Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500
Me playing my Orangewood Oliver Jr!
A few years ago, my mom went shopping in Costco and was having trouble with her engagement ring feeling loose on her hand (probably because Costco is always freezing cold!). She remembers adjusting her ring a lot and when she got home, she realized it wasn’t on her finger anymore (the nightmare amiright?!). She called Costco, searched everywhere, and finally came to the heart-wrenching conclusion that her tiny marquee style ring was lost forever. It was absolutely devastating! This ring had been through 30 years of marriage and was smaller and simpler than a lot of rings people are getting now. There were all these specific stories and memories that ring had been a part of and it carried this special timeless look that represented her and my dad’s relationship. It took her two years to find a "new" antique ring that seemed to have character and stories of its own, and the process of finding something that fit her perfectly took a long time. Though she now loves her new ring, her first ring showed her journey of years in a relationship and though it was really simple, the first ring she ever got would always be the most special.
I think the process of acoustic guitar shopping is very similar to finding a special ring like this (minus the whole marrying someone forever thing…). Each guitar is so unique (and even when guitars are exactly the same make, they might vary!) and when you spend a lot of time with a specific guitar, it becomes like a journal holding all these special and personal things and ideas you’ve played on it.
A lot of people I have talked to mention getting a really cheap guitar to start and figure it will have to sound cheap.
But there are so many great acoustic guitar options out there you shouldn’t have to buy something that doesn’t sound good just because you aren’t ready to invest money into a high-end guitar. All of these guitars are awesome prices and sound wonderful so you stay inspired while you are learning!
In this blog, I want to help you find your perfect acoustic guitar under $500!
With all that being said, I feel like I’m about to guide you into Ollivanders wand shop and help you become acoustic guitar wizards! Here we go!
For each of these acoustic guitar choices, I based it on what I thought were the best acoustic guitars that will give you the feeling of playing something unique and beautiful like a freshly bought journal waiting to be written in. All of them are affordable that if you are a newer player, they won't break the bank!
Also, I am using affiliate links in this blog, so make sure you use them if you decide to purchase any online!
If you want to score an awesome deal on a used acoustic guitar, make sure you check Reverb.com for a guitar that may be out of your price range new, but affordable used!
So here are my favorite acoustic guitars under $500:
Here’s a lil vid of my jamming out with my Orangewood Oliver Jr (named Pipin!) :)
I was amazed at the quality of this acoustic! It really sounds beautiful!
This is a gorgeous guitar and a cool innovative brand to match! Orangewood is a new company that launched just a few years ago! They are a digital-first/ community-driven guitar brand whose vision is to make quality acoustic guitars for more affordable prices so more people can learn guitar. They have blown up quickly and I can see why! After playing the Echo, I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was. They also have a cool way to give back when you buy a guitar called the "Giving Guitar," you can check out here.
Bonus! Get 10% off at check out using the code: haleysfriends10
Taylor GS Mini
$499
Very high quality and beautiful
Environmentally responsible
Small body
Here is the GS Mini Aocustic Guitar in Mahogany, but they have a lot of different wood options!
Taylor is the BEST! Though they have the reputation of making your DREAM acoustic more than your first acoustic guitar, they do have some extremely affordable options. I have the GS mini bass guitar and it sounds incredible (and I have 2 of their other acoustics!). Really everything they make is perfect and they are very innovative in there building techniques (check out their V -Bracing techniques!). They also are making huge efforts to replant ebony trees in Cameroon and currently supply many other well-known guitar companies with their wood.
Breedlove Discovery Concert
$349
Innovative bridge system
Lots of options in the $500 price range
All-around well set up
Here is the Discovery Concerto in Sitka Spruce and Mahogany
I think Breedlove makes amazing and high-quality products and some of my guitar students use them. The Pursuit or Discovery series of theirs isn't too expensive for beginners and I know there are a lot of artists (especially in country music especially) who use them. They started in 1992 and have been dedicated to high quality and innovative products since!
Find your guitar community on Instagram!
Check out my new course on how to build a community, create guitar videos, and get more gigs and playing opportunities on Instagram!
Recording King Dirty 30’s Series 9 Parlor
$179.99
Lots of history in the brand
Vintage and bluesy looking
Vibrant sound and light-weight
This Dirty 30’s series of acoustic guitars has a lot of cool options!
I've heard from a lot of people at music stores that Recording King acoustics are made very simple but high quality. They have a long history and specialize in vintage designs. You can read a bit about their story here. What really sold me on them was when I heard my student’s Recording King acoustic! It sounded so full and gorgeous. I absolutely love this Dirty 30’s series they have- it’s so bluesy and retro! If you are buying a beginner guitar, it’s fun to have something that looks vintage and vibey!
Gretsch Guitars G9200 Boxcar Round-Neck Resonator Guitar
$399
Comfortable to play
1930’s vintage design
Gorgeous sound
I think the aluminium resonator cone on this is so cool!
Ok, this guitar just looks amazing! The aluminum resonator cone give it a really neat sound and it’s based on a 1930’s design. I have always loved Gretsch (I have wanted one forever!) and this guitar is perfect for any player in the county/ folk/ Americana scene!
Takamine G Series Acoustic Guitar
$479.99
Classic
Solid and reliable
Good electronics system
Here is the “Gloss Natural” color, but there are other options as well.
Both my hubby and mom have a Takamine and they are great! Simple and easy with a nice warm sound! This is a nice classic option for those looking to start playing acoustic guitar!
If you have been looking for an acoustic guitar, I hope that this blog helps you get closer to finding one that is perfect for you. Like I said, I highly recommend checking Reverb.com as well for deals on used guitars as well! My mom still has a special love for that first engagement ring and even though she can’t wear it anymore, it’s cool thinking about this object you choose is helping something impersonal start gaining a bit of its own story and history.
Thanks SO much for reading and I would love to hear your thoughts below!