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
-
Fender: 12 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Fender CD 60S)
-
Taylor Guitars: 9 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Taylor GS Mini)
-
Martin: 8 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Martin LX1E Little Martin)
-
Yamaha: 7 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Yamaha FG800)
-
Epiphone: 5 acoustic guitars
(#1 is Epiphone EJ-200SCE)
Price breakdown
At a glance - November Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
Six String Acoustic
|
Guitar Chalk
|
GuitarPlayer
|
The Strategist
|
Music Radar
|
KBonet
|
Guitar World
|
Music Grotto
|
Old Time Music
|
Music Critic
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
6
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
16
|
-
|
1
|
|
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.
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
3
|
|
5
|
- | 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.
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
7
|
|
6
|
- | $549 |
Epiphone EJ-200SCE
The Epiphone EJ-200SCE is a jumbo-sized acoustic guitar known for its powerful sound, comfortable playing experience, and versatility.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
17
|
-
|
6
|
|
8
|
- | $449 |
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $949 |
Martin Road Series D-10E
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $189 |
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
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $499 |
Martin Junior DJR-10
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+1 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | Check price |
Gibson Hummingbird Original
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.
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
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
|
Strings will need changed
Tone can sound a bit thin depending on the type of music you're into
|
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 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
|
No electronics
|
Music Grotto
Affordable Solid Wood Option
|
The solid spruce top is rare for this price range
Scalloped bracing for durability
Excellent range of tones
|
The action might be a little high
Doesn't typically come with any accessories
|
Music Critic
Our Recommendation
|
Comfortable to play
Sound offers clarity and punch
Made from materials found in higher-end products
Great price
|
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
|
None
|
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
|
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
|
Guitar World
High-end versatility and tonal quality at an entry-level price
|
High quality tone
Extremely versatile sounds
Wonderful build quality
|
Doesn’t have the volume of a full size
|
Music Grotto
Best Small Bodied Guitar
|
Compact symphony body is accessible for smaller body types
True, clear highs
Excellent playability
|
Laminate back and sides
No nylon version (a Symphony standard)
|
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
Six String Acoustic
Guitar Chalk
GuitarPlayer
The Strategist
Music Radar
KBonet
Guitar World
Music Grotto
Old Time Music
Music Critic
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
|
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
|
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
|
Laminate back and sides
The classic dreadnought body is a little bulky
|
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
|
May be too small for adult befinners
Higher end of beginner price range
|
Music Grotto
Best Travel Acoustic
|
Easy to travel with
Entry-level Martin option
Durable construction
|
Doesn't suit larger hands
May not have the range of tones of higher-end Martins
|
Music Critic
Best Value
|
Easy to carry around.
Rich tone and resonance for a great performance.
Big gig bag that allows protection.
|
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
|
None for the price
|
Guitar World
Premium quality in a guitar that’s built to last
|
Optimum build quality
Sweet and versatile sound
Good for fingerpicking
|
No electronics onboard
|
Old Time Music
|
Well-made with very good materials and fittings.
A rich, warm cedar top sound.
|
It might be rather large for young beginners.
|
Music Critic
|
Reliable for live performances.
Easy and comfortable to use, especially for beginners.
|
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
|
The large size isn't for everyone
|
Music Grotto
Best Budget Jumbo
|
Internal hardware punches up
Jumbo bodied acoustic with booming low end
Well suited for rhythm players
|
Loses some clarity on the high end
The large body is harder for some people to play
|
Old Time Music
|
Plenty of style and swagger, it has the look.
A great sounding guitar that has a nice easy playing action.
|
The purists may not like the cutaway that’s been added.
|
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
|
Not the most exciting beginner guitar
|
Music Grotto
Most Potential Upgrades
|
An affordable option for beginners
Responds well to customization
Holds tuning exceptionally well for a guitar of its class
|
Carries a huge logo across the bridge
Brighter tone than comparable guitar bodies
|
Music Critic
|
Dot markers that make playing more convenient.
Consistent performance.
Durable and convenient to carry around.
|
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
|
-The large body may not suit smaller players
|
Old Time Music
|
Great sound, well made with good materials.
Good pickup and preamp and effective tone controls.
|
No onboard tuner.
|
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
|
Laminate Sapele isn't particularly exciting
|
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
|
A bit heavy
|
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
|
Fretboard can feel cramped
Not the loudest
|
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
|
Lacks depth of a full-sized dread
|
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
|
Price is still pretty eye-watering
The vintage sound isn't for everyone
|
Music Grotto
Best Dreadnought
|
Aged top that retains a wide range of notes
Little high end features with Martin's minimalist design
Quick response
|
The newer design loses some of Martin's signature sonic tones
High-end investment
|
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
|
Huge sound comes at the expense of comfort
Not everyone likes the look
|
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
|
The colour might not be to everyone’s taste
|