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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Acoustic Guitars

The gateway to musical expression. We tested acoustic guitars from student models to professional instruments, finding what inspires beginners and satisfies seasoned players alike.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha

Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar

4.7 (1,834 reviews)

The perfect first guitar that doesn't compromise on quality. Solid wood top delivers rich tone that improves with playing.

Top

Solid Sitka spruce

Body

Rosewood laminate

Neck

Nato

Scale

25.6"

Pros

  • βœ“ Solid spruce top
  • βœ“ Excellent value
  • βœ“ Great for beginners

Cons

  • βœ— Stock strings could be better
  • βœ— Action may need adjustment
  • βœ— Basic electronics

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar Best
Yamaha
4.7
$199 View
Martin D-28 Standard Series
Martin D-28 Standard Series
Martin
4.9
$2,999 View
Taylor 114ce Grand Auditorium
Taylor 114ce Grand Auditorium
Taylor
4.8
$899 View
Seagull S6 Original
Seagull S6 Original Value
Seagull
4.6
$449 View
Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany
Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany
Fender
4.4
$179 View
Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany
Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany
Guild
4.5
$699 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha

Yamaha FG830 Acoustic Guitar

4.7 (1,834 reviews)

The perfect first guitar that doesn't compromise on quality. Solid wood top delivers rich tone that improves with playing.

Top

Solid Sitka spruce

Body

Rosewood laminate

Neck

Nato

Scale

25.6"

Pros

  • βœ“ Solid spruce top
  • βœ“ Excellent value
  • βœ“ Great for beginners

Cons

  • βœ— Stock strings could be better
  • βœ— Action may need adjustment
  • βœ— Basic electronics
Premium Pick
Martin D-28 Standard Series

Martin

Martin D-28 Standard Series

4.9 (456 reviews)

The acoustic guitar that defined the sound of American music. Professional quality that lasts generations.

Top

Solid Sitka spruce

Body

Solid East Indian rosewood

Neck

Select hardwood

Made in

USA

Pros

  • βœ“ Iconic dreadnought tone
  • βœ“ Solid wood construction
  • βœ“ American craftsmanship

Cons

  • βœ— Very expensive
  • βœ— May be too loud for apartments
  • βœ— Requires careful humidity control
Taylor 114ce Grand Auditorium

Taylor

Taylor 114ce Grand Auditorium

4.8 (234 reviews)

Taylor quality with onboard electronics. Perfect for players who perform live and need reliable amplified tone.

Top

Solid Sitka spruce

Body

Layered sapele

Electronics

ES2

Shape

Grand Auditorium

Pros

  • βœ“ Taylor ES2 electronics
  • βœ“ Comfortable neck
  • βœ“ Balanced tone

Cons

  • βœ— More expensive than competitors
  • βœ— Bright sound may not suit all styles
  • βœ— Laminate back and sides
Best Value
Seagull S6 Original

Seagull

Seagull S6 Original

4.6 (1,567 reviews)

Canadian-made quality with distinctive tone. The wider nut makes fingerpicking easier but may challenge some players.

Top

Solid cedar

Body

Wild cherry laminate

Nut width

1.8"

Made in

Canada

Pros

  • βœ“ Canadian craftsmanship
  • βœ“ Solid cedar top
  • βœ“ Unique wider nut

Cons

  • βœ— Different neck feel
  • βœ— May not suit small hands
  • βœ— Satin finish shows wear
Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany

Fender

Fender CD-60S All-Mahogany

4.4 (2,345 reviews)

All-solid wood construction at an entry-level price. Warm mahogany tone perfect for blues and folk music.

Top

Solid mahogany

Body

Solid mahogany

Neck

Mahogany

Scale

25.3"

Pros

  • βœ“ All solid mahogany
  • βœ“ Warm tone
  • βœ“ Great value

Cons

  • βœ— No electronics
  • βœ— Basic tuners
  • βœ— May need setup out of box
Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany

Guild

Guild D-240E Flamed Mahogany

4.5 (167 reviews)

Guild's rich heritage meets modern features. Stunning flamed mahogany and professional electronics for serious players.

Top

Solid sitka spruce

Body

Flamed mahogany

Electronics

Fishman Sonitone

Tuners

Grover

Pros

  • βœ“ Beautiful flamed mahogany
  • βœ“ Guild heritage
  • βœ“ Fishman pickup system

Cons

  • βœ— Higher price point
  • βœ— May be too fancy for beginners
  • βœ— Limited dealer network

Buying Guide: How to Choose Acoustic Guitars

Start with body size
  • dreadnought is loud and boomy, concert/grand auditorium is more balanced. Solid wood tops sound better than laminate and improve with age. Consider electronics if you plan to perform. Setup matters more than price - a well-set-up budget guitar plays better than a poorly set up expensive one.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Acoustic Guitars

    What's the difference between solid top and all-solid guitars?

    Solid tops provide better tone and improve with age, while laminate is more durable. All-solid guitars offer the best sound but require more careful climate control.

    Do I need electronics on an acoustic guitar?

    Only if you plan to perform live or record. Electronics add cost and complexity, but they're essential for amplified performance.

    What size acoustic guitar should I choose?

    Dreadnought for volume and bass, concert/grand auditorium for balance and comfort, parlor for fingerpicking and smaller frames.

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