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10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

Gibson Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard 2019, Vintage Sunburst

Body Shape: round-shoulder dreadnought
Tonewood: Sitka spruce top, rosewood, mahogany
Neck Profile: mahogany

Yamaha FGX830C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural

Body Shape: Dreadnought
Tonewood: Solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood sides
Scale Length: standard
Nut Width: standard
Electronics: System 66 pickup, 3-band EQ, tuner
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitars, Hand-Built Martin Guitars with Authentic Wood 000-28 Natural

The Martin Guitar Standard Series Acoustic Guitar 000-28 in Natural finish is a high-quality instrument, ideal for serious players and enthusiasts. The guitar features a 6-string configuration with a spruce top, which is known for delivering a bright and resonant sound. The ebony fingerboard complements the spruce top well, providing smooth playability and durability.

The body of the guitar is crafted from rosewood, known for its rich, warm tones and excellent projection. The combination of rosewood back and sides with mahogany ensures a balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs, making it versatile for various music genres. The neck of the guitar is made from mahogany, providing strength and stability, while the neck profile and scale length are designed for comfortable playability.

The nut width is standard, making finger positioning and chord transitions easier for players of different skill levels. One notable aspect missing from this model is built-in electronics, which means it is purely an acoustic guitar without the capability for direct amplification. This might be a drawback for performers who prefer a built-in pickup or preamp for live performances or recording.

With dimensions of 47 x 20 x 9 inches and a weight of 17.6 pounds, the guitar is relatively easy to handle, though some may find it slightly heavy. This Martin 000-28 model is best suited for dedicated acoustic guitar players who value craftsmanship and rich, authentic tones in their instruments.

#2

Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural Gloss

The Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition is a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar that suits players looking for a rich, versatile sound and premium craftsmanship. It features a spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, a classic combination known for bright, clear tones with warm bass response. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard offer smooth playability and durability. With a 25.5-inch scale length, it provides balanced string tension that feels comfortable for most players.

The fixed bridge ensures solid tuning stability, and the built-in electronics make it easy to plug in for performances without losing the natural acoustic tone. Weighing in at just over 21 pounds, it’s relatively hefty, which some might find a bit heavy for long playing sessions. It’s designed for right-handed players and uses phosphor bronze strings, which add warmth and brightness.

This guitar is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want a professional-level instrument with excellent sound quality both unplugged and amplified. Beginners might find it pricey, but its craftsmanship and tone make it a rewarding investment for serious musicians.

#3

YAMAHA FS800 Small Body Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, Natural, Concert

Rating
8.5
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2111 reviews

Body Shape
Its slightly smaller concert body provides comfortable playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
Tonewood
The guitar delivers a clear, bright tone that improves with age, offering a pleasing depth and balance after experimenting with different strings.
Neck Profile
A professional setup can transform the guitar’s action and neck adjustments, significantly enhancing playability and sound quality.
Electronics
While this model lacks built-in electronics, it excels as an acoustic instrument ideal for practice, recording, or casual playing.

The Yamaha FS800 is a concert-sized acoustic guitar designed for players seeking a smaller body that offers comfort without sacrificing sound quality. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides clear, bright tones that improve as the guitar ages. The back and sides are made from Nato wood, contributing to a warm sound, although they are less resonant than traditional mahogany or rosewood. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge enhance smooth playability and contribute to good tonal balance.

While the neck profile is not detailed, the concert body shape generally suits players who prefer easier reach and fingerstyle playing. The guitar is equipped with diecast tuners that hold tuning reliably and includes an adjustable truss rod for neck adjustments. It does not have built-in electronics, making it better suited for acoustic practice or recording with external microphones rather than live amplified performances.

The nut width and scale length are typical for this size, ensuring comfort for most hand sizes. The FS800 delivers solid build quality and a pleasing tone, making it an affordable and reliable option for beginners and intermediate players looking for a smaller-sized acoustic guitar. Players seeking a more powerful sound or built-in electronics may want to explore other models.

Rating
8.5
Body Shape
Tonewood
Neck Profile

Most important from
2111 reviews

Body Shape
Its slightly smaller concert body provides comfortable playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
Tonewood
The guitar delivers a clear, bright tone that improves with age, offering a pleasing depth and balance after experimenting with different strings.
Neck Profile
A professional setup can transform the guitar’s action and neck adjustments, significantly enhancing playability and sound quality.
Electronics
While this model lacks built-in electronics, it excels as an acoustic instrument ideal for practice, recording, or casual playing.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one guitar from another. The right guitar for you will depend on your playing style, musical preferences, and physical comfort. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful, balanced sound and are great for strumming and flat-picking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a larger body, producing a louder and bass-heavy sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits your playing style.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is a popular choice for the top (soundboard) due to its bright and clear tone. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mid-range focused sound, while rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and treble. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile describes the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. A C-shape neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, making it a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which some players find easier for thumb-over playing styles. U-shape necks are thicker and can provide a more substantial feel, preferred by players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing technique.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall playability. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play and bend notes. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides more tension, which can result in a brighter tone and better note definition. Consider your playing style and hand strength when choosing a scale length.
Nut WidthNut width is the width of the guitar's neck at the nut, which affects the spacing of the strings. Common nut widths range from 1.65 inches to 1.75 inches. A narrower nut width (around 1.65 inches) is easier for players with smaller hands or those who prefer closer string spacing for faster playing. A wider nut width (around 1.75 inches) provides more space between the strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing and players with larger hands. Choose a nut width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and a preamp with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform live or record your music, an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics can be very convenient. If you primarily play at home or in small settings, a purely acoustic guitar without electronics may be sufficient. Consider your performance needs when deciding on electronics.

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