Searching for the best acoustic guitar around $500? You’re in luck! We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top options on the market.
Editor’s Note: Choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500 is important because it can be a significant investment. You want to make sure you’re getting a guitar that will meet your needs and last for years to come.
We’ve taken the time to analyze the features, sound quality, and price of each guitar on our list. We’ve also read reviews from other users to get a sense of their experiences with each guitar.
Here are the key differences between the guitars on our list:
| Feature | Guitar A | Guitar B | Guitar C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Dreadnought | Grand Auditorium | Concert |
| Tonewood | Solid spruce | Laminate spruce | Solid mahogany |
| Electronics | Fishman pickup | LR Baggs pickup | No electronics |
| Price | $499 | $449 | $549 |
Now that you know the key differences between the guitars on our list, you can start to narrow down your choices. Consider your playing style, the type of music you play, and your budget. Once you’ve considered these factors, you can choose the best acoustic guitar around $500 for you.
1. Body Shape
The body shape of an acoustic guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound. The three most popular body shapes for acoustic guitars are dreadnought, grand auditorium, and concert.
- Dreadnought
Dreadnought guitars are the largest and loudest of the three body shapes. They have a wide lower bout and a deep body, which gives them a powerful, booming sound. Dreadnought guitars are a good choice for strumming and flatpicking. - Grand Auditorium
Grand auditorium guitars are slightly smaller than dreadnought guitars, with a narrower lower bout and a shallower body. They have a more balanced sound than dreadnought guitars, with good projection and clarity. Grand auditorium guitars are a good choice for fingerpicking and strumming. - Concert
Concert guitars are the smallest of the three body shapes. They have a narrow waist and a shallow body, which gives them a bright, focused sound. Concert guitars are a good choice for fingerpicking and delicate strumming.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, it is important to consider the body shape that best suits your playing style and the type of music you play. If you are a strummer or flatpicker, a dreadnought guitar may be a good choice. If you are a fingerpicker or prefer a more balanced sound, a grand auditorium or concert guitar may be a better option.
2. Tonewood
The tonewood of an acoustic guitar is one of the most important factors that affects its sound. The type of wood used for the top, back, and sides of the guitar will determine the guitar’s tone, volume, and projection.
Solid spruce is a popular choice for acoustic guitars because it produces a bright, clear sound with good projection. Laminate spruce is a more affordable option, but it doesn’t produce as rich a sound as solid spruce. Solid mahogany is a good choice for players who want a warm, mellow sound.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, it is important to consider the tonewood that best suits your playing style and the type of music you play. If you are a strummer or flatpicker, a guitar with a solid spruce top may be a good choice. If you are a fingerpicker or prefer a warmer sound, a guitar with a solid mahogany top may be a better option.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between solid spruce, laminate spruce, and solid mahogany:
| Tonewood | Sound | Projection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid spruce | Bright, clear | Good | More expensive |
| Laminate spruce | Less bright, less clear | Fair | Less expensive |
| Solid mahogany | Warm, mellow | Good | More expensive |
3. Electronics
If you plan on playing your acoustic guitar plugged in, you’ll need to choose a guitar with electronics. Fishman and LR Baggs are two popular brands of acoustic guitar pickups.
- No electronics
Acoustic guitars without electronics are the most affordable option. They are also the most traditional, and many players prefer the natural sound of an acoustic guitar without any amplification. However, if you plan on playing your guitar plugged in, you will need to purchase an external microphone or pickup.
- Fishman pickup
Fishman is one of the leading manufacturers of acoustic guitar pickups. Fishman pickups are known for their natural sound and their ability to reproduce the full range of the guitar’s sound. Fishman pickups are available in a variety of models, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- LR Baggs pickup
LR Baggs is another leading manufacturer of acoustic guitar pickups. LR Baggs pickups are known for their warm, natural sound. LR Baggs pickups are also available in a variety of models, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500 with electronics, it is important to consider the type of music you play and the sound you want to achieve. If you play a lot of strumming and flatpicking, you may want to choose a guitar with a pickup that has a strong low end. If you play a lot of fingerpicking, you may want to choose a guitar with a pickup that has a clear, natural sound.
4. Neck Shape
The neck shape of an acoustic guitar is an important factor to consider when choosing the best guitar for your playing style. The neck shape will affect the way the guitar feels in your hand and how easy it is to play.
- C-shape
C-shape necks are the most common type of neck shape. They are slightly rounded on the back and have a comfortable feel. C-shape neck
s are a good choice for players with small to medium hands. - V-shape
V-shape necks are thinner and more angular than C-shape necks. They are often found on electric guitars and are designed for fast playing. V-shape necks can be less comfortable to play for long periods of time, but they can be a good choice for players with large hands.
- D-shape
D-shape necks are thicker and more rounded than C-shape necks. They are often found on acoustic guitars and are designed for a more traditional playing style. D-shape necks can be more comfortable to play for long periods of time, but they can be more difficult to play for players with small hands.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, it is important to consider the neck shape that best suits your playing style and the size of your hands. If you have small to medium hands, a C-shape neck may be a good choice. If you have large hands, a V-shape or D-shape neck may be a better option.
5. String Gauge
The string gauge of an acoustic guitar is the thickness of the strings. String gauges are typically measured in thousandths of an inch, with lighter gauges being thinner and heavier gauges being thicker. The string gauge can affect the sound, feel, and playability of an acoustic guitar.
- Light gauge strings
Light gauge strings are typically .012 inches thick or less. They are easier to play than heavier gauge strings, and they produce a brighter, more jangly sound. Light gauge strings are a good choice for beginners or for players who prefer a lighter touch.
- Medium gauge strings
Medium gauge strings are typically .013 inches to .017 inches thick. They are a good all-around choice for most players. Medium gauge strings produce a balanced sound with good volume and projection. They are also relatively easy to play.
- Heavy gauge strings
Heavy gauge strings are typically .018 inches thick or more. They are more difficult to play than lighter gauge strings, but they produce a louder, fuller sound. Heavy gauge strings are a good choice for players who want a more powerful sound or who play in a band.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, it is important to consider the string gauge that best suits your playing style and the sound you want to achieve. If you are a beginner or prefer a lighter touch, light gauge strings may be a good choice. If you want a more balanced sound with good volume and projection, medium gauge strings are a good option. If you want a more powerful sound or play in a band, heavy gauge strings may be a better choice.
6. Playability
Playability is an important factor to consider when choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500. It refers to how easy the guitar is to play, which is influenced by several factors including the action, fretwork, and neck relief.
Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. A guitar with low action is easier to play, especially for beginners, as it requires less force to press down the strings.
Fretwork refers to the quality of the frets. Well-made frets are evenly spaced and properly seated, which makes it easier to play clean notes without buzzing or fretting out.
Neck relief refers to the curvature of the neck. A guitar with the correct amount of neck relief will be comfortable to play and will not cause the strings to buzz or fret out.
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, it is important to find a guitar with good playability. This will make the guitar more enjoyable to play and will help you to progress faster as a player.
Here is a table that summarizes the key points about playability:
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Action | Affects the ease of playing, especially for beginners. |
| Fretwork | Contributes to clean notes and prevents buzzing. |
| Neck relief | Ensures comfort and prevents fret buzz. |
7. Sound Quality
When choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500, sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider. Sound quality can be broken down into three main components: projection, clarity, and warmth.
- Projection refers to how well the guitar’s sound can be heard. A guitar with good projection will be able to fill a room with sound, even without amplification. Projection is important for players who want to be heard in a live setting.
- Clarity refers to how well the guitar’s notes can be distinguished from each other. A guitar with good clarity will produce notes that are clean and well-defined. Clarity is important for players who want to play complex fingerpicking patterns or who want to be able to hear the individual notes in a chord.
- Warmth refers to the richness and fullness of the guitar’s sound. A guitar with good warmth will produce a sound that is pleasing to the ear and that has a lot of depth. Warmth is important for players who want to play genres such as jazz or folk music.
The best acoustic guitar around $500 will have a good balance of projection, clarity, and warmth. This will allow the guitar to be heard in a live setting, produce notes that are clean and well-defined, and have a sound that is pleasing to the ear. When choosing a guitar, it is important to consider the type of music you play and the sound you want to achieve.
8. Price
The price range of $400-$600 is a sweet spot for acoustic guitars, offering a balance of quality, affordability, and variety. Guitars in this price range typically feature solid wood construction, good electronics, and craftsmanship, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
- Solid Wood Construction
Solid wood guitars produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminated wood guitars. In the $400-$600 price range, you can find guitars with solid spruce tops, which offer a bright and articulate sound, or solid mahogany tops, which provide a warmer, more mellow tone.
- Good Electronics
Many acoustic guitars in the $400-$600 range come equipped with built-in electronics, allowing you to plug your guitar into an amplifier or PA system. This is essential for playing live or recording.
- Craftsmanship
Guitars in this price range are typically made with high standards of craftsmanship, ensuring durability and playability. You can expect to find guitars with well-finished frets, comfortable necks, and sturdy construction.
Overall, the price range of $400-$600 offers a great value for acoustic guitar players. You can find guitars with solid wood construction, good electron
ics, and craftsmanship, making them suitable for a wide range of playing styles and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions regarding the search for the best acoustic guitar under $500.
Question 1: What factors should I consider when choosing an acoustic guitar in this price range?
When selecting a guitar in this price range, crucial factors to consider include body shape (dreadnought, grand auditorium, concert), tonewood (solid spruce, laminate spruce, solid mahogany), electronics (Fishman, LR Baggs), neck shape (C-shape, V-shape, D-shape), string gauge (light, medium, heavy), playability (action, fretwork, neck relief), sound quality (projection, clarity, warmth), and price.
Question 2: Which body shape is most for beginners?
For beginners, a concert or grand auditorium body shape is recommended. These shapes are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them easier to play.
Question 3: What is the difference between solid wood and laminate wood guitars?
Solid wood guitars produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminate wood guitars. In this price range, solid spruce tops offer a bright and articulate sound, while solid mahogany tops provide a warmer, mellower tone.
Question 4: Do I need a guitar with electronics if I’m a beginner?
While not necessary for beginners, having built-in electronics allows you to plug your guitar into an amplifier or PA system, which is essential for playing live or recording.
Question 5: What is the best way to ensure I’m getting a good quality guitar for the price?
Before purchasing, research different brands, models, and read reviews from other users. Additionally, consider visiting a local guitar store to try out different guitars in person.
Question 6: Is it possible to find a professional-grade acoustic guitar under $500?
While challenging, it’s not impossible to find a professional-grade acoustic guitar under $500. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand that some compromises may be necessary in terms of materials, features, and sound quality.
In summary, choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500 requires careful consideration of various factors. By addressing these frequently asked questions, individuals can make an informed decision that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Transitioning to the next article section…
Tips for Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Around $500
Selecting the best acoustic guitar around $500 requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some valuable tips to guide your decision-making process:
Tip 1: Determine Your NeedsBefore starting your search, take time to identify your playing style, musical preferences, and the intended use of the guitar. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced player, or seeking a guitar for live performances, understanding your needs will help narrow down your choices.Tip 2: Research Different Body ShapesThe body shape of an acoustic guitar significantly impacts its sound and playability. Dreadnought guitars offer a powerful and resonant sound, while grand auditorium and concert guitars provide a more balanced and versatile tone. Consider the size and comfort of each body shape to find one that suits your playing style.Tip 3: Choose the Right TonewoodThe type of wood used for the guitar’s soundboard, back, and sides affects its tonal characteristics. Solid spruce is known for its bright and articulate sound, while solid mahogany produces a warmer and mellower tone. Laminate woods offer a more affordable option but may not provide the same rich sound as solid woods.Tip 4: Consider ElectronicsIf you plan on playing your guitar amplified, consider models with built-in electronics. Fishman and LR Baggs are reputable brands that offer high-quality pickup systems, ensuring clear and natural sound reproduction.Tip 5: Pay Attention to PlayabilityThe guitar’s playability is crucial for your comfort and enjoyment. Factors like string height (action), fretwork, and neck shape influence how easy the guitar is to play. Test out different guitars to find one that feels comfortable in your hands and allows for effortless fretting.Tip 6: Listen to the Sound QualityThe ultimate test of any guitar is its sound quality. Listen attentively to the guitar’s projection, clarity, and warmth. Choose a guitar that produces a sound that resonates with your musical taste and inspires you to play.Tip 7: Set a Realistic BudgetWhile the $500 price range offers a wide selection of quality guitars, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. Prioritize your needs and consider the trade-offs between different features and price points to find the best guitar that fits your budget.Tip 8: Seek Professional AdviceIf possible, consult with an experienced guitar player or visit a reputable music store. They can provide valuable insights, help you evaluate different guitars, and guide you towards the best choice for your needs.By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and find the best acoustic guitar around $500 that meets your playing style, preferences, and budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the best acoustic guitar around $500 requires careful consideration of various factors, including body shape, tonewood, electronics, playability, sound quality, and budget. By understanding your needs, researching different options, and paying attention to key details, you can find a guitar that meets your playing style and preferences.
Remember, the journey of finding the perfect acoustic guitar is an ongoing exploration. As your skills and musical taste evolve, you may find yourself drawn to different guitars and sounds. Embrace this journey, and enjoy the experience of discovering and playing the acoustic guitar that best resonates with your musical soul.
Youtube Video:
