April 2024
Acoustic Guitars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of acoustic guitars rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 9 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 96 acoustic guitar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
70 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 9 Apr 2024, Yamaha FG800 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed acoustic guitar with 6 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 acoustic guitar' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Martin: 11 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Martin LX1E Little Martin)
-
Fender: 10 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Fender CD 60S)
-
Taylor Guitars: 9 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Taylor GS Mini)
-
Yamaha: 6 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Yamaha FG800)
-
Takamine: 5 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Takamine EF341SC)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
reviewed.usatoday.com
|
Music Critic
|
The Strategist
|
Music Radar
|
GuitarPlayer
|
Six String Acoustic
|
Guitar World
|
Guitar Chalk
|
10stunninghomes.com
|
American Songwriter
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
6
|
6
|
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
1
|
8
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
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2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Seagull S6 Original
The Seagull S6 Original is a highly praised dreadnought-size acoustic guitar known for its exceptional comfort, playability, sound quality, and durability, making it suitable for guitarists of all levels and musical needs.
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $499 |
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.
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $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.
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
8
|
- | $849 |
Taylor Academy 10e
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
Gibson SJ-200 Studio
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
13
|
- | $169 |
Epiphone DR-100
The Epiphone DR-100 is a highly recommended acoustic guitar known for its well-balanced sound, comfortable playability, and portability, making it suitable for various musical styles and ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
|
-
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6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $949 |
Martin D-10E Road Series
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
6
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $449 |
Martin LXK2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
9
|
-
|
We ranked Yamaha FG800 #1 in April 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Yamaha FG800 as #1.
Music Critic
Our Recommendation
|
Comfortable to play
Sound offers clarity and punch
Made from materials found in higher-end products
Great price
|
Music Radar
A brilliant acoustic guitar with a solid top for a bargain price
|
Exceptional value for money
Solid Spruce top
Rugged build quality
|
Aimed at beginners
|
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
|
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
|
Guitar World
A best-seller beginners acoustic that delivers on reliability
|
Great sound for the money
Good build quality
Low price
|
No electronics
|
Guitar Chalk
BEST FOR: 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 April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Taylor GS Mini as #1.
Music Radar
The best acoustic guitar for travelling
|
+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
|
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
|
Guitar World
A beginner acoustic with a large tone and a smaller body
|
High quality tone
Extremely versatile sounds
Wonderful build quality
|
Doesn’t have the volume of a full size
|
Guitar Chalk
BEST FOR: 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 April 2024 ranking
reviewed.usatoday.com
Music Critic
The Strategist
Music Radar
GuitarPlayer
Six String Acoustic
Guitar World
Guitar Chalk
10stunninghomes.com
American Songwriter
We ranked Fender CD 60S #3 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Fender CD 60S as #1.
Music Radar
One of the best acoustic guitars under $200 right now
|
Superb value for money
Nice low action out the box
Excellent tonal balance
|
Glossy finish may put some players off
|
Guitar World
The best acoustic guitar for beginners seeking a big brand name
|
Balanced sound
Stays in tune
Entry-level price
|
Individual looks may put some off
|
We ranked Seagull S6 Original #4 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Reliable for live performances.
Easy and comfortable to use, especially for beginners.
|
Music Radar
The ultimate value for money acoustic guitar
|
Amazing value for money
Balanced tonal voice
Rugged build quality
|
Neck will be too wide for some
|
Guitar World
Premium quality in a beginner-friendly guitar that’s built to last
|
Optimum build quality
Sweet and versatile sound
Good for fingerpicking
|
No electronics onboard
|
Guitar Chalk
BEST FOR: Budgets and strumming styles.
|
Solid Cedar top
Wild Cherry for the back and sides makes for a unique tone
Maple fretboard
Great price point
Pickup & preamp version available
|
None for the price
|
We ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin #5 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin as #1.
Music Critic
Best Value
|
Easy to carry around.
Rich tone and resonance for a great performance.
Big gig bag that allows protection.
|
Guitar World
Easily the best beginner acoustic guitar for travel
|
Excellent build quality
Great volume for the size
Electro tonal variety
|
May be too small for adult beginners
Higher end of beginner price range
|
We ranked Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 #6 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Music Radar
A brilliant, low-cost guitar for sofa strumming
|
Superb value for money
Comfortable playability
Great for beginners
|
Fretboard can feel cramped
Not the loudest
|
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
|
We ranked Martin D-28 #7 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Martin D-28 as #1.
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 Taylor Academy 10e #8 in April 2024 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 Gibson SJ-200 Studio #9 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
GuitarPlayer
A slimmed down jumbo that won’t break the bank
|
Slimmer than the standard SJ-200
Walnut body adds something different to the mix
Slightly more affordable than most SJ-200’s
|
Not quite a full-fat 200
|
We ranked Epiphone DR-100 #10 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Dot markers that make playing more convenient.
Consistent performance.
Durable and convenient to carry around.
|
Guitar World
On a tight budget? Well this beginner acoustic is for you
|
Good build quality
Easy player
Can’t go wrong for just over $100
|
Not the most exciting beginner guitar
|
We ranked Martin D-10E Road Series #11 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Guitar Chalk
BEST FOR: 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 #12 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
Guitar Chalk
BEST FOR: 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
|