November 2023
Acoustic Guitars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of acoustic guitars rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2023.
Summary
On 7 Nov 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 102 acoustic guitar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
74 acoustic guitars were endorsed in total, only 13 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 7 Nov 2023, 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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Fender: 12 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Fender CD 60S)
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Taylor Guitars: 9 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Taylor GS Mini)
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Martin: 8 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Martin LX1E Little Martin)
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Yamaha: 7 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Yamaha FG800)
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Epiphone: 5 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Epiphone EJ-200SCE)
Price breakdown
At a glance - November Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
Six String Acoustic
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Guitar Chalk
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GuitarPlayer
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The Strategist
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Music Radar
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KBonet
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Guitar World
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Music Grotto
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Old Time Music
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Music Critic
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1
|
- | $230 |
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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.
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6
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3
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1
|
-
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-
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-
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3
|
16
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-
|
1
|
2
|
- | $599 |
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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.
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1
|
2
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3
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-
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3
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-
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4
|
3
|
-
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-
|
3
|
- | Check price |
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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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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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1
|
1
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-
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-
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4
|
- | $499 |
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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.
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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6
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8
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-
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3
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5
|
- | Check price |
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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.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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4
|
7
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6
|
- | $549 |
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The Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a jumbo-sized acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound, comfortable playing experience, and versatility.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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-
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6
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6
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-
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7
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- | $169 |
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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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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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17
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-
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6
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8
|
- | $449 |
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The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO is a highly regarded and versatile acoustic guitar that offers comfort, playability, and a pleasing sound quality, making it suitable for various musical styles.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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5
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-
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13
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- | $949 |
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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14
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- | $189 |
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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.
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-
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-
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-
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2
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10
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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15
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- | $499 |
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The Martin Junior DJR-10 acoustic guitar is a smaller-sized instrument with a dreadnought body shape, known for its powerful and balanced sound projection, making it a versatile and comfortable choice for beginners, players with small hands, and frequent travelers.
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-
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-
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-
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6
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11
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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16
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+1 | $3199 |
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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.
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-
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-
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14
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
+1 | Check price |
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The Gibson Hummingbird Original is a highly recommended acoustic guitar known for its excellent bass response, well-balanced tone, and exceptional sound quality, making it a versatile option for musicians of all styles.
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-
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-
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12
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-
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12
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Yamaha FG800 #1 in November 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Yamaha FG800 as #1.

Guitar Chalk
Fantastic price point
Solid Spruce top
Maple fretboard
Guitar looks and plays like a mid-range acoustic
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Strings will need changed
Tone can sound a bit thin depending on the type of music you're into
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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
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Lacks any added extras
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Guitar World
A best-seller at the budget end of the best beginners acoustic guitar market
Great sound for the money
Good build quality
Low price
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No electronics
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Music Grotto
Affordable Solid Wood Option
The solid spruce top is rare for this price range
Scalloped bracing for durability
Excellent range of tones
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The action might be a little high
Doesn't typically come with any accessories
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Music Critic
Our Recommendation
Comfortable to play
Sound offers clarity and punch
Made from materials found in higher-end products
Great price
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We ranked Taylor GS Mini #2 in November 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Taylor GS Mini as #1.

Guitar Chalk
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
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None
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GuitarPlayer
Probably one of the best non-full size acoustic guitars out there
Bold, punchy tone
Good pickup system
Perfect for travelling
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Shorter scale might take some getting used to
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Music Radar
The best acoustic guitar for travelling
+Amazing playability
+Incredible build quality
+Full sounding despite the size
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Cedar-topped and nylon-stringed versions would be nice
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Guitar World
High-end versatility and tonal quality at an entry-level price
High quality tone
Extremely versatile sounds
Wonderful build quality
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Doesn’t have the volume of a full size
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Music Grotto
Best Small Bodied Guitar
Compact symphony body is accessible for smaller body types
True, clear highs
Excellent playability
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Laminate back and sides
No nylon version (a Symphony standard)
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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 November 2023 ranking









We ranked Fender CD 60S #3 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts 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
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Glossy finish may put some players off
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Guitar World
The best acoustic guitar for beginners seeking a big brand name
Balanced sound
Stays in tune
Entry-level price
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Individual looks may put some off
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Music Grotto
Beginner's Guitar
Solid wood top for tonal clarity
Rolled fretboard edge is easy for beginners to guitar to use.
Affordable guitar without sacrificing playability
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Laminate back and sides
The classic dreadnought body is a little bulky
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We ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin #4 in November 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin as #1.

Guitar World
Versatility and stellar sound in a pint-sized package
Excellent build quality
Great volume for the size
Electro tonal variety
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May be too small for adult befinners
Higher end of beginner price range
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Music Grotto
Best Travel Acoustic
Easy to travel with
Entry-level Martin option
Durable construction
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Doesn't suit larger hands
May not have the range of tones of higher-end Martins
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Music Critic
Best Value
Easy to carry around.
Rich tone and resonance for a great performance.
Big gig bag that allows protection.
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We ranked Seagull S6 Original #5 in November 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Guitar Chalk
Solid Cedar top
Wild Cherry for the back and sides makes for a unique tone
Maple fretboard
Great price point
Pickup & preamp version available
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None for the price
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Guitar World
Premium quality in a guitar that’s built to last
Optimum build quality
Sweet and versatile sound
Good for fingerpicking
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No electronics onboard
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Old Time Music
Well-made with very good materials and fittings.
A rich, warm cedar top sound.
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It might be rather large for young beginners.
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Music Critic
Reliable for live performances.
Easy and comfortable to use, especially for beginners.
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We ranked Epiphone EJ-200SCE #6 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Music Radar
The best acoustic guitar on a budget for plugged-in performance
Good price for a solid top
Massive jumbo tones
Eye-catching J-200 styling
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The large size isn't for everyone
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Music Grotto
Best Budget Jumbo
Internal hardware punches up
Jumbo bodied acoustic with booming low end
Well suited for rhythm players
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Loses some clarity on the high end
The large body is harder for some people to play
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Old Time Music
Plenty of style and swagger, it has the look.
A great sounding guitar that has a nice easy playing action.
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The purists may not like the cutaway that’s been added.
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We ranked Epiphone DR-100 #7 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Guitar World
Good build quality and surprising tone is yours for a low,low price
Good build quality
Easy player
Can’t go wrong for just over $100
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Not the most exciting beginner guitar
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Music Grotto
Most Potential Upgrades
An affordable option for beginners
Responds well to customization
Holds tuning exceptionally well for a guitar of its class
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Carries a huge logo across the bridge
Brighter tone than comparable guitar bodies
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Music Critic
Dot markers that make playing more convenient.
Consistent performance.
Durable and convenient to carry around.
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We ranked Epiphone Hummingbird PRO #8 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Guitar World
The best acoustic guitar for beginners who want heritage pedigree
Excellent sound
Versatile pre-amp
Easy player
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-The large body may not suit smaller players
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Old Time Music
Great sound, well made with good materials.
Good pickup and preamp and effective tone controls.
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No onboard tuner.
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We ranked Martin Road Series D-10E #9 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Guitar Chalk
Solid top, back and sides
Spruce bracing
Fishman Sonitone preamp/pickup system
Warm tone, ideal for strumming
Includes a hardshell case
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Laminate Sapele isn't particularly exciting
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KBonet
Best Budget Buy
Chrome hardware for durability
Sapele body provides the warm sound you need
Saves you money for the hardshell case
The sound is rich and remains balanced
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A bit heavy
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We ranked Gretsch Jim Dandy G9500 #10 in November 2023 because:
- 2 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
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Fretboard can feel cramped
Not the loudest
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We ranked Martin Junior DJR-10 #11 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

Music Radar
When it comes to the best acoustic guitars, we love this dreadnought
Punchy mid-range tones
Classic Martin sound
Smaller body is comfy
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Lacks depth of a full-sized dread
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We ranked Martin D-28 #12 in November 2023 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
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Price is still pretty eye-watering
The vintage sound isn't for everyone
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Music Grotto
Best Dreadnought
Aged top that retains a wide range of notes
Little high end features with Martin's minimalist design
Quick response
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The newer design loses some of Martin's signature sonic tones
High-end investment
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We ranked Gibson Hummingbird Original #13 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best acoustic guitars” rankings.

GuitarPlayer
An iconic, inspirational square-shoulder dread’
Sounds absolutely massive
Spruce & mahogany is a dream combination
Heritage Cherry Sunburst in particular looks dreamy
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Huge sound comes at the expense of comfort
Not everyone likes the look
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Music Radar
The iconic Gibson songbird, loved by folk, rock and country players
Structurally fantastic
Practically sonically faultless
LR Baggs electronics capture unplugged tone impeccably
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The colour might not be to everyone’s taste
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