Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand that acoustic guitars in today’s market have drastically improved compared to those from decades past. You no longer need to worry about sacrificing quality when buying a budget-friendly guitar.
Many issues commonly associated with cheap acoustic guitars are now relics of the past.
The value you can find in affordable acoustic guitars today is truly remarkable.
Here’s a curated list of the best sounding, and remarkably cheap, acoustic guitars available right now.
Jasmine S-35 Acoustic Guitar
Get ready for a surprisingly rich tone!
Takamine guitars are renowned for their signature rich and sweet sound. What many guitarists may not realize is the existence of the Jasmine line. This series represents Takamine’s budget-conscious offerings, delivering exceptional value, especially when considering the sound quality. Many guitars in a higher price bracket simply can’t compete with the tone produced by the Jasmine S-35. You might be surprised at just how good it sounds.
This guitar genuinely produces a tone reminiscent of a much more expensive instrument. For its price range, it boasts arguably the most beautiful sound you’ll find.
Close-up of Jasmine S-35 headstock with logo
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Rogue RA-090 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Rogue RA-090 Dreadnought holds a special place as a personal favorite among cheap guitars, primarily due to its exceptional durability. Its robustness is so impressive that I’ve purchased three over the years, gifting one to a friend, another to my sister, and keeping one for myself (though it might end up as another gift soon!). Beyond their incredible resilience, these guitars are incredibly comfortable to play and offer an unexpectedly rich tone for their affordable price tag.
The best part? They sound fantastic, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality sound.
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Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Describing the tone of the Fender CD-60S is proving surprisingly challenging, even for someone accustomed to articulating sonic nuances. It possesses a uniquely darker character, a sound that resonates with deeper emotions. This guitar seems almost purpose-built for playing melancholic or introspective pieces. Listen closely to minor chords in demonstrations, and you’ll notice the bass frequencies truly shine, adding depth and warmth to the sound.
Interestingly, the CD-60S models are designed with beginners in mind. They incorporate several features that enhance playability, making the learning process more comfortable and enjoyable for new guitarists.
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Cort AD810 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Cort AD810 is truly hard to overlook due to its remarkably bright and cheerful tone. Even a brief listen will immediately reveal its vibrant sonic character. This bright tone is somewhat unusual for guitars in this price range, which often lean towards warmer or muddier sounds. While it might lack a touch of sweetness in the overall tone for some, many players find its clarity and brilliance highly appealing.
Considering Cort is a brand that may not have widespread name recognition among casual players, the AD810 represents exceptional value. It’s a strong contender in the budget acoustic guitar market, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see these models become more sought after in the future.
Epiphone Pro-1 Acoustic Guitar
Epiphone is consistently an underrated guitar brand, offering quality instruments at accessible prices. The Epiphone Pro-1 stands out as a particularly unique model within their lineup.
If you prioritize ease of playing and are seeking an acoustic guitar that is exceptionally gentle on the hands, the Pro-1 is an ideal choice. It offers a remarkably effortless playing experience compared to many standard acoustics. Players accustomed to typical acoustic guitars will immediately notice the difference in comfort.
The entire design of the Pro-1 is centered around maximizing player comfort. From the thoughtfully shaped neck profile to the specially selected strings, every element is engineered to make playing as easy and enjoyable as possible, especially for beginners or those with hand fatigue.
I had the opportunity to try the Pro-1 earlier this year and was genuinely impressed. It’s a very cool instrument that prioritizes player comfort without compromising on sound quality for its price point. It’s truly one of the easiest-playing acoustic guitars you’ll encounter.
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Ibanez AEG50 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (Used)
The first thing you’ll notice about the Ibanez AEG50 is its elegant appearance and refined sound. It’s an undeniably beautiful guitar, both visually and sonically. Ibanez has a long-standing reputation for crafting some of the most aesthetically pleasing guitars available.
However, there’s a slight caveat: to find the AEG50 at a truly budget-friendly price, you’ll likely need to explore the used market.
Despite this, I felt compelled to include it on this list because even if you need to purchase it used to get a super cheap deal…
The tone is simply heavenly. It possesses a captivating quality that can truly transport you. Its rich and resonant sound is well worth seeking out, even if it means considering a pre-owned option.
Mitchell MD100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Mitchell MD100 represents a quintessential, no-frills acoustic guitar. This isn’t a criticism; rather, it highlights its well-rounded nature. It doesn’t boast any particularly unique features, but excels in delivering consistent quality across the board. From its balanced tone to its solid construction, the MD100 is simply a reliable and good-sounding guitar without unnecessary embellishments.
Overall, the Mitchell MD100 is a solid and dependable inexpensive guitar that delivers a satisfying playing experience.
Epiphone DR-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Epiphone DR-100 is simply a great guitar, continuing the trend of Epiphone instruments exceeding expectations, especially in the budget category. It’s often said that Epiphone guitars are underrated, and it holds true – even their more affordable models often sound surprisingly fantastic when compared to higher-priced guitars from other brands. The DR-100 is no exception, delivering a rich and impressive tone that belies its price.
To truly appreciate the DR-100’s sonic capabilities, consider watching comparison videos where its tone is juxtaposed with guitars in much higher price brackets, such as a Martin D-28 (a guitar costing thousands of dollars). While a high-end Martin will undoubtedly offer a more refined tone, the Epiphone DR-100 holds its own remarkably well, demonstrating the exceptional value it provides.
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Yamaha F325D Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
What’s most notable about the Yamaha F325D is its unassuming nature. It’s arguably the most straightforward, “plain Jane” guitar on this list. However, this simplicity is actually a significant strength. The F325D is exceptionally well-built for its price point, prioritizing quality construction and reliable performance over flashy aesthetics. Upon handling this guitar, you’ll notice the use of higher-quality components than typically found on entry-level models. This robust build makes it an ideal “go-anywhere” guitar that can withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use without undue worry about damage. This durability is a major advantage for an inexpensive acoustic guitar.
Beyond its ruggedness, the Yamaha F325D also delivers a pleasing sound. It’s a dependable and well-rounded instrument that’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike seeking a reliable and affordable acoustic.
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Dean Flight Series Travel Acoustic Guitar
Short-scale guitars are finally gaining the recognition they deserve for their unique advantages. They are particularly well-suited for players with hand conditions like arthritis or those with smaller hands who find standard guitar scales a stretch. However, some acoustic guitarists have been hesitant about smaller-bodied instruments, as they often perceive a trade-off in sound volume and fullness compared to dreadnoughts. The sonic difference between a dreadnought and a travel-sized guitar is indeed significant.
Despite the smaller body, Dean Flight Series guitars are excellent instruments and produce a surprisingly pleasant tone. Their standout feature is their exceptional playability. They are incredibly easy to play, making them ideal for beginners, travelers, or anyone seeking a comfortable and portable acoustic guitar.
Dean Flight Series guitars are available in a variety of styles, offering visual options to suit different preferences.
Fender FA-125 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Fender FA-125 produces an absolutely incredible sound, making it arguably the best-sounding inexpensive acoustic guitar currently available. Its sonic quality is so impressive it’s almost unbelievable for its price. If you were to hear it without knowing the price tag, you might easily mistake it for a guitar costing significantly more.
Beyond its exceptional tone, the FA-125 offers several appealing features. One particularly noteworthy aspect is its flatter neck profile, which facilitates smoother and faster movement along the fretboard. This feature can be advantageous for players interested in exploring faster playing styles or lead guitar techniques on an acoustic.
Overall, the Fender FA-125 represents an outstanding value proposition, delivering premium sound and playability at an incredibly accessible price. It’s truly a remarkable deal for any guitarist seeking a high-quality, affordable acoustic.
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Epiphone PR-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
As previously mentioned, Epiphone guitars consistently offer exceptional value and often fly under the radar. The Epiphone PR-150 is another prime example, boasting both beautiful sound and attractive aesthetics. Featuring mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, the PR-150 is visually appealing, especially with its striking roseburst finish.
The sound quality of the PR-150 is equally impressive. Listening to demonstrations will likely surprise you with the richness and depth of tone it produces. The level of sound quality offered by this guitar was simply unattainable in this price range even a decade ago, highlighting the advancements in budget guitar manufacturing. Reviews often point out other compelling features of this model, making it a well-rounded and highly recommended option.
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Jasmine S34C Acoustic Guitar
Yes, another Jasmine! I simply had to include another Jasmine model on this list because they consistently deliver exceptional sound quality at an unbeatable price point. These guitars are truly steals in terms of value.
As noted before, Jasmine guitars are produced by Takamine, representing a distinct line within their offerings. In my opinion, many Jasmine models sound just as good as, if not better than, some Takamine-branded guitars, particularly when considering the price difference.
The Jasmine S34C, in particular, boasts an incredibly full-bodied tone that is remarkably hard to surpass in the budget instrument category. It’s a truly impressive (and physically substantial) instrument that delivers a rich and resonant sound experience.
