Guitarists are very lucky these days – there are so many good guitars out there! Anyone who’s looking for the best mid range acoustic guitars under $1000 has a lot to think about.
Although there are many options out there, you still have to do some research before making the purchase. No one wants to overpay, right?
That’s why I created this guide about 10 coolest acoustic guitars that can be classified as ‘mid range‘. These models aren’t overly expensive, but I wouldn’t call them cheap either.
List of 10 Best Mid Range Acoustic Guitars
| Guitar Model | Thomann | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Harley Benton CG-45 | See on Thomann | – |
| Harley Benton Delta Blues | See on Thomann | – |
| Taylor 114ce Special Edition Gloss | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Taylor GS Mini Sapele | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Guild A-20 Bob Marley | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Takamine GD51CE | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Martin LX1E | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Epiphone J45 | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
| Yamaha FGX830C | See on Thomann | See on Amazon |
Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor
The Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor is a compact marvel, perfect for beginners and traveling musicians. Its small dreadnought body, combined with a solid mahogany top, provides a warm sound that’s surprisingly full for its size.
The ebony fretboard and NuBone saddle & nut enhance playability and tone. With a scale length of 578 mm and a nut width of 42.8 mm, it’s designed for easy playing. This guitar comes with a Taylor gig bag, making it even more convenient for musicians on the go.
Who Is It For? The Taylor BT2 is ideal for young players and traveling guitarists looking for a high-quality, portable instrument. Its easy playability and warm sound make it a great first guitar or a reliable companion on the road.
For those who are looking specifically for mahogany models, check out the list of 5 Best Mahogany Acoustic Guitars!
Harley Benton CG-45
The Harley Benton CG-45 brings the classic folk-style design into an affordable price range, without compromising on quality. With a mahogany body and modern C neck profile, it offers a comfortable playing experience.
The Roseacer fretboard, a thermally treated maple wood, provides durability and a smooth feel under the fingers. The abalone rosette sticker and cream-coloured bindings add a touch of elegance. It has a scale of 650 mm and nut width of 43 mm, suited for various playing styles.
Who Is It For? This guitar is perfect for beginners and intermediate players who want a quality instrument without breaking the bank. Its natural matte finish and easy playability make it a great choice for those learning to play or looking to add a reliable guitar to their collection.
I actually own that model and I recently showed it on my YouTube channel. For those who want to watch it, here’s the video!
Harley Benton Delta Blues
The Harley Benton Delta Blues MJCE is a vintage-style mini jumbo guitar that packs a punch with its mahogany body and integrated piezo pickup. The Blackwood fretboard and dovetail construction ensure durability and a rich sound.
It features the Harley Benton PT20 preamp with a 4-Band EQ and chromatic tuner, offering versatility in sound shaping and easy tuning on the go. The scale length of 648 mm and nut width of 43 mm provide a comfortable playing experience for a wide range of hand sizes.
Who Is It For? Ideal for intermediate players and gigging musicians looking for an affordable, versatile acoustic-electric guitar. Its built-in pickup and preamp system make it perfect for live performances and recording sessions.
Taylor 114ce Special Edition Gloss
The Taylor 114ce Special Edition Gloss is a masterpiece of sound and playability, featuring the renowned Grand Auditorium body with a cutaway for easy access to higher frets. The solid Sitka spruce top and walnut plywood back and sides offer a balanced tone, while the patented Taylor ES-2 electronics provide unparalleled amplified sound.
Its ebony fingerboard and Expression System 2 pickup highlight Taylor’s commitment to quality. With a scale length of 648 mm and a nut width of 42.8 mm, this guitar is built for comfort and ease of play.
Why I Recommend It: This guitar is perfect for serious beginners and intermediate players who are ready to step up their game. The combination of Taylor’s legendary playability and the versatile electronics makes it suitable for both home practice and live performance.
Taylor GS Mini Sapele
The Taylor GS Mini Sapele is a small-bodied acoustic powerhouse, offering an unexpectedly big sound. The solid Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides create a rich, full-bodied tone. The ebony fingerboard and X bracing with Relief Rout contribute to its superior playability and sound projection.
Despite its compact size, it has a scale length of 597 mm and a nut width of 42.8 mm, ensuring comfortable playability. This model comes with a gig bag, making it the ultimate travel companion.
Why It’s A Top Pick: Ideal for traveling musicians and those with smaller frames. Its portability does not compromise on sound, making it a great songwriting tool or a secondary instrument for gigs.
Guild A-20 Bob Marley
The Guild A-20 Bob Marley edition is not just a guitar; it’s a tribute to the legend himself. This dreadnought features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, producing a vibrant, resonant tone.
The pau ferro fretboard and bridge, along with a C-shaped neck profile, ensure a smooth playing experience. Unique to this model are the Madeira shape pickguard with Bob Marley signature and a nut width of 44.50 mm, offering a bit more space between strings.
It comes with a Custom Marley X Guild gig bag, poster, and picks, making it a collector’s item as well as a playable instrument.
Why It Stands Out: Perfect for Bob Marley fans and reggae musicians, or anyone who appreciates a guitar with a rich, warm tone and a meaningful backstory. It’s a versatile instrument that honors Marley’s legacy.
Takamine GD51CE
The Takamine GD51CE is a dreadnought with cutaway that boasts a solid spruce top and black walnut wood back and sides for a deeply resonant sound. The Takamine TP-4TD preamp with built-in tuner ensures you’re always performance-ready, while the laurel fingerboard and gold-plated hardware add a touch of class.
The scale length of 643 mm and nut width of 43 mm make it a comfortable fit for a variety of hand sizes. The abalone rosette and laurel bridge are beautiful finishing touches.
Why I Recommend It: An excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players who perform live. The GD51CE combines Takamine’s reliability and excellent sound quality with the practical needs of gigging musicians, making it a solid investment for your musical journey.
Martin LX1E
The Martin LX1E, affectionately known as the Little Martin, is a compact acoustic-electric marvel with a solid spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides. Its Richlite fingerboard and Fishman Sonitone pickup system make it an exceptional choice for players looking for Martin quality in a smaller package.
The scale length of 584 mm and nut width of 42.9 mm ensure a comfortable playing experience, while the white Corian nut and compensated white TUSQ saddle enhance its tonal clarity. This model is known for its portability, coming with a gig bag for musicians on the move.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s perfect for traveling musicians, students, and anyone with limited space. The LX1E’s size doesn’t compromise its sound, making it an excellent choice for practicing, writing, or performing.
Epiphone J-45
The Epiphone J-45 is inspired by the legendary Gibson J-45, known as the “workhorse” of acoustic guitars. It features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides for a robust, warm tone. The Indian laurel fretboard and Fishman Sonicore pickup system offer great playability and easy amplification.
With a scale of 628 mm and nut width of 43 mm, it caters to a wide range of playing styles. The rounded C neck profile and mother-of-pearl dot inlays add to its classic appeal. Its aged vintage sunburst finish and antique ivory binding make it a visually stunning instrument.
Why It’s A Must-Have: Ideal for aspiring songwriters and performers looking for a classic sound. The Epiphone J-45 provides the iconic look and feel of a vintage Gibson at a fraction of the price, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Yamaha FGX830C
The Yamaha FGX830C combines traditional craftsmanship with modern playability, featuring a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides for a rich, detailed sound. The nato neck and rosewood fretboard ensure smooth playability, while the SRT Piezo pickup and System66 preamp with tuner offer excellent amplified sound.
With a scale length of 650 mm and nut width of 43 mm, it’s designed for comfort and versatility. The natural finish and chrome machine heads add to its sleek, timeless look.
Why I Recommend It: This guitar is a great fit for intermediate players and gigging musicians. The FGX830C’s build quality and sound projection make it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances, offering Yamaha’s reliability at a competitive price point.
Which One Would I Get?
When it comes to choosing among these fantastic instruments, it’s not an easy decision.
The affordability of Harley Benton guitars makes them incredibly appealing, especially for those just starting their musical journey or looking for a great value.
I have a deep appreciation for Martin and Taylor guitars for their unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and the beautiful tones they produce. However, if I had to pick one, my choice would be the Epiphone J-45. It’s probably one of the best mid range acoustic guitars IMO.
Have a listen to this sound demo.
The Epiphone J-45 stands out for offering crazy value for the money. It captures the essence of the much more expensive Gibson counterpart, delivering a classic, robust sound and timeless aesthetics at a fraction of the price.
This guitar embodies the perfect balance between affordability, quality, and the rich sonic heritage that is very similar to its Gibson sibling. For players who dream of that iconic Gibson sound but are on a tighter budget, the Epiphone J-45 is an irresistible option.
For those intrigued by these guitars and seeking more in-depth analysis and gear reviews, I highly recommend checking out the Best Guitars Now YouTube channel. It’s a treasure trove of information for guitar enthusiasts looking to make informed decisions on their next instrument.
FAQ
1. What are tonewoods and how do they affect guitar sound?
Tonewoods refer to the types of wood used in guitar construction, significantly impacting the instrument’s tone. Different woods offer various sound characteristics; for instance, mahogany provides a warm, rich tone, while spruce tops are known for their clarity and dynamic range.
2. Can I find a good acoustic guitar under $1000?
Absolutely! Many high-quality acoustic guitars are available under $1000 that don’t compromise on sound or playability. Brands like Taylor, Martin, Epiphone, and Yamaha offer excellent options in this price range.
3. What’s the difference between a solid top and a laminate top guitar?
A solid top guitar uses a single piece of wood, offering richer sound quality and better resonance. A laminate top consists of several layers of wood pressed together, which is more affordable but might not produce as rich a tone.
4. How important is the guitar’s body shape and size?
The body shape and size affect the guitar’s sound and playability. Larger bodies, like dreadnoughts, produce more volume and bass, while smaller bodies, like concert guitars, offer a more balanced tone and are easier to handle.
5. What should I look for in a guitar’s neck and fretboard?
Comfort and playability are key. Look for a neck shape and width that feels comfortable in your hand, and a smooth, well-finished fretboard that allows for easy movement.
6. Do I need an acoustic-electric guitar?
If you plan to perform live or record directly into a sound system, an acoustic-electric guitar with built-in pickups and preamp can be very convenient. However, for purely acoustic play, it’s not necessary.
7. What is the best string type for mid-range acoustic guitars?
String choice depends on personal preference and playing style. Lighter strings are easier to play and suit beginners well, while heavier strings offer a fuller sound.
8. How does the choice of nut and saddle materials affect tone?
Materials like bone, TUSQ, and NuBone are commonly used for nuts and saddles, affecting sustain and tonal quality. Bone offers a very natural sound, while synthetic options like TUSQ provide consistency and durability.
9. Is brand reputation important when choosing a guitar?
While brand reputation can indicate quality and reliability, it’s essential to play the guitar yourself or listen to trusted reviews. Personal preference for tone, feel, and playability should guide your choice.
10. How do I care for my acoustic guitar?
Proper maintenance includes regular cleaning, storing the guitar at a stable temperature and humidity level, changing strings regularly, and performing periodic check-ups for any adjustments.
11. Can upgrading components improve a mid-range guitar?
Yes, upgrading components like the saddle, nut, and tuning pegs can enhance playability and tone, making even a mid-range guitar feel and sound better.
12. Where can I test these guitars before purchasing?
Most music stores will allow you to play guitars before purchasing. If buying online, look for retailers with good return policies or those offering detailed sound samples and reviews.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best mid-range acoustic guitar under $1000 involves considering various factors, including tonewoods, body shape, and personal playability preferences. While this article has introduced some top picks, remember that the best guitar is one that feels right in your hands and resonates with your musical style.
Whether you’re drawn to the warm tones of a Martin, the innovative designs of Taylor, or the incredible value of an Epiphone, there’s a guitar out there that’s perfect for you. We encourage you to explore these options, test them out, and find the one that best suits your needs.
What guitar are you leaning towards, and what songs are you excited to play on it?