The material from which it is crafted is usually a main factor in the pricing of a guitar. Some guitars are manufactured using graphite or plastic in place of the traditional wood, but even in a cheap acoustic guitar wood makes it possible to achieve the tone you really want to produce. Cheap acoustic guitars made from materials other than wood often sound flat and lifeless, and new players are likely to find them frustrating. It is better to pay slightly more for an inexpensive wooden guitar than to buy a plastic one.
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 under $100 there is really nothing worth recommending. A lot of them really can’t be played. Cheaply made guitars are why many younger students abandon learning how to play guitar. They are poorly constructed. If you are thinking of purchasing a cheap acoustic guitar, remember you get what your pay for so stay away from these cheaper models and avoid losing the thrill of a well-made guitar.
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.
Even if you can only go with a cheap acoustic guitar, look for one with a top that is solid as opposed to one with a top made of plywood. The solid wood acoustic guitar will provide a rich and full tone. If it is in your budget, stick with ones that have solid wood on the backs and sides as well.