It’s a common question for aspiring musicians: How much should you spend on an acoustic guitar? While it’s true that higher budgets often unlock premium features, you don’t need to break the bank to find a quality instrument. The good news is that you can absolutely find some of the best acoustic guitars around $500.
Recognizing the growing beginner market and the need for affordability, leading acoustic guitar brands are now producing excellent instruments in this price range. This means you can find guitars with quality hardware, solid tops, and even built-in electronics without exceeding your budget. For savvy shoppers, this is a golden opportunity to get incredible value for your money.
If you’re new to the world of acoustic guitars, we highly recommend checking out our buying advice section before making a decision. Our expert team at guitarplayers.net has compiled answers to common questions to guide you towards the best choice for your specific needs. If you’re already familiar with guitars, feel free to scroll down and explore our top recommendations for the best acoustic guitars around $500.
Our Top Picks
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Fender CD-60S
Best Overall
1. Fender CD-60S
One of the most popular acoustic guitars available, the Fender CD-60S All Mahogany offers exceptional value well under the $500 mark. Featuring a solid mahogany top, it’s an ideal starting point for beginners.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Yamaha FG800M
Best for Adults
2. Yamaha FG800M
A classic beginner acoustic guitar, the Yamaha FG800M provides impressive specifications for its affordable price. This dreadnought offers incredible value and quality.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
Best for Small Hands
3. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
A top-selling guitar in recent years and one of the most budget-friendly options. The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy is a reliable acoustic guitar at a very reasonable price.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Yamaha STORIA III
Best for Style
4. Yamaha STORIA III
Unique aesthetics combined with traditional acoustic tones.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird
Best for Beginners
5. Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird
An exceptional value acoustic guitar with a comfortable, smaller body.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Guild M-240E
Best Concert Under $500
6. Guild M-240E
An affordable concert-sized acoustic guitar from a legendary brand.
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Ibanez Talman TCY10E
Best Electro-Acoustic
7. Ibanez Talman TCY10E
An acoustic guitar designed with the playability of an electric guitar.
Best Overall
Best acoustic guitars under 0: Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany
(Image credit: Fender)
1. Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany
The best acoustic guitar around $500 for beginner guitarists.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Dreadnought
Top: Solid mahogany
Back and sides: Laminated mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fretboard: Rosewood
Scale length: 25.3”
Frets: 20
Tuners: Chrome
Electronics: None
Left-handed: Spruce-top natural finish only
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent value for money
- Great intonation
- Bright mid-range tone
Reasons to Avoid
- Simple aesthetics
- No pickup included
At a glance
✅ Ideal for beginner guitarists: The CD-60S offers incredible value and easy playability, making it a top choice for those just starting their musical journey.
❌ Not for those seeking ornate designs: If you prefer a more decorative instrument, the Fender’s straightforward appearance might be too basic.
The notion of a ‘beginner instrument’ has evolved significantly. Today’s manufacturing standards allow for enhanced performance from tonewoods at more accessible prices. The Fender CD-60S is a prime example, delivering excellent sound and comfortable playability at a remarkably low cost. For players seeking the best acoustic guitar around $500 for beginners, this is a strong contender.
The sonic performance of this dreadnought is particularly noteworthy, characterized by a bright, chiming mid-range that’s typical of mahogany construction. The large body of the Fender dreadnought also provides a solid bass response, suitable for exploring lower tunings. We found the intonation, tuning stability, and string action of the CD-60S to be exceptionally good.
Look out for online deals that often include essential accessories like a tuner, strap, strings, and a gig bag. For those interested in amplified performance, an electro-acoustic version with a body cutaway is also available for a slight price increase.
Read our full Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany review
Best for Adults
Best acoustic guitars under 0: Yamaha FG800M
(Image credit: Future)
2. Yamaha FG800M
One of the greatest beginner acoustic guitars ever produced, and a top pick for the best acoustic guitar around $500.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Dreadnought
Top: Spruce
Back & sides: Nato/Okoume
Fretboard: Rosewood
Scale length: 25 9/16”
Hardware: Die-cast Chrome (TM29T)
Reasons to Buy
- Solid top at an incredible price
- Exceptional build quality
- Fantastic sound
Reasons to Avoid
- May be too large for some players
- No built-in pickup
At a glance
✅ Buy if you prioritize a solid top for less: The FG800 is renowned for its outstanding value, offering a solid top typically found on much more expensive guitars.
❌ Avoid if you need onboard electronics: This model doesn’t include a pickup system, so you’ll need to add one if you plan to play through an amplifier or PA.
Yamaha is a giant in the music industry, and the Yamaha FG800 is equally significant in the world of beginner acoustic guitars. For its price, the features and quality of this budget-friendly acoustic are truly remarkable, making it a strong contender for the best acoustic guitar around $500.
The inclusion of a solid top at this price point is astounding, and the FG800 backs it up with impressive sound quality. It delivers a pleasingly punchy, resonant, and balanced tone, maintaining clarity across various playing styles.
Being a dreadnought, it’s a larger guitar, which might be challenging for smaller individuals or younger players. However, if the size is manageable for you, the FG800 is one of the most rewarding acoustic guitars you can find for under $500.
Best for Small Hands
Best acoustic guitars under 0: Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
(Image credit: Gretsch)
3. Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy
A perfect small-body strummer offered at a very accessible price, and a great option for the best acoustic guitar around $500 for smaller players.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Parlor
Top: Basswood
Back and sides: Basswood
Neck: Nato
Fretboard: Walnut
Scale length: 24″
Frets: 18
Tuners: Open gear Die-cast
Electronics: N/A
Left-handed: No
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent sound quality
- Reliable tuning stability
- Comfortable scale length
Reasons to Avoid
- May feel cramped for players with larger hands
At a glance
✅ Buy if you want the perfect “sofa guitar”: Its compact size and affordability make the Jim Dandy ideal for casual playing at home.
❌ Avoid if you have large hands: The smaller dimensions might make the fretboard feel confined for those with bigger hands.
The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy has been a best-selling acoustic guitar for several years, and it’s also one of the most affordable. Coming in well under the $500 threshold, the Jim Dandy possesses a unique charm that makes it an excellent low-cost strummer, perfect for relaxed playing. If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar around $500 that’s easy to handle, this is a great choice.
It produces a pleasant, bright tone, and despite its smaller size, it offers surprising projection when strummed forcefully. For fingerpicking, it provides a nice string pluck with an appealing attack and clear frequency response.
The factory setup includes a comfortably low action, making it playable right out of the box. We also found the intonation to be accurate. Players accustomed to full-size acoustics might initially find the fretboard a bit narrow, but once you adjust, it’s incredibly enjoyable to play, particularly for beginners.
Read the full Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy review
Best for Style
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Yamaha STORIA III
(Image credit: Yamaha)
4. Yamaha STORIA III
Unique aesthetics and classic acoustic sounds in a stylish package, making it a visually appealing best acoustic guitar around $500.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Concert
Back and sides: Mahogany
Neck: Nato
Fretboard: Walnut
Scale length: 25”
Frets: 20
Tuners: Open Gear Champagne-Gold
Electronics: Yamaha passive undersaddle pickup
Left-handed: No
Reasons to Buy
- Visually striking design
- Solid top construction
- Premium feel for the price
Reasons to Avoid
- Wine red interior might not appeal to everyone
- Pickup system could be improved
At a glance
✅ Buy if you desire a compact body with dreadnought-like playability: Despite its smaller body, it retains a 25.5-inch scale length, offering a feel similar to larger instruments.
❌ Avoid if you prefer traditional guitar aesthetics: Yamaha has adopted a very modern design approach, which might not suit those who favor classic looks.
Yamaha’s objective with the STORIA series was to “transform the traditional acoustic guitar into a unique statement piece,” and in our view, they have certainly succeeded. For those seeking the best acoustic guitar around $500 that also stands out visually, the Storia III is a great option.
The wine-red interior and champagne-gold hardware details add a touch of elegance to this sub-$500 acoustic that is rarely seen at this price point. The solid mahogany top provides a beautifully warm tone that complements its stunning appearance.
The slightly shorter 25” scale length and the compact concert body size enhance playability, especially for beginners.
Read our full Yamaha Storia III review
Best for Beginners
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird
(Image credit: Tanglewood)
5. Tanglewood TWBB-OE Blackbird
An excellent value acoustic guitar with a smaller body size, perfect as a first instrument and a strong contender for the best acoustic guitar around $500 for beginners.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Orchestra
Top: Laminated Mahogany
Back & sides: Laminated Mahogany
Neck: N/A
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Techwood
Frets: 20
Tuners: Die-cast
Left-handed: No
Finish: Black
Reasons to Buy
- Great for beginners
- Excellent value proposition
- Comfortable neck profile
Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly lacking in low-end frequencies
At a glance
✅ Buy if you are looking for a budget-friendly beginner guitar: The Tanglewood Blackbird offers a lot of features for a reasonable price, including great playability.
❌ Avoid if you prefer a strong bass response: Being a budget-conscious guitar, the Blackbird’s low-end might not be as pronounced as more expensive models.
The Tanglewood TWBB-O Blackbird has been a popular choice in recent years due to its exceptional value. Ideal for beginners or as a comfortable “sofa guitar” for experienced players, it’s a surprisingly playable instrument despite its low cost. If you are searching for the best acoustic guitar around $500 for someone just starting out, the Blackbird is well worth considering.
We found the neck to be a standout feature. It’s comfortable, and the guitar has a pleasant action with well-finished nut and bridge areas. It sounds particularly good for bluesy fingerpicking, and while its sound isn’t overly bass-heavy, it holds its own when strummed.
It includes a four-band EQ on the preamp, which is unusual at this price, and we appreciate the very clear onboard tuner. Overall, this guitar provides significant value, making it an excellent option for those on a budget or for beginner acoustic guitarists.
Best Concert Under $500
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Guild M-240E
(Image credit: Guild)
6. Guild M-240E
An affordable concert-sized option from a legendary acoustic brand, and a top choice if you’re seeking the best acoustic guitar around $500 in a concert body style.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: M – Concert
Top: Solid spruce
Back and sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fretboard: Pau Ferro
Scale length: 24.75”
Frets: 20
Tuners: Guild GBB1 Butterbean Nickel
Electronics: Guild/Fishman Sonitone GT-1
Left-handed: No
Reasons to Buy
- Attractive aesthetics
- Super-thin neck finish for enhanced feel
- Surprisingly big sound for its size
Reasons to Avoid
- Smaller body can be overwhelmed at high volumes
At a glance
✅ Buy if you want a versatile all-rounder under $500: The Guild M-240E combines a great acoustic sound with smooth playability and effective electronics.
❌ Avoid if you require high volume levels: Due to its smaller body, it can lose some definition when strummed hard with open chords.
The Guild M-240E is a slightly less conventional choice when considering smaller-bodied acoustic guitars under $500. While there is strong competition in this category from brands like Martin and Taylor, if you’re looking for something a bit different, the M-240E could be ideal. For players interested in a concert body, this could be the best acoustic guitar around $500.
In terms of construction, the classic combination of a solid spruce top and mahogany back & sides delivers a crisp, punchy tone with a tasteful low-end presence. This makes the M-240E an excellent choice for solo performers needing rich tonal accompaniment, or for band members needing to stand out in a mix.
The comfortable C-shaped neck and small ‘M’ concert body make this Guild a fantastic travel or couch guitar, yet with a 24.75″ scale length, it can still perform like larger guitars. When plugged in, the Fishman Sonitone pickup amplifies the sound, making it sound much bigger than it is, adding to its versatility.
Best Electro-Acoustic
Best acoustic guitars under 500: Ibanez Talman TCY10E
(Image credit: Ibanez)
7. Ibanez Talman TCY10E
An acoustic guitar that provides the playability of an electric guitar, making it a unique option for the best acoustic guitar around $500 with electric guitar feel.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Talman Doublecut
Top: Spruce
Back & sides: Sapele
Neck: Okoume
Scale: 25.5″
Fingerboard: Purpleheart
Frets: 20
Tuners: Chrome Die-cast
Left-handed: Yes
Finish: Black, Ivory, Sea Foam Green
Reasons to Buy
- Fast-playing neck profile
- Excellent access to upper frets
- Compact body shape
Reasons to Avoid
- Not the loudest when played acoustically
At a glance
✅ Buy if you prioritize electric guitar-like playability: The Talman TCY10E features a slim neck and easy upper fret access, appealing to electric guitarists.
❌ Avoid if you need maximum acoustic volume: The body’s thin depth and unusual shape mean it’s not as loud as traditional dreadnought or jumbo acoustics.
If you’re transitioning from electric to acoustic guitar, the Ibanez Talman TCY10E offers familiar playability with the organic tones of an acoustic. Its distinctive shape is not only visually appealing but also provides exceptional access to the higher frets. For electric players seeking the best acoustic guitar around $500 that feels familiar, this could be it.
While the unique shape and narrow body depth reduce its unplugged volume compared to a traditional dreadnought, it still sounds good and functions well as an acoustic guitar.
The primary advantage of its design is playability, featuring a slim, fast neck. The extended upper fret access allows electric guitarists to easily translate their lead techniques to the acoustic guitar, making it a highly versatile instrument.
FAQs
Martin Simpson playing an acoustic guitar
(Image credit: Future)
Can budget acoustic guitars be as good as expensive guitars?
It’s important to preface this by saying that ‘budget’ acoustic guitars have dramatically improved in quality. There are many excellent acoustic guitars available at surprisingly low prices, and they should not be overlooked. You can find a truly great best acoustic guitar around $500.
The guitars in this guide represent the best options you can buy for approximately $500 or less. If there’s one key takeaway, it’s that budget guitars can be remarkably comparable to their more expensive counterparts in terms of playability and sound quality.
While cheaper acoustics may lack the ornate details or legendary status of high-end models, they are designed to provide players with a straightforward, tonally rich acoustic experience at an accessible price – and we highly appreciate them for that.
What size acoustic guitar should I buy?
Size is a critical factor when choosing any acoustic guitar, regardless of your budget. The guitar’s size influences its tone and playing comfort. Common body sizes include jumbo, dreadnought, auditorium, classical, and parlor.
A jumbo body delivers the largest, fullest tone, iconic in genres from country to rock. However, its substantial size can be less comfortable for some players.
The dreadnought is the most popular acoustic guitar body size. It’s versatile, not too large nor too small, and produces a tone that suits almost any musical style. Its wider body contributes to a broad tonal range, making it an excellent all-around choice. While still sizable, most players can handle a dreadnought comfortably.
Auditorium, classical, and parlor guitars are smaller, ideal for younger players or those preferring a more compact instrument. Auditorium and classical guitars offer balanced tones with good low and high-end response depending on playing style. Parlor guitars, though lacking some of the depth of larger bodies, compensate with punchy, mid-focused characteristics, favored by blues guitarists.
Generally, larger guitars produce bigger sounds. Keep this in mind when selecting your new guitar.
Do I want a solid or laminate top?
If you’ve researched guitars, you’ve likely encountered terms like laminate top and solid top. What’s the difference in construction and sound?
A solid top means the guitar’s soundboard is made from a single piece of specially selected wood. This construction enhances sound richness, fullness, and volume.
A laminate top is made from multiple layers of wood glued together. This results in a sound that is less harmonically complex than a solid top.
Historically, budget guitars were mostly laminate, but today, many affordable models feature solid tops. The Epiphone J200 EC Studio and Martin LX1e, for example, have solid spruce tops paired with laminate back and sides. When looking for the best acoustic guitar around $500, consider solid top options for better sound quality.
Do I need a pickup on my acoustic guitar?
Several guitars in our best acoustic guitars around $500 guide include onboard pickup systems. While not everyone immediately needs to plug in, there are compelling reasons to consider a guitar with a pickup.
Firstly, you never know when amplification might be needed. Whether for an open mic night, a school performance, or recording song ideas, having a pickup offers valuable flexibility.
Secondly, most pickup systems include a built-in tuner, allowing for convenient tuning without needing a clip-on tuner or app. Be aware that many budget acoustics lack pickups, and sometimes they are optional, so check specifications before purchasing. However, for versatility, the best acoustic guitar around $500 might include a pickup.
Does the brand matter?
Brand reputation is a complex question, as many manufacturers produce excellent guitars. There’s no definitive answer, but certain brands are known for particular sonic characteristics. Martin guitars are often considered the ‘classic acoustic guitar sound’ due to their long history and presence on countless recordings. Taylor guitars are known for a more modern, articulate sound.
Fender is renowned for electric guitars, and their acoustics are seen as great value, though lacking the same heritage as Martin or Taylor. Yamaha is recognized for beginner nylon-string guitars and innovative technology, as well as Japanese build quality, though some might not place them at the same prestige level as Taylor or Martin.
Ultimately, personal preference is paramount. What sounds rich to one person may differ for another. Ideally, test a guitar before buying or listen to sound samples. Most retailers offer return policies, allowing exchanges if a guitar isn’t a good fit. When seeking the best acoustic guitar around $500, consider brand reputation but prioritize personal sound and playability preferences.
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A Taylor 410E-R steel-string electro-acoustic guitar (L) and a Martin DR Centennial steel-string acoustic guitar
(Image credit: Future)
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Below, you can learn more about the expert authors behind this guide.
Chris Bird
Chris has been the Editor of Total Guitar magazine since 2020. Previously, he led Total Guitar’s tab and tuition section for 12 years. A former guitar teacher with 35 years of playing experience, he holds a degree in Philosophy & Popular Music. Chris has interviewed major guitarists like Brian May and Jimmy Page.
Daryl Robertson
Daryl Robertson is Guitar World’s Senior Deals Writer. He creates and maintains numerous buyer’s guides, identifies top deals for readers, and reviews the latest gear. His reviews have appeared in Total Guitar, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com. Daryl has interviewed Slash and members of prominent bands and has extensive experience in music retail, advising customers on gear from beginner acoustics to professional equipment.
Matt McCracken
Matt McCracken is a Junior Deals Writer at Guitar World. He frequently tests and reviews music gear, focusing on guitars, amps, pedals, and related equipment. He is responsible for numerous buying guides and helps guitarists find the best gear deals. Matt has a background in music retail and has written for various music websites. A gigging guitarist with over 20 years of experience, he performs in diverse genres and is active in recording and live performances.
How we choose the best acoustic guitars around $500
Yamaha Storia III review
(Image credit: Future/Chris Corfield)
When selecting acoustic guitars, personal preferences for tone and feel vary among players. However, certain key criteria must be met for us to recommend a guitar in a guide like this, especially when focusing on the best acoustic guitar around $500.
We start by evaluating the overall build quality. We examine every part of the guitar, from the body and neck to the tuners, bridge, and saddle, ensuring they are robust and durable for musical use.
Next, we assess the fretwork for consistency, checking for sharp or uneven frets that could cause buzzing. This is crucial for playability. A guitar should be comfortable, especially for beginners, with a manageable neck and body.
Finally, we focus on the acoustic guitar’s sound. We test the instrument’s tone using different playing techniques and styles, from strumming chords to fingerpicking. We listen carefully to the volume and tonal balance.
Learn more about our recommendation process and how we test products in our buyer’s guides.
