Acoustic guitars are the best-stringed instruments for beginners. Professional guitarists recommend them for amateur players because they produce natural guitar sounds, unlike the electric guitars, which requires an amplifier to be loud enough and to create the kind of music you need.
Besides that, acoustic guitars help the learner understand basic techniques such as strumming, holding different chord shapes appropriately, Producing different notes, and learning how to play while singing.
Salespeople usually encourage beginners and parents that want to buy a guitar for their child to go for high-end guitars. With more money, you are sure of getting a guitar that sounds and looks good, and one that the student will use even when they get to the professional level.
On the other hand, expensive guitars are perfect for pro-players and for people who can afford such kind of guitars. If you cannot afford it, you might well have to settle for anything lesser than that.
For buyers who may have a limited budget, saving up to buy later could be their best option. Alternatively, they will opt to buy a used guitar to save some money. But you need not do all that because you can find a good guitar that costs $200 or less.
And in this article, we want to highlight ten best acoustic guitars under $200 that will absolutely fit your needs.
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Best Acoustic Guitar Under 200 Dollars Summary:
- Small body construction
- Produces high quality tones
- Strong and durable body
- Aesthetic
- Durable
- Provides rich tones
- Solid wood construction
- Forward strap button
- High quality mid-range tone
- Still looks appealing
- Lightweight
- Best for travel purpose
- Small body construction
- Produces high quality tones
- Strong and durable body
- Aesthetic
- Durable
- Provides rich tones
- Solid wood construction
- Forward strap button
- High quality mid-range tone
- Still looks appealing
- Lightweight
- Best for travel purpose
Top 10 Best Acoustic Guitars Under 200 Dollars
1. Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar
The FG800 offers both beginners and advanced players high-quality tone structures that most guitars of the same price range would fail to provide. It comes with a solid body structure, which consists of top spruce and nato on its sides and back.
The FG800’s body ensures that this acoustic guitar produces the right kind of punch when strumming or while single picking. The sounds produced are rich all the way from the low to the high frequencies.
Besides that, other than playing folk songs, this guitar can adapt to any genre, which makes it a suitable choice for practicing at home.
The FG800, though small, is useful for recordings and stage performances. It sounds good on standard tuning, and any other tuning you would like to use since it uses stable and reliable diecast tuning pegs and strong strings.
Since it is lightweight, you are sure that you will be playing the guitar for a very long time, regardless of your sitting or standing position.
If you want a fretboard that is suitable for people with both small and large hands, then this is the guitar to buy. Players can move smoothly along the fretboard since the neck is not too huge to cause discomfort while playing.
Again, the back of the fretboard consists of nato or rosewood. It ensures that you can slide effectively along the fret board without your hands sticking.
- Small body construction
- Produces high quality tones
- Strong and durable body
- Aesthetic
- Perfect for different tunings
- May not be suitable for lead players who like longer fretboards
2. Fender FA-115 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
If you are looking for an acoustic guitar that can adapt to any playing style, then the Fender FA-115 what is you need. The dreadnought acoustic guitar consist of a solid body construction that is suitable for right-handed players only.
The guitar has a spruce top body with a glossy finish, which adds to its appeal. Also, the neck material is made up of maple with a glossy finish as well.
The fretboard has 20 divisions. It also has dot inlays, which makes it easy for players to locate different notes on the board. Players will also love the smooth finish on the fretboard, which ensures that the player can move from one point to the next effortlessly.
When it comes to sound quality, you can be sure that the FA-115 will produce high quality sound that may be beyond its price range. That means that players can enjoy flawless, rich tones across the fretboard. Apart from that, the guitar is suitable for different playing styles and genres, including the fingerstyle technique.
As you become skilled, you may need to go for other guitars to fit your playing style and the type of sound you desire to achieve. However, you may still need this guitar when you become an advanced player.
When you buy this guitar, you will be saving money on buying accessories such as straps, gig bag, picks, a tuner, extra pair of steel strings, as well as an online course that comes in form of a DVD. All these are included in the package.
- Durable
- Provides rich tones
- Solid wood construction
- Forward strap button
- Comes with extra accessories
- Suitable for right handed players only
3. Rogue RA-090 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Sunburst
Though it may not be a common household name, the Rogue RA-090 is one of the best and most affordable guitars for beginners. It specifically fits the budget of someone who wants to start playing the guitar as a hobby rather than a professional. However, you can still use it for practicing.
One notable character about this guitar is that it is lightweight. The whitewood body makes it light enough for one to carry it from one place to another. Its nato neck has a c-shape and a colored fretboard.
The Rogue RA-090 is suitable for beginners since it produces mid-range frequencies. Hence, for players who would like to do a bit of jazz picking, this guitar may not suit them. Nevertheless, the volume is loud enough to retain its quality.
Precisely, the guitar is a high action instrument. You may have to exert a little bit of pressure to achieve a particular sound. On the other hand, the sound quality makes up for this; therefore, remains one of the best guitars under 200.
The guitar will adapt to different styles including fingerpicking and strumming. Regardless of the cheap materials used, the guitar’s neck also has an adjustable truss rod.
- High quality mid-range sound
- Still looks appealing despite its price range
- Lightweight; hence, suitable for travelers
- Best guitar for beginners
- Can be fragile because of its light and cheap materials
- Ideal instrument for a beginner
- Only produces a mid-range punch
4. Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
The Epiphone DR-100 is a classic guitar with all the qualities that players can appreciate. Here comes a guitar with a solid body structure that is stable, durable, and efficient for producing bright acoustic sounds and balanced tones. The guitar’s body features a mix of mahogany, spruce body, and rosewood for the neck.
Even though the guitar seems affordable, guitar players will get more than they invest in the guitar. The guitar reacts quite well to strumming patterns and different other styles. However, the DR-100 seems to produce high and low tones only. You may not get mid-range tones from it.
An ideal quality of this guitar is its neck. It is a slimTaper neck, which is suitable for young players who may not be comfortable paying with thicker necks. The fretboard also offers great tonal quality; therefore, there is a less chance that you will come across any buzz or dead frets as you play or practice.
Epiphone DR-100 also stays in tune for a long time. You do not have to keep tuning it every few minutes.
The DR-100 comes with different types of colors. It is ideal for beginner players who want to start playing as a hobby, or those that want to reach to the elite levels. Advanced players still use this instrument for performance. If you have other high-end guitars, this acoustic guitar can act as your back up plan.
Younger players can also practice using this guitar since it has a smaller neck.
- A great start for beginner players
- Appealing to the eye
- Lightweight
- SlimTaper neck makes it easy to hold chords and notes
- No buzz or dead notes along the fretboard
- Low (or no) mid-range frequencies
Read More:
- Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Under 500 Dollars Reviews
- Top 10 Best Acoustic Guitar Under 500 Dollars Reviews
- Top Best Acoustic Guitar Under 1000 Dollars Reviews
5. Ibanez IJV50 Acoustic Guitar
For beginners looking for a best acoustic guitar that is below 200, this is one you can buy. The Ibanez IJV5O comes from one of the trust brands in the guitar industry, Ibanez. Hence, getting a guitar at this price range from such a huge brand is a win-win situation.
The IJV50 features an appealing guitar with a spruce top, a mahogany neck, Rosewood Bridge and neck, Agathis back and side, and chrome tuners. Although Agathis is not a preferred material amongst the elite players, this guitar provides quality in terms of what builds it. Besides, with its price range, a little compromise is not that bad.
You can save money when you purchase this brand since it comes with extra accessories you will find in the bundle. They include a gig bag, strap, an accessory pouch, and an electronic guitar tuner. Meaning, you will be able to play immediately you unbox it.
The IJV50 offers comfort for players because of its light nature. You can play it for hours without getting tired.
What you can be sure is that this dreadnought acoustic guitar produces excellent sound qualities compared to most guitars in its price range. You can hear the highs and lows properly, but it lacks a bit of the mid-range. That is why it is a perfect gift for beginner players, maybe.
As you play, you will experience some buzz sounds here and there. However, you can fix the issue by using lighter strings instead.
- Lightweight
- Produces high quality sounds at its price range
- Spruce top contributes to its appeal and sound
- Accessories means that you can save money
- Professional players may not appreciate the sound coming from this guitar
- Agathis is not as high-quality
- May need more punch to produce sounds that you need
6. Ibanez AW54OPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Another acoustic guitar from Ibanez that is under the $200 price range is the AW540PN. The guitar offers great sound qualities and great in appeal as well. Buyers can be sure that they might be getting more than what they invest in while buying this guitar.
If you love aesthetic instruments, then this is the guitar to buy. AW540OPN offers a great rustic look in terms of its build. Rather than the usual glossy appeal that most guitars have, this one has an open look, which makes it good for campfires and other setups, like the church.
Other qualities you will find with this guitar include mahogany top, back, sides, and necks, and a rosewood bridge and fretboard.
Although it comes at a lower price range, this artistic instrument from Ibanez offers balanced sound qualities for both professionals and beginners. Its dreadnought body projects its volume, which means that you will only need to use a pickup or a microphone when playing in larger venues.
Besides that, the guitar is suitable for strumming and finger style patterns.
The AW540PN is a small sized guitar. It is perfect for players who would love to play for long hours or carry the guitar wherever they go since its lightweight. Nonetheless, despite its size, you will use this guitar for years.
Other than the neck offering high quality material, it also features a 20-fret board. There are no dead notes or buzzing; therefore, you will enjoy rich tonal variations regardless of whether you are holding the barre or open chords.
- Rich and balanced tones
- Small but durable guitar
- High quality hardware
- Aesthetic as it brings a vintage look to a room
- Ideal for both beginners and advanced players
- Seasoned players may not prefer its small size
7. Jasmine S34C NEX Acoustic Guitar
This guitar right here is the definition of value at a lower price. Any player, whether advanced or beginner will love the way this guitar looks and sounds. It simply offers you more than what you pay for.
Jasmine S34C NEX does not compromise on its build. Its body comprises of a spruce top fitted with a Jasmine X Bracing. The back and sides constitute of sapele. Its neck and bridge consists of pure Rosewood. And the neck is slim, which is ideal for people with small hands.
Its scale length is 25 ½ inches; hence, suitable for players of all ages.
In addition to a seamless body structure, the Jasmine has another awesome technology that most guitars of its price range lack. That is the bracing. It comprises of sculpted wood found inside the guitar. The primary role of this technology is to ensure that the structure is stronger. It also contributes to the sound quality that the guitar produces.
Well, this is where we have to give a round of applause of the Jasmine S34C NEX. Players will appreciate the fact that this guitar offers all sound qualities, from the highs, lows, and the mid ranges. You will not have a hard time equalizing the sound on a mixer when using any form of amplification.
Apart from that, because of its sound quality, this guitar is suitable for beginners and experts as well. It can also fit into any playing style, strumming, fingerpicking, and playing your solos.
- Small size but suitable for all players
- Sounds great
- Slim neck
- The strap button’s location enhances comfort if you wish to attach your strap
- Added curves for comfortability
- Non-durable material
8. Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Fender CD-60S acoustic guitar is an entry-level guitar but would be a great additive for a professional player. It comes with a great looking body with laminated X bracing, a mahogany back, side and neck, a compensated saddle and spruce top.
If you are a left-handed player, you can use this guitar comfortably. It even has two strap buttons located at both ends of the body. Thus, you do not have to place your strap at the head stalk.
The guitar offers a compensated saddle, which ensures that the intonation remains at its best as you play along the neck.
Also, when it comes to sound quality, this guitar offers a balanced and rich tone, which expert players will love. There are no dead notes or unnecessary buzz when playing both open and barred chords.
Apart from the guitar, the fender CD-60S comes with a strap, two picks, and an extra pair of strings, an easy to use tuner, and an instructional DVD for beginner players. You, therefore, save a lot of money that you would use to buy these accessories.
- An ideal instrument for both advanced and beginner players
- Saves you money since the bundles comes with accessories
- The neck is easy to play since it also has a rounded back
- Ideal for both left and right handed players
- An instructional DVD for self-teaching
- Expensive
9. Yamaha JR1 3/4-Scale Acoustic Guitar
The Yamaha JR acoustic guitar is a great entry-level guitar for children between 5-10 years. Although it may look like a toy, this guitar is not. It comes with a spruce top body like any other high-end guitar, merati sides and back, a nato neck, and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
The ¾ inch acoustic guitar is the perfect gift for a 5 year old. It has a thin neck, and small fret divisions to allow the child to reach the neck and play all type of chords. The guitar also has a smaller body to enhance comfortability and easy reach of the entre fretboard.
Yamaha offers a great deal for this guitar. Aside from its appeal, it comes with extra accessories such as a guitar tuner, extra pair of strings, a gig bag, and a Guitar Essentials instructional DVD for kids. Parents can save some money when buying this guitar.
The JR1 offers great sound for a young elite player. Although it is small, the guitar is loud enough to hear your child play from the other end of the room. Its spruce top also ensures that the sound produced is balanced and sounds professional.
- Exceptional sound
- Great build
- Saves a parent on accessories
- Lightweight
- Easy to clip guitar tuner
- Suitable for kids who want to perform in large venues
- ¾ inch guitar scale is suitable for kids only
10. Fender Squier Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
The Fender Squier is a great addition to your music arsenal if you are on a low budget. It is an assurance that you can get a lot of value from a low-end acoustic guitar.
The guitar comes in different colors – natural, sunburst, and black. And similar to the high-end versions, this guitar is a great build. It has a slim neck, a lindenwood top body, mahogany, neck back and sides, and diecast tuners. The X bracing technology not only adds to its beauty but to its sound quality as well.
With the Squier acoustic guitar, you will be sure to save some cash as it comes with a tuner, three picks, a strap, and an instructional DVD. Hence, it offers starters an affordable way to start their journey to being a great player.
From an expert view, this guitar offers newbies a rich and balanced tone. The neck and the steel strings make it easy for you to reach the entire neck while playing. You may also hear a small buzz, though it is not noticeable.
- Great value for its price
- Sturdy body
- Great sound
- Adapts to any playing style
- The guitar remains tuned for a long time
- Small buzz though not easy to notice
- Ideal for newbies only
Best Acoustic Guitar Under 200 Buying Guide
Refer to this best acoustic guitar under the $200 buying guide and pick out all the features you may need.
What is an Acoustic Guitar?
A guitar that is a wooden, hollow-bodied musical instrument and is played by fingers or picks is the acoustic guitar. The choice of wood is common; some are made of metal, plastic, carbon, fibreglass, etc. This is commonly constructed with six strings. Their low to high strings play as E A D G B and E.
The factors that are needed to be considered are:-
Purpose
Are you a beginner or an expert?
While technically acoustic guitars under $200 are primarily for beginners and students, some advanced guitarists like taking a basic guitar and refitting them. So in case, you are advanced, then your options would depend on the tonewood and soundboard resonance.
Types of Acoustic Guitar
There are three types of acoustics- archtop guitars, flat top guitars and 12 strings guitars.
- Archtop Guitars
These are guitars that have an arched top. They are a preferred choice of guitar for those who play jazz, blue and rockabilly. These guitars have F-holes as opposed to the standard round holes. F-holes are curved treble clef-shaped openings.
- Flat Top Guitars
They are the most common form of acoustic guitars. They draw their name from their construction which is a flat top. Flat top guitars have the standard round holes and are capable of playing any genre of music well.
- 12 Strings Acoustic Guitar
When in a guitar 12 strings are grouped in pairs and then tuned to provide notes similar to an acoustic guitar; it is called a 12 strings guitar. The highest two strings here, E and B, get tuned together, while the four lower strings of A, D, G, and E are tuned in octaves. The sounds produced by these guitars are for strummers and are more commonly used by musicians playing pop, rock and country.
Construction of Acoustic Guitar
It is essential to understand the construction of an acoustic guitar and how it differs from a standard guitar before you buy the best guitar.
- Neck
The neck is attached to the body of the guitar terminating the headstock. The top of the neck has a fretboard mounted on it, while the back has a shape that accommodates the guitarist’s hands. The necks are either set necks that are glued on the body. Or the bolt-on-neck where a heel supports the back.
It has a metal rod called the truss. The purpose of the truss is to prevent the guitar head from bowing or twisting due to tension from the string. The truss also helps adjust and fine-tune the instrument.
Then there is the fretboard which is also called the fingerboard. It is located at the top side of the guitar’s neck. They are constructed with a separate piece of wood and are then attached to the neck. Thin strips of metal that are built on the wood are called frets. The frets are responsible for indicating which note to play.
The end of the neck has a headstock, which comprises the tuning keys that adjust the string tension.
- Body
The top of the acoustic guitar body is known as the soundboard. Soundboard has internal bracing along with sides and a back. This creates a hollow chamber for the sound to resonate into. The size and body shape influence the music. So it is crucial to find your best fit.
The sound hole is at the bottom of the fretboard. It is encased in a protective pickguard made of plastic and similar materials. The strings of the guitar are bridge-mounted, anchoring each string with pins.
While each guitar has basic construction, the guitars differ based on their body styles, neck width and length, tops, tonewood, nylon, and steel strings.
- Body Style
This differs from brand to brand. With every style, the nuance and music sound too change. So it is vital to choose according to the sound. Bear in mind; it should also fit your grip and comfort. Also, the larger the soundboard, the deeper the sound. There are various body types available like concert, auditorium, dreadnought etc.
- Neck Width and Length
The neck thickness and width do not affect the sound. They affect the comfort of the musician playing the guitar. Acoustic necks are generally between 12-14 frets. Here the frets refer to the number of frets over the guitar body. People with small hands should select smaller necks.
- Steel vs Nylon Strings
Guitars with steel strings are the most authentic acoustic guitar. These guitars are most popular amongst musicians who plan to play acoustic, pop, country, folk, and other genres.
Nylon strings, on the other hand, have a softer tone and volume. They are more commonly used in traditional guitars.
Steel strings withstand tension, while nylon strings are more flexible.
While it is a widespread belief that steel strings are hard on fingers and beginners should select nylon strings, it is untrue. It depends on the style of music you want to play.
FAQs about Acoustic Guitars Under $200
What is the best affordable acoustic guitar?
The best affordable acoustic guitar, hands down, is the Fender FA-115. It is unfathomable how they have managed to achieve an acoustic guitar for under $200, which has deep lows, along with punchy mids and highs with sparkling clarity. Along with a terrific sound, it is also easy to hold and play without discomfort.
If your budget can be increased a little beyond $200, then go for Yamaha FG800 for its exceptional tone, quality construction, crystal clear sounds and smooth frets.
Are 200 dollar guitars worth it?
A budget acoustic guitar doesn’t mean a bad guitar. An expensive guitar isn’t necessarily a good guitar. The quality of the built, the tonewood, the strings are what make a difference. For beginners and even some who are looking for a fuss-free instrument, some perfect models are available under $200.
What type of guitar should a beginner buy?
Acoustic guitars are the best choice for those starting out learning. They have rich sounds and no electric amplification, but they are also good at diverse genres of music. They have a removable pickup, are good at playing chords, have steel strings that handle tension, and are affordable.
Which is better, Squier or Ibanez?
Both guitars effectively prove that low cost and budget guitars can play superior sounds, solid construct and overall superior sound. Choosing between the two, we prefer Ibanez as they tend to have a better pickup, slightly excellent build, a better grip and are easier to play. The differences are not major but still significant.
Final Words
From this article, we can also note that it is possible to get an excellent acoustic guitar below 200. Even though expert players may not want to look at these guitars while choosing one, there are still great options available for them.
A good example is the Yamaha FG800 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar, which is our top pick today. It is an instrument suitable for all players since it offers value in terms of rich tones and builds. With it, you are sure that you will adapt to different styles and musical needs.
Experts say that there is no ultimate buying guide as all players want to achieve different things while learning to play the guitar. Therefore, when it comes to selecting the best acoustic guitar, always consider your needs first.