There are many reasons one would be interested in the value of cheap guitars.
Maybe you’re a beginner, your budget is tight, or you need a “beater” guitar to take around with you everywhere.
Whatever the case may be, there are guitars available that are cheap in price, while still having great value in playability.
Here are my picks for the best cheap guitars under $200.
Snapshot: Top 6 Cheap Acoustic Guitars of2024
- Yamaha FG800 – Highly Rated
- Jasmine S35
- Vangoa Electric Acoustic – Great Value
- Hola HG-39GLS Nylon String
- Fender FA-115 – Best Overall
- Gretsch Jim Dandy Flat Top
Priced Cheap Without Playing Cheap
As you look at guitars priced under $200, the guitar designs become all about the essentials. What is the bare minimum that a guitar needs to be both playable and enjoyable?
Compared to acoustic guitars that cost more, you will notice that “cheap” guitars often trade out solid woods for cheaper laminate woods. Laminate woods allow for manufactures to have a greater yield of guitars for their raw materials, but they also change the tonality of the instrument.
Using them for back/sides is a common practice but using laminate woods on the top normally makes the guitar sound choked or smaller. If you can find a guitar with at least a solid wood top in this price range, then that’s a great value for the price.
The majority of guitars on this list are made overseas for a fraction of the cost it would take to make them here. They are made in bulk with sturdy, but cheap materials so that you can have guitar in your hands for minimum dollar out of pocket. This can be seen as a good thing, because if you were to lose or damage any of the guitars on this list, they could be easily replaced.
Many of the guitars on this list could be or have been included in other “top guitar” lists we have here on The Sound Junky, including best travel acoustic guitar or best acoustic guitars for beginners. Cheap guitars have a plethora of good uses. Even though they may not always be the most unique or best sounding guitars, they can still play a valuable role in your life as a musician.
The Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars
1. Yamaha FG800 Review – Highly Rated
- Solid sitka spruce top
- Nato back & sides
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Rosewood bridge
While the majority of this list is in no particular order, in my humble opinion, this is the absolute best full size acoustic guitar in this price range. It reigns supreme in terms of tone, playability, and even for its understated looks.
Body/Neck
What really sets the Yamaha FG800 above the rest is its use of solid sitka spruce for the top. Its quite rare to find a guitar in this price range that utilizes any solid woods. While this is the only instance that solid woods are being used on this instrument, it makes a huge difference in the tone and look of the guitar. This is further worth investing in as the topwood will continue to evolve and sound better with age.
The back and sides are made of Nato (Eastern Mahogany) to compliment the sitka spruce top. The neck is also made of Nato and is finished with a satin finish. Satin finishes are my favorite for necks because they have a natural feel to them, like an aged vintage guitar, and won’t get sticky when played on hot summer days. The fretboard and bridge are made of rosewood, rounding out the high-quality materials used on this instrument.
Hardware/Electronics
I find it common that budget guitars worth having often have one main feature that makes them great and cheap. Because this guitar has a solid top, there are no electronics that can be afforded. Yamaha does make guitars in their “F” series with electronics, but you will have to pay just a little bit more for them. The tuners are the same diecast tuners found on the rest of Yamaha’s guitars.
Sound
This is the best sounding steel string guitar on this list. There’s no contest. It’s all due to the solid wood top, which gives the Yamaha FG800 its natural, open tone. The Nato back/sides do a great job of complimenting the high-end resonance of the topwood and give it some beefy low end. The dreadnought body shape is a great option for singers/songwriters and soloists alike.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Solid sitka spruce top, nato back/sides
- Neck Material: Nato
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: None
- Bridge Material: Rosewood
“Best in Class Acoustic” under $200
Final Thoughts on the Yamaha FG800
I find Yamaha to be to budget guitars what Taylor and Martin are for expensive guitars. Yamaha is one of the best within its market. The entire “F” line of guitars from Yamaha is full of reliable, great sounding guitars that make the company worth having a reputation for. I don’t think you can do much better for a full-size guitar at this price range.
2. Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar (Bundle) Review
No products found.
Jasmine was once owned by Takamine guitars, who have made it onto almost every one of my “Top Acoustic Guitar” lists. Even though they are now owned by KMC Music Company, the quality has not changed, making the Jasmine S35 an guitar one of the best under $200.
Body/Neck
The S35 features a “select” spruce top, which is another word for laminate. The back and sides are made with agathis. Jasmine shoots to make the design as straight forward and user friendly as possible. This is most apparent in the neck, which is a slim profile nato neck with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. The slim profile and satin finish make for easy playability across the entire neck. Jasmine’s Advanced X-bracing adds the stability, giving you a dependable acoustic guitar.
Hardware/Electronics
With the guitar clocking in at under $100 on its own, there’s no feasible room for pickups to be installed. That being said, you still have a very usable guitar. The S35 has a synthetic bone nut and saddle, giving you bone’s similar feel and sound for a fraction of the cost. The chrome closed tuners offer no fuss and work well.
If you opt for the bundle (still under $200!) then you get a lot more equipment. The bundle includes a second set of Martin strings, clip-on tuner, strap, picks, cloth, and even an instructional DVD and book. You get everything you need as a beginner while still remaining in budget.
Sound
For being a guitar made entirely of laminate woods, I find it to still be a very responsive guitar. If you want it to be bright, use a flat pick and strum away. If you want it to sound a bit warmer, use your fingers. It will react to either playing style very well. The woods make it sound a little bit thinner than even acoustic guitars in the $300 range will sound. You will need to do a proper setup to make it sound its best, but that is common among guitars within this price range.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Laminate spruce top, agathis back/sides
- Neck Material: Nato
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: None
- Bridge Material: Rosewood
Best under $100, or a great bundle under $200. Win-Win!
Final Thoughts on the Jasmine S35 Acoustic Guitar (Bundle)
I firmly believe that this guitar would be as good as the Yamaha FG800 if it had a solid top… but it doesn’t.
That being said, the guitar alone costs under $100. That’s insane! For being so cheap this thing sounds and plays great once it is set up. The trade off between this and a guitar like the Yamaha is that you can get a bundle and still be under budget. This is one of the best options out there for a beginner that needs all the extra gear needed to begin learning to play.
3. Vangoa Full-Size Electric Acoustic Review – Great Value
- ✅[Rich and Deep Sound] The electric acoustic guitar can produce sound acoustically as a regular acoustic guitar. The upgraded X-bracing soundboard offers a richer and brighter sound than it used to...
- ✅[Ready for Stage] Vangoa acoustic-electric guitar features a built-in 4-Band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presto) and volume control offering the option to plug into an acoustic amp, mixer, or PA...
- ✅[Stay in Tune] Sealed nickel tuning pegs are harder, more durable, and more wear-resistant than chrome tuning pegs, 18:1 ratio gears ensure precise tuning. Upgrade phosphor bronze strings, bone nut...
- ✅[Comfortable to Play] Low action design relieves the pain when pressing the strings. Smooth fret ends with ABS binding are stylish and avoid cutting fingers when moving up and down rapidly on the...
Is being able to play live, plugged straight in to a PA, the most important thing to you? There is a guitar out there that has an onboard pickup system and bundle for around $125. Surprised? Yeah, me too.
Body/Neck
This is a full sized, cutaway acoustic guitar made of basswood for the top, back and sides. The neck is all walnut, including the fretboard and bridge. I was expecting this guitar to be a ¾ size in order to allow for electronics at this price range. It turns out Vangoa does offer a travel size guitar with electronics, though it is currently out of stock.
The guitar has binding around the entire instrument not only to protect your instrument, but to offer protection as well. You can also get this acoustic in one of three colors, including blue, natural, or red. All of these are finished in a lacquer finish, which offers great protection, but does affect the overall tone.
Hardware/Electronics
The electronics are what make this guitar worth getting. It has a 4 band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presto) as well as a volume control. The pickup works well enough and gives you ample control over your tone so you can give yourself the best tone possible for whatever venue you might find yourself in.
The Vangoa also comes with a bountiful bundle that includes a tuner, strap, capo, picks, cable and gigging bag. You will have literally everything you need to play your first open mic night.
Sound
The dreadnought body shape gives the guitar a deep low-end character to it. It is warm and balanced from the all basswood body. It isn’t a lush tone by any means, as the lacquer chokes off any overtones, but whatever changes you want to make to the tone in a live scenario can be controlled by the onboard EQ. I would recommend it as a good strumming guitar.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Walnut
- Fingerboard Material: Walnut
- Pickups: Vangoa 4 Band EQ
- Bridge Material: Walnut
The perfect “Live Acoustic” starter pack
Final Thoughts on the Vangoa Full Size Electric Acoustic
If you are looking to get started playing in coffee shops or open mics nights and you are able to plug into a PA, then this is a great guitar to learn the “live” ropes on. I don’t think it is suitable for professional touring, but even for professionals it could serve as a functional beater or backup guitar to always have on hand. The fact that the bundle gives you literally everything you need to get started at such a low price point is also commendable.
4. Hola HG-39GLS Nylon String Review
- Hola! Music Full Size Classical Guitar HG-39GLS features: Spruce top, Mahogany back, sides and neck
- Hola! Music Full Size Classical Guitar HG-39GLS features: Spruce top, Mahogany back, sides and neck
- Nut width: 52mm / 2 inches. Number of frets: 19
- This classical guitar provides the perfect combination of style, sound, and savings
Classical players also have an excellent budget guitar option in the Hola HG-39GLS Nylon String guitar. Hola makes this model in three sizes, so there is a perfectly fit guitar for whoever you are buying for.
Body/Neck
The bang for buck value of this guitar starts in the wood selection. The Hola HG39 comes with a spruce top and mahogany back/sides that really works well for nylon string guitars. The mahogany neck (coupled with a walnut fingerboard) is slightly wider than what is typically found on steel string guitars.
So, keep this in mind if you are looking for a beginner’s guitar on the cheap as you will have to stretch your fingers a little more to play chords properly. The HG39 has a build quality that is beyond its price point and will allow for new players to use it for years to come.
Hardware/Electronics
Like most guitars in this price range there are no electronics onboard for the Hola HG39, however the hardware and guitar design is set up to make playing as easy as possible. The walnut bridge and tusq saddle make for a resonant and stable anchor for your nylon strings.
The guitar also has an adjustable truss rod so you can adjust the string height (aka the “action”) on the guitar. The classical nylon tuners work well and are sure to keep your strings in tune given the guitar remains in a controlled climate.
Sound
I’m truly impressed by the sound of the Hola guitars considering the price range. The nylon strings give the guitar a much warmer tone than one might be used to in steel string guitars. Because of the wood choice the guitar has a responsive high end and resonant low end at the same time.
This is a great sounding guitar for classical players or even for folk singers that want a mellow strumming guitar.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Spruce top, mahogany back/sides
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Walnut
- Pickups: None
- Bridge: Walnut
A budget nylon string guitar in any size
Final Thoughts on the Hola! Model HG-39GLS Nylon String Guitar
Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned classical player, or a steel string player looking for a nylon alternative, Hola makes dependable and beautiful sounding classical guitars at an attainable price point. The fact that it comes in different sizes, a padded gig bag, and online lessons add to the value of this guitar. I’m pretty surprised that this guitar is as cheap as it is considering how great it sounds and plays.
5. Fender FA-115 Bundle Review – Best Overall
- Everything you need to start playing straight out of the box
- Full-size dreadnought body for full and vibrant tone, suited for all styles of music
- 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
- Rosewood bridge with compensated synthetic bone saddle
Fender doesn’t just make some of the best electric guitars in the world, they also make acoustic guitars for those on a budget. Case and point: The Fender FA-115. This dreadnought brings you a timeless body shaped guitar with a dependable build quality without dipping too far into your wallet.
Body/Material
The Fender FA-115 features a laminated spruce top with agathis back and sides. The neck is also agathis with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. All of these materials are shaped into a big dreadnought bodied acoustic guitar that is ready to accompany you in your next song. Though the materials may not be the nicest in the world, what you do get is Fender’s excellent build quality. You won’t need to worry about this guitar falling apart on you, and if something does happen to it Fender will be able to send you the exact same guitar.
Hardware/Electronics
This is another budget guitar that is worth buying for the included bundle, making it a great option for beginners. Along with the guitar you receive an instructional DVD, gig bag, tuner, strings, strap, and picks to get you learning fast. The tuners are Fender’s own and will keep your guitar in tune well.
Sound
The sound of a dreadnought body shape makes the FA-115 a suitable guitar for just about any genre, so if you aren’t sure what kind of music you want to play this is a good starting point. I find that this guitar does sound a bit boxy. I think this is due to the all laminate woods used in its construction.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Laminate spruce top, agathis back/sides
- Neck Material: Agathis
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: None
- Bridge Material: Rosewood
A guitar with build quality only Fender can give
Final Thoughts on the Fender FA-115
The FA-115 from Fender definitely has its shortcomings. Its neither the prettiest nor the best sounding guitar on this list. I would caution people from buying guitars for the brand name alone, but you do get Fender’s build quality with this guitar. It is a well-built guitar that can be easily replaced, making it a great road companion or beginner guitar.
6. Gretsch Jim Dandy Flat Top Review
- Basswood body with X-bracing
- 12th fret, 24”-scale nato set neck with synthetic bone nut
- Vintage-style 18 frets
- Walnut fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
All the guitars on this list are awesome, but they all look like “typical” acoustic guitars. If you want something with some aesthetic and a historical look to it, while still keeping to a conservative price point, then look no further than the Gretsch Jim Dandy Flat Top.
Body/Neck
Parlor style guitars such as the Gretsch Jim Dandy were designed to be budget friendly ever since their rise to fame in the early 30’s, so it is no surprise that a parlor guitar would make it onto our list of best cheap guitars. The body of this instrument is made of Agathis and is paired with a C-shaped Noto neck and Rosewood fretboard. These materials and the smaller guitar size allow the instrument to be built at a low cost, thus saving you money as well.
Electronics/Hardware
The Jim Dandy model is a pure acoustic with no electronics involved, as is typical for instruments in this price range. It has period correct open gear tuners that give the guitar some serious vibe in addition to keeping your strings in tune. The guitar’s white, tear drop pick guard really pops out against the guitar’s burgundy finish.
Sound
I would consider this to be a specialty guitar as it has a small, nasally tone that reminds me of a cigar box guitar. Of all the guitars on this list I think it sounds the most like it belongs on a “cheap guitar” list. The tone won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is unique and can fit into a certain style of blues or bluegrass playing if put into the hands of the right player.
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Agathis
- Neck Material: Noto
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: None
- Bridge: Rosewood
Take home a little piece of blues history from Gretsch
Final Thoughts on the Gretsch Jim Dandy Guitar
A parlor guitar like the Jim Dandy model is fitting in this price range. Blues players back in the day weren’t going to be able to afford expensive instruments with the great depression and low paying gigs happening. Gretsch has taken a historically inspiring instrument and kept it in the price range is should be.
The Time Has Never Been Better to Buy A Budget Guitar
If none of my other articles prove it, then this one should. There are fantastic instruments in every price range. A cheap guitar doesn’t have to play or sound like it’s cheap, and guitar builders know it. I find it encouraging that guitar builders like Fender, Gretsch, and other great brands that I am discovering through these articles are making it their mission to make guitars worth having at unbelievable prices.
As strange as these times we live in are, at least there are cheap guitars out there to keep us company and to keep us optimistic. Stay happy and healthy everyone and play more guitar!
Further Reading:
- 6 Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars (That Aren’t Junk)
- 6 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1500 (Chosen By Musician)
- Laminate VS Solid Wood Acoustic Guitar: Which Will Be The Right Choice For You?
- Best Acoustic Guitar Under $200 – Our 6 Top Guitars in2024
- 6 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $500 In2024
Davis Wilton Bader is a professional guitarist/writer based out of St. Louis, MO. He plays in the bands Lumet and The Outskirts.