One of the first challenges that beginners have when it comes to learning to play acoustic guitar is acquiring said instrument. It becomes more challenging when you have a budget of less than $500 because your options become limited. Looking at this positively, it means that you won’t have to spend days looking for an acoustic guitar – you would only need to focus on those models that fit your budget.
That said, it’s better to stay away from the super-low end of the price spectrum if you really want a good guitar that performs well and would last you for years. Invest in the best guitar that your money can buy and you will treasure it more as you go on your musical journey.
Here are 5 quality acoustic guitar models you won’t regret buying for less than $500.
Seagull Original S6 2018
Often considered to be one of the best acoustic guitars for beginners, the Seagull Original S6 2018 sounds as great as it looks. The Seagull Original S6 model is Seagull’s flagship acoustic guitar and for the 2018 revamp the company fitted it with a wider nut, solid cedar top, a striking rosewood fingerboard and bridge, wild cherry wood laminate back and sides and a nice satin finish.
It has a warm, bright and rich tone, and the sound is projected loud and clear thanks to its modified dreadnought body. It costs just a little more than $400. You can read an in-depth review of the Seagull Original S6 2018 right here.
Yamaha FG830
The Yamaha FG830 is another solid-top acoustic guitar. Yamaha used solid Sitka spruce for the top, nato wood for the neck and rosewood laminate for the sides and back. This acoustic guitar features scalloped internal bracing to give it a punchier and louder sound. It has a wide dynamic range and richness of sound that would make you think it costs a lot more. Beginners would love not only the sound but also how easy it is to play and how reasonably priced it is. For around $300, you can even get a complete guitar kit!
Fender FA-100
Fender has made it easier for aspiring musicians to learn to play the guitar by coming up with budget-friendly models that don’t sound cheap at all. The Fender FA-100 is one such model, designed specifically for beginners. This acoustic dreadnought has that Fender quality tone but without the price that usually comes with high-end models.
The FA-100 has a laminated spruce top and basswood back and sides. The neck is maple and the fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood. In truth it’s a basic, no-nonsense guitar but it has a full sound with a warm and rich tone. For less than $200, it’s one to beat.
Epiphone PRO-1
Beginners can feel like a pro with the Epiphone PRO-1 acoustic guitar, which is designed by professionals to be easy to play. This guitar has all of the features of the brand’s PRO-1 Collection guitars, such as the EZ-Profile neck, JumboPRO frets, PRO-Ease string and fingerboard coating, lighter gauge strings and shorter scale length. All of these contribute to making the guitar easy and comfortable to play – perfect for beginners. The best part? It’s also less than $200.
Ibanez IJV50
This is an acoustic kit that comes with everything you need to get started. This “jampack” comes with the Ibanez V50NT dreadnought acoustic guitar, a guitar strap, chromatic clip-on tuner, a set of picks, a pouch for your accessories and gig bag to make the guitar ready and safe for storage or travel.
The guitar has a spruce top and agathis back and sides. It also sounds nice and more than decent for a guitar starter kit that costs less than $150, especially from a trusted big-name brand. Ibanez delivered a good compromise between quality and economy, something that beginners on a budget will surely appreciate.
Those are our top 5 acoustic guitar recommendations for beginners. There’s a model for every budget range, so take your pick!
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