This article will show you the 12 Best Acoustic Guitars For Country Music 2023 for all budgets.
Country music is a musical genre with a century-long history that is still very popular both in the United States and in other countries. It has passed through many generations and still captivates listeners with its ballads and danceable tunes.
The acoustic guitar is one of the most important instruments in country music. If you’re thinking of buying one, we have good news for you – we’ve put together a list of the best ones.
There are different shapes and different price categories. We’ll also show you guitars with a more minimalist design, as well as decorated ones that can look great on stage. In addition, most of the products are equipped with electronics so that you can easily plug them into amplifiers at concerts. So, scroll down and see what we’ve got for you.
The 12 Best Acoustic Guitars For Country Music 2023
1. Epiphone Hummingbird Studio
Epiphone Hummingbird Studio will delight you with its affordable price and beautiful design.
If you’re interested in acoustic guitars, you’ve probably heard of the legendary Gibson Hummingbird, which many top musicians of various genres have used. Now we will show you a budget version of this model from Epiphone, which can still be a great option, especially if you’re a country music fan.
Overall, it’s an electro-acoustic guitar with an unsurpassed original design. It’s also worth noting that despite its budget status, it uses more typical wood for more expensive models. But let’s take a look at all the features in order.
Key Features:
- Spruce Top, Mahogany Back And Sides
The top of the guitar is made of spruce. At the same time, the back and sides are made of mahogany, as well as the neck. Thus, it’s different from the kind of wood we’re used to seeing on the cheapest guitar models, and that’s great. - Slim Taper D Neck
Speaking of the neck of the guitar, this is the Slim Taper D profile. It is known for providing better access to the frets. Therefore, it will add convenience to your playing, especially if you are a beginner. - Fishman Sonitone Pickup
As an electro-acoustic guitar, it has a Fishman Sonitone pickup system. It’s a great fact because Fishman is a respectable pickup manufacturer. By the way, inside the guitar, you will find two controls for tone and volume. - Grover Machine Heads
It’s also worth noting that the machine heads here are not some no-names but are made by the Grover brand. Thus, it gives you hope that your tuning will be quite safe with minimal surprises. - Hummingbird Design
What deserves special attention is the design of this guitar. In particular, you’ll find original hummingbird artwork on the pickguard. As for the fretboard inlays, they have pearloid parallelogram inlays, which also look pretty cool. And the color of the model is Faded Cherry Burst.
Pros:
The Epiphone Hummingbird Studio is a great budget guitar that is based on the design of the original Gibson model. The artwork and overall appearance are perfect for country music. This instrument has Fishman pickups and Grover machine heads. The guitar’s price is approximately $400, making it a no-brainer if you are a beginner or want to upgrade from the cheapest acoustic guitar.
Cons:
We don’t see any drawbacks to this product, especially considering its price and materials. Therefore, we advise you to check out the user comments online.
2. Taylor 224ce-K DLX
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is a top-notch guitar that will give you a rich sound.
Taylor is one of the most popular manufacturers of premium guitars. This company uses high-quality materials; its most expensive models are manufactured in the USA using innovative and patented technologies. The model we will show you now has a rather high price, but the sound is also appropriate.
It’s a Taylor 224ce-K DLX made in Mexico. This guitar is made of premium wood in a Grand Auditorium design and has a Venetian cutaway. As for the electronics, there are pickups and some controls. Now let’s talk about the model in more detail.
Key Features:
- Hawaiian Koa Wood
Speaking of the materials, the guitar’s top is made of solid Hawaiian koa. This wood is also present on the back and sides but as plywood. You also get a Sapele neck and an ebony fretboard. - Taylor ES-2 Electronics
The instrument also features Taylor’s patented ES-2 electronics as a 2-pickup system. Therefore, you can connect this guitar to an amplifier or PA system. As for the knobs, you will be able to control volume, treble, and bass. - Grand Auditorium Design
As for the guitar’s design, we think it’s gorgeous. The instrument’s body is in the Grand Auditorium, and the color is Shaded Edge Burst. Also, the gold-plated machine heads add a special beauty. - Venetian Cutaway
Another feature of this guitar is that it has a Venetian cutaway. It means you’ll have easier access to the upper frets. By the way, the frets themselves have small diamond fretboard inlays.
Pros:
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is a top-notch acoustic guitar with great design and sound. It is not one of the most expensive products of this brand, but the quality is at a high level. It’s not going to be the loudest instrument you’ve ever heard, but it’s still extremely articulated with a nice midrange and a distinct low end. The instrument also features Taylor pickups with volume, bass, and treble controls.
Cons:
The only drawback we can single out is the price of this guitar, which is one and a half thousand dollars. But you must understand that the quality of materials and sound justifies this price tag.
3. Gibson J-45 Standard
The Gibson J-45 Standard is one of the most famous acoustic guitar models that generations of musicians have loved.
Speaking of the Gibson J-45, it’s impossible not to mention the history of this model. It was created in 1942 and has since become a classic, winning the hearts of many generations of guitarists. As a result, this acoustic guitar has become one of the best-selling and most recorded in the history of rock and roll.
Overall, it’s a steel-string acoustic guitar in a Vintage Sunburst finish. It’s made of expensive wood and has pickups. So you can record it either with them or with a microphone. Now, let’s take a closer look at the features of this instrument.
Key Features:
- Solid Spruce Top & Mahogany Body
The top of this guitar is solid spruce, giving a balanced guitar tone for the top, middle, and bottom. The rest of the body is made of mahogany, which is quite common for good acoustic guitars. - Slim Taper Neck Profile
As for the neck profile, it’s Slim Taper. It was created for greater ease of play, to give you more speed, and simultaneously reduce hand fatigue. By the way, the fingerboard wood is rosewood, covered with Nacre Dot Inlays. - In-Build Pickup System
One important feature of this instrument is that it has an L.R. Baggs Element VTC pickup system on board. So you can record an acoustic guitar by connecting it to the necessary equipment. By the way, there are also two Volume and Tone controls. - Grover Machine Heads
It’s also worth noting that the guitar has Grover machine heads made of plated nickel. Their color fits perfectly into the overall style of the instrument, contrasting with the Vintage Sunburst color.
Pros:
The Gibson J-45 Standard is a legendary electro-acoustic guitar with incredible sound. It has well-articulated lows, well-defined mids, and punchy highs. The instrument has a cool appearance, made in Vintage Sunburst. It also has pickups and a comfortable neck profile.
Cons:
The only disadvantage we can identify here is the rather high price. This model costs more than two and a half thousand dollars. But, it is important to understand that the product’s quality and sound justify the price.
4. Yamaha FG800M
The Yamaha FG800M is a budget acoustic guitar that offers excellent value for money.
The next item on our list is the guitar that suits beginners and more experienced guitarists. That’s because this instrument offers a great price and sound. Plus, you won’t need to rob a bank to get it. That is an acoustic guitar from the well-known Yamaha brand called the FG800M.
This dreadnought-shaped guitar comes in a Natural matte finish, with 20 frets and a 650mm scale. As for the wood, you’ll find spruce, nato, and walnut. But let’s talk about it in more detail to understand the instrument’s features.
Key Features:
- Spruce And Nato Wood
It is worth noting that despite the budget status of this guitar, its top is made of solid spruce. As for the back, sides, and neck, they are made of nato. This wood has similar characteristics to mahogany. - Walnut Fretboard And Bridge
As for the neck and bridge of this guitar, they are made of walnut. Accordingly, these elements are dark, which contrasts nicely with the overall light finish and the chrome hardware. - Natural Matte
You’ll love this instrument if you’re a light guitar fan. Its color is called Natural matte, so you can see the wood grain on the body. Besides, the matte finish won’t bother you with fingerprints.
Pros:
The Yamaha FG800M costs only two and a half hundred dollars, making it an absolute no-brainer. For this price, you get a solid spruce top and, consequently, great sound for your money. Also, speaking of advantages, it’s impossible not to mention its gorgeous appearance, made in a light natural color with a matte finish.
Cons:
It is a purely acoustic guitar and has no pickups. But if you’re going to record it with just a microphone, then this won’t be a big problem. Other than that, we don’t see any other drawbacks.
5. Epiphone J-200 EC Studio
Epiphone J-200 EC Studio is a replica of the legendary model you can get at a relatively affordable price.
Now it’s time to talk about jumbo guitars. They are considered one of the largest. As a result, they produce a lot of resonance, which means they sound loud. One of the most famous of these guitars is the Gibson J-200. However, we will show you a less expensive copy of this guitar from Epiphone.
The Epiphone J-200 EC Studio is an electroacoustic guitar with a cutaway. Its design deserves special attention because, like the original model, you will see a lot of decoration on many instrument elements. Let’s try to understand the features of this guitar.
Key Features:
- Fishman Preamp With The Pickups
Since this is an electro-acoustic guitar, it has a Fishman preamp with a pickup system on board. Thus, you can adjust Bass, Middle, and Treble. In addition, there is a built-in tuner. You’ll also find a separate button for phase reversal. - Solid Spruce Top
Another important feature is that this guitar’s top is solid spruce. As for the rest of the instrument, you will find a maple body and neck. By the way, the scale of the guitar is 648 millimeters. - Pau Ferro Fretboard
The fingerboard of this guitar is made of Pau Ferro. This material is less porous and gives a quick attack and a brighter tone. Especially if we compare this wood with another popular one like rosewood, but in terms of appearance, these materials are very similar. - Original Design
The design of this guitar is quite similar to the original model. In particular, you can see the decorated pickguard here. In addition, “King” fretboard inlays and Gold-plated hardware look fantastic.
Pros:
The Epiphone J-200 EC Studio is a great-looking instrument with a gorgeous look and a nice, balanced sound. This jumbo guitar is modeled after the famous Gibson model, but it won’t make you break the bank. The price is about $500, which makes it relatively affordable. And, of course, it’s also worth noting that the instrument is equipped with a Fishman preamp and pickups.
Cons:
Some users claim this guitar doesn’t have the loud sound we’re used to hearing from a jumbo shape. Besides that, we can’t think of any other drawbacks and encourage you to check out the comments online.
6. Seagull S6 Original Natural
If you want a comfortable fingerstyle guitar, check out the Seagull S6 Original.
Seagull is a Canadian brand that produces handmade guitars. In addition, they also offer mandolins and ukuleles. Their instruments might cost a lot of money, but there are very nice products with prices that don’t bite. One of them is the most popular model of this brand – Seagull S6 Original.
This guitar has a dreadnought shape, 21 frets, a 648mm scale, and a 45.7mm nut width. All in all, these characteristics make it quite comfortable for fingerstyle. Let’s see what other features this instrument has.
Key Features:
- Wild Cherry Back And Sides
The designers of this guitar used wild cherry for the back and sides. As a result, you get a dark natural color. This wood is known for having a rather bright sound. - Solid Cedar Top
The top of the guitar is made of solid cedar, a light color contrasts perfectly with the sides and back. In terms of tone, this wood has a darker sound and tames cherry beautifully. - Rosewood Fretboard And Bridge
Among other materials, this guitar also features rosewood. In particular, the neck and bridge are made of it, which are dark in color. By the way, the neck itself is made of maple. - Straight Head of Neck
The top of the neck differs from what you’re used to seeing on most acoustic guitars. It has a straight shape. It ensures that the strings have the smallest possible refraction angle and a better tune.
Pros:
The Seagull S6 Original is a great acoustic guitar handmade in Canada with a balanced sound. Its price is around $730, which makes it a great option in the sub-$1000 range. It has a straight headstock that promises to hold a solid tune and a beautiful natural color.
Cons:
This guitar is purely acoustic, so you won’t find any pickups here. But Seagull also has models with electronics as well. Also, some users do not like the original design of the headstock, but this is a matter of individual taste.
7. Martin Guitars D-28
The Martin Guitars D-28 is a legendary acoustic guitar you can hear on countless albums.
Martin guitars are, in a sense, the “holy grail” of many guitarists. The history of this brand stretches back to the 19th century. And the fact that they have been around for so long and are one of the most popular manufacturers says something. Now, we will show you one of their most recorded and best-selling models, the D-28.
This dreadnought guitar was first released in the 1940s and has become a true benchmark. That’s because many legendary musicians used it. For example, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and many others. Let’s now move on to analyze its features.
Key Features:
- Solid Body Elements
As you know, expensive guitars are made from solid pieces of wood, and the D-28 is no exception. In particular, the top is solid spruce. The sides and back are solid rosewood with a warm and balanced sound. - Improved Resonances
The latest D-28 models have been slightly modified so that the legendary sound is unaffected. For example, here you will find “forward-shifted bracing,” which improves resonance and adds round bass, a nice midrange, and clear highs. - Ebony Fretboard And Bridge
This guitar also has an ebony fretboard and bridge. By the way, the latter has a compensating bone saddle. That is done to help the G and B strings be in better tuning and intonation. - Original Design
Despite some modifications, this guitar still has an original design. In particular, it has a tortoise pickguard, antique white binding, Mother-of-Pearl dot fingerboard inlays, and open nickel tuners.
Pros:
The Martin Guitars D-28 is a legendary instrument that has become the flagship of what a dreadnought should look and sound like. It is made from solid pieces of solid wood and has a nice balanced sound. And, of course, you get almost the same design this model has had since the 1940s.
Cons:
The only significant drawback we can point out here is the high price of the instrument. It cost more than three and a half thousand dollars. Also, this particular version is not equipped with electronics.
8. Gretsch G5022 CE Rancher Jumbo
The Gretsch G5022 CE Rancher Jumbo is an eye-catching guitar with a great sound and an affordable price.
Gretsch is one of the most famous manufacturers of musical instruments, with roots dating back to 1883. The company was founded in the United States by an immigrant from Germany, and his descendants continue the family business to this day. Among the connoisseurs of Gretsch instruments are such famous names as Malcolm Young, George Harrison, Bono, and others.
Now, we will show you a great jumbo guitar with a rather unconventional but cool design. This is the Gretsch G5022 CE Rancher. This particular model is made in a catchy color and has electronics. Let’s talk about it in more detail.
Key Features:
- Jumbo Guitar With a Cutaway
This guitar comes in a jumbo shape, which means it’s slightly larger than other acoustic guitars. This model also has a Venetian Cutaway, meaning you will have easy access to the upper frets. - Solid Spruce Top
Regarding the materials, the guitar’s top is presented as a solid spruce. In turn, the bottom and sides are made of laminated maple. And, of course, the neck is made of mahogany and has a rosewood fretboard. - Fishman Isys+ Pickup
Another feature of this guitar is the presence of electronics. In particular, you will have a Fishman Isys+ Pickup. A separate panel on the body adjusts the bass, midrange, and treble. By the way, the guitar also has a built-in tuner. - Non-Standard Design
The rather unconventional design of this guitar is also worth noting. The hole on the body is not round but close to a triangle. There is also a beautiful pickguard with a company logo. And, of course, the color of this instrument is Savannah Sunset.
Pros:
The Gretsch G5022 CE Rancher is a nice-looking guitar from a manufacturer with more than a century of history. This guitar is shaped like a jumbo, which means it will resonate well. The sound is deep and balanced. This instrument also has a Fishman pickup and a reasonable price of under $500.
Cons:
We don’t see any drawbacks to this instrument, especially regarding the price and number of packaged features. Therefore, we recommend you check out the user comments online.
9. Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic
The Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is an acoustic guitar with a rebellious flavor that will make you fall in love with its design.
Tim Armstrong is an American musician, songwriter, and producer best known as the vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Rancid. We will show you his custom acoustic guitar model, based on Tim’s old Fender from the 60s – the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat Acoustic.
Of course, this guitar is modified from the original model, which applies primarily to the design. As for the shape, it’s a Concert. The instrument also has 19 frets and a 43mm nut width. But let’s talk about all this in order.
Key Features:
- Mahogany Body
The body of this guitar is made entirely of mahogany. In particular, solid top, sides, and back. Also, the guitar has a maple neck, which is lighter and contrasts with the rest of the elements. As for the fretboard, it’s walnut. - Active Preamp & Tuner
You can plug this guitar into combos or other amplifiers because it has a Fishman pickup system with an active preamp. So you’ll find bass, volume, and treble controls. In addition, there is also a tuner. - Hellcat Design
This guitar has cool decorative elements that deserve attention. In particular, it has Hellcat logo fretboard inlays. However, on the twelfth fret you will find two skulls. In addition, there are also vintage style open gear machine heads.
Pros:
If you’re a country singer but want an acoustic guitar with a rock flavor, the Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat is the way to go. It’s a beautiful instrument with a mahogany body and maple neck. In addition, there is also a Fishman pickup system with an active preamp and tuner. And the cherry on top is the price, which is approximately $380.
Cons:
Some users claim that this instrument came with sharp fret edges. Also, some people didn’t like the fact that the guitar doesn’t have enough low end.
10. Yamaha A5R ARE VN
The Yamaha A5R ARE is a guitar made in Japan that will surprise you with its rich sound.
It’s time to discuss the product of another well-known brand – Yamaha. It is a Japanese company that is one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments worldwide. Of course, they have models of different price categories. But now we will focus on a mid-range model made in Japan – the Yamaha A5R ARE.
It is a dreadnought acoustic guitar with a cutaway. Generally, it is made of high-quality materials and, therefore, has a corresponding sound. In addition, it is also equipped with a pickup system. Let’s take a look at what’s available here.
Key Features:
- Solid Body Pieces
As should be the case with top-of-the-line models, the body parts of this guitar are made from solid pieces. In particular, you’ll find a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. As for the soundhole inlay, it’s a combination of mahogany and rosewood. - African Mahogany Neck
The neck of this guitar is made of African mahogany. It also has an ebony fretboard with 20 frets. As for the nut width, it is 43 mm. Therefore, the neck is quite comfortable to play. - Built-in Preamp
Another important feature is that the instrument has a built-in preamp system and pickups. In particular, it is a 71 + SRT 2 piezo pickup. You’ll also find volume control and a mic knob here. - Vintage Natural
This instrument is made in Vintage Natural with a light top. However, the rosewood bottom and sides are dark, which provides a nice contrast. Also, the dark pickguard and cross-shaped fretboard inlays add to the beauty of the guitar.
Pros:
The Yamaha A5R ARE is a high-quality guitar made in Japan. It has a minimalist yet attractive design and is made of high-quality wood. In particular, there is a combination of spruce, rosewood, and mahogany in solid pieces. As for the sound, it is balanced, rich, and has a lot of pleasant overtones.
Cons:
This guitar is in a price category that cannot be called affordable: about one and a half thousand dollars. Apart from that, we don’t see any other drawbacks and recommend checking out the user comments online.
11. Fender CD-60S All Mah
The Fender CD-60S All Mah is a budget-friendly, full-sounding acoustic guitar made entirely of mahogany.
If you want a guitar with a good sound but without spending much money, the next item on our list might be for you. It is an acoustic guitar from Fender with a Squier price tag – Fender CD-60S All Mah. Its main feature is that it is made entirely of mahogany.
This instrument has a dark natural color and a dreadnought shape. You’ll have 20 frets and a fairly low action, which is good for beginners. Let’s take a closer look at the features of this product.
Key Features:
- All Mahogany
All the main parts of the guitar are made of mahogany. In particular, the top, back, sides, and neck. The top is a solid piece of wood, which is pretty good considering the instrument’s affordable price tag. - Scalloped X-Bracing
Inside the body, this guitar has Scalloped X-bracing. It’s a special design that helps the top vibrate more and adds enhanced resonances. Thus, the guitar has a rather full sound. - Improved Intonation
In addition, the creators of the guitar equipped it with a compensating bridge and diecast tuners. It is, in turn, designed to give improved intonation. Therefore, the notes will sound articulate enough. - 43 mm Nut Width
As for the neck of this guitar, it is quite comfortable to play. In particular, the nut width is 43 millimeters. Also, this guitar has a low action so you won’t suffer from calluses on your fingers.
Pros:
If you are a beginner and need an affordable guitar, the Fender CD-60S All Mah is a good option. This instrument costs about one and a half hundred dollars and is made entirely of mahogany. It gives it a warm and full guitar tone. The guitar has plenty of resonance and is equipped with Scalloped X-bracing inside. And, of course, its dark natural color also looks pretty good.
Cons:
This acoustic guitar is not equipped with pickups. Some users also complain about the poor quality of the bridge pins and glue dust.
12. Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE
The Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE guitar will surprise you with its sound and features for its price.
The next guitar on our list suits beginners and more experienced musicians with slightly smaller hands because the shape of this instrument is an auditorium, and it is smaller than dreadnoughts. We are talking about the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE guitar.
Harley Benton instruments are known for their attractive and affordable prices. And this product is no exception. As for the sound, it’s excellent, considering the guitar’s budget status. Moreover, it also has a pickup system. Now let’s talk about the main features of this product.
Key Features:
- Mahogany Guitar
In general, this guitar is made of different types of mahogany. In particular, it has an okoume top and neck. The rest of the body is made of sapele. As for the bridge and the fretboard, it’s Pau Ferro. - Venetian Cutaway
One of the nuances that makes the auditorium shape more modern here is the presence of a Venetian cutaway. Thus, the guitar’s creators ensured you have better access to the upper frets. - Modified Oval C Neck Profile
If we talk about the neck profile of the instrument, it is a Modified oval C. Overall, it feels more like an electric guitar than an acoustic one. Therefore, we can say that the neck is quite comfortable to play. As for the nut width, it is 43 mm. - Pickup & Built-In Tuner
The icing on the cake of this product is the presence of a pickup and the Fishman Presys-II Preamp System. Moreover, you will have volume, bass, treble, and phase controls. In addition to this, the developers have also equipped the guitar with a built-in tuner.
Pros:
The price of the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE guitar is just over $200, which makes it an absolute no-brainer. It’s made of different types of mahogany and has a great sound with a pronounced midrange. In addition, it has a comfortable neck suitable for beginners, pickups, and a built-in tuner.
Cons:
This guitar has only one strap pin. In addition, some users have complained about unpolished fret edges. We can’t think of any other cons, especially considering the product’s price.
Conclusion
As you can see, many guitars of different shapes are suitable for country music, even if you are a beginner or an experienced musician. To conclude this post, let us give you some tips on which instruments to look for.
If you have a budget and want a high-end acoustic guitar, you should check out the #2 Taylor 224ce-K DLX, #3 Gibson J-45 Standard, and #7 Martin Guitars D-28. The latter is among the most famous in its class, and many legendary albums have been recorded with it.
The products of the middle price category include the number 1 Epiphone Hummingbird Studio, number 6 Seagull S6 Original, and number 8 Gretsch G5022 CE Rancher Jumbo. These guitars have a good price-performance ratio.
And if you’re a beginner looking for a decent instrument to start playing country music, check out the #4 Yamaha FG800M, #11 Fender CD-60S All Mah, and #12 Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE. The latter option has a great sound, a comfortable neck, and high-quality pickups.
Remember that the most suitable instrument for you is the one that will inspire you to play over and over and over. Before choosing, we recommend you visit the nearest music store and try playing the guitar yourself. That’s the only way to know if this will resonate with you. We wish you a good choice!
Ilarion Ivanenko is a remote mixing and mastering engineer from Ukraine, a musician with more than 15 years of experience. Specializes in rock, metal, progressive and the other genres. He can’t imagine his life without music, as it is the biggest passion in his life