Best Acoustic Guitar under 500

When you're in the market for an acoustic guitar under £500, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your musical journey or a seasoned player searching for a budget-friendly upgrade, finding the best acoustic guitar under 500 can make all the difference. In this article, we'll guide you through the most important factors to consider when making your choice: price, quality, and performance.

While affordability is crucial, you also want a guitar that delivers solid sound and durability. We’ll explore various models and what makes them stand out, so you can feel confident in your purchase. 

Ultimately, the goal is to help you find a guitar that not only fits your budget but also meets your musical needs. This guide will provide practical advice and expert insights to make your decision easier, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Ready to dive in? Let's explore the top options for acoustic guitars under 500.

What Makes an Acoustic Guitar 'Good' at This Price Point?

When shopping for an acoustic guitar under £500, there are a few key factors that can make a guitar stand out from the rest. Let's break them down so you know exactly what to look for.

1. Sound Quality

The primary feature most players care about is sound, and for a budget guitar, it can be surprising how good the sound can be. The choice of tonewoods - the types of wood used for the top, back, and sides of the guitar - greatly influences the tone. Common tonewoods like spruce for the top and mahogany for the back and sides create a balanced, clear sound. Keep in mind that cheaper guitars may have laminate wood instead of solid wood, which can affect resonance. However, many brands manage to offer solid sound with a mix of laminate and solid wood construction.

2. Build Quality

At this price point, you can still find guitars with good build quality. Look for a smooth finish, a well-aligned neck, and a solid bridge. The fretboard material (such as rosewood or maple) can also impact playability. Higher-end models may use more premium woods, but budget options can still offer solid craftsmanship. One thing to keep in mind is the guitar’s action - the height of the strings from the fretboard. A well-set action makes it easier to play, especially for beginners.

3. Brand Reputation

Brands like Yamaha and Fender are known for providing excellent value at affordable prices. These brands often offer great entry-level guitars without compromising on sound quality or durability. A well-known brand ensures you’re getting a guitar that’s been tested and has a proven track record.

4. Guitar Accessories

While the guitar itself is important, guitar accessories play a big role in enhancing your experience. A good guitar strap can improve comfort while playing, especially if you’re standing. Don’t forget about guitar care - keeping your guitar clean and properly stored will ensure it lasts longer. Accessories like guitar stands help you keep your instrument safe when not in use. It’s also worth considering Guitar cables and other equipment if you plan to use an amp.

5. Acoustic Strings

The type of acoustic strings you use can dramatically affect the sound and playability of your guitar. Most acoustic guitars under £500 come with standard strings, but upgrading to higher-quality strings can make a noticeable difference. String tension, material (like bronze or phosphor bronze), and coating all influence tone and durability.

Top Acoustic Guitars Under £500

Finding a high-quality acoustic guitar under £500 is completely possible, thanks to several reputable brands that offer great options for budget-conscious buyers. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player looking for a solid, affordable instrument, here are some top choices to consider.

1. Tanglewood TRGT4CE Roadster GT Acoustic Guitar

Brand: Tanglewood
Price: £314.10

Key Features:

• Hand-selected spruce top with mahogany back and sides

• Grand Auditorium cutaway body for tonal balance and upper fret access

• Built-in Tanglewood Premium Plus preamp with tuner

• Satin finish for a natural, resonant feel

The Tanglewood TRGT4CE Roadster GT is a well-crafted, affordable electro-acoustic guitar designed for both studio and stage. The spruce top offers brightness and clarity, while mahogany back and sides provide warmth and strong midrangem, a tonewood pairing often chosen for its balanced, full-bodied sound.

Its Grand Auditorium cutaway body gives it a versatile tonal range suited for strumming and fingerstyle, and the cutaway ensures easy access to higher frets, which is practical for lead parts or solos. The built-in Tanglewood Premium Plus preamp system with an onboard tuner makes amplification and tuning straightforward, ideal for live performance or recording.

2. Yamaha Storia III Acoustic Guitar

Brand: Yamaha
Price: £319

Key Features:

• Solid mahogany top with mahogany back and sides

• Concert body shape for focused, articulate tone

• Passive undersaddle pickup for simple plug-and-play use

• Stylish off-white finish with champagne gold accents

The Yamaha Storia III blends modern aesthetics with warm, resonant sound, making it ideal for home players, songwriters, and performers alike. The all-mahogany body produces a rich, mellow tone with a strong midrange, perfect for vocal accompaniment and intimate playing styles.

Its concert body is smaller and more ergonomic, offering enhanced comfort and precision, especially for fingerstyle. The passive pickup allows easy amplification without complex electronics, making it plug-in ready for practice amps or live settings.

3. Epiphone J-45 Studio Solid Top – Vintage Sunburst

Brand: Epiphone
Price: £349

Key Features:

• Solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides

• Classic slope-shoulder dreadnought body for rich, full sound

• SlimTaper neck profile for smooth playability

• Iconic Vintage Sunburst finish with traditional styling

The Epiphone J-45 Studio is a wallet-friendly take on Gibson’s legendary “Workhorse” acoustic, delivering great tone and classic looks at a fraction of the cost. The solid spruce top gives it bright articulation and dynamic range, while the mahogany back and sides bring warmth and depth, making it highly versatile for strumming and fingerpicking alike.

Its slope-shoulder dreadnought body naturally projects a full, resonant sound, ideal for singer-songwriters and solo performers. The SlimTaper neck ensures comfortable fretting, even during long playing sessions, which is especially practical for intermediate players.

4. Fender CD-60SCE

Brand: Fender
Price Range: £299
Key Features:

• Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
• Built-in Fishman pickup system
• Cutaway design for easier high-fret access
• Great value for money

The Fender CD-60SCE offers one of the best values for money in the sub-£500 category. This guitar comes with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a rich and full tone. The built-in Fishman pickup system allows for easy amplification, making it a great option for gigs. Its cutaway design also ensures you can reach the higher frets easily.

5. Yamaha FS830 Acoustic Guitar

Brand: Yamaha
Price: £399

Key Features:

• Solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides

• Compact concert body for comfortable play

• Scalloped X-bracing for enhanced resonance

• Slim nato neck with rosewood fingerboard

The Yamaha FS830 is a compact, high-quality acoustic guitar known for its clear, balanced tone and excellent playability. The solid spruce top ensures strong projection and dynamic response, while the rosewood body adds warmth and depth. Its smaller concert body makes it ideal for players who value comfort without sacrificing sound quality. A great choice for fingerstyle and light strumming, it offers premium tonewoods at a budget-friendly price.

Why You Should Consider Second-Hand Guitars

If you're on a tight budget or aiming for more guitar without spending more, second-hand guitars can be a smart choice, as long as you know what to look for.

Why Go Used?

• More value for money – You can often get a better model at the same price point. A guitar that costs £700 new might sell used for under £500.
• Pre-aged wood – Older guitars sometimes resonate better as the wood has settled.
• Character & uniqueness – Used guitars often have upgrades or wear that add personality.

Many used guitars are barely played and kept in near-new condition. According to Reverb, buying from verified sellers reduces your risk and helps you score a better instrument for less.

What to Check Before You Buy

• Neck & Fretwear – Run your fingers along the frets. Deep grooves = possible refret job later.
• Electronics – Test every knob, switch, and jack. Scratchy pots or a loose input could mean repairs.
• Truss rod & action – Ask if the truss rod turns and whether the action is adjustable.

Pro tip: If you're unsure what to inspect, ask someone from your local guitar shopto check it before you commit.

The Best Acoustic Amp for Your Acoustic Guitar

If you're playing live, recording at home, or just want a richer sound than your guitar alone can deliver, yes, an acoustic amp is worth it. Even beginners can benefit from one, especially if your guitar has a pickup system.

Why Use an Acoustic Amp?

Unlike a standard guitar amp (which is often built for electric guitars), an acoustic amp is designed to keep your tone clean, natural, and full. It doesn’t colour your sound - it enhances it.

Many amps also include built-in EQ, reverb, and inputs for vocals or backing tracks, making them great for solo performers or small gigs.

Budget-Friendly Picks from MusicStreet

If you’re after reliable, no-fuss acoustic amplification, here are a few top options from the Music Street acoustic amps collection:

• Blackstar Acoustic: Core 30 – Versatile features, dual channels, USB audio out. Great for beginners or streaming.
• Laney LA30D – Simple interface with warm tone and onboard effects.
• Fender Acoustasonic 15 – Ultra-portable with classic Fender clarity.

Each offers plug-and-play functionality with features you can grow into as you learn.

Final Thoughts: The Right Guitar Is the One That Feels Right

Finding the best acoustic guitar under £500 isn't about chasing specs - it’s about discovering a guitar that fits your hands, suits your sound, and inspires you to play. Whether you're a total beginner, a weekend player, or just want a reliable backup, this price range offers real value without cutting corners.

That said, your journey doesn’t have to stop at electrics. If you’re also exploring the world of acoustics, MusicStreet has some fantastic options tailored to every style and player type:

• Lefty? No problem - they’ve got the best left-handed acoustic guitar under 500.
• Want something fuller for open chords or solo gigs? You’ll love the best 12-string acoustic guitar under 500.
• Planning a long-term upgrade? You’ll find serious tone in the best acoustic guitar under 1000, including models like the best Taylor acoustic guitar under 1000, best Yamaha acoustic guitar under 1000, and even a Gibson acoustic guitar under 1000.
• Dreaming bigger? Explore the best acoustic guitar under 3000 for premium craftsmanship and stage-ready performance.

Music Street not only offers curated collections across every budget, but they also provide setup-ready guitars, expert support, and a selection that makes it easy to find your guitar, no matter where you are in your playing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I upgrade parts on an acoustic guitar under £500 later?

Yes, many players upgrade components like the saddle, nut, or tuning machines to improve tuning stability and tone. Bone or Tusq saddles, for example, can enhance sustain and clarity. Just make sure the guitar’s base construction is solid before investing in mods.

2. Are laminate wood guitars a bad choice compared to solid tops?

Not at all. While solid tops usually offer better resonance and aging tone, laminate bodies provide durability, especially useful if you gig outdoors or travel often. Many sub-£500 guitars use a solid top with laminate back/sides, which is a great balance of tone and strength.

3. What’s the difference between concert, dreadnought, and parlor shapes?

• Dreadnought: Big body, bold sound - great for strumming and volume.
• Concert/Grand Concert: Smaller waist, more midrange - ideal for fingerpicking.
• Parlor: Compact and articulate - great for light play or travel.

Try each shape in person to see what feels most natural for your body type and playing style.

4. Do I need a pickup in my acoustic guitar if I don’t plan to perform live?

Not necessarily. If you’re only playing at home, a pickup isn’t required. But if you might perform or record later, buying an acoustic-electric guitar under £500 now can save you the cost of installing electronics later.

5. How long will a £500 acoustic guitar last with regular use?

With proper maintenance and care, many sub-£500 guitars can last 10–15 years or more. Keep it clean, store it in a case, and avoid extreme humidity or temperature swings. Regularly changing guitar strings also helps extend fret and neck life.