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10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar - Tobacco

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,474
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
3 reviews

Body Shape
The guitar produces a rich, full-bodied sound that enhances a variety of playing styles.
Tonewood
Exquisite mahogany craftsmanship delivers both durability and elegant aesthetics.

The Taylor 224ce-K DLX Grand Auditorium Acoustic-electric Guitar is an impressive choice for both beginners and seasoned players who appreciate a rich tonal quality. One of its standout features is the solid Koa top, which contributes to a warm, vibrant sound that can enhance various styles of playing. The layered Koa back and sides offer durability and a beautiful aesthetic, making it visually appealing as well. The mahogany neck provides a smooth playing experience, and the ebony fingerboard adds to the guitar's overall tonal clarity.

In terms of playability, the Grand Auditorium body shape strikes a nice balance between comfort and projection, making it suitable for strumming and fingerstyle alike. The ES2 electronics provide a reliable way to amplify your sound without compromising the guitar's natural tone, which can be a huge plus for performing artists.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The price point may be on the higher side for beginners who are just starting and may not yet want to invest heavily in an acoustic guitar. Additionally, while the guitar is well-built, some players might find the weight of 21.8 pounds a bit cumbersome, especially for extended playing sessions. The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is a solid option for those looking for quality craftsmanship and sound in an acoustic-electric guitar, but it may be suited best for intermediate to advanced players or anyone willing to invest in quality.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,474
Body Shape
Tonewood

Most important from
3 reviews

Body Shape
The guitar produces a rich, full-bodied sound that enhances a variety of playing styles.
Tonewood
Exquisite mahogany craftsmanship delivers both durability and elegant aesthetics.
#2

Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition Acoustic-electric Guitar - Natural Gloss

The Taylor 814ce Builder's Edition is a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar that suits players looking for a rich, versatile sound and premium craftsmanship. It features a spruce top paired with Indian rosewood back and sides, a classic combination known for bright, clear tones with warm bass response. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard offer smooth playability and durability. With a 25.5-inch scale length, it provides balanced string tension that feels comfortable for most players.

The fixed bridge ensures solid tuning stability, and the built-in electronics make it easy to plug in for performances without losing the natural acoustic tone. Weighing in at just over 21 pounds, it’s relatively hefty, which some might find a bit heavy for long playing sessions. It’s designed for right-handed players and uses phosphor bronze strings, which add warmth and brightness.

This guitar is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who want a professional-level instrument with excellent sound quality both unplugged and amplified. Beginners might find it pricey, but its craftsmanship and tone make it a rewarding investment for serious musicians.

#3

Yamaha FGX830C Solid Top Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Natural

Rating
9.4
Tonewood
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
721 reviews

Tonewood
The sound is crisp, exceptional, and far surpasses many more expensive guitars that can feel toy-like.
Neck Profile
The redesigned neck is smoother and reshaped, enabling playing notes that were previously difficult to reach.
Electronics
Upgraded tuners and the addition of a strap pin improve both functionality and comfort for gigging musicians.

The Yamaha FGX830C is a solid choice for players looking for a versatile acoustic-electric guitar, especially well-suited for those who want a natural sound with reliable amplification. Its dreadnought body shape offers a full, rich tone that's great for strumming and fingerpicking alike. The solid Sitka spruce top combined with rosewood back and sides provides a balanced sound with good projection and warmth. The rosewood fingerboard feels smooth and comfortable, though the neck is made from nato wood, which is sturdy but not as premium as some other options.

The guitar features a System 66 pickup with a 3-band EQ and adjustable mid-range control, letting you shape your amplified tone easily. Plus, the built-in tuner is a handy addition for quick tuning on the go. The adjustable truss rod allows for neck adjustments to keep the guitar playing smoothly over time. Weighing just over 7 pounds, it's manageable to hold for longer sessions. While the electronics are solid for live or studio use, players looking for a more specialized or high-end pickup system might find it basic.

The nut width and scale length are standard, making it accessible for most hand sizes but might not satisfy those seeking a very slim or specialized neck profile. This Yamaha model is a dependable, well-built acoustic-electric guitar that balances good tone, playability, and practical features, making it a strong option for intermediate players or gigging musicians who want both unplugged and amplified flexibility.

Rating
9.4
Tonewood
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
721 reviews

Tonewood
The sound is crisp, exceptional, and far surpasses many more expensive guitars that can feel toy-like.
Neck Profile
The redesigned neck is smoother and reshaped, enabling playing notes that were previously difficult to reach.
Electronics
Upgraded tuners and the addition of a strap pin improve both functionality and comfort for gigging musicians.

Buying Guide for the Best Acoustic Guitars

Choosing the right acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some understanding of the key specifications that differentiate one guitar from another. The right guitar for you will depend on your playing style, musical preferences, and physical comfort. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting an acoustic guitar.
Body ShapeThe body shape of an acoustic guitar affects its sound and playability. Common shapes include dreadnought, concert, and jumbo. Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful, balanced sound and are great for strumming and flat-picking. Concert guitars are smaller and more comfortable to hold, making them ideal for fingerpicking and lighter playing styles. Jumbo guitars have a larger body, producing a louder and bass-heavy sound, suitable for players who want a big, bold tone. Choose a body shape that feels comfortable to hold and suits your playing style.
TonewoodTonewood refers to the type of wood used in the construction of the guitar, which significantly influences its sound. Common tonewoods include spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. Spruce is a popular choice for the top (soundboard) due to its bright and clear tone. Mahogany offers a warmer, more mid-range focused sound, while rosewood provides a rich, complex tone with strong bass and treble. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you prefer when selecting the tonewood.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile describes the shape and thickness of the guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. A C-shape neck is rounded and comfortable for most players, making it a versatile choice. V-shape necks have a more pronounced ridge, which some players find easier for thumb-over playing styles. U-shape necks are thicker and can provide a more substantial feel, preferred by players with larger hands. Choose a neck profile that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your playing technique.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance between the nut and the saddle of the guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall playability. Common scale lengths are 24.75 inches and 25.5 inches. A shorter scale length (24.75 inches) results in lower string tension, making the guitar easier to play and bend notes. A longer scale length (25.5 inches) provides more tension, which can result in a brighter tone and better note definition. Consider your playing style and hand strength when choosing a scale length.
Nut WidthNut width is the width of the guitar's neck at the nut, which affects the spacing of the strings. Common nut widths range from 1.65 inches to 1.75 inches. A narrower nut width (around 1.65 inches) is easier for players with smaller hands or those who prefer closer string spacing for faster playing. A wider nut width (around 1.75 inches) provides more space between the strings, which can be beneficial for fingerstyle playing and players with larger hands. Choose a nut width that feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.
ElectronicsSome acoustic guitars come with built-in electronics, allowing you to amplify the sound for live performances or recording. These electronics typically include a pickup and a preamp with controls for volume and tone. If you plan to perform live or record your music, an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in electronics can be very convenient. If you primarily play at home or in small settings, a purely acoustic guitar without electronics may be sufficient. Consider your performance needs when deciding on electronics.

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