7 Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars of 2023 Review – Music Critic

Cheap Acoustic Guitar Buyers Guide

What to look for in a cheap acoustic guitar?

Our first piece of advice for anyone wanting to purchase a cheap acoustic guitar is that you should always choose a model that’s been made by a leading or trustworthy brand. Epiphone, Yamaha, and Fender, for example, all have an excellent reputation for consistency and reliability. If you purchase a product from one of these brands, then you know what you’re getting. These companies are also able to manufacture to a high level on a mass scale, which is why they’re able to offer products for such a low price. Lesser known or smaller brands just won’t have the same production facilities, so they cannot produce the same quality for the same price.

We recommend that you check the materials used for the construction of the instrument before purchasing it. You should ensure that quality tonewoods are used. We think that a spruce top is always a safe choice, as this wood resonates well, and it’s even used on much more expensive models too because of its resonant qualities.

You have a choice when it comes to budget products. Either you go for a laminated top or a solid top. In our opinion, if you are willing to pay slightly extra for a solid top, then you should do. The difference in sound quality is obvious between these two types of guitars. A solid top simply resonates much better. But one downside to a solid top is that it weighs much more than a laminated body. If you’re looking for portability above all else, then get yourself a laminated model instead.

Cheap, of course, is a subjective term. What’s cheap for one person might not be cheap to another. If you’re willing to spend between $200 and $500, then you will be able to find a product that has been very well made, featuring high-grade tonewoods. If you want to get even more bang for your buck, then we recommend purchasing a guitar that comes as part of a bundle. It will provide you with all the necessary accessories a beginner needs, which can save you lots of cash in the long run. Some accessories that you’ll find as part of a bundle include a case, stand, and chromatic tuner.

What type of cheap acoustic guitar is best for beginners?

You want a low action, as this will make playability easier. You will also want to consider choosing a model with a narrow neck, as this will be easier to maneuver. If you’re purchasing a guitar for a child or teenager, or you’re an adult with smaller hands, then you may want to consider a model that’s got a shorter scale length.

We also recommend that beginners purchase a guitar that comes as part of a bundle. This will provide you with all the essential products you need. A good bundle will include a wide range of accessories, from guitar picks to a sturdy case.

We can recommend the Yamaha models on our list as being particularly well-suited to beginners. Yamaha is a brand that’s often used by learns as it delivers a lot of quality for a very affordable price. All the Yamaha models on our list are also designed to make playability even easier, which is an advantage for beginners. We can also recommend the Fender models if you’re looking for an even cheaper model than Yamaha offer.

What is the best quality cheap acoustic guitar?

It will depend on how you define quality.

Let’s look at sound quality first. In our opinion, the Epiphone on our list sounds the best. The warm and rich tone that it offers is something special. It’s also very well-balanced, which makes it versatile and suited to a range of musical genres.

When it comes to the build quality, then the Yamaha 800 has to be up there. It costs a little more than many other models on our list, but we think it’s worth it if you’re willing to spend it.

For a decent-sounding, cheap acoustic instrument made from quality components then you should probably expect to pay more than the $250 mark. Of course, some fine guitars cost less than this, but you’ll quickly outgrow them once your skills improve.

If you are simply looking for the very cheapest product, then the Oscar Schmidt on our list is the one to go for. It’s a great product for the price, but it is limited, of course. Still, if you just want something cheap, then we can recommend the Oscar Schmidt.

Conclusion

There are three main reasons why someone is wanting to buy a guitar in the budget price category. One, it is because they are a beginner. Two, it is simply a financial necessity. Three, it is because they want a product that can be knocked about, allowing you to spare your beloved main guitar. Regardless of why you might want a cheap instrument, the important thing is that you choose one that offers durability, playability, and good sound quality.

In our opinion, all the products on our list tick these boxes. You might think that there isn’t too much difference between the models after reading our list, but that is often the case in the budget price range. Much is the same, but there are slight differences, and it is these small differences that will lead you to make your choice as to what one is for you.

If we were forced to choose our favorite of all the models that we’ve reviewed, then after some thought, we would go for the Epiphone. It has a unique sound that makes it seem like a much more expensive product. It’s been constructed from high-grade materials. And it is also available for a shockingly low price.

That’s just our pick, though. The one that you decide is your favorite might be different. We recommend that you list your personal needs, whether that’s budget, sound, or looks, and then read through our reviews again carefully before deciding which one to spend your hard-earned dollars on. Don’t forget, buying one that’s part of a bundle can also save you lots of money, as you won’t need to buy all the accessories separately.

We hope that you’ve found our article valuable. Hopefully, now that you’ve read our reviews and buyer’s guide, you’re in a good position to choose your next guitar.

Expert Tip

If you’re looking for a cheap guitar because you want a product that you don’t mind getting damaged while you go on holiday or backpacking, then you might find our article about the 10 best travel guitars in 2023 very interesting indeed.

Did You Know?

Guitar strings can have a big impact on the sound that the instrument delivers. Usually, stock strings that come on a guitar aren’t the best quality. We always recommend that you make an upgrade, especially when purchasing a budget product. It doesn’t cost a lot to buy great strings but it can make a huge difference.