Not long ago, I shared my electric guitar brand tier list, and many of you requested an acoustic version. So, here it is – my take on the best (and perhaps not-so-best) acoustic guitar brands, based on my personal experiences. This is all just my opinion, of course, and designed to get the conversation started!
To keep things fair, this list only includes brands I’ve personally played. I know that some guitars, especially at different price points, might be made in the same factories. Some brands also span from entry-level to high-end instruments. Therefore, these tiers reflect my overall impression of each brand as a whole.
Let’s dive into the rankings and stir the pot a little:
F Tier: Brands to Approach with Caution
Rogue: These guitars are intended to be very affordable for beginners. However, for the same budget, you’d be much better off finding a used guitar from a brand in the C or B tiers. You’ll get significantly more value and playability.
Mitchell: As far as I know, Mitchell is Guitar Center’s house brand, and having worked there for a while, my experience with them wasn’t impressive. In my opinion, they simply don’t offer the quality you’d hope for, even at their entry-level price point.
D Tier: Compromised Tone
The majority of brands in the D tier land here primarily due to their tone, which often suffers from the use of laminated tops. In my experience, solid wood tops consistently produce a richer, more resonant sound in acoustic guitars. While these brands might offer affordability, the tonal quality is noticeably lacking.
Washburn: Washburn might be the strongest brand within this D tier. While I haven’t extensively played their acoustics, most of the ones I’ve encountered have been just ‘okay’ – nothing particularly inspiring in terms of sound or feel.
Ibanez: Ibanez acoustic guitars often have an attractive aesthetic and are generally well-set up and playable right out of the box. However, their reliance on laminated tops in many models hinders their sound. While they play comfortably, the tonal depth and richness are often missing.
Fender: Fender finds itself in the D tier for similar reasons to Ibanez. Even their models featuring solid tops haven’t impressed me sonically in the acoustic realm. While Fender is iconic for electric guitars, their acoustic offerings often fall short in terms of sound quality compared to other brands in higher tiers.
C Tier: Decent, But Lacking Spark
Guild: I’m a fan of Guild’s electric guitars, but their acoustics haven’t resonated with me as much. I often find them to sound somewhat lifeless and lacking in projection compared to other brands in this category.
Gretsch: I placed Gretsch in the B tier for electric guitars, as I appreciate their unique character. However, their acoustic guitars, to me, seem to lack volume and openness. There’s something about their construction or bracing that doesn’t quite deliver the full acoustic potential.
Takamine: Regardless of the price point – whether it’s a $200 entry-level model or a $1200 guitar – Takamine acoustics often sound thin and deficient in the low-end frequencies, in my opinion. However, if you prefer a brighter tone with more emphasis on the high-end and midrange, Takamine might appeal to you more. Tone preference is subjective!
Epiphone: Epiphone’s Masterbilt series could arguably sit in the B tier due to their exceptional value for the money, offering solid wood construction at competitive prices. However, their more budget-friendly, less-expensive lines bring the overall brand perception down to the C tier for me. The inconsistency across their product range impacts their overall ranking.
B Tier: Solid Choices with Great Value
Alvarez: I personally own an Alvarez Yairi model, which I would easily consider A-tier quality – these are handmade in Japan and feature premium solid woods. However, a significant portion of Alvarez’s guitar lineup consists of more affordable instruments that, while decent, don’t quite reach the sonic heights of their higher-end counterparts. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, which puts them in B tier overall, despite the brilliance of the Yairi series.
Ovation: Over the years, I’ve encountered many Ovation guitars that sound surprisingly good. They possess a distinctive sound and comfortable playability, but they are undeniably different from traditional acoustics. Ovations are often polarizing – players tend to either love or dislike their unique sound and the round composite back. The more expensive Ovations can sound fantastic, while even their more affordable models still offer a respectable sound.
Larrivée: While Larrivée guitars are undoubtedly well-crafted and high quality, their sonic character doesn’t particularly appeal to my personal taste. I can understand why some players would rank them as A-tier – they are certainly excellent instruments – but they simply aren’t my preference tonally.
Seagull: Seagull guitars consistently offer exceptional value for the money. The Seagull S6 model is particularly impressive for its price point, and models further up their range only get better and better. Their cedar solid tops sound fantastic, and those equipped with electronics often feature high-quality components. For players seeking maximum value without sacrificing sound quality, Seagull is a top contender.
Yamaha: Yamaha produces some of the absolute best starter acoustic guitars available, offering incredible value for the money. Their quality is remarkably consistent across their range, and their higher-end acoustic guitars are, of course, excellent instruments. If you’re looking for a reliable, good-sounding acoustic guitar while keeping your budget in check, Yamaha is an excellent choice.
Gibson: Gibson is renowned for high-quality parts and craftsmanship, particularly in their iconic electric guitars. However, in my experience, their acoustic guitar quality control and consistency can be somewhat inconsistent. While a good Gibson acoustic can be exceptional, the variability keeps them in the B tier for me.
A Tier: High-Quality, Premium Sound
Martin: If you’re after a deep, resonant, and traditionally voiced acoustic guitar, Martin is a quintessential choice. They are masters of the classic acoustic sound and offer a wide range of models to suit various playing styles and preferences, all with that signature Martin tone.
Taylor: Taylor guitars are known for their bright, clear, and more modern sonic appeal. They are consistently well-built and playable, offering a different tonal flavor compared to Martin. If you prefer a more contemporary acoustic sound with excellent clarity and articulation, Taylor is an outstanding option.
Breedlove: Breedlove guitars share a similar level of quality with Martin and Taylor but tend to lean towards a modern and bright sound, often with a slightly ‘different’ feel in terms of neck profile and body shapes. They offer innovative designs and a distinctive voice that appeals to players seeking something a bit outside the traditional Martin/Taylor mold.
S Tier: The Pinnacle of Acoustic Excellence
Collings: Every single Collings acoustic guitar I have ever played has been absolutely exceptional. Period. Their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and sonic perfection are simply unmatched in my experience. For those seeking the absolute best and are willing to invest accordingly, Collings represents the pinnacle of acoustic guitar manufacturing.
What are your thoughts? Are my opinions completely off-base for you, or do you generally agree with these brand placements? Where would you rank these brands, and what would you place in the S and F tiers? Let the discussion begin!
