January 2025
Acoustic Guitars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of acoustic guitars rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 17 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 86 acoustic guitar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
59 acoustic guitars were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 17 Jan 2025, Yamaha FG800 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed acoustic guitar with 7 expert endorsements.
Brand breakdown
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Martin: 11 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Martin LX1E Little Martin)
-
Fender: 8 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Fender CD 60S)
-
Yamaha: 6 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Yamaha FG800)
-
Taylor Guitars: 6 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Taylor GS Mini)
-
Takamine: 3 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Takamine EF341SC)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
frontmanphilosophy.com
|
10stunninghomes.com
|
Music Critic
|
Guitar World
|
Six String Acoustic
|
The Strategist
|
Music Radar
|
GuitarPlayer
|
Guitar Chalk
|
reviewed.usatoday.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $230 |
Yamaha FG800
The Yamaha FG800 is a highly regarded full-sized dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, comfortable playability, exceptional sound quality, and solid construction.
|
3
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $599 |
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is a highly versatile and durable guitar that offers excellent sound quality in a compact and portable design, making it a popular choice for travelers and musicians of all skill levels.
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $200 |
Fender CD 60S
The Fender CD 60S acoustic guitar is highly praised for its comfortable playability, impressive sound quality, and durable construction, making it a reliable and budget-friendly option for musicians of all levels.
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500
The Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 is a compact and comfortable parlor-sized guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great option for musicians of all skill levels.
|
5
|
15
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Fender CD-60 Dreadnought
The Fender CD-60 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a versatile and affordable option that offers a balanced tone, durability, and high-quality sound, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $490 |
Martin LX1E Little Martin
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a highly portable and comfortable acoustic guitar with impressive sound quality and durability, making it a great choice for travelers and musicians of all levels.
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $849 |
Taylor Academy 10e
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
8
|
- | $1600 |
Yamaha A5R ARE
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $949 |
Martin D-10E Road Series
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $449 |
Martin LXK2
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $3199 |
Martin D-28
The Martin D-28 is a versatile and high-quality dreadnought acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound projection, exceptional sound quality, and comfortable playability.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
6
|
|
16
|
- | $4399 |
Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Yamaha FG800 #1 in January 2025 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
frontmanphilosophy.com
Best overall tone
|
Rosewood in the neck makes for an easy grip
Bright and robust natural tone
|
Fretboard might be too big for beginners or players with small hands to handle
|
Music Critic
Best Value For Beginners
|
Solid Sitka Spruce Top: For enhanced sound projection and clarity.
Excellent Build Quality: Superior craftsmanship for its price range.
Perfect for Beginners: Comfortable neck and easy playability.
|
Guitar World
A reliable best-seller that’s ideal for adults
|
Great sound for the money
Good build quality
Low price
|
No electronics
|
Six String Acoustic
Best Acoustic Guitar
|
Solid Spruce Top
Nato/Okume Back and Sides for a rich, warm sound
Newly developed scalloped bracing for stronger sound!
Traditional Western Dreadnought Body
Exclusive black fini
|
Music Radar
A brilliant acoustic guitar with a solid top for a bargain price
|
Exceptional value for money
Solid Spruce top
Rugged build quality
|
Lacks a little sparkle.
|
GuitarPlayer
Yamaha’s budget acoustic delivers tone beyond its call of duty
|
Solid spruce top a real treat at this price
Blends well with vocals
Deep, rich tone
|
Lacks any added extras
|
Guitar Chalk
Beginners and budgets.
|
Fantastic price point
Solid Spruce top
Maple fretboard
Guitar looks and plays like a mid-range acoustic
|
Strings will need changed
Tone can sound a bit thin depending on the type of music you're into
|
We ranked Taylor GS Mini #2 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Taylor GS Mini as #1.
Music Critic
|
Big Sound: Delivers a full, bold tone despite its smaller body.
High-Quality Build: Made with layered sapele back and sides.
Great for All Skill Levels: Suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
|
Guitar World
A fantastic beginner guitar that sounds even better amplified
|
High quality tone
Extremely versatile sounds
Wonderful build quality
|
Doesn’t have the volume of a full size
|
Six String Acoustic
Best Acoustic Guitar
|
Ebony Fingerboard - Natural with Black Pickguard
6-string Acoustic Guitar with Spruce Top
Layered Sapele Back Sides
Mahogany N
|
Music Radar
The best acoustic guitar below $1,000
|
Amazing playability
Incredible build quality
Full sounding despite the size
|
Cedar-topped and nylon-stringed versions would be nice
|
GuitarPlayer
Probably one of the best non-full size acoustic guitars out there
|
Bold, punchy tone
Good pickup system
Perfect for travelling
|
Shorter scale might take some getting used to
|
Guitar Chalk
Pretty much everything, but especially for melodic, fingerpicking styles, gigging, and couch acoustic playing.
|
Tonewood combinations look great (especially Koa)
Tone is both bright and warm at the same time
Sounds great for melodic, fingerpicking styles
Price point is awesome for a solid top Taylor acoustic
ES-B pickup/preamp system is a nice addition
|
None
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend acoustic guitars.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of acoustic guitars, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for January 2025 ranking
frontmanphilosophy.com
10stunninghomes.com
Music Critic
Guitar World
Six String Acoustic
The Strategist
Music Radar
GuitarPlayer
Guitar Chalk
reviewed.usatoday.com
We ranked Fender CD 60S #3 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Fender CD 60S as #1.
frontmanphilosophy.com
Best value for money
|
Very good value for money
Natural, warm resonance
Loud, full-bodied sound
Considerably easy acoustic guitar to play
|
Only 20 frets and no cutaway
No electronics
|
Guitar World
The best beginner acoustic for kids and smaller players
|
Balanced sound
Stays in tune
Entry-level price
|
Individual looks may put some off
|
Music Radar
One of the best acoustic guitars for beginners
|
Rolled edges on the walnut fretboard are a nice touch.
Very playable.
Excellent value.
Balanced tones.
Intonation and setup were excellent out of the box
|
The high-gloss on mahogany might put some off.
|
We ranked Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
frontmanphilosophy.com
Best parlor-style acoustic guitar
|
Superb country-style tone
Die-cast tuning heads are a steal at this asking price
|
Very short fretboard (18 frets)
Not the most balanced playback tone
|
Music Critic
|
Vintage Aesthetics: Classic parlor body with a retro feel.
Smooth Playability: Comfortable neck for easy fingerpicking.
Affordable Price: A great choice for entry-level players.
|
Guitar World
Best beginner acoustic with retro charm
|
Excellent sound and projection
It holds its tune
The short 24" scale makes it great for kids and beginners
|
Some might find the fretboard a little cramped
|
Music Radar
A brilliant, low-cost guitar for sofa strumming
|
Tone and volume are impressive.
|
Inevitably feels a bit boxy and cheap.
|
We ranked Fender CD-60 Dreadnought #5 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Fender CD-60 Dreadnought as #1.
Music Critic
|
Solid Spruce Top: Enhances rich, resonant sound.
Comfortable Neck: Easy playability for beginners.
Budget-Friendly: Great value without sacrificing quality.
|
Six String Acoustic
Best Acoustic Guitar
|
One right-handed Fender CD-60 Dreadnought V3 Acoustic Guitar
Dreadnought Body
Premium Materials
Enhanced Playability
2-Year Limited Warranty
|
We ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin #6 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin as #1.
Music Critic
Compact and Travel-Friendly
|
Portable Size: Compact and easy to carry.
Rich Tone: Delivers the signature Martin sound.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Uses high-pressure laminate for added durability.
|
We ranked Taylor Academy 10e #7 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Taylor Academy 10e as #1.
We ranked Yamaha A5R ARE #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Music Critic
Premium Sound And Build Quality
|
Solid Sitka Spruce Top: Offers superior resonance and projection.
SRT2 Pickup System: Advanced electronics for stage and studio control.
Handcrafted in Japan: Impeccable build quality and craftsmanship.
|
Music Radar
The acoustic guitar that sounds utterly great plugged-in
|
Unplugged experience is wonderfully reflected plugged in.
|
We’d like to see a non-cutaway option, please, Yamaha - not all stage players need a cutaway.
|
We ranked Martin D-10E Road Series #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Guitar Chalk
Rhythm, performing, strumming, and recording.
|
Solid top, back and sides
Spruce bracing
Fishman Sonitone preamp/pickup system
Warm tone, ideal for strumming
Includes a hardshell case
|
Laminate Sapele isn't particularly exciting
|
We ranked Martin LXK2 #10 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Guitar Chalk
Beginners, performing and small hands.
|
Includes a gig bag
Spruce bracing
Great for beginners, kids and travel
Great price point
|
No preamp or onboard electronics
No solid wood
|
We ranked Martin D-28 #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
GuitarPlayer
Grab your very own ‘golden era’ Martin without needing a second mortgage
|
One of the most iconic acoustics of all time
Adirondack spruce is highly sought after
Still cheaper than a genuine ‘30s D-28
|
Price is still pretty eye-watering
The vintage sound isn't for everyone
|
We ranked Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Premium Construction: Solid rosewood back and sides, with a Sitka spruce top for rich tones.
Modern Updates: Features a two-way steel truss rod and carbon fiber bridge plate for modern stability.
Plek'd for Perfection: Ensures smooth playability and consistent frets for professional performance
|
Music Radar
A premium acoustic guitar perfect for fingerstyle
|
Fabulous good looks and a distinct tonal upgrade.
|
Traditionalists might flinch at the shock of the new, but we’d urge them to give this model a demo.
|