Introduction
Investing in a quality acoustic guitar under $1000 is worth the extra cost compared to a budget model for several key reasons. First and foremost, you’ll get superior tone and resonance from the all-solid wood construction typically found in this price range. Solid wood tops, backs, and sides vibrate and project sound better than laminate counterparts. This allows the guitar to "open up" and mature tonally with age.
You’ll also benefit from easier playability on a quality acoustic in this range. Attention to detail in the nut and saddle cut, neck relief, and string action makes a huge difference in comfort and minimizing finger fatigue. High-end tuning machines and bridge pins add stability and tuning accuracy. Little enhancements like these really get maximized when spending around $1000.
Additionally, stepping up to this mid-tier price point allows access to premium tonewoods, quality craftsmanship, and innovative bracing patterns from respected guitar brands. This improves the potential tone, sustain, and dynamic range. While budget models can certainly play and sound nice, they often cut corners in design and materials. Spending up to $1000 brings noticeable upgrades in both tone and playability.
Best All-Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars Under $1000
When it comes to acoustic guitars, solid wood construction is key for achieving top-notch tone and durability. Laminate guitars with plywood tops and backs simply can’t match the resonance, projection, and richness that all-solid wood acoustics produce. The superior tone of solid wood guitars comes from how the top is able to vibrate and flex freely, unimpeded by artificial materials. This allows the guitar to "breathe" better and creates a more complex, organic sound.
Solid wood construction also enables guitars to mature and improve over time versus laminate models, which don’t experience the same evolution. As a solid wood guitar is played, the wood opens up more, becoming even richer and sweeter. And solid wood holds up better to dings and scratches, aging gracefully over decades of play. When shopping for an acoustic guitar under $1000, prioritizing all-solid wood construction ensures you’re getting a guitar built to last while sounding its very best.
Best Acoustic-Electric Guitars Under $1000
Acoustic-electric guitars offer the versatility of being able to amplify your acoustic tone through a PA system or guitar amplifier. This makes them ideal for live performances where pure acoustic projection may not be enough. They also provide options for shaping your tone that regular acoustics lack.
When evaluating acoustic-electric guitars, there are a few key factors to consider:
Live Performance Pickups
If you plan to use your acoustic-electric guitar primarily for live gigs, your main priority should be finding a pickup system that resists feedback and accurately captures your natural acoustic tone. Popular options include:
-
Yamaha SRT Pickup System – Yamaha’s proprietary pickup provides a balanced, feedback-resistant amplified tone perfect for live playing. Models like the Yamaha A5R and A3R are great options under $1000.
-
Fishman Presys Blend Pickup – Fishman’s Presys system uses a combination of undersaddle and soundhole pickups for a balanced amplified tone. Models like the Alvarez Artist Series use this versatile system.
-
LR Baggs Anthem Pickup – The Anthem pickup uses an internal microphone and undersaddle element to produce a very natural amplified tone. You’ll find this system on mid-tier models from Taylor, Martin, and more.
The key is finding a pickup that faithfully reproduces the nuances of your playing style without excessive quackiness or sterile piezo tone. Try out different systems to find what works best for your needs.
Recording Pickups
If you plan to use your acoustic-electric mainly in the studio for recording, your priorities may differ. In this case, you’ll want the most pristine direct tone possible. Discreet undersaddle or soundhole pickups tend to provide the most accurate plugged-in recording tone. Notable options include:
-
Martin X Series – Martin’s X series features a discreet Fishman Sonitone pickup that captures studio-quality acoustic tone when recording direct.
-
Taylor Expression System – Taylor’s ES pickup produces a very natural plugged-in tone thanks to behind-the-saddle sensing. The Taylor Academy series pairs this pickup with solid wood construction at an affordable price point.
In the studio, it’s less important for your amplified tone to sound like your exact acoustic tone. The direct input recording chain will capture the true character of the guitar, so the priority is a transparent, noise-free signal.
Versatile Sound Options
Some acoustic-electric guitars offer diverse tone-shaping controls like built-in EQ, tuners, and effects. While not always necessary, these options provide added versatility:
-
Alvarez Artist Series – Alvarez guitars in this range use a dual-pickup Presys blend system with a built-in preamp and EQ for sculpting your amplified tone.
-
Yamaha A Series – Yamaha’s premium A series combines high-end craftsmanship with the SRT pickup system and EQ controls for versatility.
Think about whether you want a simple "plug and play" pickup or maximum options for shaping your amplified tone. Extra controls add complexity but allow you to craft your ideal sound.
The world of acoustic-electric guitars under $1000 offers excellent options whether you want a natural amplified tone or maximum versatility. By understanding your needs, you can find the perfect pickup system to take your playing to the next level.
Major Brand Options
Martin
Martin is one of the most iconic American acoustic guitar brands, known for their all-solid wood construction and rich, resonant tone. The Martin D-10E is an excellent dreadnought option under $1000, featuring a solid spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides. It has a Fishman Sonitone pickup system for amplified use. The D-10E delivers that characteristic Martin tone at an accessible price point.
Taylor
Taylor revolutionized the acoustic guitar industry with their innovative designs and consistency in quality. The Taylor Academy series provides great value, with solid spruce or mahogany tops and laminate back and sides. The Grand Auditorium body style offers a balanced and versatile tone. Other good Taylor options under $1000 include the GS Mini for travel playing and the Big Baby for its full 15/16 dreadnought tone in a compact body.
Yamaha
Yamaha is renowned for their quality craftsmanship and value across all their instrument lines. Their A-series and AC-series acoustic guitars offer solid spruce or mahogany tops with rosewood or mahogany back and sides, in the $500-$1000 range. They produce a balanced, nuanced tone perfect for amateurs and professionals alike. The slim necks and excellent playability make them great options for players of all levels.
Seagull
Canadian company Seagull offers all-solid wood construction at accessible price points, including cedar and spruce topped models under $1000 like the Seagull Artist Mosaic and Seagull S6 Original. They produce a focused, resonant acoustic tone and offer great quality control and value.
Eastman
Eastman has made waves in recent years for their hand-crafted acoustic guitars with surprising value. They offer all-solid wood models across body shapes and tonewood combinations under $1000. Their parlors, OM models, and dreadnoughts provide vintage-inspired looks and organic, musical tone.
Alvarez
Alvarez produces quality acoustic guitars with innovative bracing patterns to enhance their acoustic sound. The Alvarez Artist Series offers solid spruce or mahogany tops with rosewood back and sides, combining vintage looks with modern playability. Alvarez is known for their acoustic-electric models, featuring highly-regarded LR Baggs pickup systems.
By Body Style
Different body styles and sizes impact an acoustic guitar’s tone profile and feel. Here’s an overview of some of the most common acoustic guitar body types to consider under $1000:
Dreadnought
The classic dreadnought is known for its booming, projecting tone and wide lower bout. Dreadnoughts like the Martin D-10E provide a powerful and deep voice perfect for strumming and flatpicking styles. The large body produces plenty of low-end, while still having enough treble zing and note definition.
Concert/Grand Concert
Smaller concert-sized acoustics, like Taylor’s Academy series, offer a balanced and articulate tone. The compact body is comfortable for smaller players, while still capable of rich tone. Concerts lack some of the booming bass of a dreadnought, but make up for it with portability and crystalline highs.
Auditorium/Grand Auditorium
With a waist in between the upper and lower bouts, auditoriums provide a blend of warmth and projection. Guitars like the Yamaha A-series produce focused mids and crisp treble, appealing to fingerstyle players. The versatility also suits singer-songwriters who strum and pick.
Jumbo
Jumbo acoustics have a massive voice to fill any room. Their oversized lower bout pumps out thunderous bass, while the large upper bout allows for sparkling treble response. Jumbos like the Epiphone EJ-200SCE excel for aggressive strumming styles like blues, rock, and country.
Parlor
Parlor guitars offer an intimate, vintage voice perfect for fingerpickers. Their diminutive size reduces boom and overtones, allowing the fundamental tones to shine with each note played. The Martin 000-15M is an excellent parlor guitar under $1000 for blues and ragtime styles.
For Playing Styles
Fingerstyle
Fingerstyle acoustic guitars benefit from balanced and articulate tone across all registers. Smaller bodied guitars like parlor sizes and mahogany 000 models are great choices for fingerstylists, as they provide warmth and definition for complex fingerpicking. Their compact size also makes them comfortable for extended practice sessions. Some excellent options include the Martin 000-15M, Taylor 562ce, and Eastman E10P.
Bluegrass Flatpicking
When it comes to bluegrass flatpicking, powerful projection is key. The punchy treble and booming low end of a dreadnought or jumbo sized guitar allows notes to cut through the mix. Spruce and maple tonewoods also lend themselves well to the fast and percussive playing of bluegrass. Great choices include the Martin D-18, Taylor 814ce, and Guild F-30.
Singer-Songwriter
Singer-songwriters need versatility to handle both strumming and fingerstyle accompaniment. Grand auditorium and dreadnought body styles offer a diverse tonal palette and the comfort to play for long periods. The balanced tone of these mid-sized guitars provides a nice blend of warmth and articulation. Top options include the Taylor 114ce, Martin 000X1AE, and Yamaha A5R.
What to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Guitar Under $1000
When shopping for an acoustic guitar in the sub-$1000 price range, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
Tonewoods
The wood used for the top (soundboard), back, and sides has a significant impact on the guitar’s tone. Common tonewood options include:
-
Spruce: The most popular choice for tops, spruce is bright and responsive. It’s a good all-rounder for both strumming and fingerpicking.
-
Cedar: Cedar tops offer warmth and sweetness. They mellow in tone as they age.
-
Mahogany: Used for both tops and backs/sides, mahogany offers a smooth, rounded tone with emphasis on the midrange.
-
Rosewood: The most common material for backs/sides, rosewood adds complexity and overtones to the guitar’s voice.
-
Maple: Bright and focused, maple is sometimes used for tops or backs/sides.
Construction
The bracing pattern, quality of craftsmanship, neck joint, bridge type, and nut/saddle materials all impact tone, playability and longevity. Well-built guitars from reputable brands will have excellent construction.
Playability
A good setup from the factory is crucial, with low action and comfortable string height. Make sure the neck has no twist and fretwork is done well. The nut width should suit your fingers and playing style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are acoustic guitars under $1000 good for beginners?
Acoustic guitars under $1000 can be a great option for beginners in many cases. While true beginners may want to start with a more affordable guitar to learn the basics on, intermediate players looking to upgrade from their first guitar can benefit tremendously from an under $1000 acoustic. The improved tonewoods, craftsmanship, and attention to setup and playability on acoustics in this price range make them much more enjoyable and inspiring to play compared to budget beginner models. As long as the beginner is committed to learning and practicing regularly, investing in a quality acoustic in this range that will last many years can be worthwhile.
What’s the best acoustic guitar under $1000 for small hands?
For players with smaller hands, compact body styles like parlor, 000, OM, and concert sized acoustics tend to be most comfortable and playable. Their shorter scale lengths and smaller nut widths accommodate smaller hands well. Some specific models to look for would be the Martin 000RSGT or 000X1AE, Taylor GS Mini, Seagull Coastline Cedar Parlour, Eastman E1P Parlor, and various 000 models from major brands. Trying the guitar in person is advisable to find the best fit. Also consider visiting a guitar tech to set up the guitar with ideal string action and nut width for small hands.
What’s the best acoustic guitar under $1000 for recording?
When recording acoustic guitar, a balanced, clear tone is usually desirable to provide both warmth and articulation while avoiding muddiness. All-solid wood guitars and smaller body styles like 000s and parlors tend to work well. Their focused midrange and even response across the tonal spectrum capture nicely through mics and in a studio mix. Some great sub-$1000 recording options would be the Martin 000-15M, Taylor 314ce, Eastman E1P parlor, Seagull Performer CW Q1, or a mahogany OM or 000 model from various major brands. High-quality piezo or transducer pickup systems can also be useful for plugging directly into recording interfaces.
Top Picks Under $1000
After looking at the best acoustic guitars under $1000 across various categories, here’s a recap of some of the top choices to consider:
-
For all-solid wood construction, the Martin 000-15M delivers a beautifully resonant mahogany tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. The Eastman E10P parlor model is another great option with an intimate, vintage vibe.
-
In the acoustic-electric category, the Yamaha A Series A5R is a workhorse for live gigs with its cutaway dreadnought body and SRT pickup system. The Taylor Academy 12e offers incredible value with its Grand Concert shape and bright ES-B pickup.
-
Iconic major brands like Martin and Taylor have great models under $1000, including the Martin D-10E dreadnought and Taylor Big Baby with its comfortable 15/16 size.
-
For those seeking big dreadnought booms, the Seagull Original S6 is an affordable all-solid option made from Canadian wild cherry. Smaller parlor models like the Alvarez AP70 deliver intimate vintage tones.
-
Singer-songwriters will love the balanced Takamine GD30CE with its smooth midrange and handy cutaway, while fingerstylists can’t go wrong with an all-mahogany Eastman E1P parlor.
-
Whatever your playing style, keep an eye on construction, electronics, tonewoods and shape to find your perfect acoustic guitar under $1000.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many excellent acoustic guitars available under $1000 that offer impressive tonewoods, solid wood construction, and quality craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
When choosing the right acoustic guitar for you, it’s important to consider your playing style, personal preferences, and needs. Factors like body style, wood combination, electronics, and brand reputation will all impact the tone and playability.
Some key takeaways:
-
All-solid wood guitars from reputable brands provide the most resonance, sustain and potential to mature over time. Models like the Martin 000-15M and Taylor GS Mini offer all-solid mahogany and spruce at accessible prices.
-
Acoustic-electrics from Yamaha, Takamine and others excel for amplifying on stage while models like the Martin D-10E balance natural acoustic tone with the flexibility of electronics.
-
Small-bodied guitars like parlor and orchestra sizes work well for fingerstyle while jumbo and dreadnought models provide booming projection for strumming and picking.
-
When possible, visit a retailer to test out instruments in person. While models like the Taylor Academy 10 and Martin D-10E rank among the best acoustic guitars under $1000, individual feel and sound preferences matter most.
The key is finding a guitar suited for your playing style and musical needs. With quality craftsmanship and tonewoods now accessible in this price tier, there is an exceptional instrument out there for every guitarist needing to balance affordability with premium sound and construction.