5 Acoustic Guitars Under $1000 We Would Buy Right Now

[@tp5401]

Seagull maritime cutaway. Seagull doesn't get the love they deserve. Beautiful craftsmanship, beautiful tayloresque sound, amazingly playable. I love mine! Got the one with electronics (new its over $1000) used for 500. Without the electronics though you are in under $1000 and comes with a very nice gig bag

[@johnkessler9878]

I own two seagul guitars and love them. One of the few guitamrs that still have bridge grooves, which hugely improve sustain.

[@timoheinrich8763]

I got a Seagull S6 10 years ago in heavily used but soundwise perfect condition for 150€ I love that guitar and have recorded it a ton. Will never give it away :)

[@someguy4505]

I just watched a video about Seagull guitars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qILTonmEi8uZhq8si=VBbZKrjwSeTkEZEb

[@powbobs]

Many of us do not like the Taylor sound.

[@94dodgedude]

Takamine makes great guitars under $1000. I went to my local store with a friend who's never played before and we tried a bunch of guitars and he connected with an all solid sapele Takamine NEX which is their grand auditorium cutaway guitar for $449 without a case. $600 plus tax for everything and it's a great guitar for those who like the all sapele/mahogany tones. Would love to see a breakdown on a Takamine. Thanks for the great content guys!

[@Ellis_Dee25]

I played one of those a few years ago and couldn’t believe how great to sounded. Felt nice too.

[@johnlee4973]

Totally agree. I have 2 Tak guitars. First one I bought new in 1982, still have it, refretted it a few years ago and it still plays amazing. I think I paid $350 in 1982, with a built in pick up. Bought a modern one, cutaway, with built in tuner, preamp etc that was $1200 (I think) new. I bought this to have while the older Tak was getting new frets. I play them both all the time. The newer one has slightly better action but the older on has a much beefier sound (probably because the wood is now more seasoned and is not a cutaway). Takamine makes amazing guitars, and I’d take my Taks over any Taylor that I’ve ever played. I prefer the Tak necks better than Taylor necks too.

[@defmanlistening]

I´ve been searching for months now for a new westernguitar. Takamine is on the top list so far and i love japan build guitars:) But doing a lot of research about all the different woods out there, i found a couple of them on the red list. Sapele is one of them coming from the rainforest in west and central africa. It does belong to the mahogany family but it is not real mahogany. Thats why it is cheaper (plus coming from a poor country). Sure, getting a used guitar with red listed wood is fine but for me i would not get a new one. But this just my opinion and everybody is free to buy what ever she or he wants:)

[@Gr8FriknApe]

I upgraded after 6 months of playing acoustic to the 589 dollar Takamine GD 20 CE cedar/mahogany. I tried several others within the 600 to 800 dollar category, to wit: Martin, Yamaha, Taylor, Eastman, Recording King, and Alvarez. My budget was 800 dollars. None of them could compare to the incredible wood work, precise production quality and quality of sound that came from the "Tak." I purchased the "Tak" for 489 dollars on a demo price with no damages. None of the brands could compare in loudness, sustain, bass and mids (The Martin GPC X2E was the closest alternative). The Tak's built in EQ is way above any quality comparisons with the other company's EQ systems. I now have 3 guitars and the Tak is, most definitely, my favorite.

[@Photomac07]

Those Taylor GS Mini guitars are incredible value for the sound and look you get from them. Being a travel guitar it makes it pretty versatile as well. I do agree that the Sitka spruce and Rosewood combo is great but I bought a used Koa deluxe model with burst design and Expression system that had a solid top. Gorgeous guitar and sounds amazing to me. Just wanted something different to pair with my Taylor 814ce Builder Edition that came with Adirondack spruce top and Indian Rosewood back and sides. As for Alvarez guitars… I am a huge fan and so glad someone else appreciates them and that made the list. Alvarez will be the next guitar I would buy. Wish I could find them locally where I live. You really can’t go wrong with an Alvarez. Quality, craftsmanship, value, and sound for an incredible price! One of my favorite guitars I ever owned was an Alvarez!

[@mikebarker7626]

I bought an Epiphone Hummingbird for $ 300 bucks. This guitar is awesome, great action,great sound and looks great. Very happy with it.

[@ComeOnPeopleThink]

that's what i'm looking at..

[@mikebarker7626]

@@ComeOnPeopleThink highly recomended, stays in tune sounds better as it ages. Ive had mine 10 years

[@ComeOnPeopleThink]

@mikebarker7626 thanks, I had a masterbuilt and really liked it but for some stupid reason I sold it..

[@mikebarker7626]

@@ComeOnPeopleThink i hate it when that happens..lol

[@Wilma305]

My daughter’s Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird blows me away every time she plays it. It is truly a great option at $850.

[@karffiol]

I got Recording King RD328 for ~700 bucks and I am very impressed. All solid, basically Martin guitar for a fraction of a price, you cannot go wrong with this one. I did some upgrades myself, like install K&K in it, bone bridge pins, slotted the bridge pin holes, better compensation on the saddle, etc. After a month or so of playing this guitar rings like a bell, I can imagine stripping the poly finish and apply some nitro would help even more.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Steve Earle’s son, Justin Townes Earle played Recorder King almost exclusively. They def make some gems.

[@ramspencer5492]

It's a Martin style guitar... But it's got it's own character.... Not saying it's a worse sounding instrument, but why do people also have to say it's basically another guitar.... For one thingi believe that recording king uses forward shifting bracing in their dreads, which Martin switched away from a long time ago.... It's a bit of a different sound. No doubt recording King is a guitar that offers a whole lot of bang for buck.... I hear they need a setup and that the tuners are frustratingly not sensitive enough and could use replacing

[@Gr8FriknApe]

@@ramspencer5492 Hahahahaha! Yes, I agree. I love my Recording King, Les Paul and Takamine guitars. I started with the RK 000 as a B inventory purchase. The set up was a lengthy, loving process. That said, the RK has a unique, beautiful sound. It's bass is a little lackluster but, other than that, it's a gem!

[@bmac5085]

I have a Yamaha AC3M like a dark sunburst colour. Changed the nut and saddle to bone and got it set up. This thing literally belts the sound out, with loads of midrange . Around £750 here roughly 1000 usd with a solid wood body. Absolutely love it.

[@teladan5]

I have a Yamaha LL16, a Red Label FSX5 (the slightly more expensive Japanese cousin of the Chinese FS3, with a pick-up), and a Taylor GS Mini (the version with the lam quilted sapele back and sides). I understand that there are those who wouldn't touch Yamaha, but I have always gone for what sounded the best to me within a certain price range. I thoroughly enjoy playing all of them, but especially love the Red Label, as you mentioned, for the sound. An amazing instrument.

[@ramspencer5492]

People are idiots about Yamaha.... Great Pedigree.... Once you get into their solid wood guitars.... They are world class.... And their hand-built bench stuff is just as good as the custom shop stuff from the big three. Much better bang for buck.

[@markashworth983]

Hey, great video, guys! A little over a year ago I was looking for a new guitar, and after much looking, comparing, and prayer I decided on the Yamaha LL16. Beautiful guitar! My dealer was out of stock, so I had to special order with them. After nearly a year of anxious waiting--and reevaluating--I decided instead to buy a burst Yamaha LS16 folk body guitar that they had in stock. Wow, for 899.00, it is incredible! I couldn't believe the sound and playability the first time I played it! I seriously couldn't recommend it more.

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

I picked up an M-120 Guild a couple years ago, and I love it. I went in to the store to look at some Alvarez models, but the Guild blew me away. It's also one of the few instruments I've bought that impressed my wife (she's a tough customer).

[@jrenaud22]

Admittedly, in my 50s, I'm a bit of a guitar store kid. I love to go play just for fun. I tried a $500ish Guild one day and didn't want to put it down.

[@LJSterks]

I have the Alvarez MD60BG, opted for the non electronic, mahogany sides and back model. It was $600, it sounds incredible and it’s beautiful. I put a beveled Martin pickguard on it and some bone bridge pins. It’s light, loud, Rings like a bell, and cuts through like a knife. All I ever wanted in a Dread.

[@charliewelch328]

Great guitar. I also have it

[@Tbone1952]

I own 5 Yamahas 3 red labels, one is original FG180 I bought in Japan. Love my yamahas

[@mce3210]

Does you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?

[@toyotozan]

I would pick Yamaha AC3M over FSX800. All solid wood, great pickup with impulse response simulator and auto feedback suppress on board.

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

I have the older MD70CE. It is a stellar guitar. I mostly buy used. But my best new guitar purchase was from a store that was going out of business, unfortunately. He sold me a brand new Takamine P3DC for under $1k. I love that guitar.

[@davidarvisu]

I have the Alvarez MD70 (rosewood dread) and it is absolutely one of my favourite guitars at the moment!! Basically an HD-28!! Normally I play Lowdens but it's perfect for when I want that American tone!!

[@charliewelch328]

Great guitar. Have that one and MD60

[@Astrobluey]

You didn’t mention the the Yamaha LL16 has solid rosewood back and sides. I’ve just bought one and it is a cannon that blasts out very sweet tones. Super impressed and surprised after always favouring my Gibsons and Martin in the past,the LL16 is currently my acoustic of choice.

[@cugir321]

Have you played it out? It's a nightmare trying to EQ in some bars.

[@martifingers]

@@cugir321 Agreed. I found the built in electronics can be really harsh and brittle but the answer for me was to play it through an acoustic amp (in my case a Marshall). But played acoustically it sounds terrific - the sustain for instance is huge.

[@maciejpatek2141]

Yamaha LL 16 is well built but ,..it's harshness is annoying :/ Cheaper version L6 sounds the same having solid top only. And that passive pickup is a piece of crap

[@cugir321]

It's okay...still a little bright when not amplified. I was playing it outside at a bar last night in a jam...unplugged. I use a fishman loud mini....so it is an acoustic amp. I'm still not sure what to do to tame it....the magnetic soundhole setup does some but don't love the tone.@@martifingers

[@cugir321]

I'm thinking a bass preamp....saw online that they make a difference with the harsh piezios.@@martifingers

[@kdcyyz]

I love my Yamaha Red Label FS5, but it was a bit over $1K. I tried some Taylor and Martin guitars first, but that Red Label sound got me.

[@paulnormandin5267]

It never fails to amaze me that nobody ever picks Seagull. I have a friend who is a professional guitarist, he has 15 or 16 acoustics including a $3000+ Martin. He plays the same guitar I usually do, a Seagull S1 Original. We were shooting the bull between sets one night and I mentioned that he seemed to use the S1 as his "go to" acoustic. He leaned in like he didn't want anyone else to hear and said, "It sounds better than pretty much all of the others, including my Martin." I have heard him play both (and many others) and I have to agree.

[@KevenNewsome]

Seagull guy here. I agree with this.

[@rhoff7272]

I came here looking for this exact comment

[@Cam-wi3tp]

Love my Seagull. Would really like them to do a deep dive on a seagull

[@francis-olivierbureau9673]

Headstocks….

[@_TwoDot]

Like the seagull s1 from a while ago or are they still releasing it?

[@charlesbranch4120]

Wow! I was thing about the Yamaha FS-820/830 when I was looking for my first guitar as pandemic pause 2020 began, and I no longer was driving to school (K-5)in the mornings as volunteer crossing guard and Friday ALP Math help. Instead my first guitar came from a GC used but excellent (advertised as a 12e, so the managers first back to work packed several extras in the box) Taylor Academy 12 (produced on Dad's 90th birthday) for the then-new price of $500. Shortly after, a 12e appeared from a music store clearing out inventory at $360, then a Breedlove Pursuit Exotic Concert E- Sitka/Koa $500 (added a Gator Cases 000 hard case). My first all-solid wood guitar (and last to leave me) was a Cole Clark Angel 2 Redwood/Blackwood ($1834 in summer 2022 from AMS in NJ). I gave a B-stock Breedlove European spruce/mahogany all-solid guitar to my son-in-law, which has a thinner than semi-gloss finish and some small patches where the finish didn't bond to the plastic binding, which sounds incredibly warm and open for $350 via Reverb. A daughter is taking care of the similar B-stock Jeff Bridges signature concert (Reverb and Sweetwater had these at the same price, so I ordered from my Sales Engineer's Associate) at $425, the embroidered gig bag likely accounting for the additional cost. Gloss finish needs to open up to add the warmth of the non-sig version, but they're all good and appreciated. We bought that daughter a Yamaha FG-730S a couple decades ago, but that felt too big for my learning experience, and guitar collecting (ROFL). My SIL asked me last year, "Did you buy any new guitars?" I truthfully replied, "No, I bought a new banjo." (Gold Tone B-stock AC-5 with bag, to which I added an armrest and a set of better tuners for a future install. Better than the low-end Rogue that I was given by 'Johnny Guitar' of KCHU before I retired from Alaska...)

[@rob1261a]

Hi, I would add the Martin Road Series, all Solid Wood. I have the Martin 000-10E (All Sapele). I prefer the sound and size to my Taylor 114e and GS Mini Mahogany.

[@michaelmarine6593]

Since you guys are with me on Yamaha, might I suggest the AC3M. Solid mahogany back and sides, Solid sitka top with their ARE treatment, electronics, and it's about 1/2" deeper than the FSX830 so you get a bit more lower mids. Yamaha build quality, very classy appointments, all solids, coming in at just under a grand, it's hard to beat.

[@HaramGuys]

AC3M sounded a bit too mid boomy to me. A3R was my favorite within the lineup. I never thought dreads could have such a transparent and sparkly yet spacey mid/highs

[@johnjlong]

I own and ride a 2008 Yamaha FJR1300A that I bought brand new. they definitely make great motorcycles!

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

I tried a ton of guitars in this price range last summer (ended up with a Taylor 214CE Deluxe for a bit more $$) but the one I almost went with was a Seagull. Fantastic guitar with some very cool innovative features and I liked it better than anything else including several Yamahas and Takamines. Seagull is a little-known brand from Quebec that also has Godin and a couple of other names under its umbrella. BTW- Godins are fantastic electrics with one of the best necks I've ever played. Did not like any of the low-end Martins at all. Washburn makes some good guitars in this price range. Agree on Guild- every one I've ever played has been stellar. Editing to add that I had actually ordered an Eastman through my local music store, but the shipping kept getting pushed back by several months a couple of times, and it would have been over a year when all was said and done. So I cancelled my order and used the credit. I was really looking forward to the Eastman- not too much info on them around so good to see your opinion of them is high.

[@skipclone1]

Yes! I just commented above, I have the S6 flame maple. Superb deal for the money, mine got a thumbs up from a notorious tone snob.

[@philomelodia]

You mentioned Seagul. I have been playing a Seagull guitar since about 1996 and it sounds great. Real sweet sound. What’s neat about them is they euse local woods. They use cherry for the back and sides sometimes.

[@Skipsounds]

@@philomelodia I absolutely love mine, it sounds great both acoustically and with the LR Baggs system that came with it. In fact I had another Seagull that I traded for it, with a cedar top. I loved the sound but the string tension was ridiculous, it hurt my fingers to play.

[@joe19912]

Also went with the Taylor214, first tried an Ibanez off Amazon, but it had a warped fretboard. Obviously try to see the guitar in person, but if not, go with one of the bigger names with a good return policy. My bud has a nice Orangewood, you get a good guitar with nice setup for very low cost.

[@nespstudio8803]

Love my Alvarez. Had another one that I bought ten years ago and the top started lifting behind the bridge. Sent it back for repair but they couldn’t fix it so they called me back and said pick out another guitar on us. I forgot they had a lifetime warranty. Good company, great polite people, too. Highly recommend them.

[@ducdanjou7885]

I like seagulls, just because the cedar tops have their own warmth.

[@lhvent]

I love Yamaha and Alvarez Guitars. You can't beat them.

[@alancampbell6670]

I've owned the Yamaha FSX830C natural for several years now. Over time I've done a few upgrades: ditched the undersaddle piezo pickup for a K&K pure mini (K&K tech support explained how to connect it to the existing onboard preamp) , installed a Graphtech nut, bone saddle, Stewmac ivoroid bridge pins, and gold Grover tuners. The guitar responds very well to upgrades - they made a huge difference in tone and looks, very happy with this guitar.

[@mce3210]

Can you send me exactly what you got guitar wise and where to buy it please and Do you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?

[@ramspencer5492]

I'd really like to know how to ditch a piezo and do that myself! Did it require soldering?

[@timoheinrich8763]

I love my Seagull S6. It has actually a Cedar top so I would have loved to hear your opinion on it! It's made in Canada from endemic wood and just beautiful

[@שלוםעובדיה-ת1פ]

I bought a Yamaha LS-TA 1,129 $, solid rosewood back and sides and solid spruce

[@arthurbenson6693]

Any good? My very first guitar was a Yamaha… It technically wasn’t even mine. I was living with my cousin at the time and he had bought it years prior with the intention of learning how to play. When I first got it, it only had two strings on it the low E and the A I taught myself a couple oldies but goodies like smoke on the water, Iron Man, Seven Nation Army… then I started making little riffs with the a string and E string only to find once my uncle came over and put on a new set of strings and tuned it for me that the riffs that I wrote, didn’t translate into a tuned to guitar

[@josephryan5396]

Would love to see a best acoustic guitar under $2000 from you guys.

[@A-rl4or]

It will always be used I bought a handmade guitar from Canada for under $1900

[@compucorder64]

Absolutely, would be great to see their list. And yeah, like someone wrote above, I'd tend to go used once the price goes above $1000. But I think my picks would be similar. At the at the top of the price range, I'd choose a Furch Vintage 1 OM or a used Furch Vintage 2 or Guild D-40. Yamaha FS5 at the bottom of the price range. Guild M-20 in the middle. For me Guild, Furch and Yamaha own that price range. Since Gibson J-45s, really good Martins and Taylors all hang out in the 2-4k+ range. And to be honest, I'm not really sure it's worth paying the premium.

[@josephryan5396]

@@compucorder64 Can't disagree with any of that. I own both a FSX5 and Furch Yellow Series.

[@compucorder64]

@@josephryan5396That's interesting, how do you find the difference between the FSX5 and the Furch Yellow after spending time at home with them? At the moment, I've played four quite different guitars I really like and trying to decide between them. Guild OM-120, Epi IBG J-45, Furch Blue OM and Yamaha FS3. I tend to like not too much bass, more woodiness, projecting bell-like mids, and a slightly rolled off treble (NOT a fan of the shimmery metallic Taylor sound).

[@josephryan5396]

@@compucorder64 The FSX5 is a little brighter, probably due to the smaller body. It isn’t too bassy and I would say it’s very well balanced. Out of the two, the Yamaha is definitely more traditional sounding, the Furch is more modern sounding. The Furch is a grand auditorium body size, so it is louder, but I would imagine the OM Furch would still be louder than the Yamaha. The Yamaha is sitka/mahogany and the Furch is cedar/rosewood, so both very different sounding. The Yamaha has more mid-range and the Furch more lows and highs. I tried the Furch blue cedar/mahogany in a store before and it is incredible, lovely and warm sounding. The Furch is definitely not metallic like a Taylor, it has a much fuller/resonant sound. The Furch has a LR Baggs Anthem pickup which is one of the best out there, but I was honestly shocked how good the FSX5 atmosfeel pickup sounded, it’s just as good in my opinion. The necks are very different on the two. The Furch has a shallower, wider neck. The Yamaha neck is a bit fuller and a perfect width for me. I find the Yamaha has less strain on my fretting hand. You can special order Furch with different nut widths though. The Furch is standard scale (25.5) and the Yamaha is shorter scale (25), so I find the Yamaha is a little easier to play due to the reduced string tension. I think Furch guitars are more gear towards fingerstyle with the wider nut and string spacing, although, you can play anything you want on them. My nephew tried both guitars and he found the Furch easier to play because of the extra spacing. It would all come down to personal preference, you would be best off trying out both if you can. If I had to choose one purely based off sound alone, it would be the Furch. I don’t know how they’re not way more expensive, they’re like boutique level guitars at affordable prices. However, for me, I find myself playing the Yamaha more just because the neck is so easy to play. I think both would meet the requirements you listed, you would just have to try both and see which you prefer.

[@arthurlove1002]

I will never get rid of my 1967 red label. Bought new when I was 12 for 100 dollars that I earned from mowing lawns.

[@skygoing82]

I wonder what percentage of guitars were bought from money made by junior high school boys who mowed lawns. My first was a Samick Strat.... paid for by cutting the neighbors lawns at 16 to 20 bucks a pop.

[@PC85X]

Fender PD220e. All solid. Sold my Taylor after buying and using this for a year and not touching the Taylor

[@SamplePerspectiveImporta-hq3ip]

Also, I feel like a boss now for recommending the Taylor 114ce to literally everyone who asks me what they should buy under $1k. I have played a lot of these, and they truly do feel just like playing a $3k-$4k high end Taylor. I play a 714ce as my daily driver, and when I pick up a 114ce it literally feels and plays exactly the same. Whenever I am out guitar shopping, if the store has a 114ce, I always spend a few minutes playing it just to level set and remind myself you don't have to spend $4k to get a nice guitar. You are getting all the playability of a high end Taylor and like 80% of the sound, for like 1/5 the price. Hell, I'm slowly convincing myself to buy a 114ce right now just by typing this. The 114ce is truly a guitar someone could buy as a beginner and play for a lifetime. It blows my mind that Taylor can even make such a high quality guitar at such a low price point. To me, it's the gold standard for guitars under $1k.

[@nathanward3888]

I just picked up the new 112ce s. It's unreal. Even the case is worlds better than the gig bag that came with my 214ce a few years ago. At $799 new it is an absolute steal.

[@SamplePerspectiveImporta-hq3ip]

@@nathanward3888 does it come with an aerocase? Honestly I feel that is literally the best case money can buy right now. I have started replacing my hardshells with them. They're just amazing

[@cooloutac]

It's definitely a good choice man and I think people are crazy for buying any of these Chinese guitars that have horrible fret jobs , poor intonation and smell like poison and probably won't last 5 years before needing Major Work.. Me personally I go for a Martin dx2e because I'm just all about that bass. But the Tailor's have a way better sounding pickup in my opinion and generally better intonation. Both guitar brands if taken care of probably last 20 years without needing a major setup and besides feeling good on the fingers that's basically what you're paying for.

[@nathanward3888]

@@SamplePerspectiveImporta-hq3ip Not an Aero case. It's something between that and the old tan gig bag. This is tan but it has nice rigid foam sides, back and top, and also has a really substantial neck cushion as well.

[@andrewstirling6457]

Hi, I purchased a new Taylor 117e Grand Pacific acoustic last Wednesday I think the guitar has a great tone and you get a lot for the price It was originally 899 GBP I got a discount only cost me £799. I am an intermediate player I have been playing Fender guitars for the past few years. I have a fender CD 60 -SCE electro acoustic dreadnought which I purchased new 3 years ago it still sounds really good I just recently put a set of Ernie Ball paradigm phosphor Bronze strings on it and the tone is even better. I also have a one year old Fender villager California series 12 string acoustic love It too. I gave the CD 60 to my 20 year old daughter as she is just learning to play she was really pleased the guitar is in excellent condition hardly any wear on the frets. My new Taylor 117e suits me fine because I like the narrower neck and the action is low enough and comfortable. I just wanted a higher price acoustic that didn't go beyond my budget I could have spent a lot more but just decided on this guitar meantime as I play at home mostly so the Taylor should do the job I also enjoy singing too. I just wanted a guitar with a little more bass good mid range and slightly different tone from my brighter sounding Fender guitars. Anyway love the video Andy Glasgow 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BradyHensley-u6y]

I’ve owned 2 Yamahas and they sound unbelievable for the money. Great list guys

[@AuditoryStorytelling]

The Breedlove AC25/SR Plus from 2005 (in my opinion) is the best sub $1000 guitar ever made/sold by a major brand. Made in Korea. Solid Sitka top and Indian Rosewood Back. Laminate Rosewood sides (which are a good thing, as you guys know). Sounds AMAZING, very, very playable, and because of the bridge truss they used back then, it will last decades with little to no issues. Fishman pickup system with great features. Both body and fretboard bindings, along with Abalone purfling. Incredibly airy, rich, 3-dimensional tone. A truly gorgeous instrument all around, with a long life span. You can still find them all over for $500, and all the ones I've played used sound almost identical. I believe they were built at the Crafter Factory in Korea, which is a high end factory over there. I know this isn't a current production guitar, but to me it's the best I've ever played in this price range. Just for kicks, here's a clip of a guy playing fingerstyle on one -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3vHdnZ8r5Zpg5o

[@NOPE.S.P.]

I have one of these myself, and I continue to be surprised at how well it sounds compared to other guitars well above its price point. At one point, I did opt to have a bone nut and saddle upgrade which made it even more impressive. I highly recommend finding one of these in good used condition for anyone exploring this price range.

[@CrackerYaker]

I got a demo model yamaha ar5 for $850 that was already professionally set-up. Couldn't be happier with yamaha. I got a used fg700s for $50 on marketplace place for playing around the campfire and im very happy with it as well. Depending on ones budget yamaha shouldn't be ignored.

[@SamplePerspectiveImporta-hq3ip]

Definitely agree with the GS Mini as a solid choice, but I disagree with the choice of rosewood. I shopped around and played around a dozen different examples of GS Minis while shopping for one, and I eventually settled on the all mahogany one. The 3 mahogany GS Minis I played had a notably better bass response. I felt the rosewood ones sounded very thin and tinny in comparison.

[@cooloutac]

Did he really recommend the Rosewood one?there's literally no difference in sound compared to the standard laminate sapele except that the rosewood one actually sounds tinnier because of the pickup inside. They are A&B extensively on KZbin and I've tried them in the store store the Rosewood definitely sounds slightly more trebly to the s The Standard sapele and the only explanation is the pick up inside. And it's very slight that you're paying $100 for basically no difference.

[@cooloutac]

I'm right with you and your choice to I also prefer the mahogany. You have very good ears.

[@SamplePerspectiveImporta-hq3ip]

@@cooloutac Thanks! ❤️

[@michelle-psl4441]

I'm the only female in my local jam group and all the guys show up with dreads. I prefer small body guitars - mostly fingerpick now - but searched for a dread for jam strumming. My goal was to find something under $500 so my husband wouldn't put me out of the house with my varied guitarsenal.😁 Found the Eastman PCH1-D. Had it wishlisted on reverb and was sent an offer that I took. Paid under $338 for it (incl tax). I am a Martin fan, and it's a little bright for me, but plays well and sounds great. After this video I'm sorry I didn't look into Yamaha. Might have preferred the deeper tone.

[@Yamahman]

I have a Yamaha LJ16, I have also owned the LL16, they are fantastic guitars.

[@ianshongtrs]

I own both Yamaha FG5 and FS3. If you can afford the Japanese build by all means get it. But if the Chinese Red Label is already pushing your budget you are 90% there with the Chinese made Red labels. Perfectly happy to play these two Yamahas for the rest of my life.

[@cooloutac]

What would you say are the major differences?

[@cooloutac]

your recent comment got shadowbanned bud. Post it again but make sure there is no dots in words and no bad words.

[@powbobs]

@@cooloutac KZbin has gone crazy. Dots, really.

[@colinclement2752]

I recently played a fs3 at my local and it was so lovely

[@grog5564]

Glad to see the Yamahas in there. I bought a Yamaha, left handed off of Amazon. It is one of my best acoustic guitars and it was $350.00. I have a Martin, I rarely play it. The back of the neck is so rough I could use it as an Emory board to do my nails with. I will never buy another Martin as my guitars are made upon order, I am left handed. The Martin was Made in Mexico, says so on the label. it is a POS that is going to be donated to charity. My Taylors are super guitars. Taylor will make you any guitar in their line left handed at no extra cost. Fine quality, excellent workmanship and they play like a dream. Also made in the USA, says so on the label.

[@MrRoybob]

I’m not surprised you guys pulled so many Yamahas. They’re so good

[@davidvandermolen1687]

I own the Guild OM-120, the same specs as the D-120, great guitar for the money!

[@moshealex]

I own two Alvarez six and twelve string guitars and absolutely love them. Thank you , guys, for honest reviews.

[@LucasHaneman]

Long time believer of Yamaha and Eastman in this price range. Love what they’re putting out! Also, yes to the electric list!

[@FiddleSticks800]

Great video guys. I have played some $500 Eastman e2d guitars with phenomenal sound that have cedar tops. Solid top and sides.

[@sebakrol3433]

i own e2om, for that price you can't beat it

[@Photomac07]

Hear a lot of good things about Eastman but can’t find anyone selling them near me to try out. Breedlove I have been told are great but haven’t had same experience as others I guess.

[@TWC6724]

I own the E2OM and couldn’t be happier. Great sound

[@HayesTech]

Recording King also has some very nice, all solid wood, guitars for under $1,000.00 too. I've got the RD-328 and love it. It's designed after the 40's Martin guitar with Adirondacks spruce tops and your choice of either mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides (again, all solid wood). And it has scalloped bracing that's done well. I've made a couple videos on this guitar myself. The deep V shape of the neck took me a bit to get used to but I'm loving it now. It will do just fine until I can afford a Martin HD-28.

[@nosurfenougheddie]

After 50 yrs of owning acoustic guitars, from Kays to Collins, I'm down to 2. A 2011 Taylor GS Mini for when I'm on the couch. And a 2016 Yamaha LL6 when I'm not on the couch. Both purchased new. The intonation on the Yamaha is as good as any guitar I've have ever owned. You can tune it up, put it away in it's hard shell case, take it out 2 weeks later and the tuning will be spot on. That's pretty amazing for any acoustic but considering I paid $550 is mind blowing. Great video guys!

[@wrobinson1702]

Nice video. FYI-I just got a Taylor 114 CE, and I agree-great value at this price point. As an aside, I got it from Sam Ash online. When I heard they were going out of business, I went to their site to look for bargains. It was already 15% off retail, and I got them to come down another 10% or so. Bottom line: I got a Taylor 114 CE for $699! (Regular list at GC, Sweetwater, etc: $899)

[@Seshca-r4c]

The Lord blessed me with a Taylor GS mini and it plays like butter, love the feel and sound.

[@practicerepo]

Great advice and choices I think. Somebody mentioned they wanted to see the 1-2 grand range or similar videos I would check out too for sure

[@yourtubisfilled7164]

Great video, thank you guys. Hoping you will do more of these. There's a couple of interesting price ranges above 1000 too which I'd love to get your gist on. You could even differentiate in videos between body types or scale length because many people (like myself) are shopping a specific bracket like that.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

The LL and the LS 16 are such good value guitars.

[@ericdarlington2332]

yes please do electrics the Yamaha Revstar Pro version is my dream guitar but i would e happy with any of the three versions . Yamaha acoustic and electrics do not get enough love i have been a fan of Yamaha's for 40+ years even the ones made out side of Japan have the same quality control

[@johnvfx143]

Cool to see you both high on Yamaha guitars. My first and so far only acoustic guitar is a $300 Yamaha that sounded better than a lot of the $700-800 guitars in Guitar Center where I was trying them out in an acoustic room. Even a friend of mine whose band I was in briefly (who owned a lot of guitars) played my Yamaha and said wow, this sounds really good. I might have to check out some of these on your lists.

[@Tigers25]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!! First of all, you did this vid about the pegs and I saw you biting nails.... Very sympathico....I did it for 45+years and I'm still fighting with it... You Must be a good person!! Second, for the average player who could never afford a "for the studio made 20 k+ guitar" (I'm the one who asked you to send me one of yours with smaller numbers) it's VERY interesting what you professional guys suggest under 1000₹ Thank you big time

[@lucemiserlohn]

For a workhorse / gigging guitar, I'm a big fan of Ibanez' Talman acoustics. They can take a bating, are pretty inexpensive, don't sound too bad and are pretty consistent across the range. Not your home centerpiece, but a decent gigging guitar.

[@Gratefulman1965]

I own a 1992 Guild D4NT I paid 399.99 for. It is an amazing acoustic guitar. Crazy how good that guitars tone and feel is.🤔

[@michaelmadsen1222]

The Martin D-10e is a sweet solid wood guitar for under $1000. I bought one a few years ago and remember comparing it specifically to the GS Mini and it wiped the floor with that Taylor.

[@aa.mirezZ]

The gs mini (majority of them) are not all solid wood construction back and sides, so for sure an all solid wood guitar is going to outperform a non all solid wood Acoustic.

[@michaelmadsen1222]

@@aa.mirezZ right. I was surprised with how many laminate guitars they mentioned while leaving out the D-10e.

[@frankcarter6427]

if in doubt, buy a yammy - I've still got my 1st cheapy FG that's my go to beater, great to play, sounds OK , been by many a campfire and is a trusted old friend. Have a '96 K Yairi that I never play cos the neck's too wide , sounds fabulous - wanna buy it?

[@jrenaud22]

I absolutely share your love for Yamaha (my first beginner guitar which I still love to play), crimally under appreciated brand imo. But I would replace that Eastman with a Epiphone IBG Hummingbird. I own one and it is badass. All solid mahogany construction, sounds big and clear, and the neck is so nice to play on. The fit and finish is incredible and its just a stunner to look at. Ive had it over a year and it still is eye candy to me when I look at my guitars.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Or the Epiphone Texan. Pretty sure they go for under 1k.

[@roycranman3851]

I have a PRS Angelus SE that is just amazing. They start at $800.

[@Kingepticon]

I have a Taylor GS Mini Koa Plus. I played all the other models of the GS Mini and they all sounded pretty good. I went with the Koa Plus because it sounded just as good but came with a better pickup in it. It looked a lot better too and came with the best soft case I’ve ever seen. I think it’s called the Aero case. I put some Gotoh 510 Mini tuners on it in Cosmo black and some Taylor abalone ebony bridge pins. Great little guitar.

[@thomassicard3733]

I did pay a little more than $1K for my acoustic. I have absolutely no regrets. It's a Seagull Mini-Jumbo that suits me perfectly - it has a very slightly wider string spacing and great tonal balance - which makes it wonderful for finger-picking styles. I love it.

[@jchavins]

I'm old and no longer play acoustic guitars but I absolutely love them. Thru the years playing in a band the two brands that shined were Yamaha and Takamine. The Takamine was $900 without a case in 1988. I sold it years later to the bass player and he still has it. Beautiful rich sounding guitar. My fiddle player had a low end Yamaha. It was cheaper and sounded better than the Takamine. Impressive as hell. I currently have a low end Takamine that I basically stole from Guitar Center. If I were looking for an acoustic now I like your choice of a Yamaha LL16 but I would pop for the nicer one the LL16RD E which has all the fancy trimming. Its too nice to turn down......its beautiful. I'd love to test a Blueridge BR180 but I've never found one in the Phoenix area......good video boys.

[@jrenaud22]

My wife surprised me 13 years ago with an entry level Yamaha acoustic from GC. I think she paid $149 for the little bundle package at Christmas time. I had zero music experience but I was so proud to own a guitar, even a cheap one. I treated it like gold and babied it. That thing has served me so well. It still gets played and it sounds and plays better than many many $400-600 guitars that I try out in shops. It's still completely stock, looks amazing and it stays in tune as good or better than my other guitars. I'll never part with that guitar.

[@paulventura9939]

Good choices. I happen to own two Taylor’s: the first GS Mini on the market, with Spruce top. It’s better for strumming than my 1980s era Taylor 412ce, which is better for finger style and writing. And I have a Yamaha FG 720S, with a cherry burst top. All are great guitars. Thanks for your reviews.

[@timtaylorguitarnut]

What about Cort? I guess it's all up to each individual 😊

[@MaithriSanitgun]

Cort doesn't really sell guitars in the USA, they are hard to find, and I think it's because they make so many of the guitars for others brands in the USA and they have agreed to not compete with them - I suspect Eastman, Orangewood, Recording King, Breedlove, Ibanez, etc are all made by Cort in their huge China factories. In UK I suspect Cort makes the Tanglewood, Sire, Luna, on and on that are not sold in USA for the same reasons. Mostly guesses on my part, hard to get facts on this as they really don't want people to know. I'm a bit biased, I have an all laminate Cort I bought in Thailand back in 1980 at Central department store for a little over $100 which was a lot for me back them that is still my best girl.

[@riccardo5281]

​@@MaithriSanitgunDefinitely not Eastmans, they're handmade in their own workshops

[@MaithriSanitgun]

I know that is what Eastman says and it is no doubt true as far as it goes yet I wonder who runs the shop. Cort is gigantic in Asia, probably biggest volume guitar maker in history and everybody who plays guitar in Asia has a Cort or three and Cort REALLY knows how to get the best out of the Chinese (because they are Korean and Koreans really know the Chinese temperament). @@riccardo5281

[@steveinthethumb6441]

I love my 44 year old Yamaha. I almost cried when you cut the LL16 in half. lol

[@cooloutac]

Wow that's quite the testimonial.

[@Wilma305]

My daughter’s Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird (Indonesian production) blows me away every time she plays it. A great option at $850.

[@walterstreet1467]

My friend bought a Yamaha 12 string back in 69 or 70 and it was a great guitar 10:58

[@dvargaaw]

So glad to hear you guys mention Eastman! Still waiting for a good review (guitart breakdown) of one of their higher end Eastmans! I'd personally, I love to see the E200M-MR-TC, E400M-TC, E400M, E200M-TC, AC522CE, AC622CE, AC722CE or AC822CE reviewed!

[@dvargaaw]

Lucky winner of what!?!?

[@skipclone1]

Seagull. I have the S6 flame maple with the LR Baggs system. Fabulous sound, both plugged in and acoustic.

[@jrich5150]

Fantastic info gentlemen! I would love to see your breakdown of electric guitars under $1,000. There are so many choices out there.

[@watchrob77]

What about the Epiphone J45 you reviewed? It seems like a GREAT guitar in this price

[@ShaneO-nm2hh]

LL16 is awesome!! My LL16 is better then my Taylor. It’s been my go to, ol faithful.

[@charlesmichels7873]

Great, informative video! I also think the Taylor Academy 20e (walnut) really should be considered at this price point.

[@Gr8FriknApe]

W o O w! Nothing like blowing your own horns (careful of neck pain here) (laughing). Great video guys. You gave the shoppers the information they need while looking for that beginner guitar. I settled on the Recording King acoustic-electric 9 series 000 body (white poplar back, rosewood board, and sitka spruce sound box) for my beginner, acoustic guitar. I got it for 125 bucks (390 dollar retail) from B inventory with fret sprouts, dry fretboard, high string height, loose saddle bone (trough cut too wide) and a small smudge on the underside of the body. I did the research and spent 80 dollars on various luthier tools and did a complete set up. I wedged the saddle, oiled the board, filed and polished the fret ends (35 degrees), tweaked the truss for a lower string height and added some 11 - 46 silk n steel strings. It's been 3 weeks and I am in love with the clear and smooth sound of this guitar. Thanks for giving me the information and confidence I needed to look for that perfect pick.

[@monday6524]

Guys, a nice job on the video. I enjoyed listening to the rational for each choice.

[@TheBritishPatriot]

Not gonna lie, Yamaha really do make great guitars once you get over a certain price ($600+), I learnt how to play on one that my teacher lent me and when I had finally saved up enough to buy my own I went with a Taylor 100 series and as much as I love my guitar, I miss the unique, full and rich sound of the Yamaha that I grew accustomed to. I think people sleep on Yamaha because it's such a huge brand that makes so much stuff and also almost all of their guitars are built in China, which puts people off, everyone wants American made Martins and Taylors, but seriously for Chinese made, Yamaha's are great sounding and great quality. All solid, torrified wood, with fancy bindings choices and pickups built-in for less than 1k is insane. My only gripe is the ugly pick-guards they put on them.

[@jimsanger]

I recently went shopping for my dream mahogany. After trying all the Martins and Taylors I walked out with an Alvarez. I also have a gs mini and Yamaha. Don't be too swayed by the name on the headstock.

[@b.j.taylor9576]

This was encouraging to see. I recently played two Yamaha guitars, the Transacoustic model with a cutaway at the $679 price point, and an LL16. Those things just exploded..talk about cannons! I'm now shopping for a Yamaha!

[@georgelerner1946]

Love hearing the love for the Yamahas. I just went to buy my first serious acoustic, primarily looking at Martins and Gibsons (and not the cheap ones). Found a Yamaha FG830, spruce top and rosewood body, very similar to the last one in your video but with no electronics. Test played it alongside a Martin D28 and found a very similar feel and sound. There was a bit more depth to the tone on the Martin, but not nearly as much as I expected, certainly not enough to justify 10x the price, not for where I'm at as a player. And I just found I liked the feel of the Yamaha more. It looks and feels like a high end guitar, not one I got for $350.

[@planetdigital300]

GS Mini in Koa to be avoided - never said by anyone who owned one. We would recommend if you don't need electronics and buying new to get the GS Mini with rosewood back/spruce top IF you can't afford the Koa line

[@hawedehre]

Maybe a Cort like the Gold A6 would be worth looking at.

[@zodiam1]

I bought an Eastman ac222ce for my 50th birthday. I love the damn thing. Such a beautiful guitar. and the tone on it is spectacular.

[@albikes8484]

Im with you on the Yamaha. Its a brand ive always felt gets over looked when it comes to guitars.

[@gregoryrupp6097]

The whole list could be Yamahas

[@mce3210]

Does you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?

[@ItsDean4]

Facts, just bought a ac3r and it’s amazing

[@hotlov72]

Yamaha fg830 at the or near the top

[@flogtwo]

Lol, yeah right. Go try a Guild 260ce

[@JB-lp9xr]

Or Godins.

[@jhackett9482]

Got 600 dollar Yamaha trans acoustic and I’m sure it’s based on a cheaper guitar with the electronics but man it plays and sounds great dry or when you turn on the reverb and chorus. I just love it.

[@mikehappy7838]

Recent gift of a Yamaha AC3M gave me an appreciation of the quantity I was ignorant & somewhat biased. Loved my Tailor Martin Eastman acoustics but this Yamaha for the money has em tapping out. Thx for review.

[@banba317]

Breedlove makes some real nice guitars for under a grand.

[@Spacedraptor]

My pic is a Martin Dx Johnny Cash amazing sound I have owned one of a year & I'm still blown away by the sound on basically a plastic guitar

[@RobertPalomoMusic]

Cort Gold A6 or D6 just squeak into the price range. Worth a look I think.

[@carlor.s.4742]

Cort Core series guitars are amazing!

[@bbgoodman]

Just this week, i recently picked up a Yamaha FGX5 for $900 basically brand new. Beautiful sounding guitar. I also have a Yamaha A1R that punches way above its price. Yamaha are the sleepers in the acoustic world for sure!

[@mariodriessen9740]

I’m surprised to see the Eastman E1OM not being on the list. And yes, of course I own one, that’s how it usually works, I get that. But I mean it. In all fairness, I never saw one or played one or even knew it existed, but when I was looking for a cheap guitar with an all solid wood construction, I saw this one in a classic finish (which is an amazing looking burst, unlike anything else I’ve ever seen) and when I saw the specs I ordered one immediately. It helped that I once spent hours playing lots of different Eastman guitars approximately 10 years earlier and the quality was just amazing. I had high expectations for this guitar, but when I got it I was shocked and pleasantly surprised. I don’t know if these guitars are more expensive in the US than they are in Europe where I live, but I payed approximately 690 dollars for it. I never noticed a single flaw. In fact, a look at the inside taught me that the quality at least matched the quality of Martin guitars like the 000-16 Streetmaster or the 000-17 Black Smoke. And I mean it! So…, it’s really the fact that I was so blown away by it and then not see it in your list of best guitars under a thousand dollars that surprised me. The only reason I can think of is the fact that the E1OM has solid sapele back and sides instead of mahogany, but I highly doubt that could be the reason. Maybe you never played one? I mean, bone nut and saddle, ebony bridge and fretboard, nitrocellulose finish, no traces of glue, neatly done hand carved bracings ending underneath the purfling instead of against it… and it includes a beautiful soft case. I recommend that guitar to literally everybody, including people like me who already have a decent number of top guitars (meaning high end Martins and Gibsons). 😊

[@dylanmartin8736]

Was hoping to see Blueridge in here!

[@DriftwoodMatt]

As soon as we finished recording, we both said “oh man, maybe we should’ve put a blue ridge in there.” They definitely get an honorable mention, but I don’t have a ton of experience with them, I think I’ve only played one, maybe two.

[@e4tm333]

Always regretted selling mine, the neck was amazing

[@kerryettinger8177]

Blueridge Br160 and Br160 A ( Adirondack spruce) are really good guitars.

[@e-rupt2774]

For my money I think I’m going with a Yamaha FGC-TA.. $779 solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, trans acoustic.. hard to beat imo.

[@happytrails1963]

FS830 was first guitar and love it, amazing guitar for a beginnner. Next purchased Epiphone Hummingbird 12 string inspired by for next guitar and they really are nice made in indonesia. Recently got LL16D and its an amazing value and great guitar. Its very beautiful. Sometimes guitars made in china are made fun of but both my yamahas were flawless would definitely buy another. Considering an FGX5/FSX5 for next guitar after hearing so many good reviews of it.

[@bmac5085]

The Chinese made Yamaha guitars are made under strict Japanese quality control. It explains how you can get a quality guitar for a very good price 😉.

[@DustinHollifield]

Recording king rd328 all solid Adirondack spruce top rosewood back and sides forward shifted x bracing tops aged 30 years prior to build amazing guitar

[@usmcyounggun6879]

I prefer the Martin Dreadnought jr. to the gs mini. Pretty much the same price but it’s all solid wood.

[@joooorn]

And the 1-3/4 nut width made me choose the DRJ over the GS mini. Both great sounding guitars.