The Top 5 Acoustic Guitars Under $500 | Alamo Music Center
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- Here at Alamo Music Center, our ultimate goal is always to help you find the best possible guitar to fit your needs. So, if you're looking for the best entry-level acoustic guitar, don't look any further! Here is the list of our favorite acoustic guitars under $500, taking woods, electronics, cutaways, and cases into consideration. (Note, we're only dealing with steel stringed acoustics here, we're saving nylon-strings and travel-sized guitars for another list):
Yamaha FG830 - 1:46
Epiphone EJ200SCE - 4:30
Fender CD-140SCE - 7:21
Ibanez AEWC32FM - 10:13
Taylor Academy 12 - 13:11
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Chris, you are my absolute favourite guitar youtuber. Humble, direct and no silly gimmicks or constant uploads for ad revenue. Never change!
I agree with what you are saying. However, I would like to point out that this is not Chris’ personal TH-cam channel. It’s Alamo Music’s channel, and it likely brings them much more revenue than they could ever earn from TH-cam.
Just remember, they're in the guitar selling business and are only gonna review guitars that they carry. And also, there are other guitars out there in this price range that were not mentioned and I would claim IMO are better.
Yes, but there's a reason why they stock certain guitars, it's not like it's lucky dip. They stock the gear that's good and is going to sell.
@@samhealey7603 They stock gear that will sell but that doesnt mean everything they sell is good. I could be wrong, but I dont think they sell Eastman, Blueridge, or Recording King. And those are great budget guitars.
Thank you! I really appreciate the comment!
It’s overwhelming how much better the Yamaha fg 830 sounds compared to the others
Thank you for recording a mic/ pickup mix for those guitars that have electronics. Very helpful. I heard the change immediately and was grateful for extra work you guys put in to the video. Kudos.
I bought the FG830 today, it sounds incredible, I love it
As a 68 year old retiree that's decided to learn guitar (I've had one since the '70s but never learned to play it) I do appreciate your comparisons and your reviews. Thanks, Chris.
Smart to pick up this hobby in retirement! Be patient and persistent. Learn something new every day. Simple pleasures await.
Thank you for wathcing!
I'm 65 years old and I'm trying to learn right now just purchased guitar Friday I hope I made the right decision bought a S6 seagull there are so many. Good luck in your journey learning to play.
It is also important to know the size of your guitar string. If you have the wrong one, it can really discourage you from learning further. I found the friendliest size, and yet still applying enough tension to the sound board is 0.10 - 0.47.
Thicker one is still okay 0.11 - 0.52. Thicker than those sizes is not very pleasant to the fingers. Elixir is to good brand. If you happend to go to the music store try also Cort and Takamine. However, mine is Yamaha FG-840 and I am satisfied with the quality. Whenever I go to the music store I still like to try many other brands and model, but so far none can make less loyal to my Yamaha.
Cheers from Indonesia.
66 for me. Have an Alvarez I bought in ‘75. I just strum to amuse myself and would like to get better. Am also thinking about trying to build an acoustic from scratch for a winter project.
I love that you update constantly. It really helps guys like us that are always on the look for the best bang for buck guitars. Cheers!
I forgot to also say his picking is so comforting, and Americana! Thanks for these videos.
The thumbs down trolls never cease to amaze me. This is an awesome and helpful video designed to help you decide on the guitar right for your needs without leaving your home. Thanks for the video and useful info.
I was so lost at trying to figure out which guitar to buy after having played on a secondhand classic nylon string guitar for a few years just for a little bit of fun and not really being a huge connoisseur of the topic (and having a low budget). Your videos helped me pick Fender cd140sce (in Mahogany). Let me tell you, SHE IS GLORIOUS! Thank you, guys!
Problem is I want them all! Great demonstration as always, Chris!
This guy knows what he is talking about, and gives every instrument its best attributes. Like!
New to this channel. I want to get back into playing and looking for an acoustic for around $500. So, it led me here. This was a huge help. Thank you.
Thanks, Chris! I always love these accessible reports!
Glad you like them!
oh god the Yamaha FG830 sounds so rich and flamboyant. imma get that one, thanks brother.
Great review. Thanks for taking the time. Very informative and useful.
All great instruments, Chris, and your playing makes them sound awesome. Also love your music of music. Thanks for sharing this review.
The Fg830 was the beginner guitar of my choice and I recognize it pretty well.
I really appreciate your videos - as a lefty, with a rather thin wallet, I have to weigh my options meticulously, and your videos have been the biggest help - especially not being able to find and play the instruments myself (curse the left handed gods)
Awesome, Chris. Love this comparison. Super helpful.
Thanks! Enjoyed this video!!
Sold all my guitars and haven't played in over 10 years and trying to get back into it.
Thank you for helping this newbie. I bought the Yamaha today.
The first guitar I ever bought was a Yamaha FG 225 twelve string. It also had a Nippon Gaki label in it. I paid the exorbitant price of $165.00 in 1968. It was a great sounding guitar that made my playing sound a lot better than when I played a 6 string. I kept it until I bought a Taylor Leo Kottke 12 string in 1994.
Yamaha is not an aspirational guitar brand, but they probably are the best value out there if you are talking about getting a perfectly fine instrument that makes you wonder how they could afford to sell them for what they do hah. I've never owned one, but played many and have always been impressed.
My first guitar was an Alvarez and it wasn't nearly as good as the Yamahas I've played. Now I don't have a need for a Yamaha, but I've always wanted an excuse to own one. Nice guitars.
Thanks for sharing and watching! We always enjoy hearing about other player's experiences!
d
Five beautiful guitars well presented! I'd love to have any or all of them. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
I still have my Yamaha FGX800C, you just can’t beat the price for what you get. It all comes down to the player and what feels good to them.
Good stuff Chris, thank you for sharing brother.
Another great vodeo but the Seagull S6 is my choice!
Starts playing at:
Yamaha 3:38
Epiphone 6:40
Fender 9:15
Ibanez 12:07
Taylor 15:19
The hero we all need but don’t deserve.
Yeah
Pin this comment to the top!!!
Fender
If I had to rate them I would go:
Taylor - Sounded pretty amazing for a low end Taylor, but I wouldn't expect anything less from them. When I heard the first low E I was hooked. Great range which is pretty typical for Taylors.
Yamaha - Almost always will take a Yamaha over any other brand when playing lower end models.
Ibanez - This thing sounded amazing when using the pickups, seemed a bit boring acoustically.
Fender - Not terrible, but I would take the Yamaha or the Taylor over it, unless I really needed an AE. Might shop around though.
Epiphone - Just didn't really like the sound of this one at all. Not really my style either.
Great vid.
Pretty spot on
Fantastic playing Chris!
Subscribed. No BS, to the point and great expertise.
That Yamaha FG830 looks and sounds just like my FG730s. I don't think you can find a better acoustic for $300. A beautiful guitar with a huge sound. Yamaha is a great way to go on a budget.
Whenever I walk into the acoustic room at guitar center, I go to the Fender Hellcat. I fingerpick, and for 260.00 it is a steal.
I have the Ibanez, but that Ephiphon was beautiful. Shocked how Yamaha isnt as popular these days. They have good quality guitars, tried and true for the bank. Fantastic reveiws, thank you good Sir.
Nice review with great guitars. Thanks Chris ! It's nice we have great choices at all price points.
You bet!
Great review. Thanks for that 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Kind of thought this update was due Chris. A previous video on the segment definitely helped me pick out the FG800 from Yamaha. Have owned it for a couple of years now. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. It sits alongside my Simon & Patrick Songsmith.
Great to hear!
I own a Yamaha FG700 but that Taylor just sounds amazing.
Three questions if you don't mind:
1. What's the song you played on that Taylor?
2. What's a good price starting point on higher end guitars?
3. Should I rather take a new budget guitar or a used higher end guitar that's in good condition and at a similar price?
The injection molded "urea" nut and saddle suck on the Yamaha FG800 series. I replaced the saddle with Tusq and the nut with bone. What a difference it made in the sound for about $15 and a couple hours work!
Yamaha FG830 3:38
Epiphone EJ200SCE 6:40
Fender CD-140SCE 9:15
Ibanez AEWC32FM 12:07
Taylor ACADEMY 12 15:20
Thank you for your service 😉
God have a special place for guys like you în heaven
Nobody watches the description of a video?
Jesus Christ loves you bros
@@ebslacker Jesus Christ loves you
You make them all sound great!
Don't need a guitar in this range but watched because I enjoy your reviews :)
Thanks!
Hi there! Thanks for the videos, love them.
What do you think about orangewoods guitars? Do you have any video about them?
Thanks!
The Taylor sounded the best to me! Very bright warm tones!
Great rundown, I’ve played a couple of these, and that Fender is truly a decent guitar. I play various Fender Sonoran style guitars, with the Strat headstocks, just because I like them and the sound is pretty good for the price
Beautiful playing Chris! However..... I've noticed all the acoustic reviews on different channels have the expert player fingerpicking lightly . How about some big, booming strumming with some barre chords thrown in also? It's nice to hear how the guitar sounds when played heavy too. Some like it loud!
Good point!
A good addition to this list would be the Guild D-240E. Coming in at $400 dollars it has your typical dreadnought body with a nice bright sound. Compares really good with the MIM Martin's
I think you should have definitely included the Takamine GD51CE. Great value imo.
Hi Chris, I always love your review and I can’t wait for you to upload new videos everyday. I cannot wait for price range 1000-2000 for this year, hopefully you can make it for us. Thanks
Fingers crossed!
🤞
I own a ej200 and a cd140sce, this last one was bought with zero knowledge about guitar just judging the sound and i dont regret it, its one of the greatest solid top around there
We're big fans!
You like the fender more the the epiphone? Was thinking of getting the epiphone but now hung up on that or the Yamaha or fender?!?!
currently I own the Fender CD140sce . I own it since 2016.
awesome Guitar awesome Bass and Resonance
How much did you purchase it for
@@johnomundson9778 I requested the dealer to upgrade it to a Bone nut, saddle ,brass pins and Gold tuners before shipping and costed me 490$ without shipping
Thanks Chris for this video. Taylor for 500 or 5000 dollars. It is the best.
They're a brand new company but I have to add Orangewood to this list. Mine was only $275 and has the best setup I've ever received from a factory. Very close to feeling like an electric guitar.
Excellent video 🙂 Thanks!
Ive got an Ibanez acoustic as my first guitar, and I’m thinking of getting something that suits me a little bit more now that I know what I’m doing. My mind is kinda already set on that FG830 after playing it in the store, but I have played a Mitchell acoustic that felt really warm and smooth sounding. I can’t remember the model but it was like $300- something
The SJ/EJ 200 guitars are such beautiful guitars.
I know that’s the one I’ve been wanting to get but now hung up on the Yamaha or fender here! They seem to sound better? What do you think?
this has been a big help. I'm trying to get away from Nitro cellulose finish as it so sensitive. Can you comment on the finish of any of these. Are they polyester at this price level? thanks
Really great review(s)! I've watched several of yours over the last few days. I'm going to buy a guitar - have played some in a past band I was in (playing rhythm), but am really a drummer :). Love music, been playing since a child. Leaning toward the Taylor Academy series, but not done researching yet. Want something that is geared for a beginner who has a little experience but is comfortable and "easy" to play.
At $135 delivered with a padded case and no retail markup... I say the Orangewood 'Rey' model is top notch for a straight acoustic. Minor setup is needed, and the tuners are just adequate. Used, quality tuners are easy to get for $25-40 and a setup by a pro is maybe $25-40. The guitar is well made with spruce or mahogany for the top (I prefer spruce).
I bought a used, US made, Martin DX1 for $450. Thing is fantastic. Took a little off the saddle, adjusted the truss rod and put some new strings on it and it’s a Cadillac.
This is the way to go....I would Never spend less than $600 if I were buying new, there's honestly Nothing good....unless you're a new player and can't hear the difference.
Like the Taylor for Fingerstyle
I have a FG830 that I recently got and it is an amazing guitar. Sounds as good as some guitars costing 3X more.
Great video. Have your ever heard or played a Michael Kelly guitar? Was very surprised with mine. Being a left-handed guitarist- finding a good cheaper guitar can be tough (my main guitar is a Taylor 312)
Could someone tell me what song Chris is playing at 15:20?
Thank you so much for the video. Helpful as always.
I've noticed a lot of the thinner profile guitars like the Ibanez here and a lot of Ovations have a similar "boosted" upper-midrange.
The Fender, surprisingly has the best balanced tone of the bunch, to my ear!
Great video chris .....,would not have the best ear but really found the Taylor so warm and the epiphone so harsh the ibanez dead and the yahama and fender somewhere between without any extremes .....love to hear others thoughts
Maybe you should play the same strummed chords and finger picking piece on each guitar to get a more balanced review.
A solid Sitka top brings out the best in an acoustic guitar along with the back and side material which gives the flavour.
The eq suddenly changed at 7.00 mark.
Thanks for your reviews. 😀
I love Fender but that Ibanez really resonates to me. 🎸🎸
Great job Chris...you do an excellent job of showcasing this instruments. Doesn't hurt that you play really well!
I appreciate that!
Very useful video. Well done
Really nice video. I just bought the EJ-200 and it's great. I want to ask what's the name of the song played on the Epihone?
Would absolutely love a travel size list! I've been learning on a massive dreadnought and struggling with its size (combo of being petite and an adult beginner I suspect) so I really want one that fits my stature. I've watched your Taylor GS Mini comparison so many times lol. I'd love the Walnut or Koa. But I'm a bit clueless if it's the best for my budget since Taylor seems so premium.
Idk if bought your new guitar yet but the taylor gs mini is a phenomenal guitar! I think I got the mahogany one and it was nice and warm. Loved the size but I didn’t like how quiet it was lol. The Koa one looks beautiful too but I heard it had more a blues sound to it and not as warm as the mahogany.
A Taylor GS Mini is worth the $$$$. I have a Koa GS Mini. It is fab.
Very helpful, thank you
Great review bud. Appreciate the honesty. I've been playing for about five years & I started with a Fender acoustic/electric which I still play today. I'm looking to move up a bit with something with a bit more quality. I really like the style of that blue Ibanez. What are your thoughts in regards to using it for playing church worship? I mainly play chords due to my experience level. Thanks.
I've the Epiphone SJ200 no cutaway, 1980's Yamaha FG450 (my sentimental favourite) & Gretsch Gin Rickey I like them all for different reasons, they're good value well made guitars for the money. I've also have the Sigma DM ST it is by a long, long way the best sub $500 / $352 AUD acoustic guitar I have ever owned or played. The SJ200 only gets a run occasionally & the Yamaha FG 450 & Gretsch don't get played very much at all since I brought the Sigma. I can't heap enough praise on the Sigma DM ST when its got newish strings on it.
Thanks Chris. You truly helped me to get the one guitar I like
excellent video thanks
You my sir are very inspirational to me. I only had my acoustic for three years but only got serious about it 10 months ago (darn it’s so hard) but I only wanted to play fingerpicking style. I’m still struggling after these months lol. But hearing you play is soooo beautiful. I haven’t played for a month cause the bridge is coming off and too expensive for me to get fixed 😞 so now I don’t know if it’s better for me to get another cheap on and what kind too get. So confused on all the types and names. Then I just heard I’d dreadnaught??. triple double zero?? So confused. But hearing you play in this video. Beautiful. It’s the reason I like finger picking. I’m 61 years old. I’m seeing all these name I’ve never heard of and think their knock offs I have a fender and heard of Yamaha. I was so desperate I thought of getting the cheapest Amazon one but reviews were bad. How do I pick or kind of a acoustic? Thanks
Go with a Yamaha...they are durable and hold tune very well. Great neck and tuners. And they are loud, great for finger picking.
I know I probably sound dumb but I really want to get into guitar and the fender cd-140SCE looks really nice! I was wondering if you need to attach a cord into the guitar to play it?
Missing a little bit a cort series here, but good review. Thanks!
Great video for the under $500 range. Solid choices. Why is you never review any Breedlove Guitars? They put in solid tops and backs at a lower price point than several other makers. The company was started by guys that worked for our favorite brand, Taylor, too. I own a Breedlove Signature Organic Concerto. It was higher than this price point, but not by much.
The Yamaha FG200 was the first guitar, I ever owned, my mother bought it for me when I came home from the military in 1974. Still have it today. It still sounds good as well.
I have the FG730s. Its sound and looks stack up incredibly well against much more expensive guitars. Yamaha makes quality instruments.
Awesome.thats what it all about
Thanks for your service
Good for you. I am on my 3rd Yamaha acoustic and I have the FG830. My first two were stolen over the years. Hopefully someone is still making music on them somewhere lol.
Just got a Yamaha FG Series FGX800C and I'm blown away at the sound you get for the price. I walked in expecting to spend double or triple what I actually spent. But when comparing, the sound and feel blew me away
I agree with you on a Yamaha... I bought the Trans acoustic and I can't seem to put it down. Sound great without the effects, too. Most durable instrument. I used to play Samick cutaway but it didn't sound well unplugged. Gave away my 800 series Yamaha acoustic/electric to a young girl player and she fell in love with it. She plays gigs now ! Who knew ?!
Great playing.
Bought a lefty sx about 16 years ago for about 250e and it's my baby.. Wouldn't trade it for another guitar so it's all about feel and how it sits with you imo
great great video! Thank you!!!
Hi Chris, do you suggest FG800 or FG830 for a beginner? any pros and cons of one over the other model?. Also, I'm able to find a 800 on the official store but could NOT find 830 online, even in the entire world. wondering why, may be too demand or the model is not being sold anymore in 2021??
That yamaha fg830 definitely sounds the best 👌
Those are some great sounding guitars. Awesome value
Glad you like them!
Guild D 240E ! ! Best budget guitar on the market !
Alvarez has a lot of great acoustic products around $500 too, I’m surprised you didn’t showcase one on this list. All of these guitars sounded great though and you did a great job bringing out the sounds.
Jesus Christ loves you
Hi Chris, thanks for review! About the Ibanez, which i am considering,i noticed that your test was done not in completely acoustic (from front mic) but i see mixed also its electrical line out, so i cant really hear the natural sound. Also perhaps i am ignorant about it, but i really didnt get the point about the "laminate wood is better for less stage feedback....".
HOwever I play live with my TAylor Big baby , which i am considering to replace due to the lack of cutaway which i need.
I am in search of the "perfect guitar" into 500-600$ range, with low action as my Taylor can reach (i bought a Martin Djr2 and sold it due to action +richelite+shorter scale make freats little) max 4" body depth, with cutaway, possibly satin or natural pore finiture, i would like a decent sound possibly as good as my TAylor BBT.
I would appreciate any confrontation in this perspective! Love!
Loved YAMAHA FG830 Guitar.
My Yamaha Fg830 Is damn good, I love it! Going to get the sunburst one too or maybe an FS830
hey guys. can I know what is the name of the music is playing during the guitar sound demo? sounds chill and soft. Nice music
I have an FG840 and I love it. It was a gift but I’m sure it was under $500
Yamaha makes great acoustics. I need one
Is the yamaha fg 830 body size really like in the video becaue it looks big for me XD but its the best guitar i think at the price range?
The fender with the hard case oh man thats such a good deal and sounds amazing, also taylor for the price but a gig bad, its a tough choice
Chris, great as always. Some observations:
I need to listen with good quality earphones. Listening with earbuds that came with the iPhone is a waste. Now I want to go back and listen to the review of guitar strings using my earphones.
The volume during the Epiphone playing suddenly got loud and muddy.
Surprised by the good sound of the composite top Ibanez.
The Fender sounded good and with a case!
The classic Taylor/McKee sound:sweet in a $500 guitar. Of course.