Are you looking for the best acoustic guitars under $400? Then look no further, you’re in the right place. The quality of budget-friendly acoustic guitars is better right now than it has ever been. Still, with all the options available, choosing the right fit can feel stressful.Â
After testing the guitars on this list, we definitely believe they’ll exceed your expectations. Whether this is your first guitar or you’re a seasoned pro, here are some solid guitar recommendations for anyone on a budget.
So, let’s jump into it.
*Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and as an Amazon associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. However, these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Alvarez Artist Series AF30 Folk Guitar
The Alvarez Artist Series AF30 is designed with folk and blues playing in mind. However, don’t let that discourage you if you play other styles! This is a hugely versatile guitar.
With its hand-sanded scalloped bracing, signature bi-level Rosewood bridge, Mahogany back and sides, Rosewood fingerboard, dovetail neck joint, and a natural satin finish, it’s just a real joy to play. The sound is warm, open and powerful, and both the treble and bass registers are clearly present and balanced in relation to each other. These guitars are exciting to play and responsive.
Being slightly smaller than many dreadnoughts makes it perfectly suited for traveling without compromising the richness of sound.
Con: Not the best intonation, with notes above the 14th fret being a little out of tune.
Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Ibanez had long been known for having exceptional build quality, and the AW54CEOPN Artwood dreadnought acoustic/electric guitar is no exception. They went all out with the hardware on this one whilst also making a slight departure from tradition, using Okoume for the solid top, back, and sides with a Nyatoh neck and Ovangkol fretboard.
This tonewood combination is very well balanced. That’s not all, though! Like the previous Alverez, this guitar includes a piezo pickup system. The cutaway is well designed and helps with the ergonomics of the instrument and does not seem to impact the tone acoustically.
Con: A little too lightweight.Â
Fender CC-60S Beginner Concert Pack
The Fender CC-60S Beginner Concert Pack is an unbelievable deal. Coming in at the lowest priced item on this list, the pack includes the guitar, gig bag, strap, picks, strings, and Fender play!
It’s Fender’s very own online guitar lesson system, which makes this offering our favorite for beginners.
The guitar itself is very well constructed, with the tonewood being that classic pairing of Spruce on top and Mahogany back and sides. The playability of this guitar is truly top-notch, and we were blown away with how versatile and lively it was during testing. For sound, style, and affordability, it’s hard to beat. It definitely deserves to be on the list of the best acoustic guitars.Â
Con: None!
Takamine GD20-NS
Takamine has been at the forefront of acoustic guitar innovation for decades, and with the GD20-NS, it really shows, having produced a truly outstanding guitar.
Featuring a 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, this slimmed-down neck is perfect for people with smaller hands, beginners, or anyone wanting to make those hard to reach chords a little easier. It undeniably makes playing feel almost effortless at times.
This type of hardware is usually only included in a price range way above the GD20-NS.
Con – no neck pin for a strap
Yamaha FS830 Solid Top Small Body Acoustic Guitar
Using new scalloped bracing patterns and cutting-edge acoustic analysis, Yamaha has succeeded in achieving a big acoustic sound in a smaller body. Incorporating a spruce top, and rosewood bridge, fingerboard, sides, and back. However, this is eerily reminiscent of another, more expensive small body guitar, the Taylor GS mini. It still deserves to be on the list for the best acoustic guitars.Â
Con: A little pricier than some of the other options.
