If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitars under $300, look no further.
Here we have 12 of the best acoustic guitars under $300.
As you can see, we’ve broken this up into two recommendations per section: A traditional acoustic guitar, and one with a cutaway. You choose which you like best!
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300: Best Overall
Yamaha FG820
The FG820 has a dreadnough shaped body made of a spruce top, and mahogany back and sides. As a result, you’ll have a warmer, stronger sound.
Likewise, Yamaha’s scalloped bracing pattern will give you louder and stronger sounds in the low and mid ranges.
Equally important, the neck is made of nato wood, with a rosewood fretboard, combining to give you and a warmer and brighter tone.
Finally, a cream binding on the body, and fretboard, will give you an upgraded look. Additionally, the rosewood bridge adds to the look and your tone.
Pros
- Available in 5 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut/Saddle
The Yamaha FG820 is a great choice that’s comfortable, to play, and has a rich tone.
Not only is the FG series the best selling acoustic guitar series in the world, but it’s also some of the best quality guitars on the market. To get yours, click here.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300: Best Budget
Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Are you looking for one of the best acoustic guitars under $300 that delivers a time-teseted design, comes from a world-class manufacturer, and is an excellent choice for a beginner? Then check out the Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar.
It features a dreadnought-shaped body composed of a laminated Lindenwood top with laminated mahogany back and sides which means it produces warmer, full tones with a lot of volume and plenty of projection.
The mahogany neck is in a slim shape and has a radius of 12″ which means it’s very stable, is comfortable for beginners to learn on, and is easy to play both chords and leads on.
With 20 vintage-style frets and small dot inlays, the stained maple fretboard produces a vintage-style playing feel that’s easy for beginners to play and contributes to a warmer sound.
Finally, this guitar includes all of the accessories beginners need to get started playing right away including a Fender clip-on tuner, a set of Fender picks, a guitar strap, and a gig bag.
Pros
- Available in 3 Different Finishes
- Scalloped “X” Bracing Improves Your Sound
- Comes with an Instructional DVD and a Free Trial of Fender Play
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier by Fender SA-150 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar delivers a beginner-friendly acoustic guitar with a lot of great features.
We think you’ll find its time-tested design, easy playability, and included accessories make it the best beginner acoustic guitar under $200.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300: Best Runner-Up
Ibanez AW54OPN
The AW54 is part of Ibanez’s Artwood guitar series. The Artwood guitar series strive to offer quality tonewoods and fine construction techniques at a price that’s affordable.
First, you’ll get a classic dreadnought shape, and with a solid okoume top, back and sides you’ll get a solid, bright tone.
Next, Ibanez refers to the finish as Open Pore Natural, and the grain of the guitar enhances this guitars looks.
The neck is composed of nyatoh, ensuring resonance and stability, while the fretboard is made of ovangkol. As a result you’ll get good bass and treble tones.
Additionally, white dot inlays, a black binding and 20 frets complete the fretboard, for a classic look.
A black and white rosette surrounds the soundhole, and chrome tuners completes the natural, rustic look of this guitar.
Finally, the ovangkol bridge uses Ibanez’s Advantage bridge pins. These are designed to be easier to take out and put in the bridge than regular pins, as well as having a shape that is easier to grip.
Pros
- X bracing ensures stability, and a balanced tone
Cons
- Plastic Nut and Saddle Could Be Upgraded to Bone
If you’re looking for plenty of and a bright tone, all in a guitar with a simple, natural look, then the AW54 may be for you. Get yours here.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300: Best Alternative Style
Ibanez Altstar Alt30
Are you an electric guitar player who is branching out into the world of acoustic guitars? If so, then the Ibanez Altstar has been designed exactly for you.
Its body is a more compact, dreadnought shape, with a cutout to ensure you can easily reach those higher frets.
The neck is made of maple, for tone, and stability, and has a radius of 15.7″. As a result you’ll have an easy time shredding on it.
Moreover, the body is composed of a spruce top, and sapele back and sides. All this means is you’ll get enduring sustain, and a warm, bright tone.
The fretboard is composed of walnut, with a specially designed inlay on the fretboard, and 22 frets.
Ibanez’s Advantage pin system in the walnut bridge ensures the pins stay put, and you’ll have an easier time changing strings.
There’s an Ibanez Undersaddle pickup for when you decide to plug in. Additionally, a 2 channel preamp allows you to control your volume, bass, and treble. Finally, there’s also a tuner for tuning your guitar.
Pros
- Available in 5 Different Finishes
- Neck Joint at 16th Fret Gives Easier Access to Higher Frets
- RG Headstock
Cons
- Some May Not Dig its looks
The ALT30 is designed to offer electric guitar players a comfortable, natural feeling acoustic playing experience.
It’s definitely more of an Electric-Acoustic guitar than your average acoustic guitar with a pickup.
If shredding on an acoustic appeals to you, then this is the guitar for you. Get yours here.
Best Acoustic Guitars Under $300: Tips and Tricks
Hopefully, you found a guitar that ticks all the boxes! Thanks for reading! Here are some tips for new acoustic guitar owners
- Change the Strings on Your New Guitar for Better Sound
- The strings on your new guitar may be a year old, which means they won’t sound their best. See this post for more on strings.
- Only Adjust the Truss Rod After Letting the Guitar Acclimate
- After receiving your guitar, let it sit for at least 24 hours. The wood needs to fully reach the temperature of your home. Moreover, you can damage the finish by opening it too soon.
- Oftentimes, a guitar that has fret buzz, or dead spots hasn’t fully warmed/cooled from travel. It will “self adjust” once the wood has a chance to fully expand/contract.
- How do I tune my guitar?
- No problem, see this post here.