Following up on the electric guitar brand tier list, it’s time to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Just like with electrics, the quest for the Best Sounding Acoustic Guitar is subjective, but based on firsthand experience, here’s a tier list ranking various acoustic guitar brands, from those that might leave you wanting more to the absolute standouts.
To keep it fair, this ranking focuses on brands where I’ve personally played their instruments. It’s important to remember that production quality and sound can vary even within a single brand, with some manufacturers offering both entry-level and high-end models, sometimes even from the same factories. Therefore, these tiers represent my overall impression of each brand as a whole, considering the range of guitars I’ve encountered.
Let’s get into the rankings and see how these brands stack up in the search for the best sounding acoustic guitar.
F Tier: Brands to Approach with Caution
Rogue: Positioned as budget-friendly entry-level guitars, Rogue instruments often fall short in terms of sound and playability. For beginners looking for their first acoustic, exploring used guitars from brands in the C or B tiers would likely yield a much more satisfying experience and a better sounding guitar for the money.
Mitchell: Often seen as a house brand, particularly at Guitar Center, Mitchell guitars, in my experience, have consistently lacked the sonic qualities desired in an acoustic instrument. While affordability is a factor, the overall sound and build quality generally don’t make them stand out in the crowded entry-level market.
D Tier: Compromises in Tone
The brands in the D tier often face a common challenge: the use of laminated tops. While lamination can enhance durability and affordability, it frequently compromises the tonal resonance that is crucial for a full and rich acoustic guitar sound. Solid wood tops are generally preferred for achieving a superior sonic quality.
Washburn: Among the D tier brands, Washburn arguably stands out slightly. However, many of the Washburn acoustics I’ve encountered have delivered a ‘meh’ sonic experience. While not inherently bad, they often lack the inspiring tone that players seek when looking for a quality acoustic guitar sound.
Ibanez: Known for their visually appealing designs and generally comfortable playability, Ibanez acoustic guitars, especially those with laminated tops, often don’t quite deliver the desired acoustic tone. While they may be well-setup and easy to play, the fundamental sound quality can be lacking compared to guitars with solid wood tops, impacting their overall ranking in terms of best sounding acoustic guitar.
Fender: Surprisingly, Fender acoustics often find themselves in the D tier for similar reasons as Ibanez. Even models featuring solid tops sometimes fail to produce a truly inspiring acoustic sound in my experience. While Fender is legendary in the electric guitar world, their acoustic offerings often don’t translate that legacy into exceptional acoustic tone.
C Tier: Decent but Lacking in Some Areas
Guild: While Guild excels in the realm of electric guitars, their acoustic guitars, in my experience, often feel somewhat lifeless sonically. They may be well-built instruments, but they frequently lack the vibrant and resonant tone that elevates an acoustic guitar to the next level.
Gretsch: Similar to Guild, Gretsch electric guitars are highly regarded (and placed in the B tier for electrics). However, their acoustic counterparts often fall short in terms of volume and sonic openness. There’s a certain construction and sound characteristic that, to my ears, prevents them from fully competing with brands higher up in the quest for the best sounding acoustic guitar.
Takamine: Across various price points, from budget-friendly to more expensive models, Takamine acoustics often exhibit a thin and somewhat lacking low-end response. While some players might prefer a brighter, mid-focused tone, the overall sonic profile tends to be less full and rich compared to other brands. This tonal characteristic impacts their ranking when considering the best sounding acoustic guitar overall.
Epiphone: The Epiphone brand presents a bit of a split. Their Masterbilt series, offering exceptional value for money, could arguably be placed in the B tier due to their impressive sound and construction. However, the more budget-oriented Epiphone models tend to bring the overall brand perception down to the C tier. To truly experience the best sounding acoustic guitar Epiphone offers, the Masterbilt series is the place to look.
B Tier: Solid Performers with Great Value
Alvarez: Owning an Alvarez Yairi model, which I personally consider A-tier worthy due to its exceptional craftsmanship and sound, highlights the potential of Alvarez guitars. However, while some Alvarez models, particularly the Yairi series made in Japan with solid woods, are outstanding, many of their more affordable guitars don’t quite reach the same sonic heights. This inconsistency, despite the existence of truly excellent instruments, places the brand in the B tier overall.
Ovation: Ovation guitars are known for their unique sound and distinctive round backs. They are a polarizing brand; players tend to either love or dislike their sound and feel. However, I’ve personally played many Ovations over the years that sound genuinely good. The more expensive Ovations often deliver a very pleasing and unique acoustic tone, while even the more affordable models maintain a decent sound quality, making them a solid B-tier contender in terms of best sounding acoustic guitar.
Larrivée: While Larrivée guitars are undoubtedly well-made and of solid quality, their particular sonic character doesn’t resonate as strongly with my personal preferences. I can understand why some players would consider them an A-tier brand due to their craftsmanship and consistent quality. However, for my personal ranking of best sounding acoustic guitars, they land in the B tier, acknowledging their quality but not quite matching my ideal acoustic tone.
Seagull: Seagull guitars are renowned for offering exceptional value for the money. The Seagull S6 model is particularly noteworthy for its incredible sound and playability at its price point. Moving up the Seagull range, the sound quality consistently improves. Their cedar solid tops are especially resonant and pleasing to the ear, and models equipped with electronics often feature high-quality components. For players seeking a fantastic sounding acoustic guitar without breaking the bank, Seagull is a top contender in the B tier.
Yamaha: Yamaha consistently produces some of the best starter acoustic guitars available. Their instruments are known for their consistent quality and reliable performance, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Furthermore, Yamaha’s high-end acoustic guitars are undeniably impressive. If the goal is to find a decent sounding acoustic guitar while minimizing expenditure, Yamaha is often the go-to recommendation in the B tier.
Gibson: Gibson is a legendary name in the guitar world, known for high-quality components and craftsmanship. However, inconsistent quality control has been an occasional issue in my experience with their acoustic guitars. While a good Gibson acoustic can be truly exceptional, the variability in quality prevents them from consistently reaching the A or S tiers in this ranking of best sounding acoustic guitar brands.
A Tier: Excellent Tone and Quality
Martin: Martin guitars are synonymous with a deep, resonant, and traditionally rich acoustic sound. For players seeking that classic, warm acoustic tone, Martin guitars are consistently excellent and a hallmark of the A tier in terms of best sounding acoustic guitars.
Taylor: Taylor guitars are known for their bright, modern, and articulate sonic character. They offer excellent build quality and a distinct tonal profile that appeals to many contemporary players. If a brighter, more contemporary acoustic sound is desired, Taylor guitars are a leading choice within the A tier for best sounding acoustic guitars.
Breedlove: Breedlove guitars share a similar high level of quality with Martin and Taylor, but often lean towards a more modern and bright sonic aesthetic. They also incorporate unique design elements and a slightly different feel compared to traditional acoustic guitars. For players seeking a modern sounding acoustic guitar with exceptional quality and a slightly different vibe, Breedlove is a strong contender in the A tier.
S Tier: The Pinnacle of Acoustic Sound
Collings: Every Collings acoustic guitar I have ever played has been nothing short of breathtaking. They represent the absolute pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and sound quality. For those seeking the very best sounding acoustic guitar, regardless of price, Collings guitars consistently deliver an unparalleled sonic experience, rightfully earning their place in the S tier.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with these rankings, or would you re-arrange the tiers? What brands would you consider for the S and F tiers in your own quest for the best sounding acoustic guitar?
