Not long ago, I shared my electric guitar brand tier list, and many of you asked for an acoustic version. So, here we are, diving into which acoustic guitar brands stand out as the best of the best (and, admittedly, some that fall short), all based on my personal experiences.
To keep things fair, this ranking includes only brands whose guitars I’ve personally played. I understand that some guitars are made in the same factories, and brands can offer both entry-level and high-end models. Therefore, these tiers reflect my overall impression of each brand.
Let’s get started with the tiers:
F Tier
Rogue: While positioned as budget-friendly starter guitars, I’d honestly suggest exploring used guitars from brands in the C or B tiers for better value and quality.
Mitchell: Having worked at Guitar Center for quite some time, I know Mitchell as their house brand. In my experience, these guitars simply didn’t impress in terms of sound and build quality.
D Tier
The majority of brands in the D tier land here primarily due to their tone, often compromised by laminated tops. Solid wood tops generally contribute to a richer, more resonant sound in acoustic guitars.
Washburn: In this category, Washburn might be the strongest contender. While I haven’t extensively played their guitars, most I’ve encountered have been just ‘okay’ in my subjective opinion, lacking a standout quality.
Ibanez: Ibanez acoustics often have an appealing aesthetic and are generally well-setup and playable right out of the box. However, the prevalent use of laminated tops hinders their sound. While they play comfortably, the sonic depth isn’t quite there.
Fender: Fender finds itself in the D tier for similar reasons as Ibanez. Even their models featuring solid tops haven’t delivered a sound that resonates with me personally.
C Tier
Guild: While I appreciate Guild for their electric guitars, their acoustics haven’t resonated with me as much. I often find them to sound somewhat uninspired or lacking in character compared to other brands in higher tiers.
Gretsch: I’m a big fan of Gretsch electric guitars (placing them in the B tier for electrics), but their acoustic construction and resulting sound often feel a bit lacking in volume and overall openness.
Takamine: Regardless of price point, whether it’s a $200 or $1200 model, Takamine acoustics often strike me as sounding thin and lacking in low-end frequencies. However, if you prefer a brighter tone with emphasis on mids and highs, you might rate Takamine higher.
Epiphone: The Epiphone Masterbilt series could easily sit in the B tier due to their exceptional value for money, offering solid wood construction and impressive sound at their price. However, the more affordable, entry-level Epiphone models bring the overall brand average down to the C tier in my ranking.
B Tier
Alvarez: I personally own an Alvarez Yairi, which I would confidently place in the A tier. These Japanese-made guitars, particularly the solid wood models, are exceptional. However, many Alvarez guitars are more budget-oriented and don’t possess the same sonic richness. It’s a mixed bag, which places the brand in the B tier despite the high potential.
Ovation: Over the years, I’ve played many Ovation guitars that sounded surprisingly good. They offer a distinctive sound and comfortable feel. However, their unique round back design and sound are polarizing – players tend to either love or dislike them. The higher-end Ovations are particularly impressive, while even the more affordable models offer decent sound quality.
Larrivée: While Larrivée guitars are undoubtedly well-crafted and high quality, their sound profile doesn’t particularly appeal to my personal taste. I can understand why some players might consider them an A tier brand, as they are solid instruments, but they simply aren’t my preference.
Seagull: Seagull offers exceptional value, especially considering they are among the Best Acoustic Guitar Companies for the money. The Seagull S6 is a standout model, and instruments further up their range consistently improve in sound quality. Their cedar solid tops are particularly resonant, and models equipped with electronics feature quality components.
Yamaha: Yamaha produces some of the best beginner acoustic guitars for the price. Their quality is consistent across their range, and their higher-end models are undeniably excellent. If you’re looking for a reliable and decent-sounding acoustic guitar without breaking the bank, Yamaha is an excellent choice.
Gibson: Gibson is renowned for using high-quality materials and employing skilled craftsmanship in their acoustic guitars. However, in my experience, consistency and quality control have sometimes been an issue with their acoustic line, preventing them from consistently reaching the A tier.
A Tier
Martin: Martin guitars are iconic and excel if you seek a deep, resonant, and traditionally voiced acoustic guitar. They are a benchmark for classic acoustic tone.
Taylor: Taylor guitars offer consistently high-quality construction and deliver a brighter, more modern acoustic sound that appeals to many contemporary players. They are known for their playability and clarity.
Breedlove: Breedlove guitars share a similar level of quality with Martin and Taylor but lean towards a modern and bright sonic character with a slightly different, often more contemporary, feel. They offer unique body shapes and tonewood combinations.
S Tier
Collings: Every Collings acoustic guitar I’ve ever played has been exceptional. They represent the pinnacle of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and sound quality in my experience. Period.
What are your thoughts? Are you ready to disagree with my rankings, or do you find yourself aligning with my tier placements? Which brands would you place in the S and F tiers?
