When I was first starting out on guitar, it was hard to find a decent acoustic with a solid top for under $600. Even then, my first solid top acoustic which cost about as much didn’t play as well as the guitars being produced for a fraction of the cost these days. It’s true that you get what you pay for, but these days, you get a whole lot more bang (or should I say strum) for the buck!
If you’ve got a great local music instrument shop, I’d recommend you pay them a visit and check out their offerings and suggestions. Otherwise, here’s a quick list of some of my favorite starter / budget minded acoustic guitars…
Disclosure: Amazon buys me coffee when I refer sales from the links below. ( Full Disclosure )
Acoustic Guitars for Adults
Good
Fender FA-100 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack
Price: $144.99
Includes:
- Gig Bag
- Strap
- Picks
- Tuner
- Extra Set of Guitar Strings
Specs:
- Dreadnought Body Style
- Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge
- Laminated Spruce Top
Better
Fender CC-60S
Price: $219.99
Specs:
- Concert Body Style
- Solid Spruce Top!
- Laminated Mahogany Back & Sides
- Adjustable Truss Rod
Includes:
- Hard Case
- Tuner
- Extra Strings
- Picks
- Strap
Smaller Body Option
For those who would like a smaller sized body in a full/adult sized guitar. Also popular amongst those who play folk/Americana/finger-style. Has a smaller sound overall than the larger dreadnought style.
Fender CP-60s
Price: $199.99
Specs:
- Parlor Style Design
- Solid Spruce Top!
- Mahogany Back & Sides
Includes:
- Tuner
- Stand
Best
Guitars below have solid spruce tops and built in pickups at minimum.
Fender CC-60SCE
Price: $339.99
Specs:
- Concert Style Body (Slightly Smaller than Dreadnought – Very Comfortable)
- Solid Spruce Top!
- Mahogany Back & Sides
- Cutaway Style Body
- Fishman Low Profile Pickup/Preamp
- Built In Guitar Tuner!
Includes:
- Hard Case
- Tuner
- Guitar ¼” Cable
- Strap
- Picks
- Extra Guitar Strings
Fender CP-140SE
Price: 399.99
Specs:
- Parlor Style Body
- Solid Spruce Top
- Rosewood Back & Sides
- Easy to Play Neck with Rolled Fingerboard Edges
- Fishman Pickup/Preamp with Tuner!
Includes:
- Guitar Only
Acoustic Guitars for Kids
Age 8 -12 (¾ Size)
Fender MA-1
Price: $139.99
Specs:
- 3/4 Size
- Rosewood Fretboard
- Agathis Wood Top
Includes:
- Gig Bag
Yamaha JR1
Price: $149.99
Specs:
- Laminated Spruce Top
- Meranti Back and Sides
- Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
Includes:
- Gig Bag
- Tuner
- Picks
- Extra Set of Strings
- String Winder
Age 6-9 (½ Size)
Yamaha JR2
Price: 159.99
Specs:
- 1/2 Size
- Laminated Spruce Top
- Mahogany Back and Sides
- Rosewood Fretboard and Bridge
Includes:
- Gig Bag
- Tuner
- Picks
- Extra Set of Strings
- String Winder