Top Acoustic Guitars on a Budget in 2025: Affordable Models with Notable Legacy
Looking for your first six-string or a budget-friendly instrument without breaking the bank? The best cheap acoustic guitars cater to everyone's needs, from beginners to seasoned players. Today, we're diving into the world of affordability and exploring top options for all budgets.
In recent years, musical instrument costs have crept up everywhere, but surprisingly, it's never been easier to get a good cheap acoustic guitar. We're talking instruments between $130-500. Anything under $130 might stretch the definition of affordable, and spending more than $500 defeats the purpose of a budget guitar.
The best cheap acoustic guitars come in various shapes and sizes. From compact parlor and concert guitars perfect for smaller players, to big, bold jumbos delivering volume for those who need it, there's something here for everyone. But let's start with our top recommended guitar:
Yamaha F310: Best overallKnown for its fantastic build quality, ease of use, and insane affordability, this dreadnought acoustic guitar delivers an excellent experience. With a laminate spruce top and meranti back and sides, the Yamaha F310 produces a traditional tone that's hard to beat at this price point.
If you're after your first acoustic guitar, the Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is an excellent choice. This popular beginner model boasts a large acoustic voice, comes in three colors, and is phenomenal value for money. Just be aware that its dreadnought size may be a bit too large for very young players.
For those who plan to play live or need on-the-go tuning, check out the D'Angelico Premier Gramercy LS. Its stylish design hides a versatile instrument that can play a variety of styles, featuring a built-in preamp and tuner for added convenience.
Best overall
1. Yamaha F310
Our expert review:
Specifications
- Laminate spruce top
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Meranti back and sides
- Excellent build quality
- Rich, complex tone
Reasons to buy
- An excellent, no-fuss acoustic
- Great price and comfort
- Superb build quality
Reasons to avoid
- May be too large for some players
Build quality rating: ★★★★★Playability rating: ★★★★★Sounds rating: ★★★★★Overall: ★★★★★
Yamaha offers reasonably priced instruments, and the Yamaha F310 sits comfortably below $250. This entry-level dreadnought showcases all the hallmarks you'd expect from a Yamaha guitar, with an insanely playable neck, impressive build quality, and rich, complex tone – all for a wallet-friendly price.
Best for beginners
2. Epiphone DR-100
Our expert review:
Specifications
- Spruce top and mahogany back and sides
- Nicely finished fret ends
- Reasonable hardware
- Large acoustic voice
- Phenomenal value for money
Reasons to buy
- Great for beginners
- Excellent price
- Stylish six-string for kicking off your musical journey
Reasons to avoid
- Too large for very young players
Build quality rating: ★★★★Playability rating: ★★★★ 1⁄2Sounds rating: ★★★★Overall: ★★★★
The Epiphone DR-100 has been a staple of guitar stores worldwide, offering new guitarists an affordable entry point into the loud, vibrant world of acoustic guitars. This large-bodied dreadnought delivers a fantastic tone, with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides pairing up to create traditional guitar sounds. Its nicely finished fret ends and reasonable hardware make it perfect for those just getting to grips with acoustics.
Best electro
3. D'Angelico Premier Gramercy LS
Our expert review:
Specifications
- Satin mahogany body
- D'Angelico preamp and tuner
- Warm, mellow tone
- Versatile playstyle
- Introduces onboard electronics
Reasons to buy
- Acoustic for open mic nights
- Transforms into a gig-ready guitar
- Attractive finish options
Reasons to avoid
- Might be too expensive for tight budgets
Build quality rating: ★★★★ 1⁄2Playability rating: ★★★★ 1⁄2Sounds rating: ★★★★ 1⁄2Overall: ★★★★ 1⁄2
D'Angelico returns to the world of guitars with the Premier Gramercy LS, offering entry-level acoustics along with other models. This stylish six-string features a satin mahogany body, which produces a warm and mellow tone, ideal for strummers or finger-pickers. The inclusion of a preamp and tuner makes it perfect for playing live or open mic nights. It comes in three finish options: natural Mahogany, aged Mahogany, and Satin Vintage Sunburst.
Key considerations
- Body Type: Dreadnought for strong projection, Concert or Grand Auditorium for balanced sound.
- Electronics: Look for built-in electronics for easy amplification.
- Materials: Solid tops offer better sound quality over time compared to laminates.
- Style: Consider the guitar's aesthetic appeal if it matches your personal style or performance needs.
Now that you've seen our top picks, it's time to hit the shops and find your ideal cheap acoustic guitar. Happy strumming!
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- When looking for your first guitar or a budget-friendly instrument, consider the Yamaha F310, our expert pick for best overall due to its fantastic build quality, ease of use, and traditional tone.
- For beginners, the Epiphone Songmaker DR-100 is an excellent choice, providing a large acoustic voice, wallet-friendly price, and versatile playability.
- The D'Angelico Premier Gramercy LS offers a unique alternative with built-in electronics, perfect for live performances or on-the-go tuning.
- Key considerations for buying a cheap acoustic guitar include body type, electronics, materials, and style.
- Be aware that some guitars, like the D'Angelico Premier Gramercy LS, may be more expensive for tight budgets.
- Fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, cars, and shopping can be enjoyable aspects of your lifestyle, but may not directly influence your decision when choosing a budget guitar.
- When deciding between the Yamaha F310 and Epiphone Songmaker DR-100, consider personal preference, playing style, and the needs of smaller players.
- Choose the guitar that best suits your surroundings, technique, and preferences, as the world of affordable acoustic guitars has options for everyone.
