Best Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 Reviews

The price for professional musical instruments is rarely affordable to amateur players. If you are a fan of playing guitar but have a relatively modest budget, the ideal way out is to consider buying a low-priced instrument with good and promising specifications. By finding out the best acoustic guitar under 1000 dollars, you will get a double benefit in the form of saved money and great pleasure from playing your new instrument.

To date, both brick-and-mortar and online retailers offer a myriad of options to please every buyer. However, practice shows that those buyers who stick to online purchases appear to be more satisfied with their consumer service and product. Besides, an expensive does not necessarily mean high quality. If you are the kind to weigh the product’s performance and ability to meet your needs, it is important to search and compare items attentively so that you could clearly see their strengths and weaknesses.
For that reason, I recommend you examining the below list of the best acoustic guitars under 1000 dollars that you can buy. This means that you will be able to order this one on the Internet and enjoy playing it right out of the box. My detailed analysis will help you determine your best acoustic guitar under $1000 as well as guide you into different types of guitars, their major distinctions and advantages.
Let’s take a look.

Acoustic Guitar under $1000 Reviews

Taylor GS Mahogany

I rate this product very highly, as I am really firm in my opinion that Taylor GS Mahogany is one of the finest solid wood acoustic guitars under 1000. You cannot deny the fact that this acoustic guitar has lots of advantages that customers can enjoy at a rather low price. First of all, the guitar has a great look, as it features mahogany for top wood and layered sapele bracing pattern for back and sides. Also, it has a matte 2.0 orientation finish that helps this musical instrument retain its original look over time.
The second thing I would like to emphasize that this cute mini guitar has a sapele neck with 20 frets. When speaking about its musical properties, it sounds pretty good in terms of both high and low notes. In particular, perfect sound quality derives from the Elixir strings that come together with this guitar. I should also say the coating of these strings is both durable and sliding, so your fingers will be able to move quickly from fret to fret feeling no pain.
The guitar looks very compact (18 x 42 x 8 inches) and weighs just slightly more than 4.4 pounds, so it can easily fit the role of a travel guitar. Overall, this acoustic guitar is worth buying, as it is really affordable to many customers seeking low-budget guitars with decent sound characteristics.

Video Taylor GS Mahogany

Yamaha FGX830C

In my opinion, this black acoustic-electric guitar is a perfect choice for those customers who want to achieve some versatility in their guitar performance. The majority of customers would be pleased to find out that this model features an under-saddle piezo pickup with a 3-band EQ that enables guitar players to produce a higher degree of string articulation as well as ensure particular clarity in tone. Another prominent upside of this guitar is an adjustable mid-range frequency control to help guitar players achieve the perfect sound.
What I like in the model most of all, is its adjustable truss rod that gives you an opportunity to control its tension to fit your style and needs. The product has a solid top made of spruce and rosewood for most other parts of this musical instrument (e.g. backs & sides, fingerboard, bridge, etc.). By the way, you also get a high-precision chromatic tuner with the purchase, so the guitar can be easily and quickly tuned.
The only thing that disappoints me in this model is its rather big dimensions (42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches) and a weight of 7.3 pounds. Although I cannot say that the Yamaha FGX830C is a good one to be taken for traveling purposes, I can call it the best dreadnought guitar under 1000 dollars.

Video Yamaha FGX830C

Yamaha FG820

The conventional design of this model is the one that most users will love. This Yamaha FG820 can be described as the best acoustic guitar under 1000 dollars that has a traditional Western body shape and features solid spruce as a top tonewood and mahogany for back and sides. In my opinion, the biggest upside of the Yamaha FG820 lies in the fact that it comes with a rich bundle of accessories including very reliable hard case, good-working tuner, different picks, instructional DVD, and a polishing cloth for proper maintenance of this musical instrument.
When evaluating this acoustic guitar in terms of sound performance, this one has decent characteristics, especially for a low-budget model. It seems like the guitar’s manufacturers had an intention to provide this model with stronger and louder sound in the low and mid ranges. I also like the fact that this product has a durable and solid nato neck, which has all the chances to last long. Overall, this model is worth buying with its warm and booming sound and long-lasting build quality.

Video Yamaha FG820

Taylor GS Koa

This mini acoustic electric guitar has many positive characteristics that cannot be found in other guitars with the same price label. In my opinion, this model has an excellent build quality featuring solid koa top that looks just amazing layered Hawaiian koa back and sides for perfect tone and structural integrity. Additionally, I like the fact that this product also features elegant sapele neck and ebony fingerboard, as they fit the sophisticated design of this musical instrument ideally. Basically, this model can be chosen as a perfect travel guitar, given the fact that it looks pretty compact (35.4 x 13.8 x 5.9 inches) and weighs slightly more than 4 pounds. Also, the Taylor GS Solid Koa has an under-saddle piezo Preamp EQ with built-in tuner. By the way, the product also comes with a spacious gig bag, hard case, and medium guitar strings. Overall, this item sounds really great and can be recommended to both novice guitar players and experienced musicians, especially when keeping in mind its modest price that seems to be affordable to most customers.

Video Taylor GS Koa

Yamaha SLG200N

After looking at this model for the first time, I expected something special from its performance, as this guitar has a very extraordinary design. In fact, this bodiless guitar sounds so great due to the SRT Powered technology that is aimed at preserving the unique properties of the tones intrinsic to the finest Yamaha acoustic guitars with the help of a carefully selected microphone. This SRT sound can even be mixed with the sound from the guitar’s piezo pickups making it possible for the guitarists to get a vast space for experiments and jamming. Moreover, this guitar can deliver extremely silent performance when it is necessary, as it is 80% than a standard acoustic guitar. Feel free to practice it at night without being afraid of bothering your family or neighbors. The model can be characterized by its thin body, slim neck, and low action. This guitar is ideal for both the aggressive style of playing and calm melodies. Also, I like a high-quality gig bag that comes with this purchase, as it adds even more portability to this bodiless guitar.
However, keep in mind that this mahogany guitar does not look very compact (43.4 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches) and weighs a bit more than 9 pounds. Overall, my verdict on this item is that it fairly has all chances to be called the best acoustic electric guitar under 1000 dollars that allows guitarists to enjoy the perfect sound of the acoustic guitar even when plugged in.

Video Yamaha SLG200N

Blueridge BR-60T

There are many reasons for you to pay special attention to this particular guitar model, as it combines excellent performance with a good-looking and clear design featuring just 4 strings. Solid Sitka spruce used as a top tonewood ensures a crisp tone and clean articulation, while Santos rosewood on back and sides of this guitar creates a well-balanced sound. It should be also mentioned that the model has a pretty long and slim mahogany neck that delivers easy and fast action. It also seems to me that this guitar is so pleasant and easy in terms of playability due to rosewood fingerboard and a good distance between frets. Furthermore, the entire product is finished in a high gloss natural shade that only boosts the beauty of noble tonewoods used here. Vintage-style, open-back tuners having butterbean buttons only complement the model’s brilliant look.
What I also appreciate in this model is its crack-resistant nature that derives from the laminated wood and exceptional build quality. I believe that most users will also like the BLUERIDGE BV-1102 guitar gig bag that also comes with the model to further boost its portability. This tenor guitar looks really compact (35.5 x 11 x 4 inches) and weighs just 3 pounds, which is just perfect even for tenor guitars. To conclude the above-mentioned facts, I would like to say that this musical instrument can become your loyal companion, but you just need to master the art of playing the 4-string guitar.

Video Blueridge BR-60T

Yamaha LJ16

If you are looking for a low-priced and high-performing guitar, this Yamaha model could be an amazing choice for both beginner and professional musicians. The guitar has a standard design. It is made of a spruce top combined with rosewood sides and back. The Yamaha LJ16 has an extremely comfortable 5-ply neck that lets you make easy transitions and play exquisite melodies. The design also boasts a brand new bracing pattern that contributes to earth-shaking and vibrating sound. With this convenient and smart design, the Yamaha produces a clear and cuddly tone that remains flawless in highs and lows too. For that reason, the guitar is suitable for any player irrespective of their style of music and preferences.
The Yamaha LJ16 comes in three sizes and four colors. This multitude allows you to customize the guitar by choosing the features that you like most. This acoustic guitar is fit for on-stage and in-house performances. No matter where you are, the Yamaha will help you sound incredible. Unless you are ready to shell out a few thousand dollars, the Yamaha LJ16 has every chance to become your best jumbo acoustic guitar under 1000.

Video Yamaha LJ16

Taylor GS Walnut

If you are into innovative acoustic guitars, let’s look at the Taylor GS Walnut that has a pleasing design and superb specifications. The Taylor GS Walnut is mini-sized but can deliver the powerful sound of a full-sized guitar. For that reason, the guitar is versatile in terms of application. You can use it as a regular instrument to polish your musical skills as well as a travel guitar that will be easy to use around the campfire in the circle of your friends. The Taylor’s body is made of spruce top and layered walnut sides and back. The build quality is high and promises extreme durability. The guitar has a natural resonating tone that lets the player feel confident when performing on stage. The distinctive feature of the Taylor design is a one-of-a-kind pickup with three sensors. The guitar is not susceptible to sun exposure and humidity and for that reason is a desirable option for musicians that travel actively. The item comes in one standard natural color. In sum, the Taylor GS Walnut can be the best cutaway acoustic guitar under 1000 for every guitarist that values good playability and on-the-go options.

Video Taylor GS Walnut

Taylor 214ce

Unlike the previous Taylor model, this guitar has an unusual cutaway that makes it look modern and classic at a time. The Taylor design remains standard and claims the title of the best acoustic guitar for the price under 1000 dollars. The guitar is made of a durable Sitka spruce top, back, and sides. But their color tones differ: while the top wood is light, the back and sides are a lot darker, which creates a beautiful contrast and contributes to an unusual guitar look. Being the most conspicuous characteristic of this model, the Venetian cutaway makes the player feel comfortable with high notes. The Taylor 214ce produces a deep and resonating sound that remains loud in both the indoor and outdoor environments. The guitar has amazing playability and good balance. Whatever level of musical skills you have, it will be easy for you to deliver articulated and sophisticated sound. Moreover, the convenient fingerboard allows for flatpicking or fingerpicking if you like. You probably will be also pleased with a high-quality gloss finish that protects the guitar from scratches and makes it pleasant to touch.
The item comes in one size and design. In sum, the Taylor 214ce is a marvelous choice for a right-handed player with any level of experience. At a relatively cheap price, it will be an advantageous purchase for any guitarist with high aspirations and not so high budget.

Video Taylor 214ce

Seagull Coastline S6

If you prefer domestic products, this Seagull Coastline S6 has great potential to become the most superior guitar among American made acoustic guitars under 1000. Its design is focused on delivering bright high notes and nuanced intonation. The Seagull’s back and sides are made of laminated cherry wood that provides balance and vibrating sound. The delicate spruce top is a bit curvy in a way that helps the guitar produce a stable and dynamic sound. The Seagull arched top also results in better stability that allows the player to control vibrations easily. The Seagull neck is thin and smooth and lets the musicians who have small hands excel at musical shows.
The instrument delivers a balanced tone and is suited for both on-stage and in-door performances. The tapered headstock provides the player with smart tuning options.
What you may also love in this model are amazing on-board controls that include bass, treble, and volume. Using it, you can quickly adjust the parameters of sound and achieve perfect playability. The item is produced in North America and comes in one size. If you are in search of a versatile and low-priced guitar, the Seagull Coastline S6 will definitely fit into your requirements.

Video Seagull Coastline S6

Buyer’s Guide

Acoustic Guitar Tonewood Guide

The build quality of a guitar is a contributing factor to its performance and lifespan. Depending on the type of wood and materials used in manufacturing, guitars vary in their volume, balance, and tone. Here are the most popular types of tonewoods that you can find.

Solid Top

When you hear about the guitar with a solid top, it means that this musical instrument has a top made of the entire piece (or several pieces) of wood. The guitar with a solid top typically provides an articulated and well-defined sound that has a property to evolve and gain new tones during the course of using it. When the guitar is made of two solid pieces, its durability is high and so is life service. It will age slowly, and its playing abilities won’t deteriorate over time. The solid top also results in a more pleasant guitar look as it can favor of naturalness as well as adopt any other colors. Maybe, you cannot say that you have a stable guitar that will retain the same sound in the future. However, this is not a problem at all for most guitarists, as they treat their musical instruments with love and try to master their skills along with the natural sound evolution of their favorite guitar. Overall, the only downside is that solid top guitars require costlier manufacturing and as a result have higher prices.

Laminated Top

Pressed plywood that is also known as laminate is nothing but multiple layers of slim processed wood pieces that have been pressed thoroughly to be bonded together and gain extra strength and unique color patterns. Laminate wood is often used in cheaper guitars, as this material can become an affordable substitution to solid wood. It can be even stated that most guitars tops featuring laminate wood have a stylish and authentic look. The laminate wood also can be found in the best acoustic guitar under 1000 dollars. However, this kind of top tonewood has one serious downside that may avert customers from buying such guitars. The thing is that laminate wood is associated with the sound that can be best described as a synthetic one. This sound does not evolve naturally and remains identical over time. Experts believe that this negative feature derives from the fact that the pressed plywood has limited vibrational properties, so the sound they create is not that rich and concentrated as you would like to hear when playing a top-notch guitar with the solid wood top.

Most Widely Used Tonewoods

There is a pretty wide set of tonewoods that modern guitar makers use now and then. Actually, the choice of tonewoods plays a huge role in determining the future sound of the musical instrument and can even control the way it will sound over time. Each type has its own peculiarities, both positive and negative. Let’s dig into details and describe the most popular tonewoods that can be found in the best acoustic guitars under 1000 dollars.

• Spruce. Though coming in diverse variants, spruce is the most widely used wood. Spruce gives a crystal clear and vibrating tone and ultra-lightweight, both advantages making the guitarist feel comfortable with playing.
• Mahogany. This type of wood is primarily used for back and sides. It is good at accentuating middle notes and for that reason extremely favorable for country-style musicians.
• Cedar. This wood provides the guitar with a large volume, especially when it comes to low notes. Coupled with nylon strings, cedar is an amazing choice for guitarists that prefer sounding deep and resonating.
• Koa. This wood is good at emphasizing mid-range frequencies.
• Ebony. This wood is mostly used for fingerboards that boast perfect smoothness for quick playing
• Sapele. This wood has distinctive mid-range sounds and treble.
• Maple. It delivers excellent trebles and clear low-resonance sounds.
• Walnut. This one is also focused on mid-range frequencies, trembling highs, and deep low sounds.
• Rosewood. This one has rich low-end sounds, emphasized overtones, and loudness.

Guitarzan

Hi everyone! I’m Thomas Moody, also known as Guitarzan.