The classic six-string guitar was invented in Spain in the distant Middle Ages. It has become widespread, various modifications of this musical instrument have been developed, which until today continues to be very popular. Today, there is a guitar in almost every home. Despite all its simplicity, it is possible to perform rather complex compositions on it; it is not for nothing that one of the music critics called it a full-fledged orchestra in miniature.
On sale you can find both cheap and luxury options, which will cost several hundred thousand rubles. Our today's review will be very useful for beginner musicians who are just beginning to comprehend all the charms of this instrument. Here we will not only consider the characteristics of certain models, but also give the basic rules for choosing a guitar so that it is much easier for you to decide on the most suitable product. Let's start with this!
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when buying a guitar?
First of all, you have to decide what exactly you want to receive from this instrument: what kind of music you will play, how much time and energy you plan to spend on learning the game technique. The financial component is also important, since, as we said earlier, the price spread is quite significant.
Classical guitar has a standard, original form, which has a deck in shape resembling a figure eight. The neck is long and wide enough, and the sound extracted by the strings is gentle and very soft. Usually this is achieved using special strings and acoustic characteristics of the deck itself. Acoustic models equipped with a larger deck are often found on sale, the neck is shorter and much narrower here. People who do not intend to enter the professional level of the game, prefer such an instrument, as playing on a narrow neck is much easier. Here, the sounds produced are more distinct and vivid.
Before buying, you should definitely carefully examine the guitar, since the appearance can say a lot about the quality of the instrument itself. In particular, if it has been on the counter for a long time, then cracks may occur on the deck. The same thing happens in case of careless transportation of the guitar. Such a guitar will simply have a disgusting sound, and the cracks themselves will only increase in size over time, therefore, such a product will not last very long. Be sure to check the smoothness of the surface of the deck, the absence of deformation.
The next point that you need to pay attention to is the neck. First of all, it should be perfectly even and smooth. If defects or irregularities are visually visible, then you should refuse to buy such a guitar. The distance between the fingerboard and the strings plays an important role in the process of extracting sound. It should be neither too big nor too small. In the first case, you will have to make a lot of efforts to achieve high-quality sound, in the second, rattling will be heard due to the beating of the strings in harmony.
Be sure to analyze the state of the bridge or the string holder located on the deck. During long-term storage of the tool, it may begin to peel off, which creates a gap, sooner or later the bridge will come off completely. The pegs should rotate easily and smoothly, without the slightest hint of backlash, otherwise the guitar will be upset on its own, and tuning it will not be as easy as it might seem at first glance.
Frets should be well filed, otherwise with a hand whose fingers will clamp the strings, you will touch them and scratch the skin, respectively, the comfort during the game will significantly decrease. When compiling our ranking of the best acoustic guitars of 2019, we took into account all the above points. In addition, we relied on user reviews - both fans just to play the guitar at home or with friends, and the posts of professional musicians. Another point that guided us when choosing models for inclusion in our review was the price-quality ratio of the tool. Too expensive guitars, of course, were included in the rating, but we singled them out as a separate part of the review. We hope that after a careful study of our article, you will be able to choose the most optimal model for yourself, which will delight not only you, but also your loved ones with good sound for a long time.
Cheap Starter Tools
5. FLIGHT C-250 NA
Musical instruments from this manufacturer began to appear on store shelves starting in the 80s of the last century. It was at that time that there was an urgent need for guitars of relatively low price and acceptable quality. As a result, the products turned out to be quite suitable for elementary education or for amateur performance of music. In the process of developing the lineup, engineers directly collaborated with teachers and world-class musicians, adapting to their needs. The result is a very durable tool with an excellent price-quality ratio, in addition, it meets all the necessary requirements for learning the game.
The upper deck is made of spruce, which allows you to provide softness and at the same time sonority of the instrument, and the case itself is made of mahogany, which gives the music an additional nobleness. The fingerboard is made of rosewood - this wood is practically insensitive to abrasion, so the guitar will retain its attractive appearance throughout its life. Frets are made of stainless steel, coated with a layer of copper, which also positively affects the sound. The whole guitar is covered with glossy compositions that give it a beautiful shine. There are 19 frets here, nylon strings are stretched, which makes the guitar quite suitable for playing classical pieces.
Benefits:
- It is made from various breeds of valuable wood, which ensures the nobility of the extracted sounds;
- All elements are made at a high quality level;
- Long service life;
- The ability to play in a variety of styles;
- No peaks are provided for the pegs.
Disadvantages:
- Glossy gloss may disappear over time, but this does not affect the appearance of the guitar very much.
4. Cort AC250
This is a modified model of the previous version. It compares favorably with the presence of a more modern system that combines the upper and lower deck, so that the resonance of the body becomes very effective. This moment has a positive effect on the volume of sound and the volume of music; the sound itself becomes deeper and more voluminous. The varnishing of the instrument is of high quality, using the most modern technologies, so less paintwork is applied to the body.As a result, it was possible to achieve an excellent ratio of coating thickness and sound quality, since the varnish layer will not affect the acoustic characteristics of the instrument. The guitar has become more responsive, and its capabilities have become much wider.
The upper deck is made of spruce, which has excellent resonant qualities, which over time with regular use of the guitar only get better. The shape of the case is classic with a 650 mm scale. The lower deck is made from mahogany, and the neck itself is made from the same material. The lining on it is made of rosewood, 19 frets are provided, the bridge is also rosewood, glued qualitatively, will not lag behind over time, regardless of the loads. The width of the nut is 52 mm, the choppers are traditional, covered with chrome-plating compounds, and chrome will not peel over time. The nylon strings are installed; if necessary, they can easily be changed to metal.
Benefits:
- This tool is ideal for beginners;
- Top notes come out a little rounded, the main emphasis is on the middle frequencies;
- The guitar has a deep sound and good volume;
- Insignificant thickness of the paintwork;
- The head of the neck is bent in such a way that the fingers will not get tired even after prolonged execution of various exercises.
Disadvantages:
- The tool should be handled very carefully, otherwise it will affect the service life and obviously not to a large extent.
3. Martinez C-95
The guitar is the best option for beginner guitarists and musicians with little experience who want to get an instrument with quite acceptable sound quality and long life at an affordable cost. The structure here is classical - there are six strings and 19 frets placed on the neck in accordance with the traditional arrangement. Several mahogany species are used to produce the soundboard and the hull; the fingerboard is made of rosewood. The tool is manufactured in China, but this does not affect its quality at all. With proper care of the guitar, it will last quite a long time.
The design is quite modern, this model is the representative of the latest generation of acoustic instruments. During the development, the latest scientific developments were used. The sound of the guitar is deep, the timbre is colorful, performance is almost on a professional level. One of the main distinguishing features is the versatility of the product. It will sound equally good as classical composers, as well as jazz, blues, flamenco, rock and so on. This guitar is well suited not only for gatherings with friends, but also for professional performances. The neck is wide enough, but comfortable.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Universal tool;
- With proper care, a long service life is ensured;
- Good workmanship.
Disadvantages:
- Experienced professional musicians note that the sound is flat, but this point will not be significant for beginners.
2. YAMAHA C-70
The Japanese manufacturer of musical instruments is famous for the high quality of its products. The guitar has a fairly low price, and its sound characteristics are quite suitable for beginner performers. Despite the fact that it was developed in Japan, it is manufactured in Indonesia. The case is made of spruce (the upper deck is made of this wood). The shell and lower deck are made of Meranti wood, which positively affects the acoustic qualities of the instrument, and also retains its original appearance for a long time. The fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood. Unfortunately, there is no traditional marking on frets, but you can apply it yourself.
The timbre tone is characterized by excellent purity, the top notes sound brightly highlighted, the bass line is saturated, and even professional performers note that the sound is truly velvet. Some users say that the neck is too wide, so it’s difficult to set up a hand for a novice guitarist. The pegs are gilded, after a while they may begin to fade, but if necessary, they can be returned to their original form. No one has any complaints regarding the build quality of the tool.
Benefits:
- Good value for money;
- A wide range of sound - each note is clearly audible;
- It is made of materials resistant to wear and possessing high acoustic properties;
- You can play any kind of music.
Disadvantages:
- A wide neck makes arm positioning difficult;
- Picks may fade - you have to clean them.
1. Fender ESC80
The leader among inexpensive instruments in our review of the best acoustic guitars is the products of a world famous and recognized brand. This is a classic six-string product without a pickup. The model has an excellent and very rich sound, all elements of the guitar are characterized by excellent quality and long service life. Throughout the entire period of operation, the tool will retain its original appearance. The upper deck is made of laminated spruce, and the lamination, in contrast to the varnish coating, will not fade or wear off with frequent use. The lower deck and the shell are made from agatis. The overtones are pleasant, all notes sound balanced, there are no accents on the lower or upper strings. Overall dimensions are slightly smaller in comparison with the models that were considered in the rating earlier - they make up three quarters in comparison with the classical guitar.
The resonator has an original separate, and the instrument itself is decorated in a traditional style. The vulture is made of red wood with an overlay of rosewood, fret markers are present here. The spring system is also traditional, there are 18 frets - one less in comparison with classic models. A convenient insulated cover for transportation is supplied with the product, so even with sudden changes in temperature the guitar will not be upset. Designed specifically for beginner guitarists, the width of the neck is not very large, so you can put your hand in just a couple of lessons.
Benefits:
- The matte finish of the case, on which fingerprints will not be noticeable;
- The strings, although nylon, are quite soft;
- Acceptable price;
- It can be used for compositions of various directions.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
3. Gibson J-45
A true professional instrument that is ideal for live performances. This guitar was developed a long time ago, but until today has not lost its relevance. According to its developers, to date, not a single product has been released that would be superior in acoustic characteristics to this classic instrument. World-famous musicians such as John Lennon, James Taylor, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan and many others played such a guitar. According to users, the main advantage of this guitar is its simplicity. The sound of a tree is excellent, there are no clanks on the frets.
The guitar is produced in several versions. The most modern is distinguished by a vintage sunburst finish. The upper deck includes two elements, each of which is made from Sith spruce, belonging to class AA. The shells and the lower deck are made of mahogany; a neck with a rosewood bill is made of the same material. The upper deck is additionally decorated with a four-layer white edging. The LR Baggs Element VTC preamplifier is equipped with a guitar, equipped with a high-quality pickup, and you may not even notice it at first glance.The guitar is ideal for professional performances.
Benefits:
- The highest quality materials and workmanship;
- Time-tested tool;
- Long service life;
- Superb full-range sound.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Needs thorough care.
2. YAMAHA NTX700
The guitar is equipped with a special neckline that facilitates access to the upper frets, which makes it suitable for use in playing a variety of musical styles. Another universal feature is the ability to play with both fingers and a pick. Both nylon and metal strings can be used. The upper deck is made from solid spruce, the rear deck and the shell are made of high-quality and durable mahogany varieties, and the guitar neck is also made of them. The pickup system is high-quality, the sound of the instrument is transmitted to the equipment in real time, there is practically no delay. The width of the neck is optimal for a professional musician, even with a long game, the brushes will not get tired. The cavity of the resonator is made in the form of an ellipse, which ensures a clean and fairly soft sounding notes range.
The design of the head of the neck and the pegs is original, it combines both traditional and the most modern elements, which distinguishes this guitar. The resonator is decorated with inserts of mother of pearl, mahogany and padauka. Here the number of frets is increased - there are 22 of them, due to which the range increases immediately by several octaves. The tool is made in China, however, this does not affect the final quality of production. All acoustic characteristics were appreciated by professional and very famous musicians performing works of various directions.
Benefits:
- The original sound that musicians call vintage;
- Excellent resonator, additionally decorated with various materials;
- The body of the guitar is not very deep, so the sound comes out soft and clear.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
1. Antonio Sanchez S-1005
This is really the best guitar in its price range, in addition, it is able to convey the classical sound of a Spanish instrument. In many ways, the high cost of the product is justified that it is produced not with the involvement of various specialized equipment, but exclusively by hand. Accordingly, each instrument has its own soul and original sound. The batch production of models is established, but not too many tools are manufactured, and each of them goes through a whole system of tests that confirm the high quality of production. When creating a master, they are guided by the Spanish tradition. All tools from this manufacturer can be distinguished due to the presence of a characteristic adhesive. The spring system is very typical.
The deck can be made from spruce or cedar. Models have additional reinforcing inserts located between the counter-nuts. The case is made of mahogany, often from rosewood, one of the most expensive types of wood. Such an instrument is unlikely to suit beginner musicians, and not only because it is very expensive. First of all, they will not be able to appreciate the high acoustic qualities of the instrument. However, experienced performers note excellent debugging, balancing and sounding of the guitar.
Benefits:
- For the manufacture of tools used exclusively high quality and expensive materials;
- Great classic sound of the Spanish guitar;
- Manual or small party production;
- Reinforcing inserts are provided that extend the life of the body as a whole and, as a result, the guitar itself.
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive.
Electro-acoustic models
2. Ibanez TCY10E
The instrument literally attracts close attention due to the original appearance, which is a cross between a traditional acoustic guitar and an electric instrument, designed for use during rock concerts with good drive. The case has a glossy coating with paints and varnishes that retain resistance to wear even for quite some time. The upper deck is made of spruce massif, all other body parts are made of rosewood and mahogany. There are 19 frets, like the standard guitar, there is a cutout for easy access to the upper frets. The pegs are chrome-plated, and in order to prevent the chromium layer from being erased, they are additionally coated with a polymer varnish that is resistant to scratches and other surface defects.
The product has a piezo pickup, additionally equipped with an Ibanez AEQ-2T preamplifier. The guitar is equipped with a built-in tuner and equalizer, due to which you can instantly adjust the guitar to the style of music even when speaking to a large audience. Of course, this electroacoustics is most suitable for professional performers than lovers to play music in small companies. The sound is quite balanced - the overtones are quite bright, the middle is saturated.
Benefits:
- Original appearance;
- Long service life;
- There is everything you need for quick setup and adjustment of parameters.
Disadvantages:
- Insignificant dimensions, so with no habit of playing it will not be too convenient.
1. Fender CD-60SCE
A fairly low-cost tool that is made from relatively inexpensive materials in factories in China or Indonesia. Even despite this, the instrument turned out to be quite high-quality - the sound level is practically not inferior to similar instruments, which will cost several times more. The upper deck, like most models in our review of the best acoustic guitars, is made of spruce, and the neck and sides are made of mahogany. There are 20 frets here, they are inlaid, and the inlay is the points located on the rosewood platform.
The body of the guitar is completely covered with a layer of glossy varnish that will sparkle brightly even with a lack of lighting. In order for the tool to maintain its original external appearance for a long time, it should be polished from time to time. A set of original D’Addario signature strings is installed on the guitar, there is also a universal tuner that will be very useful not only for beginners to master the instrument, but also for experienced musicians. The guitar is equipped with a dynamic preamp and pickup manufactured by Fishman.
Benefits:
- Inexpensive, but very high quality tool;
- Reliability and long service life with proper care of the guitar;
- The original sound.
Disadvantages:
- The belt clip is not too comfortable.
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best acoustic guitars of the year is nearing completion. We have tried to collect as much information as possible on each model so that you can choose for yourself the most optimal tool depending on the tasks that you assign to it. If you still have any questions or ambiguities, then you are welcome in the commentary to this article. We will promptly respond to them, additionally collect and provide you with additional data on the instrument.
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