Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500 of November - Jacob Golden

1. Best Overall: Epiphone EJ-200SCE Acoustic/Electric Guitar

The J-200 EC is a tribute to the Gibson SJ-200, which is widely regarded as the best flattop guitar ever made. This Epiphone was inspired by Gibson instruments and had a cutaway Super Jumbo body made of select maple with a solid spruce top for exceptional tone, a Pau Ferro fretboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, a slim taper D-profile neck made of hardwood, and beautiful Pearloid crown inlays. The Moustache-shaped bridge is an industry-standard, and the J-200 graphics on the pickguard are instantly recognizable.

2. Best Sound-Quality: Martin LX1E Little Martin Solid Sitka

The LX1E, composed mostly of synthetic components, may have a functional vibe. In actual use, however, the Little Martin provides standard Martin tones with a clean, conventional sound. Its modern, bright tones may be heard over much louder instruments. Even though it's called "little," it doesn't sound like it's really little. The compact LX1E, a favorite of Ed Sheeran's, comes with a built-in Fishman Sonitone preamp which makes it an excellent travel guitar.

3. Best Solid Build: Washburn Woodbine 10 Series WL1012SE

The WLO12SE is an orchestra model based on the classic Martin OM; it has sub-dreadnought proportions and produces a full, rich sound with a bright, focused top end and a tight, well-balanced bass. The Washburn is made entirely of mahogany, which contributes to its powerful, assertive sound and makes it a great choice for finger-style guitarists. When plugged in, the Fishman Presys II preamp accurately reproduces the guitar's acoustic properties, and the system's bass and treble knobs allow for further fine-tuning.

4. Best Easy to Play: Fender CD-60S Right Handed Acoustic Guitar

Manufacturers currently extract higher performance from tonewoods at a lower cost to us, making the label "beginning instrument" an outdated concept. The CD-60S from Fender is illustrative; it's a high-quality guitar that doesn't break the bank despite its impressive tone and playability. The sound of this dreadnought guitar is where it really shines, with a bright, ringing midrange characteristic of mahogany instruments. If you're interested in playing in drop tunings, the Fender dreadnought's huge body will give you plenty of room to do so.

5. Best Design: Fender Newporter Player

Fender's Newporter is a standout in a sea of dull brown guitars, helping the company carve out a niche for itself in the industry. There are six different finishes available, from the excellent Ice Blue Satin to the sweet Candy Apple Red. If you wish to err caution, you can also obtain finishes in beige and brown. The Newporter, despite its good looks, is also functional.

1. What is a reasonable price for an acoustic guitar?

A beginner acoustic guitar will set you back between $100 and $200. Acoustic guitars at the intermediate level may be found for $300–$800, while those for the professional level can run several thousand dollars. The brand name, the size and shape of the body, and the kind of wood used all have a role in setting the price.

2. Do cheap guitars get better with age?

In general, the tone and sustain of an older guitar are superior to those of a fresh one because of the drying effects of time. There is a greater change in tone with age in acoustic guitars than in electric guitars.

When you shop for the best acoustic guitar under $500 to meet your requirements, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is the overall mood. The tone of an acoustic guitar is often determined by its body size and the materials it is made from. Therefore, you must focus on these two aspects.

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