Top 10 Beginner Guitars To Buy 2023! ( Under $600) | Mass Acoustic Guitar Comparison

[@bluegrasspicker1204]

Awesome video! All 1st time buyers of acoustic guitars must watch🎸

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

That was a great back to back comparison at the end. That Yamaha sounded good, but I would go for the Eastman E1D. Props to your editor and for the graphics. 10/10 for video build quality! 🔥👍

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thank you so much! We worked really hard on this one! 😄

[@waterwixxxer]

I like the Ibanez sound

[@rev.bobertbockstop7057]

My first guitar at the age of 8 was ten dollars from a five and dime store near our farm in southwestern Pennsylvania. It was something akin to a cement block glued to a two by four with strings. The action was so high it made my fingers bleed for the better part of my first year playing but it did help me create some massive callouses on my left fretting hand fingers. I played this all the way to high school when my music teacher loaned me a nice “real” guitar to borrow for my junior and senior years in guitar classes there. If I had the chance to own any of these guitars when I first started to play I would have felt blessed by heaven with the least of this pack (except for the Epiphone)! That said, I remember my terrible first guitar with nostalgia. Now I own a bunch of great guitars. My two favorite go to guitars are my Collings 01-T and my twenty year old Tacoma C1C Chief. I have a guitar student who came to me playing/owning a poor quality guitar I shall not name sold to her parents who could afford nothing else by an unscrupulous big box store salesman. She is 11 years old and is currently my only student. She has obvious natural talent and a sweet nature so after teaching her for one year, with her parents permission, I gave her my Martin 00M-15 which I’ve owned for a year or so. It’s a great guitar and she’s tall for eleven years old with long strong fingers so I knew she could play it and oh my, she sure did. She’s had it for three months now and her learning has skyrocketed. I could have kept this guitar but at 69 years old with more guitars than I actually need it felt right to pass it on to her. Even at eleven she tells me she wants to become the best guitar player in the world. I think she has a shot at it with great encouraging parents and a strong and steady willingness and patience toward learning. We retired her crap guitar and she might just achieve her goal. Great channel you guys. My student and I watched this video together after our recent lesson.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for sharing and thanks for watching, we really appreciate it!

[@lisarazzilier-lavoie5750]

I love everything you shared in your comment. A longtime instrumentalist since early childhood, I was beyond fortunate to have the teachers like be invested in cultivating & growing my sincere thirst to excel in whatever instrument I was learning. Teachers and people like you should be highly regarded and celebrated 😎. Thank you for your commitment to your student. I look forward to hearing her style of play 💕

[@davejoe2592]

Awesome that you upgraded that girl's guitar but I have to ask....when you got your first real 6 string, was it the summer of 69? I mean, you got it a a five and dime and you played it til your fingers bled. Did Bryan Adams steal your story for his song or did you steal your story from his song???

[@tdkrei]

That was probably the most subjective and honest evaluation of guitars I think could be made. Very good job gentleman. Keep on smiling. Oh, to me the winner was the Ibanez.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thank you for the feedback, this video took a while to make & were happy people are enjoying it!

[@dustyrodes5299]

​@@AcousticShoppetoo few things life hg 2:40

[@dustyrodes5299]

​@@AcousticShoppe😊

[@MrNegative57]

Objective, non biased. But we knew what you meant 😅

[@hinesification]

Uh… objective is what I hope you meant!

[@gonebyrv9748]

At 59:02 Jeremy stated that the Yamaha doesn't have scallop bracing. According to the Yamaha spec sheet is does say scallop bracing. Also, the back and sides are Rosewood, not whatever you guys eluded to earlier in the video.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks, we corrected that in the description, we’re excited to learn more about Yamahas as we become a dealer!

[@buddyerkin1]

Nato back and sides on my new FG800J. Took me a week to get the right string gauge. Pretty bright-sounding with even a thin pick

[@alanvanallen7762]

Thanks Just ordered a Yamaha FG830 so I was pleased to see that you like this one.Very interesting video,it's disappointing to think that retailers can ship out guitars so poorly setup like the Epiphone.

[@backyardblacksmith3090]

How'd that Yamaha work out for ya?

[@michaelleblanc3846]

Awesome video - very objective and a great resource for new players! Just a couple of corrections on the Yamaha - the 830 does in fact have rosewood back and sides (the 800 is okoume/nato) and all the FG8xx series guitars have scalloped bracing, which definitely helps with the tone and overall value at that price point . But again, great video and amazing channel!

[@AcousticShoppe]

That makes sense, thanks for informing us!

[@Reverendpete71]

Yes, scalloped bracing and rosewood on the 830. 820 is mahogany.

[@1966neal]

I would have rated the Yamaha a little bit higher.

[@lovinjapan]

And mine did come with a case. So +1 for value :)

[@JK-zl7vv]

I noticed many guitar comparisons do not include a washburne for some reason, they are beautifully built, mother of pearl inlays, solid tops, and within this price range and sound amazing, please look into adding a washburne for your next beginner guitar comparisons.🤠👍

[@markseverson3358]

Washburn makes great guitars but there expensive .

[@andreweh4]

You need to check your specs on the Yamaha FG 830. All FG800 series have scalloped braces and the back and sides are rosewood.

[@truckmonkey68]

They didn’t read the specs, they probably didn’t read your comment either! 😂

[@cruddle3781]

Back and sides on FG830 are laminate.

[@Fizzy-sz4dv]

@@cruddle3781we all know that

[@luikangondabeat]

@@cruddle3781they’re rosewood.

[@davejoe2592]

​@cruddle3781 yeah, rosewood, not whatever he said in the video.

[@paulhedeen7659]

Good job, guys! I'm a little surprised that Alvarez had no representation, as they make a number of well-received guitars at that price point. Eastman (solid wood), Breedlove, and Yamaha passed the ear test.

[@psongman9536]

I have a few Alvarez guitars, everybody I know, tells me that for the money they produce, I agree. I wish I took care of them more. I have a few electrics too, but just can't make them sound the way i want. I know, this is an acoustic video. but my Peavey Predator I bought for $99 is the best buy I have ever made guitar-wise!

[@williamfowler8439]

I've had my Alvarez acoustic for 18 years. It's my favorite of my 2 acoustics.

[@sergioalvarez5949]

Gotta luv those I have owned 3.. still own 2 of them

[@acousticaddiction7719]

A little tip for watchers interested in the Ibanez aw54-the Mitchell t331 from guitar center or musician’s friend is just as good sounding of a guitar(if not better) for less money. The Yamaha fg830 is hard to beat under $400. The Eastman e1d is hard to beat under $600. You guys should try the Alvarez md60bg as it’s a great guitar for $659.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We've gotten the Alvarez suggested a couple of times, we must have missed it in our search. 😅 We'll look into grabbing one of those for maybe another comparison! Thanks for the suggestions!

[@lengross4126]

I have both and I agree on tone the Mitchell is great The problem is their quality control is awful. If you pick up 10 Mitchell guitars at GC half of them fret out completely at the 12th fret. I had to throw out my 331 after less than a year. It was fine when I bought it. After a few months you couldn't play a bar chord at even the 5th fret.

[@douglasvansickle6252]

I've got a Yamaha 830. Had the action raised on it after playing it for a few weeks. I've had it for a few years now. It seems to get better with time. I think your assessment was a little low but you gave it an overall great score. For the price, sound, playability and durability, I will keep it for years to come.

[@andypinto1]

My Yamaha FG800 I put a K&K mini pickup and had it professionally setup and it is my goto guitar for busking. It sounds great with scalloped bracing and solid top and the laminate backing handles the weather and I don't have to worry about it getting stolen more than I would if I had an expensive guitar. Yamaha has a great history of quality musical instruments, and I bought this one for under $300, new!

[@Hammerman48]

I have Taylor Academy 12e and love it…..it’s definitely not a starter guitar…..I’ve been playing now for 48 years and it’s perfect for me.

[@8upJoker]

First time buyer, I had all intentions of buying the Yamaha 830 it felt solid, very impressed with the build quality. While I was there I picked up about 10 to 15 guitars, a couple of them twice. I had never heard of Takamine and I really didn't want a red guitar, felt like friends or people who knew how to play would frown upon it but WOW!!! The Takamine GD30CE sounded and felt so comfortable to me. It was $599 they price matched an online price and I got it $499 after researching Takamine I guess it's been around awhile lol

[@cyclwestks]

I just lucked out and found a Breedlove Discovery Concert MH for $150 & I snagged it up. I’ve only had it a week, but as a beginner I have to say it beats anything I’ve had so far & I’ve traded quite a few under $500 guitars. Likes are fairly subjective, but I find myself liking the warmth of mahogany.

[@markb3758]

I lucked out when I bought my first guitar. I got a Breedlove Signature Organic Concerto on sale for $399. It is an all solid wood guitar and it has a torrefied solid Spruce top. Looks and sounds beautiful at a beginner guitar price. It was regularly priced at $649.

[@drewheyman7173]

And l just got the breed 12 in myrtlewood because of the Oregon roots

[@SilasEllery]

Im in Australia and was looking for a 3/4 or travel size guitar to carry around with me on the go. When I played the Ibanez AW54JR the tone is what won me over. I Couldn't find anything that could compete that wasnt double to tripple the price. The neck is thinner than the full size as well obviously making it easier to handel. Its a win for me and I absolutely would recommend for a kid or anyone looking for a cheaper travel size guitar.

[@chanwahmok9832]

Bought the same guitar, 15/16 size of a full size guitar... The tone has matured over 2 years of light playing... Surprisingly, it is one of my favourite too...

[@chanwahmok9832]

I did lower the string height myself... One of my passions... Setting up the acoustic guitar

[@chanwahmok9832]

Being a solid Mahagony top with laminated Mahagony back and sides helps with producing a sweet mellow and yet clear tone

[@justinmaddux4931]

The cuts on the review of all brands/models with one melody at this video was well done

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thank you so much! - The Editor

[@iancurrie8844]

I got a CD-60 from a certain canadian retailer who always includes a free thorough setup. He had to level some of the frets but it came out playing AWESOME. If you can get that built into the purchase, it's a no-brainer.

[@johnneely8785]

Thanks!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@SamFugarino]

My daughter has a Taylor Big Baby. It was around $350 when we bought it, but I think they run around $500 now. But you get a solid spruce top, ebony bridge and fretboard, layered back and sides, Nubone nut, and nice gig bag. They are good starter guitars, but they have a short scale and a bolt on neck. It's a very plain jane guitar with no binding, but it's easy to play and it sounds very good. They come with Elixars, which help make them easy to play. I didn't know about Eastman at the time or I would probably bought an Eastman. Especially since they [the Big Baby] cost $500 now. For just a little more you can get an Eastman E1D which has solid back and sides.

[@wesbtrippin9618]

Thanks for this you’ve convinced me to get a Eastman

[@AcousticShoppe]

You can't go wrong with one!

[@Warhawk1952]

Love your channel!! Am 68, when i learned, i went the other way and decided if I was going in and commit, i would get a great acoustic electric that I could be proud of... But your way makes more sense! Thanks, Dan

[@Gdownification]

I played a cedar topped Breedlove Discovery Conertina a while back, and was blown away by the sound for the money. They're fantastic, or at least the one I played was. Very warm and sweet sounding. It's probably my personal top guitar under $500. For under $600 though, I think the Eastman E1 or E2 series is the best. I'd probably spring for the E1SS. I haven't played one, but there is a great demo of one on KZbin and it sounds amazing.

[@maxjr758]

Hi great video for beginners like myself, who as a 100% Disabled Navy Veteran going through the Guitars for Vets program this is an invaluable tool for planning purchasing a guitar in the future. Upon completion of the Guitars for Vets program you receive a new Guitar, I'm sure this will spark a life long love of the guitar, so this information will help me understand what it is I should be looking for as a novice guitar customer. Thanks for great, informative, entertaining content as always !

[@AcousticShoppe]

That sounds like an awesome program, thanks for watching and for the feedback, we're glad we could help inform your decision - Happy Pickin'!

[@SombraPiloto]

This video popped up in my suggestions not even an hour after I arrived home with my newly acquired Academy 10. There weren't a lot of options and it just felt good in my hands.

[@sidweazel2883]

Great review, really enjoyed that but can't believe there isn't an Alvarez in the line up. My top three would be Eastman E1OM, Alvarez MF60OM and Yamaha FG830

[@banjo1434]

The E1d should have got 10 for value. The Ibanez stood out tonally for me. Yamaha never fail to impress. A class act.The less said about epiphone the better!

[@munkandbear2818]

Yeah, the epi was a turd.

[@IPONerd]

I’ve got the Ibanez AW and absolutely love it!

[@greg6509]

Have it's brother the Ibanez AW AC-340 concert size. Best bang for the buck imo at $300.

[@michaelblash3360]

Excellent review. I was pleasantly surprised to watch it, as I just ordered my first guitar this week, the Ibanez AW54OPN (lefty). Now I need to learn how to play it … 😅

[@LucasHaneman]

I love the Eastman e1s’ and the Yamaha! Was very very impressed by the Ibanez and the Breedlove too! For years I have recommended Yamaha and Eastman to my beginner students. Quite literally I have about eight students currently Who own Eastman pch or e1 guitars in varying shapes and sizes. Truly hard to beat in my humble opinion. Up here in Canada there’s another brand called Segal who build some truly fantastic guitars around this price point as well. I echo the sentiments of another commentor who said that dreadnaughts May not be the Best option for all beginners. I’ve turned quite a few people towards The OM body shape for their first acoustic for comfort reasons, because I truly want them to enjoy picking up their guitar for long periods of time. Of course this depends on the persons size/stature and all that. This was a great great video guys!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for sharing, we totally agree with a lot that you said! We also recommend Eastman's to most of our students, they're just so hard to beat!

[@moby4444]

By the way, it's "Seagull", (like the bird), and I've owned three over the years. Great guitar, but I have met more than a few who just couldn't get past the shape of the headstock! It takes a while but it does finally grow on you! Seagull was kind of the early evolution of the Eastman in my observations. I just ordered an Eastman to install a HyVibe system in it. We'll see how compatible the combination is.

[@badnomad357]

I'm 6'1" and I still feel like a dread is big. And I've been that size and playing them since Jr high so 45 years.really digging the smaller bodies now.

[@dratfho]

Great Video guys...IMO the GS Mini deserves a better rating...maybe my smaller stature (5'7" small hands) is my personal bias :) Was very surprised with the Breedlove Discovery being near the top ..thankyou for the info.

[@karlcountry2363]

They really dropped the ball on the GS MINI. How you compare the tone of a travel guitar to dreadknought is plain silly.

[@kd5773]

Same here, as a beginner retiree, 5’4” female the mini is “the one” for me. I can’t put it down. It keeps me coming back daily almost 2 years now.

[@SenfMustard]

I skipped right to the end to watch a back to back first and one sound REALLY stood out to me. Turns out my fav was the Taylor Mini. No idea why but it has such a mellow smooth warm sound. Looks like I found my next guitar. Thanks fellas

[@always_pickin3565]

I got a Yamaha fg830 myself earlier this year as a beater…after a a little adjustment and adding a k&k pure mini…I can’t call it a beater anymore..put some XS 12g strings on it..I love it…hard to beat at that price range.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Nice upgrades! That guitar certainly surprised us!

[@trembledore1687]

The AW54 is a lot cheaper than the other models over here in Germany - seems the best value here for sure. Buying it for 230€ like right now. I also liked the tone of it most of the presented guitars. Win-win for me.

[@richardharding9975]

Great comparison. Thanks. One thing I'd mention, availability for left handers. Not all the reviewed guitars are available in lh models. I've been playing about a year now. I have two of the reviewed guitars. The Fender and the Martin. The Fender is easy to play, but as mentioned, limited in tone. The Martin is much better sounding. Though as an old guy, 66, learning to play the narrower nut of the Fender fits me better. Arthritis and old injuries limit my dexterity. Makers like Martin who offer most all models in lefty models are appreciated. Again, great video overall. Considering a Yamaha, though the fg820, available in a left hand version. Want a better sounding dred than the Fender with a 1 11/16" nut width. Take care

[@simprodigy]

yamaha left hand version is more expensive

[@richardharding9975]

@@simprodigy yes they are, about $90. Moves it up to close to $400 range. Is an fg worth that?

[@simprodigy]

@@richardharding9975 yea, but also at the end of day it’s 399 yamaha lh and 179 for fender lh. As a beginner ill pick fender, it looks better to me, easier on the right hand and this review gives a much worse rating than other ones out there, some even calling the fender having more of a classic sound. Hurts that I can’t get yamaha for same price of rh, I’ll just go with fender. Was really torn between these two. If yamaha didn’t exist id have been a happy fella lol

[@jhernandezdmd]

Thank You for such a Great Video!! I had a Yamaha FA 125CE as my first guitar, it was an ok guitar but a few months later I got an all solid guitar (Alvarez MD60BG) and it really brought excitement in my guitar journey since it sounded much much better and really motivated me. I totally agree with your results! As a beginner from the guitars shown I would have gone for the Eastman E1D in a heartbeat.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for the feedback! We've heard great things about the MD60!

[@SS408566]

Hey, thank you for the information on the “Top 10” beginner guitars. Take care!

[@isadorealire5722]

I bought a couple of Alvarez guitars for a couple of young people just learning how to play. Out of all the guitars I played, those Alvarez OM's wiped the floor with all of the other guitars in that price range. Yamaha is awesome as well. To be fair, there were no Eastmans in that shop.

[@AcousticShoppe]

It retrospect, we probably should've put in an Alvarez, but we were putting our trust into the internet with this lists.

[@barbaraanneneale3674]

I wondered where the Alvarez were. Where the heck I managed music store for 18 years and they were always a great value

[@JeffreyAlbro]

Breedlove and the solid wood Eastman were the standouts of the pack, I think I like the Breedlove the best, I think it would record really well, but I fell the Eastman would do a fine job too.

[@matmurray7351]

I have an Fg830, I did a set up and replaced the nut and saddle to bone, sounds amazing

[@AcousticShoppe]

Nice!

[@cyclwestks]

If you don’t mind th dreadnaught size the 830 is very hard to beat.

[@StreaminFreedom]

Love to see y’all do this for the $1500-3k range.

[@GuadalupeSanchez-vq6yf]

Great video and excellent evaluation of fine guitars, but the spreadsheet at the end was off focus ,thanks

[@eb1888.]

I'm adding an Orangewood Morgan Natural Burst Live for 2023. $265 but sold out into 2024. A bit modern cutaway. It's got a Fishman pickup, solid mahogany top with layered sapele mahogany sides/bottom, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard/bridge, bone nut/saddle, scalloped x bracing and a well-padded gig bag. Name brand strings. Because you've only spent 265, you can add a Fishman Loudbox Mini combo for $350 and still be in 1st buy territory.

[@eb1888.]

The spruce and mahogany top versions are available for 1/24 delivery.

[@davidgillespie7954]

This was a really informative and well-balanced review. I know that you got these off of Google reviews and comments, but I think the GS mini was just not in the league with these other "big bodied" guitars. I have a GS mini so I know what to expect out of it. The Epiphone was very unfortunate. I think they make a pretty good beginner guitar most of the time. I hope you let the on-line retailer know that this one should NEVER have been shipped like that. After watching this and thinking about sound, looks, fit and finish, I think I would be buying the Yamaha. Dollar for dollar seemed to be the best value.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for the feedback! In retrospect, we probably shouldn't have included the GS Mini, but hey Google did list it! The Yamaha was totally a winner in this comparison!

[@michaeljstonemusic]

What a great video! Thanks! I am always looking out for what guitars to recommend to beginners and students and this video is an incredible resource for that. To my ear, the Eastman E1D, Yamaha, and Breedlove are my top 3 in that order.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@randybolt1021]

My first guitar was a Gibson LG1. A 1966, I still play it today with bridge replacement. I still play it today!

[@GuilhermeCosta-pd3qs]

First time watching you guys and couldn’t wait to finish the video to drop the like. Awesome video and skills. Congrats guy

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@tomehCanada]

Way to go gentlemen. A great idea.

[@paulbell9631]

so happy I just got a used Yamaha FG830--sounds great--now I feel like I didn't screw up

[@lengross4126]

Thank you that was great. My only suggestions is that you throw in a few grand auditorium cutaway models. It's a great shape for students and very popular. Alvarez, Eastman, Yamaha, and even Orangewood (if your willing to consider intternet only offerings) are good guitars.. I really appreciate that you were able to objectively rate guitars that you actually sell.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback! We agree, the grand auditorium shape is great for beginners, we just wanted to be as fair as possible & keep them all Dreads for the sake of comparing! (Minus the Taylor Mini)

[@DarrellSenior-q2d]

love this video. curious why you did not include an Alvarez in this group. would be very interested in your opinion. I learned a lot from you guys. thank you.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Basically we searched on Google list of the best beginner guitars, then took the most popular models we saw that popped up on multiple list. We totally agree that Alvarez makes some amazing guitars in this price range and we'll be making a lot more comparisons featuring Alvarez as we just recently became a dealer. Keep in mind this video is now a couple years old from when we actually filmed it, I'm sure this comparison would change if we filmed it today! 😅

[@ethanwhite1]

I love what yall are doing. I really like Eastman. I know alot of dealers don't like Orangewood because it's a direct to consumer but I would love to see what yalls thoughts were on them especially compared to Eastman.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Honestly, we actually haven’t come across any to play them & don’t have an opinion on them yet. Maybe we’ll see one in the wild & get a chance to check them out!

[@kramnosboj3891]

The video was a great idea...scoring needs to be after discussion like you did but privately with the big reveal at the end, more suspense that way. Like to see Guild and Alvarez but understand format. Let's see a 12 string review. Thanks!

[@terpgomer]

One thing that makes the Breedlove stand out from all other guitars I have tried in its price point is its electronics. The Breedlove sounds exactly the same plugged in as unplugged except louder.

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's a good point!

[@migalito1955]

Thanks guys. This was a really great service provided for prospective buyers.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback, we're glad it tuned out well!

[@gearhead4005]

I bought a bear claw Eastman PCH1-D, replaced plastic bridge pins with ebony, literally can't put it down, awesome guitar.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Nice!

[@briandesjardins728]

Furch laminate series is where it's at! With you guys had one of them!

[@patricklundquist9869]

Beginning with a 1972 Red label Yamaha FG150 that I purchased in 1972, I have owned a lot of Yamahas and they were all well built. I came to expect the tone they delivered to be standard for any guitar with laminate sides and back. I have two Korean Breedlove jumbos (AJ250/SF Plus and AJ250/SF-12 Plus as well as a 1975 S. Yairi dreadnought and that is certainly the case with them as well. I owned eight solid wood guitars, Bourgeois, Martin, Eastman and Breedlove, so I have a solid foundation for comparison. Two days ago I picked up an Eastman PCH3 GACE-CLA. It has a gorgeous flame mahogany outer layer on the laminate sides and back and hand scalloped bracing with the fit and glossy finish of a top-of-the-line Eastman. The strings are a wee bit high so they'd be perfect for John's style of play. The first day I had it, I thought it sounded as good as a solid wood guitar, with volume, clear balanced tone that just chugs, with overtones and long sustain. I think that saying, "as good as solid wood," sells the guitar short because that implies it might not be quite as good. Last night I played the guitar for two hours and I swear that any blindfolded guitarist would believe the PCH3 GACE-CLA is made of solid woods. It blows me away what Eastman managed to accomplish with laminated back and sides. A new one typically goes for around $569 so it would fit on your Top 10 (should be Top 11?) list.

[@AcousticShoppe]

It most certainly does! Let's just say the PCH Dread in this video is representing the whole PCH series, they are incredible.

[@hairlab9646]

The Breedlove and Eastman sound shockingly good.....But for the price of some Martin cases, I'll take the Yamaha. You guys get a 10/10 for guitar store KZbin content.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much, this is a 10/10 comment!

[@smmyers5956]

You were right about the Breedlove and looks. The first time buyer is going to want a good looking guitar. When you walk into the music store to look at guitars unless that person is blind they will be drawn first to the eye candy.

[@flatlander6928]

Gr8 video, and im not even looking for a beginner guitar! My picks, Yamaha, had more depth and tonal range, dropping the action may suck the life out of that tho. That Martin had alot of range too, it was next in line, with the Eastman third. Modern day geetars are really uping their game, they all sounded pretty good. Keep em comin!

[@Keithphotorama]

I have had my Fender DC-60 since last August when I started learning the guitar. It’s the world’s greatest guitar!

[@stuschieler7277]

Loved this comparison and I have never seen something this in depth! Thank you. I was honestly very surprised by some of them. Never been a fan of Ibanez, but I really liked it for a beginner guitar. I would agree with your final results overall, I definitely thought Breedlove and the solid wood Eastman were the standouts of the pack, with the lament Eastman just behind. I was shocked the Epiphone was so poor, in the past, I have recommended Epiphone and Yamaha to people as nice beginner, inexpensive guitars. Would you consider doing a comparison of entry level solid wood guitars please? Maybe the $800 to $1250 range. I am considering a couple guitars, like the Guild 140, 150, 1512 series, both 6 and 12 string, and the new Breedlove Organic Pro series. I would really like to get a 12 string and 6 string, that sounds great, that I could keep tuned differently for specific songs, but keep my best guitars in standard tuning for the majority. Sorry for the long message. :)

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much for the feedback! Yeah that Epiphone surprised us as well, we might have to look into making a redemption video for it. We really like the idea for the all solid entry level comparison and we will add it to our list of videos to make! We were actually looking into making a 12 string comparison as well. Overall we actually recommend an Eastman 12-string. It's all solid, hard-shell case, gloss finish, for a little of $1k. We have also REALLY liked what we've seen from the organic pro collection, we know Tom & the team worked really hard on that collection and it's paying off for them! When you throw Guild in there, that can be a tough choice to make! We hope these recommendations help, we'll look into more of these types of multi-brand comparisons in the future! Sorry for our long message, but we love talking guitars! 😄

[@stuschieler7277]

@@AcousticShoppe ❤ Thanks! Love your channel!

[@danielcampbell9749]

Great show and video. Entertaining and inmormative.

[@hennievandermerwe1443]

I own a Ibanez AW54 12 string. I absolutely love it. I must agree with you, it has a very rich tone and because it has a natural finish it just feels amazing to the touch.

[@doug753]

Excellent show guys, just one thing, why no Tetons? they make great beginner guitars in my opinion.

[@MrNegative57]

I am a brand new learner of guitar, bought one years ago but injured hand twice and it sat. Ibanez AW200 pre China . Wished I had something like this back then . Dial up Internet when I purchased it.

[@jameslanclos568]

My favorite is the solid wood Eastman E1D. I love their Les Paul style guitars,. with a one piece solid maple cap. I don't believe that I'll ever buy a Gibson Les Paul again. Eastman has converted me! Gibson is over priced. Maybe it's because labor is not cheap in America, but they do have foreign built models that are still way up there in price. Good video.

[@kurtweiand7086]

👍 Great job 👏 , Every one should watch this, very informative!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@ClarenceJWTR]

Thanks guys!!! Great pickin!! I could even here some specific Clarence in there

[@kornfreak78]

I've personally never owned an acoustic and have been in the market to buy one. Unfortunately I'm poor so what is known as the "cheap" range of acoustics is where I'm looking. (250 to 350 dollar range). As such, I've pretty much all but settled on purchasing the Yamaha FG830. I like how it looks and the slight upgrade from the 800 and 820 seems worth the investment. So, I'm saving my pennies as we speak then the 830 will be mine. :)

[@AcousticShoppe]

The FG830 is an awesome option in that range!

[@rainypath96]

the yamahas are the best budget options in my opinion. i have the fs800 and it sounds amazing. no reason to buy a countertop guitar just because it says martin on it, dont believe the hype

[@rjohnson5120]

I just played an FS800 at GC and was shocked at how good it sounded. Nice sustain and very pretty tone. Not sure how the 820 or 830 could be that much better for the extra $120.

[@barbaraanneneale3674]

Other comments voice my own concern about about Alvarez not appearing. Otherwise great great video!

[@patrickniedermeyer2112]

I'd be curious to hear your reviews on the same guitars after pro set-ups, assuming a seasoned veteran's perspective.

[@lindafields8995]

For less that $400, the Yamaha is it. I had to sell my Martins a few years ago { D-28 and E.C. 0028} and kept my Taylor 114. Now a Yamaha FG3 fills the void. Thanks for reviews.

[@ronvonryan]

Really good video, well done.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@cdrutherfordable1]

Excellent job guys 👍🏼

[@MeekSith777]

That Breedlove floored me, Yamaha sounds great. I have the Martin already. Glad it barely beat the Fender. geezz

[@seanpeck8748]

You cannot go wrong with a Yamaha FG8XX. I will agree that the factory setup is higher than it needs to be, definitely take it and get it professionally setup ASAP once you have it. Only regret I have had with my guitar journey is that I waited 6 months to get my FG professionally set up. It definitely made the first 6 months of playing harder than it needed to be.

[@BookManiac1965]

Great video. I agree almost 100% with everything said.

[@notshared4072]

Have you guys reviewed the Yamaha Transacoustics? I believe they start at around this price range and I would be verrrrry interested in hearing your opinion on how they stack up to the ten guitars you've tested here. Thanks!

[@AcousticShoppe]

We have not yet but we will most likely soon, we actually just became Yamaha dealers!

[@Luke_735]

Corrections on the the Yamaha: rosewood laminate back and sides, DOES have scalloped bracing.

[@bjornegan6421]

fantastic video! thank you

[@charliesbunker1]

this helps a lot, thanks guys.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@97cjackson]

I'm still a relatively newbie when it comes to 6-strings. (I've been playing electric bass for about 15 years.) I got myself a CD-60 a couple years ago and I still like it! It's a good guitar for learning chords and just plunking around on! You are right about higher up on the neck, though... it does sound a little tinny lol 😅 I'll definitely be looking into an upgrade in the future!

[@renmad0078]

A very good and honest review i agree with all what you said thanks a lot. Have you made the same review with all the om shape or 00 or 000 i'd like to see it🙏😉👍

[@AcousticShoppe]

We have not but that would be awesome to do in a future video. Although I can say most of these models have an OM or smaller body size with the exact same specs as the dreads in this video. For example Yamaha has the FS size, Eastman, Martin, and Ibanez all should have an OM size in these same models as well.

[@BobPerrone]

Once again Yamaha showed they deliver exceptional quality and tone for your money.

[@InsideTheStadium]

You guys Rock, 2 Legends who made things fir a begginer like me alot easier. Thank you Gentlemen, Your both Rockstars in my book

[@billimbriale]

Great job gentlemen.

[@paulheartsongs]

Cool comparisons!

[@thedadbodangler7784]

It's criminal that the Alvarez ag710cear didn't make this list. It's not only beautiful instrument but sounds amazing. It also comes with electronics, which has a built in tuner. I also think the Yamaha fsx800c got slighted here. Then I think both Seagull and Orangewood have a lot to offer in this price range as well.

[@murraymarion9670]

Good afternoon gentlemen just watching your video on the top guitars top acoustic guitars. I’ve been looking at the fender guitar. You just demonstrated the one I see online comes with nylon strings. Did you take this into account when you read this guitar or the one you use have steel strings

[@AcousticShoppe]

Yes so those are two different models, we have the one made for Steel Strings! Both are made differently to better suit the choice of strings because the sounds are quite different.

[@murraymarion9670]

@ Thank you was looking to replace my acoustic but on line I can only find the nylon string in a left handed setup

[@johnm3152]

My black Pearl pawnshop guitar (w/a after market bucker) in the hole - served me well for years. Fun rap

[@mattgriffith5044]

Greta video. Another guitar would be the seagull S6. Great first guitar

[@christopherworth1]

Love to hear a review of Orangewood guitars.

[@AcousticShoppe]

If we could get our hands on them, we totally would review!

[@edmurphy671]

I agree the Yamaha guitars are great guitars for the price. If you are a beginner they are just great. I bought a Harmony guitar out of a Sears catalog back in 1971 for $50. It was torture but my desire to play got me through it. My buddy had the top of the line Yamaha to learn on back then, his parents were loaded. I was so jealous but I play circles around him today. Its great to have something good to learn on, but guitars dont play themselves. Investing in the time is most important.

[@guitartec]

From a build quality and repair standpoint, what I see on my busy repair bench the most is Epiphone, however there's probably more Epis out there b/c GC pushes them. The 3 best on this list (seen on my bench anyways) are Martin, Taylor and Yamaha. Ibanez and Fenders are in the middle of this pack with more issues or questionable sound quality. Surprised not to see Seagull on this list. We've only seen enough Eastman's to say they are a decent quality instrument. The reason why so many guitars come through with high action is it covers up poor fretwork (un-level frets). The Plek machine, that all these guitars have their fretwork done on, is only as good as their programming and maintenance allow. Lately, fretwork from many major guitar manufacturers has been really atrocious, so be aware that high factory action hides this (and makes you not want to play it as much). On many of these guitars, once the action is lowered you quickly find out that you need a fret dressing and good pro set-up as well, so factor that in to your decision-making process. Also, it should be said that what you want to look for in a brand new acoustic that you are considering is excellent factory action (out of the box) with approximately 3/16" saddle height protruding from the bridge before anyone adjust the action for the first time. Since string height is primarily adjusted by removing material from the bottom of the saddle, having approximately 3/16" of saddle protruding from the bridge will allow a fare amount of action lowering adjustability over the years of the guitar's life as the string tension along with climactic conditions inevitably pull up on the top and neck to make the action higher. No one ever checks the truss rod to see if it works properly, as many of them are not very effective, but if you can check it before you purchase the guitar or have it checked by a luthier or tech within your return policy, that's a smart idea too. Can't tell you how many people I have to give bad news to because none of this was checked on a guitar they've now grown fond of.

[@reeves624]

According to the Yamaha spec sheet, the FG 830 does have scalloped bracing.

[@douglasvaughn9349]

Great video