Best Acoustic Guitars (1000$ – 2000$) – Top 5 Picks

There comes a point in the career of every musician when they make the decision to upgrade from their current instrument and explore the options available in higher-end guitars. This guide aims to help you find the perfect guitar that suits your playing style while also staying within your budget.

Although it may appear overwhelming to find the ideal guitar with the vast selection on the market today, conducting thorough research on guitars within your price range can simplify the process and turn it into an enjoyable experience.

To kick off this guide, I will delve into reviews of the top acoustic guitars priced under 1000$ – 2000$. For more information on what factors to consider when selecting a guitar, refer to our buying guide located at the end of this article.

Best Acoustic Guitars (1000$ – 2000$) Reviews

1. Taylor 214ce Deluxe Cutaway

The 214CE-CF features a strap holder that doubles as a jack plug for electric performance. The CF label signifies the copafera layering in which the holder is situated, a standout characteristic in Taylor’s updated 200 Deluxe series. The wood is meticulously matched on the rear, highlighting its stunning appearance.

The Tusq nut and scarf neck joint are complemented by elixir Phosphor Bronze Light strings, extending to the satin-finished tuners. The headstock proudly showcases Taylor’s Colorcore logo, a well-known emblem for guitar enthusiasts.

While the 11.7cm body depth may appear somewhat imposing initially, do not be discouraged. The grand auditorium size is Taylor’s most sought-after for a good reason, providing a strong low end, especially in an E major chord. Bob Taylor crafted this shape in the early 1990s to offer singer-songwriters the ideal midrange sound, along with pleasing treble tones on the higher strings.

Being among the first to try out this Venetian cutaway model in the UK is a true privilege. Letting go of it will be a challenge, and we highly recommend it to those who have high expectations for their guitars. A Taylor guitar is a valuable addition to any collection, but the 214CE-CF DLX would take your Taylor collection to the next level.

2. Martin 15 Series 000-15M

Martin is a popular choice among guitarists on a budget of $1500. The Martin D-15M is an excellent option for those in search of a Martin acoustic guitar.

The D-15M is a dreadnought guitar that showcases Martin’s iconic design. However, this model has some unique features compared to Martin’s usual offerings.

One notable distinction is that the entire guitar, including the neck, is made from Solid Mahogany. This choice of material has various implications for the guitar’s construction.

To enhance resonance, the D-15M has an A-frame X-scalloped bracing made from Solid Sitka Spruce. The fretboard and bridge, on the other hand, are crafted from Solid East Indian Rosewood instead of Mahogany.

The D-15M’s neck has 20 frets, but only 14 of them are easily accessible due to the guitar’s non-cutaway body design.

Martin has spared no expense when it comes to hardware, using bone for both the nut and saddle. The guitar also features classy open-gear Nickel tuners with butterbean knobs, ensuring a smooth tuning experience.

3. PRS Paul Reed Smith SE A60E

Further exploring the specifications, this particular model comes equipped with a Fishman GT-1 preamp and under-saddle pickup, making it a top-notch electro-acoustic guitar.

Featuring PRS’s renowned Wide Fat neck profile, the A60E provides a comfortable playing experience with a nut width of just under 43mm. The low action and carefully selected 0.012 to 0.053 gauge strings enhance the playability of the guitar in both SE models.

An outstanding feature of this instrument is its X/Classical hybrid top bracing, which allows the solid spruce top to achieve its full tonal potential more rapidly compared to traditional bracing techniques. The outcome is a guitar that delivers a mature and well-balanced sound straight out of the box.

It’s challenging to find any flaws with this guitar. Not only does it offer exceptional playability and sound quality, but it also provides remarkable value for its cost. The striking aesthetics, especially the ziricote accents on the A50E model, further enhance its appeal. If you’re looking for a high-caliber electro-acoustic guitar, the latest SE model from PRS is definitely worth considering.

4. Yamaha Transacoustic LS-TA

There are a total of twenty well-positioned and finely crafted frets on the guitar, accompanied by a bridge saddle and nut made from urea at each end of the guitar’s scale length. The guitar’s soundhole is adorned with an attractive yet understated rosette, featuring alternating circles of black and white with a center ring made of abalone.

In essence, this guitar is ideal for individuals seeking a strumming companion for home use or even for performances. When played without any additional enhancements, the acoustic sound is rich and full, with a harmonious blend of low, mid, and high tones.

Thanks to the ARE treatment, the guitar emits a sense of maturity and depth in its tone, as if it has already been played for a considerable amount of time. The initial vibrant brightness has evolved into a more refined and opulent sound.

Now, let’s discuss its performance. It is quite challenging to articulate in words. While we are all familiar with chorus and reverb effects, we typically associate them with external devices rather than something that magically emanates from an acoustic guitar.

When the chorus and reverb are perfectly balanced, the sound takes on a three-dimensional quality that undoubtedly enhances performances in a living room or during a writing session. Although the effects may not meet studio-level standards, they are certainly sufficient to provide the guitar with a professionally produced ambiance.

The level of innovation showcased here is truly remarkable. Everyone in our office who has had the opportunity to play this guitar has departed with a smile on their face – and that, undoubtedly, is the ultimate objective.

5. Takamine Pro Series 3 P3FCN FXC Nylon

For nearly four decades, Takamine acoustic-electrics have been the top choice for steel-string guitar players, whether they are well-known or not. Renowned artists like Bruce Springsteen and Jerry Garcia have relied on Takamine guitars for their studio recordings and live performances. While the company is famous for its steel-string guitars, it also has a rich heritage of crafting nylon-string instruments.

From the acoustic “folk” guitars of the 1950s to the acoustic-electric classical guitars of the 1970s, Takamine has consistently set the standard in the industry. A prime example of this is the P3FCN from the Pro Series 3, a contemporary nylon-string guitar with built-in electronics that has gained popularity among jazz and crossover musicians.

The guitar arrives with a comfortably low action, allowing for easy chord playing and swift movement across the fretboard. Although the strap button may cause slight discomfort at the highest frets, the guitar is well-balanced for both seated and standing positions. Featuring Takamine’s Palathetic pickup system, the P3FCN boasts six piezo elements that deliver a clear amplified sound.

Located on the upper left bout, the CT4B II preamp includes a chromatic tuner and controls for volume, low, mid, and high frequencies. Powered by a nine-volt battery, this guitar provides a versatile and affordable option for musicians in search of a high-quality nylon-string instrument.

Factors to Consider When Buying Acoustic Guitars (1000$ – 2000$)

Choosing the body type of a guitar that is most comfortable for your playing style and produces the tone you want is one of the most difficult choices you can make.

Parlor

These have an extended body and are smaller than concert guitars. This little guitar’s extended body form increases volume and lends it a unique sound. There is hardly much noise made by it.

Grand Auditorium and Auditorium

The Auditorium has a body shape that resembles a combination of a concert model and a dreadnought. They resemble a concert in terms of their body shape, which is wider in the lower bout than a dreadnought but narrower in the waist than a dreadnought. The Grand Concert is the second most common body shape and is suitable for all play styles.

Grand concert and concert

Contrary to dreadnoughts, concert guitars have substantially narrower waist widths. It features a less bass-heavy, more defined tone.

Dreadnought

The Dreadnought is perhaps the guitar that comes to mind the most frequently when you think of it. The dreadnought’s broad, less-defined midsection gives it a big soundboard. It boasts a wide range, clean, high volume, good projection, strong bass, strong mid-range, and dazzling highs.

Getting to know tonewoods

What tonewoods to choose is one of the most crucial selections you can make while doing research for your new guitar. Even though it could seem like a difficult undertaking, it will be worthwhile in the long run. The tonewoods will have an impact on how your guitar plays and sounds. To acquire the sound you desire, you should enter the purchasing process as informed as you can.

Cedar

A softwood that produces a richer, more lively sound and is most frequently used for classical or flamenco-style playing.

Ebony

Smooth, enables for movement up and down the neck, and is frequently utilised for fretboards.

Koa

Hawaiian luxury wood, utilised for the top, back, and sides, that gives a magnificent midrange but is less frequently employed.

Mahogany

a heavy tonewood that performs well when played in the higher register.

Maple

It produces a “dry” sound and is applied to the back and sides. It is adaptable since it may emphasise high notes while also offering a lower resonance that cuts through live performances.

Rosewood

Indian rosewood, which is used for the back and sides as well as the fretboard, has gradually supplanted traditional rosewood (Brazilian), while sounding almost identical.

Sapele

Mahogany-like African wood offers outstanding midrange and treble tones.

Spruce

For many guitar players, this is the go-to top wood because it is so clear and crisp. Sitka, Adirondack, and Engelmann Spruce all have a slight effect on the tonal range.

Walnut

a distinctive substitute for a mahogany body, a solid tonewood that supports the midrange and offers a sound with resonance and good distance.

Final Word

After exploring various options, it is evident that there is a wide selection of acoustic guitars available in the price range of 1000$ – 2000$.

You do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy high-quality sound and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you are new to music or an experienced guitarist seeking a dependable and exceptional instrument, there is something suitable for you among the aforementioned choices.

Irrespective of your decision, a commitment to excellence and creativity is a shared characteristic among these guitars priced between 1000$ – 2000$. Take a look for yourself, as only you can discover the ideal guitar to enrich your musical journey.