacy, the classic models still sound fresh as ever.
Popular Gibson Guitar Models:
- Gibson Generation Collection G-45 Acoustic Guitar
- Gibson SJ-200 Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Gibson Hummingbird Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Gibson ’50s J-45 Original Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Gibson L-00 Sustainable Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Fender
Similar to Gibson, Fender is another brand associated more with electric guitars, despite offering a diverse range of acoustics. Fender acoustic guitars prioritize players’ comfort and playability, plus they’re made to play fast and smooth. Their standard features like C-shaped necks and rolled fretboard edges show the reflection of their electric guitar heritage. Fender has managed to blend both classical and modern styles into their acoustic guitars, making them a great fit for players from all genres.
Popular Fender Guitar Models:
- Fender FA-125 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Fender FA-135CE Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar
- Fender CC-60SCE All-Mahogany Limited-Edition Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Fender CP-60S Parlor Acoustic Guitar
Epiphone
Everyone mostly knows the brand Epiphone for making affordable versions of Gibson guitars. However, they also manufacture entry-level guitars by their own design. Plus, they have revised acoustic guitar designs like the jumbo body shape and slope shoulder dreadnought to make their own. Many modern Epiphone models have the look and sound of Gibson guitars but at a more reasonable price. For those who want a Gibson but can’t afford one, Epiphone is the answer.
Popular Epiphone Guitar Models:
- Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
- Epiphone J-200 EC Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Epiphone PRO-1 Acoustic Guitar
- Epiphone Dove Studio Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Epiphone PR-150 Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha
Yamaha is famous for producing musical instruments, but this company is best known as the top manufacturer of student guitars. Their acoustic guitars come with solid wood tops and loud, resonant bodies at a very affordable price range. Moreover, Yamaha offers scalloped bracing on their budget models to improve projection and tone, which is mostly unheard of. Not many professional acoustic guitarists play Yamaha in their later life, but most learned to play on a Yamaha for the first time. This is mainly the reason Yamaha has been around and admired for so long in the guitar world.
Popular Yamaha Guitar Models:
- Yamaha F335 Acoustic Guitar
- Yamaha FG800 Folk Acoustic Guitar
- Yamaha FX335C Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Yamaha JR1 Mini Folk Guitar
- Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Cutaway
Ibanez
Even though they’re famous for their electric guitars, Ibanez has a top-quality acoustic guitar collection as well. They were the first brand to mass-produce seven and eight-string guitars. Most Ibanez acoustic guitars have traditional body shapes like dreadnought and concert bodies with a solid top. They have a durable body with good sound quality and smooth resonance. Ibanez offers excellent guitars for players on a budget that’s why they’re a favorite among entry-level and amateur players.
Popular Ibanez Guitar Models:
- Ibanez Artwood AW54 Acoustic Guitar
- Ibanez V70CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Ibanez Performance Series PF1512 Acoustic Guitar
- Ibanez Talman TCY10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Ibanez AC340OPN Acoustic Guitar
Takamine
A Japanese guitar company, Takamine has long been a popular acoustic guitar brand. They’re renowned for their acoustic-electric models and many famous artists have shared the stage with them. Takamine guitars have unique body shapes and innovative ergonomic features, meaning they sound the same in the practice room and on stage as well. They have asymmetrical necks so they can fit in hands precisely. And the smooth curves of their bodies maximize acoustic projection without losing clarity. Takamine has the entry-level gear and top-of-the-line pro series both, so players can choose whatever fits them best.
Popular Takamine Guitar Models:
- Takamine G Series GN20 NEX Acoustic Guitar
- Takamine GD93CE G Series Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Takamine G Series Dreadnought Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
- Takamine G Series GF30CE Cutaway Acoustic Guitar
- Takamine EF261SAN Acoustic Guitar
Guild
A brand based in New York, Guild used to compete with Fender and Gibson in both the electric and acoustic guitar market. While still having an electric guitar division, Guild actually shines the brightest in the world of acoustic. Their signature is prioritizing volume and clarity for a powerful sound. The high-end models incorporate premium design touches to set them apart from other brands’ models. Not just expensive models, they started the GAD series so the intermediate players can experience a Guild acoustic for a fair price.
Popular Guild Guitar Models:
- Guild D-20 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Guild DS-240 Memoir Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Guild OM-240CE Orchestra Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Guild F-2512E Jumbo 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Guild F-55E Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Cordoba
For classical and nylon-string acoustic guitars, Cordoba is one of the best guitar manufacturers out there. Anything from student-sized beginner models up to professional level, they offer everything. For players interested in acoustic-electric guitars, Cordoba even has nylon-string acoustic-electric guitars. Considering their budget-friendly price, Cordoba guitars sound and play remarkably well.
Popular Cordoba Guitar Models:
- Cordoba C5 SP Classical Acoustic Guitar
- Cordoba Mini II MH Acoustic Guitar
- Cordoba Fusion Orchestra CE Crossover Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Cordoba Protege C1M Full-Size Nylon-String Acoustic Guitar
- Cordoba C12 CD Classical Guitar
Alvarez
Alvarez is another popular brand well-known for mid and high-end guitars. The guitars are made with exceptional build quality and finishing. The unique tone and the terrific sound produced by these guitars made Alvarez one of the leading acoustic guitar brands in the USA.
Popular Alvarez Guitar Models:
- Alvarez Artist Series AD60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Alvarez Artist Series AD30 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Alvarez Artist Series AD60CE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Alvarez Regent RD26 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
- Alvarez MFA66CE Masterworks OM/Folk Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Cost for Additional Accessories
Just buying an acoustic guitar won’t be enough if you’re planning on continuing playing. You’ll also need to think about getting extra accessories as well, and these will add more to the guitar cost.
- A gig bag or a case will protect your guitar from excess humidity, dryness, or temperature changes and from wear and tear during travel. A good quality soft shell gig bag costs around $20-$80 and hardshell cases can price from $60-$300 and more.
- Extra acoustic guitar strings can cost anywhere from $2-$20 or more for a set of six.
- A guitar tuner is necessary to ensure the guitar is tuned before playing it. A good tuner price is about $15-$100.
- Guitar picks tend to get lost a lot so better to buy some beforehand. They come on an average of $2-$4 for a pack of 12.
- Electric pickups are used for a louder sound, and they cost around $50-$300.
- An average guitar strap costs $10-$30 max, but if you want something fancy or customized, the price will be higher. Anything from $15-$100 and sometimes even more, depending on the materials used.
What Determines Acoustic Guitar Price
There’s a pretty huge gap in the price range between the cost of beginner level and professional level acoustic guitar indeed. Even for the same models, the prices may not be always the same. So, why is there a distinction in prices?
Here are some of the main factors behind the acoustic guitar price:
Tonewood Type
Different woods have different properties and the price also varies because of that. Unique woods are typically found on expensive models. Also, high-end guitars tend to have finer quality wood with greater workmanship and a better finish.
Country of Origin
Generally, USA-made guitars are the most expensive of the lot, Japanese and Mexican-made guitars also cost in the upper range. Indonesian and Chinese-made guitars tend to be in the lower range. This happens due to the difference in quality control and attention paid to details during manufacturing. The better quality the instrument is, the pricier it’ll be.
Construction
There are two major body construction types – solid and laminate. Guitars with laminate tops are made by fusing layers of wood together and are often cheaper as a result. Solid top models are made from a solid block of wood for better tone and sustain. These are mostly found on mid and high-range models.
Hardware
Better quality hardware (tuners, rings, bridge, knob, etc.) drives up the price. So high-quality hardware is only found on expensive models.
Age
Another factor that can drastically affect the guitar price. Vintage guitars especially for acoustic guitars prices are a lot more than standard new models. The sound produced by vintage or aged guitars is much richer and many professionals value this over standard ones.
Conclusion
Getting an acoustic guitar isn’t that hard if you know what to look for. The price of the guitar definitely plays a major part, but you should focus more on your skills and requirements to determine what is right for you. If you’re a beginner, it’s ok to buy a $1,000 acoustic guitar. However, you won’t be able to feel much difference between playing a $300 model and a $1,000 one. Similarly, more advanced players won’t be satisfied with playing an entry-level model, rather they’ll need something with more kick. If you can match the price and quality of the guitar to your skill level appropriately, then you’ll be able to find the best fit for you.
So, look for different models from a variety of brands with different price ranges. The more you search, the more you’ll get to know how much does an acoustic guitar costs.
And if you’re interested to know how much does an electric guitar costs, look here.
Last update on 2024-03-25 at 21:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
