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10 Best Acoustic Guitars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a solid choice for beginners looking to dive into playing. Its all-laminate construction, combining a lindenwood top with mahogany back and sides, offers durability, which is great for those just starting out. The dreadnought shape ensures a full, rich sound, making it versatile for various styles. One of its key strengths is the scalloped 'X'-bracing that enhances tone and projection, providing a satisfying playing experience.

The slim neck profile is particularly beginner-friendly, allowing for easier fret access and playability. Additionally, the package includes a gig bag for protection during transport, a tuner for keeping your guitar in tune, and a strap for comfortable playing, all of which add significant value. The inclusion of Fender Play online lessons and an instructional DVD is especially beneficial for novice players, offering guidance as they learn.

Some aspects might be less appealing. While the all-laminate design is durable, it may not produce the same depth of sound as solid wood guitars, which more experienced players might prefer. Also, the use of a dark-stained maple fingerboard, while visually appealing, might not offer the same warmth as other materials like rosewood. The Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar bundle is well-suited for beginners who value ease of use and solid construction. It’s a great starter package, but those seeking more advanced features or sound quality may need to explore higher-end models as they progress.

#2

Gibson Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard 2019, Vintage Sunburst

Rating
10.0
Body Shape
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
4 reviews

Body Shape
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Neck Profile
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Electronics
While it excels acoustically, users might consider separate amplification options since it lacks built-in electronics.

The Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard 2019 is a well-regarded acoustic guitar known for its rich and warm sound, largely thanks to its quality tonewoods. The guitar features a Sitka spruce top, which is popular for its bright and clear tonal quality, paired with rosewood and mahogany for the back and sides, adding depth and warmth to the sound. This combination is ideal for players looking for a versatile guitar suitable for various music styles, especially folk and blues.

The guitar traditionally features a round-shoulder dreadnought body shape, offering a full and balanced tone with good projection. Its neck is made from mahogany, known for durability and comfort, and the fretboard is rosewood, providing a smooth playing surface. The fixed bridge system ensures tuning stability and easy maintenance.

Finished in a Vintage Sunburst, the guitar has a classic and attractive look. It excels in acoustic performance but might require additional equipment for amplified use since there is no indication of built-in electronics.

Rating
10.0
Body Shape
Neck Profile
Electronics

Most important from
4 reviews

Body Shape
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Neck Profile
The dreadnought body shape offers full projection and a comfortable playing experience thanks to the well-crafted mahogany neck and smooth rosewood fretboard.
Electronics
While it excels acoustically, users might consider separate amplification options since it lacks built-in electronics.
#3

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.

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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