The best acoustic guitars. The best acoustic guitars Expert: Vladislav Samoshkin

30.09.2017

With each coming year, guitar manufacturers try to surprise us with their new models: sometimes they succeed, but most often they don’t, and the top list of “classics” in terms of sales remains unchanged.

2017 was no exception; the best guitar in terms of price/quality ratio remains the Yamaha C-40.

The C-40 model has been at the top of the list among the most popular classical guitars for several years now - it is inexpensive, but has incredible build quality and materials for its price. Yamaha sometimes experiments with different types of wood used in production, for example, the prefix “II” may appear in the name of a guitar (this is the modification that has been supplied to our market recently). This means that the body of the guitar is made of meranti wood, which is ideal for our climate.

Hot on the heels of Yamaha, the Hohner HC-06 has been firmly in second place for many years now. The model is completely different from the C-40, which leans more toward the “Spanish” ideal and is most similar to the old guitars from the Strunal factory. We remember them very well from the times of the USSR - this is a massive guitar with a heavy and extremely wide thick neck, generously covered with several layers of varnish.

Barcelona CG11 - a guitar that has become an ideal option for trying yourself as a musician, and occupies third place on our list. It is inexpensive, but the build quality is quite good, the instrument will not cause rejection in the player and will not allow you to be disappointed in the music

The frets will not cut your fingers, and the tuning will constantly crawl back into its hole. All of the above will allow you to understand whether you generally like playing the guitar or not, and if you like it, prepare to move on to a more expensive instrument.

We decided to give the fourth place of honor to the Admira A5 model. Guitars are made in Spain at the Enrique Keller S.A. factory. The guitars are made from very good materials, and the types of wood from which the guitars are made are selected in such a way that the sound of the instrument is as balanced as possible. Admira A5 has crystal clear tops and enveloping velvet bottoms, and the model cannot be called budget, but believe me, for the money it is an excellent option.

The fifth place in our TOP 5 is reserved for a musical instrument “for slaughter”, the so-called “campfire” guitar – a “classic” that you don’t mind taking with you on a hike, to the country house or on any other trip. The Vision Classic ONE is a classical guitar that's perfect for the job, it's inexpensive, it's light, and most importantly, it's strong. At the same time, the instrument is of good quality; not only men, but also girls can play it, since it is quite soft tactilely.

In conclusion, I would like to say why our TOP 5 turned out exactly the way it did, and there are no expensive models in it. It's simple - prestigious guitars are bought in much smaller quantities than those we have presented in this article. And the description of the sound of expensive instruments will be extremely subjective, but sales and positive customer reviews speak about the quality and popularity of the models presented in a short review.

Play good music, play it on good instruments, and our Phonofaktura store will help you with this.

Playing the acoustic guitar has been pleasing to the ear since ancient times. This instrument is often compared to a miniature piano. They are similar in that you can play the same melody on the strings as on the keyboard, using the same sheet music.

Understanding guitars is not as easy as it seems at first glance, since there are quite a lot of them on sale. To find the right tool for you and your audience, there are a few leading products to consider. You will also find the most beautiful guitars

Rating of the best acoustic guitars 2018/2019 based on reviews. Which is better?

The best acoustic guitars for beginners. Their prices

For people who are just starting to learn the art of playing the guitar, the following models are perfect:

1.Yamaha C40

An excellent option from a well-known brand made of spruce, mahogany and rosewood. This ensures beautiful, deep and moderately soft sound.

2.Yamaha F310

An excellent option for beginners, like the previous one, is made of rosewood, spruce and mahogany. This model is of quite high quality and will certainly serve its owner for a long time.

3. Hohner Classical HC03

The classical guitar for adults is famous for its very high quality for this category of instruments. The only drawback is the small range of designs, although few people pay attention to this nuance.

4. Fender Squier SA-105

A fairly cheap guitar on the modern market is made of quality materials. It will be ideal for beginners to learn the basics.

5. Epiphone DR-100 Vintage Sunburst

The dreadnought type instrument attracts attention with its good sound and decent assembly. Many people successfully learn to play on it, so there is no doubt about getting benefits from this model.

The best classical guitars

Classic-type guitars attract the attention of many people, but making a choice among the huge variety is always difficult. Therefore, first of all, it is worth considering the following options:

1. Strunal 4671

The model from Czechoslovakia is distinguished by a good choice of the number of strings, as well as build quality close to German. It pleases every musician with sound and comfort while playing, regardless of his level.

2.Godin 5th Avenue

This expensive guitar fully corresponds to the stated promises of the manufacturer. Its price does not seem so high if you look at the advantages. The most important points include the following qualities of the instrument: excellent assembly, detailed and deep sound.

3.Martin Guitars LX1

An ideal option for adult musicians who already know a lot about such instruments. The guitar is famous for its rich production range, as well as the excellent build quality and materials used. Among the shortcomings, the only noteworthy fact is that in Russia it is quite problematic to get this copy.

4. Martinez C-95

A guitar with an excellent sound can easily be classified as a wear-resistant and durable instrument. It is well suited for both beginner musicians and experienced guitarists performing in front of an audience.

5. Fender ESC80 CLASSICAL

An option with a pleasant rich sound attracts the attention of buyers not only with its favorable price, but also with other characteristics. Musicians appreciate it for its convenient size, neat appearance, high-quality materials, and suitability for various applications.

Best Electro-Acoustic Guitars (Review)

More expensive, but also good-sounding guitars are very popular. In this category it is worth noting the following models:

1. Gibson SG Standard

The guitar is a delight for experienced musicians. It has a soft, bright and fairly clear sound. In addition, this model is considered durable due to a secret method of processing materials. It was created specifically for virtuosos, so beginners can only dream of such a purchase.

2. Fender CD-60CE Dreadnought

The instrument, completely devoid of shortcomings, is distinguished by a rich factory configuration, as well as the presence of a proprietary piezo pickup and preamplifier. At the same time, it is worth noting the bright and balanced sound.

3. Ibanez AW70ECE-NT

The Japanese model at an affordable price is famous for its successful combination of materials and soft sound. Its big advantage is also its approval by professional folk musicians.

4. Cort SFX ME BKS

Spruce and mahogany were used in the production of this model, which indicates the high quality of the instrument. It produces a fairly pleasant and clear sound. Even beginners can play this model.

5.SX EAG1K/VS

An interesting option for mid-level musicians, it has a modern appearance and high wear resistance. This instrument is perfect for performing in front of a large audience.

The best acoustic guitar for beginners (up to 5 thousand rubles)

In the category of instruments cheaper than 5 thousand rubles, as a rule, beginners are well versed, because they buy just such guitars for training. There is not such a large assortment here, but absolutely every buyer can choose the right product.

The leader is the Martinez W-91C BK. The cost of this guitar is only 4900 rubles. It is one of the most popular and belongs to the amateur class. Its top and back are made of linden, and the fretboard is made of rosewood.

Of course, there are disadvantages to this type of tool, which is quite consistent with the cost. Buyers most often point out in their comments the lack of a belt mount, as well as the poor quality strings. People who have been using this model for a long time recommend that beginners replace the strings immediately in order to protect themselves from disappointment while using the product.

Leader in the category up to 7 thousand rubles ( cheap acoustic guitar)

The magnificent six-string guitar FLIGHT F-230C NA, worth 6,500 rubles, has a smaller body. It is actively used by beginning musicians and experienced guitarists. A huge advantage is a pair of chrome-plated holders where you can quickly and securely attach the belt.

The appearance of the instrument is quite attractive and modern. There are colored details that combine perfectly with each other, creating a creative composition. According to users, playing this guitar is a pleasure. It is very difficult to find flaws in it, even without paying attention to the low cost.

Which guitar to choose under 10 thousand rubles

The Japanese model Yamaha C-70 for 9,500 rubles surprises musicians with its optimal quality. This option is full-size, has incredible sound performance and comes at a surprisingly competitive price. This is what makes users happy. In addition, musicians speak with delight about the possibility of canceling extraneous overtones.

As for the shortcomings of the model, they do not play a big role, but they are still worth noting. Quite often, users express their dissatisfaction with the heavy weight and difficulty in mastering for beginners.

Nice classical guitar up to 15 thousand rubles

The Ibanez PF15-BK model, with an average price of 14,500 rubles, is a prominent representative of the collection of this manufacturer. Experienced guitarists like it because it holds tuning perfectly and does not cause discomfort when worn on the back or even in the hands. The dreadnought instrument features metal strings, 20 frets, a rosewood fretboard, and chrome-plated cast tuners. This is a "cool guitar".

How to choose a good guitar.

The durability and quality of the tool depend on the correct choice. Beginners should definitely pay attention to the following points when buying a guitar:

Convenience

Regardless of where the tool is purchased, from hand or in a store, it needs to be checked for convenience. To do this, you need to pick up the guitar, stand with it for a while, try to play and do other manipulations.

Sound

During playing, the instrument should not produce any unnecessary sound in the form of rattling on the frets. Its sound should be smooth and clear, and without unnecessary overtones.

Build

When choosing a product, you should pay special attention to how it holds up. If during a “test” play the guitar quickly becomes out of tune, then you can immediately put it aside.

Defects

Various little things require no less attention. When buying a completely new product in a store, the likelihood of defects is minimal, which cannot be said about used tools. The quality of the neck plays an important role - it should not be crooked or cracked, as this will greatly affect the sound. In addition, the deck should be carefully inspected to ensure there are no major defects.

The best guitar manufacturers (brands)

Nowadays, various acoustic guitar companies are engaged in the production of acoustic guitars. The most popular of them are:

Yamaha

The brand from Japan produces quite a wide variety of products, so it is one of the most popular. Its products are not very innovative, but this does not prevent it from increasing respect due to the quality of workmanship, as well as the fundamental approach to the product.

Ibanez

Another Japanese company makes its products in the United States. It produces both acoustic and electric guitars, giving customers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of products.

Martine

In third place is a company that produces products in China on orders from Russian partners. Most models are dreadnoughts, but there are many other types of instruments in the assortment. The production offers customers products of different price categories.

What is the best acoustic guitar to buy for beginners, and not only?

Most often, when choosing a guitar, beginning musicians focus on price. Professionals, of course, know what is best for them, but it is difficult for beginners to understand this issue. The main thing here is to determine the purpose of the instrument and the age of the guitarist:

• for a child under 13 years old who does not yet know even the basics of the game, models up to 5 thousand rubles are suitable;
• for an adult beginner, it is best to consider options in the price category from 4 to 6 thousand rubles;
• If you want to play an electric instrument in a small garage band, it is best to focus on 5-15 thousand rubles.

In addition, beginners should pay attention to the main characteristics of the purchase:

• ½ size guitars with nylon strings and a basswood body are suitable for children for music school;
• adults will need a size ¾ with a pick, basswood body and six nylon threads;
• It is better to choose electric guitars with 6 metal strings.

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 of 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 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 - it is from this that the top deck is made. 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. It contains nylon strings, 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.

While the budget electric guitar market has been flooded with poorly made knockoffs, rising manufacturing standards and quality control for new designs have led major brands in Korea and China to release amazing models for little money.

Note to Readers

The article shows prices at the dollar exchange rate for February 2016. Therefore, they may not look quite “budget”, and in some cases even unaffordable for beginners. The thing is that the indicated prices are taken from the official websites of the campaigns, so used models can cost much less (often 2-3 times).

The article was created in order to narrow down your choice of guitar to a minimum and prevent you from making mistakes.

At the same time, lesser-known brands such as Chapman and Manson (the latter company collaborates with Cort) have located themselves in the Far East, creating inexpensive instruments in response to the demands of guitarists. They offer great quality for little money without the big premium names.

In this collection, we have collected electric guitar options that, in our opinion, will pay for themselves: market price from £500/$750 (58,000/60,000 rubles as of February 2016, the same rate will be for prices throughout the article).

You may recognize some familiar budget classics (shout out to the trusty Yamaha Pacifica again), but there are also plenty of options for the more adventurous. This is the first part of the article. You can read the second part.

The guitar features a mahogany body and neck, Trev Wilkinson parts including pickups and tuners, and a classic look that is pleasing to the eye.

There's no doubt that the V100 is a stunning guitar, surprisingly, for a small amount of money. A must buy for those who love budget rock classics.

The original Pacer appeared in 1983 at the height of the shred boom, now owned by Gibson.

Great looks, excellent playability (thanks to the thin yet wide maple neck), ideal for shredding style playing. The Floyd Rose locking tremolo system, as an indispensable attribute, will allow you to play magnificent fast solos in the style of Manovar, Dragon Force, Rhapsody of Fire and other extreme “shredders”.

In terms of originality, the TE-212 is unlikely to score many points, however, the guitar has a modest charm that will certainly win over many skeptics.

The guitar has a surprisingly pleasant sound, which in many ways replicates the famous Fender Telecaster. Reliable fittings, a well-matched body to the neck and a minimum of parts make the TE-212 an excellent guitar for transportation. This tool will not let you down on the road.

Just look at the guitar, the Sterling is the epitome of beauty, with a striking look (the guitar's quilted finish) and playability that will captivate any shredder, this model is worth a look.

Axis is a classic design from Music Man. Thanks to the Sterling SUB series, almost any guitarist can get as close to the legendary guitar as possible.

Author's opinion:
"The AX3 is a fun guitar for any player to enjoy, and we wholeheartedly recommend it for the aspiring guitarist who wants to hone their skills on an instrument with an '80s vibe."

If you love Gibson guitars (like most of us) but can't afford an American made guitar, then the Epiphone is just what you need.

Epi have proven themselves to be a company that consistently produces good build quality and good sound. Naturally, this is not a Gibson, but for beginning musicians this model will allow you to experience all the pros and cons of the SG shape for little money. By the way, it was this instrument that the author used as a “student” instrument in classes with Mikhail Rusakov.

A stripped-down Les Paul, the Special II is the guitar garage rock bands dream of.
This guitar maintains a classic look and doesn't have any flashy additions. If you are in love with the shape of the Les Paul but are in a very unstable financial situation, buy this guitar. In the future you can easily sell it.

Want a Stratocaster but are short on money? Squier Bullet at your service, sir...

Famous Fender design, build quality and tone. You can buy a Bullet Strat for the money you'd spend on one trip to a nice restaurant.

Essentially, the ES-339 is a resampled model of the iconic ES-335 guitar. This guitar is a semi-acoustic with a curved top.

The guitar is built properly, as are virtually all Epi models. Charming appearance and wonderful sound copying its older sister Gisbon ES-339. If you are looking for something high quality, inexpensive and cool looking, consider this guitar as your option.

The Dot guitar is a really good guitar. Possibly the best semi-acoustic guitar for little money.

Epi took the Gibson ES-335 formula and made it accessible to guitarists who couldn't afford a Gibson. Play this guitar in one of the music stores and see that it is truly a worthy model.

The Pacifica is one of the best classical guitar models that holds the lead in this price category.

A wonderful guitar with a great sound, proper attention to detail and a very beautiful appearance, essentially the perfect instrument for beginners. If you buy it, you won’t go wrong in any case. In addition, it will be very easy to sell in the future.

Squier Vintage Modified '72 Telecaster Thinline

Many guitarists know that in 1972, sales of the Telecaster Thinline reached their highest level. Fender crafts the guitar with an ash body and two Fender Wide Range pickups. This decision makes Fender even more successful.

The guitar has a solid appearance with a white maple pickguard, finely cut soundhole and Fender humbuckers.

The guitar was created by British musician Rob Chapman. His guitars are truly phenomenal. It was the ML-1 guitar that became the leader of its production.

This guitar will give you everything from beautiful clean tones to brutal riffs (thanks to Chapman-designed pickups). With top-notch build quality and a reasonable price, you'll love it.

As the second artist to receive a PRS subscription model (Carlos Santana was the first), Mark Tremonti became an important ambassador for the brand, and in 2003, the Tremonti SE became an affordable weapon for heavy rock guitarists.

The Tremonti Standard retains all the key features of the SE model: a platinum solid body with two PRS SE Treble and Bass humbuckers.

At first glance, this is just a pale Korean copy of the PRS SE Standard, the American S2 Standard 24 model, but no, this is not the case.

Searing leads, warm rhythms and clipped pickup quacks are available to you, and while they aren't as rich in low end as the S2 pickups, they deliver amazing results for the price.

This guitar was designed by Matt Bellamy and Hugh Manson, and is manufactured in Indonesia by Cort.

You will be convinced of its acoustic sensitivity, this guitar sounds like a bell, which well justifies its price. Just try it out.

With the Manson MBC-1 we will finish the first part of the article about the 30 best budget guitars. Second part of the article.

The article was written based on materials from musicradar.com

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