As a follow-up to my electric guitar brand rankings, many of you requested an acoustic version. So, here it is – my take on the acoustic guitar brand landscape, ranking them from top-tier excellence to those I find less inspiring. This is based on my personal experiences handling and playing guitars from these brands.
It’s important to remember that brand rankings are subjective. Manufacturing origins can be shared, and brands often span entry-level to high-end instruments. Therefore, these tiers reflect my overall impression of each brand, considering their range of offerings. Let’s dive into the tiers and see how your opinions align with mine.
F Tier: Entry-Level to Avoid
At the bottom, we find brands that, in my experience, are best avoided, especially when better alternatives exist even at similar price points.
Rogue: While positioned as budget-friendly starter guitars, the quality often falls short. For beginners, exploring used options from brands in the C or B tiers would be a wiser investment for better playability and sound.
Mitchell: Known as Guitar Center’s house brand from my time working there, Mitchell guitars generally didn’t impress me. The overall construction and sound quality didn’t stand out compared to other brands in the entry-level market.
D Tier: Laminated Limitations
The D tier is largely populated by brands where the use of laminated tops significantly impacts the tonal quality. While visually appealing or playable, they often lack the resonance and depth of solid-top guitars.
Washburn: Washburn represents the higher end of the D tier in my view. While I haven’t extensively played their acoustics, the models I have encountered were generally unremarkable in terms of sound, falling into the ‘meh’ category.
Ibanez: Ibanez acoustics often boast attractive designs and good playability, arriving with decent setups. However, the reliance on laminated tops hinders their sonic performance. Even with good setup, the fundamental tone lacks richness.
Fender: Similar to Ibanez, Fender’s acoustic offerings, even those with solid tops in some ranges, haven’t resonated with me sonically. They often don’t deliver the sound quality I expect compared to other brands at similar price points.
C Tier: Decent but Lacking
Moving into the C tier, we find brands that offer instruments with some positive aspects, but overall fall short of truly inspiring sound or build quality in my experience.
Guild: While I appreciate Guild’s electric guitars, their acoustics haven’t captured my enthusiasm. Many Guild acoustics I’ve played tend to sound somewhat lifeless, lacking in vibrancy and projection compared to others in higher tiers.
Gretsch: Despite my fondness for Gretsch electric guitars (placing them in the B tier for electrics), their acoustic counterparts often leave me wanting more. I find them lacking in volume and tonal openness, possibly due to their specific construction approaches.
Takamine: Takamine guitars, across various price points from entry-level to more expensive models, often exhibit a thin tone, particularly lacking in low-end frequencies. While some players might prefer a brighter, mid-focused acoustic sound, for my taste, they lean too much in that direction.
Epiphone: Epiphone is a mixed bag. Their Masterbilt series, in my opinion, offers exceptional value and could arguably sit in the B tier. However, the more budget-oriented Epiphone models bring the brand’s overall acoustic ranking down to the C tier due to inconsistencies in quality and sound.
B Tier: Solid Value and Performance
The B tier represents brands that consistently offer good value, quality, and satisfying performance. These are brands I’d readily recommend for players seeking reliable and enjoyable acoustic guitars.
Alvarez: My personal Alvarez Yairi guitar is exceptional, easily deserving of A tier status. However, acknowledging the broader Alvarez range, many models are more affordable and don’t quite reach the sonic heights of the Yairi line. While some are less impressive, overall Alvarez offers solid instruments, though consistency across their lines can vary.
Ovation: Ovation guitars are unique and polarizing. Over the years, I’ve encountered many Ovations that sound surprisingly good. They possess a distinctive sound and feel, and while the round back design isn’t for everyone, higher-end Ovations sound excellent, and even cheaper models offer decent sonic performance and playability.
Larrivée: Larrivée guitars are undoubtedly well-made and respected for their craftsmanship. However, their sonic character personally doesn’t resonate as strongly with me. While I understand why many consider them A-tier, their tonal profile just isn’t my preference.
Seagull: Seagull excels in providing incredible value for money. The Seagull S6 is a standout model, and instruments further up their range only improve in sound and features. Their use of solid cedar tops contributes to a warm and responsive tone, and models with electronics often feature quality components, making them gig-ready.
Yamaha: Yamaha produces some of the best starter acoustic guitars available. Their instruments are consistently well-built and reliable. Yamaha also offers high-end acoustic guitars that are excellent, demonstrating their capability across price ranges. For players seeking a dependable acoustic guitar on a budget, Yamaha is an excellent choice.
Gibson: Gibson is renowned for high-quality components and craftsmanship, particularly in their electric guitars. However, their acoustic guitar quality control and consistency have been concerns in my experience. While a good Gibson acoustic is exceptional, inconsistencies can make it a somewhat riskier choice compared to brands with more predictable quality.
A Tier: Exemplary Tone and Quality
The A tier houses brands that consistently deliver exceptional tone, build quality, and playability. These brands are go-to choices for players seeking high-performance acoustic guitars with distinct sonic characteristics.
Martin: Martin guitars are the benchmark for a deep, resonant, and traditional acoustic guitar sound. They are ideal for players who appreciate rich bass, balanced mids, and a classic acoustic voice, embodying the quintessential acoustic guitar tone.
Taylor: Taylor guitars are known for their bright, modern, and articulate sound. They offer excellent clarity, sustain, and a contemporary tonal profile, appealing to players who prefer a more cutting and present acoustic sound suitable for various musical styles.
Breedlove: Breedlove guitars share a similar high-quality tier with Martin and Taylor but often lean towards a modern and bright tonal character. They frequently incorporate distinctive body shapes and bracing patterns, resulting in a ‘different’ feel and sound that appeals to players seeking something outside the traditional mold.
S Tier: The Pinnacle of Acoustic Excellence
The S tier is reserved for brands that, in my experience, represent the absolute pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and sonic perfection.
Collings: Every Collings acoustic guitar I have ever played has been simply breathtaking. Their attention to detail, impeccable build quality, and consistently outstanding sound place them in a league of their own. For players seeking the ultimate acoustic guitar experience, Collings is a brand to aspire to.
So, there you have it – my acoustic guitar brand tier list. Do you agree with my rankings, or are you ready to challenge my opinions? What brands would you place in the S and F tiers? I’m eager to hear your perspectives!
