The perception that older guitars are inherently superior is a common notion, but modern guitar manufacturing has made incredible strides. Utilizing advanced technology and efficient building techniques, today’s manufacturers can offer exceptional guitars at more accessible prices. The best acoustic guitars under $1000 perfectly exemplify this, providing remarkable quality without breaking the bank.
This price range is considered a sweet spot, allowing you to access high-quality specifications from reputable brands without overspending. Within the realm of the best acoustic guitars under $1000, you’ll typically find solid tops, a diverse range of body shapes to cater to various playing styles, and the use of premium tonewoods.
If you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile acoustic guitar – one that delivers excellent tone, dependable performance, and comfortable playability both in the studio and on stage – then keep reading. We’ve compiled a list of what we believe are the best acoustic guitars under $1000 available today.
Guitar Player’s Top Choice
While numerous outstanding options exist, if we had to pinpoint one as the best acoustic guitar under $1000, our top pick would be the Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Hummingbird. With its all-solid wood construction, iconic aesthetics, and exceptional playability, it’s a superb-sounding guitar adaptable to a wide spectrum of musical genres.
Another standout acoustic, showcasing the ever-popular dreadnought body shape, is the Martin D-10E. Built for the demands of touring, it consistently delivers fantastic acoustic tones night after night.
Best Overall
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ Hummingbird
Image: Close-up of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, showcasing its iconic pickguard and finish.
1. Epiphone ‘Inspired by Gibson’ Hummingbird
Vintage Charm Meets Modern Tone
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Square Shouldered Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale: 24.724″
- Fingerboard: Indian Laurel
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Epiphone Deluxe
- Electronics: Fishman Sonicore
- Left-handed: No
- Finish: Aged Gloss
Reasons to Buy:
- All-solid wood construction for superior tone
- Visually striking vintage appearance
Reasons to Avoid:
- Electronics could be upgraded for better amplified sound
- Vintage styling might not appeal to all players
The Hummingbird stands as one of the most legendary acoustic guitars in history, renowned for its distinctive visuals and association with a pantheon of rock and roll icons, from Keith Richards to Chris Cornell. Epiphone’s “Inspired by Gibson” range brings this classic design within reach of a wider range of players, delivering Gibson-esque design and playability without the premium price tag.
Crucially, the Hummingbird boasts all-solid wood construction, a feature typically found on acoustics in a much higher price bracket. Tonally, it offers a rich, full sound with a pronounced low end—characteristic of dreadnought guitars—providing a solid foundation for mids and highs. The neck profile will feel instantly familiar to Gibson enthusiasts, featuring a comfortable 12-inch radius, making both single-note lines and chord work feel exceptionally smooth.
Best for Gigging Musicians
Best acoustic guitars under 00 – Martin D-10e Road Series
Image: The Martin D-10e Road Series acoustic guitar on a stand, highlighting its dreadnought body shape and satin finish, ideal for stage performance.
2. Martin Road Series D-10e
Built for the Rigors of the Road
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Dreadnought
- Top: Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Sapele
- Neck: Select Hardwood
- Scale: 25.4″
- Fingerboard: FSC Certified Richlite
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
- Electronics: Fishman MX-T
- Left-handed: Yes
- Finish: Satin
Reasons to Buy:
- Highly playable and comfortable neck profile
- Excellent onboard electronics for stage use
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not be the optimal choice for dedicated fingerstyle players
- A more understated, less ornate aesthetic
Martin Guitars’ Road Series is specifically engineered for musicians who frequently perform live. The D-10e delivers premium tone and stage-ready features without a prohibitive cost, featuring robust electronics and hardware designed to withstand the demands of touring.
A standout feature is the hand-rubbed Performing Artist neck, which provides an immediately comfortable, “played-in” feel right from the start. Combined with the superb Fishman MX-T onboard electronics, this guitar is truly ready for performance from day one. The D-10e produces a warm sonic character, well-suited to powerfully strummed chords and dynamic picking styles. It boasts a strong tone without becoming overly boomy or losing balance in the low frequencies, a common issue with some dreadnoughts.
Best for Experimenting with Effects
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: Yamaha FSC TA Transacoustic Concert Cutaway
Image: The Yamaha FSC TA TransAcoustic Concert Cutaway guitar in a playing position, showcasing its concert body shape and innovative TransAcoustic features.
3. Yamaha FSC TA TransAcoustic Concert Cutaway
Innovation Meets Affordability
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Concert Cutaway
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Neck: Nato
- Scale: 25”
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Die-cast Chrome
- Electronics: SYSTEM70 TransAcoustic
- Left-handed: No
- Finish: Gloss
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique and innovative built-in effects technology
- Exceptional playability and comfortable action
Reasons to Avoid:
- Built-in effects might be perceived as gimmicky by some
- Features only a solid top, not all-solid wood construction
The Yamaha FSC TA TransAcoustic is a guitar that genuinely surprises and impresses. Its unique TransAcoustic technology allows you to conjure up warm chorus and lush reverb sounds without needing to plug into an amplifier.
This is achieved through an actuator inside the soundhole, which captures string vibrations, converts them into electrical signals, and then transmits them back through the guitar body, effectively using the instrument itself as a speaker. Beyond its innovative technology, the FSC TA TransAcoustic also offers exceptional playability, with low action and no fret buzz across the neck. Its bright tone, complemented by warm low-end response from the body, makes this an incredibly exciting and versatile acoustic guitar.
Best Orchestra Model
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: Fender Paramount PO-220E
Image: The Fender Paramount PO-220E Orchestra acoustic guitar, highlighting its orchestra body shape and elegant headstock design.
4. Fender Paramount PO-220E Orchestra
Premium Specs at an Accessible Price
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Orchestra
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale: 25.3″
- Fingerboard: Ovangkol
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Nickel Open-Back
- Electronics: Fender/Fishman Sonitone Plus Soundhole Pickup System
- Left-handed: No
- Finish: Gloss Polyester
Reasons to Buy:
- Well-balanced and articulate tonal character
- Excellent choice for fingerstyle guitarists
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not project as loudly unplugged as larger body shapes
- Electronics are functional but not feature-rich
While Fender may be more widely recognized for its electric guitars, the company has a long history of crafting quality acoustics, dating back to the 1960s with endorsements from artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The Paramount series represents Fender’s premium acoustic offerings, and the PO-220E is a recent addition featuring all-solid mahogany body construction.
Being an orchestra model, it’s smaller than a dreadnought, resulting in slightly less volume and low-end presence. However, the mahogany provides a wonderfully warm tone that remains plenty loud for intimate gigs and street performances. The neck profile subtly nods to Fender’s renowned electric guitars, featuring a slim ‘C’ shape that feels comfortable for diverse playing styles. The matte finish on the neck back eliminates any stickiness, allowing for smooth and effortless playing.
Best Cutaway
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: PRS SE Angelus A40E
Image: The PRS SE Angelus A40E acoustic guitar, emphasizing its cutaway body style and signature PRS bird inlays on the fretboard.
5. PRS SE Angelus A40E
Electric Playability, Acoustic Tone
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Angelus Cutaway
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Ovangkol
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale: 25.3”
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: PRS-Designed
- Electronics: Fishman GT1
- Left-handed: No
Reasons to Buy:
- Punchy and articulate sonic character
- Visually stunning with classic PRS aesthetics
Reasons to Avoid:
- Features a solid top, but not all-solid wood construction
- Bass response is less pronounced compared to larger body styles
Despite being a relatively newer entrant to the acoustic guitar market, PRS Guitars has leveraged its design expertise to create a high-quality acoustic guitar range that offers exceptional value. The SE Angelus A40E delivers smooth playability and distinctive PRS aesthetics.
Despite being part of the SE range, this guitar retains high-end PRS appointments, giving it the appearance of a much more expensive instrument with signature bird inlays and a unique headstock design. Sonically, it offers a balanced midrange tone that is versatile for both fingerpicking and strumming styles. Featuring PRS’ signature ‘wide fat’ neck profile, this guitar will feel familiar to electric guitarists transitioning to acoustic, providing superb playability. Barre chords are easily managed, and even whole-step bends are achievable.
Best Jumbo
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: Takamine GJ72CE
Image: The Takamine GJ72CE jumbo acoustic guitar, showcasing its large body size and gloss finish, designed for powerful projection.
6. Takamine GJ72CE
Gig-Ready Jumbo Powerhouse
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Jumbo
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Flame Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale: 25.35”
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Frets: 21
- Tuners: Gold Plated
- Electronics: Takamine TK-40D
- Left-handed: No
- Finish: Gloss
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional value for money in a jumbo body style
- Smooth and comfortable playability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Large jumbo body size may be cumbersome for some players
- Electronics are functional but basic
If you’re aiming to perform live, the Takamine GJ72CE electro-acoustic is an excellent choice. Renowned for their pickups and preamps, Takamine has a strong reputation for crafting high-quality acoustic guitars for stage use.
The GJ72CE, while substantial in size, delivers a well-balanced tone. It provides crisp and clear notes in the midrange, coupled with a nicely defined low end. It excels at strumming and, when amplified, can be further enhanced with bass EQ adjustments. The neck features a substantial ‘C’ shape, providing a comfortable playing platform with a 12-inch radius. The action is set low from the factory, and its medium frets contribute to an electric-guitar-like feel, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.
Best Compact
Best acoustic guitars under 00: Taylor GS Mini
Image: The Taylor GS Mini acoustic guitar, highlighting its smaller, compact body size, perfect for travel and portability.
7. GS Mini-e Mahogany
Compact Size, Big Sound
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Mini Grand Symphony
- Top: Solid mahogany
- Back & Sides: Layered sapele
- Neck: Mahogany
- Scale: 23.5”
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Taylor chrome
- Electronics: ES-B
- Left-handed: Yes
- Finish: Matte
Reasons to Buy:
- Dynamic and punchy sound despite its smaller size
- Warm yet clear and well-defined tonal characteristics
- Equipped with a decent pickup system
Reasons to Avoid:
- May not be suitable if a larger, full-bodied acoustic sound is desired
Any model within the GS Mini series is a strong contender for the best compact acoustic guitar under $1000, especially if you prioritize portability without sacrificing tone. The mahogany version offers a lovely warm, woody tone with impressive dynamics. It features a solid mahogany top paired with layered sapele back and sides, which adds a touch of brightness to the overall sound.
While more compact than a full-size concert guitar, it still projects a surprising amount of volume. It’s also not as diminutive as a 3/4 size guitar, making the transition comfortable for players accustomed to full-sized instruments. It responds well to both fingerpicking and strumming and is versatile for various playing styles. The onboard ES-B pickup system provides amplification when needed, and it includes a quality gig bag for convenient transport.
Best Dreadnought
Best acoustic guitars under ,000: Guild D-140
Image: The Guild D-140 dreadnought acoustic guitar, showcasing its classic dreadnought shape and natural wood finish, designed for rich, resonant tone.
8. Guild D-140
Classic Dreadnought Tone, Timeless Appeal
Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Type: Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid African Mahogany
- Neck: African Mahogany
- Scale: 25.5″
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Frets: 20
- Tuners: Guild Vintage 18 Open Gear Tuners
- Electronics: N/A
- Left-handed: No
- Finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Reasons to Buy:
- Beautiful, natural acoustic tones with rich character
- Outstanding playability and comfortable neck profile
Reasons to Avoid:
- Does not include onboard electronics
Despite not being as widely recognized as some brands on this list, the Guild D-140 boasts a significant heritage, having been used by influential artists like Nick Drake, Tom Petty, and Jeff Buckley. Lacking electronics, the D-140 relies entirely on its natural acoustic properties for projection, and it excels in this regard. It delivers a full-bodied midrange and bright, chime-like highs, with ample low-end presence.
The neck features a ‘C’ profile that will feel instantly familiar to most guitarists. It has a relatively wide nut, making it well-suited for fingerstyle playing but still comfortable for barre chords. Combined with a premium bone nut and saddle, the D-140 is a highly capable and resonant acoustic guitar.
FAQ
Close-up of Takamine GJ72CE body
Image: A detailed close-up of the flamed maple back and sides of the Takamine GJ72CE, highlighting the wood grain and craftsmanship.
Choosing The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $1,000
When searching for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000, several factors deserve careful consideration to ensure you invest in an instrument that aligns with your playing style and musical needs. In this mid-range price bracket, you can expect a significant step up in quality, making informed decisions crucial.
Is The Wood Important On An Acoustic Guitar?
The tonewoods used in an acoustic guitar profoundly influence its sound. Acoustic guitars around and below the $1000 mark typically utilize a combination of solid and laminate (layered) woods. Solid wood generally resonates more freely than laminate, resulting in a richer, more complex, and often louder sound. While neither is inherently “better,” most players prefer the sonic characteristics of solid wood for acoustic instruments.
However, solid wood construction typically increases the price. A common compromise is a guitar featuring a solid top and laminate back and sides. The top is akin to the speaker of the guitar, so a solid top can contribute significantly to tone, while laminate back and sides help manage costs. At the $1000 price point and below, you’ll encounter some all-solid wood guitars, alongside excellent instruments with laminate back and sides.
The specific wood species also play a role. Spruce, maple, and koa tend to produce brighter tones with more high-end clarity. Mahogany and cedar, conversely, offer warmer and mellower sonic qualities. Your preferred musical genre and playing context—solo performance versus playing with a band—can influence which tonewood combination best suits your needs.
What Size Of Acoustic Should I Choose?
The body size of an acoustic guitar significantly impacts both its playing feel and its sound. Choosing the right size is essential for comfort and tonal preferences. Smaller body sizes, such as Concert, Grand Auditorium, and Parlor, generally produce a tighter, more focused sound with less pronounced low-end frequencies. These guitars often excel in ensemble settings as they occupy a narrower frequency range, reducing potential muddiness in the mix.
In contrast, Dreadnought and Jumbo body shapes deliver a fuller, deeper sound with enhanced bass response due to their larger size. These models are popular among singer-songwriters and solo performers as they offer a broad frequency spectrum that sounds complete and rich on its own. However, the expanded low-end of larger guitars can sometimes become overwhelming in band situations, potentially clashing with bass guitars or kick drums.
Do I Need a Pickup?
Many of the best acoustic guitars under $1000 come equipped with onboard pickups. This feature makes them ready for live performance and amplified situations. Even if you don’t currently anticipate needing amplification, having a pickup can be a valuable asset for future versatility. If you are certain that you will never need to plug in, opting for a model without electronics might allow you to allocate more of your budget to higher-quality tonewoods or construction features. Some models are available in both pickup-equipped and non-pickup versions. It’s worth noting that modern pickup systems and cutaway body styles generally have minimal impact on an acoustic guitar’s unplugged tone.
How We Choose
At Guitar Player, our team comprises dedicated guitarists deeply immersed in the world of acoustic instruments. To curate our list of the top acoustic guitars under $1000, we combine extensive hands-on testing, rigorous research, and in-depth discussions within our editorial team. We evaluate a wide range of factors, including tonal quality, playability, build quality, aesthetics, and overall value, ensuring we recommend only the finest instruments in this price range.
As passionate musicians ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the perfect guitar that resonates with your individual playing style and musical aspirations. Whether you are a fingerstyle specialist, a strumming enthusiast, or a versatile player, our aim is to provide reliable and informed recommendations to guide you in discovering the best acoustic guitar under $1000 for your unique musical journey.
Learn more about how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.
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