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For those that have a bit more money in their budget for an acoustic guitar. There are some beautiful instruments now available to you! There are many reasons that we feel these are the best acoustic guitars under $1000!
Rock solid design, great build quality, good hardware, and awesome tone, to name a few. This will improve the overall experience for those that can afford these guitars.
The guitars in this price range are of good quality, but they are a bit of a larger investment. So it’s a good idea to understand what you are getting. This Killer Rig article was created to help you find the best guitar for your needs!
Best Acoustics Under 1000
The guitars in this category are the ones I feel are the best purchase and value for your money. They have a lot to offer players of all skill levels and are quite popular.
They will also hold their value over the years. This way you can still get your investment back should you want to upgrade down the road. Let’s take a look at what we feel are the top models!
Seagull S6 Original
Build Quality
The Seagull S6 Original is well-known for its high-quality construction. The guitar features a beautiful solid cedar top.
This is then supported by scalloped internal bracing made of spruce. This combination provides a warm, full-bodied tone with excellent volume projection and sustain.
The back and sides are made of wild cherry. This is a less common tonewood, but still contributes to the guitar’s balanced sound. I also really liked the binding around the top and sides. To me, this really gave it a finished look.
Comfort
The Seagull S6 Original acoustic guitar is designed to be comfortable to play! Its slim, tapered neck profile and smooth fretboard make it easy to fret chords.
While the body shape and size allow for a comfortable playing experience. Whether you are sitting or standing. I found it to be very light as well.
The smooth satin finish on the neck also helps to reduce friction. This makes moving across the fretboard easier. The guitar is simple to play without compromising tone or volume. Primarily because of its low action and smart setup.
Sound Performance
Cedar tops are not very common on steel string guitars, so it’s interesting to see it on the S6. They are found on classical or flamenco guitars and are a warmer-sounding material. The same is true on the S6, as it has a very warm, fat bass response.
Strumming on the S6 creates a loud volume response from the dreadnought body shape. I found it to really fill the room I was playing it in. The sound is warm and full, but with a shimmering top-end. It’s a very enjoyable tone that I believe is exclusive to the S6.
This video will present to you the sounds of this wonderful guitar. You will be able to see just how full and rich the sound is. Have a listen!
Who Is It For?
The Seagull S6 is a unique guitar that is a perfect fit for new and intermediate players. Some players have likened it to that of expensive Martin’s or Taylor’s. I disagree there. But I do feel it’s the best model for the price point.
This is one versatile acoustic that can be used for many music types. This includes fingerpicking. Even as a person who has been playing guitar for over 20 years, I too enjoy this guitar!
PROS
- Build Materials and Hardware.
- Balanced and full sound.
- Easy to play.
- Made in North America.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty.
- Many S6 versions available.
CONS
- If you do not own one yet, that could be a problem!
Cost and Value
The Seagull guitars are made in Canada and come with a limited lifetime warranty. This is simply incredible for an acoustic that sounds and plays this well. This is a deal that just can’t be beat. Some players have owned them for 20 years, and they still play and sound great!
Currently, this guitar sits at just under $800. To me, this is an incredible value and a purchase you won’t regret.
Ovation Mod TX 2078TX-5
Ovation has been making some great acoustic guitars and the 2078TX-5 is no exception. The deep contour style provides a crisp, clear sound with great definition. It’s also an exceptional performer.
Body
This particular body style is called a deep contour. It features scalloped bracing and a solid Sitka spruce top.
It delivers a balanced, crisp sound with good volume projection. The multi-port sound holes not only look beautiful, but they also contribute to the tone. All with minimal feedback.
The beautiful black finish is even more wonderful in person. It gives the guitar a high-quality look. It’s comfortable to hold and features a cut-away, which was helpful when working on the upper frets.
Neck
The maple neck on this guitar features a Pau Ferro fretboard and 22 frets. It’s very comfortable and great to play. It’s more like an electric-style neck than an acoustic.
The action was set just right and the strings were very easy to press on. It was a perfect fit for my hands and wonderful to play. I really enjoyed the neck profile.
Sound Performance
I was very impressed with the sound of this acoustic. The lower bout makes the soundboard a bit larger. This seems to project the sound better, making it feel quite full. The sound is very articulate, clear, and dynamic, providing an enjoyable experience.
When testing out the guitar electronics, I used the Fender Acoustasonic 90 amplifier. It was set somewhat bright with a bit of reverb.
The Mod TX sounded very nice through the amp with the built-in pickup. The guitar itself has a built-in EQ and level controls that worked very well.
It adjusted the sounds as well as the amp could. Check out this video below to hear some sound clips of this amazing guitar!
PROS
- High quality materials.
- Beautiful sounds.
- Built in electronics.
- Easy to play neck.
- Comfortable.
- Cut-away.
CONS
- A few players have had issues with the electronics.
Taylor 214ce
Taylor Guitar Warranty: 2 years
The 214ce acoustic guitar is another amazing product by Taylor! Comfortable, versatile, and sounds great! Tons of bang for the buck!
The 214ce has a Sitka spruce top and layered koa sides and back. It’s crafted to deliver a clear and balanced tonal response. The Sapele neck features an Ebony fingerboard with a 25.5-inch scale length.
The guitar has a gloss finish, a Venetian cutaway, and a built-in ES2 electronic system. This is the real deal and is one of the most popular models in this price range, and for very good reason.
Sound Performance
This is a popular guitar because of the sound it makes. Taylor is known for great acoustics, and this is no exception. The sound when not amplified is full, loud and rich. Each strum is a rewarding experience as it resonates under your arm.
To test the electronics, I used a Fender Blues Jr. amplifier set clean and chimey. There were no effects and moderate in volume. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound of the pickups in this guitar. They capture the natural sound of the acoustic very well.
PROS
- Premium grade materials.
- Full, well-balanced sound.
- Easy to play.
- Great sounding electronic system.
- Fantastic set of strings come stock.
- Perfect for many styles of playing.
CONS
- Guitar might require a set-up right out of the box.
Yamaha A3M
Yamaha Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Next up is the A3M! Yamaha has really knocked it out of the park with this one. It’s a completely solid body guitar with an incredible pickup system! Sounds great!
The Yamaha A3M is a dreadnought-style guitar with a cutaway made from solid wood. The top is made of solid Sitka spruce. The sides and back are made from solid mahogany. This produces a full, warm, and rich tone that needs to be heard and felt to be understood.
The A3M has a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and a 23.6-inch scale that is very easy to play. It also comes equipped with Yamaha’s own Studio Response Technology (S.R.T.) for electronics. It truly captures the amazing sound of this guitar!
Sound Performance
For this test, I found the Fender Blues Jr. amplifier was a great combo with the A3M. It was a nice, warm, but articulate sound when dialed in just right.
The electronics on the A3M are great! They come with an EQ built-in, but also the ability to switch between the pickup and a built-in preamp.
The number of different sounds from these controls was quite amazing. It also has a feedback reduction control, which is great depending on the type of room you are performing in.
When not plugged in, this acoustic guitar has a bold, strong voice to it that is remarkable for this body style.
PROS
- Premium materials.
- Solid wood throughout.
- Excellent sound projection and beautiful tone.
- Cut away in the body.
- Quality built in electronics.
CONS
- Can’t say we found anything, really.
Martin GPC-X2E
The Martin GPC is a popular acoustic-electric guitar. It’s made from Macassar wood that produces a deep, dark tone with a good presence and plenty of volume. It rivals a good deal of great acoustics on the market.
Body
The GPC-X2E comes with a grand performance body shape. It’s made with a Sapele top and HPL Macassar wood for the back and sides.
The combination of wood and size produces a tone that is deep, dark, and loud. But does not create any piercing treble or high frequencies. It’s accomplished with the scalloped X-bracing that Martin uses on their soundboards.
The guitar just looks great with the natural wood-grain finished top. The back and sides are also very nice and add to the appeal of the acoustic guitar. The body also features a cutaway to access the upper frets with ease.
Neck
The neck on this guitar is called a performing artist series profile. It’s quite slim, making it easy to play and rest in your hand. The finish on the neck is very smooth and nice to move your hand along. It’s a hand-rubbed finish instead of a sticky gloss.
The neck is made from select hardwoods. This depends on what is available at the time, but is primarily laminates. It’s truly a great neck to play and very easy, so long jam sessions won’t tire you out. I really liked this neck a lot, as it felt great in my hand.
Sound Performance
I’ve played a large range of Martins in my time and have to say I was very impressed with the sound of this guitar. Personally, I like deep, balanced, and very present acoustic tones and this guitar nailed it for me. Every strum was musical and had a great natural response.
The guitar is also equipped with a very simple but stunning Fishman MX electronic system. This system is great at amplifying the natural airiness of the guitar’s tone.
I enjoyed using it through a PA system that we have in the studio, as it captured the natural tone of the acoustic. This is one of my favorite electric acoustic guitars on this list.
PROS
- Martin quality.
- Naturally brilliant sound.
- Sapele top.
- Easy to play neck.
- Macassar wood.
- Fishman pickup system.
CONS
- Black pickguard instead of the faux tortoise because of supply chain issues.
Fender Paramount PM-1
Fender has knocked it out of the park with the Paramount PM-1 acoustic guitar. It’s an awesome offering with electronics, great sound, and quality craftsmanship and materials.
Body
The top on the PM-1 is solid Sitka spruce and mahogany back and sides, which give it a very rich and warm sound.
However, the top end is still very articulate and pleasing to the ear. This is a dreadnought body shape that projects a good amount of volume and is still comfortable to play.
The checkerboard purfling is a nice touch around the top of the guitar’s body. It really pops in the right light, giving the guitar a real vintage look, I like this feature.
Neck
The neck is made from mahogany and is a 25.3″ scale length with 20 frets. It’s a C style neck, and very easy and comfortable to play on this acoustic guitar. The nut material is bone which is of very good quality, and the inlays are Pearl dots.
It’s an effortless neck to play. Most C-style necks are preferred, but this felt great. And the action was perfect, making the strings very easy to press.
Sound Performance
The sound from this guitar is very rich, warm, and brilliant with a great volume projection. Each strum rewards you with a very pleasing tone.
The neck is nice to play, and so the feel and sound work so well together to provide a great experience. This is the perfect entry level guitar which also includes electronics to make it an even sweeter deal!
The Piezo pickup in this guitar sounds pretty good. I prefer the Ovation MOD TX electronics more than the PM-1 but by no means was it bad.
I tested it through the Fender Acoustasonic 90 and was pleased. It does come very close to the MOD TX, but didn’t have as much fullness.
PROS
- Quality guitar.
- Brilliant sound.
- Solid sitka spruce top.
- Comfortable neck.
- Easy to play.
- Electronics like tuner, tone controls.
CONS
- Some finish imperfections, but nothing severe.
Martin Road Series D-10E
Martin makes some of the best acoustic guitars in the world. The D-10E is no exception and a wonderful sounding guitar.
Body
The body on the D-10E is made from layered Sapele throughout, and it looks beautiful. The dreadnought body style then gives it a rich, warm, open sound with plenty of volume projection. This is a wonderful model and no surprise here as it’s a martin guitar after all.
Neck
The high-performance taper neck is just so effortless to play with and very comfortable. It has a 25.4″ scale length, 20 frets, and features a solid mortise and tenon neck joint for rigid construction. It also features a Richlite fretboard and beautiful pearl inlays.
Sound Performance
Martin guitars are all made to provide superior sound and performance. The D-10E lives up to the high calling.
It has a very big, warm yet versatile sound that is incredibly enjoyable with every strum. It also comes with built-in electronics, which also sound great. This a very versatile guitar.
The electronics on this guitar sound very good. They do a wonderful job at picking up the fullness of the acoustic.
When running through my Fender Acoustasonic 90 amplifier, I found that it was easy to dial in a great sound. I would suspect that if your amp has good controls, you will have an easy time yourself.
PROS
- Dreadnought guitar body.
- Balanced sound.
- Sapele throughout.
- High performance neck.
- Fun to play.
- Electronics included.
CONS
- Laminate made throughout, which isn’t necessarily bad.
KLOS Carbon Fiber Travel Acoustic
This was a fun review to do as the guitar is different in almost every way, but great sound. The KLOS acoustic is a carbon fiber build with a detachable neck. It’s made to take with you while you travel, or just be super convenient to store.
Body
Even though carbon fiber is becoming more popular, it’s still not widely accepted. The benefit is that it can withstand most environments. Even without any need for the right humidity. This allows you to take the guitar anywhere during any season!
So not only is it durable, it also sounds great! But one thing to keep in mind is that carbon fiber has its own sound.
It’s a bit different from wood, where it has more of a thud in the lower frequencies. This carbon fiber model is tighter and clear in the bass. The distinction from notes is more defined, which is a wonderful experience in its own way.
Neck
The neck is wonderful to play and has 14 frets before the body. The interesting thing about this guitar is that the neck is removable.
It came with a mini screwdriver that allows you to remove the neck. Simply remove 4 screws to make it more compact for travel. Just make sure to keep the capo on the neck to prevent the strings from unraveling when there is no tension on them.
Otherwise, the neck is slim and easy to play on. It’s great for small hands and pressing on the strings takes literally no effort.
Sound Performance
The interesting thing about carbon fiber is its ability to resonate. The guitar overall sounds great, but it’s not as warm as an acoustic made from wood. The bass is present but is more of a tighter sound, rather than a warm round tone.
In no way is it bad, but is simply different. The projection and crisp sound it produces is quite stunning.
Carbon fiber does have a great tone to it, and the shape and build of the guitar also contribute to this. If you are looking for a great travel acoustic, look no further!
PROS
- High durability.
- Full, wide sounds.
- Accessories included.
- Slim neck.
- Very comfortable.
- Foldable.
CONS
- Bass is not as warm as a wooden model.
Blueridge Guitars BR-43
Blueridge guitars are another great company making solid acoustics. The BR-43 is an exceptional instrument. It has a broad, well-rounded sound and is very comfortable and wonderful to play.
Body
The body is a traditional dreadnought shape. It features the tone characteristics that you would expect.
The top is made from solid Sitka spruce with mahogany back and sides. The natural high gloss finish gives it an excellent look, both front, and back. The scalloped bracing gives the instrument strength and an articulate tone.
Neck
The neck is made from mahogany and is slim, making it very easy to play. It’s attached to the body with a dovetail joint, making it incredibly rigid but also very resonant.
With a nut width of 1.65 inches, the thin neck is a mix between electric and acoustic, which is a treat. The action was set very well and was easy to press strings on.
Sound Performance
The solid Sitka top and laminated mahogany sides are a wonderful combination. They provide a warm, bold, and well-projected sound.
Every strum was rich and present, nothing was missing. And thanks to the dreadnought-size body and slim neck, it feels just as good as it sounds!
I have played some Martin guitars that were very impressive in sound. This BR-43 comes really close to that. I would imagine the Sitka spruce top plays a large role in that, but it was surprising to hear when I first began to play it!
PROS
- Quality materials.
- Wonderful sound.
- Solid top.
- Slim neck.
- Easy to play.
- Great feel.
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a case.
Best Budget Options
Yamaha Storia 1
Yamaha has created a great platform for new players to get quality instruments. The Storia is a well-designed guitar that gives players a great sound.
Body
The body is a concert-style design with a solid spruce top and mahogany back. This wood configuration is great for a well-balanced warm sound with good brightness.
The body is then finished with semigloss for a great but simple look. It’s also very comfortable and effortless to play.
Neck
The Storia comes with a Nato neck material with smooth edges and a comfortable radius. The scale length is around 25 inches and is pretty easy to play. You will find a Urea nut and ivory inlays, which are standard across the Storia line of acoustic guitars.
Sound Performance
The Storia acoustic guitar is a real gem when it comes to sound at this price. The concert-style body offers a tight low end and a well-balanced mid-range tone.
It shimmers when strummed and is enjoyable to play, but might be a tad bright in some rooms. It’s an amazing purchase for a person looking for their first acoustic guitar.
There are no electronics, and I would not expect there to be at this price. And so if that is important to you, make sure to find an acoustic that does.
PROS
- Quality materials.
- Warm balanced sound with strong mid-range.
- Comfortable and easy to play.
- Great looking guitar.
- Acoustic electric guitar.
CONS
- Play ability might be harder than other guitars.
Best Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars
There are many acoustic guitars on the market that are made from high pressure laminate. This is done to save money and be able to offer quality guitars at great prices. But what if you want a guitar made from solid materials? Do they exist?
Luckily, there are guitars made from solid top woods that are still quite affordable.
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Taylor’s GS Mini mahogany is a great choice for anyone on a budget. Especially if looking for the best acoustic guitar with a solid wood top.
Being one of the best brands in the guitar industry, you can count on the quality of a Taylor. It’s also one of the best travel guitars because of its size.
Body
The GS Mini mahogany is designed to be a smaller version of the grand symphony body shape. It’s made from solid tropical mahogany, with Sapele used for the back and sides. Not only does it look fantastic, but it has a vibrant sound too!
Being a smaller guitar body, the sound is more mid-range focused but warm thanks to the mahogany. It’s effortless to play and very comfortable. You may wonder how you ever played a dreadnought guitar once you own this.
Neck
The neck is made from Sapele with an ebony fretboard. It has a 23.5″ scale length and 20 frets. Because the guitar is smaller, not only does it fit on your lap well, but it also has a great neck! It’s a dream to play and will fit in even the smallest of hands.
Sound Performance
Taylor makes high-quality guitars in both craftsmanship and sound. The broad dynamic range of this guitar for its size is quite remarkable.
The mahogany is a great choice for a top. It adds the warmth needed because of the smaller size, and it delivers! You can’t go wrong with the sound of this guitar!
Taylor Mini Koa
Taylor Warranty: 2 years
The Taylor GS Mini-e Koa is an excellent guitar in a smaller package. But make no mistake, this acoustic has a big tone! When looking for the best acoustic guitar to learn on. Or just for the collection, this is a great candidate.
The Mini-e has a solid Hawaiian Koa top and layered body. These are woods that really add a shimmer to the top-end frequencies. I loved the GS Mini in the smaller price bracket. But this guitar is a step up from that and worth the extra money, believe me!
The Mini-e Koa, being smaller, still packs a nice punch and just creates a beautiful tone! One of the nice features of the Mini-e is that it also comes with a pickup and preamp combo. It sounds great and also includes a built-in tuner.
PROS
- Build materials and hardware.
- Warm, woody tone with strong middle frequencies and packs a punch.
- Easy to play.
- Looks and feels great.
- Smaller size makes it great to travel with.
CONS
- Because of its size, it doesn’t sound like a full size guitar.
What Should You Look for When Selecting an Acoustic
If you are new and looking for your first acoustic, chances are you don’t really know what you should look for.
There are a lot of things to consider that may make it easier to get used to playing the guitar.
The size of the guitar, the shape of the body, the width of the neck, and of course price are all things to consider.
If the guitar isn’t comfortable, won’t stay in tune, or sound good, chances are you will not be inspired to play. It will be tough to continue learning, so try not to jump at the first model you find.
Conclusion
All the guitars in our list are quality acoustics. The craftsmanship and experienced design show. No matter which guitar you decide to choose, you will not be disappointed. The sound and build quality at this price point are great.
There are more expensive acoustics available. They are all worth every penny you pay for them! And will put a smile on your face each and every time you strum them.
We had to give each guitar a rating. But each one of them would be amazing to own, as they all have their own strengths and wonderful qualities.
But if only one can really be chosen, then it would have to be the Ovation Mod TX 2078TX-5. Why? It’s just got everything you would ever want in an acoustic. Done slightly better than the rest, but enough to take the top spot! Most people who see it at NAMM agree.
FAQs
What acoustic guitar is easiest to play?
While all the acoustic guitars we have selected are easy to play, some are easier depending on your size. If you are a smaller person, the Taylor GS Mini mahogany will probably be easiest for you to play.
If you are ok with a larger acoustic, then the Fender Paramount PM-1 is a very easy-to-play acoustic guitar. It has much to offer and a great sound!
Do cheap guitars get better with age?
This depends on the environment that the acoustic guitar is stored. If the humidity levels are not right, then this can actually damage the acoustic guitar. So if the moisture content in the room is right, the guitar will get better as it ages.