The acoustic guitar is by far the most popular member of the guitar family. These guitars are designed to be plucked and strummed and commonly used in pop, folk, blues and rock music. Once you've picked up the basic skills, guitar playing can become a hobby (or even profession!) that will last forever. For a beginner, it's important to choose an acoustic guitar that's cheap enough to fit within your budget, yet good enough to keep your interest. Here are some quality guitars you can consider when shopping for your first acoustic.
1. Takamine G340SC
Price: $299

Takamine is a renouned Japanese luthier that has been making acoustic guitars since the 1960s. The Takamine "G" series is mid-level solid spruce top, mahogany body guitar that is famous for offering good value-for-money workmanship at the price range. Its dreadnaught body gives it an edge in tonal projection (compared to the Dean Performer), but lacks electronics for easy stage integration. Consider this option if you're willing to forego on-board electronics and tuner.
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2. Dean Performer E
Price: $269

The Deam Performer E is an acoustic-electric guitar that features a mahogany body, spruce top, and built-in electronics and tuner. It's shallow-body design is perfect for stage performance, while not sacrificing acoustic quality or tone. Many who have tried will testify to its beauty and sound. At merely $269, this acoustic guitar punchs far above its weight in features.
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3. Fender GC-12
Price: $179

Fender is better known for its electric guitars, but it also produces some entry and mid level acoustic guitars at reasonable prices. The GC-12 is a grand concert - sized guitar that has large, resonant sound - In other words, perfect for the beginner who needs greater sound projection for live performances. However, its laminated top means you'll sacrifice a little tonal quality.
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4. Epiphone AJ-100CE
Price: $169

The Epiphone AJ-100CE is one of the very few budget guitars that features a solid spruce top (better tone and sound projection), mahagony body and piezo pickups. At only $149, the AJ-100 packs in more features than many of its more expensive counterparts. Workmanship is above acceptable, and definitely a great guitar to start your musical endeavors with.
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5. Ibanez SG120NT
Price: $149

The Ibanez SGT120 is another great guitar that packs many mid-range features into a budget package. The sound is well balanced, works out good for anything from the Beatles to Pink Floyd. In addition, the retro-style pain scheme adds a lot to the guitar looks-wise.
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