[2024 Edition] Top 10 Recommended Acoustic Guitars

2022-05-06

Hello, everyone! I’m Osawa, a self-proclaimed guitarist with the most variety in facial expressions while playing, even more than the sound variations!
With such a wide selection of acoustic guitars at Sound House, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just getting started.
Although I mainly play electric guitar, picking out an acoustic guitar requires a different set of knowledge.
So today, I’ll introduce some popular, reasonably priced acoustic guitars available at Sound House for those looking to start their acoustic journey or electric guitarists wanting a reliable acoustic as a backup.

1. Pure Acoustic Sound, Acoustic Guitars

There are many types of acoustic guitars, but the ones that don’t have pickups or electronics offer the purest sound. These guitars let you express their natural resonance, making them ideal for those who want to perform without needing amps or other equipment. Perfect for those looking for an easy way to get started.

PLAYTECH / ZD18 Sunburst (Dreadnought Type)

With impressive cost effectiveness, PLAYTECH’s acoustic guitar comes at a shockingly low price, making it a highly recommended choice. Its loud projection is ideal for street performances.

Recording King / RDS-9-TS (Dreadnought Type)

Recording King is a brand known for its rich history in acoustic guitars. Though using rare materials and featuring a classic pre-war design from the 1930s, their handmade guitars remain affordable. The RDS-9-TS dreadnought guitar uses solid Sitka spruce for the top and whitewood for the back and sides, making it part of their premium Dirty 30s Series.

Yamaha / FG830 Tobacco Brown Sunburst

This acoustic guitar by Yamaha, a brand Japan is proud of, features a traditional western design. The top is made of solid spruce, while the sides and back are crafted from rosewood, delivering a rich, clear sound with excellent resonance. It incorporates scalloped bracing technology, where part of the bracing is scalloped to enhance the bass response. With great cost effectiveness, this guitar is a solid choice for beginners.

Fender / CC-60S Concert Natural

Even those unfamiliar with guitars might know Fender. Famous for their electric guitars, they also shine in the acoustic world. This guitar features a solid spruce top and the smooth Easy-to-Play neck with rolled fingerboard edges for excellent playability, offering an authentic acoustic experience at an excellent price.

Guild / D-260CE DELUXE

Established in the States in 1952, Guild played a central role in the New York jazz scene of the 1950s and gained fame when Richie Havens used the acoustic guitar D-40 during his iconic opening act performance at Woodstock. This model features African mahogany, which delivers a powerful yet well-balanced sound. The Chesterfield headstock emblem, reminiscent of the 1960s, adds a touch of history and character to the guitar’s design.

2. Electro-Acoustic Guitars: Maintaining Acoustic Tone with Added Versatility

Next, let’s explore acoustic electric guitars—acoustic guitars equipped with built-in pickups, allowing them to be connected to an amplifier. With these, there’s no need to place a microphone in front of the guitar to capture sound in the studio or on stage, making for a more compact setup. You can also use effect pedals, just like with electric guitars, offering a wider range of sound expression.

PLAYTECH / AD35CE Dreadnought Cutaway Type

This acoustic electric guitar offers incredible value, featuring high-quality specs at an affordable price in the 10,000-yen range. It retains the loud, resonant sound of the classic dreadnought shape while providing a cutaway design for easier access to higher frets. Its matte finish gives it a refined, understated look.

Recording King / RDS-11-FE3-TBR Acoustic Electric Guitar

This acoustic electric guitar from Recording King uses the top made of solid Sitka spruce, and solid African mahogany for the sides and back. Equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, it offers great sound at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Michael Kelly Guitars / Forte Exotic JE

This guitar stands out with its unique soundhole, strategically placed to allow the player to better monitor their sound. It enhances creativity and expression during play. With a design that breaks away from the traditional acoustic guitar form, it’s sure to grab attention during practice or live performances, leaving people thinking, “Wow!”

Ibanez / PC12MHCE-OPN

Part of the Performance Series, this is an entry-level acoustic guitar that doesn’t sacrifice individuality. Known for its compact, easy-to-hold neck, a hallmark of Ibanez’s electric guitars, it offers a smooth transition for players switching from electric to acoustic. The deep cutaway makes high fret access easy, ensuring a seamless playing experience.

Takamine / PTU121C FCB

Takamine, founded in 1959 in Gifu, Japan, began as a local instrument workshop. In the 1970s, the company launched the Takamine brand, expanding into the global market with acoustic guitar exports. By the 1980s, Takamine became known internationally as the acoustic electric guitar brand, gaining the support of many famous artists. The PTU121C FCB features a compact body with an original shape and has become one of the most popular models in the standard acoustic electric series. It features a short 630 mm scale and offers high-quality sound at a price under ¥100,000, making it a remarkable value.

How was that? Did it help those of you thinking about starting acoustic guitar? There’s a unique charm in playing an acoustic guitar where you can feel the sound through the instrument itself. Hopefully, this will inspire you to start playing, share your music with others, or jam with fellow musicians—it’s sure to be a lot of fun, so give it a try!

We also have many other blog articles about acoustic guitars. Be sure to check them out!

“What’s the Difference Between 80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze Strings for Acoustic Guitar?”

“Handy Guitar Parts – Acoustic Guitar Tools”

“How to Choose Acoustic Guitar Pickups – Easy Installation Pickup Guide”

（2022-05-06 release 2024-01-05 update）