The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $700

Any good musician knows that a quality acoustic instrument is a true calling. That's why the right guitar can help you achieve your musical goals and beyond. A guitar is one of the most versatile instruments out there. It can play nearly any type of song, it's durable, and it sounds great. If you're not sure where to begin, you've come to the correct place. We’ve gathered a wide range of options for you to choose from, so you can find a guitar that suits your playing style. Whether you want to learn the basics or you re a seasoned pro, our product recommendations have something for everyone.

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Acoustic Guitar Buying Tips

When shopping for an acoustic acoustic you should consider your needs. Do you want a traditional style of guitar or something more modern? Do more complex chord shapes interest you? Are you an advanced player looking for a new toy or a complete beginner? Finding the right acoustic for you takes careful consideration of your musical preferences and the style you will primarily be using it for. Acoustic guitars come in a few different types, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some tips for shopping.

If you are new to the world of acoustic guitars, it's a good idea to start with a beginner model. These guitars are lightweight and easy to play. The strings are often a bit too short for advanced players, so it may be a while before you feel comfortable on one. You may find that the higher end guitars in this category are more comfortable for beginners.

Amps on an electric acoustic include coil-style pickups, which are closer to what you would hear on a guitar played by a classical guitarist. Rather than a bridge pickup, these have a metal clip that fits directly to your mouthpiece. It's not a huge difference, but if you're new, an amp can help you get used to playing the instrument. Most electric guitars have single coil pickups. When you plug in the guitar strings, they produce a tone that is similar to that produced by an ordinary guitar plugged into a speaker. However, the sound quality is far superior. This type of pickup is often referred to as double coil. Because these guitars require the use of two pickups (one for each string), they are an excellent choice for recording. Single coil guitars also have their disadvantages, such as the fact that they don't produce quite the same sound as a double-coiled guitar. Depending on the model, your acoustic will either have the classic single-wound neck or the modified neck you may come across on vintage Fenders, Jethro Tull, or Cream.

Acoustic Guitar Considerations

Guitars can be expensive pieces of equipment, and that’s no exception when it comes to acoustic guitars. Even the most basic models can cost hundreds of dollars, so you need to understand what you are looking for in a guitar before you make a purchase. Acoustic guitars come in many different shapes and sizes, but there are three basic styles that remain popular: Standard Telecasters, Stratocasters, Les Pauls.

If you're a beginning player looking to play a few beginner songs, a Telecaster is the way to go. These guitars are small, lightweight, and ideal for beginners who are just starting to learn the guitar. The quality of a Strat is influenced by how the body is crafted, which affects the intonation of the strings. While most players prefer the bridge pickup on a telecaster to the neck pickup in an acoustic model, some players don”t mind the pickups in either case.

Another popular choice for beginning students of acoustic music is a LesPaul. This is an extremely durable guitar that offers the best tone. Some students want to explore other types of guitars, such as steel string guitars or electric guitars with pickups. To help you find the right acoustic for your playing style, consider the following:

Pickup Type

This largely determines which type of sound you will get from the acoustic. All acoustic pickups have a coil that is wound around a magnet. Each coil has a different sound. You can get a clean, hard-hitting sound from a single coil pickup, whereas a richer, warmer sound can only be obtained with two coil pickups.

Bridge Pickup

The bridge position of an electric guitar is usually used for the lead instrument and provides the highest gain. However, if you want the versatility of playing the electric part with an integrated acoustic, you may need a pickup specifically designed for this purpose.

Pickups

Acrylic, chrome, gold, silver, black. Depending on the model of guitar you have, there may be a variety of pickups available.

Neck Pickup or Bridge

Most guitars have three pickups, with the middle pickup being the volume control. An electric and acoustic guitarist must choose which pickup they prefer in order to make the sound they have chosen. A guitar may have either a bridge or neck pick, depending on which is better for them.

Price Range

When it comes to acoustic guitars, the price tag often depends on the type of wood and fretboard material used.

For a beginner, a entry-level acoustic model may cost as little as $100 to $150. Models in this price range are usually made from top-grain maple, or a hybrid of maple and spruce.

Mid-range acoustic acoustic models start at $200 to roughly $500. These guitars typically have a fretless position, and many come in solid body or hollow body designs.

Expensive acoustic electric guitars generally cost $600 and above. Some models cost even more, but these models are meant for professional use, so the cost will likely be higher.

Ease of Installation

Acoustic guitars are easier to install than electric guitars, but this does not mean you should not take the necessary precautions. If you are installing an acoustic, electric, or both, you need to ensure the neck is properly positioned to prevent vibrations that could damage the wood. Look for a guitar with a D-ring. It can be tightened to make installation even easier.

Shape and Size

While many guitars do not have specific sizes, there are some guitar shapes that have particular advantages. For example, a 6-inch radius neck would give you a lot more sustain, while a 12- to 15-string guitar would be easier for players with smaller hands to play. Make sure the guitar you’re purchasing is the right size for the player you intend to use it for.

Final Thoughts

A quality acoustic electric guitar should have a timeless quality that resonates from the moment you pick it out of the store. If you look at the high-end models, you’ll see that they are made of carbon steel or some other durable metal. These guitars sound great, but the price can be intimidating. In this article, we”ll focus on a few of our favorite acoustic models that are great values, and that will last you a lifetime if you treat them right.