Often an interest in playing the guitar strikes after receiving one as a gift or playing a friend’s instrument. When you decide to take it a step further with an upgrade, having roughly $500 as your budget, there is a vast array of quality options in this range.
How will you recognize which is the most suited for your physicality and playing style? Research is a step in the right direction before committing to one. Let’s look at some that boast the best acoustic guitars under $500 for those who want to play everything, including indie or folk, and country to blues. Follow along.
What Are Some of The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500
It’s never been so affordable, and easy to buy a quality acoustic guitar that plays and sounds incredible. The market is fiercely competitive, making selecting the best among the options for less than $500 daunting.
The market is currently buyer friendly, with something available for all players regardless of the specifics you’re looking for. Keep in mind the guitars comprising this list are a mere sampling of what’s out there, just enough to let you see the level of quality available to you.
1. The Epiphone J-200 EC Studio
This piece boasts of being reminiscent of a classic Gibson in appearance and sound but with an affordable price point. These $500 and below guitars might take a little research to find the right place to find one. Some finishes and models could go a touch over the budget in some locations.
The guitar features “the iconic bridge, tortoiseshell style pickguard, and Pearloid crown inlays.” It is touted as the complete package, not only incredible to view but with awesome playability. The only downside could be its size, which is not necessarily ideal for everyone. Learn about the various types of acoustic guitars available on the market at https://www.gearank.com/articles/types-acostic-guitars/.
2. The Martin LX1E Little Martin
The beautiful piece is primarily constructed from manmade materials giving it an almost utilitarian feel. It is a diminutive favorite among singer-songwriters who appreciate its budget-friendliness and portability.
A player can mimic “classic Martin tones albeit finding a crisp-edged, yet conventional voice.” These brilliant, contemporary sounds will slice through a mix to out-sound the bigger players in the group. The term “little” seems a bit sarcastic.
It offers an excellent quality build and satisfactory plugged-in performance but provides a “conventional plugged-in sound.”
3. The Yamaha Storia III
Yamaha aims to present a guitar design that “transforms traditional acoustic pieces into a unique one-of-a-kind statement.” Anecdotally speaking, reviews say they accomplished their goal.
There is an air of elegance with the rich gold appointments and the burgundy red interior at the below $500 price point not usually seen with that budget. A magnificent compliment to the acoustic guitar is the beautiful warmth of a solid mahogany top.
The scale length is somewhat shorter, and the body is compact in a concert size, making it simpler for beginners to play.
4. The Washburn Woodline 10 Series WLO12SE
The styling on this acoustic version is based around the body shape of the Martin OM. It boasts of being ideal for fingerstyle players, with its all-mahogany construction highlighting its bold tone.
The build is of a high quality. It offers a “slim neck with low action.” The suggestion is that the “three-piece neck” can be considered a con for buyers. The features of this piece “sub-dreadnought dimensions with what are described as usually sparkling high and tight, defined lows.”
Final Thought
The few guitars listed here are considered to be among the best on the market according to unbiased reviews and leaders in the guitar industry based on the budget price range of $500 or below.
That median price point can produce some incredibly high-quality options with excellent tones. While it might prove hard to believe, getting an affordable guitar with a sound near its prime counterpart is possible. Go here for guidance on buying your first guitar.
They won’t have all the bells and whistles of the premium options, but these don’t pretend to be luxury. They give all they have to offer, and it’s usually more than plenty. Their new owners aren’t complaining.
