Following up on the electric guitar brand tier list, it’s time to dive into the world of acoustic guitars. Just like before, this ranking is based on personal experience and aims to categorize acoustic guitar brands from best to worst, sparking some debate along the way.
It’s important to note that this list includes brands I’ve personally played guitars from. Understanding that production can vary, with some factories making instruments for multiple brands and companies offering both entry-level and high-end models, these tiers reflect my overall impression of each brand.
So, let’s get started and see where your favorite acoustic guitar brands land.
F Tier
These are brands I would generally steer clear of, especially when there are better options available even at similar price points.
Rogue: Marketed as budget-friendly beginner guitars, but in this category, exploring used guitars from brands in the C or B tiers would be a much wiser investment for quality and sound.
Mitchell: Often found as a house brand, these guitars, in my experience, consistently fall short in terms of overall quality and sound compared to other brands.
D Tier
The primary reason for brands landing in the D tier is often the use of laminated tops, which significantly impacts the tone. Solid wood tops generally contribute to a richer and more resonant sound in acoustic guitars.
Washburn: While Washburn might be considered a stronger contender within this tier, the models I’ve encountered have generally been unremarkable in terms of sound and overall impression.
Ibanez: Known for visually appealing instruments and generally good playability straight out of the box, Ibanez acoustic guitars with laminated tops often lack the desired depth and richness in sound.
Fender: Similar to Ibanez in this acoustic context, even Fender models with solid tops haven’t impressed me with their sound quality in comparison to other brands in higher tiers.
C Tier
Brands in the C tier offer some merits but often fall short in certain aspects, preventing them from reaching higher rankings.
Guild: While I appreciate Guild’s electric guitars, their acoustic offerings often strike me as somewhat lacking in vibrancy and projection.
Gretsch: A favorite for electric guitars, Gretsch acoustics, to my ears, sometimes miss the mark in terms of volume and openness, feeling a bit constrained in their sound.
Takamine: Across various price points, Takamine guitars tend to have a thinner sound profile, particularly lacking in low-end frequencies. However, players who prefer brighter tones with emphasis on mids and highs might find Takamine more appealing.
Epiphone: The Epiphone Masterbilt series could arguably belong in the B tier due to exceptional value. However, the more budget-oriented Epiphone models bring the overall brand ranking down to the C tier in my assessment.
B Tier
This tier represents brands that offer good quality and value, often providing solid performance and features for the price.
Alvarez: Owning an Alvarez Yairi, which I’d consider A-tier quality, acknowledges the brand’s potential. However, while some Alvarez models, particularly the Yairi line, are exceptional, a significant portion of their range consists of more affordable guitars that don’t quite reach the same sonic heights. It’s a mix of excellent and average within the brand.
Ovation: Ovation guitars have a distinctive sound and feel that can be polarizing. While some appreciate their unique qualities and comfortable playability, others might not favor the round back design or the characteristic Ovation sound. Higher-end Ovations often deliver impressive sound, and even the more affordable models offer decent performance.
Larrivée: While Larrivée guitars are undoubtedly well-made and respected for their quality construction, their sonic character doesn’t personally resonate with me as much as other brands. However, I recognize that many players consider Larrivée an A-tier brand, appreciating their sound and craftsmanship.
Seagull: Seagull guitars consistently offer outstanding value, particularly models like the S6. Their cedar solid tops contribute to a pleasing tone, and models equipped with electronics often feature quality components, making them a reliable and cost-effective choice.
Yamaha: Yamaha produces some of the best entry-level acoustic guitars available. Known for consistency and quality across their range, Yamaha guitars provide a dependable option for beginners and beyond. Their high-end models are also highly regarded, but even their budget-friendly guitars offer excellent value for players seeking a quality instrument without breaking the bank. For those looking for a good guitar brand on a tighter budget, Yamaha is an excellent starting point.
Gibson: Gibson is renowned for high-quality components and craftsmanship in their guitars. However, inconsistencies in quality control have been a recurring issue in my experience, preventing them from consistently reaching the A tier in acoustics, despite their strong reputation in electric guitars.
A Tier
These brands consistently deliver high-quality instruments with excellent sound and playability, representing some of the top choices in acoustic guitars.
Martin: Martin guitars are the quintessential choice for those seeking a traditional, deep, and resonant acoustic sound. Their guitars are often praised for their rich low end and classic acoustic tone, making them a benchmark for traditional acoustic guitar sounds.
Taylor: Taylor guitars are known for their bright, modern, and articulate sound. With excellent build quality and a focus on contemporary acoustic tones, Taylor guitars appeal to players seeking a more modern sonic aesthetic.
Breedlove: Similar in quality to Martin and Taylor, Breedlove guitars often lean towards a modern and bright sound profile with a distinctive feel and design. They offer a unique take on the modern acoustic guitar, often incorporating innovative bracing patterns and tonewood combinations.
S Tier
This is the pinnacle of acoustic guitar brands, representing exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and sound that consistently surpasses expectations.
Collings: Every Collings acoustic guitar I have ever played has been truly exceptional. Collings represents a gold standard in acoustic guitar craftsmanship, with meticulous attention to detail and consistently stunning sound quality, making them a top-tier brand for discerning players.
What are your thoughts on this acoustic guitar brand ranking? Do you agree with these placements, or would you rearrange the tiers? What brands would you consider S-tier or F-tier?
