Today we present you to the greatest acoustic guitar brands in the world; we’ve chosen 13 of the best options on the market in 2023.
When shopping for a musical instrument online, it’s easy to get lost in the plethora of information and choices available. If you’re starting, an acoustic guitar can be one of the trickiest instruments to shop for. While purchasing an acoustic guitar, it’s essential to consider the wide range of available models and features and your budget.
Aside from knowing how to separate acoustic guitars by specs and price, knowing things about the brand and what makes it authentic and, in this way, you can resonate differently with the instrument is crucial.
Let’s follow the best brands regarding acoustic guitars in 2023.
Top 13 Acoustic Guitar Brands In The World For 2022
1. Fender
Fender’s long association with acoustic guitars can be traced back to the early 1960s when the brand gave the staid world of acoustic guitar design a welcome shot of modernity and the youthful exuberance of Southern California’s sun-and-fun lifestyle.
An acoustic Fender guitar was not something to be treated with the same level of formality as a more expensive instrument or presented as a priceless artifact. That wasn’t meant for the cozy confines of a fireplace mantle or the silent confines of a classical performance hall.
Instead, an acoustic Fender was perfect for packing up and taking to the beach. There was a time and a place for it: around campfires and espresso bars. Classic 1960s Fender ads showcased the great sound, sleek design, and sturdy construction of Fender acoustic guitars.
Humble Beginnings:
Fender has a long history with acoustic guitars that began in the early 1960s when the company injected the conservative realm of acoustic guitar design with a dose of modernism and the carefree spirit of the sunny state of California. The acoustic Fender guitar wasn’t worthy of the same reverence as a more expensive instrument or presentation as a valuable treasure.
They wouldn’t expect to see that displayed on a fireplace mantel or heard resounding through the halls of a concert theater dedicated to classical music. Instead, an acoustic Fender was the ideal beach instrument because of its portability. At campfires and in cafes, that was the time and place.
Acoustic guitars from Fender were prominently featured in iconic 1960s advertising for their sound, stylish looks and robust build. Unfortunately, Fender’s acoustic guitar lineup burst at the seams around the year 1965. Fender’s new “hockey stick” headstock design debuted on the Malibu and Newporter models in April 1965, followed by two 12-string variants in July 1965: the Shenandoah and the smaller, less costly Villager.
During the summer of 1966, the King was renamed the Kingman, and the Classic was retired. The Rossmeisl-designed Wildwood series, based on the Kingman, debuted in the summer of 1966. Otherwise, there needed to be more innovation in Fender acoustic guitar design after CBS purchased the company in early 1965.
They injected the beech trees with different dyes while growing, and the resulting Wildwood finishes were used to decorate these guitars. The Wildwood acoustics stood out because of their unique beauty, although they were never widely popularized.
In the summer of 1968, Fender released the Redondo, its last U.S.-made acoustic model of the decade; the following year, in the summer of 1969, Fender released its first Japanese-made acoustic model, the F-Series.
Claim To Fame: (CD-60S Dreadnought)
The CD-60s is one of the most played guitars in its class; thus, it deserves the place. Fender may be best known for its iconic line of electric guitars and basses, but their dedication to creating acoustic instruments is not to be underestimated.
The redesigned Fender CD 60s Dreadnought provides high-end sound at a reasonable price thanks to its classic combination of dreadnought and mahogany back and sides.
It creates the world-famous full-bodied tone, suitable for the novice or the aspiring performer, and provides the fantastic playing journey you’d anticipate and more. However, its beautiful appearance is the Fender CD 60s’ primary selling point. The laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides set this Fender acoustic apart from the competition.
Contemporary Offerings: (Newporter)
Fender’s Newporter Player Acoustic-Electric Guitar boasts a slick design, powerful sound, and easy handling. The solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides of the Newporter Player produce a deep, rich tone over the guitar’s entire frequency range.
From delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming, all playing styles benefit from the remarkable playability and response of a mahogany neck with a walnut fingerboard. In addition, a pickup and preamp system created by Fishman lets you plug in and get a lovely amplified acoustic tone.
- Neck
Guitarists of practically every genre have come to revere the Fender’s neck. The Newporter Player continues on that legendary feel with its slim-taper, C-shaped design. This shape makes it easy to play leads and chords in any location on the neck without tiring your fret hand. This great neck looks even better with the traditional 6-in-line headstock that matches it, so the whole package is highly regarded. - Body
The Newporter Player’s fittings improve both its sound and appearance. This fantastic instrument has a binding made of aged white leather that looks well with the instrument’s natural wood and body color. Scalloped X-bracing and a genuine walnut modern Viking bridge further boost the resonant quality of this great acoustic instrument.
2. Gibson
Musicians would likely need an introduction to Gibson, given how well-known the brand is. Gibson Guitars has been around for as long as 120 years. Thanks to giants like Clapton and Slash, everyone has seen a Les Paul electric guitar, but what about Gibson acoustic guitars? Gibson’s acoustic guitars consistently feature some of the most precise, robust tones available.
A wide range of signature series models, beginner to advanced level guitars, and even self-tuning acoustic guitars are now available from the firm. Gibson acoustic guitars have been evolving and extending for over 120 years. There’s a good reason why all the greats, from Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley to Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton, have endorsed Gibson guitars.
Humble Beginnings:
In 1894, Orville Gibson built the first known Gibson instrument, an arch-top mandolin similar to the style of violins. In his one-person woodshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, young Orville is still turning out a whole new line of mandolins and acoustic guitars. Each has a similar arched top. Gibson is widely recognized as the company that pioneered the arch-top guitar.
However, the artisan quickly finds himself unable to keep up with the rising demand for Orville Gibson’s instruments. With the help of five Kalamazoo investors (music shop owners and attorneys), Orville Gibson sold his name and established the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company in 1902. Up until 1904, he serves as a consultant for the firm.
In the 1920s and 1930s, arch-top acoustic guitars from Gibson continue to be in demand. Flat-top acoustic guitars were already making waves in the market by the turn of the decade, although arch-tops continued to be the standard for “Spanish” style musicians, dance bands, swing orchestras, and Western groups.
The rivalry between Gibson and a newer guitar maker, Epiphone, arose in 1934. Gibson “advances” the bodies, ranges, and volumes of its various arch-top guitars and introduces a new venture into the flat-top market with the dreadnought-shaped Jumbo model, which has round shoulders.
In 1936, the J-35 and the Advanced Jumbo were released, significant upgrades over the original Jumbo. Meanwhile, Gibson’s L-1, L-0, and L-00 flat-tops have been consistently strong sellers. When “cowboy” star Ray Whitley commissioned a Gibson acoustic guitar from the company in 1937, it became arguably the most good flat-top of the age—introducing the J-200 Super Jumbo.
Claim To Fame: (SJ-200)
Gibson’s Acoustic SJ-200 Original traces its lineage to some of the most legendary flat-top guitars ever made. Its combination of traditional tonewoods with high-end electronics results in a sound ideal for recording and live performance. The combination of Sitka spruce and maple produces a robust and focused sound well-suited to fingerstyle playing.
Its strength is enhanced when played with a flat pick, but the guitar’s singing voice is never compromised. Onboard LR Baggs VTC electronics provide a rich and dynamic response for your plugged-in enjoyment. The SJ-200 is fitted with the high-end features of a Gibson, such as the Graduated Crown inlays on the fretboard, the Moustache bridge, and the engraved pickguard.
Contemporary Offerings: (G-00)
The intersection of apparent simplicity and profound insight is the hallmark of true creative brilliance. G-line acoustic guitars are built by hand in the USA. As a result, they feature all the traditional Gibson sound, feel, and playability you’d expect from the business that has been at the forefront of the acoustic guitar industry for decades.
In addition, the G-00 features Gibson’s Player Port, allowing more flexible sound interaction with this delectable acoustic. The Player Port begins at the guitar’s upper shoulder and travels into the instrument’s body, where an acoustic instrument’s signature sound is created.
- Neck
The G-00 features a neck crafted from utile, a mahogany-like wood with exceptional tonal qualities. Whether you’re playing chords or solos, its responsive profile will feel natural in your palm. Also, the striped ebony fingerboard and 24.75-inch scale length make for a very comfortable neck to travel. Finally, thanks to the neck’s silky playability, you may play for longer without becoming tired. - Body
Wonderful acoustic tones abound with the G-00, and the sound produced by its Sitka spruce top is clear and powerful, with an exceptional dynamic range. You can put as much pressure as you like on the G-00, and it will still hold up. The walnut used for its back and sides creates a tone that lands between the rich darkness of rosewood and the brilliant, bell-like ring of maple.
The G-00 is an excellent medium-sized instrument that works well in a trio or duo setting or even as a stand-alone instrument for a soloist. The G-00 is great for recording due to its compact size. The G-00 is an adaptable instrument that sounds great, whether fingerpicked or strummed, thanks to its high volume, clear projection, and unmistakable sizzle.
3. Taylor
Taylor Guitars, founded in 1900 and headquartered in El Cajon, California, is now one of the country’s leading producers of acoustic guitars. They focus on making acoustic guitars and electric guitars with hollow bodies. Famous musicians like Alan Parsons, Emily King, Jonny Tarr, Kat & Alex, and The White Buffalo have all become involved in the Taylor story.
Humble Beginnings:
It was in 1995 that Bob Taylor first questioned whether or not the use of exotic tonewoods in high-end guitars was more significant than careful construction and design. He used some oak he discovered in some shipping pallets at the company to build a dreadnought instrument, which he named the Pallet Guitar.
They reclaimed the neck oak from a cargo pallet, and the fretboard was a forklift covered in Formica and pearl. Only a handful of Pallet Guitars with Grand Auditorium bodies was made and sold in 2000 for $1,000. The nail holes in the original pallet wood inspired the metal inlay used in these guitars.
However, since the company was founded, the first Pallet Guitar has remained on display at the Taylor Guitars factory in El Cajon, California. The company’s patent office developed the Taylor NT neck, a bolt-on design used in their guitars, in January 1999.
This guitar is one of a kind among stringed instruments since its neck is fashioned from a single piece of wood from the nut to the nineteenth fret. After the fourteenth fret, the fretboard is only linked to the soundboard on a regular guitar neck. You can get the proper neck angle on an NT guitar, a pocket is cut into the top of the body, and the neck is forced into it using small shims.
With Taylor’s design, You can change the neck angle simply by moving the shims. In the year 1999, Taylor guitars had more basic bolt-on neck designs. Therefore, executing the more extensive technique of ungluing the neck joint is unnecessary to perform the same manipulations on such necks.
Taylor guitars feature an “Expression System” that includes an onboard preamplifier created by Rupert Neve and three pickups and transducers (including a humbucking induction pickup in the neck).
Claim To Fame: (224ce-K DLX)
The Taylor 224ce-K DLX improves with age like a well-aged wine. As time goes on, the richness, sweetness, and resonance of this acoustic-electric guitar’s all-koa body will add depth and dimension to its already impressive snap, robust mids, and sparkling highs.
The guitar’s smooth Sapele neck is another reason it will last for decades. When it’s time to play, the amplified sound from ES2 electronics is second to none. It has a beautiful koa body adorned with black binding, a faux pearl rosette with a single ring and a “fishbone” motif, and little diamond inlays made of Italian acrylic at the fretboard.
Contemporary Offerings: (BBT Walnut)
The Taylor BBT Walnut is a great choice for both beginners and seasoned guitarists. This guitar in the middle range is famous due to its easy handling, bright sound, and compact size. This guitar, in the 15/16 size, is ideal for travelers.
In addition, the Big Baby’s arching back gives your sound that extra oomph you’ve been looking for. The Taylor Big Baby BBT Walnut Acoustic Guitar is a good option if you want a lightweight, easy-to-play acoustic guitar.
- Neck
This guitar is made entirely of walnut because of the lovely grain pattern on the top, back, and sides. In addition, the maple neck and eco-friendly Crelicam ebony fingerboard enhance the instrument’s playability.
But getting back to the walnut, if you give this instrument a strum, you’ll be greeted by a clear, high-end, mellow mids and impressive projection. One can spend hours immersed in the Big Baby BBT Walnut’s mellow tones or robust projection. - Body
The Taylor Big Baby is the largest of their small-bodied guitars. Although it has the loudness and tone of a full-sized dreadnought, this guitar plays like a small-bodied instrument due to its 15/16ths scale. This makes it ideal for individuals who have never played or prefer a more compact instrument.
This guitar is great for traveling and produces a respectable amount of sound. In addition, the Big Baby is lightweight and sounds awesome when plugged in, making it ideal for gigging.
4. Ibanez
Ibanez, one of the world’s largest and most well-known guitar manufacturers, produces a wide variety of guitars for musicians of varying skill and financial means. However, while Ibanez is well-known for their electric guitars, their acoustic line often needs to be noticed despite its high quality and excellent sound.
In 1900, Hoshino Gaki, under a different name, founded the corporation in Japan. The company’s origins may be traced back to the turn of the twentieth century, but it was in 1935 that they produced guitars.
Humble Beginnings:
In the 1960s, the company began gaining some traction in the American market after being largely unknown up until that point. Hoshino Gakki teamed up with Harry Rosenbloom, a music store proprietor from Pennsylvania, United States. The Hoshino Gaki Company name was deemed unsuitable since it needed a Western sound.
So they collaborated to create Ibanez, a name that would make the guitars more marketable simply by association. Some of their earliest guitar designs were inspired by more prominent manufacturers like Gibson and Fender. By selling nearly identical knockoffs of these brands’ instruments at low prices, they were able to attract customers.
This aided in expanding their exposure, but there were other keys to their long-term success. They no longer base their guitars on those of others who have found commercial success. They have acoustic and electric guitars, and some great guitarists endorse the Ibanez name. Certain players even have their very own unique lines of equipment.
For instance, Steve Vai is a fantastic soloist with his line of instruments via Ibanez, including an acoustic model. The acoustic guitars from Ibanez are extensive. Here are a few examples: the AE, Talman, masa, GA, and DT acoustics from the Steve Vai trademark line.
Several well-known performers have come out supporting Ibanez guitars, and the brand is famous among many. Solo guitar greats like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Andy Timmons are among these. Terry Balsamo, Adam Blackstone, and Mike DeWolf are some of the band’s additional guitarists.
Claim To Fame: (AAD440CELGS)
The tonewoods used in Ibanez’s Advanced Platinum Collection are a step from those used in the company’s standard Advanced Series guitars. However, they still retain the series’ playability and projection. In addition, Ibanez has released the AAD440CE Advanced Platinum Acoustic-electric, allowing you to get your ideal sound.
This African mahogany instrument produces rich sounds in body and natural projection. This Ibanez, with its massive dreadnought body, produces a tone that is both pleasing and powerful. With its 5-piece mahogany, pau Ferro neck, smooth Macassar ebony fingerboard, and chrome die-cast 18:1-gear-ratio tuners, this guitar is a joy to play.
Due to the Advanced Access cutaway, the higher frets may be easily accessed, opening users to new possibilities for soloing and harmonic exploration. When you add the Ibanez Custom Electronics to this acoustic, you’ll be ready to take your six-string to the studio or the stage.
Contemporary Offerings: (AAD50)
The Ibanez AAD50 guitar is a fantastic instrument with many features that make it suitable for live performance and recording. The robust Sitka spruce top of the guitar produces a dominating tone, complementing the AAD50’s Sapele back and sides. Furthermore, X-M bracing is included to improve the sound’s definition, sharpness, and warmth.
The Okoume neck and purpleheart fingerboard make this guitar a joy to play, and the chrome die-cast 18:1-gear-ratio tuners guarantee accurate tuning every time. For a solid acoustic guitar that will satisfy your budget, go as far as this one.
- Wood
Spruce is the traditional top wood for large-bodied dreadnoughts because of its robust, resonant tone. For this reason, Ibanez crafted the AAD50’s top from Sitka spruce. You can expect a powerful, direct sound from this solid-wood soundboard. Additionally, acoustic guitars constructed from spruce have virtually infinite headroom, which can withstand the most vigorous strumming.
The guitar’s Sapele back and sides produce a uniform, well-balanced sound with a touch more treble zing than other woods. People also like the AAD50 because of its X-M bracing, which makes the bass more defined, the highs more detailed, and the midrange more inviting. - Body
Like the Ibanez AAD50, the dreadnought body form is one of the most common and well-liked in the history of the acoustic guitar. The dreadnought body form was popular because, in the past, guitarists relied only on the natural projection of their instruments to convey their music. Even in the modern era, where PA systems are readily available, you will still enjoy the crispness and power of this instrument.
5. Martin Guitars
It’s easy to hear music that features a Martin Guitar. The primary emblem on the guitar of your favorite musicians is likely familiar to you regardless of the musical genre you choose. Likewise, the sound and tone of a Martin guitar are instantly recognizable if you’ve ever played one. Famous musicians worldwide have played Martin guitars, including Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Kurt Kobain, Elvis Presley, and numerous others.
Humble Beginnings:
Since Christian Frederick Martin’s first workbench produced the first guitar in 1833, it has been run by the Martin family. The Martin family has led the enterprise successfully over six generations and countless musical and cultural shifts.
Craftsmanship, careful and patient labor, a commitment to the highest quality standards, a focus on the long term, and environmental protection are values passed down from generation to generation.
It’s an attempt to keep the past alive while adapting to the present. The importance of Martin’s lengthy history as a family business will become apparent to you when you take possession of one of their instruments. Martin’s Dreadnought body style, which they initially presented in 1916, is perhaps the most recognizable and enduring feature of the company’s past.
The dreadnought may now be among the most widely played acoustic guitars, but it was not always so. Fan bracing doomed this guitar to failure, despite its bigger size and deeper body compared to contemporary instruments.
Martin had trouble competing with newcomers like Gibson in the 1920s and relied heavily on its ukulele sales to stay afloat.
However, even though Martin was in danger due to the Great Depression, the company managed to pull through thanks to cool innovations like the 14-fret neck and Orchestra Model body design introduced in 1929.
The innovative bracing allowed the criticized body form of Frank Henry Martin’s guitars to hold its own in a crowded marketplace of stringed instruments by producing a tight sound with a full midrange. Thank goodness it marked the beginning of the contemporary flat-top acoustic guitar.
Claim To Fame: (D-28)
The Martin D-28 is the gold standard of acoustic guitars, and many discriminating guitarists immediately select it as their favorite Martin of all time. The D-28, also known as the “tone cannon,” produces a traditional, full sound with strong projection, making it ideal for use onstage or in the recording studio.
Martin has rethought the D-28 by incorporating the guitar’s storied history with their design features. The worn toner top, antique white details, and fake tortoise pickguard are just a few of the vintage touches. The neck’s contemporary contour and the guitar’s forward-shifted bracing combine to provide a more comfortable and playable instrument.
Contemporary Offerings: (D Jr-10)
If you’re looking for a great acoustic guitar for a younger player or an adult who prefers a smaller instrument, go no further than this. This guitar’s sturdy spruce top is paired with a Sapele back and sides, an excellent tonewood combination that produces a full, balanced acoustic sound.
The Richlite fingerboard and carefully chosen mahogany neck make for hours of comfortable chording and lead playing. In addition, the wood is protected and given its natural sheen by a gorgeous satin finish.
- Wood
This guitar is a great buy because it’s made with solid tonewoods, which are uncommon on instruments in their price range. The thick spruce top ensures a clear, powerful sound. Both the back and sides are crafted from solid Sapele, a wood with a rich and deep tone, not unlike mahogany. Both of these tonewoods improve with age, both visually and sonically. - Body
This guitar has a Dreadnought Junior body, which gives it a clear and full sound. This body shape is ideal for smaller players, students, travelers, and anybody who needs Martin quality in a portable package, thanks to its great projection and focus while still being a perfect size. This Dreadnought Junior is a favorite for recording because of its well-balanced tone and body type. - Neck
A Martin acoustic guitar will be invaluable whether you’re in for a long recording session or want to keep playing till the morning hours. The Dreadnought neck profile is a hallmark of Martin’s guitars, providing a comfortable grip without impeding your ability to play quick lead lines.
6. Seagull
Robert Godin, a resident of the small Canadian town of La Patrie, Quebec, started manufacturing the first Seagull guitars in 1982. The concept behind this line of guitars began with a desire to create stunning instruments using only the finest materials. There is a subset of Godin guitars known as Seagull guitars.
Humble Beginnings:
Seagull Guitars was founded in Canada and is being manufactured there today. From cutting the wood to applying the finish, these guitars are top-notch. Seagull also uses wood from their trees, which is sustainably managed to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
The guitar builders at Seagull Guitars come from a tiny town in Canada and are genuinely dedicated to their craft, which is one of the best things about this particular type of guitar. Most of La Patrie’s modest population finds gainful employment at Godin Guitars. The high standards to which Seagull holds itself are reflected in the excellence of its output.
Seagull is distinguished from the competition by several characteristics and innovations, not the least of which is that they use only sustainably sourced wood and subject it to pressure testing to guarantee quality and strength. First, and most obviously, there’s the Seagull headstock. A Seagull guitar can be identified by its distinctive tapering headstock.
This headstock’s stated purpose is to provide easier tuning maintenance for the guitar. The guitar tops they use also have a complex curvature. Because of this, they can use a thinner top without sacrificing structural strength. Therefore, even though they feature a slight arch around the bridge, these guitars cannot be classified as archtops.
There are many Seagull guitar series, each with its unique characteristics. The Artist Series and the Maritime Series are two collections made entirely of wood. While the rest of the series has a solid wood top, the back and sides are now laminated wood.
Claim To Fame: (Artist Tuxedo Black Anthem)
With its glossy black piano appearance and white accents, the Artist Tuxedo may be considered the series’ dapper gentleman. This compact acoustic-electric features premium tonewoods and great construction methods for a guitar that can hold its own in any setting.
This guitar’s solid spruce top, mahogany back, and sides produce a powerful sound with a wide dynamic range when played acoustically. It has a hybrid TUSQ nut atop a glossy, Richlite-clad silver leaf maple neck, making it easy to switch from a stage electric to a Jumbo acoustic.
Contemporary Offerings: (Entourage)
Inexpensive and easy to play, the Seagull Entourage guitar has a fantastic sound. With a solid spruce top that has been put under extreme pressure and three layers of wild cherry for the back and sides, this guitar produces a rich, nuanced sound.
The dreadnought body style eliminates excess boom, making it suitable for any performance. The curved compound top and set neck offer you the steadiness, resonance, and projection you need to be heard above the others. The 1.72″ nut width of the Entourage series makes it seem more like a classic acoustic.
- Body
The founder of Seagull Guitars, Robert Godin, refuses to settle for mediocrity. His dogged pursuit of a better guitar resulted in numerous improvements appearing in every Seagull guitar. Each Entourage cover goes through a series of pressure tests to ensure it can withstand the most harmonic vibration possible. Thinner bracing is possible thanks to the guitar’s compound-curved top, which improves the instrument’s structural integrity. - Neck
Seagull’s integrated set neck design provides the tone you want and the stability you need in playing guitar. This method prevents warping and twisting and delivers solid and consistent motion. In addition, the integrated mechanism allows for a fine-tuned neck pitch on the Entourage.
Too much forward and the sound will be muddy, while too far back and the guitar will be tinny. The construction of the Seagull ensures the highest quality of sound and playability.
7. ESP
Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth, four bands widely recognized as the most influential in the genre of thrash metal, made ESP and Jackson & Dean famous in the 1980s by playing and endorsing guitars they had produced.
These musicians’ endorsements are a big reason ESP is now widely considered a pioneer in the heavy metal guitar market. Hundreds of artists openly declared their admiration for ESP instruments as a result.
Humble Beginnings:
ESP, like many other companies in the music industry, got its start making accessories and replacement components for existing instruments. Hisatake Shibuya founded ESP in 1975 to meet the demand for electric guitar and bass components and custom shop models in Japan’s guitar-obsessed market.
Unlike many other manufacturers, ESP set out to do more than merely make imitations. As a result, the quality and price of replacement or upgraded parts were more significant. The corporation made several product lines to fulfill buyers’ needs in Japan, North America, and elsewhere.
They didn’t make those prototypes with mass manufacturing in mind. Contrarily, these were high-end instruments, such as guitars and basses, purchased from a custom shop and reasonably priced. Consequently, a wide range of costs close to $4,000 was expected.
The components and artistry are on par with those of Gibson and Fender Custom Shop models. The Edwards line offers affordable reproductions of classic Gibson and Fender designs, while the Navigator brand features original designs by ESP‘s in-house designers at a lower price point. Due to its reasonable price, Grassroots is a great option for newbies.
In the mid-1990s, ESP collaborated with pickup producer Seymour Duncan to market Fender-inspired electrics under the Seymour Duncan brand in Japan. This partnership lasted until 2004. For the Japanese market, ESP continues to make Duncan-branded basses in the style of Fender.
Claim To Fame: (LTD TL-6)
Gigging with an acoustic-electric guitar might seem awkward for electric guitar players. Those with deeper bodies and sharper edges may feel worse after performing. However, with ESP’s LTD TL-6, that problem is history. The Thinline acoustic-electric guitar is an excellent compromise between the two in terms of sound and playability.
Its thin mahogany body is topped with a polished spruce top, giving it a high-end appearance and a powerful, expressive sound that you can use in both plugged and acoustic settings.
The mahogany neck is thin and “U” shaped, and the frets are so large they sound like they belong on an electric guitar. When it’s time to plug in, the Fishman electronics faithfully duplicate an authentic sound that works in any mix.
Contemporary Offerings: (LTD Xtone Zebra)
People who are only familiar with acoustic guitars might assume that ESP only makes instruments for “shredders” who play extremely rapidly and loudly on electric guitars.
The popularity of ESP guitars among fans of hair metal and thrash bands like Metallica helped propel the company to the forefront of the music industry. As if that wasn’t enough of a shock, the EW-Z exceeded expectations regarding price and functionality. This isn’t just a rebranded acoustic guitar at a discount store.
- Neck
The EW-Z has a great neck that is quick, soft, and simple to use. Wide at 1 3/4 inches at the nut, it’s comfortable for fingerstyle playing. Its body is crafted from mahogany, and a rosewood fretboard inlaid with large chunks of pearl serves as its crowning feature.
Thin U Contour is a profile that will be comfortable to shred loyalists, and the extra jumbo frets make it easy to play for extended periods and a dream for blues bends. - Body
However, the guitar’s compact body makes it easy to hold, light, and balance. The ESP logo is prominently displayed on the guitar’s gold tuners, keeping with the Graceland aesthetic and making the headstock look like Elvis’ pompadour. Due to the compact body and the inlaid top, the rosewood pin bridge may look disproportionately large.
Considering the already eye-catching character of the highly figured Zebrawood, the guitar’s pearl accents on the headstock, in the rosette, and around the body are pretty bright.
8. Yamaha
Yet the popularity of Yamaha guitars is driven less by the typical guitar hero worship that propels many guitar sales and more by the brand’s reputation for exceptional quality and the great value their instruments give for the money.
While an ever-rotating cast of modern instruments has stolen the limelight, Yamaha has quietly met the needs of players at every level. Though this label and its affiliated musicians aren’t necessarily known for producing the best electric guitars, they are undoubtedly the best in acoustic instruments. Examples include Alex Skolnick of Testament and Anders Osborne.
Humble Beginnings:
Yamaha’s roots go back long before the company began making their now-iconic inexpensive great guitars. Despite the company’s reputation for guitars, it did not initially specialize in producing guitars when it was founded in 1887 in the island country of Japan. In its early days, Yamaha’s main business was making and repairing pianos and organs for the domestic Japanese market.
The original Yamaha guitars, which had several ground-breaking design elements, hit the market in the 1940s. However, it would still be another decade before the company’s guitars hit shelves in the United States and other Western markets. Yamaha guitars only appeared on the scene in the 1940s. This is because the company started seriously thinking about making guitars in the 1940s.
The Yamaha acoustic guitar factory in Hamamatsu, Japan, was established around this time in the company’s history. Despite this breakthrough, these guitars remained exclusive to the Japanese market throughout the 1950s and the 1960s.
The 1960s were a pivotal decade in developing the Yamaha acoustic guitar. In the 1960s, the firm expanded beyond the Japanese market to sell its great innovative guitars to customers in the United States and other countries.
The significant growth in demand for their guitars in the United States and elsewhere served as the impetus for the company to seek out new markets for its products. The massive success of The Beatles is often cited as a contributing factor.
John Lennon once commissioned a one-of-a-kind Yamaha guitar, which helped increase the company’s already high demand. Yamaha was able to break into the U.S. and other international markets partly because of the country’s widespread love of the band.
Claim To Fame: (LL56 Custom)
The Yamaha LL56 Custom is the kind of acoustic guitar you want when you’re ready for an investment that will last a lifetime. Yamaha’s finest luthiers in Japan create the LL56. The body and top of this guitar are made from good, hand-selected rosewood and Engelmann spruce, respectively; both kinds of wood have been treated using Yamaha’s expertise to provide a balanced tone and a long life for the instrument.
In addition, the neck’s 5-ply mahogany/rosewood construction and the fingerboard’s Macassar ebony provide exceptional playability and response. Furthermore, the LL56’s meticulous design is quite impressive.
The body and headstock are bound in exquisite abalone and maple. Furthermore, an abalone rosette makes for a stunning display on or off stage. Finally, an ebony bridge improves the sound and looks stunning.
Contemporary Offerings: (LS6M)
The LS6sM’s Engelmann spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a full-bodied sound and comfortable playing experience. The five-ply mahogany and rosewood neck has a revised, thinner neck shape and an improved fingerboard edge, all of which contribute to a smooth playing experience.
Authentic plugged-in tones are achieved with a passive SRT Zero Impact pickup that employs six individual components to pick up on each string. In addition, the premium acoustic-electric Yamaha LS6M has been modified to provide excellent tone and playability.
- Neck
Yamaha’s relentless pursuit of excellence gives the LS6M great tone and silky playability. The chemical qualities of the wood are adjusted to simulate those of a well-played guitar by manipulating the surrounding environment (air pressure, temperature, and humidity).
Each guitar in the L Series has a non-scalloped bracing that has been adjusted to improve low-frequency response. Also, the string height and spacing have been reevaluated, resulting in a new design for the 5-ply mahogany/rosewood neck. The Yamaha LS6M uses recent breakthroughs in guitar building to deliver a sensationally playable and sounding instrument. - Body
Yamaha used a quality solid Engelmann spruce top for the LS6M. Solid spruce is favored for its aesthetic value and great sound; the wood projects its notes far and wide. In addition, the wood used for the body and sides enhances the bass and clarity.
And because it has a solid wood top, the sound improves with time, developing richer harmonics and a more even tonal balance. The smaller medium jumbo body size of the LS6M, along with the great tonewoods used in its construction, results in an incredibly nuanced and responsive guitar, making it a great choice for fingerstyle guitarists.
9. Harley Benton
The name Harley Benton had no significance a few years ago, but that has now changed. The name Harley Benton is now commonly used in conjunction with excellent guitars.
It is a brand of musical instruments that produces acoustic and electric guitars, basses, amps, and various other instruments. The instruments created by Harley Benton are available at highly reasonable prices, are constructed using components of the highest quality, and produce an incredible sound.
Humble Beginnings:
Company founder Hans Thomann established Harley Benton in 1997. Treppendorf, Germany, is home to the business. They also have their own Harley Benton brand. Several reputable companies create the goods and supply essential machinery to numerous other household names.
There are presently 2005 Harley Benton Guitars goods in stock, and another 223 are featured in their current Hot Deals. Harley Benton items have been available through Thomann since the company’s founding in 1997. Products made by Harley Benton are essential. One Harley Benton product has been purchased by one out of every five customers at Thomann.
All products purchased from Harley Benton come with a 2-year warranty. For their consumers, they provide a 3-year warranty, which is one year longer than what is typically offered. On the Thomann store, Harley-Benton items are consistently popular. Over ten million manufacturer product pages have been seen on their Online Store in the last month alone.
Claim To Fame: (CLD-30SCM-CE)
You can access incredible tones by playing an instrument with a solid cedar top and matching solid mahogany back and sides. When you factor in the Fishman Sonicore pickup system, this guitar becomes one of the greatest Harley Benton guitars available without breaking the bank.
This guitar has a dynamic range and produces soft, mellow, and pleasant sounds. This guitar’s dreadnought body shape is ideal for accompanying vocals since it allows you to produce full and clear highs. Given that it’s constructed entirely of solid wood, the guitar’s tone will only improve with time. There’s a tuner on the side and a pickup mechanism that allows you to plug in and perform at gigs.
Contemporary Offerings: (GS-Travel-E Spruce)
One of the world’s most successful acoustic guitar companies has one of the best-selling models in Harley Benton’s rendition. It’s a compact acoustic guitar that can be plugged into an amp or PA for increased loudness, making it ideal for traveling.
- Body
Although its scale length is lower than that of a standard guitar, this model is still manageable for most grownups. However, a beginner who prefers a smaller acoustic or a seasoned player who values portability will find this an excellent option.
Excellent articulation and attack contribute to the sound’s pleasant brightness. This guitar features a traditional wood configuration with a spruce top, mahogany back, and sides. The fact that it also includes a gig bag when you buy it means you’re getting one of the greatest portable guitars you can find for the money. - Neck
It’s a beautiful little guitar with a great fretboard and a nice neck that’s just a tad on the small side. In terms of aesthetics and usability. Unusually for an acoustic guitar, the head is shaped in a way that makes it stand out. Observe the nut’s connection to the fretboard and the head. Black nuts, rounded on three sides, could be the culprit.
10. Epiphone
Gibson’s spinoff firm, Epiphone, produces the Epiphone brand of acoustic guitars. In 1873, the Epiphone Guitar Company was founded in Nashville, Tennessee. Epiphone is known for its line of acoustic guitars, which includes the Epiphone Masterbilt, Epiphone Dove, and Epiphone AJ-100.
Regarding guitars, Epiphone makes some of the best (and most underappreciated) models available. When compared to other inexpensive versions, they provide superior quality assurance. Some of the most excellent musicians have used these instruments in their performances, and historically, the Beatles played at Epiphone Casinos.
Humble Beginnings:
When it comes to guitars, Epiphone has been around for a long time and is a household name for good reason. Since its inception in 1873, the company has produced acoustic instruments. The Gibson subsidiary Epiphone makes an extensive line of affordable, cool acoustic guitars for players of all skill levels.
The acoustic guitars made by Epiphone are well regarded for both their quality and their reasonable price. The brand has many different versions for different price points and playing preferences. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into Epiphone acoustic guitars result in instruments that are both easy to play and sound great.
The Epiphone acoustic guitar is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a high-quality instrument that will stay within your budget. The guitars produced by this manufacturer are of high quality and are a good investment. Epiphone makes acoustic guitars for players of all skill levels, from novice to expert. The Gibson inspiration given to the Epiphone guitar gives it an edge over other acoustic guitar brands.
Their prices are reasonable, and the quality of their beginner and intermediate guitars is excellent. The USA series is a high-end solid wood collection produced entirely in the USA. Most Epiphone acoustic guitars, especially the basses, have a flat, boxy sound because the soundboard is made of laminated wood.
When guitar prices reach this point, you’ll be able to get one that sounds great for only a little bit more than $500. A fantastic guitar is meticulously constructed, with numerous desirable features that endear it to its owner base.
It has a timeless country and western style and is an excellent choice for beginners. Many Epiphone acoustic guitar owners express satisfaction with their purchase, although the quality of the instrument does not warrant the price.
Claim To Fame: (USA Frontier)
Epiphone is pleased to bring back an American-made version of its iconic Frontier. With its solid Sitka spruce top and solid figured maple back and sides, this Dove-style dreadnought acoustic guitar produces a robust, punchy treble and midrange that will add sparkle to your performances.
The complex dovetail neck-to-body joint with hot hide glue assures better resonance and durability. At the same time, the gorgeous mahogany neck and Indian rosewood fingerboard offer exquisite response and playability.
When you plug in the Frontier, the LR Baggs VTC pickup produces a sound that is both pure and organic, and it will blow your mind. The Epiphone USA Frontier acoustic-electric guitar is gorgeous, versatile, and easy to play.
Contemporary Offerings: (J-45)
The Epiphone J-45 guitar is unmatched in its price range for its dramatic projection. This guitar is a part of Epiphone’s Advanced Jumbo series, and its more significant lower bout and more petite, rounder upper bout give it a distinctive and lovely timbre.
The robust Sitka spruce top provides great definition and a clear tone, contributing to its lively responsiveness. The body size and the mahogany back and sides provide an instrument with extraordinary depth and body. The Epiphone J-45 guitar is an excellent choice for laying down a solid musical foundation, whether you’re performing solo or with an acoustic ensemble.
- Body
Epiphone chose a solid Sitka spruce top for the J-45 Studio’s construction for its sound and aesthetic value. Epiphone aimed for a resonant sound with the J-45, and solid Sitka spruce achieved that. It also helps improve note definition for more crisp and articulate sound, which is very useful for live and recorded performances.
In addition, the solid wood top allows the sound to develop naturally over time, resulting in better harmonic development and a more well-rounded overall sound. It would help if you had a guitar with a powerful voice that can carry its own in an ensemble, whether you play folk, country, or rock.
The J-45 Studio’s full-range tone and exceptional projection come from its large body size and great tonewoods. As a result, the sound is full and robust, from the lowest bass notes to the highest overtones, making it ideal for solo performances and recording. And if you’re part of an acoustic group, the J-45 Studio will provide a stable underpinning that will stay visible in the mix. - Neck
The J-45 Studio features great tonewoods and Epiphone’s trademark build at a price point more commonly associated with “beginning” models. In addition, the SlimTaper neck makes it a fantastic guitar for beginners, as many prefer it to wider, bulkier necks.
However, the J-45 Studio’s rich tone and great playability are apparent to any guitarist, regardless of experience. To top it all off, the sound will only improve with age due to the instrument’s gorgeous, dynamic, and responsive tonewoods.
11. Gretsch Guitars
When it comes to guitars, Gretsch is among the greatest in terms of aesthetics and individuality. Nothing compares to the look, feel, or sound of a Gretsch.
They have one of the industry’s broadest price ranges, spanning entry-level to luxury. All of them are lovely, but it can be perplexing to try to understand the price disparity among them when they are displayed side by side on the store’s walls and appear strikingly identical.
Humble Beginnings:
Friedrich Gretsch, originally from Germany, moved to New York City in the late 1800s. Soon after his arrival, he found work in a factory producing parts for many other instruments, and in ’83, he opened a shop in New York to sell these goods. Frederick Gretsch, Friedrich’s ambitious and hard-working son, took over the family firm after Friedrich’s untimely death in Germany.
At 50 years old, Frederick was relatively young. Over the next two decades, with Fred at the helm, Gretsch became the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments by 1920. Although Fred Sr. resigned in 1942, both sons had worked for the company since its inception in 1927.
And beginning in 1927, they sold Gretsch guitars directly to buyers. At one time, wholesalers were their only link to the consumer market. The guitar was a mainstay of the rhythm section in the 1930s when big band jazz was popular.
Freddie Green, better known as Mr. Rhythm, was a Count Basie band member. During this time, the guitar was gaining popularity, and two players, Charlie Christian in the United States and Django Reinhardt in Europe, played crucial roles in this shift.
Gretsch introduced many new archtop guitar models that year to meet the rising demand. Also offered in the catalog was the Hawaiian 40, a flat-top acoustic designed to cater to the growing popularity of country music.
Throughout the 1930s, Gretsch offered essentially the same instruments and accessories except for the Gretsch “Electromatic” Hawaiian lap steel guitar and the Gretsch “Electromatic” amplifier. In addition, Gretsch created new flat-top models like the Sierra and 400F in response to a growing demand for acoustic guitars that resembled those played by country music performers like Hank Williams.
Claim To Fame: (G9221)
The resonator guitar is a truly American invention, having been invented in the pre-amplification 1920s to complement the much louder horn instruments than standard in famous bands. The Gretsch G9221, with its all-steel body and diaphragm resonator spider cone, is a faithful recreation of these vintage instruments.
This hand-spun aluminum cone in Eastern Europe produces a powerful bass and a mesmerizingly resonant midrange. Playing chords or using a slide, the beautiful padauk fingerboard with abalone dot inlays responds nicely. The G9221 is a versatile instrument that allows you to experiment with any sound you can imagine, from traditional country and blues to early folk.
Contemporary Offerings: (G9210)
The resonator guitar is a truly American invention, having been invented in the pre-amplification 1920s to complement the much louder horn instruments than standard in famous bands. With its all-mahogany construction and Gretsch diaphragm resonator cone, this instrument maintains faithful to the look and feel of these vintage resonators.
This aluminum cone in Eastern Europe produces a powerful bass and a mesmerizingly resonant midrange. Playing chords or using a slide, the beautiful padauk fingerboard with abalone dot inlays responds nicely. The G9210 allows you to experiment with any sound you can imagine, from traditional country and blues to early folk.
- Body
This exquisiteness has a tiny body fashioned in the grand theater style. Because of this, the instrument can still be effective despite its diminutive size. Since their cones are so well designed, resonator guitars rarely have problems projecting sound.
The guitar’s tone is greatly boosted thanks to the instrument’s body design. The entire guitar’s body is constructed from mahogany, making it an heirloom-quality piece that will last for generations.
Mahogany gives the instrument a darker tone and makes it sound more menacing. The end product is a solid but lightweight instrument focusing on low frequencies. The guitar’s tone would be less distorted without that. If cared for properly, mahogany can last for generations. - Neck
The guitar’s square neck is also crafted from mahogany. The square shape is designed to help the player hold the instrument flat on their lap. The guitar’s mahogany neck will hold it together for the foreseeable future.
Possibly an exaggeration, although mahogany is indeed strong and ages well. The guitar’s rosewood fretboard is silky and easy to navigate. Despite its simplicity, the guitar’s color palette is quite attractive.
12. Takamine
Takamine, initially a Japanese family business, has grown to become a significant player in the international acoustic guitar market. Takamine guitars have been produced since at least 1962.
Still, the company took off in the middle of the 1970s, when it capitalized on the then-exploding popularity of the instrument in Japan and beyond. The under-saddle Palathetic pickup on their acoustic-electric guitars is widely regarded as a technological breakthrough for the acoustic-guitar industry.
Humble Beginnings:
The acoustic guitar rode a wave of popularity in the ’60s to become the most prominent instrument in pop music, and this movement eventually reached Japan. To begin, Takamine was a little instrument workshop in Gifu, Japan, at the base of Mount Takamine. However, the expansion leading to the international corporation it is today began in 1968.
This company was started in 1959 by a family in Sakashita, a little town at the foot of Mount Takamine. In 1962, the corporation acquired its current name as a tribute to its founding city, Takamine. Takamine grew and diversified in response to the surge in demand for guitars in Japan throughout the ’60s.
Takamine was confident in its success in the home market; therefore, it expanded internationally in 1975. In the years after its founding, Takamine worked to increase its distribution to reach more artists. Masa Hirade, a world-renowned luthier, joined Takamine in 1968 to further advance the quality of the company’s guitars.
He was an early supporter of various features now commonplace on all Takamine guitars, especially the company’s classical versions. With Hirade at the helm, Takamine began exporting in 1975, ushering in an era of rapid growth that would see the company become a global powerhouse.
At around the same time that Takamine was gaining notoriety globally for his innovative acoustic guitar designs, a puzzle was emerging in the commercial music industry. Sizeable concert venues meant louder performances. However, the musicians and sound engineers had difficulty recreating the original sounds when the acoustic guitars were played via microphones and played back on enormous speakers.
Takamine’s under-saddle Palathetic pickup, developed in the middle to late 1970s, was a technological breakthrough that finally solved the problem. A pickup with six electric transducers, one for each string, and a bridge that let the vibrations of the pulsed string enter directly were crucial to the development of this technique.
In 1979, Takamine released the PT-007S, which is widely considered the first acoustic-electric guitar. It boosted the acoustic sound and reduced the chain of noise and feedback, producing the cleanest and brightest acoustic guitar performance ever recorded with an amplifier.
Claim To Fame: (Legacy EF341SC)
The Takamine EF341SC is a hand-built acoustic-electric guitar that performs admirably in any setting. Soft fingerpicking creates a soothing sound, while aggressive strumming packs quite a punch. Since it has a dreadnought body, the EF341SC projects well, and its cutaway design makes it easy to reach all of the guitar’s frets.
The already-simple playability is improved by the rosewood veneer that covers the mahogany neck. In addition, the EF341SC’s CT4B II preamp guarantees high-quality plugged-in sound when you’re ready to perform. More than that, its glossy black exterior shines beautifully under the spotlights. The EF341SC is an excellent choice if you want an acoustic-electric guitar.
Contemporary Offerings: (GN30-CE)
The Takamine GN30-CE guitar’s deep sound, gorgeous appearance, and effortless playability will win you over. The cutaway “small jumbo” body is exceptionally comfortable, especially for tiny players, thanks to its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.
The sturdy spruce top is sensitive enough to be played with a fingerstyle technique yet robust enough to sing with authority when strummed hard. Takamine’s preamp is aboard, prepared to offer you natural-sounding amplification and adjustable tone-shaping.
- Body
Takamine’s meticulous craftsmanship and good tonewoods result in the GN30-CE acoustic-electric guitar. This guitar looks fantastic because of its great solid spruce top, mahogany back, and sides. In addition, its tonal flexibility allows you to play in any musical style you like.
Takamine has been making guitars for almost 50 years, and their expertise shows with it. With quality and value in mind, Takamine instruments use only the best tonewoods, construction methods, and technological breakthroughs like this guitar’s patented preamp system. - Neck
Takamine places a rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets on top of the neck. Guitars with cedar tops are designed for fingerpicking, while laminated mahogany and solid spruce are best suited for strumming.
13. Cordoba Guitars
Cordoba Guitars is an example of the development of nylon-stringed guitars due to their quality and skilled construction. Cordoba has carefully worked to balance preserving the legacy of the early master luthiers and to adapt to technological advances. The end product is a blend of Spanish heritage and modern aesthetics that is beautiful and responsive. Cordoba is crucial in defining and preserving the acoustic guitar.
Humble Beginnings:
Santa Monica is home to Cordoba Guitars, which Tim Miklaucic established in 1997. Since the acoustic steel string and electric guitar have become more popular, Miklaucic founded Cordoba Nylon String Guitars to bring attention to the classical guitar. To kick off his renaissance, Miklaucic looked into the finest luthiers and manufacturers of nylon string guitars.
Design pioneers included Edmund Blöchinger of Cordoba. Blöchinger was well-known for employing the traditional techniques popular among Spanish luthiers of the late 19th century. The inspiration for the Espaa series came from his wish to apply these methods in a contemporary manufacturing setting.
In later years, Cordoba sought out Pepe Romero Jr., who had been developing a novel method for adapting classical guitar construction to the ukulele. After that, they widened the neck of the standard ukulele to provide the musician more room to move around, and they gave the instrument’s exterior a more refined look and better quality of construction.
Cordoba has also contributed to the classical guitar by developing new nylon-string instruments that retain an acoustic instrument’s unique warmth, sound, resonance, and beauty.
Claim To Fame: (GK Studio Negra)
The Cordoba Studio Negra nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar is a marvel to play, thanks to its speedy feel and traditional flamenco build. This guitar is based on the GK Studio and shares that instrument’s European spruce top, mahogany sides, and back.
However, it uses Indian rosewood instead so that you may play it more efficiently; the mahogany neck is thinner and narrower than those on standard classical guitars. Plus, the slimmer design is suitable for players of all sizes and shapes. In addition to the tonewoods, this instrument features a hand-inlaid rosette and gold/black tuners with ebony buttons, demonstrating Cordoba’s commitment to fine craftsmanship.
Contemporary Offerings: (C5-CE)
The Cordoba C5-CE is a fantastic deal for an acoustic-electric guitar with nylon strings. The genuine Canadian red cedar top and mahogany back and sides give the C5-CE a warm, full sound. The mahogany neck guarantees excellent sustain and articulation.
The C5-CE is a fantastic buy for any guitarist, whether you’re starting or a seasoned pro. The Cordoba C5-CE looks as incredible as it sounds, thanks to its glossy polyurethane finish, Indian rosewood binding, and fashionable rosette.
- Body
That the top of this guitar is made entirely of cedar is a nice touch. Even if you’re starting on the classical guitar, you shouldn’t skip out on getting one with a firm top. The solid wood’s response will amplify the song’s emotional impact.
Traditional Spanish fan bracing is included, and it’s fantastic, especially for the price. The flamenco snarl it produces is fantastic. If you’re only interested in playing classical or folk music, fan bracing will still provide you with the responsiveness and sustain you want. - Neck
The Cordoba C5’s movable truss rod is a beautiful feature, especially for the price. Young classical musicians learning to press down on the strings typically start with a lower action. But as you improve, you’ll likely want to increase the motion, so it’s great that you can do it without investing in a new instrument or seeing a luthier.
Extra Mentions
1. Godin Guitars
The buck Robert Godin was hoping to bag on his 1972 deer trip turned out to be a guitar factory. In a sleepy little town in rural Quebec, Robert Godin followed his heart and started making guitars. Godin Guitars is currently one of the most prestigious guitar manufacturers in North America, thanks to his doggedness, care, innovation, and attention to craftsmanship.
The now-famous company that carries his name is a significant player in the North American stringed instrument market, with famous musicians like John McLaughlin and Steve Stevens as brand ambassadors.
Humble Beginnings:
In the early ’60s, it took a lot of work for amateur guitarists everywhere to replicate the sounds of their favorite records. Fifteen-year-old Canadian Robert Godin was one of them. He was mesmerized by the Ventures’ and the Beatles’ music, but he couldn’t locate an instrument that could produce those sounds.
So Godin worked at a Montreal music store called Harmony Lab, where he began modifying instruments by changing their string sizes, installing banjo strings on guitars, and so on. News of his innovations immediately spread thanks to the praise of local guitarists. Gradually, the audience grew to include musicians from around Canada’s main cities.
This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the release of Godin’s pioneering instrument, the Acousticaster, and to mark the occasion, a limited-edition model has been made available. 18-tuned metal tines still produce their signature tone beneath the bridge, but modern players can choose a koa or rosewood top.
Sales and marketing manager Mario Biferali was hoping to commission a fresh batch of instruments. Godin’s newest guitar is the Montreal Premiere, a thinline semi-hollowbody that incorporates some acoustic guitar design elements into an electric guitar. A solid wood block at the instrument’s midsection is common to these instruments.
The Montreal Premiere is made with a body of Canadian wild cherry. Combined with a cut spruce core that only touches the guitar’s pressure points, this creates a very stable instrument. In terms of design, the Premiere is an elegant, traditional guitar. But once inside, the level of technological advancement is striking.
Claim To Fame: (MultiAc)
This nylon-string guitar has a variety of controls and electronics that cater to the needs of classical and fingerstyle players. To top it all off, the playing experience is greatly enhanced by the slim, extremely resonant case in which everything is stored.
The Godin MultiAc Nylon Deluxe will be by your side while you explore the new sonic territory in your musical performances. This guitar can compete with the best of them. It has LR Baggs electronics with a bespoke voice for professional sound, and the Lyric Mic inside the cap can replicate tapping and complex percussion patterns.
Contemporary Offerings: (Fairmount)
As part of its popular Godin Acoustic Series, Godin Guitars is happy to introduce the Fairmount guitar. This beautiful acoustic has a fantastic sound and is a joy to play.
The Fairmount Concert Hall body design is ideal for playing and creating music, thanks to its shallow depth and streamlined profile. All mahogany, the body has a silky semi-gloss finish. Both the top and back are made of solid mahogany, while the sides are constructed of mahogany veneers.
- Body
This elegantly crafted acoustic-electric guitar is a steal for its large Concert Hall-body tone and smooth playability. In addition, the mahogany back, sides, and thick Sitka spruce top of the Fairmount Concert Hall allow for a robust and full sound with or without amplification.
The Anthem has remarkably few placements concerns thanks to the Tru-Mic system’s ability to pick up vibrations from the entire soundboard. There are only three primary controls on the compact and lightweight machine.
It fits snugly into the sound hole, right where fingers can reach it. As a result of not having any unsightly control holes drilled into the instrument’s body, the setup is entirely hidden. The Mix knob allows for a seamless transition between the augmented mic and the full-range pickup. Finally, it goes through a series of tests to ensure that your battery lasts as long as possible. - Neck
This guitar has a 25.5-inch scale length and a mahogany neck so you can expect bright and harmonically rich tones. The guitar’s Richlite fretboard, ebony bridge, and 25.5-inch scale length complete the instrument nicely.
The nut and bridge saddle are made of Graph Tech TUSQ, measuring 1.72 millimeters in width for fluid chord changes. The Godin QIT system includes a built-in tuner, and it is pre-installed in the Fairmount Composer so you can plug in and play.
2. Ovation Guitars
In 1966, when Charlie Kaman was at the height of his fame as a helicopter maker, he was largely unknown in the guitar industry. Or that his contributions would go down in the annals of guitar manufacture. Also unknown to them was the significance of the path of Ovation Guitars to the progression of music.
Humble Beginnings:
Those who were familiar with him, though, were not shocked. In 1945, Mr. Kaman, a “free spirit pioneer,” used only $5k in tools and $2k in funds to create the Kaman Aircraft. He expanded his business to include guitars in 1965 because he was a big instrument fan.
After being passed up for a job with Tommy Dorsey and the purchase of the Martin D. Guitar store, he decided to create his guitar store. For Ovation Guitars, this marked the beginning of a prosperous and storied career in the music industry. Some people think that Ovation guitars, made for the past four decades, are the best in the world.
Ovation guitars have been played by famous musicians such as Al DiMeola and Glen Campbell. Ovation named its first guitar the Balladeer in honor of a local folk ensemble that received a rousing ovation. Musicians’ initial reactions to this new instrument were that it had a deep rich sound that was both harsh and soothing.
No other guitar even comes close to being comparable to this one. Its composite construction made the Roundback design a top contender for best-ever back and sides.
The ebony fingerboard and sleek, carved headstock were a perfect match. The rich walnut bridge contrasted beautifully with the spruce top. They put it all together with a laminated five-piece neck that’s slim and lightning-fast, making it a desirable feature in modern Ovation guitars.
Claim To Fame: (Celebrity Elite CE44P-SM)
Spalted maple top complements the pleasant tone of the Lyrachord body in the Ovation Celebrity Elite CE4P-SM. The Lyrachord body is a strong and lightweight substitute for wooden backs, and its polished inside is made to improve the instrument’s internal reflections.
The Mid-Depth Cutaway body is a top seller among Ovation guitars because it provides a comfortable middle ground between the company’s smallest and thickest offerings. This guitar has all the bells and whistles, including built-in OP-4BT electronics, to start the party.
Contemporary Offerings: (Celebrity CCE44-5)
The solid spruce top and Lyrachord body provide the Ovation Celebrity guitar with a beautiful tone and sound. The Lyrachord body is a strong and lightweight substitute for wooden backs, and its polished inside is made to improve the instrument’s internal reflections.
Because it’s a happy medium between Ovation’s thinnest and thickest bodies, the Mid-Depth Cutaway body is a favorite. This guitar has installed all the bells and whistles, so you can plug in and play.
- Body
These dimensions correspond to body size and cutaway in the middle of the spectrum. No laminates here, just a solid double-A spruce top. The X-bracing underneath the upper portion is made of quarter-sawn scallops. This not only aids the highest vibration but also produces an excellent resonance.
The highs and mids are evident and crisp, and the bass is well-defined. A devoted fanbase has grown up around it since its beginnings, all thanks to the unique qualities it brings to the guitar industry. This timeless sound is the result of combining the Lyrachord synthetic body with a superb tonewood top.
The Ovation sound has become a household name. It projects a clear and expressive sound that is both loud and responsive. The shape of the rounded back has a significant role in this. - Neck
The game’s accessibility was a cornerstone from the start of Ovations’ existence. It needs to be comfortable. In terms of comfort, the Elite 1778TX’s neck is thin and well-padded. It’s made out of maple and plays like an electric guitar.
The Rosewood fretboard features 22 individual frets. The cutaway and the angled neck into the body make all of them accessible. On the fingerboard, you won’t find any inlay dots. The margin of the neck binding is indicated with these dimensions.
When juxtaposed with the body’s black finish, the satin maple neck creates a striking visual effect. One can’t help but feel like a class act in its presence. A truss rod is included, although it is accessed from behind the instrument rather than at the headstock.
Conclusion
In 2023, these acoustic guitars will be your best bet. Now that you know more about the origins of these labels, you may use that knowledge as a further consideration when shopping for a new guitar. Now that you’ve decided to purchase from a brand we’ve highlighted (or elsewhere) let’s look at some more criteria that might help you make the best choice.
A wide price range of instruments is available from manufacturers, including Fender, Gibson, and Ibanez. Players can benefit from these organizations, but newcomers will see the most immediate value. If you are starting on the guitar, a brand like Fender is a fantastic option because it provides high-quality instruments at affordable prices.
Cordoba Guitars are the gold standard for classical guitars; they carry a wide selection of Spanish-style guitars and are worth checking out if you want to study classical guitar in college.
Finally, finding the perfect acoustic guitar can feel like a fantastic experience. If you find one that fits well and has the sound you’re looking for, it’s likely to become a staple in your collection. Especially if it’s your first guitar, spending your time to pick the right one will pay you in the form of increased comfort and, in turn, increased enjoyment as you play more and more.
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Death metal enthusiast here. I am a Romanian musician and producer with over 13 years of experience in the music industry. I’ve experienced all types of Metal up until now, playing Melodic Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, and Black Metal with different bands. Learning by doing is my base principle, which is why I’ve been drawn to sound design from an early age. Read more…