The materials used to construct musical instruments are what drive the price. Wood is a big part of the cost of a guitar. Although guitars can be made from graphite or plastic, wood gives the sound you’re looking for even with a cheap acoustic guitar. If you purchase a guitar that isn’t constructed from wood it won’t sound right to you and it may cause you to quit the guitar from sheer frustration. You are better off getting a cheap acoustic guitar crafted from wood than trying to save money with a plastic model that you will only disappoint you.
While not a cheap acoustic guitar, the Seagull S6 is actually an exceptional value for the price. To leave out this particular guitar in a discussion of beginner guitars would be remiss. This guitar has a beautiful solid cedar top with mahogany wood on the back and sides and is capable of producing a beautiful sound. Even professionals will keep this guitar for years, despite owning a collection of even more expensive guitars. Priced at $400-$500, it may be more than you were budgeting for; but, if you are serious about taking up guitar playing, you should give some real consideration into purchasing this guitar. Furthermore, an online search may help you find a deal on this guitar as it is a readily available model.
The Yamaha F310 is a fine lower-priced option if you’re seeking a cheap acoustic guitar. Its top is manufactured from solid spruce, while its back and sides are crafted out of mahogany. At $150 to $200, it is friendly to your pocketbook and it is very popular with serious new guitar students.
If you are looking for something in the next lower price range for cheap acoustic guitars, the Epiphone DR-100 is a great guitar that retails between $120-150. The sides and back are mahogany, and the top is made from spruce. It’s made for the beginner, so there will come a time when you’ll need to trade up. This is the perfect choice if you know you want to learn the guitar, but aren’t quite sure in how long your interest will last.
If you are looking for a cheap acoustic guitar for less than $100, you will not find one of decent quality. At that price range, most guitars are scarcely playable. Some people who try to learn to play soon quit after trying to deal with a cheap guitar. They are just too shoddily made. If you have been thinking of getting a cheap guitar for yourself, or if you are thinking of getting one for your child, don’t bother with the guitars in the $100 or less range. It will just turn you off from guitar playing.
You are much better off eschewing the $80 guitar from the bargain bin and purchasing a used guitar. Second-hand guitars have a wealth and beauty all their own and you may actually like it better than one that is brand new. Go to a guitar store that offers a wide range of second-hand cheap acoustic guitars and look around and play them until you find the one that is perfect for you.
A solid wood top is a must-have, even for a cheap acoustic guitar. A guitar with with a solid wood top, instead of a plywood top, has a richer and fuller tone. A guitar with also the sides and the back made of solid wood is even better, if your budget allows it.