The Top 5 Acoustic Guitars Under $500 | Alamo Music Center
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 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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It’s overwhelming how much better the Yamaha fg 830 sounds compared to the others
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 UA-cam channel. It’s Alamo Music’s channel, and it likely brings them much more revenue than they could ever earn from UA-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!
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 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 bought the FG830 today, it sounds incredible, I love it
I forgot to also say his picking is so comforting, and Americana! Thanks for these videos.
oh god the Yamaha FG830 sounds so rich and flamboyant. imma get that one, thanks brother.
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!
All great instruments, Chris, and your playing makes them sound awesome. Also love your music of music. Thanks for sharing this review.
Great review. Thanks for taking the time. Very informative and useful.
Problem is I want them all! Great demonstration as always, Chris!
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!
Awesome, Chris. Love this comparison. Super helpful.
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.
This guy knows what he is talking about, and gives every instrument its best attributes. Like!
Fantastic playing Chris!
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.
Good stuff Chris, thank you for sharing brother.
Thanks! Enjoyed this video!!
Sold all my guitars and haven't played in over 10 years and trying to get back into it.
Great review. Thanks for that 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Five beautiful guitars well presented! I'd love to have any or all of them. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching!
Subscribed. No BS, to the point and great expertise.
The Fg830 was the beginner guitar of my choice and I recognize it pretty well.
Nice review with great guitars. Thanks Chris ! It's nice we have great choices at all price points.
You bet!
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.
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
Thank you for helping this newbie. I bought the Yamaha today.
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)
Excellent video 🙂 Thanks!
excellent video thanks
You make them all sound great!
Another great vodeo but the Seagull S6 is my choice!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Very helpful, thank you
great great video! Thank you!!!
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 Taylor sounded the best to me! Very bright warm tones!
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!
Very useful video. Well done
Great playing.
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
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!
🤞
Great job Chris...you do an excellent job of showcasing this instruments. Doesn't hurt that you play really well!
I appreciate that!
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
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!
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 $25-40. The guitar is well made with spruce or mahogany for the top (I prefer spruce).
currently I own the Fender CD140sce . I own it since 2016.
awesome Guitar awesome Bass and Resonance
How much did you purchase it for
@@johnomundson9778 I requested the dealer to upgrade it to a Bone nut, saddle ,brass pins and Gold tuners before shipping and costed me 490$ without shipping
The Fender, surprisingly has the best balanced tone of the bunch, to my ear!
Thanks Chris for this video. Taylor for 500 or 5000 dollars. It is the best.
Don't need a guitar in this range but watched because I enjoy your reviews :)
Thanks!
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.
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?!?!
Thanks Chris. You truly helped me to get the one guitar I like
I think you should have definitely included the Takamine GD51CE. Great value imo.
I have a FG830 that I recently got and it is an amazing guitar. Sounds as good as some guitars costing 3X more.
That yamaha fg830 definitely sounds the best 👌
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
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!
Very informative.
Loved YAMAHA FG830 Guitar.
Like the Taylor for Fingerstyle
I love Fender but that Ibanez really resonates to me. 🎸🎸
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.
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?
Yamaha makes great acoustics. I need one
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. 😀
Those are some great sounding guitars. Awesome value
Glad you like them!
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.
The Taylor and the Yamaha sounded great
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
Guild D 240E ! ! Best budget guitar on the market !
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.
Now we need a revised version for this year
Thank you for your excellent presentation. My first guitar is the Yamaha Fgx830. I decided on this one because I liked the sound, the perceived quality and the design, although it is true that I also tried the Ibanez, Alvarez, Fender equivalent in price and I also found them very good guitars with minimal differences between them. Greetings from Barcelona.
just found the guitar i want thank you so much
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
This showed me the Yamaha sounds great and is a well done guitar. The Epiphone shines really only with the fishman on.The Ibanez wasn't really up to it, and the Fender was adequate, best with its pickup as well. The Taylor shows that it is what is is an adequate beginner only. Nice presentation, though, well done. Thank you.
Takamine lower end guitars are fantastic !
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.
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 there! Thanks for the videos, love them.
What do you think about orangewoods guitars? Do you have any video about them?
Thanks!
I like the Taylor
I don't know why I watch these comparison videos but I do. Always interesting to see whats about. I particularly like the under $2000 and under $3000 comparison videos and an update would be nice.
What happened here with the audio at 7.00? Seems to get a boost for the better.
What I particularly liked about this video was the country licks you played on the Epiphone that had a few bass runs. I think that style allows one to hear the balance better than the usual treble fingering stuff . Would be nice to include a little of both in each review.
Nice review this. Stay safe.
I believe the audio switched from the external mic to the internal pickup.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Man I’m sold on the Yamaha. I’ve been wanting a well built acoustic and not have to break my wallet. They always sound so good.
I have an FG840 and I love it. It was a gift but I’m sure it was under $500
That Epiphone looks so nice
My Yamaha Fg830 Is damn good, I love it! Going to get the sunburst one too or maybe an FS830
Vintage brand are great guitars! Under 500 dollars and brilliant!
Great comparison. Epiphone was great, but I have an Academy 12 for the grandchildren.
@Selim Vasquez-Lopez Go for it! I bought an Academy 12 for $500 used so Guitar Center added a lot of extras to make up for the price, and an Academy 12e from a small music store that had been in the store for a year at $365 + $35 shipping. April-May 2020. Expecting a flood of used guitars to hit the market next year...
I got a Martin 000-16, I hope it lasts me long. Thanks Chris God bless you.
Hope you enjoy it! Thanks!
Martin is the best acoustic bar none