The best acoustic guitar under 25 thousand. The best acoustic guitars

To compile this rating, several thousand people were surveyed and asked to name the best budget electric guitar in their opinion. There were only two conditions: the guitar must be electric, its cost should not exceed $500.

As expected, the list mostly consists of Strat, Tele, and Les Paul-style guitars from famed affordable instrument makers Squier, Epiphone, Vintage, and Yamaha.

But besides them, there are also some pretty wild things here. Brands such as Cort, Kramer, Steinberger and Chapman provided serious competition to the above-mentioned stars in this ranking - look who took first place.

Of course, it's better to look through the entire list - after all, every guitar here is a real sweet candy. And we want to give this candy to those who are looking for a new instrument, but are somewhat limited in funds. Trust us, you won't be disappointed if one of these beauties ends up in your home.

So let's get started.

25th place: Vintage V100

Great classic look.

Solid mahogany body, set mahogany neck, Trev Wilkinson hardware including pickups and tuners.

There is no doubt that the Vintage V100 is a decent instrument for very little money. Definitely what a rock musician on a budget needs.

24th place: Cort G110


It's the traditional shape of the iconic Stratocaster with some bold curves. A good entry level tool.

S-style electric guitar with graceful curves. Pickups: humbucker, single coil, single coil. Aimed at guitarists who want something classic and familiar, but a little different.

23rd place: Steinberger GT Pro Deluxe


What a surprise. The Steinberger guitar is definitely different from anything else on this list. It is a combination of 80's form with the most modern content and sound. With such an instrument you will definitely turn heads when you play in public.

At the same time, Steinberger GT Pro Deluxe is sold at a very affordable price. This electric guitar is suitable for those who really like to stand out.

22nd place: Kramer Pacer


The original Pacer appeared in 1983 and became the best-selling electric guitar in the world at the time. In our time, the company was acquired by Gibson, who decided to reissue the famous instrument of the 80s.

Great looks, phenomenal gaming capabilities. The thin, wide maple neck makes the guitar ideal for hardcore cuts, and the Floyd Rose tremolo system allows you to produce dive bomb sounds. Guitarists interested in playing fast should definitely try the Kramer Pacer.

21st place: Vintage VRS 100C


The Vintage VRS 100C has the great appearance of an electric guitar that belongs on a display case. However, this instrument is a workhorse intended for performances.

The VRS100 is a combination of cutting-edge looks with traditional values. Smooth tremolo system, carved top and humbuckers from the famous Trevor Wilkinson. The guitar looks simply amazing, and its sound quality is completely out of place in this price category.

20th place: Jackson JS32T Rhoads


This is a pointed, sparkling Rhoads hatchet, named after Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Randy Rhoads. For very little money, the Jackson JS32T is a phenomenal electric guitar.

This monster of a cool riff has a mahogany neck and giant frets with shark fin inlays. Add a pair of humbuckers to the mix and you have a look to die for. Jackson JS32T Rhoads is an electric guitar that is designed for real rock and heavy metal. In short, this is not for the timid.

19th: Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Telecaster Custom


The famous manufacturer of budget electric guitars Squier appears on the scene (we will see it more than once in this list). We present to you a guitar in the style of a Telecaster from the 60s.

Affordable versions of classic instruments that both look and play well always turn heads. Indeed, hardly anyone in their right mind would pass by such a cutie and not even take a look. Squier knows what to hook, that's for sure.

18th place: BC Rich Warlock One II


Can you handle Warlock? You should seriously ask yourself this if you're considering purchasing a snarling metal monster, because there are a hell of a lot more guitars left on this list.

Obviously, this option is intended for fans of metal music. However, it is not only good for its black-black finish and devil horns. It's also a really cool guitar, boasting a basswood body and two brutal humbuckers just waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting crowd.

17th place: Sterling by MusicMan SUB AX3


Just take a look - Sterling is a beautiful thing. Stunning looks (check out the stylish colorful finish) and great sound.

Our Verdict: This is a joy to play and we wholeheartedly recommend this instrument for aspiring guitarists who want to sharpen their claws on a quality stick that will give you that '80s vibe.

16th place: Epiphone SG400


If you, like most of us, love the look of Gibson, but your family budget just can't afford the price of American guitars, then Epiphone is the brand made for you.

Epi has been making affordable and sounding guitars for a very long time, and he has become a real master at copying hi-end Gibsons. Take the SG400, for example: a heartbreaking, hard-rocking contraption that wouldn't let AC/DC's Angus down.

15th place: ESP LTD ES-50


Are you ready to rock? - Then this guitar is for you.

The Gibson Explorer shape and the tendency to scare grandmothers with small children. The LTD ES-50 features a maple neck with a thin U-profile. This guitar impresses with its appearance and ability to create serious heavy noise, if, of course, you have the courage to do so.

14th place: ESP LTD Viper


An SG-style hardrocker is such a hot guy with an explosive character, ready to tear apart everyone who is in the front row near the stage. This guitar is something like that.

Our verdict: The Viper had its greatest success in classic rock, when John Sykes played it with his pseudo-riffs - tortured harmonics and strange chords. Sounds convincing. Unfortunately, the guitar doesn't produce the punchy highs that we love so much from AC/DC, but the clean funk strum is quite satisfying (especially when using both pickups).

13th place: Epiphone Les Paul Special II


Les Paul without any frills, reduced to the original minimum. The Special II is one of those guitars that many bands dream of.

Contrary to some people's belief that an inexpensive guitar can't have a super sound, the Special II is a big-sounding guitar that retains everything we love about the Les Paul, but nothing more. A mahogany neck and body, a '60s-style neck and a pair of humbuckers - honestly, what more could you ask for?

12th place: Squier Bullet Strat


Need a Stratocaster but your chests aren't overflowing with gold? - Squier Bullet is what you are looking for, sir!

Yes, Leo Fender, we respect your legendary electric guitar for its ingenious design, build quality and sound, but your American prices are too steep. A Bullet Strat, on the other hand, can end up in your home for the same amount of money you could spend in one night at the bar.

11th place: Epiphone ES-339


Essentially, this is a slightly modified version of the legendary ES-335 shape. Epiphone ES-339 is also an icon, only a lower class.

Stylishly crafted with distinctive arches and F-holes, this is a beauty with a sound that a guitar at such a low price shouldn't have. You would hardly let such game get away if you were hunting something like that.

10th place: Ibanez GRG140


Just look at her. It's a beast, and it will bite your hand off if you're not careful.

A killer S-style electric guitar designed to cause maximum damage to your ears. The GRG140 follows the look of a Stratocaster, with a mahogany neck, tons of switches, and a Fat-10 bridge. These are the reasons why this is one of the most recognizable guitars made by Ibanez.

9th place: Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster


Great shape and high quality sound. It's hard to believe that nowadays you can buy a Jazzmaster for very little money, and it will stand on a par with the originals.

Our Verdict: This is a lively, vibrant instrument loaded with excellent pickups. Yes, Fender can certainly squeeze the juice out of their legendary guitars and achieve the perfect sound. But when you have such a miracle in your hands, sounding a level above its price category, it’s a sin to complain.

8th place: Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom


What kind of miracle? Okay, it's no surprise anymore when Squier takes a classic Fender concept and repackages it into an instrument we can afford.

The Vintage Modified Custom is a prime example of this: classic shape, sounds quite good and provides direct access to the sonic nirvana of the Telecaster.

Our verdict: Sparkling Clean, capable of a guttural growl if necessary. What makes a Telecaster a rock guitar? Just ask Jimmy Page. He played this one-single stick in the early days of Led Zeppelin.

Overall, while the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster doesn't quite sound like the famous punchy clarity of the original, it's really good for dirty blues noodling and clean grooves.

Thanks to its fantastic neck, this guitar doesn't feel cheap at all.

7th place: Epiphone The Dot


Being perhaps the best semi-acoustic for the money, The Dot is becoming a legend in its own right.

Taking the classic shape of the ES-335 and making it an accessible reality for guitarists who might otherwise struggle to afford F-holes, The Dot is, simply put, something that has to be played to be believed. An amazing instrument with a touch of respectability.

Our verdict: The 335 - a '59 blonde - will cost you about $30,000, the new reissue version will cost you $3,000, and the Epiphone The Dot will cost you $500. A very advantageous offer. It looks great, sounds great, and is a joy to play.

6th place: Squier Vintage Modified Cabronita


Fender's most recognizable and popular new design has gained recognition. It was only a matter of time before it became Squier Cabronita.

However, no one expected Squier to do it so well. Authentic energy, bridge, Fideli"Tron pickups, vintage tuners - all at a price you can't resist.

This Vintage Modified version has a warm tone that's great for lingering chords and clean leads, while also performing well in overdrive.

5th place: Vintage V100 Icon Lemon Drop


The guitar is styled after Peter Green's legendary '59 Les Paul. The guys from Vintage are really great.

Finished to perfection with a burnt maple finish and inverted humbuckers. This is a blues instrument. Lemon Drop has to be played to be believed just how amazing it is. She is worth every cent paid for her. And even more.

Our verdict: the right tool, and the $380 price points in favor of the Vintage V100 if you choose between it and the Epiphone LP100.

4th place: Yamaha Pacifica 112V


The Pacifica has long been one of the most popular and beloved budget electric guitars.

Wonderful sound with sparkling tones, attention to detail, very attractive packaging. This is truly the perfect instrument for the beginning guitarist. It would be a mistake not to try playing with it.

The Pacifica 112V remains not only an excellent option for beginners, but an overall great choice no matter your age or ability.

3rd place: Epiphone Les Paul Standard


Ah, the magnificent Epiphone Les Paul Standard - the answer to the aspirations of every guitarist on a budget.

It's got the knockout looks, the right weight, the right amount of sound, and all for a fraction of the cost of its American-made big brother. In fact, Epiphone was quite irresponsible in creating an instrument so similar to the Gibson Classic.

Our Verdict: The Epi Les Paul has a powerful sound that still gets a little lost in the top end. So, as long as you don't need to get anything really high out of your electric guitar, consider yourself to have a real Les Paul in your hands.

2nd place: Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster


This is one of those guitars that you just can't resist.

Classic Telecaster with black pickguard, burnt sugar blondie finish, vintage tuners and brass bridge. How can anyone who knows the history of rock 'n' roll not want it?

Our verdict: Timeless looks and modern sound. If you look hard enough, you can get one of these Classic Vibe ’50s Telecasters for just $500. Profitable!

1st place: Chapman ML-1


Guitars created by YouTube sensation Rob Chapman have become a phenomenon, and this ML-1 is the most phenomenal yet.

The first sales were extremely successful, but now the demand for ML-1 is higher than ever. Here's a great winner in our ranking of the best budget electric guitars in the world. Chapman has proven that you don't have to be one of those famous old guys to make great guitars that many people are desperate to own.

The Chapman ML-1 is often compared to a Swiss Army knife. This instrument will give you everything from shimmering clean sounds to brutal, hard-hitting riffs (thanks to Chapman-designed pickups). Additionally, the ML-1's build quality and playability are top-notch. This is our winner!

Our verdict: The ML-1 is a worthy competitor to similar guitars from LTD and Schecter. It is well put together and the finishing is top notch. All the ideas included in his concept are perfectly implemented.

Acoustic guitars are in demand in any genre of music; they can add intimacy and melody to every composition. This instrument is self-sufficient; it is not necessary to buy amplifiers and other expensive add-ons. The sound is loud thanks to the hole (resonator). There are different types of guitars, depending on the shape of the body and neck:

• Dreadnought (Western) is the most popular model, it has a loud sound, and is most often played with a pick;
• Classical – quiet and soft sound, nylon strings, ideal for performances in small rooms;
• Jumbo - now rare, has a large body and amazing volume, best suited for accompaniment;
• Electro-acoustic – equipped with a tone block that can be connected to an amplifier; Some models have a built-in tuner and equalizer.

Choosing a good acoustic guitar for beginners seems like an incredibly difficult task. The market is replete with companies that copy products of well-known and proven brands, creating low-quality duplicates. That is why it often happens that two guitars, almost identical in appearance, are radically different in price and sound. When purchasing a tool in an online store, you should pay attention to the rating of the seller and his product, and the number of detailed reviews.

Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars

5 FLIGHT C-250NA

The best tool for learning
Country: China
Average price: 9500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Flight became famous in the distant 80s, when the need for high-quality acoustic guitars suitable for teaching beginners increased. Teachers of music schools and colleges unanimously preferred the products of this brand. One of the most popular models was the C-250 NA, developed on the basis of the famous Flight C-100, which at one time was recognized as the best guitar for learning. It adopted almost all the basic elements from the prototype, with the exception of the body material - here this element is made of solid mahogany, which gives the guitar a more voluminous sound.

The tool has only one significant drawback: the glossy finish tends to wear out quickly, especially with frequent use and lack of proper care. It is necessary to regularly wipe the body of the guitar with a napkin; sometimes you can lubricate the neck with vegetable oil. Don't forget about timely replacement of strings.

4 Cort AC250

Ideal for long exercise sessions or performances
A country: USA (made in Indonesia)
Average price: 13,773 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Cort AC250 is the brainchild of an American company that produces budget acoustic guitars for every taste. All of them are distinguished by their stylish design, excellent quality materials and decent sound. The AC250 also attracts attention thanks to its chrome tuners. Three types of wood were used to make the guitar. The cedar top provides a soft and warm sound with round top notes and midrange emphasis. Rosewood and mahogany add depth and volume.

Many beginners agreed that this instrument was the easiest for them to learn to play. It has a thin paint coating, so the sound is more responsive. The bend of the headstock was chosen so that the fingers do not get tired even after long exercises. Some buyers have doubts about the durability of the deck, but with careful use, the Cort AC250 lasts a very long time.

3 Martinez C-95

The best price
Country: China
Average price: 6760 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The Martinez C-95 is perhaps the best option for those who want good sound quality and long service life at the lowest price. This model has a traditional structure: six strings and 19 frets, arranged in a classical manner. To make the acoustic guitar, mahogany and a small amount of rosewood (for the fretboard) were used. All Martinez brand tools are assembled in China, but this does not affect the quality at all. If you take proper care of your guitar, it will last a very long time.

Professional musicians often criticize this model due to its rather flat sound. There is no depth and velvet in it, if you compare the sound with expensive options from well-known companies. But beginners can easily get by with such a budget tool; it is perfect for learning.

2 YAMAHA C-70

Rich velvety sound
Country: Japan
Average price: 9990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The C-70 is an excellent instrument for both beginners and experienced guitarists, created by the leading Japanese brand Yamaha. This model is made in the best traditions of Spanish instrumental classics. Solid meranti wood is used as the material for the shell and back, known for its high performance quality and dampening of extraneous overtones. The bridge and neck are made of rosewood - not only wear-resistant, but also a beautiful material. It is this that provides excellent sound quality.

Yamaha C-70 belongs to the budget product line of the Japanese company. It has a clear, timbre tone, the top notes are sonorous, the bass is rich, some users call the sound velvety. The instrument also has its disadvantages: according to users, it is quite difficult to learn for beginner guitarists. After prolonged use, the tuners may become dull and some screws may become loose, but this is easy to fix.

Top Acoustic Guitar Manufacturers

Yamaha. The products of the Japanese giant are known not only for their versatility, but also for their ideal price-quality ratio. It doesn’t matter at all: whether it’s a budget guitar for beginners or an expensive professional instrument, the manufacturer guarantees excellent sound quality.

Crafter. A Korean company that develops acoustic guitars for professional playing and performances. This manufacturer's assortment includes tools to suit every taste and budget. Therefore, even the most picky musicians will be able to find a guitar model that is ideal in terms of price and characteristics.

Martinez. A Chinese company with a name that is completely inappropriate for the country makes money by producing exact copies of acoustic guitars from well-known manufacturers. Covers all market segments - from the simplest models for beginners to professional instruments.

Ibanez. Another Japanese brand, which became famous mainly for the production of electric and bass guitars, produces fairly high-quality and competitive acoustics. A unique calling card of the company was the widespread use of mahogany and rosewood as the main material for the manufacture of instruments.

Gibson. The main feature of these acoustic guitars has always been their relatively low weight, as well as ease of production. The most popular model, the Les Paul, came in different variations, including the acclaimed double-cutout design. In May 2018, Gibson representatives declared the company bankrupt, but old guitars are still bought by connoisseurs and collectors.

Fender. This American manufacturer, unlike Gibson, continues to exist to this day. It was Leo Fender who created the first electric bass guitar, the Precision Bass. A few years later, the legendary Stratocaster of an unusual shape appeared. Acoustic guitars from this brand are not as popular as electric models, but many musicians prefer them because of the high quality of materials and good sound.

Ovation. The first guitar of this brand was created by Charles Kaman. By profession, he was an expert in aerodynamics, and it was his knowledge in this area that helped the American come up with the original rear deck. Another feature is the material used to make the tool - initially the body was made of ordinary plastic, which is also used for the production of helicopter blades.

1 Fender ESC80

Best Guitar for Beginners
Country: USA
Average price: 9500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The Fender ESC80 is a classic six-string guitar with no pickup installed. The model looks very neat thanks to its reduced size (3/4). The manufacturer selected exclusively reliable materials for the manufacture of the tool (solids of spruce, nato, agathis), which are famous for their high wear resistance. The strings here are nylon, they are soft enough, so even children can play without a pick. The entire body is coated with matte varnish, so there will be no fingerprints on it.

This acoustic guitar has a pleasant rich sound thanks to good balancing and high-quality assembly. It is in great demand among beginning musicians and is part of the Educational Series line of serial educational equipment. The low price makes the guitar accessible to a wide range of consumers. Thanks to its soft and loud sound, the instrument is suitable for performing a wide variety of compositions.

Best Premium Acoustic Guitars

3 Gibson J-45

Best finish. Maximum service life
Country: USA
Average price: 216,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The J-45 is a six-string electric-acoustic guitar, one of the best models of the Gibson brand. Unique technologies were used to create it, providing especially soft, bright and deep sound. The top is made of solid spruce, the sides, neck and back are made of mahogany wood. The neck has an original rounded profile with a rosewood fretboard, the frets are inlaid with mother-of-pearl in the form of parallelograms.

Fine sandpaper and polishing paste were used to finish the instrument, and the bridge and fretboard were hand-impregnated with oil. Thanks to the treatment, the natural vibration of the wood increases, which affects the sound quality and service life. The guitar connects to the amplifier thanks to a pickup from L.R. Baggs VTC. The main disadvantage of the model, of course, is the price. Gibson has always catered to the elite, so aspiring musicians rarely managed to get their hands on their products.

2 Yamaha NTX700

Vintage sound with good resonance
Country: Japan
Average price: 42900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

NTX700 is an electric-acoustic guitar from a Japanese brand, ideal for performances. It has a fairly thin body (its depth is 80–90 mm), a narrow neck, and a built-in pickup. This model can replace a dreadnought or electric guitar, regardless of the genre of music in which the performer works. Thanks to a special system of connections on the top deck, the full potential of nylon strings is revealed. The best materials were used to make the acoustic guitar: solid spruce, nato (mora) and rosewood.

The sound of the instrument is often called vintage: supposedly it is moderately sharp, with excellent resonance, and dissonance in the high frequencies is well controlled. Thanks to the oval resonator and the shallow depth of the cabinet, the sound is also very clear and soft. A special technology for improving the resonance properties of wood, A.R.E., developed by Yamaha, also plays an important role.

1 Antonio Sanchez S-1005

High sound quality. Handmade
Country: Spain
Average price: RUB 37,751.
Rating (2019): 5.0

S-1005 is a high-quality instrument from the Spanish workshop Antonio Sanchez. The main feature of this company is that each acoustic guitar is made by hand. Virtuosos of the craft follow ancient technologies that were patented many years ago. Of course, serial models are inferior in quality to single copies, but their price is quite modest. Elite wood species are used in production. This particular model consists of solid Oregon spruce (top), mahogany (back, neck, sides) and rosewood (fingerboard and bridge).

There is no point in buying such a guitar for beginners who are not aware of all the subtleties of sound and are not even sure that they plan to seriously study music. But professionals will appreciate the S-1005. It has excellent tuning, balancing and sound. Thanks to the reinforced body design, the tool will last as long as possible.

Best Acoustic Western Guitars

4 Yamaha F310

The most beautiful timbre
Country: Japan
Average price: 9990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The F310 is one of the most budget dreadnoughts from Yamaha for beginner guitarists. The sound is bright, deep and rich, the timbre is incredibly beautiful, compared to acoustic guitars of other brands. The Yamaha F310 stays in tune very well; you don't need to tune it for about a week, even if you play the guitar every day. The frets are well polished, so the instrument is suitable for quick and complex transitions in different positions without getting your fingers tired.

The strings here are metal, the body is made of spruce laminate. The production used thin three-layer wood technology, which ensured good resonance. The disadvantages of the model include too thin a layer of varnish, as well as poor original strings. For many buyers, they broke or began to buzz in the very first days after purchase. Such strings do not reveal the fullness of the sound, so it is better to change them to better ones, but not nylon ones.

3 Fender Squier SA-150

Most durable design
Country: USA
Average price: 8500 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This guitar is most often said to be ideal for regular, intense practice. Of course, professionals also buy the model, but it is usually preferred by beginners due to its low price and presentable appearance. The instrument is comfortable to play; the strings are quite soft, although they are steel (D’Addario). For greater dynamics and resonance of the deck, scalloped springs were used in the design.

The neck is made of mahogany, the fretboard is made of painted maple. All fittings here are chrome-plated. The top is made of linden (laminate): this material is considered the most budget-friendly and is used in the production of cheap guitars. Because of this, many users criticize the Squier SA-150, although its sound is of quite decent quality, it is rich and even “mature”. Reviews also advise replacing the strings with a more expensive set, but it is not necessary to do this immediately after purchase.

2 Crafter MD-40/N

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: South Korea
Average price: 27,900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The Crafter company is a true veteran of the musical instrument market and has produced many successful acoustic guitars over its history. Among them is the Crafter MD-40/N - a classic dreadnought with an elegant design and high performance. The soundboards are made of spruce and mahogany, the bridge and fingerboard are made of Indian rosewood. The body coating here is glossy, the varnish perfectly emphasizes the beauty of the wood. The kit includes a branded case, as well as an anchor key for adjustment.

The model has one rather controversial feature. In order not to inflate the price of an expensive guitar even more, the developers decided to change the original manufacturing plan and make the top not from solid wood, but from spruce veneer. Of course, because of this, the service life of the instrument was slightly reduced, but the sound remained the same. In addition, veneer is more resistant to moisture and temperature than solid wood.

1 IBANEZ PF15

Better finger glide across the fretboard
Country: Japan
Average price: 16,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

PF15 is a worthy representative of the budget PF series from the Japanese company Ibanez. Despite the relatively low price, the model is considered one of the best Western guitars for folk. Thanks to the solid spruce top, the high frequencies are especially bright. The remaining elements are made of nyato mahogany; it is this material that provides a warm and velvety, enveloping sound. The texture of the wood is very soft and pleasant to the touch, making it easier for your fingers to slide along the fingerboard.

The model has another important advantage: it is available in the electro-acoustic version PF15ECE. Of course, the price and characteristics of the tool will vary slightly, but the high quality of the Ibanez brand is guaranteed. The initial settings of the guitar may seem awkward, but the instrument can be easily adjusted to suit you using a truss wrench. Some users also note protruding frets as a disadvantage.

The best electric-acoustic guitars

3 Ibanez TCY10E

Original body shape. Quick setup
Country: Japan
Average price: 18,600 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

This model immediately attracts attention with its unusual appearance. The glossy finish ensures durability even after years of use. The top is made of solid spruce, the remaining elements are made of mahogany and rosewood. The electric-acoustic guitar has 19 frets, chrome-plated tuners are varnished. There is a proprietary piezo pickup and Ibanez AEQ-2T preamplifier. Thanks to the equalizer and built-in tuner, you can quickly tune your guitar even when performing in front of a noisy audience.

Judging by the reviews, the Ibanez TCY10E is more suitable for professionals than for beginner guitarists. In the hands of an experienced musician, this instrument can achieve its maximum potential. The sound is balanced: bright overtones, rich mids and solid highs. The only drawback of the model is that it is quite small in size; if you are not used to it, it may not be very convenient to play.

2 OVATION CS24

Popular model with a round carbon fiber deck
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 37,991.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Ovation produces primarily electro-acoustic guitars in the mid-price category. Users deservedly consider CS24 (Celebrity) to be one of the most successful models. The top is made from solid spruce, and Ovation Lyrachord carbon fiber was used to produce the back and sides. All elements are fastened using the X-bracing system. To obtain a clear and rich sound, an Ovation Slimline piezo pickup with an OP-4BT preamplifier is used. There is a three-band equalizer, volume and gain controls, a built-in tuner and a low battery alarm.

Reviews note the high quality of American strings, but tuning the guitar raised questions among users. Some of them, after purchase, had to level the neck, adjust the height of the saddles and polish the frets themselves or with the help of a luthier. Not all buyers have encountered this problem, but it still occurs.

1 Fender CD-60SCE

Best tuner quality
Country: USA
Average price: 28,200 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Fender CD-60SCE belongs to the budget line of Fender. This is one of the models that sells at a reduced price due to inexpensive materials and assembly in China or Indonesia. Many people are biased towards such products, although their quality is almost as good as their expensive counterparts. The top is made of spruce, the neck and sides are made of mahogany. Twenty inlaid dot frets sit on a rosewood backing.

The body is covered with a glossy varnish that shines even in the twilight. In order for an acoustic guitar to retain its presentation for a long time, it is necessary to polish it regularly. Users praise the set of branded D’Addario strings, and they also note a good tuner that is suitable for beginners and experienced musicians. The CD-60SCE is equipped with an active dynamic preamplifier and piezo pickup from the Fishman brand. The disadvantages include the inconvenient way to attach the guitar to a belt.

The history of acoustic guitars dates back to the emergence of the classical guitar in the mid-18th century. Since then, the popularity of the guitar has grown to incredible heights; today it is one of the most recognizable and beloved musical instruments.

The greatest peak of interest in the guitar occurred in the 20th century. In just one century, many new types of guitars have appeared: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, semi-acoustic and electro-acoustic guitars... In our article we will not touch on the topic of classical guitar, because... this is a special conversation. Here we will focus on a review of the best manufacturers of acoustic guitars.

History of origin

By acoustic guitar here we mean a non-classical body shape (such as “dreadnought”, “western”, “folk”, “jumbo”), a narrow neck and larger dimensions compared to classics. Non-classical acoustic guitars have only metal strings. This type of guitar originated in the early 20th century in the United States, along with the emergence of genres such as country, blues and folk. It was not convenient to do pull-ups (bends) on the “classical”, it did not sound very driving with the chord playing technique, in general, a new solution was needed. This is where Western guitars appeared (the very name “western” tells us about their Western origin). Compared to classical instruments, these instruments sounded louder, produced excellent rhythm parts, and metal strings gave the sound greater brightness and clarity. Westerns were a real breakthrough in the guitar world.

Martin

Initial experiments with enlarging the body of the guitar and installing metal strings on it ended in failure. The metal has a very high tension, the body of such guitars wore out quickly. Increasing the thickness of the walls led to a deterioration in sound (because the guitar resonated worse). An unexpected solution in this direction was brought by Mr. Martin, who invented an x-shaped fastening of springs in the housing. The wooden braces inside the body did a great job of strengthening the body of the guitar at no extra cost. Martin's business took off. The X-shaped mount from the early 20th century turned out to be so successful that it is still used in guitar building today.
It is the Martin company that is the founder of the standard western guitar as we see it today. Martin bases its production on premium instruments made from expensive wood and high-quality workmanship. These days, the average price of a Martin guitar is $1000-3000, and this is far from the limit.
So, honorable first place goes to Martin, the honored founder and trendsetter in the production of acoustic guitars.

Taylor

Taylor is also an American company, founded by Bob Taylor in 1974. Compared to Martin (which dates back more than one century), it is quite young, although very venerable. Taylor is today the main competitor of "Martins" in the premium class: you can buy an acoustic guitar made of solid wood from them cheaper than Martin's - "only" for $800 :) At the same time, the quality of these guitars is very high, the manufacturer strictly monitors this. Taylor's policy is not as conservative as Martin's, there is a frequent use of alternative types of wood, a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and a variety of graphic designs for guitars. Another important fact is that every Taylor guitar comes with a lifetime warranty.

Gibson

We will give the laurels of third place in the production of non-classical acoustic guitars to Gibson. Yes, Gibson guitars also come from the USA. Gibson gained its main fame in the production of electric guitars, but it also did not disappoint with acoustics, and not by chance. Gibson has been experimenting with acoustic string instruments since the late 19th century. Particularly popular was the J-200 model, with a rather memorable design (large oval case, bridge with curls, signature Gibson inlay). Despite the fact that Gibson produces acoustic guitars before the same Taylor (the J-200 model went into production back in 1938), Taylor is still more popular among guitarists, not to mention Martin. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the first two brands gained their fame directly on acoustics, while Gibson focused his main efforts on electric guitars. Another reason is the price: some experts believe that Gibson's price is unreasonably high. But all this did not overshadow Gibson’s fame - Gibson acoustic guitars are highly respected both in America and around the world.

To be fair, it is worth noting that there are other professional brands on the market that are very popular in the world and have been producing excellent acoustic guitars for decades. Here we will include the Japanese Takamine, the Canadian Larrivvee, the Japanese Yamaha samples... We should not forget about the existence of less popular brands, as well as single masters.

Middle price segment

There are quite a few companies in this segment aimed at semi-professional and amateur guitarists with high financial incomes. Guitars in the mid-price category are made from good wood, fully or partially from solid wood, but at the same time in Southeast Asia, which allows you to save a lot on costs. For example, Korean guitars are very popular in Russia Crafter(). For 10-25 thousand rubles. you can buy a guitar with a solid wood top, and for 30-40 thousand rubles. you will receive a first-class professional guitar made entirely from solid wood.
Guitars are less popular in Russia, but very popular in the West. Sigma. This is a subsidiary of Martin, which has been producing models identical to Martin since the 70s of the last century. Only they are assembled in Asia, so they are cheaper. Wonderful guitars, and you don’t have to worry about the quality, because Martin takes care of it :)
Let's note a few more well-known brands in the middle price segment: Yamaha, Fender, Ibanez, Epiphone, Cort, LAG. Overall, they all make quality acoustic guitars. The difference is mainly in price. For example, Yamaha, Fender and Ibanez are quite famous in the guitar world, so they feel obliged to put a higher price tag on them. You are guaranteed to receive a high-quality tool, but you will overpay a little for the brand. Well, maybe the guitar will be a little thinner, with a smoother finish, for example. At the same time, if you buy a less popular guitar (Cort, LAG, etc.), you will generally get the same thing by paying less money. Here you need to know the market: read articles like this, read reviews on forums, etc...

Budget Acoustic Guitars

Here we will conditionally include tools from approximately 3 to 10 thousand rubles. Anything cheaper than 3000 rubles should not be considered as a musical instrument :) In general, there are a lot of budget guitars on the Russian market, they all copy each other and do not particularly stand out as anything remarkable. For this money you can buy a good quality guitar that will serve you for many years. Among the instruments above 6 tr. you can find examples with a solid wood top, for example, Cort. Let's list a few more manufacturers of high-quality budget guitars: Hohner, Martinez, Epiphone, Terris, Fender, Ibanez and some others. When ordering a guitar from one of these brands, you can be sure that you are buying a quality instrument.

Updated: 11/15/2018 10:58:30

Expert: Vladislav Samoshkin

Have you decided to buy your first acoustic guitar? Prepare to face difficult choices. In any music store you will find dozens of different guitars. How to understand which of them will completely suit you? This article will answer exactly this question. We will talk about the main features of the choice, as well as give brief descriptions of those guitars that are now considered the best. The rating will focus not only on professional models, which are very expensive, but also on guitars for beginners.

How to choose an acoustic guitar?

Even musicians who have been doing what they love for many years experience certain difficulties when choosing a guitar. The fact is that each guitar is individual; it should be assessed not by its characteristics, but by its sound. Therefore, it won’t hurt to go to a real store where you can touch the guitar and play it. Ideally, your choice of acoustic guitar should consist of the following steps:

1. Setting a Budget is an important step that will affect how good a guitar you buy. It’s better to decide on its approximate price in advance, otherwise you run the risk of starting to want to buy an increasingly more expensive acoustic guitar with every salary. By the way, it is not necessary to learn to play a cheap musical instrument. Therefore, if you have a lot of money, then take one of the most expensive guitars - it will last for many years.
2. Selecting the country of manufacture and brand- try not to look in the direction of domestic guitars, our factories can only competently make classical guitars, and even then with certain reservations. The ideal musical instruments are created by Japanese and American companies. In particular, you will definitely be pleased with an acoustic guitar from Yamaha or Ibanez. German, Czech and Korean guitars also sound great.
3. Choice of material- any guitar is made of wood. What is important is that the upper part of the deck and side walls can be made from different materials. This is not to say that any type of wood will be better or worse - guitars made from them sound different. For example, spruce gives a booming, clear and sharp sound. The sides and backs can be made of mahogany, maple and rosewood - in all these cases you can also expect a different sound. You can appreciate it only when the guitar is in your hands.
4. Build Quality Check- The final stage. Ideally, you should check the guitar before purchasing. Evaluate the thickness of the case - it must be decent, otherwise the musical instrument will become frightening with its fragility. Remember to grip the guitar like a gun, using the body as a butt. This way you can look at the flatness of the neck to make sure it is even. By the way, if the neck is glued to the body, then estimate the distance between the fret and the string - it should be no more than 4-5 mm.

In fact, choosing an acoustic guitar has many other subtleties. But our article is intended for beginners, and all of the above will be quite enough for them. Experienced musicians will immediately move on to the second part of the material, which contains information about the best guitars that have a fairly high price tag.

Which guitar is better: classical or acoustic?

A question that set my teeth on edge. Many people ask themselves this question regularly. Isn't it better to buy a classical guitar instead of an acoustic one? How are they different? Well, let's figure it out.

The classical guitar is close in design to the Spanish one. That is why it is regularly called the “Spanish flu”. It has a wide neck on which nylon strings are located. Also, such a guitar has a narrower body, and therefore the sound produced is more dull.

An acoustic guitar has steel strings and its sound is more sonorous and rich. The neck of this guitar is longer and narrower, and it also has a more convenient truss rod. The body of an acoustic guitar is slightly larger.

You must have realized by now that it is impossible to say that one type of guitar is better than another. Many professional musicians choose an acoustic guitar. But this does not mean that there is not a single person who prefers the sound produced by a classical guitar. And in terms of its design, the classic version may seem more convenient to some (especially short people). Also, it is on the “classics” that it is easiest to play by brute force.

Rating of the best acoustic guitars

Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars

Great entry level tool. For only 10 thousand rubles. you get an acoustic guitar from a famous Japanese manufacturer. The top of this instrument is made of spruce - the cheapest and easiest type of wood to process. As the manufacturer assures, the guitar has a decent sound, it manages to convey even the most subtle shades of mood. One cannot fail to note the memorable design - the instrument cannot be called ordinary or ordinary.

The Japanese tried to slightly reduce the depth of the body and shorten the length of the scale. This had almost no effect on the sound quality, and it became more convenient to play. They created the lower deck and sides from meranti. The fingerboard is made of rosewood. It is almost impossible to find fault with the quality of execution.

We wouldn't be Expertology online magazine if we didn't warn about the shortcomings. Despite the instrument's inclusion in our rating, be prepared for the fact that the sound of the guitar is very specific. High frequencies are too pronounced here, while low frequencies are almost inaudible. If you have a good ear for music, then you need to look for a more balanced model. The reviews also mention the high height of the lower threshold - adjusting the anchor fixes this, but not completely.

Advantages

• Low cost;
• High quality manufacturing;
• Pleasant design;
• Comfortable use;
• Very common in Russian stores.

Flaws

• It is recommended to file the bottom sill a little;
• The sound goes to the higher frequencies.

Another acoustic guitar belonging to the “Western” type. It is distinguished from the version discussed above by the top, sides and back, which have a KOA HPL pattern. In fact, all of this is high pressure laminate. This method of applying a pattern is easy and cheap, but its perfect preservation is unlikely to be guaranteed for many years.

The average cost of this model in Russian stores is 13 thousand rubles. Not bad, especially considering that the tool comes with a case. Some online stores will also provide you with replacement strings, a pick, and a strap. But let's get back to the guitar itself. Its fretboard and tailpiece are made using ebony technology. The tuners are cast - they are made of black steel. The neck was made of mahogany. If we talk about the sound, it will hardly surprise you. The Chinese have not yet learned how to create ideal musical instruments, so one copy can be very balanced in terms of sound, while another can go into high or low frequencies. And not all copies are of high quality. That is why you should be very careful when buying such an acoustic guitar from an online store.

Advantages

• Great design;
• Low cost;
• The sound should suit every beginner;
• Comes with a case, and most often with other gifts;
• The guitar is not affected in any way by changes in humidity and temperature.

Flaws

• The ideal appearance does not last for many years;
• The sound of different guitars can vary greatly.

As the name suggests, this guitar is 3/4 size. It is also easy to notice that the instrument belongs to the classic six-string type. The guitar comes without a pickup, like most of the other models reviewed in our rating.

Despite the low cost, the sound of this instrument turned out to be balanced. There are also no complaints about the richness of the sound. In terms of its design, the guitar is almost nothing surprising. The buyer will find a traditional top made of spruce. Agathis was used to make the shell and back. All this led to pleasant overtones. Some specimens still have more pronounced high frequencies than low ones. It should also be noted that even a child can use such a guitar - thanks to its reduced size, it will not seem too large to him.

The sound hole of this model has an original finish. The design of the entire top deck as a whole should also please us - especially its black edging. However, the guitar cannot be called memorable. Even the mahogany neck is really nothing special. Yes, there is a rosewood fingerboard used here. But what modern acoustic guitars can't boast of this? In a word, this is a typical musical instrument, sold in our country for very little money (although it cannot be called very cheap). It is ideal for first-time guitar buyers. All that remains is to get a good instrumental microphone, after which you can write your first songs!

Advantages

• Reduced size;
• Traditional spring system;
• The kit includes a case;
• Fairly high quality build;
• Pleasant appearance;
• Low price.

Flaws

• The design cannot be called memorable;
• Low frequencies are not very pronounced.

There is no desire to purchase an acoustic guitar in the usual light colors? In this case, we recommend taking a look at the MARTINEZ FAW-702 B. This musical instrument made it into our rating not only due to its deep black body, but also due to its very low cost. Spend 6 thousand rubles to buy a guitar. Even many students can. They will be completely satisfied with both the design and workmanship.

This six string guitar offers 20 frets. Its top deck is made, as you might guess, from spruce. Agathis was used to produce the shell and back. The instrument also includes a neck made of mahogany. It is complemented by a rosewood fingerboard, on which the strings and all markings are clearly visible. The threshold is made of rosewood.

The guitar is made in China. But this can be said about almost all entry-level models. No Czechs or Americans will sell their creations for very little money. However, even a Chinese guitar can sound quite good. One also gets the impression that such a tool will serve for a very long time. However, if you want to make money with your music, then soon you will still notice some imbalance in the sound and a certain ceiling, which the guitar has no ability to break through. In this case, it is recommended to replace the MARTINEZ FAW-702 B with some more professional model.

Advantages

• Black body color;
• There are variations with different deck colors;
• Very low cost;
• Reliable neck;
• Available in many music stores.

Flaws

• It cannot be called ideally balanced;
• Poor equipment.

The most budget acoustic guitar in our rating. Like the other instruments discussed above, it belongs to the “Western” type. This model differs from some competitors in that it provides 21 frets. Also, not every guitar can boast a back made of linden. However, you must understand that this is not an advantage or disadvantage. This is simply a feature of the product, which should not be biased.

Russian stores sell Colombo LF-3800CT SB for only 4 thousand rubles. And it has to be the best looking guitar in this price range. Its top is a striped sunburst color. Whether the ideal appearance will be maintained for a long time is a question to which there is no answer yet. But it’s unlikely that you’ll buy such a guitar for life.

The shell and bottom deck are also made of linden. It also features a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The guitar weighs about 2 kg, and it was made, of course, in China.

Advantages

• Straight neck 21 frets;
• High-quality assembly;
• Very low price;
• Spectacular design;
• Not a bad sound.

Flaws

• Far from being the best strings in the set;
• Some copies are defective.

The best acoustic guitars in the mid-price segment

If you want to buy yourself a guitar for a fairly long period of use, you will have to part with several tens of thousands of rubles. In particular, an excellent choice is CRAFTER D-7/N - a musical instrument for which they ask for 30-32 thousand rubles. This guitar comes with a gray case. The guitar itself has the color of natural wood. The fairly high cost of the instrument is evidenced by the fact that its top deck is made of solid cedar. Also, mahogany was used in the manufacture of this model. It is thanks to the latter that the guitar is able to boast a viscous and viscous sound, which at the same time seems enveloping.

The product has a narrow neck, and therefore it is not recommended to play this guitar with your fingers - a pick should be used instead. The fastening here is made in the form of a traditional “dovetail”. In this regard, the CRAFTER D-7/N is almost no different from other Western-shaped guitars. The neck has an Indian rosewood fingerboard that can last indefinitely. Finishing the conversation about the appearance, we cannot fail to mention the figured iridescent overlay placed on the body of the guitar.

This musical instrument is made in South Korea. The quality of workmanship is beyond praise. This can be said not only after an external examination, but also upon weighing - the guitar turned out to be quite heavy.

Advantages

• Comes with a branded case;
• Great sound;
• There are chrome tuners;
• Matte finish is used;
• Excellent appearance;
• Good strings included.

Flaws

• Some may still find this design boring.

Another guitar in our rating, the purchase of which will cost you approximately 30 thousand rubles. It is made in China. But the quality of performance here is noticeably higher than that of the Chinese guitars discussed in the first part of this article. The upper saddle of this instrument is made of bone. The top deck was made from solid mahogany. The shell and bottom deck are made from it. This material allowed the creators to achieve an even sound - the guitar does not go into the lower or upper frequencies. The neck, made from the same mahogany, also contributes to the melodic sound.

The product comes with brass strings. Their adjustment is carried out using cast chrome-plated pegs, placed symmetrically to each other. There is also a 645mm scale length. The sill width is 42.9 mm. The frets, as expected, are marked with dots.

In short, this is a versatile six-string guitar. It is suitable for both teaching and regular music lessons. Perhaps only professionals who never look in the direction of Chinese guitars will not like it.

Advantages

• The body is covered with transparent varnish;
• Cast pegs;
• Bone sills;
• Good sound;
• Quite good strings included.

Flaws

• Supplied without case;
• Not all copies are durable.

This is already a less expensive guitar; its cost in Russian stores is approximately 20 thousand rubles. It was created for lovers of musical instruments painted black. Due to savings, the manufacturer had to use solid spruce - this is what the top deck is made of. As for the sides and back, they are made of mahogany.

The body of this guitar has a dreadnought shape. This is not a "Western", which is what cheaper musical instruments belong to. This means that the sound here is different. The neck has 20 frets and its profile has rounded edges. The manufacturer claims that his creation is ideal for any style of play - from hard to enjoyable busting. The musician can expect a balanced tone with plenty of midrange.

Of course, the FENDER CD-60S BLK guitar cannot be called ideal. You can find fault with the thresholds made of plastic. However, with such a price tag, it is clear that the best materials will not be used to create the instrument.

Advantages

• Chrome tuners;
• Comfortable neck shape;
• Not very high cost;
• Balanced sound;
• Elegant appearance;
• Good strings included.

Flaws

• The thresholds were made of plastic;
• A spruce top won't suit everyone;
• Supplied without case.

The Best Professional Acoustic Guitars

This is a completely different level. This guitar is electro-acoustic. Therefore, it has a sound pickup, which greatly simplifies recording music - there is no need to look for a high-quality microphone. Externally, this musical instrument stands out almost nothing. If you look at him from afar, it seems that the musician is holding an ordinary acoustic guitar in his hands, which sells for several tens of thousands of rubles. Only if you look at the instrument up close do all the differences become visible. But even after that, you don’t believe that such a guitar is sold for 230 thousand rubles.

This model features a mahogany neck with a satin finish. It also uses bone nuts and a rosewood fingerboard. As for the soundboard, it is made of rosewood, while the front part was created from solid Sitka spruce. The pleasing appearance is complemented by the maple inlay of the rosette. One cannot fail to note the chrome fittings, sparkling brightly in the lights of the concert hall.

The guitar features a 651mm scale length and IBANEZ T-bar pickups, complemented by an IBANEZ Custom preamp. Overall, this is a wonderful musical instrument in an elegant case. This modern model combines high-quality materials and top-end electronics. Please note that the top has a glossy finish - the guitar must be handled with care, otherwise scratches will gradually appear on it. However, we won’t scare you - only sharp objects can penetrate the varnish.

Advantages

• Perfect workmanship;
• There is a preamplifier;
• The guitar is equipped with a piezo pickup;
• Bone sills;
• Chrome tuners;
• Excellent appearance;
• Relatively light weight.

Flaws

• Very high cost.

Another electric-acoustic guitar in our rating, but at a significantly lower price. For about 150 thousand rubles. the musician will receive a wonderful instrument, the top of which is made of the same Sitka spruce. The buyer also has a mahogany back and sides. The neck is made from the same type of wood. Its fretboard is made of rosewood - in this regard, the guitar is almost no different from its less expensive analogues. And why change anything? Rosewood is a durable material, which is why guitar makers have become very fond of it.

The neck offers 20 dot inlaid frets. The width of the top sill installed here is 44.5 mm. A professional musician will immediately notice the presence of a vintage X-shaped spring system. If you look closely, you can see some of its improvements compared to the 90s. And the guitar sounds noticeably better than those instruments that were used several decades ago.

To transfer music to acoustics, the LR Baggs VTC pickup is used here. Other features of the guitar include the manual processing of the bridge and its impregnation with special oil. The fingerboard is also impregnated with it, which further increases its service life. The manufacturer also claims that the new oil composition improves the natural vibration of wood. In short, it’s extremely difficult to find fault with this modern equivalent of Gibson’s famous round-shouldered flat-top guitar.

Advantages

• Uses a vintage spring system;
• The fingerboard edges are rounded;
• Excellent pickup;
• The guitar is impregnated with special oil;
• Perfect glossy finish;
• Wonderful sound.

Flaws

• No preamp;
• Not everyone will like the price.

Best Classical Acoustic Guitars

An excellent classical guitar, sold for 35-37 thousand rubles. The quality of production is evidenced by the fact that the instrument is delivered to stores from Spain. The manufacturer claims that his creations are created exclusively by hand, and therefore they have an excellent sound. There is no arguing about the sound - the melody produced by a six-string guitar should suit every buyer. But how a company achieves such circulations with manual production is a question.

On the neck of this guitar you can find 19 fret markings. This part is made of mahogany wood, and the fretboard is rosewood. Mahogany was also used to create the back. The top one is made of solid selected cedar. The material of the pegs is not specified, but they have a golden coating - this immediately catches the eye.

It seems that the classical guitar included in our rating is perfect for both beginning musicians and people who consider themselves masters of this art form. This must be one of the most inexpensive tools among those that are handcrafted and have a long service life.

Advantages

• Not the highest cost;
• Classic gold plated tuners;
• Good sound;
• The guitar turned out to be durable;
• Made in Spain.

Flaws

• Simple design.

Are you going to spend tens of thousands of rubles on a classical guitar? Well, this does not mean that you will have to refuse to purchase such a musical instrument. You can purchase CORT AC250 NAT. This is a very good guitar, which has 19 frets. Its cost in Russia does not exceed 14 thousand rubles. Of course, for that kind of money you will get an instrument that looks almost no different from hundreds of other guitars in this price segment. But much more important is the fact that this model sounds good - it’s difficult to find fault with both the volume and the richness of the melody. The main thing to thank for the good sound is the tight adhesion of the parts of the guitar - it is due to this that the resonance of the body increases. Believe me, not all classical guitars in this price segment are so well built.

Like almost all modern musical instruments of this kind, the product is varnished. However, in this case the amount of varnish is kept to a minimum. This made it possible to simultaneously protect the guitar and not affect the beauty of the sound.

Like other inexpensive guitars, the CORT AC250 NAT has a spruce top. Well, mahogany was used to make the shell and back. The neck is also made from it. The neck joint is made in the form of a dovetail. The rosewood fingerboard, on which the already mentioned 19 frets are inlaid, has not been forgotten. The sill width is 52 mm. At the end of the neck are classic chrome tuners with brown petals.

Perhaps this guitar was included in our rating for a reason. For relatively little money, it offers deep and resonant sound. At the same time, the tool turned out to be quite durable, which is extremely atypical for this price segment. It remains to add that it is equipped with DAddario EXP46N strings.

Advantages

• Modern varnishing methods were used;
• Minimum weight;
• Good quality materials;
• Not very high cost;
• Classic chrome tuners.

Flaws

• Poor equipment;
• Simple design.

Another very inexpensive classical guitar in our rating. And this is one of the cheapest guitars among those whose top is made of cedar. The instrument, as you might guess, was made in China. However, there are no special complaints about the build quality. All parts fit tightly together, resulting in a fairly balanced sound.

The product has a beautiful four-layer edging. However, the design cannot be called unique - in fact, the guitar does not stand out among other similar instruments, if we talk only about the budget segment. As for the materials used to make the shell and back, the manufacturer used the usual mahogany. The neck was created from it, using a rosewood fingerboard. The neck here, by the way, is glued in. There are nylon strings on it, which can be played in all invented ways. The instrument also includes standard chrome-plated pegs.

Otherwise, it's hard to say anything special about this guitar. Let's just add that it has a glossy finish.

Advantages

• Low cost;
• Good strings included;
• Solid red cedar top;
• Good build quality;
• High quality pegs.

Flaws

• Not all copies are made perfectly;
• The tool is unlikely to be durable.

Best Acoustic Western Guitars

IBANEZ PF17-LG DREADNOUGHT

An excellent acoustic guitar sold at a fairly low price. However, is it for sale? At the time of writing the rating, all copies were sold out. No one knows whether a new batch is expected to arrive. However, we couldn’t help but talk about this model. This is a very nice folk guitar and is the crowning achievement of the PF series of affordable musical instruments. The product has a cedar top, which makes the sound soft and warm. Mahogany was used to make the remaining parts of the body, which is already a tradition. The manufacturer assures that his guitar is reliable and durable; no one argues with this statement in the reviews. It is also impossible not to notice that the instrument is ideal for both beginners and experienced musicians. Although it is clear that this is still not the ultimate dream.

Made from the same mahogany, the neck has 20 frets inlaid with dots. It also includes a rosewood fingerboard. The bone tailpiece should also please you. As for the fittings, they have a nickel-plated finish.

IBANEZ PF17-LG DREADNOUGHT is that rare case when the guitar exists in two versions. For 15 thousand rubles. you get an ordinary “acoustic” without a pickup and everything else. But if you are willing to pay much more, you will get its electro-acoustic version, complemented by an electronic tuner and a low battery indicator.

Advantages

• The set includes high-quality strings;
• The price cannot be called high;
• The top is made of cedar;
• A bone tailpiece is used;
• Durable design.

Flaws

• There is no case included.

Already a slightly more expensive acoustic guitar. In Russian online stores they ask for almost 30 thousand rubles. At the same time, it uses a spruce top, which not everyone will like. However, high-quality wood was used here, so the sound is smooth and balanced. The perfect assembly also has a positive effect on the sound quality - all the parts of the case fit perfectly together, there are no gaps in sight. However, it should be noted that the guitar lacks some sonority - the spruce makes the sound somewhat dull. The shell and back are made of mahogany. As for the bridge and neck, they are made of Indian rosewood. Quite expensive guitars regularly receive chrome-plated fittings. The Crafter MD-40/N is no exception to the rule.

This model is made in South Korea. Like other Crafter guitars, this product comes with a custom gray case. And some online stores offer additional strings, a pick, and other gifts as gifts.

Our rating could not do without electro-acoustic guitars. Including such unusual creations as the YAMAHA SLG200S TBS. This model is distinguished by its monstrous shape. The deck area is kept to a minimum here. We can say that the musician will hold in his hands only one very long neck, made of mahogany and having a rosewood fretboard. The bridge is also made of rosewood.

The guitar comes in a original case. Also included are two batteries and stereo headphones. The body of the musical instrument itself is painted in “tobacco sunburst” color. The guitar turned out to be collapsible - the upper section of the frame can be detached. This means that you can take it with you to a rehearsal somewhere without much difficulty.

As for the sound, there are no complaints about the YAMAHA SLG200S in this regard. The Japanese, in collaboration with many recording artists, created SRT Powered technology. Its essence lies in sound modulation based on the timbres of a top-class YAMAHA acoustic guitar. All sounds were recorded with a perfect microphone in a professional studio environment. At the same time, an electro-acoustic guitar can even recreate natural sustain. In short, with such an instrument, a musician with good hearing will be able to feel even the resonance of the soundboard, its tonality and the specific “acoustic” atmosphere.

It should also be noted that the guitar allows you to mix the piezo pickup signal and the SRT Powered sound, resulting in completely unique tones. Someone will also be pleased that the instrument does not necessarily need to be connected to a microphone input - the deck installed here can already reproduce sound. At the same time, it sounds quietly, thanks to which you can practice the parts even at night, when making noise is undesirable. The manufacturer claims that his creation is approximately 90% quieter than a standard acoustic guitar.

As mentioned above, you can connect headphones to this model to listen to music in its entirety. There is also a high-precision chromatic tuner. The guitar can operate not only on batteries, but also on AC power.

Advantages

• A large number of controls;
• Easy switching to electric guitar mode;
• It is possible to connect headphones;
• Built-in excellent tuner;
• Low game volume;
• Made from quality materials;
• Easy transportation when disassembled;
• Comes with original case;
• Can be operated from batteries or mains power;
• Great sound.

Flaws

• Not everyone will like the cost.

This guitar has a more classic look. To be precise, it has a dreadnought design. It is distinguished from other analogues by a rather large cutout on the side of the neck, as if someone had bitten off part of the body. The top deck is made of solid spruce. The sides, neck and back were made of mahogany. The neck, of course, has an Indian rosewood fingerboard. It has 20 frets inlaid with white dots. D'Addario EJ-26 strings hold chrome tuners. All this goodness comes complete with an insulated cover.

The electro-acoustic status of the guitar is evidenced by the presence of a C4T tone block. It consists of several regulators. There is even a four-band equalizer that allows you to fine-tune the sound of the instrument as precisely as possible. The manufacturer also introduced a phase change button, which should suppress feedback.

Otherwise, this is a typical electro-acoustic guitar. She won't offer you anything unusual. A professional will definitely want more. Well, what did you expect from a technically complex instrument selling for 40 thousand rubles? However, he still couldn’t help but get into our rating, because this is the best choice for a beginning musician.

Advantages

• Interesting vintage design;
• Comes with a branded case;
• Chrome tuners;
• The guitar is made of quality materials.

Flaws

• Not the most advanced electronic component.

Another electro-acoustic guitar, the cost of which in Russia varies from 38 to 45 thousand rubles. Its top is made from solid mahogany, resulting in a design that may not suit every player. All other parts of the guitar are made from mahogany. The neck, of course, has a rosewood fingerboard. You can see a cutout on the body of the instrument - this is a signature feature of most electric-acoustic guitars.

This model is made in China. Oddly enough, this does not speak about the quality of its manufacture. The buyer can expect a high-quality assembly, where all the parts fit perfectly together. At the same time, high-quality material was chosen not only to create the body - the manufacturer added cast chrome tuners here. The guitar also boasts that the saddle and saddle are made of bone. As for electronics, it uses a Fishman Isys+ with a tuner and a two-band equalizer.

This is one of the cheapest electric-acoustic guitars. At least among those that are worth paying attention to. This is also the only guitar in our rating that is painted black and blue. The instrument's top deck is made of spruce and has a glossy lacquered finish. The remaining parts of the body were made of mahogany wood, thanks to which the lower frequencies were warmer. The guitar should also please you with its pleasant sustain.

At the end of the neck there are cast chrome tuners, which nicely complement the look. The product also includes an IBANEZ Under Saddle pickup. There is also an IBANEZ AEQ-2T preamp with a built-in tuner. Such electronics should suit any aspiring musician. Only professionals will note the not particularly rich customization options. It remains to add that in its shape the guitar belongs to a dreadnought with a cutout.

Advantages

• Low cost;
• High quality pickup;
• Good build quality;
• Cast chrome tuners;
• Cute design;
• Light weight.

Flaws

• The spruce top will not suit everyone.
• Not the richest opportunities;

Conclusion

In this selection, we tried to consider absolutely all the best acoustic guitars. What can I say, it even included classical models, which in theory should have been described in a separate material. We can only hope that the article helped you and that with its help you will buy yourself the ideal musical instrument that will serve you for many years.