Luxurious acoustic guitars can cost you a fortune, but that price is totally worth their amazing performance, especially if you’re an avid guitarist who always wishes to improve and create supreme sounds. Or you’re a music studio owner, having best high end acoustic guitars plays a very crucial role in the recording of the songs.
Upmarket acoustic guitars come in multiple models and brands so that it can be a hassle for you to go for the right one. However, Tipitinasfoundation has listed our Top 17 Best High End Acoustic Guitar regarding various aspects, such as design, material, sound, feel, durability and so on.
Best High End Acoustic Guitar Comparison 2020
Best high end acoustic guitar for multi-level | Best high end acoustic guitar for beginners | Best high end acoustic guitar for travel | Best high end acoustic guitar for the material | Best high end acoustic guitar with great feel |
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** Below, you will find our detailed reviews of the Best High End Acoustic Guitar, but you can also click these following links to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
- Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making or advanced players, this guitar features an impressive tone, standout projection and incredible sonics. It's waiting to be heard.
- Fine hardwood construction: Guitar is made from X-braced, A-grade Spruce wood, known for its resiliency and versatility and Basswood for warmth. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, the guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity.
- Solid Cedar Top
- 3-ply neck construction to improve durability against neck warp
- CARBON FIBER and DURABLE: Carbon fiber is a composite material that will not warp or crack over time unlike wood instruments. It has a very high strength to weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber is tough, resonant, and resistant to temperature and humidity changes. KLOS guitars have hiked the longest trails in the world and climbed the tallest mountains! No need to humidify this instrument.
- SOUND: The KLOS carbon fiber travel guitar has a sound people describe as very rich, loud and resonant with a nice balanced tone. KLOS guitars compare favorably to acoustic guitars from all the top wood and carbon fiber brands. Play the guitar acoustic, or plug into any amp or PA for more volume. The Fishman Sonitone Onboard Preamp System features a soundhole mounted preamp with controls for Volume and Tone.
- CARBON FIBER and DURABLE: Carbon fiber is a composite material that will not warp or crack over time unlike wood instruments. It has a very high strength to weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber is tough, resonant, and resistant to temperature and humidity changes. KLOS guitars have hiked the longest trails in the world and climbed the tallest mountains! No need to humidify this instrument.
- SOUND: The KLOS carbon fiber full size guitar has a sound people describe as very rich, loud and resonant with a nice balanced tone. KLOS guitars compare favorably to acoustic guitars from all the top wood and carbon fiber brands.
- Solid Sitka Spruce Top
- Flamed Maple Back & Sides
Top Best High End Acoustic Guitar Reviews 2020
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND: Martin's Standard Series guitars combine authentic wood, like sitka spruce, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, and more, with innovative bracing, body styles, and handmade detailing to deliver rich resonance, classic tones, and a professional sound. Add our premium guitars to your touring lineup, studio gear, or instrument collection.
- PREMIUM HANDMADE GUITARS: Handmade from the highest-quality materials, Martin's Standard Series guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of picking. These solid-wood acoustic guitars deliver classic designs, professional sounds, and enjoyable playing.
The Martin Standard Series D-18 Dreadnought has the highest price on our list for a reason. The top material used is Spruce Wood, which is of exceptional quality. Additionally, it provides bone nut as well as added saddle for greater sustainability and solid sound. The D-18 has the ability to produce more dynamic basses and projection which is ideal for solo guitar songs.
Though there’s no truss rod, the unit offers amazing playability and construction. Thus, the strings have a decent responsiveness with your fingers. The sound it creates defines a true balance of mid, low and high tone. This is totally a smart investment and the product is of great value for the money.
Finally, for anyone loving minimalism, the classic and simple design of this guitar will easily catch your eyes. Compared with the Gibson Hummingbird counterpart, the back and side parts of this guitar are much smoother.
Pros
Cons
- Hand-selected premium solid Engelmann Spruce top treated with A.R.E.
- A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) is an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha
The Yamaha L-Series LS6, concert size model is a perfect option for a concert or special musical events. The cost of the guitar is higher for a reason. In terms of performance, the sound it is able to create is clear and solid without any amplification. It comes with an adaptable truss rod so that you can lower the strings. Also, the fingerboard is hair wide for greater playability
If you have bigger palms, the unit is great since it offers a thickness in the neck for finger responsiveness. That the product is made from rosewood makes it understandable for its high price, though the saddle and capo are made from plastic.
In addition, you would wish the guitar to feature an additional strap button, but that doesn’t matter that much. Overall, this product can be used effectively by both advanced and beginning players.
Pros
Cons
- solid sitka spruce top with african mahogany back and sides
- cutaway and fishman isys+ pickup with onboard tuner
First product on our list is an acoustic guitar from Cordoba. It arrives well-designed with the combination of mahogany wood and rosewood for different parts. The Cutaway Sunburst model has high-tension strings which contributes to the quality of the sound as it makes the sound deeper and louder. The product is considered ideal for different playability levels, not only for prominent entry-level players , but also for more professional guitarists.
The value of the product is well worth the money. The sound is resonant and engaging to hear. Though the product is not made in the USA, but China, the overall build quality is sturdy and the guitar offers a smoother feel so that you are less likely to get cut.
However, we think that the most notable feature of this product is the stunning design that gives out a fresh vibe. It comes with a modern feel of European on the top, and an addition of sunburst end.
Pros
Cons
- Deluxe AA Solid Spruce Top with Scalloped Bracing
- Lyrachord Mid-Depth Cutaway
The Ovation Acoustic-Electric 4-string bass guitar is worth more recognition for the reason that it has a modish look. The guitar is designed with a robust spruce top with Scalloped Bracing so that the guitar can create clearer and more crisp notes. Despite not being made from solid wood, the carbon fiber guitar succeeds to bring a true balance in sound.
In addition, the guitar is playable as well as comfortable to hold and glide. Each soundhole located at the string is added to enhance performance. The neck is designed thoroughly with satin maple for a more comfortable feel.
Pros
Cons
- Grand Auditorium Body w/Solid Hawaiian Koa Top & Layered Koa Back/Sides
- 25.5"-Scale Sapele Neck w/Ebony Fingerboard w/1-11/16" Nut Width
Another product from Taylor, a very popular and reliable brand. The Taylor 224ce-K DLX is highly appreciated for its sound. From every review, the sound is described as beautiful and engaging. Without being made from hardwood, the Koa Laminate is able to contribute to the nice and classic design as well as the comfortable feel of the product.
If you’re not very satisfied with the plastic material used to make the bridge pins and the truss rod, you can replace them with the ebony version. The design of the neck allows you for the comfortable hands movement as well as quick gliding up and down in order to produce great songs.
Besides, the product is manufactured in Mexico, not the USA, but the craftsmanship is spectacular and the overall performance of the product is a great value for the money. Even if you’re a first-time online buyer, this is a reliable option with the provision of amazing sound and good playability
Pros
Cons
- Stage Performance: LAVA ME PRO is specifically designed for the stage performance. A powerful preamp system built-in with an ultra-reliable, portable form define this purposeful design.
- LAVA X L.R. Baggs: To create the most powerful L2 preamp system, we’ve developed a deep partnership with L.R. Baggs based on sharing the same value on innovation. The L2 PRO preamp now has the iconic features from L.R. Baggs, yet super easy to use.
This LAVA ME PRO is an upgrade from the LAVA ME 2, while keeping some amazing features of the older version. It’s ideal for on-the-road guitarists since it’s a lightweight acoustic guitar with a unique look.
The unit comes with application of multiple effects and technology. Though the product is not made from pricey solid wood, the carbon fiber material has the ability to handle temperature as well as moisture. Also the product will arrive with a good travel case, USB cable, together with simple instructions. Additionally, L.R. Baggs system allows for a more depth and richness in sound the guitar produces.
Besides, the guitar features a turbo button that is ideal for soloing songs. It also has a sturdy neck with a smooth feel.
The most major problem is that some buyers reported some scratches on the frets, that is likely to be resulted from the careless delivery.
Pros
Cons
- CARBON FIBER and DURABLE: Carbon fiber is a composite material that will not warp or crack over time unlike wood instruments. It has a very high strength to weight ratio. This means that carbon fiber is tough, resonant, and resistant to temperature and humidity changes. KLOS guitars have hiked the longest trails in the world and climbed the tallest mountains! No need to humidify this instrument.
- SOUND: The KLOS carbon fiber travel guitar has a sound people describe as very rich, loud and resonant with a nice balanced tone. KLOS guitars compare favorably to acoustic guitars from all the top wood and carbon fiber brands. Play the guitar acoustic, or plug into any amp or PA for more volume. The Fishman Sonitone Onboard Preamp System features a soundhole mounted preamp with controls for Volume and Tone.
The KLOS Travel Acoustic Electric Guitar is another prominent candidate for the best portable guitar for traveling. It features a detachable neck, together with a compact unit so that you could bring it to other places, even in different countries without much hassle. Also the unit can produce gorgeous sound and great playability. Though the guitar is not a wooden model, it is likely to last as the material is resistant to heat or humidity.
If you want to bring your guitar to different events, on your camping trip, this KLOS is a perfect option. Apart from the portable design, the set comes with a gig bag so as to store the guitar safely. Or if you want to purchase a guitar for your children, this is suitable for beginners.
The sound this KLOS creates may not be as loud as the wooden type, the carbon fiber has the ability to add more ampfliciation to your performance. Not to mention the fact that it is made in the USA, the product is worth your considering.
Pros
Cons
- The World’s Leading Unibody Guitar: One-piece injection moulded technology makes LAVA ME 2 more comfortable to hold, gives it excellent acoustic performance. LAVA ME 2 can offer a loud, wide range frequency tone with its 36 inches body. It weights just 3.7 pounds. Even lighter than most of the laptops.
- Play with Effects without Plugging In: The FreeBoost Technology on the L2 pickups uses rear surface of the LAVA ME as a speaker. Turn on the pickups anywhere anytime, you can freely play with reverb, delay, chorus without an amp. Percussion Effect: The L2 Pickup is now enabled with percussion sound receiving mic. It enhances and embellishes the percussion sound no matter if it is used with or without plugging it in.
And for anyone who has got bored with the solid wood acoustic guitar, this carbon fiber LAVA ME 2 can be an interesting alternative. Even without the guarantee of the high-end material rosewood, if you often travel with your guitar, you may know that you cannot travel overseas while bringing rosewood guitars without permission. Thus, this product is worth considering for the reason that it’s light enough to carry around.
Moreover, the design of this guitar is much more unique and sleek in design to add to your guitar collection. Also, the package arrives with an additional case and 3 useful picks in carefully-wrapped conditions.
When it comes to the sound, it’s pretty clear, solid and may be better than you expect. And it features an integrated resonator for epic chorus and voice.
Finally, for beginners, this is a nice try with decent performance. Additionally, this unit is simple to play with good packaging.
Pros
Cons
- Solid Cedar Top
- Two-Chambered Silver Leaf Body
The Godin Multiac Nylon is a terrific combination of classic and electronic guitar. It can be used by either entry-level and professional guitarists for stage performances and recording music. All of the design and hardware applied in this guitar is for easier playability.
For guitars of higher-end price range, the criteria and expectations definitely differ from those of lower price range. But we really appreciate its performance and the sound it produces. Though it still cannot attract your attention for the reason that it is nylon type, especially beginning players since this guitar requires more advanced technique to make full use of it.
Finally, the unit is built with high-quality wood. Vibration is less likely to occur and as time passes, the sound will get more and more amazing. And, it comes with a carry bags, which is of great convenience
Pros
Cons
- Body Body shape: Other Cutaway: Non-cutaway Top: Hawaiian koa Back and sides: Layered koa Bracing pattern: Other Body finish: Varnish Orientation: Right handed Neck Shape: Other Nut width: 1.687" (42.8mm) Fingerboard: Ebony Wood: Tropical mahogany Scale length: 23.5" Number of frets: 20 Finish: Varnish Electronics Onboard: Yes Brand: Taylor Configuration: Undersaddle piezo Preamp EQ: 2-band
Next product on the list is the Taylor GS Mini-e Solid Koa Top ESB. As its name indicates, the guitar is smaller in size, lightweight and you will find it hassle-free to carry it around.
The unit arrives in a box full of surprise, that is because you will also receive a case with padding which is covered with molded foam. If you are not fond of the electricity-power model, this unit has a built-in 9V battery.
In addition, the product offers onboard buttons for more control, though it may take time to understand how they work since there is no instruction about it. For anyone with bigger palms, it may be a bit challenging for you as the unit is quite small so that it can cause discomfort. In terms of sound quality, the guitar is able to create warm and clear sound that smoothly rubs your ears.
Pros
Cons
- Made in North America
- Select Pressure Tested Top
Next on the list is the excellent Seagull Performer CW, which has a pretty affordable price range compared to most high end models . The Spruce top wood as well as the rosewood back allow for a creation of solidity and richness in sound.
Not only does it come with a case, but it also has a nice craftsmanship with thicker wood at the braced top. This means it is much more stable in both the top area and the lower projection. The maple neck and the nice finish enables a smoother and comfier feel and contact with your fingers.
The only thing users may desire for is the accessible battery, which is indeed in the inside of the guitar. .
Pros
Cons
- Historic Jumbo-200 style design
- Solid Spruce Top
The Epiphone EJ-200SCE is the contemporary and modish advancement of the classic Gibson Jumbo and it even arrives at a pretty reasonable price. The sunburst finish may make it look tougher and more robust, but actually, the guitar is lightweight. Moreover, it offers a low string action and great feel for different levels of the players.
Also we shouldn’t forget to mention one of the most fascinating features of the Epiphone EJ-200SCE which is the cutaway located on jumbos. The sound this guitar is able to create is loud and powerful with high richness thanks to the nut and saddle, but that is even amplified with the preamp system.
Additionally, the grover tuners play a crucial role in improving intonation and tone. There is also truss rod spacing at the headstock.
Pros
Cons
This Taylor Academy 12e really deserves more recognition. It not only comes at a pretty lower price, but the product is also well built with Sapele wood, though, obviously, not as good as the solid wood. And, the unit arrives with a nice setup out of the box.
Apart from some viable jangles and issues with the ES-B tuner, the product functions well. It has the ability to pull out clear and pleasing songs which exceed your expectations. Moreover, the unit is made to give you the most considerable comfort thanks to the smaller size, together with an impressive armrest.
If you just start with guitar lessons, this unit offers lighter strings which are easier and comfier in fingers. However, with more advanced level, it’s recommended that you change all the strings.
Pros
Cons
- Solid European spruce top
- hand inlaid wooden binding and rosette
Kremona Rosa Morena Flamenco String Guitar comes with a classic and nice design. The lower bridge makes it flawless for any guitarist who is itching for a flamenco and classical model. The action may be a bit high, depending on each user, but the sound is good enough.
The high-quality rosewood material contributes greatly to its sustainability. The product offers players an epic feel thanks to the gentle nylon strings as well as the nice top. The price is reasonable since the package also includes a gig bag which has double pockets and neck protection.
On the other hand, some players complained about white patches in the areas near the soundhole and the guitar can be a bit weighty for you.
Pros
Cons
- A Country / Rock Classic Plugs In
- Solid Spruce Top with Mahogany Back and Sides
This Epiphone Hummingbird PRO was first introduced in 1960, and until now it still occupies the regard as one of the most notable classic guitars. With the updated technology, the unit comes with multiple plus aspects.
Not prefered by everybody, but for anyone who loves vintage and classic looks, this guitar will catch your eyes. It was built with the combination of Mahogany back and solid top Spruce Wood so that it is likely to produce a natural and resonant voice. As the guitar gets more improved with age, the longer time you keep it, the more engaging sound you are able to create.
The neck is attached with an adaptable truss rod and a white color conventional fingerboard. Additionally, the design of the neck is more proper for smaller palms. People who have used it for a while recommend other buyers to disconnect the electric cable to protect the battery, and for more epic live performances and recording, purchasing a microphone seems to be a nice idea.
Pros
Cons
- Made in North America
- Select Pressure Tested Top
Another product from Seagull, the Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar, which is given with 3 color options to suit your style. Despite the casual look, the product has an amazing performance. It was made from maple, and the production is done in the USA, that means you don’t have to worry about its quality.
The sound quality is better thanks to the double action truss rod which allows for a true balance of mid, high and low tone. Moreover, the cedar top also attributes to the high responsiveness to your fingers. The package also includes a gig bag which is actually not very solid. Also, the unit is not suitable for people with small hands like kids.
Pros
Cons
- Solid cedar top
- Scale Length: 25.5in
Comes at a very affordable price point compared with other high-end products, the Seagull 046386 S6 offers you a good sound quality. If you are still a beginner, this guitar is value for the money.
You will also receive a case and a guitar stand, which is amazing at this price. The sound it produces is clear and excellent. That the product is made from wood with Cedar Wood top, and the Cherry Wood back means for greater durability and tone it can create. The only issue here is it may be heavy for some people, especially children.
Pros
Cons
Penny-wise Shopping: Things You Should Consider While Choosing Best High End Acoustic Guitar
SInce you wouldn’t want to waste a considerable amount of money on a low-quality product, there are some factors you have to bear in mind. If this is not your first high-end guitar, things would be far easier, but if this is your first time, just read these following information thoroughly.
Truss Rod
It’s more beneficial that the guitar has a 2-way adaptable truss rod since an irreversible truss rod is less likely to hold the neck of the guitar straight and firmly. The truss rod also tends to be soundhole accessible. As it is placed along the neck, goes over the heel and creates a way to the soundhole. That feature enables for greater adjustability.
Sound
It’s obvious to opt for a high-end acoustic guitar with absolute sound. The sound it makes as you touch the strings shouldn’t be too low or too high, but comes with a perfect balance. The sound it carries also have to be clear and sharp
Tuners
Guitars with locking tuners is a better idea in terms of premium acoustic guitars. Sealed tuners means sealing the guitar’s strings with the tuners, which mitigates the likelihood of string slippage and impacts of tuning issues. The appropriate turning ratio of the tuners is 14 to 1
Mahogany or Rosewood neck
Mahogany is the most popular hardwood used to make acoustic guitars due to its sturdiness and attractiveness. Mahogany also allows for a variety of tones of your guitars. Meanwhile, the rosewood is more costly and helps to pull out a greater resonance and voice. The color tone of the rosewood is warmer and richer in brown and purple as well.
Branding
Another factor to consider is the manufacturer of the product. Most commonly known brands among guitarists and people who are fond of music can be listed as Yamaha, PRS, Fender, Taylor and so on. These brands are regarded as Apple in the technology sector. Some brands have a history of making musical instruments for over a century, that’s why their reputational products are often considered reliable. It’s also understandable why the majority of their products are of higher price points with the attached brand name. Besides, the advertised campaigns and collaborations with renowned music stars and guitarists also have a significant impact on the price tags of the targeted products.
Material
Top-quality material also attributes the reliability of best high end acoustic guitars, especially the kinds of wood used to manufacture the products. The most common materials are known to be Laminate and Wood.
To make laminate guitars, they attach thin sheets of laminate wood together. This means of production is cost-effective for retail procedure. However, the quality of the final products doesn't bring out such resonant and crisp sound compared to the harder wood models. Though the sound created from the luminate products are decent as well as they feature the resistance to moisture, mold and heat, professional guitarists tend to opt for the wooden acoustic type.
On the other hand, hardwood acoustic guitars, as its name suggests, are guitars with main parts which are made by attaching plates of wood together, not thin sheets. Solid woods contribute greatly to the sound quality of the guitars. As time passes, the guitar has more and more engaging sounds, since it experiences alterations as well as the ability to be proof against outside temperature and moisture level. The voice the guitar provides becomes more crisp and resonant. That's why some people consider hardwood a tonewood.
Bridge
Besides an adjustable truss rod, you should check whether the product has a detachable bridge so that you could switch between different bridges to suit the styles of your intended songs.
Where it is made
It’s also crucial to check the locations or countries where the products are produced. It’s a matter of fact that most upmarket acoustic guitars manufactured in the USA are likely to be made manually by qualified and experienced workers as well as more durable construction. Those handmade USA products are by far the best high end acoustic guitar compared to ones made by machinery. While in Asian countries like China or South Korea, where the cost of labour is not as expensive as that in the USA, the quality may not be not that consistently equivalent among every product.
How do I know that I need a premium acoustic guitar?
If you happen to find out that you’re in one of those situations, it’s time to find yourself best high end acoustic guitar:
An enthusiastic music and musical instruments lover
An guitarist wishes to own an acoustic guitar with more advanced features
An artists desires to bring fascinating performance to your audience
Or simply crave a deep and clear sound for the songs
But keep in mind that, if you do have a tight budget, it may not the right time for a product like this
What are the advantages of owning best high end acoustic guitar?
There are various benefits that a luxurious acoustic guitar can bring, which includes better sound quality, as you already know; Clearance and resonance of the sound, wooden models get more advanced as time goes by; Sturdiness; Greater control and adjustment; excellent tuners,...
How long does best high end acoustic guitar tend to last?
That depends on both the maintenance and the original quality and situation of the product itself. Users are required to store and use it in the right way to reduce accidental collisions or damages. Most owners find a good guitar hanger or case to store their instruments, and carry it to the maintenance shop monthly. As long as it is cared for, the guitar can last and even enhance with age.
What attributes to the differences between an expensive and other standard models?
Besides the higher price ranges, we have listed the most apparent features to compare a normal acoustic guitar with other higher-end models in the above information.
Here is a video for you to grab more information:
Conclusion: Our Picks For Best High End Acoustic Guitar
1
Best high end acoustic guitar for multi-level
- solid sitka spruce top with african mahogany back and sides
- cutaway and fishman isys+ pickup with onboard tuner
2
Best high end acoustic guitar for beginners
- Hand-selected premium solid Engelmann Spruce top treated with A.R.E.
- A.R.E. (Acoustic Resonance Enhancement) is an original wood reforming technology developed by Yamaha
3
Best high end acoustic guitar for travel
- The World’s Leading Unibody Guitar: One-piece injection moulded technology makes LAVA ME 2 more comfortable to hold, gives it excellent acoustic performance. LAVA ME 2 can offer a loud, wide range frequency tone with its 36 inches body. It weights just 3.7 pounds. Even lighter than most of the laptops.
- Play with Effects without Plugging In: The FreeBoost Technology on the L2 pickups uses rear surface of the LAVA ME as a speaker. Turn on the pickups anywhere anytime, you can freely play with reverb, delay, chorus without an amp. Percussion Effect: The L2 Pickup is now enabled with percussion sound receiving mic. It enhances and embellishes the percussion sound no matter if it is used with or without plugging it in.
4
Best high end acoustic guitar for the material
- Deluxe AA Solid Spruce Top with Scalloped Bracing
- Lyrachord Mid-Depth Cutaway
5
Best high end acoustic guitar with great feel
- PROFESSIONAL SOUND: Martin's Standard Series guitars combine authentic wood, like sitka spruce, mahogany, ebony, rosewood, and more, with innovative bracing, body styles, and handmade detailing to deliver rich resonance, classic tones, and a professional sound. Add our premium guitars to your touring lineup, studio gear, or instrument collection.
- PREMIUM HANDMADE GUITARS: Handmade from the highest-quality materials, Martin's Standard Series guitars are built to stand up to late-night jams, long studio sessions, and plenty of picking. These solid-wood acoustic guitars deliver classic designs, professional sounds, and enjoyable playing.
While you’re still pondering over available options, you can definitely take our recommendations into consideration. Hope you will make your decision soon!