Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, Ovation, Takamine, Alvarez, Washburn, and Ibanez are reputable luthiers that produce quality guitars known for their rich tones and sounds. When playing for a large audience, you will need to use a microphone, but their sound will be as high quality as an electric guitar. Be careful to look at the material of the guitar as you look to buy one.
First the body type must be considered. By the nature of an acoustic guitar, it requires several pieces to create the instrument. Normally, mahogany or maple is used to make up the back and sides of the guitar. The top is normally a softer wood such as Sitka spruce. It the top is laminate, then it is comprised of layers of wood. Laminate tops are more durable; however, many experienced players say that the sound suffers as a result. The finish plays a part in the price and appearance of the instrument. Lighter finishes will dent and scratch easier but will cost less than a heavy coat. As far as size is concerned, the standard twenty four and a half is ideal for most adults.
When looking at the shape and makeup of the neck, you should look at how it fits your hand. It is going to be your instrument and so you need it to work well for you. Typically, the size and shape of the neck is based on the size of the guitar itself and the number of frets. The number of frets listed indicates how many frets are on the neck and not the body. This gives an idea of how long the neck is.
The intonation of the frets is important. If the frets are incorrectly spaced as they go up the neck, then certain notes or cords will be perpetually out of tune. This of course makes the instrument useless when it comes to playing or recording with it.
Different wood creates different tone qualities. The top piece is the most important one when determining the sound of the instrument. Spruce, more specifically Sitka spruce, is the most common wood used in the tops of acoustic guitars. The different wood used in the making of the guitar will affect the price. The more rare the wood, the better the sound but the more expensive it will be. With certain wood going scarce, other woods are being used to create the same effects.
The neck of the guitar is normally made of a hardwood like mahogany or rosewood to support the pressure normally applied to it. Many even use a truss bar to keep the pressure from breaking the wood. The fingerboard is often made of ebony or rosewood. This is the piece of wood that attaches to the neck and holds the frets. Typically anywhere between eighteen or twenty one frets are lined up along this board. The number of frets should be listed in the product description of any guitar.
Some have acoustic-electric guitars have electronic components built in. This is normally in the form of a piezo transducer located below the saddle. Also included is a battery operated preamp with three EQ bands. These will add to the weight and cost of the guitar.
Guitars with handpicked wood are going to run up the cost, but greatly increase the performance capabilities as well. Because of the time it takes to hand pick the wood and craft it especially from those planks, this construction will take more time and these guitars are rare because of it.
Here are some Recommended Beginner Acoustic Guitars