The best acoustic guitars. The best acoustic guitars Which guitar is better: classical or acoustic

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.

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: RUB 13,773.
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 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.

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.

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 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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