The cost of material used is one reason for the cost of the instrument. Part of the final cost is wood, though not all guitars are made from wood. Some are graphite or plastic. However, the reason an acoustic guitar sounds the way it does is because of the wood it is crafted from. The sound of a guitar that is not made out of wood may cause you to give up learning because of the poor sound quality. A plastic guitar that you probably won’t like isn’t a wise investment. A better option would be to buy a cheap acoustic guitar made out of wood.
The Seagull S6 model isn’t the most cheap acoustic guitar there is but it offers extraordinary bang for the buck. You can’t talk about guitars for beginners without discussing this model. It comes with a top that is solid cedar and the sides and back are crafted from mahogany that gives it an attractive sound. It’s the sort of guitar that professional musicians hang onto, even though they own far more expensive guitars. Although $400-$500 might be more than you considered spending, you should really think about investing in this guitar. You might be able to find some online deals for this familiar and highly regarded musical instrument.
The Yamaha F310 is a fine lower-priced option if you’re seeking a cheap acoustic guitar. Its top is manufactured from solid spruce, while its back and sides are crafted out of mahogany. At $150 to $200, it is friendly to your pocketbook and it is very popular with serious new guitar students.
The Epiphone DR-100, at $120 to $150, is another pricing step down in an excellent cheap acoustic guitar. Its top is manufactured of select-grade spruce, while its back and sides are crafted from mahogany. It’s meant for beginners and would require a trade-up down the road. However, if you’re still not certain whether you’ll stick with the guitar or not, this is a fine, decent quality instrument to enjoy in the meantime.
If you are looking for a cheap acoustic guitar for less than $100, you will not find one of decent quality. At that price range, most guitars are scarcely playable. Some people who try to learn to play soon quit after trying to deal with a cheap guitar. They are just too shoddily made. If you have been thinking of getting a cheap guitar for yourself, or if you are thinking of getting one for your child, don’t bother with the guitars in the $100 or less range. It will just turn you off from guitar playing.
It’s better to get a second-hand guitar in good shape than the poor new one you may find at $80. Guitars have quite a long life and you may prefer a decent second-hand guitar with some personality to a new one of poor quality. The best move is to find a dealer with a large number of second-hand cheap acoustic guitars and then try them until you discover the one that suits you better.
Even if you can only go with a cheap acoustic guitar, look for one with a top that is solid as opposed to one with a top made of plywood. The solid wood acoustic guitar will provide a rich and full tone. If it is in your budget, stick with ones that have solid wood on the backs and sides as well.