9 Best Acoustic Guitars For Under $2000 – 2023

When you’re a working professional, it’s always ideal to have the best tools available for the job. If you think about it, guitars are really no different from any other tool in this regard.

As you would expect, the guitars of the highest quality cost a bit more, while offering unparalleled playability and tones. The following are some of the best acoustic guitars you can get for $2000 or below. 

Takamine P5NC – Best Overall

Are you a singer that is looking for the best acoustic guitar to complement your vocals? Often, finding the right companion in this instance can become a near lifelong endeavor.

If this sounds familiar to you, be sure to check out the Takamine P5NC (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon). This has all of the essentials needed for the stage, with some modern amenities and a very balanced tone. 

The P5NC sports a Rosewood body with a Solid Spruce top, with scalloped-X bracing architecture inside. This guitar is perfect for strummers, as it is quite responsive and can provide a percussive element to your playing. 

A cutaway body design is also featured here, ensuring you full access to your acoustic guitar lead needs. Its overall design is reminiscent of a dreadnought but without the massive volume projection. 

Where things start to get interesting with the P5NC is in regards to its Mahogany neck. This has an asymmetrical contour, which is thinner near the high strings, to accommodate the shape of the hand. 

For the fretboard, the P5NC features Rosewood, and has a fairly standard nut width of 1.675”. With this and the neck contour, this should feel both familiar and comfortable. 

The P5NC has high-quality components used throughout its build, including:

• Rosewood bridge
• Gold Gotoh tuners
• Split bone saddle for improved intonation
• Bone nut

On-stage performers will delight with the P5NC’s Palathetic under-saddle pickup and CTP-3 Cool Tube preamp system. This has a few built-in features, which include:

• Tuner
• 3-band EQ
• Auxiliary input to connect an extra pickup if you decide to install one

The P5NC has a classic aesthetic with small details that showcase Takamine’s subtly excellent craftsmanship. 

As you would expect to find on a guitar of this price, the P5NC does come included with a hardshell case.

Taylor 314ce – Best Premium

Sometimes, when you have the ability to spend a certain amount of money, you’ll settle for nothing less. Fortunately, when it comes to guitars, you can often take home a piece of practical luxury.

Something you won’t want to overlook is the Taylor 314ce (see price on Sweetwater, Guitar Center). This guitar is almost unparalleled in terms of its magical and nostalgic acoustic tone qualities.

The 314ce features a Sapele body with a Sitka Spruce top, with Taylor’s iconic V-bracing architecture inside. To say this guitar has a balanced tone would be a complete understatement. 

While it does have a warm tone, it stays above a tasteful threshold in the lower-mid EQ ranges. It must also be said that this guitar is incredibly articulate, providing excellent response for any type of player. 

Fingerstyle players will enjoy this because of its wide dynamic range. Plus, all of your leads can be easily played thanks to its cutaway body design. 

The neck is crafted using Tropical Mahogany, featuring a West African Ebony fretboard. This should feel like a comfortable experience, sporting a 25.5” scale length and a 1.75” nut width.

Other hardware on the 314ce has been given special treatment as well, featuring:

• Ebony bridge
• Black graphite nut
• Micarta saddle

An under-saddle pickup is also provided, which is combined with Taylor’s powerful ES2 preamp system. This features controls for a 2-band EQ and volume while being incredibly discreet.

A hardshell case does come included with the 314ce.

Overall, this is quite an incredible guitar, featuring all of the hallmark Taylor aspects that made the brand famous. This is a guitar that is the meeting point between beautiful aesthetics, lush tones, and superb playability.

Martin D-16E Rosewood

Martin’s dreadnought acoustic design has become a legend within the various guitar models of the industry. The Martin D-16E (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is reasonably affordable when compared to other Martins of comparable quality. 

For instance, the D-16E has a body made of East Indian Rosewood, with a Sitka Spruce top. All of these components are made of solid woods, without the use of laminate. 

Furthermore, Martin has used a scalloped X-bracing architecture made of Sitka Spruce. This has been shifted forward to provide a sweetly treble and a warm low-end. 

The neck is made of a select hardwood of what Martin has available at the time of the guitar’s build. This features a low oval neck contour, which has been tapered to provide extreme playability up and down the neck. 

An Ebony fretboard provides a flatter 16” radius, with 20 frets tastefully decorated with traditional Mother-of-Pearl dot inlays. 

All of the hardware to be found on the D-16E include:

• Ebony bridge 
• Bone nut
• Tusq saddle
• Open-gear Nickel tuners

The D-16E also includes a Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2, which provides excellent electrification of the guitar’s natural tones. Its Enhance feature allows you to mix different locations for a wider range of tonal options. 

Overall, this is well worth the price if you’ve ever wanted a Martin dreadnought but couldn’t afford the price. It also comes with a soft-shell case, which is a nice addition.

Gibson G-200 EC

Are you somebody that appreciates tradition, but embraces progressive modern appointments? The Gibson G-200 EC (see price on Sweetwater, Guitar Center) might just be the guitar you’ve always been looking for. 

This is essentially a version of Gibson’s famed J-200 model, which features that classic Jumbo body style. The body itself is made of Walnut, with a Sitka Spruce top and scalloped X-bracing architecture. 

You might be asking yourself, what makes this so different from the J-200? The answer lies in the fact there is a port in the shoulder so you can hear yourself better.

Despite this, the G-200 still produces large J-200 tones, with an excellent range of response. Its tone is a bit more present in the upper-mid EQ ranges, which might be due to the additional port.

Utile is used for the G-200’s neck which features an advance-response contour for optimal comfort and playability. Striped Ebony is used for the fretboard, which features 20 frets.

Another interesting feature is the modern fretboard inlays, which double as the fret markers on the side of the neck. This small detail gives the traditional design more of a modern look.

The other hardware on the G-200 EC includes:

• Striped Ebony bridge
• Tusq nut
• Tusq saddle
• Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners

An LR Baggs Element pickup has also been installed in the guitar for electric performances. The guitar’s preamp is conveniently hidden within the shoulder port.

Overall, the G-200 EC is definitely a unique guitar and is definitely a product of Gibson’s fearless experimentation. A padded gig bag is included with the guitar’s purchase.

Larrivee OM-03R

If you’re only familiar with the larger names of guitar manufacturing, you might not recognize the name Larrivee. However, amongst acoustic guitarists, Larrivee is one of the best-kept secrets in the industry. 

In fact, Larrivee is known for producing guitars of exceptional quality. The Larrivee OM-03R (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is an excellent example of this in every detail.

This guitar sports a Rosewood body with a Sitka Spruce top, and X-bracing architecture inside. Despite having a smaller orchestra-sized body, the OM-03R produces rich mid-range tones with large projection.

Mahogany is used for the neck, which features a composite contour. This means the neck has a C-shape design in the lower region and a D-shape in the higher fret regions.

The OM-03R has an Ebony fretboard, with a radius of 16” and 20 frets. Ebony is used for the guitar’s bridge, as well.

For hardware, the OM-03R has both its nut and saddle made of bone. Classic die-cast chrome tuners provide a smooth tuning experience.

Unfortunately, the OM-03R does not come included with a pickup and preamp system. However, this guitar was built with the intention of recording with the use of microphones.

You’ll find that the OM-03R really does shine at performing its intended function. It’s truly a guitar of top-notch quality, where the true star of the show is in the tones it produces. 

A hardshell case does come included with the purchase of an OM-03R. 

Martin GPC-16E Mahogany

Martin is typically known for their more traditional lines of guitars. That is precisely what makes the Martin GPC-16E Mahogany (see price on Sweetwater, Guitar Center) so unique.

As its name suggests, the GPC-16E Mahogany features a Mahogany body with a Sitka Spruce top. Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing architecture allows this smaller grand auditorium guitar to really sing. 

If Mahogany isn’t exactly your cup of tea, Martin also offers this guitar model with Rosewood construction. Both of these models have that iconic warmth and sensitivity Martin guitars are known for. 

The neck is crafted using a select hardwood of what Martin has available at the time of the guitar’s production. This features a low oval contour which has been designed with performance in mind.

Ebony is used for the fretboard, which has a 16” radius with 20 frets outlined by Mother-of-Pearl dot inlays. 

You might be wondering what exactly makes this guitar so different from other Martin guitars. This model comes with a cutaway body design, which Martin guitars aren’t typically known for having.

Having this cutaway feature is of definite benefit to anyone that plays the entire range of the neck. Even the neck contour provides the perfect playing experience throughout each region of the neck. 

Martin has included the iconic Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 pickup and preamp system here. You’ll have no problems maintaining your natural acoustic tones during electric performances.

With an Ebony bridge, bone nut, Tusq saddle, and open-gear Nickel tuners, it’s clear to see Martin didn’t cut corners. Martin has also provided a soft-shell case with the purchase of the GPC-16E Mahogany.

Godin ACS-SA Slim

Taking modern liberties with traditional guitar designs is never a bad thing if it improves the experience overall. One of the most innovative designs currently available is the Godin ACS-SA Slim (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon).

Sure, you might not be initially drawn to the way this guitar looks, and that’s understandable. However, if you can look beyond this, you’ll find a guitar cut out for almost any modern application.

The ACS-SA Slim has a chambered Silverleaf Maple body with a Cedar top. When combined with the guitar’s nylon strings, it really does produce a rich nylon tone with a hint of brightness. 

However, unlike your traditional Spanish classical guitars, the ACS-SA Slim has a cutaway body design. You’ll also notice that the guitar doesn’t have a sound hole in the middle of the top.

This guitar was primarily built for stage performers, and because of that, it is loaded with exquisite electronics. Each saddle has its own transducer pickup to provide the best tonal representation across each string. 

Godin has provided a hefty amount of controls, including a volume,  EQ, and features relating to its 13-pin MIDI connection. Yes, that’s right, you can assign MIDI synth functions to the ACS-SA Slim, furthering its versatility. 

Overall, it could be said that the ACS-SA Slim plays like a dream come true. Extremely high-quality components are used throughout, including:

• Mahogany neck
• Richlite fretboard with 22 frets
• Richlite bridge 
• Tusq nut

This is an especially ideal guitar if you want the classical sound on something that plays like an electric guitar. A gig bag does come included with the ACS-SA Slim.

Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster

Even if you’re only vaguely familiar with the guitar market, you’ve likely seen Fender’s newest line of acoustics. The Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best versions from this lineup. 

As far as history goes, the Telecaster is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. This guitar blends the Telecaster design into an acoustic guitar for a unique and modern instrument. 

The Acoustasonic Telecaster has a Mahogany body and comes with either a Lutz Spruce or a Mahogany top. A number of attractive color options are offered, including:

• Translucent surf green
• Translucent sonic gray
• Natural
• Bourbon burst
• Sunburst
• Steel blue
• Matte black
• Crimson red

You’ll find this to play quite similarly to a traditional Telecaster, with the guitar featuring a:

• Mahogany neck with a modern deep-C contour
• Ebony fretboard with 12” radius and 22 frets
• Tusq nut
• Ebony bridge
• Tusq saddle
• Die-cast tuners

However, unlike the traditional Telecaster, the Acoustasonic Telecaster has been given some special treatments. The most notable is the comfort contour on the hip of the guitar as well as the sculpted heel joint.

Because this guitar is a hybrid guitar, it comes equipped with quite a selection of tools for electric performances. In fact, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this sounds like a regular electric guitar.

For starters, the Acoustasonic Telecaster has an Acoustasonic Noiseless single-coil pickup placed below the sound hole. A Fishman under-saddle pickup is also included, which is accompanied by a Fishman Enhancer.

If that wasn’t enough, a 5-way switch, as well as knobs for volume and voicing selection modes, are also provided.

This really is the most ideal if you want both acoustic and electric tones from 1 guitar. A gig bag does come with this guitar.

Yamaha AC5R

Not looking to spend the entirety of the $2000 budget? The Yamaha AC5R (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best values for the money. 

Yamaha’s A-series of guitars brings a modern breath of fresh air to traditional acoustic designs. The AC5R is the lineup’s most premium guitar, featuring a solid Rosewood body and a Solid Sitka Spruce top. 

It should be noted that this top has been given Yamaha’s famous A.R.E. torrefaction treatment. This essentially ages the wood, giving the guitar a mature and more articulate sound.

The African Mahogany neck has a straight taper contour, providing exquisite playability up and down the neck. Its Ebony fretboard has a 15.75” radius, and features rolled edges for a comfortable playing experience. 

There are 20 frets on the AC5R, all of which are easily accessible thanks to the guitar’s cutaway body design. Snowflake inlays have been used to tastefully adorn the fretboard’s traditional pattern.

Other hardware on the AC5R includes:

• Ebony bridge
• Tusq nut
• Tusq saddle
• Gotoh open-gear chrome tuners

The AC5R is also equipped with a piezo pickup and Yamaha’s SRT2 preamp system. This provides an excellent range of tones that you can blend for your ideal acoustic-electric sound.

Overall, the AC5R is well worth its price, and definitely rivals guitars at a much higher price point. This guitar showcases some of Yamaha’s best craftsmanship in terms of overall quality and attention to detail. 

You’ll also be pleased to know that the AC5R does have a hardshell case included with its purchase. 

What To Look For When Buying An Acoustic Guitar For Under $2000

When you’re buying a guitar, you want to make sure that your hard-earned cash is well-spent. This statement couldn’t be any more true when you’re shopping around the $2000 price range. 

Chances are pretty likely that, if shopping in this budget, you have a general idea of what to look for. After all, this range is generally recommended for working professional musicians. 

However, there’s always a possibility that you might not be exactly sure what to keep in mind. Perhaps this is the first time you’ve ever had access to these types of guitars.

Well, you can put your mind at ease by considering the following points as food for thought.  With a little adaptation, you’ll be able to apply this information to a guitar purchase of any budget range. 

Body Style

One of the first things to consider when buying an acoustic guitar is the actual design of the guitar itself. There are more designs available today than ever before, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. 

The dreadnought is perhaps the most recognizable, though its body does tend to be a bit larger than most. On the other hand, something like a parlor guitar will provide a smaller size, which could be more comfortable. 

Orchestra and grand auditorium models tend to fall between the extremes. These models provide compactness and volume without being too much one way or the other in any dimension. 

Along with that, you’ll need to consider whether you want the guitar to have a cutaway design. This is essential if you play up and down the neck as you’ll have access to every fret. 

Of course, now manufacturers are experimenting with hybrid designs. In a way, you could think of this as the wave of the future.

These hybrid guitars will often blend both acoustic and electric guitar designs into one instrument. Not every guitar player will want this, but it’s something to consider for the right person. 

Some other areas to consider include the scale length and the nut width of the guitar. These are going to be of special interest to those with smaller hands and/or fingers.

Scale length is the measurement between the nut and saddle. As such, it determines the spacing between each fret.

The nut width is essentially the width of the fretboard. Any curving on the fretboard is what is referred to as “radius”. 

Tone

Another major thing to consider is how the guitar actually sounds to your ears. After all, the sound might be one of the most important aspects of the guitar itself.

To get the best idea, you’ll want to take the time to try the guitar out for yourself. This will give you an experience that not even the highest quality video can provide.

Acoustic guitars really do have quite the range in tones. Some are warm, while others are crisp and bright.

Also, you’ll want to take into consideration just how loud the guitar actually is when being played. Take special note of how articulate the guitar is, especially when played in a range of different dynamic levels. 

Build Quality

When you’re buying around $2000, you really need to pay close attention to the craftsmanship of the guitar. Is the guitar built to a degree that warrants the associated price tag?

There’s perhaps nothing worse than dropping a massive wad of cash, only to find the guitar isn’t ideal. Sometimes, it can be the smallest thing that provides enough of an annoyance to turn you off of the guitar.

The point of this guide is to avoid having to go through that process altogether. With that being said, the only way to inspect craftsmanship is to see the guitar in person.

By doing this, you’ll be able to visually inspect the guitar to the most minute detail you desire. There is only so much that a picture on the internet can provide in this regard.

Some things you’ll want to take note of include:

• The overall feel of the guitar in your hands
• How the neck itself feels
• Whether or not the neck has rolled edges
• Whether the fret ends have been properly filed for comfort
• How well the guitar itself plays in relation to the playing action setup
• The overall quality of the smallest and seemingly insignificant areas of the guitar

It’s often assumed that a guitar of excellent quality will also have distinguished aesthetic designs. This isn’t always the case, so don’t write off something on the premise that it might look basic. 

Extra Features

You should also take note of any extra features the guitar might provide aside from providing guitar tones. This is a redundant point to make as you likely have specific needs you need to fulfill with this guitar. 

For instance, a stage performer will likely want to have a pickup installed in the guitar. However, at this price range, guitars tend to have a range of features regarding their preamp systems. 

Again, take the time to fully explore everything the guitar has to offer. This ensures that your money is being spent wisely.

Also, it’s always a plus to have a hardshell case or gig bag included with a guitar at this price. This might seem like the standard, but it isn’t always offered.

Budget

You might be wondering why you need to consider your budget if you already have a defined budget. However, there are multiple things you need to keep in mind in this regard.

The first is that you need to honestly assess where you are in terms of playing skills. Just because you have the money doesn’t mean you should spend it all.

A beginner or intermediate player might not fully appreciate all of the nuance found on a $2000 guitar. In general, it's best for professionals who will be using the guitar to make ends meet.

With that being said, do take the time to fully explore all of the guitars available at this price. You might find something that outperforms others, all while remaining fairly below budget.

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to check out the used market. Used guitars generally cost less than their retail price.

Often, this means you can find a higher-quality guitar at a much more reasonable price. This is especially true with having a budget of $2000.

Best Brands For Acoustic Guitars Under $2000

The sky is the limit when it comes to this budget, which doesn’t make things easier from a research perspective. If you should find yourself in a pickle, consider checking out these companies first.

While there are many top-class manufacturers at this price point, both of these brands are the most reputable. Many guitarists use these companies’ instruments as a measuring stick to which all other guitars are judged. 

Taylor

Since 1974, Taylor has been one of the biggest names in the acoustic guitar industry. These guitars are generally noted for their superb craftsmanship and exquisitely balanced tones. 

In fact, many professional musicians tend to be separated into camps, many of whom prefer Taylor guitars. You can be certain that many guitarists dream of being able to play Taylor acoustics someday. 

Martin

Martin is another giant in the acoustic guitar industry and is often the other camp professionals align with. This is one of the oldest American guitar manufacturers still in existence.

Many Martin guitars have become true icons in their own right. Their dreadnought and the orchestra models continue to be some of the most sought-after guitars of all time.

Top Acoustic Guitars For Under $2000, Final Thoughts

It’s generally best to take your time when you have a larger budget to work with. The range of guitars available to you at this price range is quite vast.

However, you can be certain that you’ll find a perfect blend of luxury and practicality in this budget range. These are definitely the types of guitars that will be passed down from generation to generation within families.