It would be great if we all had a vintage Martin D-28 or a $4k Taylor Builders Edition, but most of us would be afraid to take the thing out of its case, much less out of the house to a jam or a gig. Living in the real word, let’s focus on real world guitars that are meant to be used and enjoyed on the front porch or on a world tour. Let’s review some of the best acoustic guitars under $1000.
Martin “Blackout”
Martin has been building acoustic guitars since 1833, so they know a little something about the subject. Having a rich tradition does not make them allergic to technical innovation, and the SPDX2E is a cool example of them thinking outside the box.
Martin has developed a high-pressure laminate that's less sensitive to humidity than wood that they use for the back and sides, so the instrument is not as high maintenance. The solid spruce top gives this guitar the traditional Martin boom. The instrument is visually striking with its black-out treatment, and even the famous Martin logo is black. Heck, even the label inside is black!
The dreadnought shape combined with scalloped X bracing gives this guitar a beefy voice with plenty of midrange punch and lows to underpin its top end chime. Martin’s own E1 electronics pack is onboard for easy tuning, recording, and performing. Old-school open back tuners keep everything sweetly in tune.
If you want a bargain that doesn't skimp on looks or sound, this might just be your guitar.
Taylor 214CE
Taylor guitars have been around since 1975, which makes them the new kids on block compared to Martin. Made in their factory in Tecate Mexico, the 214CE is a great example of the innovations Taylor has brought to the guitar universe.
The materials are Solid spruce top, layered rosewood back and sides, and mahogany neck with ebony fretboard. The grand auditorium size is slightly narrower in the waist and upper bouts than a traditional dreadnaught, making the instrument very comfortable to hold and play whether standing or seated.
Taylor’s electronics package makes performing and recording a breeze. The integrated controls are simple, ergonomic and timeless.
Taylor guitars have an unusual advantage in playability because they use a patented mechanical “NT” neck joint that can be adjusted before the finished instrument leaves the factory. This ensures the best playability right out of the box and can be adjusted as the instrument ages.
Taylor GS Mini
Taylor has enjoyed a wildly successful run with the GS Mini. A scaled-down version of their famous Grand Auditorium size, the GS Mini rides the rail between a travel guitar and a full-scale instrument.
The smaller body shape makes it ideal for fingerstyle players as well as songwriter strummers. The X-braced solid mahogany top gives the instrument a warm intimate tone with surprising projection for its size.
Taylor's patented NT neck is removeable for fine tuned adjustment at the factory and as the instrument ages, and the onboard ESB2 electronics onboard make this an ideal companion for performers on the go and recordists in the control room.
Takamine GD37CE12 12-String
Takamine deserves credit for focusing on the electric side of the acoustic guitar, being one of the first to market with a true acoustic/electric design in the 1970’s.
In 1976, When Eagles guitarist Glen Frey strapped on a 12-string Takamine for their mega hit “Hotel California,” the company instantly became synonymous with 12 strings, and their sales soared.
Banking on this experience, the GD37CE12 brings the jangle and sparkle of the octave strings and maple back and sides paired with boom of a dreadnought body and a solid spruce top.
The instrument is beautifully appointed in pearl white, with ivoroid binding on the top, back, headstock, and fretboard. Gold tuners and a Venetian cutaway round out this beauty. Also available in a six string if you want the matched pair (and you do)!
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
The Gibson Hummingbird has been famously featured on stage and in studio since its introduction in 1960 — how could Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow be wrong about the same thing? But the Gibson version is DEFINITELY not under $1,000. However, Epiphone has done a nice job with their import recreation of the distinctive square-shouldered dreadnought body shape.
The classic combination of mahogany back and sides paired with a solid spruce soundboard give the instrument a solid foundation for tone: balanced, bright, and breathy with a good low-mid punch when played with a little more fortissimo. Not having a cutaway gives this guitar a little more low-end performance due to the larger interior volume of the body.
Fishman handles the electronic pack with their patented Sonitone preamp, giving a natural uncolored acoustic tone ready to take onstage or to your next jam session.
With a nod to tradition, the Hummingbird Studio is appointed with the faded cherry sunburst, bound top and fretboard, the quirky Gibson inspired “reverse belly” rosewood bridge, and signature Hummingbird pickguard give this instrument its classic timeless feel at a price tag anyone can appreciate.
Alvarez Parlor 66e
Alvarez has been building instruments since 1960 and have been famously played by some names like David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, and Joe Bonamassa — so it could be said they have a dog in the hunt.
The AP66 is a parlor guitar featuring mahogany back and sides and a solid mahogany top.
Parlor guitars are smaller sized, typically with 12 frets clear of the body and a slotted headstock. The AP66 has a warm mellow tone with a nice balance. The bracing is moved slightly forward to free up the “sweet spot” below the bridge, giving the instrument more bass and overall volume.
Having 12 frets makes the neck shorter and increases the amount of energy it can transmit into the body, adding bass and midrange.
Having a slotted headstock minimizes the mass of the headstock, allowing the neck to transmit more energy into the body.
This budget-friendly acoustic guitar comes with onboard LR Baggs Element pickup and Stage Pro EQ electronics. This system translates nicely to allow stage to studio use on a compact guitar (less feedback!).
The gentle two color “shadowburst” sunburst finish brings a vintage vibe to this affordable acoustic guitar.
The Budget-Friendly Acoustic Guitar Takeaway
Just because an acoustic guitar is considered "budget friendly" doesn't mean that it's cheap. There are plenty of fantastic acoustic guitars under $1,000 that play and sound as good as a million bucks. It's all about finding the one that best fits your style — so get out there and try some out!
One thing I have found important in my own guitar adventure is to try and avoid looking for the “all in one” guitar. I find the different personalities of each of my acoustics tend to guide the music that I make with them.
One thing is certain, when you find an acoustic guitar that fits you it's exceptionally satisfying. Despite my efforts at describing these things, there's nothing like a hands-on audition. When you shop with American Musical Supply, along with our easy 0% interest financing and VERY fast free shipping, you have a 45-day “audition” period, during which you can return your guitar for a full refund. Make sure you save the packaging and be gentle, but you have a chance to experience the feel and tone with you own hands and ears. For more details, talk with one of our gear experts at 800-458-4076. Now go play your guitar!
