What Are Good Acoustic Guitars? Quality Picks
Quick Answer
Good acoustic guitars have three things going for them before you even think about looks: a solid wood top, low and even string height, and tuners that hold pitch through a whole practice session. You no longer have to spend a fortune to get all three, which wasn't true ten or fifteen years ago, so there's rarely a reason to settle for a guitar that fights you. Play a few within your budget and pick the one you keep reaching for.
Key Takeaways
- Playability matters more than tone while you're learning, because a hard guitar rarely gets picked up.
- Try every guitar sitting down, since that's how you'll practise most of the time.
- A laminate top isn't a disaster for a child's first guitar or a beach guitar.
- Second-hand guitars are worth a look if you check for cracks and lifting bridges.
- Fresh strings can make a tired guitar sound surprisingly lively again.
What Good Acoustic Guitars Have in Common
Most of the difference between a decent guitar and a frustrating one is build quality you can check in a few minutes. The top does most of the vibrating, so its material matters, but the neck, frets and hardware decide whether practice feels easy or like a chore. Here's what to look for:
- A solid spruce, cedar or mahogany top rather than layered laminate.
- Smooth fret ends that don't catch your hand as it slides along the neck.
- A straight neck with an adjustable truss rod.
- Tuners that turn evenly without slipping back.
- A bone or decent synthetic nut and saddle, which help tone and tuning.
Solid Top or Laminate?
This is where most people shopping for good acoustic guitars get stuck, so it helps to see the trade-offs side by side. A solid top costs a bit more and needs more care, though it's usually the first upgrade your ears will actually notice.
| Top type | Sound | Durability | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Flatter, with less sustain | Very stable in changing humidity | The cheapest starter guitars |
| Solid top, laminate back and sides | Fuller and more responsive | Needs sensible humidity care | Most mid-priced guitars |
| All-solid | Richest and most complex | Needs the most care | Higher-end instruments |
Checks to Do Before You Buy
You don't need to be a strong player to run these checks, and most shops won't mind you taking a few minutes over them.
- Measure the action at the 12th fret. Around 2mm under the high E string and 2.5mm under the low E feels comfortable for most people.
- Sight down the neck from the headstock to check it's straight, without a twist.
- Play every string at several frets, listening for buzzes or dead notes.
- Compare the 12th-fret harmonic with the fretted note on each string to check intonation.
- Tune it, play for five minutes, then check whether it's drifted.
- Run your hand along the edges of the fingerboard for sharp fret ends.
Body Size and Comfort
People often buy a big dreadnought because it's the classic shape, then find it awkward to hold. Smaller bodies are quieter, but they're far easier on the shoulder if you're shorter, younger or mostly play on the sofa.
| Body | Feel | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Dreadnought | Large, loud and bass-heavy | Strumming and singing along |
| Concert or auditorium | Medium size with balanced tone | Fingerpicking and all-round playing |
| Parlour or travel | Small, light and intimate | Smaller players, travel and couch practice |
If you'll mostly play on stage, our guide to choosing an acoustic electric guitar covers pickups and preamps, and our look at acoustic guitar brands explains what good makers do differently.
Care and Safety
Good acoustic guitars with solid tops react to the air around them, so keep yours away from radiators, heaters and sunny windows, and think about a case humidifier if your home gets dry in winter. Cracks usually start when a guitar dries out too quickly. Stop playing if you get sharp pain in your wrist or hand, and keep spare strings away from small children, because the ends are sharp.
What to Expect at Each Price
- Under $100: mostly laminate tops and basic hardware, often with high action.
- $150 to $300: solid tops start to appear, and this is where good acoustic guitars become affordable.
- $300 to $600: tidier finishing, better bracing and nicer fingerboards.
- $600 to $1,500: solid backs and sides with richer, more complex tone.
- Over $1,500: all-solid and hand-built instruments for serious players.
Our Recommendation
For most people, the smartest buy among good acoustic guitars is a solid-top model with a concert or auditorium body, chosen after running the checks above rather than from photos online. Keep a little money back for a case and a setup, and you'll have something that plays well for years. Coming over from electric? Our starter electric guitar guide covers the accessories that carry across.
Acoustic Guitar Accessories at Global Swanky
We don't stock acoustic guitars at the moment, but these accessories from our range help good acoustic guitars play and sound their best.
1. Replacement Machine Heads
The Guitar Machine Heads with 6 Tuning Pegs for Electric and Acoustic Guitars is $12.58, for anyone reviving an older guitar whose tuners keep slipping. Measure the holes in your headstock before ordering, since post sizes vary.
2. Carved Acoustic Strap
The Guitar Strap with Hand-Carved Owl and Maple Leaf Design for Acoustic Guitars is $12.33, for players who like to stand while they practise.
3. Metal Capo
The Metal Guitar Capo with Strong Spring for Acoustic and Electric Guitars is $21.78, for singers who want to move songs into a comfortable key. It's one of the most useful extras for beginners, since it lets you play along with recordings using chord shapes you already know.
4. Pickup with 4-Band EQ
The Electric Guitar Pickup Box with 4-Band EQ for Acoustic Guitar Modification is $20.96, for turning a standard acoustic into one you can plug in. Fitting it means work on the guitar itself, so a technician is the sensible route, and they can set the saddle height at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy an acoustic guitar online?
Yes, if the seller has a fair returns window. Check the guitar as soon as it arrives, since shipping can knock the setup out.
How much does a setup cost?
Usually somewhere around $40 to $80 at a local guitar shop, depending on how much adjustment it needs.
Should beginners use light or medium strings?
Light strings are easier to press down and kinder on new fingertips. Many players switch to medium later for more volume.
How long until steel strings stop hurting?
Most people find the soreness eases after two to four weeks of short, regular practice.
Do acoustic guitars really sound better with age?
Solid-top guitars often become a little more resonant as the wood settles, though the change is gradual.
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