Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1000 - Entering The Premium Ranges

Last Updated: November 19, 2019 Plenty changed in our newest refresh of this article, with a few older models – such as the Seagull Maritime SWS – making way for some cool new additions. None quite as cool as the incredible Fender Newporter, although both the eco-friendly Martin DX1AE and ergonomic Washburn WCG55CE Comfort both earn their place too!

Ah, the sweet smell of premium! While a guitar in this category may not be deemed high-end by everyone, dropping $1000 on an acoustic guitar is a serious purchase for the majority of us. Thankfully, the guitars in our chart justify the money and usually offer more than a grand’s worth of feel, design and tone. You’ll find exotic woods, professional-grade performance and stage-worthy electronics, as well as a few extras you probably weren’t expecting. In this chart we have tried to include models from all respectable acoustic guitar brands to give you a true flavor of what is out there. If $1000 is stretching too far, you may want to check out our list of top-rated acoustic guitars for a quality guitar that will match your budget. But, for those of you still interested in buying something really special, let’s see what’s worthy of your time. Note that in our chart we only feature steel-string models. If you’re looking for a nylon-stringed guitar, we have a separate page dedicated to classical guitars under $1,000.

Top 9 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1000:

What Can You Expect from an Acoustic in the $500 to $1000 Range?

Firstly, it’s probably not correct to describe this category as ‘premium’, considering some acoustic guitars can reach prices of tens of thousands of dollars – they are true premium! However, this sub-$1,000 market is certainly as premium as many casual guitarists will go in their lifetime – which is great, because a grand in your pocket can pretty much guarantee you walk away with a quality guitar, with superb tone, beautiful style, and a little luxury you just can’t find on acoustic guitars under $500. Solid wood is a common feature in all the guitars on this list. Some will be all-solid-wood, while others will feature a solid top with laminated back and sides, which is great for both stability and travel (while keeping the cost lower). All the bodies and necks on these acoustics show off excellent craftsmanship. At this price they’re very unlikely to be made in American workshops, but they are still put together by experienced luthiers, with the fit, finish and setups feeling pretty high-end. Hardware is also upgraded when compared to lower-end price ranges, with quality electronics and versatile preamps (if it’s an electro-acoustic), well-functioning tuners and bridges, and bone nuts and saddles. Most guitars will also come shipped with a case, whether that’s a hard-shell case or a padded gig bag. Tonally, these guitars will sound high-end. Of course, the actual tone will depend on the materials, size and construction of the guitar, but most of these acoustics are wonderfully deep and resonant – a combination of quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. If the guitar is made with solid wood, even just the top, this will eventually develop with age, producing a richer, fuller tone with every passing year.

The Final Word

Are these guitars really that good? Yes, they are! You can spend $500 to get a good guitar, or you can spend up to $1,000 and walk away with something that will last you a lifetime. You can go higher – check out our acoustic guitars under $1,500 and under $2,000 categories – but for many guitarists, you’ll find something worthwhile in the chart above. After reading some reviews and watching some videos, the best thing you can do – if possible – is to go and try some out. Take your time, and you will eventually find the acoustic guitar that is perfect for you!