Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be overwhelming, especially with so many brands vying for your attention. If you’re asking “what’s a good acoustic guitar?”, you’re likely looking for guidance on brands that offer quality and value. To help you navigate this, we’ve put together a tier list of acoustic guitar brands based on hands-on experience. This list is designed to offer a clear, opinionated view to assist you in your search for the perfect instrument.
F Tier
These brands represent the entry-level of entry-level guitars. While affordability is their main appeal, consider exploring higher tiers or the used market for better quality instruments.
Rogue: Marketed as budget-friendly beginner guitars, but for a better starting experience, you’re better off looking at used guitars from brands in the C or B tiers.
Mitchell: Often found as a house brand, these guitars, in our experience, generally don’t offer the best sound or playability.
D Tier
The D tier brands often suffer from compromised tone due to the use of laminated tops. While visually appealing in some cases, the sound quality generally falls short compared to guitars with solid wood tops.
Washburn: While potentially the best of the D tier, the Washburn acoustics we’ve encountered have been largely unremarkable in terms of sound and overall quality.
Ibanez: Known for their sleek aesthetics and comfortable playability, Ibanez acoustic guitars with laminated tops often lack in tonal depth. Even with decent setup, the sound doesn’t quite measure up.
Fender: Similar to Ibanez in this tier, Fender acoustics, even those with solid tops in this price range, often don’t deliver a compelling acoustic tone in our experience.
C Tier
Brands in the C tier offer a mixed bag. While some may have appealing features or specific models, as a whole, they tend to be less consistent or lack certain qualities compared to higher tiers.
Guild: While respected for their electric guitars, Guild acoustics often come across as somewhat uninspiring, lacking the vibrancy found in other brands.
Gretsch: Known for their iconic electric guitars, Gretsch acoustics, in our experience, sometimes fall short in terms of volume and sonic openness compared to their electric counterparts.
Takamine: Regardless of price point, Takamine acoustics can often sound thin and lack low-end resonance. However, players seeking brighter, mid-focused tones might find them more appealing.
Epiphone: While the Masterbilt series could arguably be in the B tier for its value, the more budget-friendly Epiphone models bring the overall brand to the C tier in terms of consistent quality and sound.
B Tier
The B tier represents brands that consistently offer good quality and value. These are brands that are generally reliable and offer instruments suitable for a wide range of players.
Alvarez: While some high-end Alvarez Yairi models could be A-tier, many standard Alvarez guitars, while affordable, don’t always deliver exceptional sound. It’s a brand with highs and lows in its range.
Ovation: Ovation guitars are unique, both in sound and feel, due to their round backs. They are polarizing – some players love their distinctive sound and feel, while others don’t. Higher-end Ovations can sound excellent, while even the more affordable models are generally decent.
Larrivée: Larrivée guitars are well-made, but their tonal profile might not appeal to everyone. While some players might rank them higher, personally, we find their sound less engaging compared to other brands in higher tiers.
Seagull: Seagull offers exceptional value, particularly the S6 model, which is highly regarded. Moving up the Seagull range generally yields even better sound and quality, especially their cedar-topped models, which are known for their rich tone. Models with electronics also feature quality components.
Yamaha: Yamaha is known for producing some of the best starter acoustic guitars for the money. Their consistency across their range is impressive, and their higher-end acoustics are also excellent. For players seeking a reliable, good-sounding acoustic guitar on a budget, Yamaha is a top choice.
Gibson: Gibson is known for quality parts and craftsmanship; however, consistency can be an issue. While they can produce excellent guitars, quality control can sometimes be a concern compared to more consistent brands in higher tiers.
A Tier
The A tier brands represent high-quality instruments that consistently deliver excellent sound and playability. These are brands often sought after by serious players and professionals.
Martin: Martins are the quintessential choice for those seeking a traditional, deep, and resonant acoustic guitar sound. They are a benchmark for acoustic tone and quality.
Taylor: Taylor guitars are known for their bright, modern, and articulate sound. They are well-built and offer excellent playability, appealing to players seeking a more contemporary acoustic tone.
Breedlove: Breedlove guitars share a similar quality level to Martin and Taylor but often lean towards a modern and bright sound profile with a distinctive feel. They offer a unique voice within the high-end acoustic market.
S Tier
This is the pinnacle of acoustic guitar brands. These brands represent the absolute best in craftsmanship, materials, and sound quality, offering instruments that are truly exceptional.
Collings: Collings acoustic guitars consistently impress. Every Collings instrument we’ve played has been outstanding, representing the highest level of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and sonic excellence.
This tier list is based on personal experience and is intended as a guide. Your own preferences and experiences may differ. We encourage you to explore different brands and models to discover what sounds and feels best to you in your search for a good acoustic guitar.
