May 2023
Acoustic Guitars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Acoustic Guitar rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 4 May 2023 and 5 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 101 Acoustic Guitar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
72 Acoustic Guitars were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 5 May 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. It is followed by Taylor GS Mini and Fender CD 60S , with 6 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Fender:
11 Acoustic Guitars
(#1 is Fender Sonoran SCE )
-
Taylor Guitars:
9 Acoustic Guitars
(#1 is Taylor 614CE )
-
Martin:
8 Acoustic Guitars
(#1 is Martin Backpacker )
-
Yamaha:
6 Acoustic Guitars
(#1 is Yamaha A5R ARE )
-
Epiphone:
4 Acoustic Guitars
(#1 is Epiphone DR-500MCE )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
Guitar World
|
Music Radar
|
KBonet
|
Music Grotto
|
Six String Acoustic
|
GuitarPlayer
|
Music Critic
|
The Strategist
|
Guitar Chalk
|
Old Time Music
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $230 |
Yamaha FG800
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
6
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $599 |
Taylor GS Mini
|
4
|
5
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Fender CD 60S
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $499 |
Martin LX1E Little Martin
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Seagull S6 Original
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|
6
|
- | $549 |
Epiphone EJ-200SCE
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
7
|
- | $169 |
Epiphone DR-100
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $449 |
Epiphone Hummingbird PRO
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
12
|
- | $949 |
Martin Road Series D-10E
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $549 |
Art & Lutherie Roadhouse
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $499 |
Martin Junior DJR-10
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Gibson SJ-200 Deluxe
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $3199 |
Martin D-28
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Gibson Hummingbird Original
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Acoustic Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| #7 | $169 | Epiphone DR-100 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $229.99 | Yamaha FG800 [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $449 | Epiphone Hummingbird PRO [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $499 | Martin LX1E Little Martin [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $499 | Martin Junior DJR-10 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $499.99 | Seagull S6 Original [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $549 | Epiphone EJ-200SCE [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $549 | Art & Lutherie Roadhouse [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $599 | Taylor GS Mini [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $949 | Martin Road Series D-10E [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $3199 | Martin D-28 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Yamaha FG800 #1 in May 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Yamaha FG800 as #1.
Guitar World
A best-seller at the budget end of the best beginners acoustic guitar market
|
Pros
Great sound for the money
Good build quality
Low price
|
Cons
No electronics
|
Music Grotto
Affordable Solid Wood Option
|
Pros
The solid spruce top is rare for this price range
Scalloped bracing for durability
Excellent range of tones
|
Cons
The action might be a little high
Doesn't typically come with any accessories
|
GuitarPlayer
Yamaha’s budget acoustic delivers tone beyond its call of duty
|
Pros
Solid spruce top a real treat at this price
Blends well with vocals
Deep, rich tone
|
Cons
Lacks any added extras
|
Music Critic
Our Recommendation
|
Pros
Comfortable to play
Sound offers clarity and punch
Made from materials found in higher-end products
Great price
|
Guitar Chalk
|
Pros
Fantastic price point
Solid Spruce top
Maple fretboard
Guitar looks and plays like a mid-range acoustic
|
Cons
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 May 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 World
High-end versatility and tonal quality at an entry-level price
|
Pros
High quality tone
Extremely versatile sounds
Wonderful build quality
|
Cons
Doesn’t have the volume of a full size
|
Music Radar
The best acoustic guitar for travelling
|
Pros
+Amazing playability
+Incredible build quality
+Full sounding despite the size
|
Cons
Cedar-topped and nylon-stringed versions would be nice
|
Music Grotto
Best Small Bodied Guitar
|
Pros
Compact symphony body is accessible for smaller body types
True, clear highs
Excellent playability
|
Cons
Laminate back and sides
No nylon version (a Symphony standard)
|
GuitarPlayer
Probably one of the best non-full size acoustic guitars out there
|
Pros
Bold, punchy tone
Good pickup system
Perfect for travelling
|
Cons
Shorter scale might take some getting used to
|
Guitar Chalk
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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 May 2023 ranking
Guitar World
Music Radar
KBonet
Music Grotto
Six String Acoustic
GuitarPlayer
Music Critic
The Strategist
Guitar Chalk
Old Time Music
We ranked Fender CD 60S #3 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Fender CD 60S as #1.
Guitar World
The best acoustic guitar for beginners seeking a big brand name
|
Pros
Balanced sound
Stays in tune
Entry-level price
|
Cons
Individual looks may put some off
|
Music Radar
One of the best acoustic guitars under $200 right now
|
Pros
Superb value for money
Nice low action out the box
Excellent tonal balance
|
Cons
Glossy finish may put some players off
|
Music Grotto
Beginner's Guitar
|
Pros
Solid wood top for tonal clarity
Rolled fretboard edge is easy for beginners to guitar to use.
Affordable guitar without sacrificing playability
|
Cons
Laminate back and sides
The classic dreadnought body is a little bulky
|
We ranked Martin LX1E Little Martin #4 in May 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
|
Pros
Excellent build quality
Great volume for the size
Electro tonal variety
|
Cons
May be too small for adult befinners
Higher end of beginner price range
|
Music Grotto
Best Travel Acoustic
|
Pros
Easy to travel with
Entry-level Martin option
Durable construction
|
Cons
Doesn't suit larger hands
May not have the range of tones of higher-end Martins
|
Music Critic
Best Value
|
Pros
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 May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
Guitar World
Premium quality in a guitar that’s built to last
|
Pros
Optimum build quality
Sweet and versatile sound
Good for fingerpicking
|
Cons
No electronics onboard
|
Music Critic
|
Pros
Reliable for live performances.
Easy and comfortable to use, especially for beginners.
|
Guitar Chalk
|
Pros
Solid Cedar top
Wild Cherry for the back and sides makes for a unique tone
Maple fretboard
Great price point
Pickup & preamp version available
|
Cons
None for the price
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Well-made with very good materials and fittings.
A rich, warm cedar top sound.
|
Cons
It might be rather large for young beginners.
|
We ranked Epiphone EJ-200SCE #6 in May 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
|
Pros
Solid top
Big jumbo tones
Classic J-200 styling
|
Cons
The large size isn't for everyone
|
Music Grotto
Best Budget Jumbo
|
Pros
Internal hardware punches up
Jumbo bodied acoustic with booming low end
Well suited for rhythm players
|
Cons
Loses some clarity on the high end
The large body is harder for some people to play
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Plenty of style and swagger, it has the look.
A great sounding guitar that has a nice easy playing action.
|
Cons
The purists may not like the cutaway that’s been added.
|
We ranked Epiphone DR-100 #7 in May 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
|
Pros
Good build quality
Easy player
Can’t go wrong for just over $100
|
Cons
Not the most exciting beginner guitar
|
Music Grotto
Most Potential Upgrades
|
Pros
An affordable option for beginners
Responds well to customization
Holds tuning exceptionally well for a guitar of its class
|
Cons
Carries a huge logo across the bridge
Brighter tone than comparable guitar bodies
|
Music Critic
|
Pros
Dot markers that make playing more convenient.
Consistent performance.
Durable and convenient to carry around.
|
We ranked Epiphone Hummingbird PRO #8 in May 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
|
Pros
Excellent sound
Versatile pre-amp
Easy player
|
Cons
-The large body may not suit smaller players
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Great sound, well made with good materials.
Good pickup and preamp and effective tone controls.
|
Cons
No onboard tuner.
|
We ranked Martin Road Series D-10E #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
KBonet
Best Budget Buy
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
A bit heavy
|
Guitar Chalk
|
Pros
Solid top, back and sides
Spruce bracing
Fishman Sonitone preamp/pickup system
Warm tone, ideal for strumming
Includes a hardshell case
|
Cons
Laminate Sapele isn't particularly exciting
|
We ranked Art & Lutherie Roadhouse #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
Music Radar
One of the best acoustics available today for less than $1000
|
Pros
Great for players with small hands
Clarity of tone with a subtle warmth
Excellent projection for a parlour guitar
|
Cons
If you have massive hands your thumbs might get in the way
|
Music Grotto
Best Throwback
|
Pros
Excellent projection for blues and country playing
Solid wood construction
Throwback design may appeal to some.
|
Cons
May have trouble with the bridge on some models.
The design is a turn off for those who like a traditional acoustic
|
We ranked Martin Junior DJR-10 #11 in May 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
|
Pros
Punchy mid-range tones
Classic Martin sound
Smaller body is comfy
|
Cons
Lacks depth of a full-sized dread
|
We ranked Gibson SJ-200 Deluxe #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
Music Grotto
Best Splurge
|
Pros
The best of what Gibson is famous for
Solid, high-end woods for ultimate resonance and clarity
Solid electronics
|
Cons
Very expensive for beginners
The jumbo body may not suit some players
|
GuitarPlayer
A slimmed down jumbo that won’t break the bank
|
Pros
Slimmer than the standard SJ-200
Walnut body adds something different to the mix
Slightly more affordable than most SJ-200’s
|
Cons
Not quite a full-fat 200
|
We ranked Martin D-28 #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
Music Grotto
Best Dreadnought
|
Pros
Aged top that retains a wide range of notes
Little high end features with Martin's minimalist design
Quick response
|
Cons
The newer design loses some of Martin's signature sonic tones
High-end investment
|
GuitarPlayer
Grab your very own ‘golden era’ Martin without needing a second mortgage
|
Pros
One of the most iconic acoustics of all time
Adirondack spruce is highly sought after
Still cheaper than a genuine ‘30s D-28
|
Cons
Price is still pretty eye-watering
The vintage sound isn't for everyone
|
We ranked Gibson Hummingbird Original #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Acoustic Guitars” rankings.
Music Radar
The iconic Gibson songbird, loved by folk, rock and country players
|
Pros
Structurally fantastic
Practically sonically faultless
LR Baggs electronics capture unplugged tone impeccably
|
Cons
The colour might not be to everyone’s taste
|
GuitarPlayer
An iconic, inspirational square-shoulder dread’
|
Pros
Sounds absolutely massive
Spruce & mahogany is a dream combination
Heritage Cherry Sunburst in particular looks dreamy
|
Cons
Huge sound comes at the expense of comfort
Not everyone likes the look
|