Are you looking for the best acoustic guitar under $300? If so, you could well be getting slightly overwhelmed with so many choices? Choosing a guitar that is the right fit can be a daunting task, especially when you have to take into consideration so many different factors.
However, it just got a lot easier, because we’ve done the hard work of sifting through this crowded market. And have put together this review of the top contenders currently on the market!
But is a guitar under $300 even worth buying? After testing the guitars on this list, we definitely believe they are more than worthy of buying. Whether this is your first guitar or you’re a seasoned pro!
So, let’s go through them and find the perfect acoustic guitar under 300 dollars for you…
Top 8 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300 2020 Reviews
1 Yamaha FG830
Let’s kick our list off with a true heavy hitter in the world of budget acoustic guitars. The Yamaha FG830 is a redesign of the classic 1966 Yamaha FG180, and boy has Yamaha done a fantastic job.
Featuring a solid Sitka spruce top, Nato back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard bridge combo, this quality dreadnought has a fit and finish well exceeding its price tag.
But wait, there’s more!
The FG830 is part of the renowned FG800 series, all of which are famous for their rich and powerfully warm mids and lows. Something that is often lacking in guitars at this price point. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge really help add that sustain that many guitarists are looking for.
It features a nice slim neck, which makes for easier, fast, smooth playing. As well as being super versatile, you can play just about any genre on this guitar, and it will shine. From classic rock or blues to something more specific like gypsy jazz, this little beauty will hold its own with much pricier guitars.
As with most guitars in this price range (actually at most price ranges), the FG830 will play and sound if it is properly set up by a guitar technician. Some plastic parts, such as the saddle and nut, can be replaced relatively cheaply with higher quality materials. If you have a few more dollars spare, we would definitely recommend doing so.
Pros
- Solid construction.
- High-quality workmanship.
- Slim neck.
- Versatile and practical.
Cons
- None at this price point.
2 Takamine GD20-NS
Number two on our list, and we have another offering from Japan! Takamine has been at the forefront of acoustic guitar innovation for decades, and with the GD20-NS, it really shows, having produced a truly outstanding guitar.
But what makes this guitar really shine?
In our opinion, it’s the gorgeous, slim mahogany neck. Featuring a 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, this slimmed-down neck is perfect for people with smaller hands, beginners, or anyone wanting to make those hard to reach chords a little easier. It undeniably makes playing feel almost effortless at times.
Coupled with a thicker than usual solid Cedar top and Mahogany back and sides, this is a sturdy instrument. It is excellent for heavy strumming, which also produces crystal clear single string tones. Additionally incorporated is a pin-less rosewood bridge that is fitted with a split saddle (made of bone) for easy string removal and replacement.
The nut is also made of bone, and the machine heads are high quality. This is also the case with the Pearloid dot inlays and the rosewood head cap. This type of hardware is usually only included in a price range way above the GD20-NS.
Pros
- Quality materials and build.
- Slim neck is great for small hands or beginners.
- Satin finish.
3 Alvarez Artist Series AF30 Folk Guitar
The Alvarez Artist Series AF30 is designed with folk and blues playing in mind. However, don’t let that discourage you if you play other styles! This is a hugely versatile guitar that surprises us every time we pick it up.
Out of the box, its set up is possibly the best we saw on this whole list. The action was nice and low, and the intonation was almost perfect.
What else did we love about the AF30?
With its hand-sanded scalloped bracing, signature bi-level Rosewood bridge, solid Sitka top, Mahogany back and sides, Rosewood fingerboard, dovetail neck joint, and a natural satin finish it’s just a real joy to play. Being slightly smaller than many dreadnoughts makes it perfectly suited for traveling without compromising the richness of sound.
Pros
- Real bone nut and saddle.
- Smaller with rich sound, perfect for traveling.
Cons
- No case included.
- Not the best intonation, with notes above the 14th fret being a little out of tune.
4 Yamaha APX600 BL Thin Body Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Halfway through and unsurprisingly, we have another Yamaha! The APX600 is a very different beast though being the first on our list to include a pickup system and cutaway. This isn’t any run of the mill pick up system, though. Oh no, this piezo pickup uses individual elements for each string to give a clear and wide bandwidth signal.
Well, it improves the accuracy of tones plus the dynamic range overall, and we love it. This Yamaha electro-acoustic is the first on our list to come with a cutaway giving easy access to those sometimes hard to reach higher frets. However, this does come at a cost, adding to the treble-heavy sound (when played acoustically) this guitar is known for.
The unusual oval-shaped soundhole is supposed to combat this issue, but we are a little skeptical of that claim. The three-ply Nato back, sides and neck, Spruce split top and Rosewood fingerboard combine for great playability. Overall, an amazing guitar for the price.
Pros
- Durable Yamaha design with a cutaway.
- Includes a pickup.
- Amazing sound when plugged in.
- In-built tuner, which is great for beginners.
Cons
- Lacks depth of tone when played acoustically.
- In our opinion, not as good looking as others on this list.
5 Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Here we are at number five, and we have our first offering from Ibanez.
Ibanez had long been known for having exceptional build quality, and the AW54CEOPN Artwood dreadnought acoustic/electric guitar is no exception. They went all out with the hardware on this one whilst also making a slight departure from tradition, using Okoume for the solid top, back, and sides with a Nyatoh neck and Ovangkol fretboard.
This tonewood combination is very well balanced. That’s not all, though! Like the previous Alverez, this guitar includes a piezo pickup system, and although it’s not as high quality, it still does a great job. The cutaway is well designed and helps with the ergonomics of the instrument and does not seem to impact the tone acoustically.
Pros
- Unusual tone wood combo.
- Quality build, so no need for upgrades.
- In-built tuner.
- Well designed cutaway.
Cons
- A little light for our liking.
6 Fender CC-60S Beginner Concert Pack
The Fender CC-60S Beginner Concert Pack is an unbelievable deal. Coming in at the lowest priced item on this list, the pack includes the guitar, gig bag, strap, picks, strings, and Fender play!
What is Fender Play we hear you asking?
Its Fender’s very own online guitar lesson system, which makes this offering our favorite for beginners.
The guitar itself is very well constructed, with the tonewood being that classic pairing of Spruce on top and Mahogany back and sides. The playability of this guitar is truly top-notch, and we were blown away with how versatile and lively it was during testing. For sound, style, and affordability, it’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Everything you need for one low price.
- Classic look and design.
- Great tonal balance.
7 Ibanez Talman TCY10 Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Nearing the end now of our rundown and in the penultimate spot, we have the Ibanez Talman TCY10 Acoustic-Electric Guitar.
This unusual looking electro-acoustic combo includes a double cutaway, offset oval soundhole, and a black and white multi rosette.
Using the same pickup system as featured on the AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought we reviewed earlier; this guitar delivers beautifully when plugged in combining the rich tones of an acoustic with the clarity of an electric.
Available in three different finishes – black, transparent blue sunburst and vintage sunburst – this design may visually appeal to many, but not to us. However, that’s just personal taste, and it plays superbly and uses quality tone woods for a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Double Cutaway design makes it easier to reach higher frets.
- Great pickup system.
- Unusual design which may appeal to some.
Cons
- Unusual design which may not appeal to some.
- No case included in price.
8 Yamaha FS830 Solid Top Small Body Acoustic Guitar
Last but certainly not least, we have the Yamaha FS830 Solid Top Small Body Acoustic Guitar.
Using new scalloped bracing patterns and cutting-edge acoustic analysis, Yamaha has succeeded in achieving a big acoustic sound in a smaller body. Incorporating a spruce top, and rosewood bridge, fingerboard, sides, and back. However, this is eerily reminiscent of another, more expensive small body guitar, the Taylor GS mini.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Taylor GS Mini review.
So how does this guitar differ from the GS mini?
Well, mostly just the price! The playability and hardware are pretty close, to be honest, with the exception of the Yamaha having no pickup.
Pros
- Very playable.
- Well constructed.
- Punchy sound is superb for recording.
Cons
- No pickup,
- Slightly more expensive than others on this list.
More Acoustic Guitar Choices
If you’re thinking of spending a little more, then check out our reviews of the Best Acoustic Guitars under 500 Dollars. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, take a look at our reviews of the Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars under 200 Dollars.
Our reviews of the Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners, the Best Acoustic Travel Guitars, the Best Acoustic Guitars for Kids, the Best 12 String Guitars, and the Best Guitars for Small Hands currently available may also be of interest.
And you’ll need some spare strings, so take a look at our review of the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings on the market.
So, What’s The Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300?
To wrap it all up, which one should you buy? It’s certainly not an easy question to answer and really depends on what you personally are looking for.
But in our humble opinion, if you’re looking for a guitar with a pickup system, it’s impossible to beat the…
The combination of the large hollow body, cutaway, and fantastic pickup system make for a super versatile and rewarding guitar.
If you are more of a pure acoustic player, then for the price, and even at prices much higher, the…
…was unbeatable. Everything you could possibly need to start your guitar journey in one package – superb!
Happy strumming!
