Newly developed scalloped bracing for stronger sound!
Traditional Western Dreadnought Body
Exclusive black finish!
Are you an aspiring musician or a seasoned guitarist looking for an affordable yet high-quality acoustic guitar? Look no further! In today’s market, there are plenty of excellent budget acoustic guitars that cater to various playing styles and preferences.
We have researched and compiled a list of the top 5 best acoustic guitar under $200 to help you find the perfect instrument without breaking the bank. Additionally, we will also discuss essential factors to consider when purchasing a budget acoustic guitar, ensuring you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the features, pros, and cons of the top 5 best acoustic guitars under 200: Yamaha FG800, Epiphone DR-100, Fender FA-100, Ibanez IJV50, and Jasmine S35.
Moreover, we will explore factors such as playing style, neck and body comfort, neck profiles, tonewoods, hardware quality, and fretwork. So, let us embark on this musical journey and discover the best budget acoustic guitar for you!
Short Summary
This article reviews the top 5 acoustic guitars under $200 for various playing styles and preferences.
Essential factors to consider when buying a budget guitar include playing style, neck & body comfort, tonewoods, hardware quality and fretwork.
Budget acoustic electric guitars offer great value with built in electronics, accessories should be assessed before purchase for optimal performance, regular maintenance is key to lasting enjoyment of your instrument.
Finding the best budget acoustic guitar can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available in the market. However, we have simplified the process for you by handpicking the top 5 acoustic guitars under $200, each offering a unique combination of quality, playability, and affordability.
These guitars cater to various playing styles and preferences, ensuring that you find the perfect instrument to suit your needs.
The top 5 best acoustic guitars under $200 are Yamaha FG800, Epiphone DR-100, Fender FA-100, Ibanez IJV50, and Jasmine S35. These guitars have been highly rated by musicians worldwide and offer great value for money. Each guitar features a distinct combination of tonewoods, neck and body designs, and hardware quality, ensuring that you find the perfect instrument to match your playing style and preferences.
Newly developed scalloped bracing for stronger sound!
Traditional Western Dreadnought Body
Exclusive black finish!
The Yamaha FG800 is a popular and affordable acoustic guitar that boasts a solid Sitka spruce top, nato back and sides, and remarkable sound quality. Yamaha is renowned for producing high-quality instruments at an affordable price point, and the FG800 is no exception. The solid Sitka spruce top ensures a warm and rich tone, while the nato back and sides add durability and stability to the guitar.
With a slim neck profile and a rosewood fingerboard, the Yamaha FG800 is a great guitar that is comfortable to play, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players. The dreadnought body shape provides a full and resonant sound, ensuring that this guitar can hold its own in a variety of musical situations.
In summary, the Yamaha FG800 offers outstanding value for money and is a top choice among budget acoustic guitars under $200.
Additional Details: SlimTaper C-profile neck, Epiphone Sloped Dovewing headstock, and Premium Die Cast tuners
Mahogany body
Dreadnought body shape
Rosewood fingerboard
The Epiphone DR-100 is a budget-friendly guitar that offers more than just an affordable price tag. With a mahogany body, spruce top, and slim taper neck, this guitar is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. The DR-100 has a rich and warm tone thanks to the combination of spruce and mahogany tonewoods.
Included with the Epiphone DR-100 is a value pack containing a gig bag, strap, picks, and a tuner, ensuring you have everything you need to start playing right away. However, some users have reported sharp frets that may require filing on the edges. Despite this minor issue, the DR-100 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality budget acoustic guitar under $200.
Full-size dreadnought body for full and vibrant tone, suited for all styles of music
Rosewood bridge with compensated synthetic bone saddle
Laminated spruce top with X bracing
20-fret fingerboard with dot inlays
Chrome hardware
The Fender FA-115 is an ideal acoustic guitar for beginners, as it comes with a complete set for learning and offers decent sound quality. The guitar features a laminated spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a slim and comfortable neck. The dreadnought body shape ensures a full and balanced sound that is suitable for a variety of playing styles.
Included with the Fender FA-115 is a comprehensive set of components for learning, such as a gig bag, strap, picks, and a digital clip-on tuner. This guitar is an excellent investment for those starting their musical journey, providing a solid foundation to build upon as they progress in their skills.
The Ibanez IJV50 is a budget-friendly great acoustic guitar that is ideal for both novice and intermediate players, featuring a spruce top. The guitar boasts an appealing visual aesthetic and a pleasing sound, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
However, it should be noted that there have been reports of some customers receiving defective products. Despite this issue, the IJV50 remains a highly recommended budget guitar with a spruce top, suitable for both beginner and intermediate players.
To ensure you receive a quality product, make sure to purchase from a reputable seller and carefully inspect the instrument upon arrival.
Jasmine Advanced X Bracing for a more defined and enlivened sound
Slimmer neck profile
Chrome hardware
The Jasmine S35 acoustic guitar is a dreadnought guitar featuring a spruce top, Advanced “X” Bracing, slim neck, and full body. The Sitka spruce top with Jasmine’s advanced ‘X’ bracing ensures a great sound, while the mahogany back and sides provide stability and durability.
With a slim neck profile and full body binding, the Jasmine S35 is comfortable to play and offers outstanding value for the price. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the Jasmine S35 is an excellent budget acoustic guitar that delivers quality sound and playability.
Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Budget Acoustic Guitar
When choosing the best budget acoustic guitar, it is crucial to consider various factors to ensure the instrument meets your requirements and does not lack in any aspect. By taking the time to evaluate factors such as playing style, neck and body comfort, neck profiles, tonewoods, hardware quality, and fretwork, you can find the perfect guitar that suits your needs and preferences.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into these essential factors, guiding you through the process of selecting the best budget acoustic guitar that not only fits your budget but also provides you with the desired sound quality, playability, and comfort.
1. Playing Style
Your preferred playing style should be one of the first factors to consider when looking for a budget acoustic guitar. Different types of guitars cater to different styles, so it is essential to choose an instrument that complements your unique playing preferences.
For instance, if you primarily play classical music, a nylon-string guitar would be the most suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy playing blues, country, or pop, a steel-string guitar would be a better option. By considering your playing style, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect budget acoustic guitar that matches your musical needs and aspirations.
2. Comfortable Neck and Body
The comfort of the guitar’s neck and body is paramount when purchasing a budget acoustic guitar, as it directly impacts your playing experience. A comfortable neck and body should feel natural and effortless when playing, allowing you to move your hands up and down the neck without any strain or discomfort.
When assessing comfort levels for the neck and body, it is important to consider the size of the neck and ensure there are no sharp edges or uncomfortable curves on the body. Additionally, adjustable truss rods can be advantageous in customizing the neck to your preference.
By prioritizing comfort, you can improve your playing experience and ensure that your budget acoustic guitar feels like an extension of your body.
3. Neck Profiles
Neck profiles play a significant role in the overall playability and comfort of a budget acoustic guitar. The “C” profile, “U” profile and the “V-neck” profile are the three most common neck profiles found in low-cost guitars. These necks are widely popular among aspiring musicians. Each of these profiles offers a distinct feel, so it is crucial to choose the one that best suits your playing style and comfort.
The C-shaped neck is the thinnest profile and is ideal for individuals with smaller hands. The U-shaped neck is typically preferred among players due to its comfortable feel. Lastly, the V-shaped neck has an angular design, which may take some time to get used to, especially for those who are just starting out with playing the guitar.
By understanding the differences between these neck profiles, you can make an informed decision and select a budget acoustic guitar that feels comfortable and natural to play.
4. Tonewoods
Tonewoods play a crucial role in determining the sound quality of a budget acoustic guitar. Different types of wood produce distinct tones, so it is essential to select the appropriate wood for the desired sound. Some of the most commonly used wood types for crafting guitars are maple, mahogany, and ash.
Mahogany is well-known for its mellow and smooth tone, which is why a mahogany neck is often sought after. Maple, on the other hand, offers a brighter and snappier sound. Combinations such as a spruce top and rosewood back and sides are favored for their well-balanced tone. By considering the tonewoods used in the construction of your budget acoustic guitar, you can ensure that the instrument produces a sound that matches your playing style and preferences.
5. Hardware Quality
When purchasing an acoustic guitar on a budget, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of hardware, such as tuners and strings, as they play a crucial role in the guitar’s playability and sound. Poor-quality hardware can result in tuning instability and negatively impact the overall tone of the instrument.
To avoid such issues, look for budget acoustic guitars that feature dependable tuners and strings from reputable manufacturers. Additionally, it is possible to upgrade the strings on a budget acoustic guitar without incurring significant costs. By ensuring that your guitar has high-quality hardware, you can enhance its playability and sound quality, making it a more enjoyable instrument to play.
6. Fretwork
Fretwork is the condition of the frets on a guitar, and it is crucial to inspect for even frets without jagged edges or buzzing when purchasing a budget acoustic guitar. Smooth frets are essential for good playability, as they allow the strings to vibrate freely and produce a clear, consistent tone while playing guitar.
When assessing the condition of your frets, check for any sharp edges or buzzing that may be present. Additionally, a fret rocker can be used to detect any unevenness in the frets. By ensuring that your budget acoustic guitar has smooth and even frets, you can improve its playability and ensure a satisfying playing experience.
Best Budget Acoustic Guitar Brands
When shopping for a budget acoustic guitar, it is essential to consider the reputation of the brand. Some of the top budget acoustic guitar brands include Fender, Epiphone, Yamaha, and Ibanez. These brands are known for providing quality budget acoustic guitars that offer excellent value for money.
By choosing a budget acoustic guitar from a reputable brand, you can ensure that the instrument is built to a high standard and features quality components. This not only enhances the playability and sound quality of the guitar, but also ensures that it will last for years to come.
Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $200
Acoustic-electric guitars offer an excellent combination of affordability and versatility for live performances. These guitars come equipped with built-in pickups and preamps, allowing you to plug the instrument directly into an amplifier or PA system. This feature makes them an ideal choice for musicians who perform live or require amplified sound for practice or recording sessions.
Some budget acoustic-electric guitars under $200 that provide great value for money include the Alvarez Regent Series RG260CESB, Epiphone J-200 EC, and Tanglewood Premium Plus preamp. These cheap acoustic guitars options feature quality tonewoods, comfortable neck profiles, and built-in electronics that ensure a great sound when amplified. Don’t miss out on these cheap acoustic guitar deals for an affordable yet quality acoustic electric experience.
Accessories and Extras: What to Expect with Budget Acoustic Guitars
Budget acoustic guitars often come with a range of accessories and extras, such as gig bags or cases, tuners, extra strings, guitar picks, and guitar straps. While these accessories can be useful, it is essential to assess their quality and ensure that they do not compromise the overall performance of the instrument.
When evaluating the accessories included with your budget acoustic guitar, avoid plastic components such as tuners, bridges, and saddles, as they can negatively impact the guitar’s playability and tone. Instead, opt for accessories made from high-quality materials that will enhance your playing experience and ensure that your guitar remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Tips for Maintaining Your Budget Acoustic Guitar
Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring that your budget acoustic guitar stays in tune and lasts for years to come. Regularly cleaning the frets and fretboard with a soft cloth, applying fretboard conditioner to keep the wood in optimal condition, and inspecting the guitar for any loose parts or damage are all vital steps for preserving your instrument.
Additionally, it is crucial to store your guitar in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, and use a humidifier if necessary. By following these simple tips, you can prolong the life of your budget acoustic guitar and ensure that it remains an enjoyable and rewarding instrument to play.
Summary
Finding the perfect budget acoustic guitar requires careful consideration of various factors, including playing style, neck and body comfort, neck profiles, tonewoods, hardware quality, and fretwork. By taking the time to evaluate these factors and selecting a guitar from a reputable brand, you can ensure that your chosen instrument offers excellent value for money and delivers a satisfying playing experience.
So whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the top 5 budget acoustic guitars under $200 are Yamaha FG800, Epiphone DR-100, Fender FA-100, Ibanez IJV50, and Jasmine S35. These guitars offer a unique combination of quality, playability, and affordability, making them the perfect choice for musicians on a budget. So go ahead, explore these fantastic options, and let the music begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing a budget acoustic guitar?
When choosing a budget acoustic guitar, consider playing style, neck and body comfort, neck profiles, tonewoods, hardware quality, and fretwork.
These factors will determine the sound and playability of the instrument. Consider the type of music you want to play and the sound you want to achieve. Look for a guitar with a comfortable neck profile and body shape. Pay attention to the quality of the product.
Which brands are known for providing quality budget acoustic guitars?
Fender, Epiphone, Yamaha, and Ibanez are renowned for providing quality budget acoustic guitars.
Can I upgrade the strings on my budget acoustic guitar?
Yes, you can upgrade the strings on your budget acoustic guitar without incurring significant costs.
What accessories are typically included with budget acoustic guitars?
Budget acoustic guitars typically come with essential accessories such as gig bags/cases, tuners, strings, picks and straps.
How can I maintain my budget acoustic guitar?
Maintaining your budget acoustic guitar involves regularly cleaning the frets and fretboard, applying fretboard conditioner, storing it in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, and inspecting it for any loose parts or damage.
Regular cleaning of the frets and fretboard should be done with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Fretboard conditioner should be applied to the fretboard to keep it from drying out and cracking. The guitar should be stored in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping and other damage.
