Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500 - Looking For Value

Last Updated: November 19, 2019 In our most recent refresh, we removed two older models that were proving a little difficult to find. In their place we added the popular J-200 remake, the Epiphone EJ-200CE, as well as a brand-new guitar from Breedlove, the Discovery Concerto.

With $500 in your pocket, you suddenly open yourself to some of the best acoustic guitars available. While we aren’t yet in the premium market, the guitars in this category sure do feel a lot higher-end, with some punching well above their weight in terms of look, feel and tone. Whether you have your heart set on a big brand name like Fender, Epiphone or Seagull, or are happy with whatever seems like the best bang for your buck, you’ll probably find it on our chart below. The ten acoustics we’ve highlighted give you a great taste of what’s on offer in this mid-range price bracket. Note that, on this page, we are only looking at steel-string acoustics. For nylon-stringed models, be sure to check out our article on the best classical guitars under $500. Let’s check them out!

Top 9 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500:

What Kind of Guitar Can You Get For $500?

In this price range you can find some excellent acoustics for $500, usually with some change left over from that amount! Compared to the majority of acoustic guitars coming it at under $300, these sub-$500 acoustics offer more choice and higher quality. This can include more choice in guitar shape/size, as well as different designs, nicer rosettes, and better overall detailing. A solid top – usually spruce, mahogany or cedar – is now standard practice, even though the back and sides of the guitar will still usually be laminated. Of course, along with better materials and craftsmanship usually comes better tone – bigger and more nuanced than what is common in the lower price ranges.

Who Should Buy a Guitar in this Range?

With a midrange price that most people can afford, you will find pretty much every kind of guitarist buying in this category. Beginners who don’t want to go with something in the entry-level ranges will be rewarded with better comfort and playability, while experienced players will find the upgraded components and – if it’s an electro-acoustic – upgraded electronics more suitable for stage performances. They are also great guitars for casual players who want more than an all-laminate acoustic to play around on. For many, a model in this range will be a second guitar, having learned and progressed on something more basic.

Are $500 Guitars Upgrade-able?

Of course! While the hardware is usually better than what you would find on a guitar in the lower ranges, you can turn a good guitar into a great one by making some changes. While it may seem complicated at first, there is no need to be afraid of making aftermarket upgrades to your new guitar – whether something as simple as a new nut/saddle or an advanced preamp system. Naturally, if you don’t have the confidence to do it yourself, then find a good tech to do the work for you. However, don’t make these upgrades with an eye to sell the guitar for more money – it’s better to do the upgrades to make the instrument work better for you. What you might think is an upgrade, someone else may not like!

Should I Buy a Used Guitar?

Buying used is definitely an option, although if you are going down this route, we suggest doing your homework. Firstly, stay away from auction sites and stay away from pawn shops and flea markets – while there are decent bargains to be had here, there are equally as many pitfalls of buying from unreputable sources. Instead, head to your local guitar store, who probably have a selection of good-quality used acoustics. Alternatively, use a good online store like Amazon or Guitar Center, who have solid returns policies, should you encounter any problems. A new guitarist might want to take along a friend who knows more about what is out there, rather than going it alone. If you find a used guitar you like, be ready to pull the trigger since there is no guarantee that it will be there the next time you return. Keep your wits about you and you just might get a really good deal!

The Final Word

The models under $500 are generally superb, with plenty to crow about. In this range, you can have an instrument that sounds fantastic, looks great, and has all the bells and whistles you want, without breaking the bank. While higher-end acoustics may not have changed much over the years, this midrange group is having a bit of a revolution – and the winners are us, the guitar buying public. Ultimately, take your time, look through our list, figure out what you like, then go and buy the right guitar for you. Just remember, guitars are like potato chips – you can’t have just one!